Where's the Beef? (or chicken, or fish or...protein?)

Okay, I'm giving away my age with this but...do you remember several years ago (alright, maybe a few more than that) when a fast food chain had a commercial with an elderly lady who went around asking, "where's the beef"? The message was that the competition didn't have enough meat on their hamburgers and therefore promoted that there was a thick, juicy burger at their restaurant.

Today, I ask you...where's the beef (or chicken, fish or nuts)? In other words, where's the protein? So many diets are full of carbohydrates and fat (which are both needed in moderation) but lacking in another very important nutrient...protein.

It is important to make sure that you consume a balanced diet that contain all six classes of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, water, protein, carbohydrates and fats. Protein is a nutrient that our bodies need. Let me give you a couple of examples.

I heard a study that someone did using their own body as a test subject. This particular woman who is a fitness instructor and at the proper weight and physique decided to do a test for several weeks. She consumed the same number of calories per day and continued with her same exercise routine however instead of consuming her calories from a balance of carbs and proteins, she decided to receive them from more carbohydrates and to cut her protein intake. After a few weeks, she weighed the same amount - did not gain or lose because her calorie amount was the same however there was huge difference in her body composition. Although she had not changed her exercise routine, she noticed that she had lost muscle mass and in place, her body was 'flabby'. All from a lack of protein.

For me personally, I have been tracking my food intake on a free website that I highly recommend (www.sparkpeople.com). Tracking on this site will automatically break down your food into calorie, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, sodium, etc. The advantage is knowing exactly where your calories are coming from. Since doing so, I have noticed little changes in my body. Once change is that my fingernails which normally do not grow, have been growing and are strong - something I've been challenged with for several years. Just by increasing and maintaining a proper amount of protein, a problem that I've had has been resolved! I encourage you to do your own test and see the results you get.

So, the next time you sit down to eat a meal or to grab a quick snack, ask yourself....where's the beef?

Just One Week!

I want to share a couple of things with you on a personal level. First, the Lord is having me do some extra things at this time and so therefore my posts may not be every week. You can "subscribe" to this blog and you will be notified (somehow) when I have posted a new one. This way you do not have to check back every day to see if it has been posted.

The second is what I'm sharing with you today...a personal observation. Actually, all of my writings are based on personal observations so this is nothing new.

You see, I go through the exact same struggles that you do. As I have mentioned before, just to say "I've lost weight" does not mean "I've arrived!". You are never cured from weight issues - it is something you have to make decisions on each and every day. Since I began this weight loss journey four years ago, I never have reached my goal size and have fluctuated with an added 10-15 lbs on occasion. So you see, I am going through this with you and always will! The difference for me is that in times past I would have put all 80 pounds back on plus some and I can honestly say, that will never happen because I have changed my lifestyle! Thank God!

Now for this week's observation...just one week can make a big difference!!! In this day and age with the hustle and bustle of life, a week can go by with the blink of an eye and therefore seem so insignificant. However big changes can take place in a week's time - good or bad!

Here is what I am talking about...for one week, discipline yourself by writing everything you eat, exercise regularly, stay within your allotted calories, etc and see how you feel. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and in addition will notice changes taking place in your body. Yes, in just one week. You are not as 'puffy' because you most likely have not consumed as much sodium and you can tell that you are on your way to losing. Give it two weeks and you will really begin to see and feel the difference.

Just three weeks ago, I was sooooo disciplined!! I tracked every bite and was staying within my calorie, fat, sodium and protein range and I could tell my body was shrinking. Then what happens? I go on vacation! In just one week of eating out, not tracking and little exercise, my body is bloated and my clothes are fitting tighter. IN JUST ONE WEEK!!

So, guess what I'm doing again? You got it! I'm back on track and have MADE THE DECISION to do what I know to do and I'll be back to share....in just one week!

Have a great week and see what changes you can make by making the same decision I am. I would love to hear your results!

(Just to be clear, do not expect to drop an exceeding amount of pounds in one week but if you are observing your body, you will notice differences that will encourage you to keep moving forward. One week becomes two which becomes a month which becomes a lifestyle!)