What´s On Your Plate?

I have to admit, while pregnant my plate did not looked like the one shown in the picture above. I still eat mostly home made clean food, however I did not felt like eating veggies with every meal, like I try to do on a regular basis.

Now 5 months postpartum I am trying to reclaim my old self back. I am back at the gym, in charge of the kitchen and feel great! (thanks to all my friends and hubby I did not have to cook for a while after delivery).

I still have many many pounds to lose! (not only baby weight, but mostly fertility treatment weight). Also, for the first time in my life my blood work came abnormal on my last checkup. Yes, my hormones are still out of control, but it is time for some self care.

I am aware I have to be gentle with my body since it has worked extra hard the last few years and I know that it will take time; but every healthy bite and step I take I feel much better!

There are times when a detox might come into place for a certain period of time in order to get rid of craving and toxins and reset your body. I recently followed Mark Hyman's 10 day Blood Sugar Solution, where I cut 100% sugar, grains, legumes, dairy and processed food and eat mostly veggies, some lean protein and healthy fats. My regular diet is very similar, since I do eat very few grains and sugars and rarely any diary, so it was not a huge change, however after craving mostly sweets during breastfeeding I needed a reboot.

Going from 80% dairy, grain, legume, sugar free to 100% makes a huge difference to your body. Not only I was able to get ride of my sweet tooth and reclaim my old self back but I also lost some pounds, which I have not been able to do.

This 10 day "detox" was a great way to get back on track, however long time dieting does not work, I need to return to healthy sustainable habits that will help me be healthy. For me a sustainable diet means I crowd in and have some flexibility.

Crowding in means you focus your attention on the positive by filling your plate with the good stuff- all that nourishes your body , such as veggies and whole foods. Crowding out is the opposite; it is the traditional way of dieting which focuses on restrictions, calorie counting and limitations.

Crowding in works best for me, since I enjoy food much more, leaving no space for junk such as sugars or overly processed food, without feeling restricted.

By flexibility I mean a 90/10 diet. Which means that although I focus my attention mostly on ways to nourish my body, I give myself permission to enjoy a diner out, indulge here and there with moderation and forgive myself if I fall of the wagon. This 10% is what brings harmony into my life.

With so many dietary theories out there, what works for me might not work for you, you have to listen to your body and take into consideration your bio-individuality. However keep in mind that recent studies point out that quality and not quantity is best for sustainable long term weight loss!

After years of dieting I refuse to diet, eat bland food or count calories....I focus now more on how to nourish my body!

Keep in mind this:

• Nutrients are more important than calories.

• A calorie it is not just a calorie.

• You are not what you eat, but what you can digest!

• Starving your body only puts you on survival mode increasing the insulin and cortisol in your body, and makes your body hand into your fat.

In order to be successful at crowding in, it is vital to plan ahead and have healthy options always ready to eat.

Here are some advantages of crowing in:

- I get creative in the kitchen with delicious recipes and healthy ingredients.

- I enjoy more the food that I prepare.

- I have a vast variety of healthy food choices.

- I don't feel deprived nor hungry.

- If I get hungry I can just grab some healthy snacks.

- It is time saving since I don't have to count calories, measure or weight food.

- I don't feel restricted nor stressed since I focus more on good food choices rather than worrying about restrictions.

- I feel I am doing my body good by fueling it with healthy options instead of empty calories.

- I tune in more with my body and learn what my craving might be telling my body (for instance, chocolate might be lack of magnesium)

- Without noticing I don't eat junk that my body does not needs!

When creating your plate, remember your bio individuality, and eat foods that work for you! However always try to eat more veggies and real whole food.

I am working on my postpartum body slowly but steadily and out of love not shame, by crowding in foods I love and working out almost every day. Keep coming back to my blog for healthy recipes, tips or to check out my journey!

I will post soon more about exercise for fat loss and my experience with an Active Metabolic Testing I did at my gym, LifeTime Fitness Franklin.

Thanks for reading, but before I go check out these images of plates to give you ideas how to fill yours: