Real Food Changed My Life
I have lost numerous times in my life. Do not get me wrong, I have had my failures, but I have had success as well. I am very good at portion control for a period of time. I also know how to track food very well.
So why was it different four years ago? I lost 221 pounds in 2008 and have kept most of it off. I work out all the time now and I have the confidence that I will not gain back the weight.
Because this time truly was different. It started while I was on Weight Watchers. I was tracking every point and making sure that I did not go over any day. I would eat their frozen dinners and snacks, and would make sure that I lost weight every week.
Then I ate an apple. Sounds silly, right? See, growing up I had my fair share of fruits and vegetables. I would eat apple pie. I would eat beef and broccoli. I would drink a mango smoothie.
The apple I ate was no ordinary apple. It was a honeycrisp apple. Now, I truly thought there were two kinds of apples…… red and green. I was wrong. This apple was huge and only around 150 calories. I bit into it and was shocked how great it tasted. I was shocked how full it was with all the fiber.
Once I did, I realized that if I focused more on real foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains that I could not only stay inside of my calories every day, but I would be full. It changed the way I ate.
I have always eaten a good amount of processed foods. It was easy and quick. Yet, I did not realize the repercussions until I was over 400 pounds.
I am a new man now. I really focus on real foods. They fuel my workouts. Sure, I am not “process free” but I really try hard to eat a new fruit or vegetable each week.
Some people ask what I love the most about Attune Foods. I eat a bowl of Uncle Sam cereal every morning now. Four natural ingredients, that is it. Real food changed my life.
Oh…about that apple. Yeah, I still eat one every day as well
Photo by Moyan Brenne
Be well!
Tony
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Feb 15, 2012 @ 08:55:00
I always thought it was just red and green apples too growing up! I was shocked to learn how many different types there were when I moved to California, and even more surprised to learn how many there used to be!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 22:38:00
There are so many apples!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 15:44:00
I have become a produce junkie since I started eating real food. There is always something new to try. I think I love greens the most – chard, spinach, kale. Yum. Fruits are great, transportable snacks too. I’m with you on the apples – my husband and I are currently loving golden delicious – they’re so much better when you buy the organic kind. Flavor is off the charts!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 22:38:00
I am a huge “Ambrosia” apple fan. But I am just not a fan of the mush apple!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 19:07:00
When I was a kid, my mom would always let us eat as many fruits and veggies as we wanted. I’m still grateful for that mentality — and was thrilled when Weight Watchers changed their points system (was it last year?) to allow as many fruits and veggies as you want.
(It’s a shame WW still hawks so much processed food… but at least the change last year was a step in the right direction.)
Feb 15, 2012 @ 22:37:00
It is true. When I started WW, they were so involved in processed snacks. I felt like an outcast. they really are trying to go with more fruits and veggies, but I do wish that they were not “free” but counted in the point system.
Feb 15, 2012 @ 22:35:00
thanks for a great post! I was craving something from the kitchen but all i had was processed snack foods. I read your post and remembered that i happened to have a honeycrisp apple! what a great idea. thanks!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 22:41:00
I love an apple. They truly are delicious!
Feb 17, 2012 @ 16:38:00
I eat mostly whole foods too! Not perfect most very very few processed foods & they taste great!
Got to love those apples – so many new & flavorful kinds now!
Feb 18, 2012 @ 09:36:00
Yeah, I do not think anyone is “perfect” with processed even though they say they are. But it is more about the effort.