Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Looking back and forward

Howdy, all.  Your friendly neighborhood Sherrie here.



I struggle with my weight.  You know this because I've shared before.  I'll lose, then regain, then plateau for months at a time.  I've done fasts, extreme diets, and taken supplements.  I've eliminated entire food groups just to see if it would work for me.  I've been stuck on meds for one ailment or another and tried working around the weight gain side effects.  I've nearly starved myself following super low calorie plans in hopes of jump-starting my weight loss.

Bah!  I've messed up my metabolism and irritated my already aggravated system.  I've made weight the central issue instead of my overall health and that had to change. The end of extreme is here and now.  Out are all of the crazy things I've tried in the past.  In come common sense and real food.

Real food from plant sources first are foremost.  I won't tell you that you have to eat like I do, but I will tell you what works and doesn't work for me.  I operate better on plants.  Beans, greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, berries, apples, mangoes, avocados, and the rest.  Seeds and nuts are good, too, just not too many.  Olives make me smile and give me a little salty, fatty goodness in a small serving.  And I love my rice, oatmeal, and quinoa.  I just can't have huge plates of those alone.

Am I giving up all the sugar?  Not 100%; at least not yet.  I've cut back a lot over the years and even more over the past few months.  And it feels good. I get more than enough sugar from fruit 98% of the time. That other 1-2% percent? A cookie or something like that.  Or raw vegan cheesecake.  

So, that's my plan in a nutshell.  Not just my plan, but my new and much improved way of life. Are you making any changes?  Tell me about it.  You're not alone.  Not now or ever.

13 comments:

Kayla said...

I think it's great that you are focusing on nutrients rather than calories. You will not only feel better, but the weight will happen naturally. Our bodies become so out of balance when we eat foods targeted for a dieting audience. Just eat real food. I can't wait to read how this works for you!

Zach said...

That awesome! When I made the shift to plant based the changes I saw were AMAZING! Keep us posted on how it goes for you, I'm rooting for ya!

Zach said...

That awesome! When I made the shift to plant based the changes I saw were AMAZING! Keep us posted on how it goes for you, I'm rooting for ya!

Unknown said...

Much appreciated, Kayla! I know I work better on real food. I'm working on my ideal shopping list now and getting the family mus i check.

Real food ftw!

Unknown said...

Plant food is the best food, Zach! Your transformation is inspiring! Appreciate you stopping by!

Unknown said...

Hey Sherrie, it's so good that you're listening to your body. You'll see much better results. Congratulations and keep up the great job. Lisa

Emily @Sinful Nutrition said...

You pretty much described me! I have been on the same journey you have and am trying to listen to my body and eat more whole foods and less sugar. I've just recently cut out caffeine too to see how it makes me feel. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Way to go, Emily! Caffeine was hard to cut at first, but it feels great leave that crutch behind!

Best to you and thanks!

Unknown said...

Good work Sherrie. Your story is sure to inspire others to get their eating on track. Kudos!

Kirsten A. Womack said...

Way to go! I am loving my plant based diet and learning new ways to prepare veggies

Unknown said...

Thanks, Vickie! Food is fuel and medicine! I'm glad that message is kicking in.

Unknown said...

Thanks and welcome to plant-based, Kirsten! It's fun to try and play with new veggies.

Kirsten A. Womack said...

Happy Hump Day! Please accept this nomination of a Liebster Award – http://kirstenwomack.com/liebster-award-nomination/