can't eat clean

[Autumn68]

I was doing so well eating clean and working out and loosing weight. Suddenly It might be due to stress (holiday stress) I am hungry all day. I just can't shake it. I eat a protein/carb bar in the am before workout so it's not like I'm just eating carbs for breakfast. I limit my intake, but still "take". I don't binge, Thank God, but I eat more than I should. I had control up to about 2 wks now.
I also workout but since I am eating more, I feel bad and don't do my extra workouts that I have scheduled, just the one. HELP....any suggestions?
Autumn

 

[JodelleFitzh20]

Autumn, it sounds as if your body just isn't getting the nutrients it is in need of. Cravings are our bodies way of telling us, "I need more nutrients, and I'm not sure how to get them, so I'm just going to keep you hungry until I get what I need." Although protein bars are promoted as being "healthy" most are just glorified, protein filled candy bars. Depending on the brand, they still contain way too much sugar, overly processed chemicals, and even some with trans fat! Not sure what bar you are eating, but weather it's low carb or not, it sounds like that is not a satisfactory breakfast according to your body. Have you tried more of a whole food balance, like scrambled eggs whites, a piece of sprouted grain toast with all natural peanut butter, and a peice of fruit? All that is quick to make, and covers all your bases when it comes to nutrients - protein in eggs and nut butter, healthy fat in the nut butter, whole grain in the toast, and vitamins and fiber in the fruit! Or how about a fresh fruit smoothie with greek yogurt and flax oil? The fruit provides antioxidants, the greek yogurt give you protein, and the flax oil gives you your healthy fat that actually helps you burn stored body fat! These kind of things stay with you longer and satisfy and helps you meet your early part of the day quota of nutrients your body longs for, so that those night time noshes don't get out of control.
I find that when I make sure I'm getting enough healthy fats, my cravings are non-existent.
Hope that helps. I know eating clean can be frustrating to figure out, but don't beat yourself up if you don't always eat clean. It's the holidays so it's always going to be a little harder for everyone to eat clean. Just remember if you fall off the clean eating wagon, you are only 3 hours away from your next meal, where you have a chance to do better and get back on track. One mess up will not screw you up for good. As a workout buff, your body can handle a little slip up. Just keep it to a minimum, enjoy yourself, and get back on track on your next meal!

 

[Autumn68]

Thanks for the encouragement. I actually had stopped having the fruit smoothies. I use fruit, greek yogurt, flax oil, and a little local honey. I'll have to bring that back in the mix. Yeah, maybe your right about the bars. I'll have to relook at the food I am eating and go back to the way I was more. Thanks again. Autumn.

 

[ldy_solana]

i really feel the type of food you eat helps too. i eat lots of raw veggies/fruits at work and snack on them at home. bananas,apples, salads, baby carrots,peppers etc. i usually have a piece of fruit before workouts. i do light cardio,kettlebells,pilates, or barre work in the morning and 3-4 afternoons i do total body weight circuits or 30 min HIIT cardio. before i leave work to hit the gym i have another piece of fruit sometimes a milk.

i have been trying to keep it small meals/snacks through out the day. i don't bloat up as much and my energy is a little better.

i find if i do indulge with a little to much say cheesecake, protein bar etc i feel tired and no motivation.

ITA about those protein bars i actually stopped eating them a while ago. i buy protein powder and keep it in a little tupperware cup at work for just in case days. i mix it with milk or yogurt. with the powder you can read all the nutrients so you know what you are getting.

kassia

 

[Autumn68]

Thanks for your imput. I do have whey protein that I mix w/ skim milk. I do need to eat more fruit and veggies, I maybe have 2 or so servings a day of each, sometimes just 1. I am trying to make my meals smaller and that's been working. I make my portions smaller than dh. Thanks, btw, love your quote. - Autumn

 

[maddiesmum]

A protein bar is still aprocessed food. How can anyone think that these constitute real food?

Kick them out of your diet. Go back to the homemade fruit smoothie. Way better. Eat real food that your body knows what to do with,

if you plan to cut junk out of your diet, try not to do it in such a total, all-consuming, sweeping way so that a few weeks down the road you cannot hold the cravings at bay any longer and start to binge on all that is "forbidden." Instead, take small, baby steps and eliminate one evil junk item at a time. Wean yourself off hem slowly for lasting results and as you do so, find healthy substitutes fir each one, i.e., if you eliminate chocolate, sub with fruit, or snacking almonds which will help give you that satisfaction and sweetness instead.

Good luck,

Clare

 

[kathryn]

I agree with others: ditch the protein bars.

Instead, try a green smoothie (here are some recipes : http://thecathenation.com/forum/blog.php?b=1595 ) they will give you the nutrients (especially minerals like magnesium, which many Americans are deficient in) to help you feel satisfied. It will also help you get in more fruits and veggies, which are important for health.

 

[nancy324]

If you start your morning with a processed bar, you will be on the processed food train for the rest of the day. What you eat for breakfast is important. You can make old-fashioned, non-processed oatmeal in the microwave in about 3 minutes. Yum!

 

[ldy_solana]

If you start your morning with a processed bar, you will be on the processed food train for the rest of the day. What you eat for breakfast is important. You can make old-fashioned, non-processed oatmeal in the microwave in about 3 minutes. Yum!

YUM indeed. some days i mix in protein powder(i found a cookies and cream flavored one that is good) or mix in your own cinnamon sugar with sliced apples. bananas and raisins are also my options to mix in.

kassia

 

[Autumn68]

Wow, thanks everyone for your advise. I really have to cut out that bar and start to clean it up. eggs, fruit, almonds, etc. All things I eat anyway, just got to get rid of the other stuff in my diet. And I need to drink more H20.
Autumn

 

[ldy_solana]

And I need to drink more H20.
Autumn

same here. its easy in the warmer weather but now that its getting colder its a bit harder. i am trying to at least drink tea to warm up and still drink something good. but at work i am good to get at least 4-6 servings.

kassia