Some of you may have noticed that I’ve lost a little weight in the last several months. First of all, let me assure you this was totally intentional. I’ve struggled with weight issues all my life. I still struggle, but at this time in my life, I feel as if I have a little more control over what goes in my body and how I treat it. Your body is a temple–a gift from God. Good stewardship of the body honors that gift and God! Plus, you feel better and are healthier. Talk about “win-win”! I credit the impetus for my lifestyle change to a conversation with my dad in September 2012. He, in his mid 50’s, got diabetes, but controls it with medication and diet. I thought I would do a preemptive strike against this terrible disease. So, there’s the background as to “why”. Here’s the “how”….
HOW? Notice that I said “lifestyle change”. Fad diets and pills don’t work long term. You have to find a routine that works for you. Something you can do the rest of your life. This may take a bit of trial and error. The important part is to NOT QUIT! Now, what I’m about to tell you is stuff you probably already know. Diet and exercise. Sound familiar? It’s not rocket science. It starts with what you eat and drink. Make sure that whatever you eat has nutritional value. If it doesn’t, reconsider eating it. I’m going to outline the things that are good for you and the things that are bad for you. You may not agree with them all, but this is by no means comprehensive or definitive. This is just what works for me. It may not work for you. Find something that gives you the results you want.
I’m a “Flexetarian”. This is a brand new word that just got added to Websters dictionary. A Flexetarian is someone who mostly follows a Vegetarian lifestyle, but occasionally eats meat. I like protein just like anybody else, but there are healthier ways to get protein in my diet. For example, I can eat a beef burger (30 grams of fat) or a turkey burger (5 grams of fat) which also happens to have MORE protein than the beef! Here are the do’s and don’ts: First, the “Do’s”
- Load up on fruits and vegetables.
- Eat fat-free snacks. (I always have pretzels, carrots and rice cakes nearby)
- Eat fish, nuts, beans, legumes etc.
Here are the things to avoid. The “Don’ts”:
- Avoid eating fat. Have a little, but simply watch the number of fat grams you consume. It’s all on the label. Read it and make a conscience choice on how you want to get your fat. You are what you eat! Fat makes you fat!
- Avoid eating processed foods. processed sugar and flour are not good for you. Sorry! That really knocks out a lot of food that most people eat.
- Sodas and Salt. Don’t drink sodas and never add salt. You get plenty of salt from other sources without even trying. It’s everywhere and in everything!
That’s pretty much it! I do take a multi-vitamin on occasion when I think about it. I enjoy coffee in the morning and a glass or two of red wine at night. LOTS of water during the day. I eat a piece of fruit in the morning, a pretty decent lunch and a light dinner. I snack during the day on fat-free stuff. This works for me. Find something that works for you.
Exercise! Again, find something that works for you. An hour a day (I do 5 days a week at this time) I like low impact, therapeutic activities. I do the elliptical for 45 min and swim for 30 min. Nothing too intense, but I work up a good sweat.
So, here I am. I’m still working on my routine and diet. Not sure where I’ll wind up so far as weight etc. I feel great though! Listen to your body and find a lifestyle that works for you. Keep me in your prayers so that I might stay on the path of the straight and narrow way. The leaner, healthier way! Blessings Friends!
