If you’re like a lot of us, you’re always looking for the “best” way to lose weight. Unfortunately, we also often look for the quickest way which, in the long-run isn’t always the most effective way – or the healthiest either.
Over the years, I’ve tried so many different diets. I’ve even spent hundreds of dollars in my pursuit of fast weight loss.
Although I managed to drop weight, unfortunately, I was never able to keep weight off. In fact, my experience showed that although I lost the weight, I’d put even more back on, once I stopped following the ‘diet’ and slipped back into my old habits.
It was so hard.
Not only did I have to put up with looking in the mirror and feeling like I looked fat (and pregnant), I also felt defeated, frustrated – and here’s the worst part: like a failure.
The more I tried, the more I found my giving into my sugar cravings and then it was “off to the binge-eating” to make myself feel better – which, of course, it didn’t! It just ended up making me feel weak and more miserable.
And the roller-coaster ride continued.
I was totally disgusted with myself.
Next came another unavoidable blow: menopause hit.
It became even harder to keep off the weight.
I already had a genetic X working against me being predisposed to midlife belly fat and I was at my “wits end” and I felt hopeless and spiraling into a dangerous depression.
I didn’t know how to dig myself out of that black hole.
Thankfully, the next step my my journey found me at Health Coach School – a significant turning point in my life.
I learned so much about creating healthy living habits, about the nutritional values of foods, and living a healthy lifestyle.
My belief system changed drastically, along with my mindset about what’s possible for my own body.
I know now that being healthy is not just about having a healthy body, but includes a healthy mindset and creating, and living, a healthy lifestyle each day. Being healthy doesn’t mean I had to deprive myself of foods I loved, it did not include starvation and that “diet mindset” I’d maintained virtually all my life, and it certainly didn’t mean I had to spend hours at the gym either.
The great news with living a healthy lifestyle as opposed to living on the yo-yo dieting merry-go-round is that – yes, I can even indulge in my favorite chocolate dessert or treat and that I could enjoy a glass of wine if I wanted it.
The food we eat is meant to be enjoyed and savored. It’s meant to bring us joy.
You can lose weight, and maintain it and still indulge in some of your favorite things. No more calorie counting or having to check the scale for me.
There was incredible freedom in just those little differences.
Of course, this new-found freedom from ‘diet mentality’ didn’t mean that I was perfect and never detour from my chosen pathway of a healthy lifestyle. There are feasts and celebrations and even moments of weakness, but isn’t that just ‘life’?
What was different this time around is that I learned tools to help me stay in control with my food and lifestyle choices. I also learned to recognize that when I got off course, to quickly get back to the path to health. Rather than being derailed for a week and starting again Monday morning, I learned to be gracious with myself, forgive and just get back “on the horse.”
One important and motivating factor I’ve learned is that I can definitely tell a difference in how I feel – in my health, my well-being and even emotionally when I do take that “detour.”
Today, I’m giving you my top 5 tips for that healthier overall lifestyle. These tips are easy to incorporate into your own healthy lifestyle.
1. Water
You probably hear this all the time, but it is so essential to hydrate well – not only for weight loss, but for day-to-day living. Your cells are thirsty cells. They need water to thrive – and it’s a simple ask.
Did you know that hunger can be confused with dehydration, and even mild dehydration can alter your body’s metabolism?
Aim to drink at least 64-oz. of water a day (although drinking half your body weight in ounces is the recommended amount). Limit soda, caffeine and alcohol.
2. Choose Healthy Fats
You don’t have to eliminate fats entirely. In fact, we can’t live without healthy fats. The body uses dietary fat for energy, healthy hair, nails and skin, vitamin absorption, and normal everyday bodily functions.
Good fats have several health benefits including protection against heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and depression, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
Pro Tip: Choose sources of healthy fats like nuts, seeds, fish, avocados and olive oil.
3. Eat REAL Carbs
The goal here is to begin to replace refined carbs such as white breads, pasta, bagels, cereals and pretzels with complex carbs from fruits, nuts, vegetable, whole grains, seeds and legumes.
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber which slows the digestion, promoting stable blood sugar and helping you feel fuller.
They also have lots of antioxidants which have the bonus of reducing inflammation in the body.
Whole grains carbs should be chosen over the refined variety whenever possible — they’re the way Mother Nature intended for us to consume our carbs.
4. Eat Lean Protein
Our bodies need protein to continually renew and replenish our cells, stabilize blood sugar, and give us energy.
Many foods contain protein, but the richest sources can be found in animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and fish, as well as plant sources like beans, nuts and seeds.
Pro Tip: If you eat animal protein, be conscious of the source. Grass-fed beef and free-range chicken are much healthier and more ethically sound choices. Organic yogurt and cage-free range eggs are great for vegetarians, and tofu, tempeh and peanut butter are good vegan protein choices.
5. Keep Track of What You Eat
Be your own food detective and investigate what you choose before putting it into your body.
Check labels, avoid ingredients such as sugar, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and long “chemical names” that are often hard to pronounce and difficult to read.
The healthiest foods are those found just as nature intended – whole and unprocessed.
Think about it, we don’t have ingredients listed on a stalk of broccoli, an apple, or even on a fresh piece of fish! No, it’s all natural!
Be conscious of what you put in your mouth.
BONUS TIP – GET ENOUGH REST
Research suggests that over time, weight gain can increase more rapidly in those of us who who get five hours of sleep when compared to those who typically enjoy seven hours.
Said simply – sleep more, eat well, and weigh less!
Strive for have 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Schedule your free ‘HEALTHY YOU” Clarity Call with me now.
We’ll discuss your weight loss goals – even in menopause – and you’ll come away with some strategies and a simple Action Plan & resources to help you along.
How? Email me at lwadsworth@verizon-net and let’s chat.
