I admit it, I struggle with portion sizes and calorie counting. 1700 calories/day to support my desired weight. What does this mean? It means I can eat daily:
1.5 cups fruit
2 cups veggies
5 oz grains (this equates to 2.5 cups of brown rice)
5 oz meats and beans (this equates to 1 1/4 cups cooked beans)
3 cups milk
5 tsp oil
I eat more, I had better exercise or plan to gain weight. For me, brown rice and beans are my saving grace. Lately I have been eating "Asian Style"; rice with every meal, bits of meat and lots of vegetables. With very little effort, the extra pounds are coming off. Plus, at a $1/lb for uncooked brown rice, it REALLY stretches the budget.
Instead of focusing on "diet", I am trying to focus on "slowly and intensely enjoying" my food and the core principles of a healthy diet.
1. Selecting a variety of foods in sensible portions
2. Considering no food either a magic bullet or the ultimate evil
3. Choosing whole foods over processed as much as possible
4. Embracing plant foods like vegetable, fruits, beans and whole grains
5. Including low-fat dairy products, seafood, lean meats and poultry in moderation
6. Consider sweets as a treat and eat in limited quantities and moderation
7. Rely on spice seasonings and “good fats” such as olive oil to make food tastier and more satisfying.
8. Eating with pleasure and eating wisely means getting the biggest nutritional “bang for the buck”.
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