I am not a health or nutrition expert, nor do I claim to be. This blog post is of my own opinion and thoughts. This post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking on my link, I may receive a small kickback, which helps to fund my blog.

After sourcing countless blog posts, websites, and medical articles – I’ve formed my plan for balancing my hormones and getting myself back!

What I have been researching is how Ghrelin and Leptin are connected to our eating habits and how these hormones can effect our body.

“I know I’m on the right path. Because things stopped being easy.”

Part One – Food

In most of the online articles, it is suggested to eat only three meals a day in order to allow your meals to properly digest and let your body repair its communication of hunger and satiety to your brain.

Of course, whole foods and clean eating is encouraged. Limiting carbs and avoiding processed foods, as well as sugar, is also urged.

Breakfast

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• Breakfast is, of course, the most important meal of the day! So I will be gearing my first meal around protein so I can start the day off right and set up my day to keep my body nourished!
• It is recommended to integrate at least 20mg of protein into your breakfast. So eggs, meat, protein powders – are a good choice.
• I don’t want to give up my protein shakes because this is where I incorporate my maca root and sneak in some important veggies and fats into my diet. Therefore, I will include my shake as part of my breakfast.

Lunch

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• Since I usually work through lunch, I will plan for a simple meal of a salad, soup, or wrap that I can easily eat at my desk.
• It is prescribed to keep lunch light in comparison to breakfast and dinner.
• I plan to add “dessert” into my mid-day meal by having a bit of fruit. Hopefully this will help to curb my sugar craving that usually hit in the middle of the day!

Dinner

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• Dinner is tough, because I am not willing to make a separate meal for myself and another for my husband and daughter. Thankfully they are both adventurous eaters and are willing to adjust (slightly) to my dietary needs.
• Bread and pasta are a weakness for me! But since they don’t really agree with me anymore, I don’t eat it often (unless it’s of the GF variety). However I will not deprive my family of something they love (especially my daughter)! If they wish to have spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner, than I will have veggie noodles instead and just eat the same sauce we’ve prepared!
• Supper, for me, will consist of protein, veggies and a small amount of starch.

Snacks

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• Snacks are taboo according to my research, but I want to be prepared for the afternoon munchies, especially as I get started on this lifestyle change.
• Healthy fats are always a good choice! So I will ensure that I have some nuts, trail mix, and perhaps a bit of dark chocolate and snackable cheese on hand – especially at work (the vending machine is always calling!).

Adjusting my eating habits will be challenging for me, so my plan is to implement these changes in phases in order to be successful.

To begin, I will TRY not to snack after dinner (whew, this will be difficult!). Per the information I’ve gathered (and it’s common sense!), dinner should be the last meal of the day.

IF (and when!) I do need something after dinner, I will be smart about my snacking choice and have a piece of fruit, or better yet, a cup of herbal tea to satisfy my sweet/salty tooth!

Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash

Because this is a HUGE lifestyle change (and not a diet!), I realize that I will not see changes overnight and that my body will take time to heal itself.

This has been a struggle for me in the past because I would want to see results, like NOW, and I would become frustrated when changes wouldn’t happen right away.

“Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying.”

Are you on a health journey? Are you struggling with your eating habits or have in the past? What successes have you had? And what failures have you had? I’d love to hear what worked or didn’t work for you!

The “New Me” Plan – Part Two – Incorporating Exercise and Meditation.