I am a serial dieter. Part of the reason for this is due to the fact that I have epilepsy and alopecia universalis. I’m always trying to up my health to optimal levels. My theory is that once you obtain optimal health, your health problems disappear. For the most part, that has been true for me. I no longer deal with asthma or eczema. My seasonal allergies, which used to trigger massive asthma attacks, are almost non-existent. I haven’t found the “magic bullet” to trigger hair regrowth after losing my hair six years ago. That is a huge disappointment for me. When I don’t see an improvement in my hair regrowth after a couple months, I tend to give up on whatever diet I’m doing. I’ve done the Autoimmune Paleo diet, Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet, Blood Type Diet, Vegan, Vegetarian, Raw Vegan and now ketogenic. The only diet that was relatively ineffective for me was the raw vegan diet. I lost too much weight on that and looked sickly. However, you learn something every time you try something.
This last week, I slid off my diet. I’m doing the ketogenic diet. One thing that I’ve discovered by doing the ketogenic diet is that fat isn’t necessarily going to make you fat. My weight on the ketogenic diet actually fluctuated based on my activity level more than anything. I also learned how to love greens and get creative with the few carbs that I was allowed on the diet.
This week, I’m working on going back on the ketogenic diet. I’m going to start on Saturday. The reason for this is that it is the day that I shop for food. The key to successfully staying on a diet is having a plan. What are you going to eat when you start feeling bored and want a snack? What are you going to eat for breakfast? Will you make breakfast for the week or each day? Another great tip is to stock up on your favorites that are allowed on the diet. For me, that means bacon for breakfast and cream cheese and celery for snacks. While I love a good pot roast for dinner meals, I did that last week and will be buying a chicken this week to use in my fabulous power pressure cooker. [easyazon_image align=”right” height=”110″ identifier=”B00MZZXO4W” locale=”US” src=”https://getfitandhealthyathome.com//wp-content/uploads/2017/03/51fvHhfgdXL.SL110.jpg” tag=”mcurle08-20″ width=”110″]
Here’s my meal plan for the week:
Monday Breakfast: Bacon, broccoli
Monday Lunch: Salad, nuts and cheese
Monday Dinner: Chicken Soup
Tuesday Breakfast: Bacon, mushrooms, broccoli, deviled eggs
Tuesday lunch: Salad with tuna, celery and cream cheese
Tuesday dinner: Chicken casserole
Wednesday Breakfast: Bacon, sauteed spinach, mushrooms and onions
Wednesday lunch: Salad, deviled eggs
Wednesday dinner: chicken casserole
Thursday breakfast: bacon and sauteed veggies
Thursday lunch: salad with salmon and nuts and cheese
Thursday dinner: steamed spinach and Tilapia
Friday breakfast: bacon and deviled eggs
Friday lunch: salad with tuna fish, celery and cream cheese
Friday dinner: chicken stir fry with broccoli, peppers, onions, mushrooms
I don’t eat dessert everyday. I have lost a lot of the sugar cravings that most people have. Once I start eating a sweet, they come right back though. That’s why I slipped off my diet. It was so delicious and I’m not going to beat myself up over it though. So, what do I plan on for a sweet treat? Panna cotta! Seriously low in carbohydrates and easy to make!
1 can coconut milk
2 tablespoons of gelatin
2 tablespoons of zero carbohydrate sweetener
Lemon juice from one lemon and the zest of one lemon
Directions: Pour coconut milk into a pan, while stirring, slowly add the two tablespoons of gelatin. Add 2 tablespoons of sweetener (or to taste). Add the lemon juice and zest. Bring to a boil. Take off the heat and pour into dessert dishes. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Makes 5 servings.
This satisfies my sweet tooth and cuts down on cravings! Here are the products that I personally use to make this sweet treat[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B01I8AEUDQ” locale=”US” src=”https://getfitandhealthyathome.com//wp-content/uploads/2017/03/41vZes8worL.SL160.jpg” tag=”mcurle08-20″ width=”107″][easyazon_image align=”left” height=”110″ identifier=”B0008D6WBA” locale=”US” src=”https://getfitandhealthyathome.com//wp-content/uploads/2017/03/418vF7AATkL.SL110-1.jpg” tag=”mcurle08-20″ width=”110″][easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B001HTJ2BQ” locale=”US” src=”https://getfitandhealthyathome.com//wp-content/uploads/2017/03/51kmxzvSzL.SL160.jpg” tag=”mcurle08-20″ width=”105″]
Once you have your plan for your diet, it becomes easy to stick with it. If you know that you are one of those people that is easily tempted by the bakery at the corner, make a plan to avoid that. Avoid the kitchen. You will eat less. Another great tip that I have learned over the years is that positive affirmations work! Stick inspirational posters up, write post it notes to yourself, say affirmations. It will help you focus on eating the healthier foods that your body needs and wants.
One of my audio favorite programs for affirmations is the Think Right Now programs. I am currently listening to their sales audio, but if you are getting back into fitness, Think Right Now has a great audio to keep you on track. I’ve noticed that it does start to change your thoughts and that slowly changes your habits to something more positive, so if you are having a difficult time getting started or committed to your diet, this is a great help. Commit instead to listening to it at night or for half an hour a day for at least 3 months. You will notice a change in your behaviors. (I have used them to get more organized and now I’m working on sales.)
