My Real Food Diet

NOT VEGAN FRIENDLY

This diet is based on my personal experiences with what works and what doesn't.

It is high-fat, protein and vegetable focused, carbohydrate friendly diet that is strict on sugar. Unfortunately, though, it is a vegan's worst nightmare; it is rife with cheese, eggs and meat. For a vegetarian, meat could probably be cut. NUTS, seeds, BUTTER, bread, and PASTA are all allowed.

The key to the diet is a eating a variety of foods. Life gets boring quickly when you don't eat good food.

Most foods are fine to eat. What to avoid is sugar. The entire diet is based on my personal belief that sugar is basically the devil. However, most carbohydrates - such as bread, rice and pasta - are fine as long as they contain very little sugar and and corn syrup; corn syrup is a big no-no.

Exercise is stressed for its health benefits. This does not mean a gym membership. Cleaning, working, and walking are all good, natural sources of activity. Jogging is an addition of my own.

You can do whatever works for you.
Just remember this: the more you move and exercise, the more food your body needs. If you aren't active, your caloric needs are far lower.

To maintain weight, exercise to balance out your calories and keep your body in shape. To lose weight, you need to burn more than you eat.

My diet is an enjoyable one if you can see past the No-Sugar rule that dominates it. Savory dishes are key. Eat fatty stuff, eat meat, dine on glorious Italian or Mexican food, and cheese laden dishes! Just watch your portions, for moderation is the absolute key to every diet. Also, be aware of calories - don't over eat - and be sure to exercise a few times a week.

The rules for this diet are generally lax. The point of it is to eat good, healthy, real foods. That means you can eat nearly anything you want as long as it isn't jam-packed with artificial ingredients and refined sugars. Bread, pasta, etc are fine; Fat and oils are fine; Fried foods are even somewhat permissible. They key is to eat very little sugar and rarely overindulge. By overindulge, I mean overeat. Whatever you eat, just don't eat too much.

THE RULES -
1. Don't eat too much

Q: What is too much?
A: Well, that depends on you and your goals. Everyone needs a different number of calories, and it differs even more when it comes to your level of activity. Check an online caloric-requirement calculator and go onward from there.

2. EAT IN MODERATION AND CONTROL PROPORTION

Getting the hang of proportion is vital. Just think about it: If you have a mountain of food on your plate, it is probably too much. Use measuring cups with frequency so that you know just how much you put on your plate; you'll soon get the feel for it. Free foods like vegetables can be eaten in greater numbers than protein or carbs; protein can be eaten in greater quantity than carbs.

My basic ratio is this - (most : more : less) -
Vegetables : Fat/Protein : Carbohydrates
I don't always follow it, but it's a good place to start.


3.NO SUGAR -
this is the rule of thumb -
Eat little to absolutely no sugar.
Limit your fruit intake.
Honey is okay, but again, sugar in strict moderation.
Treats are treats and shouldn't be eaten often.
Cakes, cookies, donuts, yogurt, etc., should all only be eaten on special occasions or in very, very strict moderation.
Dark chocolate is okay with some regularity.
Eat dessert once a week so you don't go crazy.

4. CARBOHYDRATES ARE YOUR FRIEND!
Eat carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and rice along with a fat and/or protein. They make great side dishes because they fill you up. However, I do not suggest ever eating them alone as a sole snack or meal.
High fiber is a plus.
Eat nothing with corn syrup.


3. FAT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Eat butter if you can afford the calories.
Eat meat if you are able to.
Lean meat is optional, for fat is not the enemy.
Cheese is a wonderful snack and/or side-dish
Nuts are also a great snack option.
Oils are good; olive oil is best.
Milk is sweet nectar. Drink it if you can.
Drink whole or 2% milk, not skim.

4. NO FAST-FOOD -
Try to eat as many home-cooked meals as possible.
Try to eat AT home if possible.
Since life is crazy, eating out is fine; just pick healthy foods and healthy places. I.E., No McDonald's.
A food being natural, low in sugar, (maybe)high in fiber, having a good amount of fat and protein, usually means it's a healthy choice.
When you must eat at a junk-food paradise, just do your best and don't stress.

5. WATCH YOUR CALORIES -
Your don't need to count them, just be aware.
Low calorie does not equate healthy
Many things have way too many calories for what they seem to be - such as buttery popcorn or cheesecake - you can eat them, but only in strict moderation.
Always read nutritional labels when foods have them

6. EAT SNACKS!
This is vital because low blood-sugar is a terrible thing and should be avoided at all costs.
Eat healthy snacks that are between 100-250 calories, or whatever fits your caloric needs.
Eat every 2-4 or 5 hours.

7. EXERCISE -
Get as much healthy activity as possible.
Don't just sit around! Clean, walk, run, hike, play!
If you have time, go out of your way to do cardio.
If not, just be as active as possible and keep your metabolism having to work.