So if you're like me and trying to stay on this healthy lifestyle regime.. it sometimes gets tough. You go out to eat with friends. Indulge in some ice cream. You eat the donut. You feel like it's all a lost cause because here you go being addicted to sweets and you already gained 4 lbs. this week so you're giving up. Nope... you have to keep going. I have a wedding dress to fit into in a mere 2 and a half months... I have my ups and downs.. such as having indulged in endless ice cream this weekend.. plus cheese fries, cupcakes, cookies, and more junk, but as I remind myself, it isn't too late to get back on track. I'm not overweight... yet.. but will be if this continues. So if you're feeling like me lately... kick your own ass back into gear (before your ass gets too big to be controlled anymore... lol).
GO to the produce place nearest you. Screw the organic aisle in the supermarket.. it will put a dent in your wallet and make you resent eating healthy. Hit up your cheap nearest produce joint where you can indulge in endless fruits and veggies for an unbelievable price. Pesticide residue can be combatted by washing your fruits and veggies in a water and vinegar solution, so this shouldn't be a worry. If you have access to organic farm markets or fruit stands, take advantage... but supermarkets can often eat your money for little product in return. I got 3 bags of baby carrots at my local produce place for only 99 cents. Those are normally 2.99 EACH at your local super market! I promise, it's worth your money.
Stock up your fridge with all this produce, and pair with convenient healthy protein options like cheese sticks, low/non-fat yogurt, free-range eggs (which can be hard-boiled and marked with an "H" in sharpie on the shell or pre-peeled so you remember... quick fast snack!), precooked quineoa, sliced tofu cubes, and hummus. Ditch the junk, and steer clear of buying unhealthy foods. When food shopping, read ingredient labels always, and instead of pondering your budget for spending and trying to stay within that... consider your calorie and fat budget and don't buy foods that will entice you into going beyond that. Only consider high calorie or higher fat foods if they have enough g of protein to justify it. Sometimes the fat and calories come with a food because of it's healthy omegas and healthy amino acids. Keeping bad foods from entering your home in the first place will keep them out of your body.
NEXT time you rummage the fridge looking for a treat to indulge in before returning to the couch, just force yourself to grab and slice up a bell pepper before going for the left-over pizza. Having them readily available will make this easier. The more you eat your fruits and veggies.. the more you'll enjoy them, and break your cravings of sugars and breads and oily greasy fried foods. Greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli actually have a good amount of protein in them if you eat large enough portions. Fruits and veggies in general tend to be lower in calories than other foods.. (some even being negative calories once you digest them) and do a great job of filling you up because they are rich in fiber.
It's hard to break an old habit.. but can be done by starting a new one to take the old one's place. Pack a lunch consisting of mostly fruits and veggies with some protein snacks too. If it's all you have to eat at work... you're forced to eat it. I did this when I started working full-time immediately after college and within a month lost 20 lbs. without additional exercise. LIMIT your options to health and low calorie only. But don't forget the protein!! Without it your body will feed off it's own muscle (yuck). Eat often.... and it will prevent unneeded fat storage. Stick some baby carrots, apple slices, a banana, or other quick healthy foods in your bag to munch on throughout the day.
When you're looking for the baked goods hidden in your kitchen or considering yourself a bowl of ice cream...... instead prepare yourself a lovely plate like this:
A fruit will satisfy your craving for sweets, your celery and peppers will fill you up and prevent the craving of carbs and breaded substances, and the hummus will provide protein and is an excellent dip for the veggie slices. With produce readily available in your fridge, preparing a snack like this in 3 minutes will be well worth it and seem like less effort than scooping the ice cream. If you eat this plate and are STILL hungry.... then fill up another full plate or bowl of veggies :)
Try to eat a plateful like this at least once a day to get in your fruit and veggie servings. Gradually replace a plate like this, for a plate of something else you would normally eat that is NOT healthy for you.. and once done regularly you should lose weight in a healthy way, and it won't take you too long either. If you're going to sit on the couch and watch TV.. at least have a healthy snack to munch on while you do it.
Another fun way to make use of this produce, mainly fruit, is to make smoothies. Healthy smoothies should consist only of fresh fruits and veggies, added protein sources, and juice or milk. But no added sugars or sweeteners! I promise it will still taste so sweet and so good, you'll be craving another if the first one doesn't fill you up. Also add fruit to oats to make fresh healthy oatmeal in the morning. Add veggies in your sandwich. And snack on them alllllll day. The added vitamins, minerals and fiber in your diet will help you stay healthy, feel healthy, and lose weight! I promise it will if you stick to it.
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