Observations on food

[L Sass]

And I know that most of us struggle with this topic esp this time of year. I had a fascinating revelation this last week, and have to share with you guys.

For about the last 3 months I've really focused on clean eating. No programs like WW, NutriSystem, low carb, low fat, etc. Just clean. I know that's hard. I began working with a trainer who had me journal my food. I had always heard the benfits of doing that, but had never seriously tried to do it. So I did - and after that renowned 30 days - it really did become a habit. BUT -- after 3 solid months of clean eats, I gave myself 2 cheat days this last week. One on Xmas day and the other on Sat when we went to a party that had oodles of amazing food.

Here's my lesson/revelation. I didn't realize how GOOD my body felt on the balanced and clean food - until I stopped it - even though briefly. The sluggishness that came from the processed, heavy foods was amazing (and not in a good way.) It was almost as if this clean eating is a drug that unbeknownst to me had me feeling SOOOOO good, and it wasn't until I stepped away from it that I felt its true effect.

I know we are all different and different things work or don't work. Those were my observations. Just wondering - as we go into 2009, what are your food observations?

 

[jdawnc]

I know exactly what you mean! I am still recovering from mood swings and major bloating caused by all the food!

It won't take long to get back into clean eating and regular schedule.

Happy New Year!

 

[orphylea]

I totally agree and think the same thing about exercise- I never realize the energy and stamina it gives me until I miss a few days.

My thought on food is to do pretty much what you're doing. I have always been a WW girl (for both pregnancies it did help me lose the weight) but I have shifted my focus from just calories or points and more into whole foods. I don't eat clean 100%, but probably 90-95% and I love it! I am experimenting with whole grains (love oat groats) and things like kefir. It's a fun process and I'm enjoying learning more about nutrition.

As I go into 2009, I think my goal is to continue learning more about food and trying new recipes that include foods I haven't tried yet.

 

[SirenSongWoman]

Yep. I'm on vacation and am eating about 75% clean. When I'm working it's closer to 80-85%. Not clean enough to get where I want to be but the difference in my mood and alertness is shocking. The Xmas food fest left all of us sitting around the table afterwards, with droopy eyes, resting our chins in our hands and staring into space like zombies. You really are what you eat.

 

[NRG Woman]

My recent food aha was in the hospital. I found that while I was in the hospital I easily and naturally pushed the food away when I was comfortably done (automatically at that 80% full place) but at home I find never do that. I finally figured out that a lot of it has to do with feeling guilty that DH spent so much time and effort cooking me a meal. It is much worse since I have been sick and unable to do much around the house to help. I talked to DH about it and he was floored and really wants me to stop when I hit that 80% mark. I guess that will be one of my goals for 2009.

Shayne

 

[CollinsMom]

I agree completely!! I ate whatever I wanted -- and plenty of it -- on Christmas and the day after. When I put my legs on the step the next day, they felt like lead!! I was so psyched to workout cause it had been three days since I had worked out, and I had received new workouts and equipment for christmas. But it was lack-luster to say the least...

I vowed to get back on the wagon, then my DS gave me strep throat. So that turned into more days of bad eating (soup and milkshakes) and no workouts

I am feeling better now, so I will try again!!

 

[jtota]

Where can I learn more about eating "clean" and eating whole foods. I have been wanting to do this for sometime now but all of the diet info out there is confusing. When i have found info in whole foods it's been way over the top, where do you start?

 

[orphylea]

A good place to start is Eating Clean by Tosca Reno. Here is her website.

http://www.eatcleandiet.com/

You can get her books on Amazon- it's a good place to learn about eating clean and it has some simple recipes to start. She also has a recipe book.

Katie: Glad you are feeling better! We had a similar issue- I ate whatever I wanted at a Christmas party and then we all had the stomach flu. So it was a carbohydrate recovery from that (ack!) and now (as of this past weekend) I'm back. It feels good.

 

[Lynn M.]

Oh boy can I relate!!!

Not only do I feel great physically, but my mental alertness is so much better when I 'm eating right.

When I eat high fat, bad carb foods I feel so sluggish, its almost like I've taken a Xanax.

Unfortunately, I seem to forget this everytime I walk by a pile of chips or chocolate these days.. I sooo can't wait until the holidays and vacation is over so that the opportunity to make bad food choices isn't so easy!

Take care, Lynn