I have been on this eat less move more journey for almost a year and a half now.
Every human body is different, and we are not issued with instruction manuals for our bodies. What works for me will not always work for someone else. Some of the things I have learned only apply to me, but there are a couple of lessons which will be of interest and possibly work for most people. I’m putting those up front. :)
1. My portion size was too big.
I remember the days when I used to eat a whole pizza in one sitting. My pizza is 170 calories per slice and there are 6 slices. Eat all six, and that right there is 1020 calories. I now aim for 1200 calories a day spread out over 3 meals and one snack. I still have my pizza, but I have three slices which is 510 calories. The remaining slices go in the fridge for dinner the next night.
2. Protein shakes are important for me.
My lunchtime protein shake is so simple. I have updated the recipe as I now use almond milk and more protein. It removes thought from the equation and for me that is quite important and useful. I know what I’ll be having for lunch if I am at home, every day, forever.
I now buy my unflavoured protein online in bulk and I have switched to the Whey Protein Isolate from Bulk Nutrients. I buy 4kg at a time and it lasts me between 4-6 months depending on whether I am cooking other things with it. They do have some awesome treats you can create.
My protein shake tastes like a great milkshake that I would get from somewhere like Max Brenner or an upscale cafe. Who wouldn’t enjoy one of those every single day especially if one knows that it is giving you vital nutrients for your body? :)
3. Eating is the key.
If I eat right, I can do less and sometimes even no exercise and still lose or maintain my weight. I can still have the occasional calorific meal and it makes no difference in the long run. With that said, I have grown to love our new diet and generally prefer it to take away or eating out.
4. Some foods & medicines slow down my digestion.
This one might apply only to my body but I add it because it is worth trying to work out which foods work best for you. The one thing I really do not want to do above all other things is end up getting diverticulitis again. I’ve noticed that when I eat some foods my digestion slows to a crawl and I am bloated, gassy, and generally feel Not Great. Those foods are – potatoes – bread – pasta – anything containing a lot of flour.
I also know that codeine has a similar effect. This is a problem for me as that is my main heavy duty pain killer. It is ok if I have a once off headache, but I can no longer take cold and flu tablets with codeine in, as I take those for 4 days at a time.
5. I struggle with the cold weather.
This is likely related to my thyroid issues. I have antibodies which are attacking my thyroid and have to take a small dose of thyroxine daily to compensate. In summer I am fine but when the cool weather hits, I’ll be the one layering up to sometimes hilarious levels. Scarves, gloves, beanies, all the jackets, plus those super warm Ghanda hoodies are my best friends on a cold night now.
You might think I mean when going outside, but I have taken to wearing gloves and the occasional beanie in the house now. It just helps keep me warm without needing to put the gas heater on all the time.
