Foodie on a Diet

Out of all of my friends, I am the one that loves food! There are particular restrauants that I like to frequent because of certain meals or drinks that I can indulge in and I love trying out new spots. I also watch the Food Network and attempt to make their delicious recipes. I love food!!!

Unfortunately, this free-love for food has been one of the culprits of my weight gain (the other--inactivity). Now don't get me wrong, I still love my body and it's curves, but I know that it could look better. I also know that I shouldn't feel certain aches and pains in my body. I'm not looking to transform back into that young girl in my high school prom picture (I had no curves!), but I am hoping to shed some weight and transform my health.

Three weeks ago, I started the 50 Million Pound Challenge spearheaded by Dr. Ian Smith. I used to eat healthy, I really did. However, since starting the 30-day Meal Plan I realized that I wasn't eating the right foods. I ate few vegetables, high-fat foods, and hardly any fruits. My food portions were also larger than a serving, which packed on more calories.

I'm not calorie counting or anything, but I am following these very important healthy eating habits:

1. Always eating breakfast: I usually eat first thing in the morning so that I have energy for my morning workout.

2. Eating fruit with breakfast or as a snack: Fruit adds a needed sweetness to my morning meals and afternoon sweet tooth. Plus, it's low in fat and calories.

3. Always measure portion size: This is very important. I bought a small kitchen scale and I use measure cups and spoons.

4. Eating 1-2 cups of vegetables with afternoon and evening meals: Vegetables are low in fat and calories, but can be quite filling. It also helps to thinking of vegetables as your main dish and meats/grains as your side.

5. Cook at home & bring food from home: It makes my backpack heavier, but I save money and cutback on snacking on high calorie foods.

Weekly grocery shopping, preparing food sometimes ahead of time, and daily cooking have been welcomed lifestyle changes for me. As I approach the last week of Dr. Ian's 30-day Meal Plan, I'm hoping to gain more knowledge on healthy restaurant eating. Be on the look-out for my posting on the weight loss on the 30-day Meal Plan.