Monday 20 July 2015

Part 2 of "I have a secret to share about how to get in shape quick smart"

(I do need to pre-empt this blog by stating that I am not a nutritionist. I have followed a Paleo/Primal regime for over a year now and can attest to continued good health, plenty of energy and a much better diet than I ever had.)

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for my second secret to getting into shape.

It's easy to tell you that it's truly going to shift some stubborn kilos, but it's hard to put it into practice...

It's restricting carbs.

Reducing your carbohydrate consumption will give you immediate results on the scales. That is because the general carbohydrate molecule is CH2O - that is, carbon and water. Less carbs = less water = less weight.

In that initial phase, you may feel a bit grotty, flu-like even. It's OK. You'll bounce out of it and feel fantastic. 

There are many authoritative websites out there warning people against low-carb diets. I completely agree that a well-balanced diet is the key to good health and stable weight. However, out of all the fad diets that you've tried, this one is going to get you results.

So here's what I propose:
Reduce your carbs
For one month.
Just try it.
I am here to help you out if you find yourself waning and feeling the pull of the Tim Tams.

That means - no bread, no pasta, no rice. Other no-nos are white potato, couscous, gluten-free alternatives and definitely no sugar or processed sweets, baked goods, bread-crumb covered deep fried takeaways.

Rather than focussing on all those no go items. Let's talk about what you can have and it's a gorgeous range of amazing foods. You can have meat, dairy, legumes, nuts, good oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil and pretty much as many glorious vegies as you can squeeze in. Vegies like pumpkin and root vegetables and fruit such as bananas are high in carbs and so should be restricted too. Limit your fruit content to 2 pieces a day.

Great breakfast ideas are:
CADA - that's Coconut, Almonds, Dates (3) and an Apple. I put it all in the food processor and blend it into a Bircher Museli kind of mix and have it with cinnamon, Greek yoghurt and chia seeds. With it being a bit chilly I use the same ingredients but make it into Stuffed Baked Apples. Core and score the circumference of your Granny Smith apple, place a blended mix of coconut, dates, almonds, cinnamon into the hollow, bake in a bit of water with foil covering it, until it is soft. Serve with Greek Yoghurt.
Chia porridge is also very filling and delicious in winter.

Lunch - make a huge pot of your favourite soup and portion it into single serves, freeze the portions. My favourite is pumpkin soup. This is where you can get your carb fix through pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato. Lighter carb options are minestrone. Dhal is another way to warm up, get full and get your fibre.

For dinner, just don't have the carbs that the rest of the family are having. If you're making a stir fry, take out your portion before you add the noodles or rice. Give yourself an extra serving of greens - bok choy, chinese broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms. Go to town! When it's pizza night and I'm really needing something carby, I put a whole sweet potato into the oven to bake. Once soft, I open it up and put all the pizza toppings on the lovely sweet spud. Cauliflower can also become your friend. Try cauliflower "rice" - the whole family might even like it. Cauliflower mash, cauliflower pizza base.... the internet has an endless array of recipes to help you out.

I do give myself treats. I have two or three pieces of dried fruit and some nuts and seeds after dinner. There's usually dark chocolate roaming around my fridge too. There are fantastic Paleo websites with sugar free baking ideas. My favourite is www.paleomg.com

Please, please don't do this if it contravenes your doctor's advice.

Otherwise, give it a go. It's worth trying. 
If you need encouragement, please contact me.
Cheers
Louise