A Lighter Me

19 pounds! I've lost 19 pounds since January. I was going to wait and write a blog when I reached 20 because that seems more like a celebration to me, but I am so pleased with how it's been going I want to share it now. This is not a diet blog in any way, however, I do feel like this is useful information for anyone interested in a healthy life. It's not vegetarian, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, or South Beach; only whole, real foods. Honestly, that's it.

I used to tell myself that as long as I made it at home without processed foods, it was okay. That lead to a lot of fresh baked bread slathered with butter, home baked desserts every few days, and lots of things covered with a thick layer of cheese. One day I said, "That's it. I'm done," and I meant it. Sugar is probably my worst downfall. I only use organic, raw sugar and I try to keep it to small amounts.

There is no rhyme or reason to my "plan." I believe in the 80:20 proportions. If 80-90% of what you eat is healthy nutrient-dense real foods, then anything goes for the other 10-20%. All fruits and veg, grains and beans, nuts and seeds, are fair game. That is huge. I am constantly full, there is an endless supply of choices.

Basically, I have tea in the morning, then oatmeal or homemade granola or fresh fruit. I want to start making smoothies for the summer. Lunch is either healthy leftovers or a big salad. Dinner is a small early meal, usually veggie-based stir-fry, soup, stew, tacos, pizza. If we want meat, we share a chicken breast or a steak, or sprinkle a little prosciutto on a pizza.

My favorite snacks are popcorn with coconut oil and salt, apple slices with almond butter, dried fruit, nuts, homemade energy bars. I stopped drinking wine every night, maybe once a week now, so it's a special treat. I do eat meat, cheese, milk, yogurt, bread, crackers, but in very small bits. The only thing I absolutely will not do is soda, that stuff is evil. My drinks are hot or iced tea (so many flavors to choose from), water (sometimes I add flavor with lemon, or small amounts of juice, but mostly plain from the tap), and kombucha (which I drink a half a glass a day).

Most weight loss depends on food choices, with the remainder coming from exercise. I walk almost 2 miles every day, as I have for years. I have add a little weight session, takes about 15 minutes to do a few push ups, squats, core, and arms for 3 sets, 3 times a week. Not much, just a bit to add strength. I can feel the muscles through my skin now.

In a few days I'll write about specific foods that have worked for me--simple, clean, delicious.