Those who know me know that I try to lead a healthy lifestyle. I spent the first twenty-four years of my life as a “Big Girl.” Ten years ago I learned about healthy eating and exercise and changed my body to be at a size I had always wanted it to be. There have been a few bumps along the road (Including those of the baby bump variety) but for the most part I have been able to maintain a healthy weight. In the past year and a half I have gotten back into the routine of working out nearly every day and love that I am stronger than I have ever been.
Back when I first adjusted my eating habits, I figured out what worked for my body. I needed to eat more vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. I needed to eat less starch (bread, rice, potatoes, etc.) as said starches clung to me in extra body weight. Apart from my morning bowl of oatmeal I would only eat breads and such as a treat, such as when we went out for dinner.
In the past few months I have found bread products creeping back into my diet. It was easier to make a sandwich (Weight Watcher’s bread) to bring to work than to whip up a tasty salad. After my nights at the gym I have gotten into the habit of eating a few crackers with cheese as a snack to tide me over until morning.
The end result has been a few (as in three or four) extra pounds that are sitting right where I don’t want them to; on my waistline. If the weight would go to my (non-existent) chest I would not be complaining but where it sits is glaringly obvious when I wear my skinny jeans. Matthew says that he likes something to hold onto but I told him he’ll have to find somewhere else to hold me.
Regardless of those few pounds I just feel…puffy. Not entirely healthy. I know for a fact that I have not been eating enough vegetables and I need to remedy that.
I contemplated doing one of those “cleanses” but they require you to give up Diet Coke and THAT’S JUST PLAIN CRAZY TALK. I contemplated trying a gluten-free diet but I need my morning Oatmeal to keep me sane. I decided to go back to what I know works for my body. I went to the grocery store on Sunday and stocked up on all sorts of rabbit food. I chopped up a bunch of broccoli, cauliflower and celery and put them in a container in the fridge. I bought a wide array of other vegetables in order to whip up some pretty sweet and tasty salads for myself. No more crackers, handfuls of goldfish, or sammiches.
In addition to eschewing bread I am cutting out any and all alcohol. We had a batch of wine bottled last month and I have been ending most days with a glass of wine. Not necessarily bad but all of that extra sugar can’t be helping me. There is also the fact that alcoholism runs in my family. We all know that I have an addictive personality (Read: Diet Coke) and I do not want to create a habit that can do more harm than good.
My plan is to stick with it strictly for two weeks and see how I feel on the other side. I told Matthew of this plan and he expressed some concern. He doesn’t want to see my breastbone sticking out. I spent over a year a good five to ten pounds lighter than the weight I want to get back to. Looking back at photos of me during that time I looked a little, well, gaunt. I assured him that my main intent is to just feel healthier, and hopefully lose those few pounds that are in the shape of a muffin. He told me that if I took it any further he would personally shove a big greasy cheeseburger down my throat. Deal.
I just want to feel healthier and not so “puffy.” I have been having more “fat days” than my cycle allows for and I want to be proactive about it. I’ve only been at it for a few days and I already feel better. I feel lighter (No idea if I actually am) and I have more energy that I have had for awhile. The downside to eating all of those vegetables is the, uh, NOXIOUS FUMES. At least the kids find it funny. Matthew, not so much.
It’s all for the greater good. Trust me. I’ll let you know how it all works out in the end (Ha!).
I’d love to hear what you guys do when you need to cleanse/detox your body. You know, besides getting a nasty virus.
I’m with you and I just start cutting out the carbs. I know I need to have small portions in order to keep myself feeling full, so I go to Ezekiel bread instead of whole wheat, whole grain, high fiber pasta and sweet potatoes and squash instead of potatoes. I also try to eat more often, usually 7 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7pm. I have a wicked craving for sweets sometimes, so I’ll make a shake with yogurt, fruit juice and frozen fruit, or I’ll blend together ice and Bolthouse Farm’s mocha cappucino. It tastes just like a Tim Hortons Ice Cap and gives you a wallop of protein!
Julienne’s last blog post..Bros before hos.
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Good for you! I think I may join you. I’ve already cut out most breads by going gluten-free so it shouldn’t be too hard to replace rice, etc with more veggies. It can’t hurt and two weeks sounds like a good trial period. I’ve got more than 3 or 4 lbs to lose (cough, more like 10) so anything to help the weight loss is a good thing.
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I’ve never done a cleanse, but I’ve been very very tempted. I shall let you be the guinea pig
Rhi’s last blog post..But on the other hand
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But the bread….
it’s…so…good…
Which is why I’m still perpetually PUFFY! lol
Good luck love!
Maria’s last blog post..“Hey, María…”
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Well, I’ve been doing the WW thing with Amanda for the last couple (hundred) weeks, but then yesterday I went and ate a pint of Smarties ice cream. I’m sure that helped.
I’ve been buying more vegetables (and fruit) lately as well. I also feel “puffy”. Although I am not fit AT ALL and need to work on that too. I was doing well until the stupid tonsillectomy threw me completely off course. Maybe when I get back from the road trip I’ll get back into that again.
