My next nutrition challenge starts today! The last formal challenge was 80 days, but I've done this for years so I've got the basics in my head already. I wrote a nutrition guide for the box, about 12 pages, and put in these general recommendations:
*for weight loss, multiply your weight by 10-12 and shoot for that number of calories
*protein is a MUST MUST MUST! Shoot for 0.8-1.0 gram per pound of body weight
*restrict carbs to fruits and veggies--the closer to the way it grew, the better
I'm trying to plan out some meals, and I'm confounded by getting enough protein. To get the amount of protein I need it's just LOT of food--protein doesn't exist on its own, it's usually coupled with fat. And it just means a huge volume of food. 4 eggs contain about 300 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. If you do the math on that, I'd need nearly 4 DOZEN eggs. I'd be right around the right number of calories, but jesus. No one can eat 4 dozen eggs in a day!
Also a challenge is that when you're not eating sugar or processed foods, you're not eating empty calories. Hitting a calorie goal becomes much harder in the reverse direction--eating ENOUGH calories is a challenge. Whole foods are filling foods, especially when you're focused on protein. It becomes something you have to think about, a lot, just to make it happen. Thankfully I've been working really hard with Dr. Matt, and I'm doing really well at keeping myself in a good mental place.
Now I'm absolutely willing to be open about my issues with food. I own it. The food I have chosen to put in my body has gotten me into this mess. But getting out seems nearly impossible.
I have a calorie goal. I have a protein goal. I have to focus on those goals, but even more important than that is to focus on the idea that those are GOALS. They are not absolutes, and they are not mandates. I will do the best I can, and see how my body responds.
This morning I ate sausages. I'm planning meatballs (no breadcrumbs) and salad with chicken for later. Breakfast and lunch are made for tomorrow, and I should have enough leftover meatballs for tomorrow's dinner. So if I get up and get those made, I should be good to go. ;)
And box in the AM! YAY!
