Yesterday marked two months of this low-glycemic, holistic lifestyle called Trim Healthy Mama, and I’ve yet to lose enthusiasm. Quite the opposite.
Yes, I’ve lost weight–fifteen pounds, and two pant sizes. But I’m also seeing a slow transformation that I wanted to share with you, in hopes of converting you, of course. 🙂 Here are five benefits I’ve seen outside of weight loss.
1. Acne gone
I think if this was the only thing cured, I’d still be pumped. My acne, which has plagued me for the past twelve years, has been reduced by eighty percent. My aunt, who hadn’t seen me in weeks, said my skin looked better over all–clearer and softer.
2. All day, abundant energy
While my coworkers are suffering from their three o’clock crash, my eyes are wide open. Heck, I’ve been known to ‘Rawr!’ spontaneously. Because my blood sugar does not spike or plummet, my energy levels remain steady throughout the day. If I add a workout to this, I can feel downright unstoppable.
Naturally, nothing can make up for proper sleep and taking time to rest and relax, but this is a really good start.
3. Renewed enjoyment of food
I used to feel guilty for loving food. I couldn’t enjoy a decadent meal without ‘feeling’ my waistline expanding. I couldn’t enjoy junk food or desert without some measure of regret.
But now, I know that everything I eat is beneficial to me–even the sugar-free, crustless cheesecake is doing me no harm. Actually, it’s benefiting my mental wellness!
When I do eat chips (which I do occasionally–life is for the living), it is a conscious choice, not a compulsion. I say to myself “I will enjoy this without guilt” because they are a treat, not a staple of my diet.
4. Banishment of the carb coma
This weekend was Easter, and Easter in a Mennonite family means feasting. I decided I would not deny myself, as my Saviour’s resurrection is cause for celebration. Our gathering was redolent with carbs and sugar, but I decided to skip the most starchy items (corn, potatoes, buns) and eat as much as I wanted of the meat, veggies and other treats. Of course, I indulged in Paska (sweet Easter bread), but I brought my own sugar-free Easter treats.
The result was, though I was VERY full, I was wide awake–none of that compulsion to nap that so often follows holiday feasts.
5. Renewed love for all things health
Two works: work out. They weren’t part of my vocabulary–ever. But now they are, and the more I exercise (and my stomach flattens), the more I want to exercise. I feel… I feel like I’m not quite myself!
Don’t get me wrong. After two months, I’ve definitely had my bad days, bad weeks even. I think that’s just part of being a woman (or a human). But success begets success, and the better things get, the less attractive the bag of chips looks.
As I said in my Trim Healthy Mama story, though I’d love to convert you, I know there are many ways to achieve optimal health. I encourage you to do your research and embark on your own journey.
Geralyn Wichers 