It Works for Me!

 I am asked often what I eat, how I lost the weight, do I ever bet bored with the food choices, and the best one WHY do you eat like that?!

So first, let's go over what a typical meal plan is for me.

BREAKFAST can consist of:

    3 egg white omelet with ham and sliced mushrooms

    or

    1 serving of protein yogurt

    or

    3-4 ounces of grilled chicken breast

MY goal for breakfast is 15-20 grams of protein and no more than 200 calories.

LUNCH can consist of:

    3-4 ounces of grilled chicken breast 

    or

    1 serving of protein yogurt

    or

    1 slice of KETO bread with a slice of low fat/fat free ham with mustard

MY goal for lunch is 15-20 grams of protein and no more than 150 calories.

DINNER can consist of:

    Grilled KETO friendly vegetables

    3-4 ounces of grilled chicken breast

    1 slice of KETO bread toasted with butter

MY goal for dinner is 20-30 grams of protein and no more than 400 calories.

I work to keep my daily protein level in the 70-100 gram range, my total daily caloric intake less than 1000, my total carb intake less than 20 grams, and my fat intake as low as possible.

Those of you that are familiar with a KETO diet will note that I do not take in nearly the amount of fats recommended for KETOSIS, and you would be correct.  My body produces far too much LDL cholesterol, so I work very hard to keep my fats down to keep this aspect of my body under control without medication.

    

By referencing the above food intake schedule, the next question of how I lost weight is easy to understand: I lowered my caloric intake, increased my protein intake, decreased my carb intake, and decreased my fat intake.

Do I ever get bored with my food?  No, I do not.  There are dozens of vegetables available to switch out and change the flavor of your meals,  I can always switch out the chicken for lean pork, tofu, or even fish.  Beef is indeed an option, but not my favorite protein so I do not use much.  Let's not forget about spices, such a great way to experiment with flavor enhancing with very few added calories!  So, do I get bored, no.

Finally, why do I eat like this?  Simple, I have lost nearly 200#, I feel good physically, my intestinal tract feels great, and I have so much more mind clarity.

This is a win win situation for me and there is no going back now.

I encourage you to find what works for you and stay with it for the long haul.  Remember this is a new way of life not a magic pill that works in one day or even a week.

YES YOU CAN!

 I belong to several groups on social media that deal with a healthy diet, specifically for me a Ketogenic style diet.  A common theme from so many of the ones that are interested in initiating a new food life style is "Its so expensive!"

To that I call B.S.!  

There is always an excuse to be found, there is always a reason to not do something, there is always a way to justify poor behavior.  Until you have reached rock bottom, behavior will not be modified.  For me to have the impetus to drop weight (and it is almost 200# now), my Neurosurgeon informed me I was too damn fat to be operated on.

I was in extreme pain due to failing discs in my back, advanced arthritis and a myriad of other problems and yet I debated on loosing the weight.  I made the decision to go the KETO route.

Regarding cost for KETO, I actually find it less expensive than my previous food routine.  There are no "magical" weight loss shakes/drinks/foods, no expensive supplements or plans to obtain; Nothing fancy, just straight forward high protein, low carb foods.  My new lifestyle consists of meat, vegetables, and any other high protein yet carb free options available.  

I am a fan of cruciferous vegetable and flash fry these in a small amount of butter.  Lean meats (specifically boneless skinless chicken breasts) are a cornerstone of my new food lifestyle.  Shop around, buy in bulk and freeze the excess; Often you will find several chicken cuts at less that $1 per pound.

The final take, there is always a way to fail and make excuses, to achieve success is not difficult, it just takes determination and a plan.  There is always a reason for your actions, make yours wanting to experience a positive change in your life and a positive influence on others.  

Be the reason someone becomes a positive (and healthier) person!