Low Carb, High Protein?

Remember when I talked about my plan to count calories here? Well that wasn't working for me. I didn't have time to enter every single food item into the iPhone app. For a few weeks I tried to eat better, but I wasn't counting calories.

It was last week when I watched a documentary that really changed my perspective on food and what we have been taught all our lives about it. The movie is called Fat Head. It's sort of a response to Super Size Me. In Fat Head, Tom Naughton tries to explain that it's not McDonald's fault that people are fat, and that people have free will to eat there or not eat there. He also talks about the scientific research that shows that a diet high in protein (meat and veggies) and low in carbs can help lower your blood sugar levels and increase your good cholesterol. (Lower blood sugar levels= less sugar is being stored as fat=more fat can be burned). He also believes eating animal fat and cholesterol does not cause heart disease (not sure on that one!). Check out the movie's blog run by Tom here.

For those who like a visual, here are two clips from the movie.

Here he talks about how the "low-fat" fad began and how it may not be accurate.









This clip really makes sense. With my low-carb, high protein meals, I have not felt very hungry throughout the day, which means no unhealthy snacking. 



Now I'm one that likes proof before I make decisions. So I went and did my own research since I have access to a database of real research studies through my college. Many studies had found similar results: low-carb, high protein diets lower blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

I also read a few studies that said too much protein can interfere with calcium absorption in your bones. So, I believe it's all about balance.

My final verdict: 
       Lower my carb and sugar intake (bread, pasta, almost anything in a package)
       Eat more vegetables and fruits
       Eating meat at every meal is ok, just don't go overboard
       Not all fat is bad!



Did you know cinnamon has zero sugar and has a lot of benefits for your body. Studies have shown 1/2 teaspoon a day can lower LDL cholesterol (that's the bad one). It's also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Normally I would eat ice cream for dessert, but tonight I baked apples and blueberries with cinnamon. Yummy!

Love strawberries!

Something that the movie Fat Head taught me, was do not believe everything you're told. Do you're own research! If you don't agree with things I've said, then I'd love to see what evidence you find for your own opinions. I love having debates!

My Weight Loss Journey

I've made a goal for myself to loose 27 pounds by June which is my 10 year high school reunion. When I reach my goal, I will be at the healthy weight for my height and age. For too long I've been unhappy with my body, and now I'm finally doing something about.

The key to loosing weight is to eat less calories than you burn as well as exercising. It's really hard for me to just eat healthy, so I needed something to give me a little extra motivation. I'm using an iPhone app called "My Fitness Pal" that counts calories you eat and ones you burn through exercise. This has really helped me eat healthier and eat smaller portions. I love having the daily calorie goal. It keeps me accountable for what I'm eating.

I've been using this for a week and I've already noticed small differences as well as loosing 4 pounds. Yay! It's amazing how my confidence has already increased :)

We also bought the XBOX Kinect which is a fun way to work out. If you haven't heard of the Kinect, it's like the Wii, but you don't use a controller. It recognizes your body and your own movements control the game. It's pretty awesome!

A delicious, healthy, and cheap snack I have started eating is

stovetop popcorn. Directions here.

On another note: It's February right? So why is there Easter candy already in the stores? Easter isn't till April!!