That’s used to me …. not just A bad junk food day, but most of my days were filled with junk food! I seemed to have no self-control, and really, if I’m honest, back then I don’t think I really knew enough about what all that junk was doing to me to really care if I quit eating it or not.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not always 100% there and sometimes struggle with wanting to eat something – like chocolate or ice cream. It’s not that the food itself is wrong at all – and I don’t believe in deprivation or starvation as part of your healthy eating lifestyle, but for me, I tend to be all in or all out. So my tendency is that when I get a taste of those sweet things, I want more….thus my tendency to binge!
However, I am so much more aware now of what to eat and what not to eat. It is surprising to many people I work with that my suggested recipes are delicious and leave you feeling full and satisfied. You are not hungry at all. In fact, there are so many different options and even sweet and savory alternatives to junk food, that it makes living a healthy lifestyle enjoyable. There are so many myths and misconceptions out there when it comes to weight loss.
So let’s talk….
If you are trying to eat healthily, there are a few things you either will realize, or already have. First, it is no longer about low fat and low carbs – this simplistic equation just won’t cut it. Nutrition is every bit a science, so it is important that you understand it first. It is crucial that you let go of false beliefs, stop trusting the myths, and quit counting calories.
The second thing is that it is not about eating certain things and avoiding eating others; it is about a lifestyle change. When you decide to eat clean, healthy, natural foods and remove things that do not help get you where you want to be, you make a pledge to yourself that you will do things that will help in the long-term and make you feel good inside, instead of giving you short-term highs and lows.
I am so familiar with all those short-term highs and lows. I have been on every fad diet and part of almost all of the other well-known programs out there. The biggest thing I came away with from all of them is that you lose the weight, but it is not a long-lasting result. This, of course, leaves you feeling dissatisfied with yourself (not to mention disgusted with yourself), and feeling like a failure. But you are not a failure. You just haven’t been educated on a better way to accomplish your desired weight and health goals.
To effect change that is long-lasting, you do not need to turn your whole life around. It is the small things that matter. The Annals of Behavioral Medicine published a research study that found that participants who made one small but permanent change in their dietary routine or physical activity lost double the amount of belly fat, four times the weight, and two and a half inches off their waistline compared to those who followed outdated guidelines of calorie control and increased physical activity during a four-month period.
However, as with any change in limitations, hiccups in a new clean eating routine are inevitable. If you feel like you are suffering from a bad food day, here is how you can get right back on track.
Reset to the Good Days
You want to maintain a balanced diet that includes leafy greens – loads of them –healthy protein such as fish, and bright, colorful vegetables. To make an easy reset, keep your weekdays full of clean and healthy food, with around a half an hour each day of physical activity; keep a cheat day on or around the weekend.
Remember that plant-based protein is your friend and the best way to lose weight is to eat a high-protein diet that is low in refined carbohydrates. If you want to stay satiated for the day, remember that low-glycemic foods ensure you have enough energy for the day without having to binge on power snacks.
Aim for a diet of more fish, fewer animal products, loads of greens, and colorful vegetables. Here’s a simple formula: keep weekdays clean, get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and save indulging for the weekends (more on that later).
Remember portion sizes, too. What you eat and how much you eat of it can make all the difference. Update your shopping list to include healthy foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, oily fish like salmon, and dairy.
Portion according to your plate. Start by dividing it in half and filling it up with fruits and vegetables. Fill the other half with one-quarter healthy protein and the other quarter with complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and quinoa or root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, and parsnips. Make sure the quarters form the size of your fist.
Remember that it is okay to fall off the clean eating wagon once in a while; it is only human. For days like those, you must prepare in advance. Go all out on Mondays, for example, with the healthy eating. Stick strictly to your diet’s rules and regulations so that if later in the week, you have a weak moment and give into it, you have already taken compensatory measures to remedy the situation.
You can do this…and you are not alone. I am always here to support you. Comment below to schedule your free breakthrough strategy session >>HERE<<!
P.S. I wanted to let you in on a secret. In June I am rolling out a new 30 day “Beach Ready” program just in time for vacation time. Get fit and trim so that you feel your best when you head for the beach/vacation this year. Stay tuned for more information.
Heirloom Tomato Avocado Caprese Salad
(Servings 4)
Ingredients:
• 4 medium heirloom tomatoes
• 3 medium avocados
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 1 lemon juiced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Aged balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt & fresh ground pepper
Directions:
1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Remove the peel and slice into evenly cut slices. Lightly toss avocado in lemon juice.
2. Slice tomatoes and sprinkle with salt.
3. Layer tomato slices, avocado slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.