The Biggest Loser in 2011 (Update1).
Exactly one week ago, Lynsey from La Rosilla and ourselves , took on the Biggest Loser 2011 challenge, following a strict detox diet, with view to starting off on a regime of healthier eating , and getting back in shape, as part of our New Year resolutions for 2011.
Today, we would like to give you some feedback on our experiences.
Firstly, I have to admit that the so-called Wonder Soup was the least consumed food in the whole suggested diet. The first day it tasted really good but maybe that was just down to our enthusiasm for a new venture. The second time it tasted ok and then just looking at it made my stomach churn. Luckily though, it was not required. Thanks to input from many people, we managed to survive the week consuming only the recommended daily foods.
Another interesting factor was peoples’ reactions and attitudes to our actions. Posts on Twitter and Facebook resulted in comments such as these:
“You worry me.”
“Sorry to burst yoyr bubble folks but …..!”
“Have you committed murder yet?”
“My God, you guys are NUTS!!”
“I also wanted to let you know that we tried the detox you are doing (I laughed when I saw it! ) and lasted only two days, it was hell!!”
We are under no illusions. We decided to take on this personal challenge with view to preparing our bodies to be more receptive to a change in eating habits. Hopefully, allowing us to see quicker results for our efforts towards healthier eating and fitness.
It is simply a matter of needs and wants. And this time, the wants win over the needs. So, if you want to give it a go, our advice is “Go for it”! And if you can, encourage some friends to do it with you.
Oh, and for those that do not know us; between hubby and myself, we run three businesses and have two young children, so if you want to blame that little thing called “time” for not taking the challenge, all I can say is … think again!
So, tomorrow morning we will see if we have lost any weight. I must admit I do feel a lot better, detox headaches and slight dizzy spells now over. More than anything, whether I have achieved any weight loss or not, this experience has made me seriously look at what I am eating and has reignited my passion for healthy eating.
We are now looking forward to receiving some inspirational and tasty, healthy recipes from La Rosilla .
Some other posts you should read:
Comments
Comments (1)
“How long does this taking thin get ?” asked Pooh anxiously ……
A question I know I ask myself often, especially after the 1st week on a new healthy eating regime…Note the non use of D word !!! Well I suppose it takes as long as it takes, everybody’s different, but as long as you know you’ve done your best most of the time, the getting thin bit will happen, but the health benefits, will happen almost instantly.
My emotions, and mood, have certainly peaked and troughed, moments of euphoria, moments of weakness & exhaustion, but one the desire to succeed has stayed with me. Being in the right frame of mind, is the most important factor of any new plan, it falters and wanes at some point, but re-focusing on your goal, stopping and thinking, taking 5 is all sometimes it needs to get back on track.
and dont forget,changes should be for the better and for ever (note to self *take note*), they are not a punishment for your past, bur for a brighter healthier future, indulgences of the food and drink kind, can be enjoyed, just make sure you enjoy them, don’t beat yourself up about them,make the conscious choice that is right for you.
O.K enough of the sermon…some tasty tips for you now, and some small changes that can make the world of difference to your wasitline, mood and overall well beingness ( Not really a word, but you know what I mean)
Eat 3 meals a day and 2 small snacks- This will keep you fully charged, without any dips in energy and willpower.
Try starting the day with Hot water and a slice of Lemon before your normal, Cup of tea or coffee, this will just help the cleansing process of the day for you.
BREAKFAST IDEAS
* Scrambled egg, with grilled tomatoes and dry fried mushrooms, with oregano.
* Ruby Grapefruit with a teaspoon of Cane Honey.
* Bran flakes, with chopped banana and skimmed millk.
* Natural Yougurt with a handfull of dried fruit, and a sprinkle of omega seed mix.
SNACKS
Now some foods for instance like nuts, avocado etc are avoided as people are aware their calorie content are high, well this is the case but their health benefits, far out way this, and your body uses their nutrients for your well being, so enjoyed in small amounts they are vital as part of a healthy D !
* Crudites with homemade healthy hummus
* 5 dried Apricots.
* 5 Brazil nuts.
* Piece of fruit – best to eat whole fruit as it will have less calories that a glass of Fruit Juice, and the fibre in the fruit helps with the digestive process.
* 2 small squares of dark chocolate – A least 70% cocoa solids.
Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries).
This is a fascinating report on how to taste and appreciate chocolate, why not have a go. Click here for the details.
Depending whether you enjoy your largest meal of the day at lunchtime or evening, they are interchangeable. If you do eat your main meal at night, try and enjoy it at least 3 hours before bed, to give you body chance, to digest it. This will aid restful sleep, and avoid gaining pounds from unused calories.
Lunch and Main Meals.
Here the key is to let your imagination flow, be adventurous, and create a variety of dishes, we all know “Variety is the spice of life”, if you get bored of the same old food, you may look to snacking, or feeding your cravings with not such good options.
The main key here should be fresh, in season and tasty and filling. Options are endless.
Find a plate that is of average size, (25cms) and only fill it 3/4 full, this then will keep your portion sizes under control. Fill the majority of the plate with vegetables or salad, and then the rest with either Protein (Meat, eggs, beans etc) or Carbs ( Rice, Pasta, Potatoes etc)
See you if can go meat free every other day, on two counts, it will make you look for other proteins to satisfy you, and will help your Purse strings too .
Season, with fresh herbs where possible, make lively salsas, and stir in coriander and parsley, refreshing and vibrant on the taste buds too. When using dry herbs and spices, dry fry them in a pan first to release their heady aromas.
Make your own herb garden, and keep handy to the kitchen so you have herbs on tap !
Use vinegars and lemon juice to dress salads, and Fab Friend to salads is a reduced Balsamic vinegar, which adds a hint of sweetness.
Make homemade soups, with any vegetable that is in season, and keep a pot in the fridge, ideal as a snack for a healthy cup of soup.
Try and include sustainable fish into your plan, Langostinos and dipping sauce, can be a luxurious treat, and grilled Sardines at the Chiringuito no problema,enjoy with pleasure. Oily fish is very important in your plan.
IDEAS
* Basque Chicken Casserole
* Sweet & Sour pork with meatballs
* Hearty Beef and beer casserole
* Butternut and Apple Curry
* Roasted vegetable cous-cous
* Fish Provencal.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten, the taste of sweetness, sometimes that’s all we want… their are many puds you can enjoy….Homemade jellies, using fresh juice, Meringues (fat free), sorbet, ice lollies. dried fruit.
There are many excellent recipes, to suit all diet types on The BBC Good Food Site
So in a nutshell ;
* With small changes you can see big results.
* No D word in sight !
* Embrace celebrations with gusto, and indulge with what you choose, without regret.
* Eat calmly, and thoughtfully, acknowledge what you are eating and enjoy.
* If hunger is not the problem, than eating is not the answer.
* Drink lots of water.
* There will be times in the month, hormonal, stressful & testing. Breath deeply, take stock, talk it over with someone, or take 5 me time minutes, before comfort eating. If you choose to comfort eat, enjoy it, then move on.
REMEMBER TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY ITS THE ONLY PLACE YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN
So happy eating, enjoy your road to a new you, and don’t forget its
or face to face.
good to talk be it virtually
Lynsey x