In January 2015, I made a New Year's Resolution to lose the weight I had gained post-college and get in shape. Not just because I had a wedding in the future {at that point, we didn't even had a wedding date!}, but to be healthier for me, my future spouse, and my future family.
I had gained a little bit of weight in college, although not your typical Freshman 15, but it was post-grad that I really began to "pack on the pounds." A new job, major family stress, and lots of traveling to see my fiance does not a well-rounded diet/lifestyle make. Once I moved back to Statesboro, and started to get grips on my life, I realized what had happened: I was almost 30 pounds heavier than I was the day I graduated high school! And while that number may not be the most realistic goal for someone in their {almost...eek!} mid-twenties, I knew something had to change.
It had gotten to the point where I didn't enjoy seeing myself in pictures or shopping for clothes. I knew I wasn't healthy, and I was finally tired of feeling yucky. As someone with long-term health inhibitors {I don't really like the term
issues...inhibitor requires some work to get around, but can be conquered!} like hypothyroidism and PCOS, managing my weight has always been my number one issue. I learned early on that a Low Carb Diet works best for my body.
Diet or lifestyle...whatever you'd prefer...it's something that I've seen change lives. I've seen countless people lose weight eating low carb, and saw the immediate benefit of the low carb/high fat diet when my youngest brother was diagnosed with epilepsy. I am by no means a doctor or nutritionist, but eating low carb is what works best for me, and really my whole family. I feel mentally clearer, my skin glows, I can lose and keep off weight. I definitely sleep better, and have more energy, too.
I am by no means perfect and definitely have cheat days, and weekends, but try to stick to an 80/20% kind of outlook. It's much easier for me to 'low carb' during the week with some quick meals {like my eggs & avocado dinner!} and meal prep. Eating low carb has helped me lose 20 pounds over the last year, and I'm back to where I was throughout college. I'd still like to lose a little more to be back in that high school bod, but we'll see!
Here are two recipes I am practically addicted to that have made this journey a little easier...and yummier:
Eggs & Avocado
Two slightly runny eggs seasoned with pink Himilayan salt and ground pepper over half an avocado, seasoned with red pepper and garlic salt. I cook the avocado on the other side of the pan while the eggs are cooking, and layer them on the plate when it's all done. The runny egg goodness and the avocado together is rich and delicious...even if it does look a little bit like a Dr. Seuss specialty!
Spicy Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Equal parts ricotta, shredded pepper jack cheese, and frozen kale or spinach mixed together with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of garlic salt, and a few red pepper flakes. I slice chicken breasts lengthwise in half, so they're thinner when cooking, spread the mixture on half of the breast and roll. Place the stuffed breasts in a baking dish sprayed with oil, sprinkle rotisserie seasoning, and top with any of the remaining cheese mixture. I bake for 30 minutes uncovered at 375 degrees on a middle rack. This dish is quick, easy, and savory, and is something that makes a lot that I don't mind eating on all week. It's very yummy with a side of green beans or broccoli!
The next step for me is exercising. Ugh, exercising. I hate it. I've never enjoyed it unless it was through dance, or cheer leading. I don't enjoy the gym, and I hate for people to see me sweat buckets {and turn bright red!}.
I've been doing a lot of YouTube videos now that I have Amazon Fire TV, and it's so easy to pull them up or fling them from my phone! I've also developed a love of the kettle bell for the quick workouts, quick results, and full body workout. I'll do a roundup soon of my favorite YouTube workouts, and Pinterest fact sheets, so stay tuned!
