Holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, but they are horrible for our waistlines. I am not one to tell you that you can never enjoy your holidays and special occasions and indulge in some delicious and favorite foods. In fact, i am going to tell you that you can. However, the problem is that eating high carb, high fat and sugary foods is tough to stop once the holidays are over. In fact, many studies have proven those foods to be as addictive as cocaine, heroine and other substances. When eaten, they release the same hormones that trigger those addictive behaviors.
“Our research supports the theory that high-fat/high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do,” [neuroscientist Joseph] Schroeder said. “It may explain why some people can’t resist these foods despite the fact that they know they are bad for them…
Even though we associate significant health hazards in taking drugs like cocaine and morphine, high-fat/ high-sugar foods may present even more of a danger because of their accessibility and affordability,” JosephSchroeder-neuroscientist, Connecticut College 2013)
If you don’t do anything to stop your body from spiraling down this addictive pathway, you will well be on your way to the dangerously increasing Metabolic Syndrome. This is the term that is used for a cluster of conditions that lead to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, etc. This is not something to mess around with.
I am going to share with you a simple 5 step plan to RESET yourself and allow you to get back on track in 1 week
- No Starches/Fruits for 4 days in a row, add in 1 serving of fruit for days 5,6 and 7. Make sure to have a protein source at the same time.
- No Dairy
- Consume a lean protein with every meal
- Greens Greens Greens, crucerferious veggies (kale, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, collard greens, arugala, cabbage)
- Water Water Water- 1 gallon per day
You will feel so refreshed, energized and in control!!
Below are some tidbits:
**When i do this, I make sure to chopped up a lot of cabbage and have it in a container so it is easy to grab and put in a bowl. I will add tomatoes, snap peas, mushrooms, 1/4 avocado and red onion and some sort of protein (chicken, tuna, canned salmon, lean steak, boiled egg). The key for me is the dressing, Julie’s Dressing. The Sweet Salty combo takes away any cravings i may be having and fiber in the veggies and protein fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied. Go here for the recipe, http://www.icompetefitness.com/top-secret-salad-dressing/.
**I also make sure to start the day with eggs. My favorite is a scramble: 2 whole eggs + 1 egg white, cut up squash, zucchini, mushroom, turkey sausage or apple chicken sausage.
** For the evening when I am feeling like something sweet, I have a protein shake: 1 cup Almond milk, 1 scoop protein powder (chocolate, or you can use vanilla and add 1 tsp of cocoa powder), handful of almonds, 1 tsp of coconut stevia or coconut extract, and 4-6 ice cubes. Your almond joy protein shake!
Start tomorrow and Get Back On Track!!
