So here we share one great example of how clean eating can change your life. I cannot emphasize more the health benefits that you can attain by focusing on what you put in your body and how your fuel it. Here is a success story from Regina Schideler. She is an inspiration and testament on how we can change our habits and get huge lifestyle results. Remember healthy bodies, lead to healthy minds! Here's her story:
In December I had a blood test done that showed I am allergic to MANY foods I loved and ate on a regular basis (red meat, shellfish, white fish, buffalo, cow's milk, soy, gluten, yeast, corn, etc...). I will not die from eating many of those things, but I do have uncomfortable reactions and wonder how much they were holding me back since no matter what I did, that scale did not BUDGE! More than anything, that test caused me to start evaluating my eating habits and my need to lose the baby fat from my baby who is now ONE.
I worked out every single morning at 5am, but ate 'normal' food. Anything from shrimp scampi, burgers, steak or roast 2-3 times per week, potatoes and always a large salad. I am not a big sugar-eater, so I figured since I did not eat a lot of sugar and have not had a soda in over 12 years, I must be eating just fine!
I started on Feb 14th with very strict clean eating. I gained my inspiration by googling many blogs from clean eaters, reading all of Tosca Reno's books and her magazines. The biggest impact came from watching a few movies: Food Inc., Earthlings, and The Future of Food.
I did not tell anyone I was changing my habits, I just did it. There are many people out there with lots of opinions on what you should and should not do with your life. I did not need a reason to stop doing what I felt was right.
I am 5'8"; WAS 184lbs and I am now 152lbs. I have lost 32lbs so far and my goal is to hit 140-ish in the next couple of months. I was not very good at keeping track of my inches, but I do know I was fitting in a very tight size 12 (was probably more like a 14 unless it was stretchy) and now fit in my size 8's! I plan to be in the size 6's that are overwhelming my closet and begging for me to wear them once again before they are out of style!
I now eat mostly vegetarian, borderline vegan. I use a lot of recipes from the Kind Diet cookbook (Alicia Silverstone) and I am addicted to quinoa, sea vegetables, almond butter, almond milk, squash, couscous and different bean sources for my main proteins. Occasionally I gobble up a Morningstar burger if I am short on time, but I really try my best to stay away from processed foods or anything that has an ingredient I cannot pronounce. Vegetables dipped in homemade hummus are a staple food.
Regina is reaping the benefits of healthy lifestyle changes. Not only is she losing the stubborn weight and becoming healthier as she reaches closer to a healthy goal weight, she also has the energy to enjoy life and keep up with her busy family! Her story is so like many out there. It just takes a choice to live life as healthy as possible so you can enjoy yourself and give more to others.
What's your success story? Remember I am always listening to your successes and challenges along the journey.
Best in health-
Misty
