Nutrition

Besides the obvious goal of achieving weight loss on this journey, another very important goal that I want to meet is improving my overall nutrition. Each phase I need to fine tune my eating and tap into healthier options that I enjoy.

Some basic nutritional changes are:

1. Switch to 'good fats', like olive oil, nuts, fish oils, and various seed oils.
NOW: I'm on track for this one with the olive oil and nuts
FUTURE: I should be using more olive oil instead of other salad dressings to enough more healthy fats in my diet.

2. Eat plenty of the right carbohydrates: Aim for whole grain flours, hearty vegetables, oats and brown rice.
NOW: Brown rice, no problem. Whole wheat pasta, check. Whole bread or multi grain breads for sandwiches, bring it on! 
FUTURE: Definitely can explore more hearty vegetables. Vegetables high in fiber would be a good improvement.

3. Eat breakfast.
NOW: Always!
FUTURE: I always eat breakfast, but need to explore some other staple breakfasts that I can turn to. Variety of healthy cereals (which is challenging to find for me).

4. Eat slower.
NOW: I am trying to enjoy my meals, but difficult with two young children that seem to need something every 3 seconds.
FUTURE: Reinforce to my kids that once I sit to eat I do not want to be interrupted. It's crucial for me to sit and eat and enjoy my meal. Take my time and not get up from the table 5+ times. I feel like I hadn't eaten and leaves potential for eating 'extra'.

5. Read labels
NOW: Haven't been reading labels other than calculating points.
FUTURE: Need to start reading labels again. I really do not want "partially hydrogenated" or "high fructose corn syrup" in my house. Take a look at the ingredients list; if it says, "partially hydrogenated" anything, that means it contains trans fat.

6. Drink plenty of water
NOW: Drinking way too much diet soda and not enough water.
FUTURE: Drink more water!

These tips came from just one website. I have a lot more nutritional research to do. But these are simple beginner tips that'll help me refine the weight watchers system for me. I left a few out, like don't drink any alcohol. Because I rarely drink. Maybe one glass of wine every 3 months, if that.

The journey continues. By the end of Phase 4, my ultimate goal is not just to be 'skinny' but really to reinvent myself to a healthier and more fit me. It's exciting and relieving. It's not a crash diet plan, it's a long term plan that will allow me to make these changes at a pace that I can manage and adapt for the rest of my life.

Sister1: let me know how you are doing with these nutritional changes?