In my previous diet blog I covered why I started this diet and the health issues involved - If you'd like to read about that click the link
@andysantics48/my-downhill-slide-to-50-diet-how-it-began
Changes
Once I'd had the chance to think for awhile. I knew I had to come up with a plan that was doable long term because I had to make a permanent change to the way I thought about food.
Since I had to give up sugar for the pre-diabeties, I thought I may as well make a proper concerted effort to lose as much weight as possible at the same time ..... maybe just maybe I could be healthier AND slim (bahahahaha) without going down the surgical path.
Upon reflection most people go along on their busy days just popping food into their mouths without really realizing what or how much they're eating. This is my first big change.
I started to write down everything I ate, weighed the quantities, googled the calories and recorded absolutely everything. I worked out how much I should be eating to maintain a normal weight then reduced that by 200-300 calories a day to ensure I would start to lose.
I looked at the foods I was eating and practically everything was carbs. The second big change was to take out all major carb foods so out the window went potato, rice, pasta, bread, cakes and biscuits and well as sugar in coffee etc.
Yip ..... all the good stuff.
Next on the list was looking at what I COULD eat.
I love fruit so that gets to stay with a limit per day.
I'm ok with dairy so milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt are all ok in moderation.
All vegetables, meat and nuts are allowed.
In addition to this I allowed 4 low carb, low sugar crackers per day.
In saying this, I'm not being so strict that I can't eat any carbs ever - it's just gone from my daily diet. I feel that if I were to say "I can't" to everything I wouldn't be able to do it long term. I have to make allowances and forgive myself if I stray a little now and then, as long as I stay within my daily calorie allowance.
Meal Plans
I decided that smoothies were a great breakfast option for me - they make a big drink and it's filling - also you can add goodies to them like chia seeds and vital greens etc.
Side Note
I didn't realise that you're supposed to soak chia seeds over night, so into my smoothies they went. I nearly choked myself to death with that smoothie - They were stuck in my throat and I couldn't get them up nor down. I luckily had a glass of water nearby to wash them down with. 😳 Ohhh the irony - nearly killing myself while eating healthy food!!!!!
For lunch I planned to have the crackers with an antipasto platter and dinner simply meat and vegetables.
I know that not everyone likes to weigh food and count calories by this way works for me. I know exactly what I'm eating each day. By doing that I can ensure the weight slowly reduces and I can keep track of the sugar intake.
Thank you Pixabay for the images.
I welcome any thoughts and feedback. Please feel free to comment :)