My first 30 days I did not do any exercising other than my normal walks to the bus stop and the stairs at my jobs. I wanted to focus solely on nutrition since that was the most important part of my process. I needed to fuel my body. Just like your car, your body can't run on fumes. I realized I had to change my mindset regarding food. Instead of indulging in food, I had to look at food as fuel. Unlike my car, I needed to refuel my body 5-6 times a day. Initially, I thought there was no way I could eat that much food in one! Instead of thinking no way it had to be I have to find a way. Here is a great link from webmd about the benefits of eating 5 to 6 smaller meals per day http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-6-meals-day-weight-loss Now, you another reason to use webmd other than finding out your have some rare medical condition after sneezing. :-)
As someone who works in a job that doesn't give official lunches I knew I wouldn't be going on to lunch. Also, I wanted to try to save money-so no vending machine raids. Lucky, for me though most of the items in our vending machines are "healthy". So, what could I do to help me go from one meal a day to 5 to 6 small meals. I knew it would be best for me was preparing all my meals in advance. This of course takes planning! Since, I don't readily have access to a car. I make my menus for 2 weeks. What kept me success was portion control! Actually reading the correct portion size. Also, by keeping track of my portion sizes it aided me in keeping track of my calories. I count calories... somewhat. My new friends at Glad and Ziplock helped me. Glad has new ToGo-Snack and ToGo-Lunch which are the perfect portions. I loaded up my snack cups with celery and carrots and included is a "dip" cup which holds 2 tablespoons. 2 tablespoons is generally the portion side for condiments such as salad dressings and hummus which were my staples. For dinner I used the Ziplock Divided Rectangle. Again, this was the perfect portions also. The smallest cube was for approximately 1/3 cup of starch, the next size was for 4-6oz of protein, and the largest was for 1 cup of vegetables.
The next part of this will sound very boring to some. It's a sample menu. Every day I had the same for week. Initially I was supposed to have different dinners and alternate lunch, breakfast, and snacks between two options. However, I found it easy to just have the same things all week long. From start to finish I would be finished with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for my entire work week in 2 hours. Again, you have to think about the food as your fuel. However, I found I did not bore of my meals in general. Having a salad every day for lunch became boring after 3 weeks, so I switched to sandwiches. When I made this change I cut out toast at breakfast.
Sample Menu
6a- Baked Egg Omelet, Turkey Sausage, Wheat Toast w/Strawberry Jam, Banana, 8oz O.J.
10a- Celery, Carrots, and Hummus
12p - Salad w/ Homemade Vinaigrette, Almonds, Fruit Salad
2p-100 calorie Fibre One Bar
6p-Salsa Chicken, Oven Roast Broccoli, Brown Rice
The best advantage of taking the time to make your meals ahead of time is always knowing what you're putting in your body and not making bad last minute food decisions. Your body is your temple make sure your outside reflects your insides and vice versa. Yes, you only live once but make sure it's a long and healthy life! Stay tuned to the next post about my first 60 days of progress.
I love your post. It's so true that your body is your temple and most people don't realize that this is their only body... I too am trying to eat more healthily in college. Feel free to follow my blog as well :)
ReplyDeleteWow I love you blog such a motivation.. I have had a lot of trouble with portions. I like how you have changed your eating habits. Have you lost any weight yet..?
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