amazingann 's dagbok, 19 jul 24

Last year, I slowly transitioned to all whole foods, with no added sugar (fruit ok), no preservatives, no flour-based foods, and no packaged foods unless it's single or very few ingredients like rice, kefir yogurt, plain mozzarella ball, etc. The last transition was for my condiments, which are now exclusively olive oil, different types of vinegar, and fruit as garnishes. I also learned the importance of a healthy gut in weight loss/maintenance, so I make to sure to eat both prebiotic (oats, apple, onions, avocado) and probiotic (kefir yogurt, sauerkraut) foods in balance everyday. I quickly lost a ton of fat in the process. I eat 1500 to 2000 calories per day naturally and not for some sort of goal. I eat until full and then stop. For a while, it was difficult to find the time to cook everything. But then I found recipes for both cold and hot meals for every meal (bfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), which makes it much easier for me to not always have to make a hot meal. I pack my meals and snacks most days and carry them in a soft, zipper cooler. I feel like I've simplified the grocery shopping, meal prep, and cooking as much as possible. Still takes on average, 14 hours per week, with some days more hours than others. I figure...it's worth it. Occasionally, I eat from the salad bar at Whole Foods or similar healthy grocery store. I rarely go to restaurants, but if I do, I choose something that I would normally make, like baked chicken, wild rice, and salad and ask for no added salt. Once every month or two, I might eat something totally random, like ice cream or a gluten free sugar cookie, but honestly, I don't desire the packaged foods anymore. I hope you find a way of eating that you enjoy and works for you!!  

Hi Outerlimit — thanks for your comment — I read it to my husband, plus parts of your bio. I'm inspired by what you report. I'm wondering how to get started on the whole foods plan. Do you have any favorite cookbooks/recipes to recommend? Especially vegan or fish. That's so great that you've been having such healthy success.