Back eating more healthy foods I DO feel better and sleep better and I've lost 5 pounds in the last six weeks, without counting calories (except those I include for readers). I do use "My Fitness Pal" to track carbs and fat and sodium though as well as get a general idea of average calories in a week. I noticed also, since I started working out again, my weight loss about doubled over just healthier food choices, doing an hour workout of cardio and light weights twice a week with three power walks (except for the last couple of weeks when I sprained my knee on a slippery surface).
But I found I had better luck with my eating when I allowed one little treat a day.
I'm not talking a big bowl of ice cream or a giant cheeseburger and fries. Just a small portion of food I really liked, and could nibble on for between 90 and 175 calories.
Depending on whether I wanted sweet, salty or savory, here are some of my favorites.
10 baked tortilla chips with 1/3 cup salsa.
fig newton and small glass unsweetened almond milk
raw veggies with 1/4 cup hummus, a pickle spear and a few olives
frozen grapes (a couple dozen)
half a frozen banana dipped in two tablespoons of melted dark chocolate
Low fat coconut yogurt with a teaspoon of granola
3 dates stuffed with vegan ricotta cheese (the recipe at The Simple Vegenista blog) and sprinkled with cinnamon
1 cup berries
2 teaspoons raisins mixed with 3 tablespoons of salted almonds
English "biscuit" or a couple of vanilla wafers with tea and honey
What are YOUR favorite low cal treats?
I love your treats! All my fave treats are bad for me, lol.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteHmmm good question... I realise, with your having asked it, that I don't think in terms of 'treat' actually. This body needs its fuel and the fuel is generally vegetable or fruit-based. Doesn't mean I don't like flavour or sweetness in food. Just don't think in terms of treats... I eat twice a day (unless out and about with others, which alters routine). If at all I snack, it will be on a piece of fruit or a cube of cheese; others have remarked in the past that I don't ever seem to crave things (like chocolate for instance); and I don't. .... looking like a blob doesn't help my cause when I argue this - but it comes down to the exercise you mention and the fact that 'the old arthur' has kept me restricted from anything beyond a crawl and next to no bending or stretching.
As I am typing (rambling?!) here, am trying to work out why I don't think in terms of treats and it has struck me it is because it suggests that one has 'been a good girl' or is eating outside the norm in some way. I don't reward with food and 'outside the norm' happens when I travel - and travel is definitely my treat!!!
All that from a simple question?!! Thanks for the thought tickler!
Eyes-on... YAM xx
Being on the no food diet as we lovingly call it, I am loving this seed bar recipe my nutritionist gave me. I eat a lot of seeds, nuts and veggies as snacks. It is hard on work at the centre days because I can't have nuts or sesame on those days.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that I am having a portion control issue. Your treats are all good choices and the portions are very reasonable. It's nice to be able to lose weight without counting all those calories. I think that causes a thinking problem that derails weight loss!
ReplyDeleteC