Losing Weight & Not Hungry (Really) - Part 1

I'm not starving right now as I'm writing this and I'm not starving myself with this change to my overall diet - honestly!

I am doing 5 things:

 1.Eating more natural, healthier foods

 2.Eating reasonable portions

 3.Eating well balanced meals

 4.Eating a variety of foods

 5.Only eating when I am hungry

And I've lost 9 pounds in two and a half weeks. I think that is more successful than any other previous "diet" I have been on. This is also NOT a diet. I am not counting calories and I am allowing myself things I like (like cheese and pine nuts on salads, red meat & even butter in recipes yikes!). I know the running program is also helping. For those not sure about starting it - that it might be too much of commitment... It is 3 days per week for 25 minutes or so - totally doable. I actually like to do it every other day. I find it easier that way - so technically for me it's 4 days per week. 

Here's some detail into the ways I have changed my diet.

1. Eating more natural/healthier foods:

- I've always made sure that my daughter has eaten this way when possible through the food I have made her since she started eating solid food- and at some point I realized - aren't I worth it too?

- Seeing Food Inc. when it first came out really opened my eyes to how bad certain foods really can be. 

- In order to do this I've had to start cooking more and planning ahead. I am more organized and the whole family is going to be better because of it. 

- I actually feel a lot better physically already from making this change. 

Tips- It is more expensive and takes a lot more time to eat this way. Going to your local farmers market this summer can help reduce costs.  I've also found that Trader Joe's has the best prices on a lot of the natural food items by far vs. natural food stores which are usually a rip off. In terms of time, I wash and cut things every few days and store in zip lock bags or containers for easy/quick access - so time can never be an excuse. If you feel like eating something you used to really like, try to find a healthier recipe for it online - that's what I've been doing.

2. Eating Reasonable Portions:

- Let's face it... After being on probably 20 different types of diets over the span of my life thus far including weight watchers about 4 times - I know what a real portion size should be, however eating one has always been a problem. And eating the right size portion has been the hardest part for me so far. The food tastes good and most of the time I do want more than what I actually eat. Not because I am that hungry...mainly because I used to like the feeling of being pretty full.

Tips-Eat a reasonable portion. If you still feel like you are hungry have a cup of tea (green if it's early enough in the day or herbal. I like Celestial Seasonings sleepytime). If you still feel hungry 1/2 hour later, let your self eat something else that's less calories than another portion of what you are eating. Something different with protein/fat - like a mozzarella string cheese or I also like Sunrise Energy Bars (you can find them at Costco). Also if you are trying to break the old habit of ending a meal with something sweet (which I almost always did last time I was pregnant), try a flavored coffee with skim milk - it's worked for me.

So I don't make this post a novella... I am breaking it up into 2 separate posts. My next post will include details of the remaining 3 changes to my diet and how they've been successful for me this far - including tips that have worked for me!

On a side note... I want to be extremely honest... this giant change in my life feels good - especially the running part but it isn't easy and I don't want to pretend that it is. When I have a bad day or night - I really want to turn to food but I haven't and that's been hard. Hopefully some of these tips will help you out as much as they've helped me so far. 

Question for followers/blog viewers: Are you liking reading this blog so far (is there something you want more / less information about?)  Are there any songs that are really motivating you these days?

SONG THAT KEPT ME RUNNING THIS WEEK: "Pump Up the Jam" Technotronic (old school i know!)

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE: Whole Wheat Pasta with Edamame, Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes (adapted from Nancee Melin's recipe in August's Cooking Light)

Whole Wheat Pasta with Edamame, Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes

What I like about this recipe is that it is vegetarian - and I think it is hard to find recipes that are vegetarian and filling. BUT I have to disclaim this recipe. It wasn't my husbands favorite - I think it was a little too natural for him (lol!). I don't know if it's because I cooked it so late that night for our dinner, but I actually liked it better cold the next day for lunch :). This is a recipe where you could definitely save money if you get the herbs etc. from the farmers market. ALSO - It's very important to hear to use high quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for flavor - without it, this dish would be pretty bland.

8 ounces uncooked whole-wheat penne
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed
2 cups loosely packed baby arugula
1.5 cups grape tomatoes roasted
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ounces fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved

1. Roast washed grape tomatos plain on a cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven until the skin looks crinkled (about 10 minutes or so) 2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. 

3. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add edamame to pan; cook 2 minutes or until edamame are thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Combine pasta and edamame in a large bowl. Stir in arugula and next 6 ingredients (through salt), tossing well. Sprinkle each serving with cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.