Once and awhile I am asked how I stay trim. Some may think that I have a fast metabolism, but the truth is, I can easily gain weight and feel crummy if I veer too far off a path that works well for me.
In this post, I will share my path for one reason, with one reminder and one bonus recipe at the bottom.
Reason: Eating healthy and staying trim positively impacts every area of your life.
Reminder: Your identity is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Your size, shape or beauty does not determine who you are. Check out my last blog The Verdict for more perspective on what is true about you.
With that said, here is the path I walk:
*Please note…
I am not a nutritionist and do not claim that the basis for what I do is even scientifically accurate. There is a plethora of information out there and this is how I have chosen to walk based on my understanding.
Eat IN as much as possible
Eating OUT at restaurants is pricey, caloric and difficult to stay on the path.
Eat organic whole foods as much as possible to keep the body free of toxic chemicals
Eating organic fruits and vegetables may be pricey, but not as pricey as eating out.
Eat hormone and antibiotic-free meats
These are pricey, also, but again, not as pricey as eating out. And they taste better, too!
Eat good fats
Use coconut oil, olive oil and grape seed oil instead of canola oil and other vegetable oils. Limit butter and do not eat margarine. Good fats are important for the brain, the heart and believe it or not, maintaining a trim body.
Eat only one or two servings of whole grains (bread, hot cereal, corn chips) per day that are preferably gluten-free
Our bodies metabolize grain into sugar, which turns into unwanted fat. And research shows that gluten compromises the intestines, which prevents absorption of nutrients to the rest of the body.
Eat protein in the form of meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and non-dairy milk
Eat unlimited amounts of vegetables
Limit sugar
Eat fruit in moderation and dilute fruit juice with water. The body cannot tell the difference between fructose and sucrose and responds in the same way to fruit as it does to cane sugar. Do not drink anything with sugar, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
Limit dairy
Use coconut, almond and rice milk to replace dairy. Limit cheese, which is high in calories and bad fat.
Drink filtered water
Drink half your body weight in ounces daily. I have a chart by my water filter to keep me drinking!
Exercise
Exercise increases metabolism, boosts energy and relieves stress. I am a walker. I love the outdoors and walking seems to be the best form of exercise for my aging bones 🙂 I try to walk 4 miles, three times per week.
What is your pathway for eating healthy and staying trim? What works for you?
Recipe for my favorite high-protein, super healthy gluten-free muffins:
Applesauce Cinnamon Muffins
1 1/2 cups Almond meal
½ cup Rolled oats
2 T Flaxseed meal
1 cup Applesauce
3 Eggs
¼ cup Raw honey
1 T Cinnamon
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking soda
2 tsp Vanilla extract
1/3 cup Chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend eggs together in a separate bowl. Mix together all ingredients except eggs. Stir in blended eggs. Bake 17 or 18 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.
Banana Nut Muffins
Substitute 1 cup mashed bananas for the applesauce. Omit the cinnamon.