Your New Year's resolution was to lose weight. (In my case, it was to lose weight after pregnancy.) How's that going?
If you've already lost inches by exercising and reducing calorie intake, then kudos to you. However, right about now, at a few weeks in, you are beginning to plateau. Such a frustrating feeling, isn't it? To work so hard and feel so good, and then stop.
Before you rush into some crazy cleanse or hire an expensive trainer, ask yourself: am I eating the right foods? If you are spending hours at the gym but scarfing burgers and fries, you won't succeed.
I did lose all baby weight after my first was born, but it took nine months, even though I ran up to 12 miles a week. Thinking that breast feeding required fatty foods, I loaded up on carbs, neglected protein, and thoroughly enjoyed desserts.
This time, I started to eat clean, by consuming nutritious yet satisfying foods. So far, weight came off easier, clothes fit better, and most of all, I have more energy.
Should you stop working out then? ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact, you should give it all at each workout.
To achieve weight loss success, combine exercising with clean eating. They go together like salt and pepper. And if you need help getting started with clean eating, check out the easy-to-follow plan below:
Food is not your enemy. Bad food is your enemy.
In clean eating, avoid processed foods like white rice, flour, junk food and soda.
Eat natural foods like protein, oils, nuts, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Think of your body as an engine, and food its fuel.
When in doubt, stick to the basics. Fruits, veggies and lean meat are always good. Cook with as little ingredients as possible. (I usually aim for 3 - 6.)
Make meals at home. You'll always know what's in each dish.
At the store, read labels. Aim for products with less than five ingredients, and avoid anything you cannot pronounce.
Fats are good for you, as long as they are unsaturated. Unsaturated fats, divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, come from vegetables and plants, and reduce risk of diseases.
Water is the BEST! It hydrates, cleanses, and makes you too full for junk food.
Had a bad day? Hey, it's not the end of the world. I actually reward myself with little treats once a day. (A spoonful of nutella sounds mighty appetizing now.)
Also, if you go out with friends, loosen up. Try ordering healthier choices, but still enjoy the meal if you can't get what you want.
The more you focus on weight, the less you lose. Clean eating is a lifestyle choice, not a diet. Stop obsessing.
My trick? Lock up the scale, and take it out once a week to track progress.
There are many online communities that promote clean eating. Members are extremely dedicated, resourceful and motivating. Connecting with like-minded people is healthy and fun.
If you've already lost inches by exercising and reducing calorie intake, then kudos to you. However, right about now, at a few weeks in, you are beginning to plateau. Such a frustrating feeling, isn't it? To work so hard and feel so good, and then stop.
Train Mean. Eat Clean.
Before you rush into some crazy cleanse or hire an expensive trainer, ask yourself: am I eating the right foods? If you are spending hours at the gym but scarfing burgers and fries, you won't succeed.
I did lose all baby weight after my first was born, but it took nine months, even though I ran up to 12 miles a week. Thinking that breast feeding required fatty foods, I loaded up on carbs, neglected protein, and thoroughly enjoyed desserts.
This time, I started to eat clean, by consuming nutritious yet satisfying foods. So far, weight came off easier, clothes fit better, and most of all, I have more energy.
Should you stop working out then? ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact, you should give it all at each workout.
To achieve weight loss success, combine exercising with clean eating. They go together like salt and pepper. And if you need help getting started with clean eating, check out the easy-to-follow plan below:
Clean Eating Plan, in Easy and Doable Steps
Step 1: Identify your enemies.
Food is not your enemy. Bad food is your enemy.
In clean eating, avoid processed foods like white rice, flour, junk food and soda.
Step 2: Find your friends.
Eat natural foods like protein, oils, nuts, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Think of your body as an engine, and food its fuel.
 |
| Buy fresh. Buy local. |
Step 3: Keep it simple.
When in doubt, stick to the basics. Fruits, veggies and lean meat are always good. Cook with as little ingredients as possible. (I usually aim for 3 - 6.)
 |
| Whole grain pasta and tomatoes in pesto sauce, topped with non fat feta. |
 |
| Whole what toast with pesto and all natural provolone. |
Step 4: Cook more. Eat out less.
Make meals at home. You'll always know what's in each dish.
Step 5: Read labels.
At the store, read labels. Aim for products with less than five ingredients, and avoid anything you cannot pronounce.
Step 6: Don't shun fats.
Fats are good for you, as long as they are unsaturated. Unsaturated fats, divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, come from vegetables and plants, and reduce risk of diseases.
 |
| Good fat. Great taste. |
Step 7: Drink water. Lots of it.
Water is the BEST! It hydrates, cleanses, and makes you too full for junk food.
Step 8: Be flexible.
Had a bad day? Hey, it's not the end of the world. I actually reward myself with little treats once a day. (A spoonful of nutella sounds mighty appetizing now.)
Also, if you go out with friends, loosen up. Try ordering healthier choices, but still enjoy the meal if you can't get what you want.
Step 9: Stop obsessing about weight.
The more you focus on weight, the less you lose. Clean eating is a lifestyle choice, not a diet. Stop obsessing.
My trick? Lock up the scale, and take it out once a week to track progress.
Step 10: Connect with others.
There are many online communities that promote clean eating. Members are extremely dedicated, resourceful and motivating. Connecting with like-minded people is healthy and fun.
 |
| Baby shrimp, cherry tomatoes (in balsamic vinegar) and whole wheat toast. |
You've given good tips in here, such as not using too many ingredients when cooking, and if you can't pronounce an ingredient perhaps steer clear.
ReplyDeleteAt this time, I'd say I'm eating the healthiest I have in my life, though no where near "perfect." Still, I'm eating fruit everyday, drinking lots of water, rarely eat out and when we do I go for one of the healthiest dishes, etc.
This is a great reference to keep in mind, thank you! =)
You look great!
ReplyDeleteI just came back from a business trip and feel like I've gained a million pounds! I also didn't exercise at all. This week will be rough!
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