As we age, research suggests reducing our caloric intake is a good idea. How to do that without feeling HANGRY? Well, I’m trying the Two Meal a Day Plan that Active Agers in some Blue Zones use. Instead of eating breakfast first thing when I get up and moving (I’m an early riser–5:30 AM–where are my early birds at?) I now eat breakfast no sooner than 10 AM, and try to stretch to not eat until Noon. Then, a nice hearty meal between 5-8 PM. This is also called Intermittent Fasting. Check out this link, https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting. It’s fairly long, but also informative.
Here’s what’s been working for me–when those first hunger pangs, signals to eat because I’m used to first thing coming knocking, I say “Hi there. I see you. But not going to feed you now. Bye”. And then they pass. Another tip that I got from Nerd Fitness, I walk a mile or workout before eating. Also helps keeps the hunger pangs at bay.
Then, when I eat, that’s ALL I do. Eat. No TV, reading, texting. Just enjoying the food and the moment, perhaps with friends. Savor the Flavor. Chewing slowly. Thinking about why the food is good for me. Did I tell you I’m now a pescartarian? Not a Vegan–yet. No more red meat, pork or chicken. Only fish. Totally a good move. But that’s another blog post.
If a sweet urge hits, watermelon does the trick. Or, let’s be real. I did found The ComfortCake Company–“poundcake so good it feels like a hug”. We don’t manufacture them wholesale anymore, but I still make a mean one and enjoy a slice now and then (but give away most of it)!
And to ease into a good sleep at night, Sleepy Time Extra Herbal Tea by Celestial Seasonings does the trick! A good night’s rest is part of the Intermittent Fasting regimen. And, it takes up a lot of the fasting hours–Ha!
I’ve been working on these last 10 pounds for a while now–REINVENTING my body. As Joyce Meyer says, Reinvention requires identifying and understanding the repetitive strongholds in your life that are pulling you down or holding you back. Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Instagram know I like to work out, but I needed to reinvent my eating habits. I could no longer ignore what wasn’t working–what didn’t feel right. Feelings don’t lie. They are the intuitive shorthand that safeguards you, and can point you in powerful and positive new directions.
But it does take Courage to act on the awareness of the behaviors that are holding you back. I know. It’s easier to rationalize those feelings away. “Well, I really need this pair of shoes. This purse is Totally Me! This bread is calling my name, and so is this BBQ!!” LOL.
All I can share is that I have felt Courageous as I’ve changed my eating habits to Reinvent my body. It’s so much more than looks or getting into the dress I haven’t worn in years. It’s about how my body feels. How my mind is more clear. How I’m working to not get diseases that can affect the quality of my life going forward. Breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, high blood pressure and more can all be affected by what we eat and how much we eat.
Yes, Two Meals is giving my Body the Feels. And I love the Feeling.
Why not give it a try, Sizzlers? Let me know how it feels to YOU.
Hugs,
Amy
Sizzling After 60 