I don't mind that, too much. But I do mind that she said I have to eat ONLY what's on that plan. She said, "yeah, it's boring, but it gets results." While that may be true..I like variety. /: And I have no idea what skim milk tastes like. I don't DRINK milk. It goes in my cereal only, but I dunno if I'll like it. Rah..I want to enjoy everything I eat and change it up..
So than do it? Do you live with your grams? Also I'm not a fan of skim, even in cereal it blah, so I go for 1% and I even still use 2%. I eat normal food that doesn't say fat free on it and still see results. Can you add things to the meal plan she created to spice it up? try that. If you don't live with her it won't be too bad, if you live with her well you need to explain to her that this just won't work for you.
So than do it? Do you live with your grams? Also I'm not a fan of skim, even in cereal it blah, so I go for 1% and I even still use 2%. I eat normal food that doesn't say fat free on it and still see results. Can you add things to the meal plan she created to spice it up? try that. If you don't live with her it won't be too bad, if you live with her well you need to explain to her that this just won't work for you.
I don't live with her, no. I just don't wanna make her sad for not following her plan
It's impossible to make everyone else happy all of the time and still be happy yourself. You need to do what's best for you. Let her know you appreciate her helping and supporting you, but that you needed to make adjustments so that you could stay on target.
I've found that what works for someone else may not work for me. Part of that is because I'm a pickey eater and part of it is because I'm so darn stubborn.
I don't think I "cheat" on my plan, but I definitely have rewards from time to time. I make adjustments in my calorie intake if I want to have something special. For example, I really want to have some chips with a sandwhich today, so I'll limit the calories in my breakfast and dinner, eat my sandwhich without any mayo, drink water all day and make sure I'm eating a small portion of the chips.
Sometimes it just takes time to get used to it and sometimes it takes time to get your family and friends convinced that you're serious.
Okay. I know some people can't afford to do this.. but if you want milk and hate skim milk, buy organic milk. I dunno if it's the pasteurization process or what, but it's creamier than normal skim milk. I HATE regular skim milk but skim organic tastes like 1% to me (Specifically Horizon milk but it's not limited to that brand). Not to mention the milk lasts for like a freaking month without going bad, and that IS due to the pasteurization.
How about you follow your grandma's diet a couple days a week and tell her you are following it? It's half true lol. Or post her diet here and I'm sure everyone can come up with some tasty variations for you =)
But really, it's you who is on the diet. It's thoughtful of her but if it is not really a thing you are interested in, don't feel forced. It's your body and your choice.
Are the foods you are currently eating contributing to your being overweight? Why do you want to continue them if that is so? You have to do what supports your weight loss goals and in most cases that means learning to eat healthy and severely limiting the junk.
I don't think what I eat makes me gain weight...
And here is the plan. Sorry it's so long:
BASIC PLAN FOR KASSANDRA
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In general you must:
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen)
Eat only whole grains (bread/pasta)
Drink skim milk
Eat low fat cheese
Eat lean meats
Exercise regularly (cardio, muscle tone, strength)
Specific areas: waist stretches, gluts, hips, etc)
DO NOT:
Eat fatty foods
Reduce soda intake, especially dark sodas
Eat sugary cereals, salty snacks
Skimp on water
EXAMPLES OF FOOD TO EAT/You can prepare yourself:
Fruits, use for snacks:
Apples (small, sliced; dip in lemon juice to keep from turning dark)
Frozen grapes, about 10; blueberries about 15
Orange slices, tangerines
Strawberries, about 5 if medium to large
Cherry tomatoes
Always use small applies, citrus
Other snacks:
Salt free pretzels
String cheese (eat a protein and fruit together)
Baby carrots
Bell peppers (not green)
Lite yogurt (80 calories or less)
Whole wheat cracker, low sodium-BAKED not fried
1 cup air popped corn, NO BUTTER. Sprinkle a little *Parmesan cheese
Raw vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, etc.)
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Contd
Vegetables:
o Brocccoli, cauliflower spinach, kale, string beans, collards, turnips, beets, (no sugar addd)
o Steamed cabbage, sweet potato (small, baked; fat free maragarine)
o VEGETABLES SHOULD BE STEAMED OR SATUEED *USING SPRAY OR VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF OLIVE OIL!
Meats:
BAKED, BROILED, GRILLED ONLY
Chicken breast, skin removed
Lean beef, all visible fat removed
Lean pork chop, all visible fat removed
Turkey breast, skin removed
Lamb chop
Veal chop
Rib (no sauce). Limit 2 small
Tuna
Tilapia
Salmon, good for increasing Omega-3
LIMIT TO 4 OZ. SIZE OF DECK OF CARDS.
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OTHER TIPS:
1. DRINK 1 FULL 8OZ, BEFORE EACH MEAL. VERY, VERY IMPORTANT!
2. Chew slowly (68 times) before swallowing. This is very important. It allows your brain to catch up to the stomach.
3. Eat small portions, 1 cup vegetables. 1/2 cup carbs (beans, peas, sweet potato, etc.)
4. Divide plate into thirds (small plate), one half vegetable, one third meat, one third carbs. One slice or piece of bread-WHOLE WHEAT ONLY!
5. Small baked sweet potato, no butter/sugar added
6. No white, baked, boiled or mashed potatoes.
7. Drink lots of water, flavored okay but no sugar or honey.
8. Limit fruit juices unless you squeeze yourself. Orange juice very sweet.
9. Limit sodas, especially dark. This includes diet.
10. Absolutely no sports drinks.
11. No Starbucks or specialty coffees
12. Eliminate junk food. Doritoes, pizza, donuts, pastries, etc. (on free day, eat 1 slice).
13. EAT IN KITCHEN ONLY!
14. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE!!!!
