My appetite has been silly for about a month now, many thanks to the rounds of flu and whatever else that has hit our household this winter. (Yes, I realize that it’s now spring, but until I can plant a garden…)
I’m not the only one with an abnormal appetite. None of the boys felt like eating when they were sick, and a couple of them caught two different varieties of the crud. All that to say – some of us are on the scrawny side right now. It’s not a big deal. We’ll be back to fighting weight in no time. But while thinking about what foods we should focus on eating as we gain strength, this occurred to me:
When people ask me what foods they should be eating in order to lose weight – and when people ask me what foods they should be eating to gain weight – and when people ask me what foods they should be eating to maintain weight…my answer is the exact same.
How can this be?
This can be because I always recommend eating real food. I always suggest that we focus on eating many fruits and vegetables. That we focus on eating plenty of healthy fats like coconut oil and butter. That we eat plenty of good proteins like eggs, meat, and nuts. That we eat nourishing broth and a few whole grains. That we avoid empty foods that don’t contain nutrients.
So those are the foods I recommend people eat when they need to lose weight. Or gain weight. Or maintain weight. How about that? When eating the right amount of the right foods, in balance, according to your body’s needs – most of us will find our healthy weight.
Now, there are other things to consider like allergies and body types and exercise and age and chronic health issues and what size shoe you wear (except not really about the shoes). Not everyone loses or gains weight in the same way and not all of us can eat the exact same diet. I’m not trying to write a perfect prescription for perfect weight for all.
I’m just saying that intentional nourishment is the biggest key to helping each of us find a healthy weight. Not dieting. Not binging. Not depriving oneself. Not being extreme.
So let’s all eat real food. No matter what size you are or need to be. Real food is tasty, satisfying, nourishing, and you can spread butter on it. It’s a win, win, win, win. :)
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Nancy says
I agree real food is the way to go. However if you want to lose weight you do need to know how to work with your body. Trim Healthy Mama advocates real food but separating fats and carbs. Its worked for me — I’m down 40lbs eating real food (including lots of butter!) :)
Leah says
I agree witht his line of thought. You must develop habits that promote an overall healthy lifestyle for yourself. That’s the ONLY way to achieve permanent weight loss, and it’s fundamental to every truly successful weight loss strategy. In fact, check out the following article that does a wonderful job of explaining the key factors in an effective, long-term weight loss strategy: fatfreeme.net/big5
Nathana Clay says
I like your point, mostly because I never could “diet” in the traditional sense. The only time I successfully lost weight was when I focused on eating for nutrition: whole grains, coconut oil, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, less sugar and hydrogenated oils, etc. Pretty much exactly what you described. I felt like I had so much more energy, losing weight was just a nice bonus! Every now and again I will cook a rich and heavy meal, but those don’t sit as well with me as they used to. Now, I crave more fresh fruits and vegetables! (Though, I still love ice cream and donuts. I don’t think that will ever change! But I can make sure I buy better quality ice cream at least! And, I still need to try your homemade donut recipe.)
Kristin says
Buy an ice cream maker (I love my Cuisenart) and you will NEVER go back to storebought. Basic vanilla is just 4 ingredients, cream, milk, sugar and vanilla. We love topping ours with fresh seasonal fruit in the summer, (peaches, strawberries, raspberries or sour cherries). Though we make flavored ice cream as well (mint chocolate chip, dark chocolate almond, etc). Plus my ice cream maker only makes 2 quarts, so we eat less. Still dessert, but at least it is made with real ingredients.
Nathana Clay says
That’s a good idea! We currently buy Breyers because it has just those basic ingredients, but we gave talked about getting an ice cream maker, we’ll have to take the plunge! Thanks!
Kristin says
I bought my Cuisenart (11 years ago) from Williams-Sonoma, in April when they were including an extra freezer bowl (I think they still run the special in spring). The freezer bowl must be frozen for 24-48 hours before making ice cream, so it is nice to have two. when I take a bowl out of the freezer I put one in. Plus I have 2 bowls for when I need a double batch for a party.
Sadly, even though Breyers calls it self “natural” it still has far more additives then homemade. Plus, I know my milk and whipping cream are free of BGH and carrageenan and my sugar is organic.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Amen! Well said, Laura!
Eating real food is less expensive, tastes better, and helps us feel fuller longer than packaged. It’s built in calorie control for those trying to lose or maintain.
Also, real food nourishes and energizes our bodies rather than just filling the tummy.
Thanks for always being here to encourage us.
Hope you are all restored very soon. Blessings.
Lauren hill says
Hi Laura-
I was wondering how much you consider a few whole grains. I just started grinding my own wheat and making our own baked goods and breads so just wondering.
Teresa says
I was wondering the same idea! I don’t know if I am still eating too many grains . I do try to eat lots of fruits & vegetables but haven’t been able to drop these stubborn 10 lbs. I really think maybe I am not scaling down my portions according to my activity. I sometimes think I eat as much as my husband :)
Sheila H. says
I agree. Real food is the best way to go. My mom just lost 18 pounds by removing sugar except from fruit and upping her vegetables. She eats oatmeal for breakfast with nuts for protein, a salad with a boiled egg or other protein for lunch, and a plate full of roasted vegetables for dinner. She was surprised at how easily the weight dropped and she feels better.
Rebecca says
This stuff sounds good in theory, but I admit I am frustrated in this whole “eat real foods” business. I eat HEALTHY and exercise 3 times a week, but I am still starving all the time, so I consume way too many calories and I am 40 pounds overweight. I feed my skinny kids and husband the same food I eat, but they are able to feel full and so they don’t need to eat all day long. I don’t want to eat unhealthy things, but sometimes I think I could eat fewer calories if I consumed unhealthy fake sugars or fake butter. It is frustrating situation to be in and I kind of wish some of these slender real food proponents would understand that some bodies need more advice than eat real foods.