Well, I am no expert in the field of weight management, working out, or nutrition, but I do know that I love food. However, ever since I decided to make changes to my mindset (Read: Change Your Mind – Change Your Body); I have been able to maintain a good healthy weight even though I am a real “foodie.” (Sad that is foodie is actually a word… I half way expected the red underline).
I am five feet tall and forty-something, there is no doubt that my metabolism isn’t what it used to be. For me, losing a few pounds was a real hurdle… mostly because I love to eat! But, praise the Lord I have some good friends who are professionals in nutrition and fitness who have taught me some fundamentals that I have applied to my life and they have really made a difference. Here is what I have learned.
If the problem is with eating and you are a foodie like me:
- Never say you are on a diet. The minute this happens, I start wanting everything I cannot have. Rather than a diet, decide to eat better, add good healthy foods to your meal plan. You will end up saying, “I can have that cookie, but I don’t want it.”
- Plan every meal and every snack for the day. This is paramount in maintaining control of your weight. In planning your meals, you should have a basic understanding of the calories and macros (carbs, protein, fats). Remove excessive amounts (not all amounts) of sugars and carbs from your meal plan because they cause higher insulin production and that leads to more fat storage. I use “myfitnesspal” to track what I eat. I hate to say this, but calories do count. Oh… why is life so hard!!
- Eat clean. Cut out the butter, the sauces, the fried food, the complex carbs (potatoes, pastas, breads) and ANYTHING that comes out of a package.
- Don’t get hungry! Never ever wait until you are hungry to think about what you’re going to eat. Hunger will make you choose what is closest, fastest and maybe even cheapest. Quality will likely be over-looked.
- Eat something you love whether it’s cake or burger or fries at least once a week. You need a reward meal.
Above all things, remember to pray over your choices and ask for God’s help with your goal. He is able to carry you through.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
How do foodies prepare for Thanksgiving? Share your tips with me and the readers of Courageous Women in the comment box below.
forcourageouswomen.com 