Myself and Caroline (owners of Healthy Supplies) are on a mission to lose weight this year. We set up Healthy Supplies partly in recognition of our own challenges in keeping our own weight under control as we have gotten older.
I started the year at 98.3kg, and would ideally like to get back down to 70kg, as I was around 10 years ago. The main obstacle to date has been a busy lifestyle, with poor meal planning and the grabbing of unhealthy snacks as fuel whilst on the go. Another tricky thing has been the arrival of our daughter 4 years ago, with interrupted sleep causing tiredness throughout the day which was counteracted with sugary quick-fixes.
I'm sure any parent or busy person will understand, but this year I am prioritising my health.
I was already eating relatively healthily, except for 2 things: the portion sizes, and the snacking. My plan of action is to nudge portion sizes down, filling up on healthier smoothies bulked out with thickening ingredients such as chia seeds or flax seeds. As for snacking, I will plan my meals better and avoid the need to snack - but where I do, I will carry healthy snacks around so I can fill up on the go without resorting to nipping to shops to buy a sandwich or a packet of crisps.
One amazing thing I have discovered recently is cauliflower rice. Being of a tropical persuasion, I completely love rice, and eat it on a daily basis, but all rice - even brown rice - is highly calorific. Cauliflower rice is a very convincing substitute, and with the new convenient instant cauliflower rice pouches available, I have made many filling, low-calorie meals so far. Plus, being an actual vegetable, they count as one of the "Five-A-Day"! They are most versatile.
There are plenty more healthy substitutions that I am making. I will keep you updated as I go along!
All the best,
Brendan Fernandes
Owner, Healthy Supplies
Progress Report - February 2016
At the start of February, I tipped the scales at 93.3kg. This represents a loss of 6kg (just under a stone) during the month of January.
What a relief!
The changes have been simple: healthy dietary substitutions, and a little light exercise (10 mins every other evening).
Dietary substitutions
As promised, I went for
cauliflower rice as a healthier alternative to rice. This has fewer than half the calories of rice and is less starchy, resulting in a filling, satisfying meal. It is very versatile and I have eaten it every day.
I've also cut out eating sandwiches on the go.
Exercise
My exercise regime has been very simple: every other evening, I spend 10 minutes: a one-minute run at full pace, followed by a 2-minute rest, repeated 3 times. Very simple and effective.
Next month...
All going well, so more of the same!
