Getting it under control!

**kygirl** · 03-22-2010 06:14 AM

So I am watching my carbs this week... Now, I don't mean that I'm not eating them but I am really making a conscious effort the next few weeks to not eat *any* refined sugars, white breads, potatoes (sweet potatoes okay), or have any wine/beer...

I was going crazy on the sweets and breads for a while, so this week, my focus is on lean meats, lots of fruit and veggies (mainly veggies), and lowfat milk, cheese and yogurts. I'm mainly working on getting my carbs through milk and fruits and veggies.

The first two days were kinda painful lol but today I feel sooo much better already.. I feel less sluggish and just generally have more energy. Once I get it under wraps, I'll allow myself to have things occassionally but I felt like I had to derail this run away sweets train I had going on!! My goal is to use this to work on building muscle again, but also to lose about 8-10 lbs in the next 5-6 weeks.

Anyone else had to do the same thing or working on the same thing??

**Beautiful Disaster** · 03-22-2010 07:01 AM

I think the key to feeling good is a healthy digestive system. It's all about what you take in, how it processes through your system etc. Just starting out, I'd recommend limiting RAW veggies as they are much harder to digest (unless you're drinking veggie juice which is fine). After a few weeks to a month, you can get to the point where you are eating 50% raw 50% cooked veggies and then move towards more raw as your digestive system cleans out and becomes healthier. Initially, stay away from corn, cornmeal or any veggie in the cabbage family. Fruits such as apricots, dates, figs and bananas are excellent as far as digestion. Initially, limit your intake of nuts (again, they are harder to digest) and add them back into your diet gradually.

If you've never tried it, I highly recommended Quinoa. Research it. It's considered the "mother of all grains", and your body actually digests it like a fruit. It's an excellent source of protein and nutrients. I buy it in the whole food section of Kroger. You can saute some veggies to go with it, you can sweeten it a bit and eat it like a cereal, you can make bread puddings with it, etc.

I am trying to gradually move along this path myself. Try picking up a book called "Essential Eating - A cookbook" by Janie Quinn. I think you will find it an EXCELLENT source for a truly healthy eating plan and extremely informative about how your body works. It's not a diet, it's a way of life that I'm a firm believer, results in a happier healthier person.

**kygirl** · 03-22-2010 07:15 AM

Thanks BD! I will look into the book and the Quinoa. I feel like I've seen that name quite a bit on sites lately but haven't actually tried to pick up some and cook with it yet. Is it quick??

**Beautiful Disaster** · 03-22-2010 07:37 AM

It's super easy. Been a while since I fixed some (got a bag to start back on it myself!) and the only thing I recall is you have to get a feel for how much water vs how much quinoa. You boil it, and the quinoa is suppose to soak up all the water (and it does!), but you want to make sure you have a good balance so the quinoa isn't dry or too watery.

It's much like rice in the fact that it's very bland if you do nothing to it. Needs to be seasoned up. It's not much work at all, and totally worth it to get all those extra nutrients. And if you're someone has any trouble with digestive irregularity, Quinoa is super high in fiber and will have you regular in no time.

I just ordered some Quinoa Flakes for cereal.