It's been 6 Months

 Today marks the 6 month anniversary of my healthy journey. Little did I know that when I named my blog that it would have so much truth to it. It has been a journey to the real me. It has taken a lot of ups and downs throughout the years, but I can see how God has guided me so I could arrive here today. 

So first I am sure you are wondering - how much weight did I lose over the last month- 6 pounds!! And that brings the total up to 44 pounds!! I could not have done this without God giving me the victory. I know I have mentioned that it seems like every time I turn around there is something else that happens, and I know it is the adversaries attempts to kill, steal and destroy. 

In about 1992 I read this book: 

I learned one of the most important things about dieting from this book. Fat is what makes you fat! It's true. This author does a really good job explaining all of it. And a very cool thing is that you don't have to worry about calories any more. Just understand the fat content of foods and make wise choices according. Since then I have learned that there are healthy fats that we do need. So don't cut your fat out too low. 

When I asked Bing how many fat grams that this book recommended for men and women - this is what I got as an answer: 

25-35 grams per day

The T-Factor Diet recommends a low-fat intake of 25-35 grams per day for both men and women1. It emphasizes consuming 7 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, along with whole grain products, to partially replace fatty foods and promote satiety2. The diet shifts focus from counting calories to tracking fat grams3. In comparison, dietary guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend a daily fat intake between 20% and 35% of total daily calories4.

 

If I remember correctly, it was like 20- 30 grams for women and 30-40 for men. There is a copy of the book at a local thrift store- the next time I go I will check and I will share if numbers are different. 

All I know is that your body does need healthy fats. There are some important vitamins that they body is able to use easier if there is good fats. 

Just in case someone may not know what healthy fats would be, here is a list: 

• Nuts 
• Seeds - chia seeds, flax seeds  
• Avocados
• Olives 

A bit of a warning on the seeds- Flax seeds need to be ground up or they will just go right through you with no benefits from the flax seeds. I would also buy the seed and grind the yourself with a coffee bean ginder- because once they are ground they tend to go rancid pretty quickly. And Chia seeds- it is best to mix them with water and let sit for a bit so they absorb the water and makes it safer to use them. I put them in with my overnight oats, along with water and a bit of soy milk, and raisins or date pieces. Yummy! These seeds give your body the Omega 3 that it needs so it's recommended to get at least 1 tablespoon of them a day. This is a fat the body needs. 

With fruits and veggies and beans - I don't worry about their fat contents at all because it is such a small amount. 

It is so much easier to just watch the amount of fat than it is to count calories. And when you cut out dairy and sugar and meat - it makes it all even that much easier. 

So 6 months in and I am still thrilled that i finally listened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit and made the changes that I have made. When you let God control the journey - you end up where God meant for you to be - the real you! :O)