Diet update: 1 stone lost in 3 weeks

It’s been three weeks since I returned from a Caribbean cruise and embarked on a new lifestyle challenge for 2019. Part of that challenge is restoring my body to optimum health, which is not merely about losing weight but about being fit and strong.

Initially I wanted to lose weight fast, but all the scientific research suggests permanent lifestyle change, rather than fad diets is the way to achieve sustainable results. With that in mind I have focused on eating five or more daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, replacing meat with fish and limiting snacks to fruit and nuts with low amounts of alcohol.

It’s been very easy to stick to the plan, even with a busy work schedule. I am already feeling much more energetic; my skin is smoother and softer and is finally recovering after being sun damaged during two weeks of hot, Caribbean sun.

In three weeks, I’ve lost 14 ¼ lbs and here’s how I did it:

Breakfast

Glass of carrot juice (see this link for more info)

Glass of effervescent 1000mg vitamin C & zinc

Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with the mother (pictured below)

Mid-Morning

Coffee

Lunch

Banana

Salad made from chopped celery, tomato, olives & sweet pepper (pictured below)

Dinner

Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with the mother

Salmon or mackerel filet

Salad made from chopped spinach, kale, celery, olives, tomatoes, sweet pepper & avocado (pictured below)

Snacks

Apple

Pear

Mango chunks

Nuts (cashew, pistachio or nut mix)

Dark chocolate, 25g (75% cocoa)

One glass of red or white wine

Tea

Water (at least 1 litre)

In terms of exercise, I have been doing a quick routine first thing in the morning, which is a combination of yoga and stretching topped off with 50 rapid steps – and lots of dancing to my favourite tunes when I’m home in between working on my computer! It’s all I can manage for now, but I plan to join a gym and avail myself of a personal trainer in the New Year and workout twice a week with a dance class thrown in, for fun.

The interim success is definitely the motivation needed to keep going, though I expect the weight loss to slow down – which is why it is necessary to step up my exercise regime to boost my metabolism.

However, aside from exercise I have started taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with the mother twice a day, usually first thing in the morning and in the evening before dinner. Scientific research confirms that there are measurable health benefits which include: suppressing the accumulation of fat, reducing blood sugar and improving insulin resistance, according to an article in Current Opinion in Food Science, which is based on a review of medical literature.

I’m looking forward to Christmas and the New Year, which I’m spending with my sister Jen . We will be enjoying traditional Christmas dinner washed down with champagne, but will be sure to work it off over the course of the week!

2 thoughts on “Diet update: 1 stone lost in 3 weeks

  • December 15, 2018 at 4:41 pm
    Permalink

    Well done Debs – you’re a true inspiration to those who like me need to up their game!

    Reply
    • December 15, 2018 at 4:43 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks Jan!

      Reply

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