As my title implies, definitely NOT! In fact, I hate (and i don't use that word often) the word diet (aka the "d word). I do however promote and try my best to make better lifestyle choices. Now as far as nutrition is concerned, no I do not follow a specific diet. Nor have I been one to yo-yo, and try whatever the latest fad is on the market. I'm all about choices, because after all isn't that what this life thing is really all about?
So what lifestyle nutritonal choices do I make?
1. NO DIETS: Aside from this post, the "d word" is not even in my vocabulary.
2. Meal Planning: There's so many different angles to touch on when it comes to meal planning (that's a post in itself), but the bottom line is planning my meals works for me. I usually plan my family meals for the week, as well as what I'm going to eat throughout the day.
3. Choose Wisely: That to me is the major difference between a diet and a lifestyle. For me to say, I'm eliminating this or that, probably isn't going to go over well. Rather I make better choices when it comes to what I put in my body. Simple substitutions such as more water less sugary beverages, cooking instead of passing though drive-thrus, holding the mayo, etc can truly go a long way. Also, if I know I'm going out to dinner, I'm mindful of what I eat earlier in the day and will take a look at the menu ahead of time so I have an idea of what the options are.
4. Managing Calories: I wouldn't call myself a calorie queen, but it is something that I am conscious of. I track both my food intake and physical activity in MyFitnessPal. Again it's real, it works for me, and no "d word".
5. Meal Spacing: In a typical day, I eat 5-6 small meals. I also space them out every 90 minutes-3 hours. Throughout the day, I also aim to drink at least two liters of water daily.
5. Meal Spacing: In a typical day, I eat 5-6 small meals. I also space them out every 90 minutes-3 hours. Throughout the day, I also aim to drink at least two liters of water daily.
6. Portion Sizes: Until I started reading food labels, man on man I couldn't believe how much I was truly consuming. Understanding portion sizes, and what a cup of something should look like or 3oz of meat, really goes along way.
The aforementioned along with some others that my mind just can't seem to figure out at the present moment work for ME. Emphasis on me; too many people get caught up in what everyone else is doing that they don't realize that every body is different. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.
I can say that by not dieting and finding the what works best for my lifestyle has led to me losing and maintaining 30+ pounds of baby weight. Now mind you, I'm still not where I want to be, but when it's a lifestyle there is no race to complete your goals over night.
Be Well,
LaToya
p.s. Someday I'll truly figure out this whole blogging thing, and will use the correct image/ button
I love that the 'd' word is not in your vocab. Its not in mine either :) #wellnesswednesday
ReplyDeleteYou're right. There no one to be raced in healthy lifestyle, except lazziness of ourself. Thanks for sharing this, LaToya! :D
ReplyDeleteSo so agree with you. D word is a dirty one in my book hahaha!
ReplyDeleteYour last sentence about it not being a race is something we all must remember. We are only competing with ourselves, no one else! :)
Always love reading your posts. Thank you for linking up again LaToya!
Sometimes I call it Die to the T ha ha..I agree with you it's about managing calories, healthy eating...should not go on diet blindly. I love the nutritional lifestyle you chose, it's a good reminder for myself too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up La Toya, see you again next week!