Sunday, June 15, 2014

Always something new!


Hello everyone! 

Well, since my last two posts I’m excited to announce that I’ve lost 15 pounds with a completion of a 6 week diet plan I tried out. I guess I’m true proof that it did work. I dropped fat and gained muscle which is always a plus with someone who is trying a new life style change. 
In order to stick with a plan, you want to see results. 

I've been away for a bit, trying out new and fun ways to eat right and work out. Like I've said before, I don't tell/suggest anything to someone that I haven't tried myself. 

Potion control, lower calories, eliminating unneeded calories, working out regularly and staying on track with any change you may be making will make a difference in the long run. 

I’m going to touch base on a few different topics that I personally find important. Some you may know and some you may not.

Low fat foods:

When it comes to foods that are considered “low fat” you have to read the label. Why? Usually foods that are low fat have not only more sugar but, they also are usually higher in carbohydrates. This is when knowing and learning how to read a label is very important. 
I personally take pictures of the labels of the food I currently have in the fridge or cabinets and take it with me to the store. Last night, I did just that with my peanut butter jar. The low fat jar, as listed above had higher sugar and carbohydrates. 

**Also, when it comes to your children’s eating (learned this on the TV show “The Kitchen”) it is better for your children’s growth to get the foods that are not non-fat. When a food like whole milk for example becomes non-fat or low fat with a skim milk or another milk to replace whole milk, the nutritional values that a child needs for brain development and other functional developments is now missing from there daily intake. 

Salt vs. Sugar:

I’ve noticed a lot of people will put sugar on there fruits. A few listed below- 
  • Grapefruit
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Melon
  • Peaches

These are all fruits that already have a high natural sugar level. But in the long run, sugar is sugar which turns into calories and then processed as fats; which most people tend to not know this. 
There is an alternative if you feel the need to add a little taste to your fruits. I personally add Morton Lite Salt. Yes, this has sodium in it, I’m aware of that. But, this is a very high potassium salt which is actually good for your body in the summer when you’re outside or someone who works out regularly. 

Proper Calorie intake:

I can’t even count how many people will say “I’ll just drink my calories” or “I wont eat dinner because of my big lunch” and my favorite “I’m just going to starve myself for a few days to drop weight”. Well, I’ve tried all of these and guess what… they never worked

Reasoning: If you’re working out, you literally have to feed your muscle with nutritional substances. If you aren’t taking in the calories first, you won’t drop the weight because your metabolism is shutting down which is when your body goes into starvation mode.  I was told information that shocked me coming from a professional. The person is telling women that they need to fast (drink water only) every other day when they are lifting. Don’t do this. This doesn’t work. You’re putting your body in starvation and you’re only failing yourself. When your body runs out of food to feed itself off of, it then starts eating your muscles. Who doesn't want to be toned and strong? 

How do you know if your body is in starvation?
  • You will stop losing weight
  • You will no longer be hungry
    • If you are taking in enough calories a day and eating around 5-6 small meals a day, you should always be hungry!!
  • Bloating will occur more times than not
I'm pretty excited about this next little bit!

I've added in a few new "choices" into my life style. 
*Coconut Water
* Flax seed Oil
*Slightly spicier foods

Reasoning for all the above?


Coconut Water Key Points:
I drink 8 oz a day
Source of potassium
Naturally fat free
Low calorie intake 
Great substitution from previous beverages

Flax seed oil:
I use 1 tablespoon each morning in my oats
Wonderful for the digestive system
Omega 3, 6, and 9
GMO- free
proven to help in weight loss

Spicier foods:
Chili flakes have been added into my beans and brown rice
Spikes your metabolisms
Helps to burn fat

I've decided that weekly I will start adding a new "change" into my life. This will be a new fitness goal to beat and a new food/drink to add in.
What are your new goals to better yourself?!