Jumpstart To A Healthier You!

So how did I finally lose the weight? As any women over 40 knows, losing weight is not easy! I thought I was eating healthy as a vegetarian, and actually I sort of was. But those carbs from the beans were putting on weight. I was also eating sugar because I was addicted to it! The program that I used for losing weight is called Whole30. When I first started reading about the foods I had to give up eating I didn’t think I could do it. But I figured it was only for a month. So for 30 days I gave up sugar, salt (yes there are traces of sugar in salt). I also gave up dairy, breads, pastas, grains, alcohol, the list is much bigger, but you get the idea. Giving up sugar was hard to do but you are allowed some fruits. I thought why not and I gave it a try.

With this program you I ate real food not processed foods which is the key to weight loss in my opinion.  I was never hungry on this program. There are so many foods I ate and I never felt hungry. Here is the complete shopping list of what you can eat. You can view it HERE. It’s interesting as the list says you cannot have processed meats but then says you can have deli meat and bacon.

Here is an example of what my breakfast was for the first month.

• Three scrambled eggs, and three Canadian bacon, a small cup of fresh diced pineapple. That pineapple totally helped me with my cravings for sugar.
• I also enjoyed my coffee black.

And here’s an example of my lunch.

• I had 3-4 slices of carved turkey breast. And not the lunch meat type, but real turkey meat.
• I also had grapes or a small bowl of strawberries.

My afternoon snack was a handful of almonds. I made sure that I was drinking plenty of water. My dinners were usually chicken meat, and vegetables, including a salad. I added as many spices as I could to the meat as long as they were compliant. Whole30 shares which spices are complaint on the list I shared.

Again I want to emphasize that I never felt hungry because I was eating more. Plus was eating more protein which really filled me up. Before I started this program I was eating a bowl of cereal in the morning and I had nuts and fruit in the afternoon. Dinner was usually beans and vegetables and quinoa. I’m starting to alternate my breakfasts now. Every other day I have eggs or Greek yogurt with pineapple. I hate the taste of that yogurt so the pineapple helps kill the bitter taste. The brand that I like the best is called FAGE 0%. It has 18 grams of protein, and only 7 grams of sugar.

Now I know I said I gave up sugar and I did. I no longer eat cookies, and cakes, candy or drink sodas. But it’s very hard to stay totally sugar free.  I still enjoy my wine 😉 And although some foods still have sugar in it but there is very little of it in this yogurt. To me the benefits out way the bad. Adding more protein in my diet has been key to building my muscle which is important as we get older. Especially in women we lose muscle as we get older. As far as working out I exercise 5 days a week. I alternate between my toning with weights and aerobics.

If you would like to learn more about the Whole30 program click on the link below. I am in no way affiliated with Whole30. I’m just sharing my results and what worked for me. Since writing this post several years ago I can tell you that it’s been the best decision for me. After losing the weight I’ve been able to keep it off. I will fluctuate my weight 3-4 pounds if I eat bad for a few days. That happens when I’m on vacation. But as soon as I’m back on track I’ve had no issues.

If you’re thinking of starting Whole30 talk to your Doctor first! I’m no Doctor or expert. Just sharing my experience.

Here are the rules for Whole30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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