ok, first and foremost the reason this has worked for me this time is because God has worked a miracle in my body - the cravings have all but stopped - this is no longer a matter of will power - it's just the way to be - I am no longer a slave to food - I am the master, not it. I eat to live not live to eat. Sugary things no longer have the appeal that they once did - my relationship with God has grown by leaps and bounds - it's no longer all about my flesh anymore. I had to learn how to submit to God in ALL areas of my life.
The way I see it is for me, this is a war - a war for my health and my sanity. I wouldn't go into a real battle with no plan or weapons so this is my plan and my weapons. Here is what I do in the supernatural:
1. Start your day with positive confessions - you choose. Find scriptures on self control.
2. Spend time with God and let Him help you through this process!
3. Read your bible!! Your spirit needs to be fed just like your body!
The natural:
1. Eat 6 to 7 times a day - breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, snack, dinner, optional snack.
2. Visit http://www.caloriesperhour.com/index_burn.php and use the BMR & RMR calculator - use the RMR to figure out how much of a calorie deficit you will create when you limit your calories to 1200. 3500 per 7 days will result in 1 pound a week loss. When you add exercise you will lose more. Don't go under 1200 or you risk putting your body in "starvation mode" (slows your metabolism down and you retain fat)
3. Take recommended supplements at midday snack and 1st afternoon snack. Alternate bite, pill, drink, bite, pill drink, etc.
4. As much water as you can stomach - I add a little fresh squeezed lemon juice to cleanse my liver.
5. Keep away from high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives along with artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated oils. Its not as hard as you might think - just have to read labels.
6. Keep a food diary. I bought a little notebook that I kept with me at all times - I logged how many calories I consumed at EVERY meal - it was a little work, but it helped me stay on track. I also logged my weight.
7. Weigh yourself every morning - same time and totally naked :) oh and after going potty ;) log in your food diary. Don't be discouraged if it stays the same - you might even gain a little around your time of the month.
Here is a list of the supplements I take:
Morning:
Virgin coconut oil - 2 capsules (this is an amazing discovery - read a whole book on it - the list of benefits is unbelievable - also, use coconut oil in all your cooking and baking - get rid of EVERY other type of oil - especially veggie oil) (get at health food store) http://www.coconutoil.com/ , http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
Ginko Biloba - 1 capsule (only if you have memory issues like me) (get at WM)
5 HTP - 1 capsule (this helps stabilize your mood and control your appetite) (get at WM)http://5htp.com/
Grapeseed extract - 1 capsule (powerful antioxidant, helps heal your body of free radicals) (get at WM)http://www.grapeseedextract.com/
Afternoon:
Virgin coconut oil: 3 capsules
Curcumin: 1 capsule (this helps boost the metabolism, also an antioxidant) (get at Kroger or healthfood store) http://www.curcumin.net/
Calcium: 1 capsule (I use "Nature Made" but you can use which ever one you like best - the lady at the health food store can tell you best - calcium is obviously good for your bones but it also aids in keeping your mood stabilized)
Fish oil - this is optional - there are many different kinds out there, but the one I found that is most complete is one I got at Sam's. "Members Mark" triple strength fish oil - 1400mg - only one pill a day. Omega 3's are essential for heart health and balanced hormones. You can also ask the health food lady about this.
5-HTP - 1 capsule
Grapeseed extract - 1 capsule
Multi vitamin - I take "Rainbow Light" Women's One - it is a food-based multivitamin - all natural and one of the best on the market - you can get it at the health food store.
You can take other supplements that are geared toward your specific needs - these are just the ones that I take that I have found helpful in weight loss and overall health.
Here is a sample menu:
Breakfast: 200 -250 calories - I usually have on of the "Mom's Best" cereals - you can get these at Kroger, they are cheap and all natural. I like the Mallow Oats (like Lucky charms) - I also use almond milk - it really tastes good on cereal and has a lot less calories than skim milk. You can also have a Nature's Own whole grain English Muffin with 1 egg and a pinch of shredded cheese - only 200 calories! Just try to keep the calories between 200 and 250.
Snacks: 50 to 100 calories. Some ideas are: low fat mozzarella sticks, Activa yogurt, apple with all natural peanut butter (1 tsp) organic granola bar, carrot sticks with light Ranch or guacamole, pretty much anything around 100 calories and all natural and portable.
Lunch & dinner: keep it between 250 & 300 calories - I like the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers but any low calorie healthy frozen dinner will do. Just read the labels and check for bad stuff! Don't worry about the sodium in the dinners - it's pretty much the only sodium you will get during the day.
Stay away from diet soda - it is a death trap!!!
I've heard from many experts that you should "reward" yourself from time to time when you are dieting. In my experience though, if you think that you need to be "rewarded" then you are not in the right mind set. You are not being "denied" or "deprived" when you eat this way. You are eating to live not living to eat. You are not being deprived by not eating a bunch of sweets - you are doing your body a favor! The first 6 weeks I was on this plan I had absolutely no sugar - it was key to my new way of life. The good news is that it was easy because God had taken away the cravings. You could have put a whole cake in front of me and it wouldn't phase me. I called this first 6 weeks my "boot camp". It took that long to develop a new habit and rid my body of harmful toxins. In times past when I "dieted" I would look forward to the end of the week when I could "cheat". This mind set is what kept me in bondage for so long (among other things) It kind of put a negative spin on the way I was eating the rest of the week. Almost like I had to "hang in there" until I could have something "good". Now don't misunderstand me - there is nothing wrong with having an occasional treat. I enjoy chocolate cake. I just don't "love" chocolate cake anymore! When I reach my goal if I so desire I will partake of an occasional piece. I just don't put so much emphasis on it anymore - like I'm gonna die if I don't get some!
Now on to exercise - I have read a lot on the different types of exercises and the benefits and such. There are a lot of different opinions out there! For me, this is the balance I have come up with.
I need a balanced combination of cardio, strength training and stretching. Don't be fooled into thinking that all you need is cardio. Yes, it does burn calories, but it can be hard on your heart (contrary to popular belief). http://ezinearticles.com/?Long-Distance-Dangers&id=263731 Strength training (free weights) is absolutely essential - muscle burns calories - the more muscle you have the more calories you burn - even at rest. Stretching is necessary because it helps guard against injury. I made an interesting discovery - it's called rebounding. It is exercise done on a mini trampoline. The neat thing about this form of exercise is that it stimulates the lymphatic system. http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/rebounding-for-detoxification-and-health.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710/NSECTIONGROUP=2
There are many articles out there to support what I have just said - just Google it.
I found a mini trampoline at Walmart for $30. They also have free weights for a reasonable amount.
The health food store I use is Peak Nutrition in Lake Jackson - their number is 979-285-2449
they are extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. They also have 20% off everything in the store on the first Tuesday of each month.
These are the things I have personally done. You may need to tweak these things a little to suit your own personal needs. Enjoy, have fun and EAT YOURSELF SKINNY!! :)
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