So my last post outlined my new diet, lifestyle plan - the natural diet. The change officially began on August 30th and will continue for 6 solid months.
So this week has been a bit tough, as I've gone to what I know: raw foods. Cutting out almost all processed foods was the easiest approach to this diet. Now I know this is almost impossible, but to ease into it, that was the easiest route. My meals all week have consisted of vegetables, fruits, and meats. I found a bread with seven ingredients (two are water and salt, which I am not counting since I can't find a single bread with less). Spices have become my best friends, adding a lot of flavor to different things. So let's break it down...
Monday, August 30th - This day wasn't so bad. The first day out of the gate is always one that you can manage. The sustainability is what makes it harder. This day I found myself craving some pretzels and chocolate. I grabbed a peach instead and put those cravings to rest.
Tuesday, August 30th - I went grocery shopping and got some really great things to cook up, one being Salmon. With a little spritz of lemon and some garlic and onion powder, that fish was amazingly tasty. Ready for the kicker - take two Wasa crackers and break them in half. Split an ounce of goat cheese up between those four pieces. Add a half a slice of tomato to the top, sprinkle with pepper, microwave for 20 seconds. It is my new favorite snack!
Wednesday, September 1st - Kicking off the month with fruit and oatmeal. Get the cylinder of instant oats that you can heat up in the microwave in 2 minutes. Add a little bit of light brown sugar (less than 5 ingredients) and you have yourself a tasty breakfast or lunch. pair it with some berries and it is delic!
Thursday, September 2nd - Salads without dressings get a bit difficult. The most difficult part of the diet thus far is finding ways to add flavor where you normally do. In place of salad dressing I take a couple slices of lemon and some pepper. Pair that with a salad loaded with vegetables and it can be satisfying. Is it as good as a salad with some Balsamic dressing (my fav)? Short answer, no. However, you can train yourself to do anything, including eating things with less flavor.
Friday, September 3rd - Here was a challenge - a party. I arrive at the house and there is a table lined with delicious goodies: chips with dip, pizza, brushetta, fruit, cheese, etc. You name it and it was there - in all of its delicious glory. I went to the party having already eaten dinner. I left that party without touching anything on the table. Normally I would pick at things throughout the evening, but this time I refrained. I was quite proud of myself.
Saturday, September 4th - Here was challenge #2: the sweet craving. I felt like having a bit ice cream cone or a chocolate bar. A chocolate cookie would have brought me so much joy in this moment. I refrained. Instead I decided to make a little toast from my lowly processed bread and add a bit of honey to it. This satisfied my sweet tooth and kept me from breaking my diet.
Sunday, September 5th - Restaurants, restaurants, restaurants... Eating something that you are not preparing is dangerous ground...especially in restaurants. Twice this week I went out to dinner and was able to order a meal that was the least processed as possible. One night I had a salmon filet that was cooked in olive oil. I paired it with some grilled asparagus and a cup of fruit. I refrained from the appetizer bread and pesto sauce that was put out. Sunday I went to lunch and got a buffalo burger with no bun and a side salad without croutons and a side of lemons to add some flavor. Sure, my plate looks extremely boring when it comes out with only a burger patty and some LTO.
This whole week posed many challenges for me. The muffins in the office breakroom were calling my name. The buffet of party goodies, the tempting fries on the menu, and of course the luring temptation of chocolate. I'm still early into the diet and I will do some research on finding some of these things that I can in fact have. However, for now I am plugging along and doing quite well. Tonight I threw away all of the condiments in my fridge that had more than 5 ingredients in them. I'm really proud of myself for making it the first week. It helps when you have really supportive friends (Thanks Lindsey!).
Week two commences tomorrow on Labor Day - always a fun one to maneuver. Got any great recipes or advice? Send them my way!
Hey Erin, good effort on the new diet, sounds like an interesting challenge. You mention that you're getting used to less flavour - how come you are losing flavour? Would you allow yourself chilli? Is my absolute catch all for flavour with no guilt, lemon juice on most things improves the flavour and could you not add balsamic vinegar instead of salad dressing? Also not sure if you're aware but the way you prepare veg alters it's flavour! My big brother used to be a chef and he was the first person to point it out - for example grated carrot tastes completely different to chopped carrot! Might be worth experimenting with textures and ways of prepping your salad bits too.
ReplyDeleteIn other news would you have time to bake your own bread? There is so much crap in bread that doesn't need to be there - I had the absolute pleasure of being at a lecture about it a couple years ago - check it out and try baking your own, I'm sure you wont regret it http://www.dolectures.com/speakers/speakers-2008/andrew-whitley?page=1
Keep us posted on how you get on and big congrats on stepping away from the party table ;)
Hey George! Thanks for the comments. Believe it or not, I have thought about some of your suggestions...the problem is time. Right now, making my own bread is not even near my priority list. However, now that I have the first week down, I am certainly going to focus on new recipes and new ways to add flavor. Lemon had been a big part of adding flavor and I am going to experiment a bit with balsamic vinegar for salads.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered a whole foods cook book and I am looking forward to experimenting with all of the recipes. I'll of course keep you posted!