lanadefemme's Journal

I turned 30 this weekend and today is my 2nd wedding anniversary.

A couple of things to note: I am now eating for health and fertility. No alcohol or bad substances.

For instance, today for breakfast I had a whole wheat english muffin, organic grapes and low fat cottage cheese. Feels good man.

I'm thinking about a few guidelines to setup for myself in terms of health habits in my 30s.

1. No deep fried things. County Fairs be damned. No deep fried doughs for me.

2. At least 1 serving of fruits or vegetables at every meal.

3. No processed sugars or white flours. White carbs are the enemy. Health is not color blind.

4. Exercise is a priority. 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

Oh, and I got an annual pass to Disneyland with my husband so I'll probably be walking around a lot trying to avoid the fried, sugary, floury churros.

Finally got my breakfast routine down for maximum efficiency. High fiber, high protein, multivitamin and lots of water.

So I hopped on the scale this morning and am down 2 lbs for the week. YAY!

I've tapered off my mindless eating. I eat a meal, don't eat too much, if there's leftovers, I resolve to eat it for the next meal, eat when I'm hungry and occupy my time with things that are productive.

For instance, yesterday I got one of those Middle East meals from Trader Joe's that has hummus, falafel, pita bread and tabouli. I think it's about 500 calories. I ate about a third of it until I realized that I was full. I thought about the flavors as I was eating it and was satiated. I figured I could eat more of it later if it turns out I was still hungry.

And I did eat it again, 3 hours later, another third of it and my husband had the rest. I snacked on OK MAK crackers, which are delicious and about 150 calories for 5 crackers and some toscano cheese which was likely 200 calories in total.

I snacked on a yogurt, that I actually ate in 2 parts. I can't tell you how important it is to not feel like you have to finish food right away or at all, especially when you're done eating it. If you're no longer enjoying it and you're already sated, just stop putting it in your mouth! And then feel proud that you stopped.

Leaving food on the plate, despite what our penny pinching parents told us, is good, not bad. It means we know when to stop. And if you're pinching pennies, keep the leftovers to eat later and make smaller meals next time.

The interesting challenge was going to Old Spaghetti Factory. This is not normally my thing but my husband hadn't been there in his entire life which I felt was amazing so I took him.

I started with a sangria, probably 200 calories, had a house salad with oil and vinegar on the side probably around 50 calories, about 2 small slices of their bread which is about 150 calories, and by the time the meal came around, I was close to full. I ate 1.5 tortellini and about 2 oz of flat iron steak and called it a night. DH took the rest for work this morning.

Yesterday felt less like being on a diet and more like just listening to my body and feeling fabulous.

Today is the same. Good choices, reading my body and keeping hydrated.

Does anyone actually look at their fiber and protein intake?

I was looking at my diet calendar, which is shameful I might add, and realized that I hadn't been paying close attention to my Fiber and Protein numbers. Why is this important? A natural diet of high fiber, high protein, low fat, low carb caloric intake is the best thing you can do for your body.

I realize that to eat about 1500 calories per day while getting to 25 grams of fiber and 100 grams of protein is only possible with lean proteins, leafy vegetables and limited excess.

Wish me luck!

Anne Slowey of Elle eats less than a model; Only water, wine, and some olives, crackers and cheese for a whole day?!

I was reading this article on New York Fashion Week that followed 4 people (models, fashion editor, show producer) and what they ate. Though I'm shocked at how models and editors functioned in a high stress environment for an entire week living on so little food I have to say I'm impressed by their sheer will.

To refrain from eating anything when faced with daily complementary buffets, delicious hors'dourves and free flowing alcohol? It's the pure focus on goals and the discipline that I think I could learn from.

I know, I know, some people will argue it's a function of control. An eating disorder, a disease. But isn't that what real health is? Control over your body in terms of how much it moves and how much it eats?

There's no need to go to excess or deprivation but a little bit of focus, will and self control is just what I need.