Note to self: make body healthier. asap!

Hi, everyone. Could ya'll lend me some advice? I'm just starting to create a program that will make my body the healthiest it's ever been. Yeah, I want to lose weight too (50 pounds would be nice) but I really just want to be healthy and fit, so I can really enjoy life without constantly obsessing about my fat form!

My question is this: what are healthy proteins? I want to eat good, natural foods, not synthetic shakes and bars. I know I gotta have fruits and veggies (raw is best) whole grains and proteins, but I think not all protein foods are equal; am I right? Which are the best ones, and which should I avoid? Help!

Also, if anyone else out there has created their own meal plan (perferrably one that's working), I'd love to see it! It would really help me make my own. Thanks!

:rose: suzie

Hello Suzie and welcome,

well i do follow ww but i also choose to eat healthy now and that with exercise is working for me. i now choose brown or long grain rice over white, wheat, rye or grain bread over white, i limit high fat and high cal foods.
i drink massive water too,.
i like veggies and eat some raw but mostly cooked. i also eat cup of soups and i love hot tea. it fills me up and is low in cal.
i have also monitored portion sizes too and i dont eat at night now, i just have my 2 cups of hot tea.
for the past 6 weeks ive been steadily losing 3-5 pounds a week and lost so far 28.5 pounds.
for low fat snacks i like ff pudding and jello, lowfat yogurt, rice cakes, 94% ff popcorn, and sugar free popsicles or fudgsicles.
if i really crave sweets i try hard candy or suck on a tootsie pop cuz it lasts long and isnt high cal.
i now limit butter and oils and rarely drink soda and if i do its diet.
i also find oatmeal and cream of wheat to be filling in the morning.

for exercise i love to walk and ride my exercise bike. i also do AB crunches too. i think the exercise and diet go hand in hand with wt loss.

well hope i helped some. any questions let me know. take care and best wishes to you on your wt loss journey. i see we are the same wt right now.

Minnie Mouse,

So nice to meet you! Thanks for the great advice. And congrats on your amazing success so far! You are an inspiration. :bow:

I like your idea of drinking hot tea at night. I'm trying hard not to eat after 7pm and that may help me keep on track. Hot tea makes me sleepy sometimes and that will make me want to go to bed -- rather than raid the fridge!

Again, it's great to meet you and thanks for the encouragement!
Suzie

this is easy....;)

the leanest proteins are skinless chicken or turkey, water packed tuna, egg whites, skim milk and low fat peanut butter. the animal sources are considered "complete" proteins. Lentils and beans and certain nuts are also excellent sources of protein which are non-fattening and a good option for fibre. They are not however, a complete protein, but this should not be a concern unless you are pregnant or a vegan.

some feel low carb is the way to go...i believe reduced carb is a healthy approach but i wouldn't go crazy in my own opinion. If you want some ideas on more complex carbohydrates look up glycemic index on your internet. as Minnie previously mentioned whole grain breads and heavier, darker rye breads, brown rices and whole wheat pastas along with beans and lentils are better carb choices which don't break down as quickly and...again:) have higher fiber content.

Hope that helps:D

and welcome!

Hi BrenzG!

Thanks for the great tips! I LOVE peanut butter, but unfortunately it's on my 'sin' list for now...I'll have to look for some of that "low-fat" variety! B-)

Good luck on meeting your goals! You will definately succeed!

Suzie