So, I have been well overdue for getting myself on a diet. Over the past 4 years, 2 pregnancies and a lot of bad food choices I've gone up 4 dress sizes and grown out of a lot of my cute clothes. There have been a lot of photos like this taken of me lately:
Oh dear.
It's time to get back in shape, have more energy and feel better. I've been really inspired by documentaries like Forks Over Knives & Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, promoting veg based diets. I have created a diet that is very easy for me to follow and is not trying to starve myself.
1. No animal based protein, 2. No processed foods, 3. Regular workouts at the Gym
That's it. I do still have skim milk in my coffee as I can't stand soy milk in coffee. But as this is a weight loss diet, I'm ok with that. Meals and snacks are so simple and filling, which I think is most important with dieting, to not feel hungry. Just healthy. I have HEAPS more energy and haven't had any days of low fatigued energy that I was having before I began the diet.
An example of meals. Breakfast every morning: Steel cut oatmeal, OJ & Coffee. Lunch and Dinners are things like this ~ Quinoa with roasted peppers, eggplant, 3 bean blend, coriander, balsamic vinegar, tofu. Brown rice is also great.
Also, Herb Salad with different fruits and veg. This one has blueberries, avocado, nuts, (small bit of) spicy almond cheese and Balsamic. I also LOVE to add blanched asparagus, corn shaved off the cob or a couple new potatoes.
Be sparing on high fat things like nuts. I just found out that sunflower seeds have 22grams of fat per serving, what?? Making up big batches of the quinoa or rice & roast veg mixture really helps with keeping to the diet. There is always something to eat when you just need to grab something. A banana has been a good snack or a bit of peanut butter on a rice cake for some crunch. Drinking lots of water and I allow my self one diet soda a day. I honestly don't feel the need to snack in between meals.
Anyway! I have lost 4lbs in 2 weeks on this diet. I stay full longer that I used to and have so much more energy than I was expecting to. It's really encouraging to stay on it. I will be posting my updates every Friday, weight lost, exercise done, new meal ideas and occasionally some photos of my progress.
Next recipe to try: Kale!
Weight lost this week: 2lbs, Trips to the gym this week: 2 (granted I only signed up on Wednesday :)
**Update: Thank you for the comments and encouragement!
Re the question about proteins and amino acids, things like beans, seeds, spinach, soy are high in amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Without the fats that build up and harm the body.
I have never been a big meat eater to begin with, so for me it hasn't been a big change. I do miss seafood and plan to do more sushi when I've lost my goal weight.
The most amazing thing with this diet has been the immediate energy I've felt. Gone are the days of sluggishness or fatigue. I just feel happier too. That has been a big surprise for me.
More soon!
Mmm. Your food looks delicious.Kudos for you for starting a new plan and (b)logging it. Nothing like an audience to hold you accountable :)
I enjoyed Forks over Knives but haven't heard of the other film. I'll look for it- I'm a huge fan of plant-based diets. Been veg since I was ten.
Posted by: Jean of all Trades | September 10, 2012 at 08:17 PM
your food does look delicious, thing that i consider very important, especially when dieting.
regarding your first rule, why? animal proteins are needed, for they add essential nutrients and amino-acids that cannot be synthesized by our body. i suggest you check these up and, at least, have some amino-acids supplements if you insist in not having animal proteins.
best of luck with your diet!!!
Posted by: German Kessler | September 11, 2012 at 11:25 AM