New Food Labeling From FDA

I would like to spread the word about the new food labeling to be introduced in the near future regarding added sugars.  This is extremely important because our bodies process added sugars differently than natural sugars. Overloading on simple sugars can cause our insulin levels to sky rocket due to the body breaking down and burning through these sugars more rapidly.  That doesn't mean that natural sugars are in fact healthy sugars, just that you tend to eat less sugar when you eat an apple compared to if you consume a slice of cake.

I do not necessarily agree with the FDA's liberal limit of 50g of sugar per 2000 calorie diet, but I see it as a positive start to help the average consumer become more conscientious of the amount of sugar they are ingesting.  The old adage that knowledge is power holds true even in this arena. The more we can educate ourselves and each other on what we eat, the better we can be at living healthy lifestyles versus participating in fad crash diets that lack long term health benefits.

I will also point out that companies have until July 2018 to become compliant, so we won't necessarily see these labels widespread for awhile. I am not entirely sure of how soon we will begin seeing these labels circulate, but again, it's a great place to start.

To learn more about the new labeling coming, please follow the FDA link below:
vhttp://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm#highlights

The Bounce Back

It is amazing how our bodies want to be healthy.  Within a matter of two weeks, my body was already bouncing back to where it was before I succumbed to the temptation of drive thrus and take out.  And, I haven’t stayed 100% clean because those cravings will sneak up and before I know it, one cookie turns into five. I knew I needed to find a balance this time, so to navigate through those cravings I try to find ways to eat healthy snacks that curb my craving, or go in for that one cookie and stop there.  My favorite go to these days are Lara Bars.  They have all natural ingredients and foods that you recognize and know what they are.

The other thing that has helped me tremendously is having someone around to be accountable to.  My boyfriend and I have made the conscious decision to make a lifestyle change in becoming overall healthier people, both inside and out.  Having someone there to remind you of why you want to be healthier and what your goals are is amazing motivation to push forward. There’s a reason why programs such as Weight Watcher and Jenny Craig are successful, because you are accountable to someone when you fully participate.

So, how do I feel since the reboot?  I feel I have much more energy, I am back in a better mood, and I have noticed I can be more productive in a day.  I’ve snagged up a membership to the recreation center in my town and have been working out on average 2x a week.  I have reached my primary goal in weight and now am focusing on building a stronger healthier me.  My next goals are to improve my balance and strength throughout.

Food Substitutions: The Sequel

Here are two food substitutions that I use regularly.  The first is extremely simple and easy to have on hand at all times.

Instead of using oil, cooking sprays, and butter or margarine when you are frying up foods in a skillet, I use lime juice.  This works particularly great with chicken and vegetables no matter how you are going to use them.  The lime gives the food extra flavor and enhances the meal altogether.  I use either lime juice in the bottle or I keep fresh limes on hand.  This not only keeps your meal healthier, it is actually good for your pots and pans.  Did you know that using cooking sprays and olive oil are not good for your pans and leaves a hard to clean film on them?  But, if I am making something in the way of pancakes or grilled cheese, I do stick to old fashioned butter. 

Another interesting food substitute that can be found at a whole food type grocery store is almond cheese.  Yes, seriously, almond cheese.  And I have to say, it’s actually pretty good.  I have thus far tried the mozzarella and jack cheese varieties and have enjoyed them thoroughly.  The cheese is able to melt as well and has been used in the forms of cheese and crackers with a glass of wine to grilled cheese and tomato soup.  Be mindful that it is a softer version of a cheese and is a little more difficult to grate, but still is versatile. So if you are trying to avoid dairy or wanting to cut down on your dairy intake, this is truly a great alternative.

Falling Off the Wagon

It has been some weeks since I have posted anything and that in and of itself makes me sad.  Sometimes life gets in the way of what we are trying to accomplish and it becomes easier to make excuses for everything.  And that is exactly what I have done recently.  Am I beating myself up a little bit, of course!  But I know if I just get back into self-discipline and understand why I want to feel and be healthier, I can make it happen.  

So, to confess, it all started with “It’s been a long day at work" followed up with "I don’t feel like cooking" and ended with "Chik-fil-A is right around the corner”.  Did I have my fried chicken sandwich and waffle fries?  You betcha!  And every time after that, it got a little bit easier to veer away from eating healthy and eating for convenience and cravings.

Within the last 6 weeks, I have gained back half the weight I originally lost (yep, that fast!), felt more fatigued, carrying a much higher level of stress, and being seriously moody.

I have also found myself sinking into the couch right after work and turning on the TV almost every night.  SPRING IS HERE, I SHOULD BE OUTSIDE, ENJOYING THE SUN.  But instead, I’m enjoying more Netflix on a daily than I should be.

I share this, because it is a reality.  Life happens and sometimes it’s easier to run through a drive thru than to make a home cooked meal. The thing to remember is it should not become the norm. 

At the end of the day, we all need to start somewhere.  Whether it be our first start, tenth start, even our hundredth start, it is still better than not starting at all.