A few days ago, I was chatting with my barber about what I was doing to keep the weight off. While I mentioned some full body and dumbbell home workouts, I talked about the transformation of my nutrition as key to new body, improved health. Over the past three years, I’ve developed a list of new favorite foods that have really helped me keep the weight off.
Fast food out, Home-cooking in
When I started this journey three years ago, one major change was significantly reducing my consumption of fast food. Especially, my favorites from the drive thru and delivery. Over time, I cut out some fast foods completely, while occasionally enjoying a few social favorites like pizza. Even with pizza I learned to make it at home with ingredients from the grocery store and local market. When I had a burger, it was often made at home with seasoned ground beef or ground turkey.
This was only part of how my nutrition changed, however, as I discovered new foods that eventually became part of my daily diet. As the weight dropped, I became more comfortable eating a variety of healthier foods. Here’s sample of my new favorite foods that have helped me keep the weight off.
Oatmeal
One key change in my diet was the re-introduction of oatmeal as I ate it (or farina) often as a kid. As an adult, I occasionally enjoyed flavored oatmeal from packets, which were loaded with added sugar and calories. My typical breakfast was a calorie-dense drive thru meal or a diner-style big breakfast. Once I started this journey, I switched to plain oatmeal, first with raisins then eventually fresh fruit. While I don’t eat it religiously, most mornings include a satiating bowl of cooked oats, which gives me the energy I need to avoid snacking.
Almonds
Now I’d be lying if I said I didn’t struggle with snacking throughout my health and wellness journey. The reduction of snacks was extremely difficult for me as I’ve always snacked. Especially when I traveled. The incorporation of almonds into my diet was a game changer. Salted, unsalted, sweet or spicy, almonds have become my go-to snack.
I occasionally exceeded my daily limit of healthy fats from overindulging in my new favorite snack, but it was worth it! Almonds have been a great alternative to chips, nachos, hard pretzels, candy, etc. They can be a little pricey, so I often look for special deals with larger amounts at my grocery store. I can pack them to carry almost anywhere, which has helped reduce my consumption of less healthy options.
Beets
This is a food that my spouse introduced me to early on in our relationship. While I generally disliked beets, I tried it to please her and to be more culturally open. Once I started my health and wellness journey, I realized that I had one of the healthiest foods sitting in my fridge waiting for me to really try. Motivated to lose weight, I opened myself to the many ways one could enjoy beats: shredded with garlic, diced with leafy greens and as a delicious soup!
I actually had a bowl of beet soup with turkey meatballs for dinner this evening. It continues to be a filling dish. What’s amazing is how I nonchalantly eat variations of beet dishes now! I have a lovely spouse, but I honestly never thought I’d take to beets. It’s a great example of how my nutrition (and my life) has changed.
Endless Possibilities for Keeping the Weight Off
One of the amazing aspects of my health and wellness journey is that I’m such an amateur. It feels like I’m just scratching the surface of what’s possible with exercise and nutrition. The above-mentioned foods are part of a new diet that I introduced gradually to replace my consumption of junk food. But it hasn’t been perfect as I’ve relaxed my efforts at times. Still, the benefits of finding new favorite foods to keep the weight off have been undeniable.
There are definitely new levels of healthy eating and exercise that I’ve yet to experience, which is fine. My gradual pace of nutrition and exercise regimen is deliberate as I want these practices to be a lasting part of me. It’s really opening my eyes to new ways of appreciating food and life.