So after a rough week last week, I decided to be less regimented about certain aspects of my nutrition transformation. As most of you know, I lost my first 35 lbs by just sticking to a calorie budget and exercising regularly, without worrying about the nutritional content of my diet. However, more recently I’ve challenged myself to eat more whole foods and focus on getting in my protein and eating more vegetables.
The first week of my personal challenge, the only change I made besides attending boot camp three times per week was giving up diet soda. That turned out to be a doozy! I did it and I’ve stuck to my soda moratorium, but I have to say I found the process very challenging, both psychologically and physically.
During Week 2, I transformed my breakfast into a meal that’s heavy on the protein and produce (well, for me!). I’ve been eating 2-egg omelets with some veggies and chicken breast inside, with a small serving of fruit on the side of the plate.
This week, I’m mostly planning to hold steady, nutritionwise: in other words, keep up with the changes to my breakfast and stick to my newfound soda-free ways. That being said, I have introduced two small new changes to my usual routine:
- M and I are cooking my omelets in coconut oil rather than my usual stand-bys, margarine or olive oil. I’ve heard great things about the benefits of this type of fat, and my boot camp coach recommended it as well. So far, so good. There is a very mild coconut flavor associated with the oil, but it’s not bad; just different.
- I’ve switched over from peanut butter to Sunbutter (made from sunflower seeds and only 3 other ingredients) in my pre-boot camp snacks. This evening will be my first time taste-testing the Sunbutter!
I haven’t measured myself, but I feel like I’m losing inches on my body . . . the Size 14 jeans I bought during the winter holidays are already annoyingly loose. I keep holding off on buying new ones because I know that they, too, will only be transitional jeans. I found an old pair of Size 10s in the closet that still feel a bit snug to me, although M thinks they look okay; I figure in another week or so, maybe they’ll fit perfectly!
22. February 2010 at 2:48 PM
You’re taking on two of my favorites this week! I LOVE cooking in coconut oil, and I know you’re familiar with my affection for Sunbutter. Have fun with the new flavors! And girl, you better celebrate those old size 10s BIG TIME.
23. February 2010 at 2:19 PM
Will do, Melissa! BTW, I tried the Sunbutter last night and I think it could definitely grow on me.
22. February 2010 at 2:56 PM
Hmmmm…never heard of Sunbutter before. Do you use it similar to peanut butter?
23. February 2010 at 2:20 PM
Yep! I used it as spread on a sandwich with jelly ;).
22. February 2010 at 3:09 PM
Hey girl! I haven’t commented in ages, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been keeping abreast of your awesome progress!! Congrats… I told you ALL along you could do this, and you are!
Protein suggestion from the queen of protein. A few times a week sub a meal for a HIGH protein low-carb smoothie. Here is my recipe for an awesome smootie…
1 scoop of Unjury vanilla protein powder (it’s medical quality protein that us bariatric patients use… like 1 gram of carbs and deeelish!). Or you can use J. Robb… can be found at HEB
1 cup of Mootopia skim milk from HEB. That brand is lactose free and has 50% more protein than other brands. (12 grams a cup)
A packet or two of splenda
And a quarter to a half cup of frozen fruit. Whatever you like. I usually do peach or strawberries.
Very filling, satisfying and over 32 grams of protien at around 240 – 250 cals.
:) Just my 5 cents.
xoxx
Me
23. February 2010 at 2:21 PM
MADOODLE! I was so excited to see that you’d left a comment :). Thank you for sharing one of your super-secrets with us! Now if I can just get you to do a guest post on that disco workout class…. ;)
22. February 2010 at 3:17 PM
I think you’re doing the right thing by picking one small thing a week. If a week seems too hairy to adjust to your new thing then just ease up on the new things a bit. You have an excellent foundation with which to adjust to new things but make sure you’re listening to yourself too!
You is good!
23. February 2010 at 2:22 PM
Hey, Shanny! I am finally “getting” that small changes in nutrition may be the way to go. It does make things seem less overwhelming this way. Thanks for reminding me to listen to myself :).
22. February 2010 at 5:43 PM
Is coconut oil expensive? I’ll have to really check that out.
Congrats on making it through the two weeks of no soda. Sounds like you’re clean sailing.
23. February 2010 at 2:23 PM
AFG: I paid like 7 or 8 dollars for a jar of coconut oil that will probably last me for quite some time, so I don’t think it’s too bad, pricewise. Let me know if you give it a try sometime!
23. February 2010 at 7:50 AM
This sounds like the perfect plan. I’ve heard great things about coconut oil also, but have never tried it. I bet you’ve lost quite a few inches since starting the boot camp. You’re doing awesome!! :)
23. February 2010 at 2:24 PM
Thanks, lady! I *really* need to get accurate measurements taken, like *soon*. I think it would be incredibly helpful to have multiple ways to track progress, rather than being tied exclusively to the scale.
23. February 2010 at 1:17 PM
Oh I LOVE coconut oil! It has become my favorite new thing.
You are still doing great, YAY!
Annoyingly loose 14′s freakin’ right on!!!!
You are such an inspiration keep it up :)
23. February 2010 at 2:25 PM
Shannon: Sounds I like I showed up late to the coconut oil party!! I’d be interested to hear how you incorporate it into your diet. So far I’ve only used it when making my omelets…