How I Lost 25 Pounds Without Cutting Calories
You've heard it, maybe you've tried it, "calories in, calories out" is the key to weight loss. As we have said before, the compelling research, evidence and experience now detailed in many books explains why reducing/counting calories, eating low-fat, and "doing cardio" does not lead to
sustained weight loss.
Meet longtime CWSS client Marcey Stamas. Since April, Marcey has lost 25 pounds without counting calories. Instead, she cut the amount of carbohydrates she ate by eliminating processed foods and concentrating on dense nutrient foods.
"I often ate a Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers entree, Breakfast Sandwich, no-fat yogurt or indulged in Weight Watcher's Ice Cream and other processed items to keep my calorie intake low. I like to cook and have a home cooked family dinner most nights and I would watch my own portion size. Even though I kept the calorie intake low, I rarely lost any significant weight. I found a website, Peer Trainer, that provided me with a Cheat System and Master Meal Guide, guided me into giving up all processed foods while providing recipes of healthy, delicious meals. One of my favorite meals is a Bean Soup made with spinach, beans, salsa, and quinoa. I love my Bean Soup which I eat with avocado and fresh lime almost daily. I found that eating my soup as part of my core daily eating resulted in losing a significant amount of weight, increased energy and other health benefits. And it was easy!"
A self-described "foodie," does she miss the pizza and chips? Not really. What about the fresh bread before dinner, potatoes or decadent desserts? "I usually avoided these foods as I was always on a Diet, but now that I focus on eating clean and healthy, I can indulge on occasion and have a few bites when we are out to dinner. If I eat more than a few bites as the exception, the next day I don't feel well. My body can really tell the difference."
"Not eating processed foods has made such an impact on my body," says Marcey. This month, her annual check up showed her cholesterol is down by 40 points and she hopes to stop taking cholesterol meds.
"After years of trying to lose weight, I finally got it. My daughters are ages 10 and 12 and I am once again down to my pre-pregnancy weight, with a career, family and a love of good food. People ask me how I did it; I give them my snack (sliced apples, a teaspoon of almond butter wrapped in lettuce leaves), soup recipes, the peer trainer website (
www.peertrainer.com) and they have been amazed at how good they feel and how they actually lose weight! Even my husband will eat the soups and my daughter likes the lettuce wraps instead of tortillas now. My snack hits the salty, sweet and crunchy elements that eliminates cravings for cookies or chips!"
Marcey's weight loss experience points to what we now know does and doesn't work. Not all calories are equal in the way the body will use those calories. Processed foods from sugar and grain products lead to increased insulin production and fat storage. Carbohydrates will make you fat.
To lose weight, strive to eliminate processed carbohydrates - breads, cereals, chips, sweets, soda and fruit juices. Avoid or limit potatoes, rice and fruits high in sugar. Eat as much as you like of meat, fish, fowl, eggs (with the yolk!) and all vegetables, especially dark leafy vegetables.
MOST PEOPLE ADD THEIR 2-5 POUNDS OF WEIGHT GAIN FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR BETWEEN THANKSGIVING AND NEW YEARS DAY.
