I tend to gain weight all over my body. So, it is hard to tell how much weight I've gained. This is an okay fact of life for me, although I wish the reverse were true. I wish that I could lose weight effortlessly the same way. Actually, I can lose weight now when I want to but it is very gradual.
In this post, I give a short list of valuable tools I use for losing weight.
1) Portion Control
After following many diet programs and buying my share of gadgets and doohickeys, I've come to realize that there are a few things that just work like a charm. Portion control is a must for any weight loss. The bottom line is that weight loss occurs from two things - lower calories, more activity. While they may be exceptions due to medical problems, given overall good health, weight loss should occur if you intake less and expend more. So, the obvious is to control the portions of food that you eat. I never really considered this until Paleo and juicing came into my life. Having come from a generation of snacking all day, not going to bed on an "empty" stomach, and never missing a meal, I've begun to see that my body actually function better with less food in it over time. I've realized that my body actually needs far less food than I EVER imagined.
Nowadays, I usually go to a liquid meal (smoothie) a few days out of the week and then fast a meal or two when I feel like it. The one great thing about Paleo is that it controls my appetite so I'm not really hungry. I've gone from 6 meals to 3 meals and on most days could do 2 meals. Since, I'm eating smaller, simple meals that consist of the foods that I stock up on regularly, I don't count any calories or measure anything. When I start trying to lose weight again (a few months out of the Spring), I will measure condiments like mayo, salad dressing, etc. (No, I'm not strict Paleo unless I'm experiencing a flare up with my digestion.)
2) No Sugar - No Carbs Detox
Yes, folks...giving up sugar and carbs is a REALLY hard one. Cakes, cookies and donuts were my favorite. Also, French baguettes and pizza. But, nowadays, these foods wreak absolute havoc on my digestive system. I get deathly ill from them. It's really bad as I've gone to emergency twice from my stomach swelling twice the size and not being able to breath. Read my other article on my specific problems.
Now before you think that I'm a super woman of sorts...I do eat these worst offenders sometimes...it's rare but I do! I actually can endure them in very small quantities one at a time with days in between. So, for instance, I would not eat cakes and cookies in one sitting or on one day. Pizza with birthday cake (my favorite party foods for my birthday parties when growing up) is definitely out. This is probably the "saddest" thing about my diet now because I don't like the non-gluten foods. Although, I must say that I tried some almond flour the other day and didn't have a bad reaction. I can't see myself eating a lot of that stuff without having problems.
3) Paleo
As I talked about in my latest article on Paleo, this way of eating has saved me. It basically involves eating meats, fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. For me, I do eat limited fruits, nuts and seeds because I'm watching my weight closely and looking to lose a few pounds every year until reaching a more ideal weight. Paleo has worked extremely well for my lifestyle because I don't have to weigh each day, count calories or measure food. I know from my body what is going on. This has worked and so far, I've lost 10 pounds and feel great. No loss of stamina, anxiety, mood swings. It has been the best weight loss that I've had ever. The other great benefit is that I don't experience having an appetite. I'm completely satisfied with not eating and don't ever feel deprived. I really feel like it has changed my body chemistry. It's been great.
If you want to read more about a Paleo-based diet, check out Mark's Sisson book called The Primal Blueprint. In it he describes what he calls the Primal Blueprint Laws. I actually stumbled onto Paleo after following a low sugar, low carb elimination diet. My rule was: If ANY food bothered my stomach, I got rid of it. After researching Paleo, the next day, I followed the routine described in the Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson. I read Chapter #4: Primal Blueprint Law #1: Eat Plants and Animals, which outlined the basics of a Paleo diet.
Disclaimer:
I am not a Paleo spokeswoman. The above is my own story with my ailments and how Paleo brought a little peace into my life. I am not advocating this approach for you. If you decide to try it, I would personally start with the Sisson book I mention to get an understanding of the philosophy behind the system. If you look at the book, its reviews and information and then decide to buy it, I will get a few pennies in my Amazon affiliate account. I will not get rich as I'm not trying to. More importantly, I will have helped someone out there like me.
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