? For those that have improved their diet

What type of changes have you made ? are your energy levels better? Skin condition improve?

I feel so low on energy lately, very tired. I'm starting to look at my diet and realize I eat a lot of carbs (ESP for breakfast) and dairy for snacks.

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

? For those that have improved their diet

I'm always in a battle.

I do know when I eat like shit, I feel like shit and look like it, too.
When I eat healthy and clean, I feel better and look better.

I think of it as fuel. If you put crap in your engine, you're not going to run as well.

I've tried many things as experiments. I've been vegetarian for a few years and then went back. Then I was vegan. I've juiced. With everything I've experienced and experimented with, I can honestly say that when I went raw (all organic fruits and veggies and raw nuts), I never felt better. My skin, eyes, mind.. All was clear. It was amazing.. i never felt better in my LIFE. I slept like a baby and even my stress level went down. My mood changed and i felt overall more positive. I hit up NYCs finest raw restaurants. Couldn't believe how yummy things were.

But I do admit that it's hard to maintain long term.

In my research, I do think raw food is something that is intended for our bodies. I don't think we are meant to eat meat or drink milk (I do eat meat at times) and I think anything processed is not meant for consumption (I do eat processed foods).

Try something else. Experiment. Log how you feel. Try something new for 30 days and give it a whirl. What is 30 days in the grand scheme of things, kwim?

? For those that have improved their diet

Look into a book called "It starts with food" it goes over much of what veggies said above. I also eat that way. No processed mostly raw. It's amazing.

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

? For those that have improved their diet

Its such a great book. I have let others borrow it but when they return it I always go back to re read certain areas. It is a little dense in some areas with technical information but it even warns y ou about it and says you can skip this chapter. lol I love living this way. OThers find it odd. I ran a Spartan this weekend and at the bar later ate a salad while they all ordered "regular" food. They think I'm nuts but I felt great!

? For those that have improved their diet

last year, i saw Forks Over Knives and it kicked me in the ass.

like others have said, i don't do it 100%.
but since changing the way i eat, i feel better. i do occasionally allow myself cheese and/or eggs, and i do eat a bit of processed foods... but i've limited them A LOT.

eating this way has helped me to attempt something i never thought i would do... run and run longer distances.

my menstrual cycle is a breeze, i break out a lot less, my hair is the healthiest it's ever been, my nails are longer and stronger, and i'm dealing with a stressful job in a way that the previous me would not have been able to... and i sleep a lot better. i also make rest a priority.

Forks Over Knives is similar to what has been mentioned above...
* zero or minimal animal products
* zero or minimal processed foods
* zero or minimal white sugar
* zero or minimal sodium

the movie is on netflix. i suggest EVERYONE should watch it. it's AMAZING

after you watch it, watch Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (also on netflix)

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

Read Skinny B!tch and you'll never look at meat the same. I haven't touched it in the 5 years or so since I read it. I'm not vegan but I try my best. The book promotes veganism.

I lost almost 20 lbs, have a flat stomach, never feel bloated or irregular. I have more energy but i wouldn't say im an energizer bunny.

I also liked Forks Over Knives, Food Inc, and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.

? For those that have improved their diet

I did Weight Watchers 5 years ago and since then have made more and more changes to improve my diet.
I've cut down my sodium intake. I've been having less carbs. When I do eat carbs I stick to whole wheat choices. I don't eat fast food or drink soda. I eat more fruits and veggies and than processed snacks (which I do have sparingly).

I feel so much better when I eat this way. If I do end up having something with too much grease, or sodium I get so sick from it. I have energy and I'm not bloated at all.

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

I'm on WW so it forced me to add more fruits/veggies/lean protein into my diet. I can't say it's affected my energy level because I am always sleepy anyways but it def has made me *function* better.. in the tummy area. LOL

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

? For those that have improved their diet

i'm loving this thread. looks like my summer reading list is coming together

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

This is what worked for me:

- Vegetarianism
- Base my diet on around eating tons fresh fruit and veggies, legumes, healthy fats like nuts, seeds and avocado,coconut. The biggest emphasis is the vegetables. I try to eat as much as I can stuff myself with.
- Almost no processed foods ( I'll cheat with an Amy's meal occasionally )
- No white flour or refined sugar
- Minimal gluten
- Incorporate lots of super foods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, goji berries, acai etc
- No fast food
- 95 % organic diet

I definitely feel great. I haven't gotten sick in years, my blood work is much better, my dry skin has improved and my irritable bowel has completely cleared up.

Message edited 6/10/2013 10:08:30 AM.

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

? For those that have improved their diet

Oops. Double post!

Message edited 6/10/2013 11:00:46 AM.

? For those that have improved their diet

I just eat clean now- Nothing processed or things that are very minimally processed. I feel better and my skin is definitely better. When I eat like crap, I feel like crap. And most of all, I'm a runner and my runs really suffer when I don't eat right. I hate how sluggish I feel. It really does weigh me down when I run. The best part is my weight never really fluctuates anymore. I stay at a constant weight (my happy weight) and its awesome!!! No bloating, no gaining misc weight and having to lose it. It's pretty constant (unless of course I cheat). I really think my metabolism sped up after I made these changes.

I tried paleo for a little while and it wasn't for me. I would lose too much weight and found it extremely hard to keep weight on. Plus I don't agree with some of the concepts (seems a little excessive to me) and cutting out whole food groups. Plus my runs suffered a little too with the lack of carbs. But I do recommend it for weight loss. You can lose so much on it. My dh follows it and he lost 30 lbs in a few months. But for me I'm just eating clean. It definitely has changed my life and I feel so much better because of it!!!

Re: ? For those that have improved their diet

I am trying to eat better and more raw lately, but it is difficult for me.

I recently started drinking Kefir daily after reading about it in someone's post on here and I seriously feel like I have SO MUCH more energy.

http://simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com/2011/03/kefir-vs-yogurt-put-this-on-your.html?m=1