Step away from the leftover Christmas cake!
The new year is the perfect time to kickstart weight loss and embrace new, healthy habits.
I understand the desire to lose weight as the New Year kicks off. Having personally lost more than 30+ lbs. in the last few years (stay tuned for my upcoming fat loss journey blog!), I’m thrilled to share some straightforward, effective steps to kickstart your healthy diet in 2024. These simple changes aren’t just about shedding those post-holiday pounds; they’re about establishing sustainable and healthy habits.
BEFORE: This photo was taken in June 2021. I know, my belly fat was shocking! It’s the result of years of an unhealthy diet, having limited nutritional knowledge, and grappling with the challenges of pre-menopause. At that time, I was at my heaviest and I felt disconnected and unhappy with my body.
The adage holds true: Abs are not sculpted in the gym but rather in the kitchen. When it comes to health, consider your kitchen your primary training ground. Cultivate discipline by consistently preparing homecooked meals. This practice extends beyond the realm of food quality; it serves as a testament to your unwavering commitment to a healthier version of yourself.
AFTER: I enrolled in Baron Method’s program, committed to clean, healthy eating, and engaged in minimal exercise. As a result, I successfully shed a significant amount of belly fat within 7 months, and I’m delighted with my leaner figure and improved happiness hormones!
In my experience and based on my nutritionist’s recommendations, it’s often the small, consistent changes that make the most significant impact. Over the next 4 weeks, try these three simple yet transformative habits that has helped me build good habits and can also pave the way to a healthier you:
3 Simple Steps for Achieving Weight Loss:
1. Energize Your Mornings With Protein-Powered Boost: Start your day on a powerful note by incorporating a protein-heavy breakfast for satiety with a small serving of rice (about 1/2 cup) for energy throughout the day. The goal here is NOT to dive into an empty stomach or embrace intermittent fasting right away. Instead, it’s about avoiding the pitfalls of hunger and embracing satiety. A satisfied morning sets the tone for a day of balanced energy and good mood.
Starting your day with three eggs, prepared in any style you prefer or lean meat with egg and a bit of rice is a sure way to stay full for hours. I personally enjoy an omelette of scrambled eggs for breakfast. It’s not only delicious and filling but also easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
Another satisfying and easy-to-make recipe is gluten-free coconut chia seeds pudding , ideal for those who prefer a sweet breakfast.
Coconut Chia Seeds Pudding Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsps. organic chia seeds
1 tbsp organic maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla essence
pinch of sea salt
Easy peasy: Just mix the pudding ingredients, then refrigerate overnight or for at least 30 minutes.
Quick tip: After mixing, chill for 10 minutes until the chia seeds bloom, then give it a stir to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the jar.
I love apples! It’s crunchy and sweet and fills me up. Snacking tip: Consume fresh produce; if a product comes in a packaged wrapper, it’s likely filled with sugar, seed oils, and other unhealthy ingredients that can elevate inflammation and induce bloating.
2. An Apple a Day: Snack smartly between breakfast and lunch by indulging in nature’s sweet treat – an apple. Packed with fiber, this snack not only keeps you feeling full but also adds essential nutrients to your diet. This fruity snack holds you over till lunch, emphasizing the importance of avoiding hunger by consuming nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods. Remember, an apple a day isn’t just a saying; it’s a delicious step towards a healthier you.
3. Walk the Talk: Take a cue from Jessie Inchauspé, French biochemist, bestselling author, and founder of the ‘Glucose Goddess’ movement and incorporate a 15- to 20-minute walk after each meal. This simple act can have a profound impact on your body’s response to glucose, helping regulate blood sugar levels. It’s not just a walk; it’s a mindful stride towards weightloss.
One of the best birthday gifts I received a few years ago was a walking pad, which I use regularly to get my steps in when I can’t be outdoors. It’s convenient, compact, and it’s also affordable.
Here’s a fantastic walking pad, perfect for beginners or those looking to establish a walking habit without investing in a traditional treadmill. This walking pad, similar to the one I own, has received excellent customer reviews and is super affordable (only P4K+!). Shop here!
Let’s celebrate the power of small steps and consistency. The journey to a healthier lifestyle isn’t about drastic changes but rather about building habits that stand the test of time. Discipline, the unsung hero of transformation, triumphs over fleeting motivation.
So, here’s to the journey, the progress made, and the exciting road ahead. Cheers to a healthier 2024!
Good Finds links:
•Organic eggs, shop here. Use discount code “FOODHEALS”–you’re welcome!.
•Organic coconut milk, shop here (Lazada) and here (Organics.PH and use discout code: “FOODHEALS”).
•Organic maple syrup, shop here.
•Walking pad, shop here.