A Simple Way I Improved My Weight
“If it was about knowledge, we would all be skinny and rich. It’s not about what you know but what you do!”
I fell in love with nutrition about eight years ago. I was doing my postgraduate and was always ill. Proper nutrition saved my ass. On varied occasions, it has come to my rescue again and again.
Sometime last month, I was at an all-time low. My mood and energy were very low. On most mornings, I couldn’t get out of bed and when I managed to, my work was a mess. My writing suffered. I wasn’t sure I had experienced this before, at least not in recent times. I started trying a couple of strategies and I am still on them, but so far, so good.
My intent is to sustain these strategies for a long time. I want them to become a lifestyle, not a one-hit wonder. One strategy is addressing my nutrition. I am trying my utmost best to cut out processed foods and include as much plant-based diet in my meals. Many times, the fresher the better. The exceptions are foods like tomatoes where heat makes some of its active ingredients more potent.
I have never really liked sodas and sweets. They cause me headaches. However, I have a thing for pizzas and sponge cakes. If I am offered a serving once a week, it is unlikely I’ll turn it down. In fact, I went on a spree post-surgery.
With the depression that hit a couple of weeks back, plus my fibroids had returned and my abdominal girth expanding, I decided it was time to get back on track with proper nutrition. Other than skimping on processed foods and sugar, I am now very conscious of the quality of the food I buy and consume. Yes, organic foods get a bad rap for being expensive, but is prevention not cheaper than cure?
A colleague of mine said I was very oral. I agree with him. I derive joy from chewing stuff. To deal with that as far as eating is concerned, my handbag has the following; a bottle of water, gum, and a bottle of green smoothie. Sometimes, I swap the smoothie for a bowl of sliced fruits.
Now, a new idea being sold to me is intermittent fasting[IF]. The experts state some benefits include:
- weight loss and fat burning
- longer life span
- protection against certain diseases
- improved insulin resistance
- cellular repair
- hormonal balance
Intermittent Fasting gives me an opportunity to up my game. Just like most habits, I am leveraging on habits I am already used to, so I can build more. I do not think it would be difficult for me as I am already well-disposed to eating right.
This program focuses on nutrient-dense foods that are higher in fat, protein, and fiber, which will help keep blood sugar steady. I already eat and enjoy those. It encourages adequate hydration and planning meals in advance. This is a simple decision for me. It discourages eating around the clock.
My colleague has commented to me twice in two weeks that I am losing weight. I told her all I was doing was being careful with what I put into my mouth and how often. She asked me if I was getting ready to see hubby with a beach body. I told her that wasn’t the inspiration behind these decisions. The whole idea is to be healthy and nurture my body with nutrient-dense food. If I lose weight, that’s icing on the cake.
Thanks, Jason Edmunds.
