Since many of you have asked me recently how I've lost weight and kept it off, I thought I'd share with you the things I've done to improve my health.
First and foremost, My "health profile" is very unique. And when I say unique, I mean several of my doctors say most of their patients fall into a common (normal) profile box. Me on the other hand, they say I'm one of those patients who is "outside" the box of norm and I'm always their experiment LOL! My doctors' and I have worked hard the past 4 1/2 years to finally get a balance of blood levels and other tests they perform routinly. They closely monitor me and work together to help improve my overall state of well-being.
Because of my scolosis and "extra" disc in my lower back, I am very limited with the exercises I can do. My body only tolerates "light" exercises and I have found Leslie Sansone DVD's to be the best result for me.
Next, there are many wonderful products out there you can buy to get your daily vitamines and nutrition. I found what works best for me and my body. With careful watch and monitoring, my chiropractor and I decided "Ideal Protein" www.idealprotein.com and a combination of vitamines like: thymex, congaplex, black currant seed oil, promaline iodine, immuplex, catalyn, symplex f, calcium lactate, zypan and tuna omega -3 oil.
We have found this to be very helpful and I've had tremendous results.
I am allergic to many different vegetables/fruits (yes I've even tried doing allergy shots for 2 years). So with some tweaking, testing and an EpiPen by my side, I have found the ones that work for me which I eat on a daily basis.
This isn't a diet that will just come and go. I made a concious decision to change my "overall" eating habits.
It's easy for me to choose a bag of grapes over a box of krispi kreme donuts. That's just what they are are "choices".
With the other health issues I face on a daily basis, it's nice to have ONE thing I can control myself.
However, I don't deprive myself of "junk food". I still enjoy these splurges occasionally, but that's just what they are....splurges. I limit my splurge intake and do it in moderation.
The foods I choose are: whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean grilled meats, "all natural" and low sodium products. I watch my carbohydrate and startch intake. I stay away from breaded or fried anything (unless I choose it for my splurge). I use sea salt instead of regular salt; stevia (100% all natural) instead of sugar; and EVOO instead of butter.
I also drink LOTS of water.
Also a website I found to be of great help is www.calorieking.com. And it's FREE.
Below are examples of my daily routine. And as you will see, I eat a lot. :o)
Breakfast: unlimited water, 1-2 cups coffee with stevia, 1 bowl plain cheerios, 1/2 banana, protein product.
Snack: unlimited water, cheese stick, triskets, apple, almonds.
Lunch: unlimited water, lemon pepper grilled catfish/chicken, 1 salad, 2 cups vegetables.
Snack: unlimited water, grapes, all natural pretzels, or 2 whole wheat toast with all natural peanut butter.
Dinner: unlimited water, lean turkey burger, 2 cups vegetables, 1 salad.
Snack: unlimited water, decaf tea, air popped popcorn, protein product.
*FYI*
I continue to use the (1-2 a day) Idea Protein products to replace cooking protein, simply because I'm not able to cook all the time. Plus, they taste great. I always feel I'm drinking chocolate milk and eating peanut butter candy bars. :o)
First and foremost, My "health profile" is very unique. And when I say unique, I mean several of my doctors say most of their patients fall into a common (normal) profile box. Me on the other hand, they say I'm one of those patients who is "outside" the box of norm and I'm always their experiment LOL! My doctors' and I have worked hard the past 4 1/2 years to finally get a balance of blood levels and other tests they perform routinly. They closely monitor me and work together to help improve my overall state of well-being.
Because of my scolosis and "extra" disc in my lower back, I am very limited with the exercises I can do. My body only tolerates "light" exercises and I have found Leslie Sansone DVD's to be the best result for me.
Next, there are many wonderful products out there you can buy to get your daily vitamines and nutrition. I found what works best for me and my body. With careful watch and monitoring, my chiropractor and I decided "Ideal Protein" www.idealprotein.com and a combination of vitamines like: thymex, congaplex, black currant seed oil, promaline iodine, immuplex, catalyn, symplex f, calcium lactate, zypan and tuna omega -3 oil.
We have found this to be very helpful and I've had tremendous results.
I am allergic to many different vegetables/fruits (yes I've even tried doing allergy shots for 2 years). So with some tweaking, testing and an EpiPen by my side, I have found the ones that work for me which I eat on a daily basis.
This isn't a diet that will just come and go. I made a concious decision to change my "overall" eating habits.
It's easy for me to choose a bag of grapes over a box of krispi kreme donuts. That's just what they are are "choices".
With the other health issues I face on a daily basis, it's nice to have ONE thing I can control myself.
However, I don't deprive myself of "junk food". I still enjoy these splurges occasionally, but that's just what they are....splurges. I limit my splurge intake and do it in moderation.
The foods I choose are: whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean grilled meats, "all natural" and low sodium products. I watch my carbohydrate and startch intake. I stay away from breaded or fried anything (unless I choose it for my splurge). I use sea salt instead of regular salt; stevia (100% all natural) instead of sugar; and EVOO instead of butter.
I also drink LOTS of water.
Also a website I found to be of great help is www.calorieking.com. And it's FREE.
Below are examples of my daily routine. And as you will see, I eat a lot. :o)
Breakfast: unlimited water, 1-2 cups coffee with stevia, 1 bowl plain cheerios, 1/2 banana, protein product.
Snack: unlimited water, cheese stick, triskets, apple, almonds.
Lunch: unlimited water, lemon pepper grilled catfish/chicken, 1 salad, 2 cups vegetables.
Snack: unlimited water, grapes, all natural pretzels, or 2 whole wheat toast with all natural peanut butter.
Dinner: unlimited water, lean turkey burger, 2 cups vegetables, 1 salad.
Snack: unlimited water, decaf tea, air popped popcorn, protein product.
*FYI*
I continue to use the (1-2 a day) Idea Protein products to replace cooking protein, simply because I'm not able to cook all the time. Plus, they taste great. I always feel I'm drinking chocolate milk and eating peanut butter candy bars. :o)
