I’m going to start off by saying…I’m not overweight at the moment; my weight is in a healthy weight range. In the past, I have been heavier. In the past, I have been intent on shaving off the last 5 (vanity) pounds. Personally, I’ve had weight loss success with all types of eating plans aside from mainstream ketogenic eating (lots of animal products/protein; dairy; & fat). Honestly, my best weight loss regardless of the diet plan I’m following comes from eating real, whole food; not eating a lot of food; being active; and dealing with stress.
Dr. Michael Mosley has recently published a great book centered around fasting, time restricted eating, the Mediterranean diet, and…800 calories. It’s called, appropriately, The Fast 800. My latest app, soon to be released, is based on his 8 week blood sugar diet which begins with an 800 calorie phase for 8 weeks also centered on the Mediterranean diet. In preparation for that app a few years ago, I spent 30 days eating 800 calories. I lost about 15 lbs and have maintained that loss. I am a huge fan of Mosley.
Anyway, I just wanted to take some time out of my Sunday morning and share three tips that will not only help you lose weight but also keep that weight off.
- Eat real, whole food. Especially vegetables. Don’t eat a lot of animal protein. Ok, is that, like, 3 things in one? Oops. In his latest book Mosley recommends 50-60 grams of protein per day. Lots of (animal) protein is not conducive to longevity/health. I personally feel best with a Mediterranean-style diet. You know what other successful weight loss program was centered on a Mediterranean approach? South Beach Diet. I like that plan too, updated of course to include full fat dairy products (ideally more goat/sheep than cow).
- Use some type of fasting or time restricted eating. If you’re going the low calorie route, I encourage you to become familiar with Mosley. And talk to your doctor. Dr. Jason Fung is also big into fasting, especially for diabetics. At a very minimum, cut out snacks and have at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast.
- Change your mindset towards food, eating, and yourself. This is so important. Journal, meditate, do some yoga, start an art project. Reward yourself by spending time with people you love and on the things that matter to you. Get real about what you value in life and use those values to direct your actions. Is sitting on a couch mending your stress with a pint of ice cream really what the person you aspire to be would do? Value your health (mental & physical) and choose foods and ways of behaving around food that support it. Each food choice you makes matters, so start acting like it.
Love,
Tova