Weight Loss Tips, Part 2 ("Abs are made in the Kitchen"...)

As I began my journey on this lifestyle change; and I call it "Lifestyle Change" because thats exactly what it is; I began to learn that there were MANY aspects to losing weight correctly.  In Part One of this blog I believe I mentioned I would work out for hours, often twice a day, and never see any results.  The reason is because abs are truly made in the kitchen.  To be honest, at this point I work out very lightly throughout the week and maintain my weight due to my diet.  Diet gets a bit tricky; especially when you have a full time job.  And also many focus on that "cheat meal" so to speak, and that should not even be on your mind if you are fully going into this lifestyle change.  This is your new life!  And that means a NEW YOU! :)

As mentioned before I began to cut out "little things" that make a huge impact regarding calories and weight loss.  I started slowly because you cant just cut yourself off and go into shock ha.  First: The small things that started to go were the Vanilla creamer (even though it said "low fat"), regular cokes, alcohol, those tempting starter dinner breads at restaurants, chips, and desserts.  The desserts was not a big deal for me because Im not a big sweets person to begin with but the pasta was a killer!! (We'll get to that later)  And Im Hispanic, so no tortillas...RIP.  Those "small things" alone in combination with my supplements mentioned in Part One started to shape the body that I wanted.  Toned and healthy.
Next began the full transition into a completely new way of eating.  I wouldn't even use the word "diet"; this was the way I was going to eat, period.  I felt excited about this new change!  I actually looked forward to going to the store because I didn't want things to get boring and wanted to see what I could put together.  You would be surprised on how far spices can change a boring meal!   The Paleo (ish) route seemed to be the easiest most feasible method.  Other wise known as "the Cavemen Diet," however I tailored this to my needs.

    (Steelhead Trout w/ Pepper Lemon Zest)

Second: The next items to go were processed foods.  These are just really bad for your body in general. Sandwich meat, bacon, pepperoni, sausage, hot dogs and burgers....goodbye.  Those items also happen to be accompanied by buns and a pizza crust, so those went as well.  This was really easy actually.  Watch a few of those processing food movies on Netflix and you'll have no problem with this, ha.

So whats left on the menu?  A LOT.  Mornings were very simple.  Egg white omelets with vegetables, greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit, 6 hard boiled eggs, and even maybe a sirloin with eggs.  *Load up on the fresh salsa and jalapenos; those are also secret metabolism jump starters*.  Personally, I am not much of a breakfast person; I wake up late and fill that time with coffee :)  *A few cups of Black coffee in the morning is another secret metabolism booster*.  For me, Lunch and Dinner were really the areas of focus here.  First trip to the store that beginning week consisted of salmon, chicken, sirloins, and more salmon.  Then of course items to make salads and fresh veggies as the sides.  Forget your old friend Ranch dressing because you have broken up ha!  The new salad dressing would be extra virgin Olive Oil and Salad Vinegar; which ever type you like.  I began to play around with spices like adding crushed red pepper to veggies before baking them (*another metabolism booster*) and making ground turkey breast meatballs with italian spices.  The salmon and chicken started to get a little repetitive at times so I began to grill shrimp and bake trout as well.  

(Seasoned Rainbow trout w/ Red Leaf lettuce salad)

And soon, after about six months of eating this way, it was time to begin to start going out to restaurants again.  I thought this was going to be very challenging because I no control of what was being used behind the kitchen door, so to speak AND I also didn't think there would be anything for me there to accommodate my new eating lifestyle.  I WAS VERY WRONG.  There is something to eat at every single restaurant you go to and if it is not on the menu, do not be afraid to ask!  The Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Outback, and Yard House are just a few places that come to mind that have very accommodating menus for your new lifestyle.   

-Unknown 

Slowly over the course of 4-6 months I really hadn't taken a good look at myself, but I noticed my family started to look damn good haha.  It was then that people started to point out how thin I looked, I honestly hadn't paid attention I guess.  But after a doctor weigh in, the scale showed I had lost 40 pounds!  I was in shock.  Did i even have 40 pounds to lose haha!  I had lost my butt for sure ha, but specifically I was able to see all of the definition and muscle that had been hiding under the fat for so long.  My wrists, arms and face showed it all.  YOU CAN DO THIS friends if you really want to make it happen.  Whether you're in it to lose weight or become more healthy in general; I promise you can make it happen.  Even if you only want to make "small adjustments" like the ones above, in conjunction with the tips from Part One; you WILL see results.... :) 

*My butt is still at large, last seen Summer of 2014 tubing down the Comal.  Please contact with any information*  

-Black Zip Bodysuit, Black Milk Clothing

-Fall of Pheaton Skirt, Black Milk Clothing, (No longer available) 

-Ballet Bae Lace Up Heels, YRU, Dollskill.com

-Shadys Rainbow Sunglasses, UNIF, (no longer available, though I have seen them on eBay and Poshmark)