Finding Alternatives to Your Favorite Foods

The best thing about embarking on my new found lifestyle is the fact that I get to experiment with a wide variety of new recipes and best of all, find alternatives to most of my favorite dishes. As a result, I feel so much more in control of my diet and don’t feel the need to reach for some of the unhealthy foods I was eating before. For example, I am the ultimate cheesecake lover and would do anything in a heart beat to get my hands on the stuff, but now, I have found a waaaaaay healthier alternative that seems to keep my cravings at bay and keep me satisfied in the process. I while back I found a cheesecake alternative-Lemon Peel Ricotta Creme and the stuff is to die for! It’s to the point where I really don’t miss the REAL thing and am fine settling for something quite similar, but much healthier.

Another healthier alternative that has served me quite well is spaghetti squash topped with homemade tomato sauce with ground chicken and fresh veggies as opposed to regular spaghetti and pre-made, store-bought sauce. It’s so much tastier, not to mention healthier, and I can have as much of it as I want without blowing my calories out the window.

I think I can get use to and live comfortably with this Clean Eating thing. There’s nothing like being exposed to a whole new way of living and improving your health in the process.

Cheat Alert!

Yesterday evening I was invited to my little cousin's birthday extravaganza and as much as I tried to restrain myself from giving in to the tempting delights-I caved in. I mean, how could I stop myself from the mouth-watering Nigerian dishes-Jellof rice, spiced chicken, marinated fish, puff puff (Nigerian donuts), fried plantains and meat pies? I just couldn't turn away and yes I indulged myself and didn't look back.

If it were me 2-5 years ago, I would have gone away from the situation feeling extremely guilty about so called "cheating" on my diet. But is it really "cheating" or was my action just part of my new found lifestyle towards health? Call it what you will, I see my actions as a part of being human and a part of my journey towards health. As much as I would love to be perfect on my diet and keep it as clean as possible, I'm learning that I may not always face those situations where I have the luxury of being perfect. The most important thing is that if you have those days where you stray away from your diet, you immediately go back to eating clean the following day-no excuses!

If you're not at that point yet and can't get past the simple act of straying from your diet-you can give Johanna Hall's Contingency Plan for Cheating a try. I came across this a while back and found it useful for those days I was far from perfect with my diet:

What is it?
An action that is put in place once you feel you have taken a back step on your weight loss journey.


What is its Aim?
To help you get on track and keep on track so that your lapse doesn't become a collapse. A Contingency Plan for Cheating stops you from feeling like you're failing. It puts you firmly in control, reinforcing your Template of Success, and stopping the Template of Failure from taking hold.

What are the Guidelines of a Contingency Plan for Cheating?

1. Play the 300 Calorie Game.
Eat 300 fewer calories the day before an event and be sure to fit in a structured exercise session. Then eat 300 calories the day after. This can be done by cutting back on a snack or limiting portions. If you want you can fit in another exercise session.

2. Double Carb Curfew
Introduce a double carb curfew-lunch and supper-but do still have some slow releasing carbs at breakfast.

3. Stay Hydrated
Keep on top of properly hydrating yourself with water through-out the day.

4. Veg-up!
Use liquid foods to help curb your hunger and preserve your energy. Make yourself a vegetable based soup to eat before you go out to your function-this will help curb your appetite and line your stomach.

5. Burn those Calories by: Walking a mile; accumulating 2000 steps on your pedometer; walking up and down your stairs for 5 minutes continuously; dancing enthusiastically to your favorite music for 12 minutes.

IDFA Championships

So one of my ultimate dreams has always been to compete in a fitness/figure competition and for the first time I had the opportunity to attend my first ever natural body, fitness, and figure competition hosted by the IDFA-talk about an experience! There was nothing like experiencing the hard-work, dedication, and motivation that goes into a nicely sculpted figure and paying it all off by displaying your work for the world to see.

I've honestly never respected any athlete as I do those who compete in body building, fitness and figure competitions. I know it's not easy, but the will-power and patience these competitors employ while preparing for competition is unbelievable.

If all goes well, I do hope to one day compete myself in a fitness/figure competition, then again, my focus should be on one thing at a time and the first on my list is to knock off the last 20-30 pounds.

I wanted to congratulate Candace McLellan for placing 1st in her Division, she was one of my favorites in the show and she deserved to win!

Check out pics from the show.

Welcome!!!

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my blog: Cynthia's Health and Weight Loss Blog. I am so excited about this blog and the opportunity to share my weight loss journey with you all. It hasn't been easy over the years as I've struggled with the ups and downs in weight and the constant and conflicting messages often received from the media around body image and general health. If you're anything like me (I'm sure many of you women can relate), I've gone through extremes striving to fit into society's standards of health and what they consider the "ideal" body type. However, after years of doing my own research around health, my own trials and errors, and talking to experts within the health industry I've come back with vengeance. I now feel that I'm on my way to mastering what it takes to get in shape and reach for optimum health.

I see my journey as a life-long one and one that I look forward to sharing with all those who have struggled or are struggling to get in shape and live healthy lives. With that said, I want to thank all those who have inspired me to share my journey with you all:

Cara over at www.fitandfierceat40.blogspot.com and Ms. Blackandi over at www.blackandi.com

Love you ladies and I thank you for continuing to inspire and motivate me towards reaching my goals!