Good luck to you! And I agree with Matthew. No more than those couple pounds or I’ll help him stuff that cheeseburger down your throat. In a loving way, of course.
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It sounds a lot like South Beach phase one- no starches, alcohol or sugars. I’m actually doing that now! I know it works and since I have a *slight* addiction to bread (yummy) and sugar (yummier) I am going to curb my intake of such things for the time being. I won’t give them up for good (I don’t really subscribe to that kind of eating) but I will cut back significantly. And I am working out daily so that helps.
I remember feeling strong in my body. It’s a fantastic feeling! I can understand wanting to get back to feeling 100% in your own body. Good!
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I have never tried a cleanse but lately the idea appeals to me. I would have some real trouble giving up my (almost) daily glass of wine though…I’ll be interested to hear how this goes for you.
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..The one where I look dumb in front of a Buddhist monk
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Good for you! Huzzah for extra veggies!
xox
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I ate and drank whatever I wanted on our holiday. Needless to say, I can relate to your puffy feeling.
Since we’ve been home, I’ve stuck to eating mostly vegetables. I’ve cut out all bread, potatoes, rice (aka the fun stuff) and I’m trying to cut back on my sugar intake. I have a wicked sweet tooth so the sugar is what I’m struggling with. I’m trying to satisfy my cravings with dark chocolate instead of the truly horrible candy I really want.
I doubt I could ever do a true cleanse. I think I would probably stab someone.
Good luck!
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Last summer I cut out all sugar and all alcohol for an entire month. It was not nearly as difficult as I expected it to be (the first three days were torture, but after that it was smooth sailing). It must have kick-started my metabolism because I lost 10 pounds right away, and then 5 more just melted away in the following weeks with no effort. I have been able to keep it off (even through Christmas).
The biggest benefit of that month, though, was I seemed to get over my MAJOR sugar addiction. Every now and then, I cut it out for a few days or a week, just to see if I can. It’s hard though, because everything had added sugar.
I suppose I could do well to slow down on the starches as well. I eat a lot of them. Especially lately. Maybe I’ll join you. Maybe.
Danica’s last blog post..Taking Stock
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Hi Angella, Cheryl Muir here. I read your blog but can never think of anything useful to say, but today i can
My favourite cleanse is the Natural Factors 7 day cleanse RevitalX & Detoxitech. It comes with drink mixes that you have for breakfast and lunch, which i find easier than thinking up food to eat. If you mix them with frozen fruit you actually feel full after! A great plus when you’re cleansing. Some people don’t like the taste of the mixes, but this past winter I did the Wild Rose cleanse, and it was way harder for me to stay on, and longer. Good luck!
ps: it allows outmeal
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woops oatmeal!
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I wouldn’t do a cleanse, I don’t believe it’s necessary – your body comes with its own built-in detox system, you just have to feed it good food. So if I feel like I need to “cleanse”, I just make improvements to my diet. I’m actually going through that right now and I’ve basically just cut out sweet treats (no more squares from the coffee shop!), I’ve replaced my lunchtime sandwich with a salad, I’ve started bringing carrot sticks with me as a snack if I get the munchies, and at dinner I just reduce my portion size. I have stopped eating at “mealtime” and just eat when I’m hungry, and stop when I’m full. For me, this takes immense willpower, but these small changes are working for me. I’ve lost 3 pounds this week already and my pants are fitting better!
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I personally don’t believe in eliminating any food groups, so I wouldn’t cut out carbs. I *couldn’t* cut out carbs! When I start to feel “puffy” (I think most of us can relate to that, whether we are at our ideal weight or not) I go back to religiously counting my Weight Watchers POINTS. So essentially, that’s just portion control and/or calorie counting. I cut down on the volume of food, rather than cutting out a particular type of food. But that’s just me. I’m sure your “cleanse” will have the desired result, and you will be feeling less “puffy” again real soon! Good luck!
Hannah’s last blog post..A letter to my son
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You’ve chosen a great time to jump back on the wagon with the rest of us bunnies…you know the one that takes you from a chubby bunny to a playboy bunny (with modesty and discression of course). You’ve got a much shorter journey than I. But at least summer offers an abundance of amazing fresh fruits and v’s.
Have fun and buy nose plugs
Ashley’s last blog post..Who needs the Baby Whisperer when You’ve Got Rascal Flatts!
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I have done Two cleanses: one was because I felt like pure crap after a summer of drinking here and there and just bad food, the other was after returning home from Korea where I felt like the pollution toxins had entered my body and poisoned every last organ!
Both cleanses were difficult but I felt much better at the end! Lighter, healthier, and fresh!
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I don’t really agree with “cleanses”-something about them just makes me think that people are using them as an excuse to fill their bodies up with horrible things. I think that’s part of the reason we’re supposed to drink lots of water and eat fruits and veggies!!!
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Thanks for the inspiration. I was just getting to a time when I was realizing I was adding back in “junk foods” … cans of pop (I haven’t been drinking that for about a year), sugary candy, chips, etc. Its a good reminder to keep those for “treats” every once in awhile and add more salads, veggies, fruits, and water back into the diet! Thanks!
