Spring is finally upon us which means summer is around the corner!
Meaning everybody and their mama are about to start pushing out their
"Get your body ready for Summer" content at us whilst we panic that the jig is up and all the extra weight we've gained during the pandemic can no longer be hidden by our tracksuits and sweats!
Except this time around, we are no longer here for it! We've transcended beyond the thoughts of quick fixes and fad diets and have instead adapted the mindset that our focus should be on a healthy lifestyle change that is not only affective but sustainable, right? Right!
So with that being said, I wanted to share with you all what I eat in a typical day and my routine that's been helping me lose a few extra pounds (mainly around my stomach and thighs), sculpt my body for a more athletic figure but more importantly has me feeling happy, healthy and glowing!
16:8 intermittent fasting
I started to create new dieting habits without wanting to add too many restrictions and difficulties to my daily routine. Intermittent fasting has become a trendy method to help with weight loss. The 16:8 hour fast means eating during an eight-hour window during the day and fasting for 16 hours. According to Healthline, fasting for short periods of time helps people eat fewer calories, potentially resulting in weight loss over time. Personally, I have seen a significant difference in how fast I lost weight once I have implemented this method within a period of two months.
Lemon + apple cider vinegar
Lemon and apple cider vinegar have been found to be very beneficial for overall health and also aid in the weight loss journey. The high amounts of Vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds found in lemons and the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar help control bloating and may reduce belly fat, among other things. I made it my morning habit to drink a cup of lemon + apple cider vinegar diffused with water on an empty stomach before starting my day. By doing so, I have seen a noticeable improvement in my digestion and my stomach's appearance — it looks less bloated and flatter.
Breakfast
To introduce my body to the eight-hour eating period (I usually break my fast at 10 am), I read that it's recommended you start with an easily digestive meal such as a smoothie, for breakfast. I love to pack my smoothies with amazing nutrients like nuts, fruits, and vegetables. I also make sure to add important supplements to the mix that may be hard to incorporate solely with my food intake. I usually add collagen peptides, protein powder, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.
Snacks
I typically eat two healthy snacks throughout my eight-hour food window. I like to keep those very simple and organic. A handful of nuts like almonds, cashews, or simply fruits are my usual go-to’s. On a low energy day, I reach for a protein bar containing a maximum of
1% percent sugar. One of my current favorites is Quest's Hero Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar. Overall, I like to make sure to have snacks that are healthy and delicious to enjoy while providing daily necessary nourishments all at once.
Lunch or dinner
Depending on timing, the second meal is considered lunch or dinner and is the biggest of my daily meals. My main goal is to create a very colorful plate with lots of vegetables, protein, and some grains for this dish. One of my current go-to's is air-fried spicy shrimp on a couscous bed served with a rich salad. Fun fact: Different foods get their color from the nutrients they have inside, so the more color, the better!
After eight hours, I start my fast at 6 pm, which will continue until 10 am the next day. During the fasting period, I can have water, tea, and black coffee in the morning.
By following this diet, I experienced a rapid change in my weight, an increase in my energy levels and overall I just feel better about what I'm putting in my body without the stress of feeling restricted.
I have also been doing more exercise and have really been enjoying the Les Mills Game Changer Challenge. Adding regular movement along with cleaner and more intuitive eating has helped me to transform my habits into a sustainable healthy lifestyle.
I highly recommend this diet to anyone looking to change their eating habits overall. I dare you to give it a try! Watch my Youtube video below for even more details!