Lifestyle Change Verses Dieting... RECIPE INSIDE TOO!

In the past few weeks, I have had a number of conversations with friends and family that can be very revealing... seems we don't get what a "Lifestyle" change is, oh! we understand the word alright but, we don't have the concept down.

When you think of a DIET most people think, Elimination or Sacrifice or Bland or Starvation or Deprivation and I would agree with them 100 bazillion percent! lol!

But, when you say a LIFESTYLE change... *sound of crickets*

Think of your habits, what you eat and drink, when and where and how much and how often... now factor in, how much you move that is NOT a part of your daily routine.. like going to work, what you do at work or even housework.  Remember, back at the beginning, we talked about Habits, made or broken etc...  and how a "lifestyle" is established over YEARS, not days or weeks.

Some of the people I have talked to, have a "drastic" notion when it comes to making this change... to that I say,... When you were diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes.... was it drastic?  Did it cause a "change" in how you do things?

THAT is a lifestyle change brought on by an emergency, a medical situation that you are now left with NO choice.

It was once believed that as we aged, our metabolism slowed down, therefore we needed less calories.  This was debunked a number of years ago as "junk" because, the truth is, as we age WE slow down and our metabolism is based on "need".  If we are doing more, we need more, if we are doing less, we need less.

Honestly... when's the last time you couldn't wait to finish dinner so you could get back outside and ride your bike, play tag or hide 'n seek?

Do you have to give up your favorite foods?  I'm German, I'm Italian, I'm French and our culture eats... the simple answer is NO, you do NOT have to give up anything other than BAD Fats, EMPTY Calories, WHITE Sugar/Corn Syrup and HUGE Portion Sizes.

There is NOTHING you are eating now that you can't find a healthier alternative or an alternate way of making it that is healthier if that makes more sense, THEN it is up to you to CONTROL YOURSELF! lol!! Exercise is more than physical movement, its EXERCISING SELF CONTROL!

I LOVE FOOD!!! But, I LOVE ME more than I love food.  

Just so you understand my statement, LOVE means Commitment, not passion, not feelings, not lust, not emotions, its a covenant or vow or bond I make with Myself... or with Food.

As a Follower of Christ, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is "Self Control"... and it does mean in all areas regarding the flesh.  This one is a constant battle lol!!  I SEE, I WANT, I LOVE... 

I DO eat chocolate, potato chips, ice cream... and here are some pictures of HEALTHY Alternatives...  Sorry I just finished the chocolate bar I had in the fridge for 6 weeks and tossed the wrapper lol!! 

Skinny Cow and Real Dairy, they come in INDIVIDUAL Servings to HELP my Self Control!  I actually like plain Ice Cream and I only have one of these  occasionally.

Yes Potato Chips that are REAL and you get more than 5 for a serving!! LOL!
I bought these at Zehrs and you get 30!! Chips which is a bowl and only 170 Calories!!! 

What it comes down to is this... you have to be willing FIRST to be accountable to YOU, you have to be willing to RE-EDUCATE your Eyes and your Mind and READ LABELS! You have to be willing to put the work and the effort into all of it, including moving, workout at whatever level you are able to do!! And you have to be willing to change your Love of Food to a NEED For Food you Love to Eat and LOVE yourself More!

There are some GREAT DVD's out there, one I just tried was Biggest Loser 30 Day Jump Start... kicked my butt!!! And its only 10 minute Training sessions ONCE A DAY for 30 Days!!! Now who can't do that! lol!! It has different levels baaed on who you look at on the DVD.

A Lifestyle change is NOT a DIET! there is NO deprivation, if you are on FB, so am I and you can see pictures of the meals I eat on there... how about this morning... do you like an Omelet and Toast? 

This was my breakfast this morning... does that look like starvation or something you would eat on a diet?

RECIPE

1 Slice of German Probiotic Bread (80 Calories)

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil (60 Calories)

1 Lg Egg (70 Calories)

1/4 Cup Egg Whites Only (30 Calories)

1 Strip Red & Green Pepper

1 Slice Red Onion

1 Slice Gallaxy Foods Cheddar Soy Based Cheese (44 Calories)

TOTAL CALORIES: 284 

I have a NEAT omelet maker that goes into the microwave... While my bread was toasting, I added all the ingredients to the one side.

STARTING with the egg & whites and mix a bit, then add the veggies, even broccoli would be great in this! And the cheese being last on the top.

Close it and pop it in the microwave for about 1 minute and a 1/2, it will vary based on the Watts of your Microwave.

Then put the Coconut Oil on your toast, your Omelet should be done around the same time and ENJOY!!! I add Pepper to mine.  

YOU COULD ADD some Salsa on top if you like as well.  

Enjoy!!! And have a Great Weekend!! Happy Mother's Day to the Mom's out there  :o)