I’ve been gaining and losing weight for over 20 years so I suppose you could say I have a certain level of expertise on the topic of dieting. The problem is that after working hard, and making what seemed like sacrifices for the sake of a few shed pounds, I would give up on my regular routine and throw it all away by giving into a sedentary life and the temptation of sweet treats and unhealthy comfort foods. I believe this is called ‘self sabotage’.
So here I am, the day before my 55th birthday, down 31.5 pounds so far (hurray!!) and 3 months well into another attempt at getting back into shape. I really feel good about it this time because I’ve taken a hard look at the reasons I failed and have discovered that before tackling the physical, I had to release some stresses and get my mindset right. I went through the same thing when I quit smoking 25 years ago and my lungs are thankful.
There is no one system that works for everyone, although they all must include good nutrition, exercise, and taking time for your mental well-being. This time I decided to stop trying to work my life around a “diet plan” and find a system that lets my nutritional needs work within my lifestyle. I went to my doctor for a physical then met with the dietitian about my typical food choices and lifestyle, then researched some products that offer nutrient enriched shakes that work with my busy or lazy days and chose to try the Isagenix system. So far, I’m very pleased and have found it easy to fit into my daily routine – maybe some of you can relate.
There is no one system that works for everyone, although they all must include good nutrition, exercise, and taking time for your mental well-being. This time I decided to stop trying to work my life around a “diet plan” and find a system that lets my nutritional needs work within my lifestyle. I went to my doctor for a physical then met with the dietitian about my typical food choices and lifestyle, then researched some products that offer nutrient enriched shakes that work with my busy or lazy days and chose to try the Isagenix system. So far, I’m very pleased and have found it easy to fit into my daily routine – maybe some of you can relate.
Breakfast To Go
Breakfast To Go
Before .....
For starters, I’m not a sit down for breakfast kind of person. My typical routine consisted of pouring a coffee, getting ready for work, and grabbing another coffee and an apple on my way out the door, which wasn’t eaten until mid morning when my stomach felt upset reminding me it needed more than a caffeine fix.
Now .....
I have a glass of water, pour my coffee and get ready for work, have a protein shake and grab an apple on the way out the door, which I eat mid morning before hunger strikes.
For starters, I’m not a sit down for breakfast kind of person. My typical routine consisted of pouring a coffee, getting ready for work, and grabbing another coffee and an apple on my way out the door, which wasn’t eaten until mid morning when my stomach felt upset reminding me it needed more than a caffeine fix.
Now .....
I have a glass of water, pour my coffee and get ready for work, have a protein shake and grab an apple on the way out the door, which I eat mid morning before hunger strikes.
Before …..
It’s lunch time so off to the fast food joint or deli for a processed meat sandwich and salad, or chicken strips. This was usually followed by a bag of chips and something sweet.
Now …..
I avoid processed foods and unhealthy sugars and either have another protein shake or bring my own lunch from home where I have more control over the contents. This is usually followed by veggie sticks, fruit, or the tasty chocolate treats i get through the nutritional company.
It’s lunch time so off to the fast food joint or deli for a processed meat sandwich and salad, or chicken strips. This was usually followed by a bag of chips and something sweet.
Now …..
I avoid processed foods and unhealthy sugars and either have another protein shake or bring my own lunch from home where I have more control over the contents. This is usually followed by veggie sticks, fruit, or the tasty chocolate treats i get through the nutritional company.
Dinner
Before …..
Dinners haven’t really been a problem because I keep a good stock of lean meats and fresh or frozen vegetables on hand and am not a fan of fatty or deep fried foods. But like anyone, there are some days when I’m too tired or lazy to cook so we order from one of the take out restaurants.
Now …..
I still have days were I just don’t feel like cooking but there is such a plethora of healthy quick meals available at the grocery store that there is no reason to order out. When we do treat ourselves to a restaurant meal, we choose one that offers healthy choices.
Dinners haven’t really been a problem because I keep a good stock of lean meats and fresh or frozen vegetables on hand and am not a fan of fatty or deep fried foods. But like anyone, there are some days when I’m too tired or lazy to cook so we order from one of the take out restaurants.
Now …..
I still have days were I just don’t feel like cooking but there is such a plethora of healthy quick meals available at the grocery store that there is no reason to order out. When we do treat ourselves to a restaurant meal, we choose one that offers healthy choices.
Biggest Downfall - Late Night Snacks :(
Before …..
Relaxing in the evening, whether in front of the TV or with a book, meant snacking on something salty or sweet, or both!
Now …..
I make sure that I don’t go too long between meals without providing my body with something it needs. Therefore, I keep an assortment of quick snacks on hand such as veggies that are sliced, washed, and ready to grab, apples, grapes or other favourite fruits, and for that seriously sweet tooth, I keep a few protein bars around and cut off a piece. Popcorn is still on my list of favourites and I’m experimenting with spices but I still use a little butter (because I love it on there, so don’t judge).
Relaxing in the evening, whether in front of the TV or with a book, meant snacking on something salty or sweet, or both!
Now …..
I make sure that I don’t go too long between meals without providing my body with something it needs. Therefore, I keep an assortment of quick snacks on hand such as veggies that are sliced, washed, and ready to grab, apples, grapes or other favourite fruits, and for that seriously sweet tooth, I keep a few protein bars around and cut off a piece. Popcorn is still on my list of favourites and I’m experimenting with spices but I still use a little butter (because I love it on there, so don’t judge).
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