For a few years I’ve struggled with a metabolic disorder, I first had a notion something wasn’t quite right when I started gaining weight despite no changes in my activity levels or food intake. I’ve tried treatments but I decided about nine months ago that I was going to focus on the low GI method of eating – also known as the diabetic type of eating. I stopped thinking it wasn’t fair my friends can eat/drink pretty much what they want and not gain weight, my reality is I need to stick to very healthy eating in order to be the best me. In fact, despite my disorder I’ve lost weight, I’ve never had high blood pressure, my cholesterol is always great (all 3 are more difficult). It hasn’t been an easy journey, but one thing I am thankful for is it has taught me to listen to my body! So, over Christmas I had four days “off”. When I say off, I didn’t really eat anything outlandish, I had probably 1 fizzy drink each day, a couple of baked goods and a handful of nuts or crisps – pretty much that’s it. However, I’ve now welcomed an additional 5 lbs, new spots on my face and less energy. What a great reminder that my body can’t process sugar the same way others do! So yesterday I decided enough was enough and I was going to get back on track!
I started the day with:
A cup of Pukka tea – cardomin, ginger and cinnamon – yummy, and a bowl of blueberries and grapes!
I then went into Exeter and went to PLANT, one of my favourite vegetarian/vegan places to eat for lunch!
I had their salad plate which was chickpeas with carrots, olive whole wheat pasta, lettuce with spinach, grated cabbage with roasted pine nuts. To drink I had a mango, orange and raspberry smoothie! Plant is a more expensive salad option (£6.50) but they have a great ethos – local and organic, so for me, and I am sure most of us, it is worth it! The only problem with PLANT is that it isn’t open evenings!! Oh how nice it would be to go there after a drink out with friends or an evening at the cinema….I digress!
In the afternoon I went on a short walk (2 miles) along the Exe Estuary
It was a beautiful walk ending at dusk!
I planned to show you some photographs from dinner – I had a parsnip, lentil and feta cheese bake with brussel sprouts and cauliflower but the pics are too blurry!
The reason I decided to do this p0st is beacause I see so many adds for expensive detox products and very expensive gyms. In actual fact, there are so many things we can do each and every day – increasing our water intake, eating fruits & veggies, going for walks, swimming at our local pools. Yesterday was day 1 and you know I already feel better, more refreshed and ready to continue with my healthy way of life!
that looks really yummy! can you share a few healthy recipes with us?
aaah PCOS, I know it well. I’ve got it too, combined with insulin resistance, so everything I eat turns to fat and I have no energy.
I’m following a low carb, low fat, low GI diet these days and I feel so much better.
Your yummy dishes look great, I’d need more protein for my blood chemistry personally though.
That salad looks yummy! I have just picked up our low gi cookbook for some more ideas. I too need high protein (helps with the cfs) so would need to tinker, but definately need more fresh fruit in my diet.
Btw I now have a floor in the bedroom so the de-cluttering has begun!
Louise – I will do in 2009! I’ll post my goals soon but 1 is to share a healthy recipe each week!
debt dieter – oh yes PCOS!
I should of had a protein with breakfast, thanks for the reminder
catz – I’m sure you’ll love low GI!
I’m sooooo pleased to hear about the de-cluttering!
Hi there-you are such an inspiration with your lovely food choices, they all look soo delicious!!
oh I feel for you!! I have something different but have to watch what I eat, if my body don’t like it, it gets rid of it fast!!!!!!!!! I to decided to just have what I want over the last few days, NEVER AGAIN, wish we lived by that vege resturant though looks lovely.
As to Australian, omg shock horror!! nah LOL we are from New Zealand but live in England now.
take care and hope you feel better soon fiona
Hi There!
I’ll look forward to reading your healthy recipes!
The photos are lovely by the way and the Estuary looks beautiful.
All the best for the New Year!
Enjoyed your photographs.
How lovely to live near such a beautiful place.
That’s interesting. My older daughter has problems with her metabolism too and is currently keeping it in check with tablets from the doctor. I’ll mention this to her though because I’m a firm believer in finding a natural ‘cure’ rather than using synthetic drugs.
i agree that the best way to lose weight is by eating a healthy diet and getting lots of movement. i look forward to these posts! I’m with you on the losing christmas pounds, i’ll come here when i need inspiration !
Mmmm… That looks so good!!
I too, look forward to your healthy recipies!
I think that’s a great idea!.. Makes me feel guilty for pigging out on fish and chips and chocolate today
I do feel an urge for fresh vegetables however.
P.S. I do kind of explain my 2 years thing in this post here: Budgeting for a nervous wreck.
The basic idea is that 1 year for living if I become unemployed/sick/whatever, and the 2nd year is just in case something bad happens, I have an extra slush fund to help.
Fabulously Broke in the City
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver…
It really is amazing how much better you feel when eating healthfully and excercising. I’m amazed that more people won’t do it because they think it’s “difficult”. I would never want to eat junk and not excercise. If I eat one meal out I feel terrible the next day (hence the constant apple & nuts in my purse).
That restaurant sounds fantastic. YUM YUM. Nothing like that here in rural Ohio. Only fast food places.
I like the sound of Plant. Your blog is great
Love the pics, I always enjoy seeing what others eat
You eat so well!!!
I’m glad you’re back posting … I’ve missed you.
I completely agree. I’ve always been a pretty healthy eater (no soda, very little processed food, etc.) but I ramped things up when we started trying to conceive last year. We started drinking green smoothies (dark green leafy veggies blended with whatever other veggies and fruit I happen to have). In the beginning, we would drink 1 quart each per day – now we drink 3 or 4 quarts each, and feel better than ever. I’ve been vegetarian since June, and recently became vegan, which has made me feel even better.
I’ve had minor skin problems since I was about 12. Nothing huge, but a few blemishes here and there, pretty much all the time. Since I stopped eating sugar and started drinking green smoothies every day, I think I’ve had three blemishes in the last year. I stopped wearing makeup completely, and just put a mixture of coconut oil and cocoa butter on my face after I wash it. It’s amazing what a difference diet makes in how we look and feel.
Here’s a blog that I love, with tons of simple vegan food ideas:
http://rawtoddleralex.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year!
I am going to have to order some Pukka tea – I love all those spices you name! And your dinner sounds delish! Do you cook all this yourself? I would love some of your recipes.
I decided that after the new year, I am going back to eating healthy again. I don’t like the way I feel after all this holiday food. Slugish is the word!
I like to use this GI website Fifty50 when planning my healthy meals.
Love the pics, too.
YUM!! Looking forward to the healthy recipes!
It all looks super delicious. I’m delighted to see you posting regularly again. I’ve been a lurker for a while now, and missed reading your posts. You’re incredibly inspirational.
I live in a small village in the East Yorkshire countryside, and can definitely understand your yearning for the simple life around here or by the sea. I want to be able to live here for that exact reason.
If you ever want to read about a poor eighteen-year-old student’s attempts to downshift and save for the future, then check out my blog. I’ve just started it.
Great post, and your food looks so yummy!!!
Libby
Welcome back!
I’m also trying to focus on a low GI diet. I think it will be good for me. Best of luck to you.
Your photos are so beautiful. You really do have an eye for a great shot!
Is puka tea simular to Chai tea?