QuestionI've lost 70 pounds incorporating raw foods, two protein shakes, and 6 oz of water packed tuna or 6 oz grilled chicken breast daily. I don't use any salt & I would rather not use it. I have reached a weightloss pleateu and I need to lose 40 more pounds. im am 5'5 and 190 pounds.
I read somewhere that it is best to eat the same food everyday to lose weight so I have. in the mornings I have a protein shake (whey or egg white) made with water, two small pieces of fruit. for lunch I eat the same but I add four cups of veggies--typically three are spinach & broccoli and one is a mixture of carrots & cauliflower. for dinner I eat the same as lunch but I add the tuna or chicken breast and I might add a small tomato. right before I work out I typically eat a banana so I won't be so tired.
I don't know if my weight loss pleateu is coming from lack of variety or not. I know I want to eat everything raw but the protein. can you suggest some easy prep low uss affordable meals that will keep me within my 1200/1300 daily calorie cap. oh one protein shake is made with 1% milk and I try to buy organic when possible. I detest bell peppers and onions.
AnswerHello Dee-
First off let me congratulate you on the discipline to maintain the above mentioned diet. There are 3 suggestions I can make for you depending on the area you are in you can decide what might work best for you.
1) I'm not sure your exercise routine, you mentioned you currently work out but there is a wonderful style of yoga called Bikram yoga that is done in a hot room- this type of yoga in particular- although all yogas are good- helps to detoxify the body. Much of the weight we hold onto in the body when we are eating well are stored toxins that need to be set free basically...2-3 times a week could make all the difference.
2) The second option that I would suggest is to do 14 full days of only raw living foods, this will also cleanse toxins out of the body, with your current diet, especially with the inclusion of dairy and whey you will not experience the internal cleansing that will lead to more weight loss and this is a necessary component to reach the next level- This diet looks similar to what you are already consuming but I would advocate a hemp based protein powder that is 100% raw or a product called Juvo which is also 100% raw instead of your whey and milk- just blend the fruit, proteins and water with some ice and that should be good. Then for all your veggies just make sure you eat them raw- I can suggest some quick and easy raw dressings to make the veggies more enjoyable if you like- Then instead of meats as a protein, stick with dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, nuts and seeds and sea vegetables. If you do this for 14 days and then go back to eating the fish and chicken please be sure they are hormone free and free of any antibiotics as all of that just stores in the fat cells of your body.
3) If you want to keep the proteins as you mentioned above another option to try would be removing all dairy- dairy is mucus forming in the body (the whey, milk, and eggs) and you may find that switching to the plant based items only for your shakes, etc. will make the difference you are looking for.
There are a couple of great resources on the web for this and a friend of mine Al Morentin- he does all raw living foods and has been able to lean out and yet keep a significant muscular build and he may be able to help with this by suggesting items based on his daily diet- just search his name or check out www.almorentin.com and you should be able to find him-
Here are a couple of my favorite plant based easy recipes for great results-
Kale Salad- 1/2 head Lacinato Kale, 1/4 Cup Raw Olives, 1/4 Cup Dulse, 1/4 Cup Walnuts. Chop and Toss all ingredients.
Dressing(makes 4-6 servings): 1/2 Cup cold Pressed Olive Oil or Flax Oil, 2 Tbsp Miso, 1 Tsp Sea Salt, 1 Clove Garlic, Juice of 1 Lemon. Blend and use on above salad or veggies- massage into kale to break down the kale.
Super Green Smoothie: 1 Mango, 1 Banana, 1 Cup water or Ice, 2-3 leaves of kale or 1/2 cup spinach, 2 Tbsp Hemp Protein- Blend and enjoy!
Tahini Dressing for Raw Vegetables: 8 oz Raw Tahini, 2 Cups Raw Lemon Juice, 1/4 Cup Cilantro, 2 Cloves Raw Garlic, 2 Roma Tomatoes- Blend Well and enjoy over julienne squash, broccoli, carrots, etc.
May you enjoy vibrant health!!
Chef Jenny
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