One of the questions I get the most is, “What have you been eating?” And you’d be surprised how much I actually do eat! It’s a common misconception that you have to eat LESS to lose weight…when in fact you need to eat so much MORE than you ever expected! The difference is WHAT you are eating/drinking! So here are some of the main things that have worked for me…and will hopefully work for you!
- Make sure to have a balanced diet that is nutrient-rich, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Try to spread the food you eat over at least 5 meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks (though, what times you eat them will vary with your schedule of course!). Eating meals/snacks 2-3 hours apart increases and maintains your metabolism, allowing for better fat burn. Take a multivitamin to help for any areas that are lacking.
- Try to stay away from overly processed foods. The less ingredients listed on the back, the better. Also try and make sure you can pronounce them all! I know it’s difficult to always eat fresh or personally prepared foods, but processed foods are normally loaded with sugar and sodium and it makes it harder for your body to handle. Just be aware of your labels!
- You also need to pay attention to the portion sizes of foods and beverages you are consuming. Many places you eat outside of your home give you DOUBLE if not TRIPLE the portions of foods you should eat. If you can’t eat at home or plan your meal ahead of time, try to share a meal with another person or ask for a box right away and cut your portion in at least half to have for lunch/dinner another day. Many menus now have healthier choices offered, so those are usually the better choice, but watch sauces and dressings as they can add unnecessary sugar and sodium.
- Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water PER DAY. Better yet, drink half of your weight in ounces. Water helps to flush your system and keep you hydrated, especially if you’re working out or being active.
- Rid your home of as many empty calories as you can (soda, cookies, candy, etc.). If you don’t have the temptation around, it will be harder for you to eat/drink it. That doesn’t mean eat it all in one day so that you feel your worst before starting to feel your best…give it away, donate it, or just simply throw it out. This has been the BIGGEST thing that has helped me. I know it’s harder if those you live with aren’t participating in the same changes, but at least try to put them out of view if possible. And who knows, the others in your household might follow suit!
- Keep track of what you eat and drink. You can use a journal, a piece of paper, or a phone/tablet app. I personally use My Fitness Pal. You can find just about everything in their database, including restaurants, homemade items, and more. There’s even a barcode scanner within the app to make things a little easier. Seeing what you eat/drink written out puts everything into perspective. You might be surprised how many calories you’re actually taking in…many times too much but sometimes too little!
- And finally, even with the above being said, don’t deprive yourself of EVERYTHING you want. Allow yourself to have a treat every once in awhile. But give yourself just enough to satisfy the craving, not dedicating an entire day of eating/drinking poorly just because you had 6 days of eating/drinking well. And remember, no workout can undo a bad diet. If you’re only working out so you can eat more calories, you’re not putting yourself at the proper deficit to lose weight.
Honestly, the biggest thing that has worked for me is the introduction of Shakeology into my daily diet. It has satisfied any craving I have for sweets (especially chocolate), gives me more energy, helps my muscles recover after my workout, eliminated PMS symptoms, and satisfies my appetite for 2-3 hours when I’m on the go. In the past, I have just always been hungry and wanted to eat anything in sight. I haven’t had that problem in MONTHS, plus I haven’t gotten sick or had an eczema outbreak since I starting drinking it daily.
I titled this post, “you are what you eat,” and I couldn’t agree more with that common phrase. If all you decide to eat is nutrient-lacking foods full of fat and empty calories, you are putting your body at risk for weight gain and health problems. Everyone is different, so find what works for you. Some of you will be able to make all of these changes all at once…some need to take it one step at a time. I recommend baby steps, because taking on too much at once can set you up for failure. Make changes at a pace you can handle to try and lead a healthier lifestyle. Don’t think of it as a diet as much as a lifestyle change…you’re becoming a better you!