whitswanderlust's Profile

About a year and a half ago I got sick of being overweight and tired all the time. I have struggled with weight my whole life, and as a baker, have an affinity for ALL THINGS carbohydrate. I was confident in my body, but could tell a marked difference in my energy levels and overall happiness when I was carrying 170 lbs on my 5' 3" body. Additionally, I would come home from a day at my desk feeling totally drained and with aches and pains all over my body.

That day I made a decision- I started to focus more on eating whole, real foods and to take a daily walk (2-5 miles) to eliminate the pain and stiffness I felt after my work day. (at least 4-5 days a week)

I told myself it didn't matter how fast I walked- so long as I was moving, it was better than nothing.

As far as my "diet," I stopped eating fast foods as much as possible. I don't deny myself anything I craved, including pizza or baked goods. Instead, I ate everything in moderation, and balanced some of my less nutritious choices with a very light, nutritious and vegetable heavy next meal.

I tried to focus on what I call "the rule of diminishing returns" when I was eating anything that I knew wasn't good for my body. Instead of finishing every bite of a rich dessert or a bacon cheeseburger, I would simply eat until it stopped tasting as amazing as it did at first. (trust me.... no bite can top the first!) I really tried to slow down my eating and focus on enjoying and savoring the flavor of my food.

I've done the low-fat, and atkins, and southbeach diets before with no real or lasting results. I've cut out sugar entirely, but found that nearly impossible for a foodie (and baker) like me. This time around I didn't buy anything processed or low-fat, or anything that could be considered diet food. Real, whole food, prepared in my kitchen from scratch whenever possible.

By doing these things I've managed to lose and keep off about 28 lbs. My energy levels have risen enormously, my fibromyalgia pain has reduced drastically, and I feel healthy and happy overall.

TLDR; Diets are silly- eat whole, real foods (home cooked when possible,) and enjoy everything in moderation.

Forgot to mention- I keep the bags in a vintage tin in my nightstand so they're always on hand. :)

I agree! Where is the coffee table from? It's perfect!

I live right around the corner from this and it's WONDERFUL! I joined a CSA but since I live by myself and work ridiculous hours I ended up wasting way too much food. Tempe farmer's market was the perfect solution and the people are wonderful, the food is beautiful, and the prices are really reasonable.

So glad to have it.