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I’m getting all sorts of recipes from the book, Bikini Bootcamp. Very vegetable oriented. Very delicious. But I’m kind of hungry.
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I personally don’t believe in cleanses, at all. I couldn’t ever do one. EVER. No chocolate? That’s just plain crazy talk.
I also couldn’t ever cut out carbs like you have but I really admire your dedication. And also that Matthew has got your back. Good luck, I know how you feel, we all have puffy days. My approach tends to be to cut down portions slightly and kick up the cardio a notch until I feel better. 9 times out of 10 it’s all in my head anyway – but that’s just me!
Kami’s Khlopchyk’s last blog post..How to become a tree hugger, like me
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I had some extra weight (okay 60 pounds) for years and had no idea how to get it all off and keep it off. Finally when I was past the pregnancy and nursing stage of parenting, I could actually take it seriously. I have grandparents with diabetes and I also had gestational diabetes so I had been told by my doctor that it was a for sure thing that I would become diabetic too, especially since I was heavy… Yeah, I wasn’t impressed, but it is hard to do anything about it. Well, I have always watched the 6 Week Body Makeover informercials and felt them ringing home to me. So, one day, I decided to go for it. I made sure my husband wouldn’t mind if I didn’t eat the same things as everyone else. He was fine with it, so I decided to go for it last year around this time. His main focus is on eating lean meats and a veggie or fruit every 2-3 hours. Then depending on what your body type is, the information lets you know what starch you can have. I was allowed rice, potatoes or sweet potatoes I think. No other grains, salt, dairy or fat while on the diet. For a person like me who loves grains and diary, it was a huge committment to follow through. I lost at least 20 pounds the first month and by Christmas I was down 40 pounds and now I am down 50 pounds. I actually still have 10 more pounds to go, but I am pretty sure I will need to exercise to get them off. (I did the terrible and didn’t exercise at all to lost the 50 pounds…I can control my eating, I can’t always control the exercise portion of life with three kids, but I can control my eating!) About the time that I got to the 40 pounds I decided to exchange a bag of smart choice popcorn for the rice option. I actually love, love, love popcorn, but didn’t put two and two together until March that the popcorn reacts adversily to my body and makes me sooooooooooooooooooo tired. I had no clue, I just blamed it on the winter blues. My sister and I were doing some research on the Blood Type Diet (there are tons of books on this) and one of things that really rang true for me was that it said that corn is terrible for an O type person. SOOO, I tried not eating the popcorn and what shocked me was that I quit feeling like a truck had hit me each day. I can only tell you that I wish that I had figured it out sooner. Also as time had gone on I had added a little bit more wheat into my diet and what I had assumed was me over eating, turns out that the wheat was actually upsetting my stomach. Not every time, but most of the time especially whole grains. If I stay away from them, I actually feel a lot better too. So, I am on what I call a gluten reduced diet. I make a choice now if I want to risk the upset tummy or not. Sometimes I risk it and just go for the tasty treat, sometimes I just let it go. I don’t mind making the choice, but most of all I was releived to know that I was just having problems with gluten. I still have the 10 pounds to lose, but I am thankful for healthful information that has allowed me to discover that not all food is created equal and will agree with each of us. One noteworthy thing too is that face looks much thinner now than it did when I got married 11 years ago at the same weight. I think that the high gluten diet I was on reacts with swelling for my body. I can now see my wrists and my legs and my chin in a way that I have never seen them. The blood type diet did say that gluten can make some be more inflamed than others. How about this for inflamation…my wedding ring had to be sized down 1 1/2 sizes this spring to stay on my ring finger. Honestly, I weight right now the exact amount I did when I got married…it was a great reminder to me that grains just aren’t good for me. So, I haven’t cleansed much, but low grains is a huge help for me.
April’s last blog post..…additional engagement photos!
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3.5 weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers because I won a 3 month membership from a website (Hot by BlogHer hosted by AMommyStory) Anywho-I have lost 7 lbs, what I love is that I am making healthier choices for myself and for the family. I have been eating a ton of salads-hubby loves salad so he is so onboard with this! He has been losing a bit as well, which makes me happy, just as long as he doesn’t weigh less than I do. I have found that I need to eat a lot more veggies than I had and I needed to eat filling foods and not shove the carbs in my face. I have been sleeping better, feeling better and fitting into my clothes a lot better. I am so happy.
I am right there with you girl-cheering you on!
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Angella, what kind of oatmeal are you eating and how are you preparing it? Oats are high is phytic acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytic_acid , read the “Food science” bit) which, if not prepared properly, can bind with calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc and make them indigestible. Oats -and most grains- really need to be soaked/fermented/sprouted prior to use. Soaking your oats would probably help.
Amy @ Muddy Boots’s last blog post..meal plan and grocery roundup – May 25th
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Funny that I’m reading this today – I just started doing a flour-free diet. My BFF (whom I saw this weekend) is a VERY FIT personal trainer and she NEVER eats anything with flour.
Then again, she’s also never had children…
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