My “lean” principles . . .
Strict. Strict. Strict. This is my mantra. If I’m going to lose weight, eating lean matters. My diet plan is filled with lean proteins and fresh foods, using as much unprocessed food as possible. My “lean” principles: lean proteins, no extra carbs, no snacking off the plan, and gallons of water.
One of the challenges in this diet format is finding quality lean products, not just meats, while limiting the use of overly processed foods. It means reading lots of labels! Sodium is also a health concern, so I watch for that on labels as well. I haven’t eliminated sodium, but I watch my intake. As you probably can see from the diet so far, each week the dinners include lean proteins alternating with fish every other day. And the lean meats are chicken, turkey, lean steak, lean pork, and lean ground beef. I appreciate the variety.
The “no extra carbs” rule isn’t as easy. My go-to snacks have never been healthy. When I’m feeling weak, I want a high-fat, high-sodium, crunchy snack (or an oreo). I need my niece’s snacking practices. When she was a little thing, her happiest snack was a half-head of lettuce – people would offer junk food, she’d want lettuce. I’m a happy greens eater; don’t get me wrong. But treasured snacks? They’re not in the vegetable family. I found if I don’t want to bake cookies, Kashi oatmeal cookies are a good alternative. Also, the Kashi Go Lean cereals, in particular the original flavor, are great for breakfast or a snack.
As for eating off the plan, I’m making a serious effort to toe the line. But I do seem to confront some serious craving in the late afternoon. I have my mid-afternoon snack around 2:30 or 3:00, but by 4:00, I’m craving (salt and crunch). Thus far, I have added in just a little popcorn or a few wheat crackers. Hopefully I can wean myself from those! My rationale is that it’s better to add a few calories than fall off the wagon entirely.
And the gallons of water? I’m down with that! I’m a water drinker, no problem. I don’t like flavored waters, I don’t really like tap water … in fact, I never want to have any flavor, what-so-ever, in my water! I know you’re going to say it’s a waste of money, but I do drink a lot of bottled water (the spring variety). And I only drink tap water that has been filtered. I tolerate water at restaurants, but otherwise I’m pretty picky. This isn’t new to the diet. I’ve always been a water drinker. 48 oz per day is standard, although I sometimes drink more. I’m not ill, I just like it.
In the last few years of my Mom’s life, we had a really hard time getting her to eat or drink. I often think of that, when I was at her house and trying to get her to eat or drink, I’d find myself munching on a handful of Reese’s Pieces – while trying to get her to eat just one!! Or I’d drink two bottles of water, while coaxing her to sip an ounce or two. Not saying I want to be ill, or lose my appetite entirely, but it sure would be nice to just not want certain foods. Wipe them out of my craving vocabulary! Or to have to be reminded to eat, because it’s not the first thing on my mind. Ah well …
A menu note: for all of the lunch soups, I choose Amy’s. They have great flavor, and taste homemade.