I am a 54 year old school teacher about to retire, living in Timmins Ontario. I have always tried to eat healthy and I have always been physically active. I have gained and lost weight my entire adult life. About 4 years ago I was 152 lbs and now I am 178. I feel like I am constantly fighting to lose weight and keep it off. Most diet plans are geared for people who are eating a lot of junk. What about people who focus on healthy eating?
Its been about 8 months since I have dropped dairy and meat from my diet. I rarely eat sweets, I always try to eat whole grains and limit refined flours. I avoid fried foods,oils and sugar. I usually buy whole organic foods and I minimize buying processed foods. I prepare and eat most of my meals at home and I exercise on average about 3 times a week.
Shockingly, I have put on about 10 pounds in the past few months. So what gives? After all of these changes I have made and I still have put on weight!!!
Doing a little research online I have found out that portion control is important even in a plant based diet. I always thought eat as much as you want on a plant based diet and you will be fine. Just focus on health and the weight will take care of itself. This is what I believed after watching “Forks over Knives” and “Engine 2” and other vegan videos on Youtube.
I evaluated what I was eating and I realized that I am overeating nutritious food, which still has calories. I am post menopausal which means that my metabolism is slow and I put on weight easily. I was eating double portions at supper and having a fruit snack and a carb snack at night before going to bed.
Last week on January 12th I weighed in at 178lb. I would like to be in the 160’s.
I joined Biggest Loser weight challenge at work until March 10th. I am hoping to lose 15 to 20 pounds.
I have a 3 part game plan:
First – drink lemon and turmeric water in the morning and 32oz. Of water at work.
Second – don’t eat after 7.00pm and if I am still hungry after 7.00pm, then I will eat only green vegetables.
Third – do more exercise. I will cross country ski or walk 3 times per week and I will do 10-15 minutes of strength training in the morning 4 or 5 times per week.
My final weigh in is on March 10th. Stay tuned for my final results in part 2.
