Two Year Anniversary of Eating Cleaner

We recently celebrated our second year anniversary of eating cleaner as well as our 49th wedding anniversary! Along with anniversary wishes, several friends commented on our weight loss and the fact that we are keeping it off. That is the challenge for so many of us who have battled weight for years. So, I am prompted to do a blog update!

Hubby and I are both at the stage where we are no longer really trying to lose weight, but want to maintain where we are. I weigh 80 pounds less than I did 2 years ago, & hubby has lost 140 pounds. We did not find find a magic diet, nor did we do weight loss surgery. We have just changed our view of eating.

The main thing we have accepted is that we can't give in to eating just because it tastes good. We like most everything, so we are more selective in what we eat. The main thing, though, is that we are careful to not eat too much. It really has become a way of life!

So, what did we do? We watch carbs and calories, limit sugar and starches, and eat very little grain. So, what do we eat? We smoke, grill, or bake meat. We're very creative with salads, eat lots of fresh or frozen veggies, and enjoy fresh fruit as a treat. It's really simple, clean eating. We hardly ever buy much  processed food.

We try to get some exercise each day. We enjoy walking the trails in our neighborhood, but sometimes yard work is the 'chosen' exercise. It actually feels empowering to be able to walk briskly without getting short-winded or being in pain.

When we go out, we may indulge in favorites such as Tex-Mex or fresh Gulf-coast seafood. We just don't order the huge platters, and it is more special when you don't have it daily. Instead of buying a half gallon of ice cream, we buy a pint. I've found several good recipes for making cake in a mug in the microwave. Anytime we treat ourselves, we are extra careful to get back on track the next day!

Our journey was not for vanity, but better health. My hubby has gone from 6 blood pressure pills a day to 1, and no longer has elevated cholesterol or sugar levels. The fact that we may look better is a bonus! His recent lab work resulted in his doc saying to keep doing whatever he is doing!

In closing, I encourage everyone to find "Whatever Works" to be healthier. For us, we just had to change our eating habits. When we look at pictures of when we were heavier, it's like,"Who are those people?"  Notice the pictures above. I think they look like completely different people. We don't plan on ever going back!