Need Food Advice!!!

[xxxpinkladyxxx]

The diets that you seem to be recommending seem to all be high in protein and low in carbs. This is fine, but I'm new to this way of eating and would like to start but need advice. It's just that I read The Shadow's post about posting up what he eats on a day to day basis which would be great but I look at what he has eaten today, and other posts from people about what they eat, and I just find it really unfamiliar. I've never heard of protein powder or protein shakes - maybe it's cos I'm from the UK??? - but what kind of things can I eat? I love chips and potatoes (especially jacket potatoes with a small square of butter, beans and cheese - I could live on this!) but I know with the Atkins diet, you can't eat potatoes or beans.

I've never ate things like egg whites. The kind of things I like to eat are beefburgers, chicken, bacon (most meats basically), potatoes/chips, baked beans, lettuce, tomatoes, coleslaw, porridge, toast, yoghurt, all fruits. Is anyone able to help me out as to which of these foods I can incorporate into the diet that you lot seem to do? Or do you know any websites that would be able to help me. The only diets I've ever done are low calorie ones or virtually starving myself. Neither of these work because I can't maintain them. I need an eating plan that I can maintain.

 

[Sassy69]

PL - are you familiar with the Body for Life program at all? This is a book that has been out for a while now, written by Bill Phillips (e.g. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060193395/103-7899699-3970251?v=glance). This is a great starter's guide to diet & healthy lifestyle. He does push some of the products that EAS (the company he's associated with) makes, but the ideas are good and sound. You can also do a search on Google on "Body for life" - there are lots of people who have done that program or are doing it and have posted up a lot of their experience with it.

That might be a great place to start just to get familiar with some of the stuff we are talking about. Don't worry, not everyone in the world lives on protein powder, etc. but it sounds like you just need some more exposure to some of the stuff that is out there.

 

[The Shadow]

The diets that you seem to be recommending seem to all be high in protein and low in carbs. This is fine, but I'm new to this way of eating and would like to start but need advice. It's just that I read The Shadow's post about posting up what he eats on a day to day basis which would be great but I look at what he has eaten today, and other posts from people about what they eat, and I just find it really unfamiliar. I've never heard of protein powder or protein shakes - maybe it's cos I'm from the UK??? - but what kind of things can I eat? I love chips and potatoes (especially jacket potatoes with a small square of butter, beans and cheese - I could live on this!) but I know with the Atkins diet, you can't eat potatoes or beans.

my diest is very balanced 40-30-30

 

[xxxpinkladyxxx]

I've just done a tiny bit of research on Google on this Body for Life program and I saw on one website that this diet is only good if you are dedicated to exercise. Now I only tend to go to the gym about 2 to 3 times a week. I don't particularly enjoy going to the gym, but I go because I want to be in shape (and I much prefer the weight training to the cardio). What I'm wondering is, because I don't go to the gym about 5 times a week like some of you do, will this diet be wrong for me?

 

[The Shadow]

diet and exercise are independent of each other

 

[jenscats5]

Don't think of it as a "diet," but more of a lifestyle...... or if you want to call it a "diet" equate the word diet with "the way you eat daily." Diet gives the connotation that it's a temporary fix to get you into that specific dress, bathing suit, etc..... If you want to be truly healthy, then make the change permanent & one you can live with. Don't be surprised if this takes time -- take it slow & make small steps.....that way you're not making a sudden change that will freak you out & cause you to binge eat.....

I found it helpful to think about what type of eater I was & go from there. Like, are you a grazer, a picker, 3 meals a day person, etc???? Do you like to snack or like "full" meals?? I, for example, like to eat -- A LOT!! So by eating more often & healthier foods, I can eat a larger volume or amount of food, thus "tricking" myself into thinking I'm eating a ton when I'm really not.

Also think about "replacements" for the foods you really like -- like chips. Look at a serving on the bag & say you get 15 chips in a serving, then look at something like Goldfish crackers -- you get 70 per serving!! That will give you the "mental" image of a big snack for about the same amount of calories as a measly 15 chips. Then, as you move along your journey to healthier eating, then eliminate the chips completely & you won't miss them by then.

BTW, protein powder is a powdered form of protein that you can blend with water or milk & ice to make a sort of drink or shake. A serving can have around 23g of protein per serving so it gives you big bang for your buck. Look around your area for a health or nutrition store. A lot of them offer free samples so you can try B4 you buy -- the taste can vary. I like Optimum Nutrition's Double Rich Chocolate, but I don't know if you can buy that in England.....

Post up with questions!! Good luck......

 

[Sassy69]

To get "the body you always wanted", the primary focus is diet. As Jen said, its all about striking a happy balance w/ a diet that fits your lifestyle. It does take some work to first understand how to feed your body, but then to take, make some adjustments to your lifestyle, and some adjustments to the food options and find something that works for you. It isn't easy at first, especially getting past so many of the food & diet myths that the media, etc. perpetuate. But it does get easier once you get the hang of it.