15. Focus on activity, not food.
16. DO NOT TAKE SHORT CUTS! You may get bored but your GOAL is to lose weight and to keep it off.
17. Eat lots of salads, mix greens, fruit (not canned in syrup), raw vegetables; maybe even chopped chicken breast or other allowed meats. Use 1 Tablespoon of low fat salad dressing. Put all in plastic container with a lid, Add the dressing, put on lid and shake to distribute the dressing.
18. Eat low sodium soups (Progresso), no creamed.
19. I can help you make a batch and put into freezer.
20. Remember, oatmeal, whole wheat bread/pasta has lots of fiber and will help you feel full longer. They contain fewer calories.
21. Remember, no fatty foods. Fats turn to sugar called triglycerides. Because of family history of heart trouble, diabetes, high cholesterol.
22. Eat more beans (pinto, chick peas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans, etc.). They contain protein. DO NOT COOK IN FAT MEAT, BACON, etc.
23. Eliminate ice cream, sodas, white bread. They turn to sugar and contains a lot.
24. Salmon, sardines (in water), tuna (in water) are great for protein. They also help to REDUCE sugars from fat.
25. Chicken/turkey (white meat only!) are good sources of protein. All proteins help you stay full longer, speeds up metabolism and helps to maintain muscle. Always remove skin from poultry.
26. Eat five to six meals per day beginning with BREAKFAST.
27. Take a multi-vitamin for two weeks before starting diet. Then take along with diet. It is important that you do not loose precious nutrients.
28. Aim for 1-2 pounds per week; not anymore.
29. Realize it takes time; dont get discouraged.
30. REMAIN HOPEFUL, POSITIVE, AND PERSISTENT! You will win this challenge.
31. DO NOT ADD SALT TO YOUR FOOD!!!
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DISCUSS WITH YOUR MOM AND DAD. Once they approve, Ill buy your first two weeks of food and show you how to prepare.
*
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You have one free day each week. On this day limit intake. For example, if you want pizza, eat one medium slice. Eat a big salad. For Sunday dinner: ex. Mac/cheese, eat one small serving. Fill up on vegetables.
*
Water is for hydration. It is important to remain hydrated.
Always drink a small juice before exercising. This provides the energy/calories to exercise on.
That plan is quite good although I'm not going to chew 68 times, lol??? And the 5/6 meal thing is debunked. It sounds like it has been copied from tosca reno's plan. nobody 'NEEDS' skim milk but it's a good way to get calcium and protein without fat.
since you are new to eating healthy, i agree this may actually be the right thing to follow in general. Once you get the hang of it is when deviations should be attempted if you feel knowledgeable.
Have you been to doc for check up? In case there's underlying health issues?
Overall, grandma plan isn't crazy. She's basically saying "less junk, more produce, lean protein, watch the portions" there.
A.
Yeah that. I don't do as low fat as she suggests there (I don't drink milk but I always use whole milk in my coffee), I also use real butter, and cook with meats that have higher fat contents at time.
But beyond that it looks like she's saying eat less sugar, white flour, don't drink your calories and eat more fruits/veggies/meat. Not a bad plan all together.
I don't think you need to follow it 100%. Make it your own, and see what you can/can't live without (For instance, I LOVE pizza and still include it in what I eat, but I small portions and with a salad or soup). But just make sure whatever alterations you make are reasonable and well-thought out.
While your grandmother has a lot of great tips, I probably wouldn't be able to adhere to a plan like that for long.
Have you decided on a plan? I am a big fan of counting (calories, WW points, exchanges) because it gives you a natural limit to your day.
Once you have your limit of, for example calories, you can start to make a plan. I need structure and I love to eat - both a lot and food that tastes good. To me, that starts in the kitchen. I need to be able to cook, tweak, and make dishes that I like, that are bulky and nutritious, and that fit into my calorie ranges.
I plan out breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack so that I can eat all day long. I don't need to worry or feel guilt about eating something that I didn't plan. That was my downfall as a kid - I would just decide "I'm going to DIET" and have no real plan other than to resist eating as much as possible. That's not healthy or maintainable.
Let's say that you should eat 1800 calories a day to lose safely. Now you can take your 1800 and divide it amongst your meals for the day. Try writing it down just for one day and you may find it to be an easier way to look at it. So tonight, take just ten minutes to figure out your plan for tomorrow.
At night, I write on the computer, my blackberry or a piece of paper my plan for the next day:
Breakfast: 1 egg white (17), handful of spinach (3), 2T cojita cheese (40), 1 T sofrito (10), 1T recaito (10), cilantro (0), on an arnold's bread round (100) = 180
Snack: 1 large banana (120) = 120
Other then a couple of things I don't like on Grandma's plan it looks pretty good overall. You really do not need to chew 68 times and you could switch skim milk to unsweetened almond milk because the almond milk is half the calories of skim milk. I would also lose a LOT of those processed wheat carbs (gluten) and the lite yogurt (full of sugar) and the popcorn (too many carbs). Green vegetables like spinach, lettuce, etc you could eat freely and you CAN have a little salt with your food. Your body does need salt to function. I add a small pinch of seasalt to my food once I have plated it.
So, my grandma made me a structured meal plan..
