Clean = Lean: Three Things I’ve Learned After a Week of Clean Eating

Last Wednesday I decided to ride out the last month before my birthday on a clean (natural, unprocessed foods) eating plan. After one week on a fairly limited but very healthy diet (I’m using Tosca Reno’s Eat-Clean Diet Stripped as a guideline) I have to say my eyes have been opened – wide. Here are three things I’ve learned since I started eating clean:

I Can SURVIVE without Beer or Wine. No, I’m not an alcoholic, but on the weekends and sometimes after a long weekday, ahem, I enjoy unwinding with a little drink. Husband and I went out to dinner on Saturday night with some friends and I initially was nervous about what I would eat and drink. I’m here to tell you this gal’s got will power. I had an awesome, custom-designed salmon salad and a sparkling glass of club soda with fresh lemon and lime. Score.

I Can CONTROL My Portion Sizes. Something that has continually been a problem for me has been EASY all week. I have a plan and I’m sticking to it. Plan is the key word here. Mapping out my food is making a HUGE difference. I’m eating enough so that I’m not hungry until its time for the next meal – and my plate is full. I LOVE that.

Clean = Lean. This shit thing really works. Seriously, I’m shrinking and most importantly I feel great. It really is simple, the food that you put into your body determines how you look and feel.

I thought I was already eating pretty healthy, but I really wasn’t taking into account all of the crap hidden in even proclaimed “healthy” food. While I’m sure I won’t stay this strict after my birthday, I’m also sure I won’t go back to eating the way I did before. Thank goodness for organic beer and dark chocolate.

Winks & Smiles,

Lucky Number 28

That’s right. I’m calling in the big guns.

Yesterday I decided to pick up Tosca Reno’s new book, The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped, to help guide me down the final stretch to my birthday goal. I like to pull information and inspiration from many sources and I can ALWAYS count on Tosca for a little of both.

I had no idea when I picked up the book that it’s a 28 day plan. Coincidence? I think not. Yup, I’m 28 days away from my birthday – on April 28. I should so play the lotto.

So, I spent the better part of last night combing through the book and put it down even more dedicated to slipping into that bikini on my birthday, but most importantly, committed to 28 days of strict cleaning eating (yup the beer is on ice for the home stretch – gasp) that will lead to a healthier lifestyle for 40 and beyond.

Thank goodness for me that means 5-6 meals a day (I like to eat, ahem) filled with foods that’ll revitalize my body and give me lots of energy. I need that now more than ever since the running group I train with is having its kick-off this Saturday. Marathon training, anyone?

I’m excited to start training for Chicago and I’ve been longing for those LONG Saturday morning runs. I’m counting on the discipline I learned from running to help me survive carry me through the next 28 days.

Winks & Smiles,

Searching For Your Best Body: 3 Ways to Get on Track

Yes, I’m searching for my best body. I wish I could say I’ve lost it, but since I’m telling the truth today, ahem, I know I haven’t done everything possible to reach my full potential. After challenging myself on Thursday to stop cruising in my comfort zone I’ve rediscovered the feeling of pushing myself towards something I want – and I like it.

Since I’ve set a pretty lofty goal for my birthday, I figure I better get started. Here’s three ways I’m getting on track.

My lunch yesterday – Spinach and chicken salad. Yum!

I’ll be adding lots of greens and protein to my diet. Yes, I believe in good carbs (unfortunately, I love bad carbs, too) and will make sure I’m getting enough of those (the good ones) as well.

After lunch I ran (not literally) to the bookstore and picked up this …

"Your Best Body Now"  - Sounds like I might have found the answer to my search.

Talk about inspiring. I absolutely heart Tosca Reno and have a feeling my family will see my nose buried in this book for the next 24 hours. I let you know how I like it when I’m done.

And, last but not least, I’m tuning into the IAWR Women’s Running Free Telesummit. Free. Did someone say free? It’s going on this week and has several top experts sharing awesome advice on not only running, but taking care of you. Tonight renowned sports nutritionist Nancy Clark will be busting weight myths. Maybe she can help me bust into that bikini.

Winks & Smiles,