We all start a healthy eating plan with
high hopes and enthusiasm. The weight seems to respond and drops off an
uplifting pace.
But after a while the disciplined regime
gets to you. The novelty of tuna salad wears off and all you want to do is
throw caution to the wind and indulge in a big bowl of Pasta Alfredo. A year is
a long time to stay motivated, so i guess it was just a matter of time before I
fell off the weight-loss wagon a bit…
We
all start a healthy eating plan with high hopes and enthusiasm.
It all started in March when I noticed week
after week that my weight was just not shifting. Increasingly, I found I was
bored and irritated by the food I had to eat. I just wasn’t interested in being
‘good’ any more.
I even asked my dietitian, Claire, for a
break. I wanted a week of eating what struck my fancy and I didn’t want to
record it in my food journal. I was gotvol and wanted time-out.
But instead of allowing a week, Claire
advised that every time I had a craving I first had to think about what I
wanted to eat. I then had to ask myself if it was worth the indulgence, and
only then have it. This would be more conducive to a healthy lifestyle. It felt
like Christmas. But when I was given permission to go wild, I had no idea what
to eat. I’d decide on a meal and then regret it.
So I’ve had to rethink how I’ll stay on top
of my game. This is my new plan of action:
1. Follow food channels
I like watching food being prepared on TV.
It’s really exciting to watch Jamie Oliver glugging oil into a pan and calling
it a “dollop”. (I know I must measure my oil according to my daily allowance!)
These chefs inspire me to make the best of
the foods I’m allowed. Granted, I do salivate at some of the creations they
come up with but sadly I have to “de-Claire” all my meals. The last thing I
want is to have to explain that creamy meal in my journal to Claire!
2. Spice up with variety
I’ve expanded my food choices as having the
same types of food can get really boring. I found beetroot and cabbage quite
tedious as those were my staple veg when I was growing up. I’ve now learnt some
lovely recipes for both of them and it’s made a difference.
I’m grilling more of my veg instead of
steaming, which makes them tastier. Now I’m looking forward to eating them. I’m
always on the lookout for lentil, chickpea and bean recipes. These come in
handy as comfort food in this cold weather as they’re so versatile.
3. Make it a family affair
I’ve roped my sisters into my way of eating
and exercising so we support each other when eating out. When we meet for
cook-ups, the meals are well-balanced and conducive to the bigger picture.
I
have a Saturday walking partner, too, who helps to ensure that I stay committed
I’m also trying to encourage one of my
sisters to work out, so I’m forced to add more exercise to my programme to
accommodate her. This is working brilliantly as we get time to catch up on our
day when we go for our evening walks.
I have a Saturday walking partner, too, who
helps to ensure that I stay committed. Our walks are designed so we have
breakfast at our destination. We’re working towards having our meal and then
walking home, so we can use that 6km to work off our food.
I’ve turned my way of eating into a fun
exercise and I’m sure my lifestyle change will stick!’
