The first cycle is basically "clean eating" but with no bread/rice/pasta/starchy carbs...at all (But don't worry! It's only for 17 days!). The second cycle will add back in some foods like brown rice, beans, bulgur, quinoa, potatoes, etc. and a wider range of proteins. The third cycle adds back in pastas and breads....and cheese. Can't....wait....for....the....cheese!
The fourth, and final cycle, that lasts forever, allows for "clean and wholesome" eating during the week to keep your weight in check (which is a good idea anyway just for overall health reasons!). You can eat anything that's included in the first three cycles...which is just about everything as long as it's real food, lean proteins, lots of fruits and vegetables, and unprocessed carbs (whole grains), but then you get to splurge a little on the weekends....as long as you commit to returning to healthy eating come Monday. It's a choice. And it's a lifetime/lifestyle choice. Choose your healthy weight and then eat to maintain it and maximize your health. Or not. It's up to you!
Here is why I think this diet (so far) is working. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! I can DO this for 17 days. I only have 7 days left of the first cycle, then I get to change things up! This is perfect if you, like me, get bored easily. I also love to celebrate and enjoy my food. All kinds of food. Cheese and chocolate included. And good red wine. The fact that I know I will still be able to do that makes this diet less daunting. Another reason why I think it works for me is that I don't have to count, track, or measure anything. The only exception will be when rice and pasta are added back in...I need to remember what a serving size it! Lastly, I actually enjoy clean eating anyway! If you've read any of my prior blog posts, many of them are about my passion for healthy and wholesome cooking/eating.
I mean seriously....who wouldn't love to eat like this every day: (grilled salmon and asparagus with fresh garlic dill sauce)
Hey! How'd that glass of wine get in there???? Well...Rome wasn't built in a day.
2 comments:
I'm glad you have so much will power. I'm meeting your mom for dinner tomorrow after work at 6:30pm in Hayward at the IHOP, hardly a place one goes when on a diet, but then your mom doesn't need to go on one. I'll start the next day!
Good plan Elin! Lol!! I don't know how much is will power and how much is just the simple fact that eating healthy feels good and I'm not hungry, so why derail my progress thus far, right? Plus - I'm tired of not fitting into my old, comfy jeans. Sick and tired of it after two years (or more) of trying. This is how I felt when I finally quit smoking. You get to a breaking point and then there is nothing else that can prevent you from succeeding. It's all on me.
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