5-step plan to weight loss (at least in my opinion)

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There's one thing I can guarantee -- if you're not eating right, your workouts will be in vain.

Temporary diets and new workout fads are used as marketing tools to suck you with the promise of losing weight quickly.  When the diet ends and you plateau on your new workout, you usually end back at square one -- fed-up and frustrated.

Over the last six months, my household has undergone major changes in the kitchen. And what began as an experiment turned into a lifestyle change that both my husband and I have benefited from.  The best part is we had no expectations at the beginning and were simply trying to live our lives as healthful as possible.

Listed below are the changes we’ve made. To me the results are staggering.  As a household, we’ve lost over 20 pounds, we’ve both decreased in at least one clothes size, my cholesterol (which was already low) decreased even more and we have lots of energy.

No dairy
After cutting out dairy we noticed improved conditions in our sinus area (not stuffy or runny noses) and this eliminated some cholesterol and saturated fat from our diet.  I know you’re thinking you have to have dairy.  Well, that’s false.  Check out how former President Bill Clinton ditched dairy among other things to shed 20 pounds.

No gluten
Out of all of the changes, this one has the least amount of research to back the claims.  For my household, eliminating gluten meant eliminating white and wheat flour products -- yes, including pasta.  We’re now big fans of anything that is made with brown rice and quinoa.

No eating out
Generally, when you eat out, you don’t know what you’re getting.  Even things that seem healthy can be packed with fat and calories.  So, if you choose to dine out, check for menu items specifically labeled heart healthy, low calorie or low fat.  If the restaurant can’t divulge the calorie count then you don’t need to eat there.

No sugary drinks (including sports and energy drinks)
All you need is water.  And water is the fuel for a healthy body.  Did you know that more than half of your body composition is water? Water is in your cells, in your muscles and in your organs.  So, when you forgo water for a sugary drink (i.e. soda, fruit juice, sport drink or energy), you are consuming about 200 extra calories and sugar that your body will not use.  That excess sugar along with any of those calories you don’t burn will turn into fat.

Exercise
Treat yourself to a daily activity that will get your heart rate up and burn some calories.  You need at least 30 minutes of activity a day.  Remember, you don't have to go to the gym and workout.  Consider a walk in your neighborhood or on your lunch break. An outing at the park with the whole family also will suffice.  Leisure activities can be just as beneficial as an intense workout session.  Just remember to get moving and have fun!

I am a certified Crossfit Kettlebell instructor, triathlete and former trained dancer. I am not a nutritionist or a doctor. Information I share is based on my own research and experience. Before beginning a diet or fitness routine you should consult your physician or a health professional. For question and comments about this blog, contact me at akiia.james@abc11mail.com.