Share some food recipes

Hallanole

Okay, I have come across a little problem. It seems in high stress, I have put on weight. I only need to lose like 20lbs max right now in my belly to be happy. I have not found time to go to the gym unless it's like 8-9pm and then it's a good 25 min ride to the gym. Completely kills motivation right now when I'm so tired.

So I figure step one, eat a little healthier. But I'm not really sure what else I can do. I have been trying to sort of do weight watchers. It's estimated as I lost all my info from years ago.

My day is 2, nutragrain bars in the am, then a weight watcher meal or a salad for lunch, then I have dinner with the family. I don't over eat.

Evidently this is not working as I have gained about 10-15lbs. I saw a picture of myself and omfg!

S help and share some healthier recipes, what have you been doing? ect. I need motivation too cause now I'm just sad over all this.

michelle11988

My biggest surprise after gaining a fast 10 lbs one year was how many calories and fat are in premade sides.  I'm not sure what you eat for dinner, but those rice-a-roni packages and stuff similar to that are loaded with fat even if you do the low-fat recipe on the box.  I would say cut out processed foods as much as possible, and eat a lot of veggies and fruits.  Also try bulking up your breakfast a bit with fruit, it seems like not a lot.

BeachLover2885

I agree with Michelle about the processed foods.  I find I really need to count calories in order to lose weight.  I use the MyFitnessPal app to keep track and I also really like the website skinnytaste.com for low fat, low calorie recipes.  The last two weeks I was not watching what I ate so starting today I'm back on track for the wedding.  

mekiakoo

Try to fit in some exercises during work. Not sure what you do, but if possible- take breaks and stretch, go for a walk during your lunch, do small arm/leg exercises at your desk, etc.

arunkumar

I would also cut out frozen food because there is a ton of salt and preservatives, which will cause you to bloat.  Stick with fresh fruits and veggies (raw, steamed or roasted) and eat a lot of salads (mixed greens and spinach rather than iceberg lettuce).  Instead of nutrigrain bars, try eating roasted almonds or other unsalted nuts. Limit snacking and late night eating if you can.  The main thing is to really watch your portion size and try to eat fresh foods rather than frozen/processed foods.

k8888

Ditto PP about getting rid of processed food.  They're full of so many hidden sugars, fats, sodium, chemicals, etc etc.

Switch your Nutrigrain bars that you eat for breakfast (they're PACKED with sugar) for Greek yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, eggs, or whole wheat toast and almond/peanut butter.  All of these are easy to prepare ahead of time and grab on the go.

I get bored with salads for lunch so I'll make extra servings for dinner and take a small portion for lunch the next day.  I always try to include 3-4 servings of fruits and veggies with lunch.

Think whole, natural, fiber, protein, when deciding what you want to eat.  Stay away from soda... all soda.  Get rid of pre-packaged frozen meals (Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, etc.).  Take the time and plan your meals in advance.. make extra for leftovers.  Correct portions are also key, and if you're doing Weight Watchers, that will help you tremendously with learning portion control.

Good luck!!!

butterflyjumper1

ditto the others - stay away from processed foods. Even frozen veggies, lean cuisines, etc. have tons of salt and gross preservatives in them despite being low-calorie.

Buy lots of fresh produce. Plan each meal to include lean protein + veggies. If you find yourself getting hungry, add in some quinoa, brown rice, or other healthy whole grain.

Stay away from those nutrigrain bars too, they are full of sugar and not as healthy as you think! Start your morning with some steel cut oats or a fresh fruit + greek yogurt smoothie instead.

One of my BFFs and bridesmaids had an allergic reaction about 3 weeks before her wedding (her entire body and face was swollen and blistered). her doctor couldn't figure out what had caused it, so she was told to eat nothing but plain chicken breasts and fresh veggies until the doc could figure it out. She is a VERY small and gorgeous girl, but she lost about 8 pounds sticking to the chicken breast and veggies diet for the 3 weeks before her wedding. Obviously, this is not the best way to lose weight (it would not be healthy or sustainable so I would NEVER recommend this long term) - but she got the nutrients she needed and cut out everything that was unnecessary. I might follow the "Allison Diet" a few weeks before my wedding just to shed a few final pounds!

AllyG303

I agree with the PPs, but since you asked for recipes specifically, here are a few of my favorite low-cal recipes:

Baked Pesto Spaghetti Squash:

http://theimprovkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/change-it-up.html

Low fat Baked Ziti with Spinach:

http://www.skinnytaste.com/search?q=baked+ziti

Chicken lo mein (recipe says pork, but I make it with chicken):

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/meat/pork-lo-mein/

Pasta Primavera:

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pasta/herbed-pasta-primavera/

FI and I also eat a lot of seasoned, baked chicken and steamed veggies.

bridetobe71412

Processed foods are horrible for you. They are loaded with artificial ingredients which aren't digested properly by the body. 

And low-calorie meals/foods are LOADED with sugar (that's how they are able to be low-calorie). Sugar = fat. Period.

Eat whole grains, low-glycemic fruits and vegetables and you will lose weight in a flash. One easy thing to do is do not eat pasta or white bread at all - eat whole grains like rice instead (brown rice, if possible). Do not get "wheat" bread which is not whole grain - it's just white enriched flour with some wheat in it. Unless the wheat bread says "100% whole grain" on the package, it's just white bread with added wheat, which is just higher calorie white bread.

Eat chicken breasts or turkey breasts over red meat; and eat chicken/turkey over lunchmeat at all times. Lunchmeat is super processed and full of salt. Salt is bad for your blood pressure and leads to heart problems. It also makes you retain water.

DRINK A TON OF WATER. Although it sounds counterintuitive, you will bloat if you DON'T drink enough water because your body will hold on to every single ounce of liquid you put into it. If you drink enough water, you will not be bloated.

Do not eat Nutrigrain bars. Like PPs said, eat oatmeal (but not the sugar packed ones from Quaker - do steel cut oats).

Hallanole

I don't believe I eat a ton of processed foods.

Well I went food shopping and went against my usual buys. Thank you all. You did make me conscience of what was being bought.

Today, I have hard boiled eggs for breakfast. The Nutragrain bars are gone.
Lunch is salad of mixed greens and chicken, with fruit on the side.

Tonight I'm hitting the gym for the first time in many weeks. Granted, I've been taking some little walks and such, but not my 3 mile treadmill.

I have decided to cut out a good 95% carbs, more fruit/veggies, less sugar. At the same token though, I am not going to deprive myself if I crave something silly. I will limit it.

Let's hope this small food change and such get me to drop a few belly pounds.

butterflyjumper1

hallanole, congrats on taking the first step towards healthiness!! sounds like you are doing great so far - that lunch sounds delicious!!

I am a firm believer in giving in to urges/cravings. When I want something sweet or something salty, I give in to my craving - but keep it to maybe 4-5 bites or a really small serving. it keeps me happy, I don't crave things, and I don't overeat when I have urges. 

Keep us updated on your progress, and enjoy your workout tonight!!