Say Bye Bye to Your Bad Carb Addiction Forever!
Before you start on your Medifast Diet, you have to be smart. You can’t just start something without making the right choices. For example, you can’t quit smoking and have a year’s supply of cigarettes in the closet, can you? Of course not.
Let’s be honest, everyone enjoys rolls, cakes, chips, cookies, pasta and pizza. What we don’t enjoy is what is does to our waistline. And that is why you are here – starting the Medifast Diet, so you can make a positive change not just in your waistline, but also to your health. In order to be healthy, and I mean really healthy, you have to eat better day every day; but how? It isn’t about eliminating carbs, it is eliminating the BAD carbs. There is a difference and you will learn these differences while you are on the Medifast Plan. I know, those white flour carbs just seem to beckon you….”Eat me, eat me!” So how do we control those cravings?
Typically it takes 28 days to cycle off an addictive substance, and yes, bad carbs are addictive. It will be hard going off them, you need to know that going in. But if you stick with it, you will feel better than you have in years. It’s worth it, trust me! I used to be addicted to bad carbs and the difference is unreal. I want you to feel the same. It is liberating!
Okay, let’s get back to our issue … refined carbs are like toxins to our bodies. Foods such as chips, pretzels, breads and pastas when made with refined white flour contributes to your visceral fat, you know that fat we get around our midsection. The worst possible fat!! But the main problem is, this is the most dangerous fat for your health. It can suppress your body’s ability to produce insulin and also puts you at higher risk for heart disease and cancer as well as diabetes. And you don’t want any of those.
This week-by-week plan shows you how to kick your bad carb addiction for good, so you won’t have distractions while you are on the Medifast Diet Plan.
Week 1 – The Cleanse
The very first step you must take on this journey is to remove all temptation. Yes, all of it. That’s right-fill up that trash can with all those unhealthy carbs in your cupboards. Don’t give away the food because it is like poison, and you don’t want to give someone poison, do you? Why are you doing this? Simple. If they aren’t available you can’t eat them.
What to do instead? Replace them with healthy fats. Before you freak out over taking in fat there is something that you should know. Same with carbs, there are Good Fats and there are Bad Fats. Did you know that when America switched to a low-fat diet obesity rates went UP? That’s right, they went up, not down. Fats can be good for you. Fats like olive oil, nuts, avocados, fatty fish and flax seed. Do not count calories; that is a waste of time. This week is about getting rid of your cravings by detoxing your body while giving it healthy nutrition from your Medifast Plan.
Why are fats good? Fats satisfy your hunger and helps control your cravings. Do limit your sugar intake this week to the sugar present in the Medifast meals. Do not have any sugar with your Lean and Green meal. Sugar is completely off limits as an additive for you. You will go through some withdrawals too as sugar is as addictive as heroin.
Week 2- Go Brown
Why brown?
Whole grains serve you well in many ways; they are packed with fiber, minerals, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Whole grains help in regulating blood sugar and keep your tummy full longer. Diets rich in whole grains prove good for your health by keeping blood pressure lower as well as cholesterol levels. Whole grains also lower our risks of obesity and diabetes. Fill your shopping cart with such goodies as, oatmeal, whole wheat breads, whole wheat pasta, brown rice and quinoa. A suggestion is to avoid Gluten when possible.
Week 3-Let’s Talk Portions
Till now we have been focusing on changing what you eat. You have cleaned out your surroundings…the bad is gone and the good stuff is in. This week you will focus on how much you eat. No need to waste your money on scales and fancy measuring cups, you were created with all the measuring devices you need already attached.
Carbs - The perfect serving of good carbs is no bigger than your own fist.
Protein - Meats to include fish and fowl should be palm sized, or 4-6 ounces at most. Make sure it is a lean cut per “Lean and Green” meal.
Fats - Use your own thumb to guide you on how much fat is the right amount. Concentrate on healthy fats instead of the bad ones. Always avoid trans fats like the plague.
Fruits and Veggies - The rule is as much as you can grab is the perfect amount. Especially green veggies. Eat as much as you want, but no added sugar or salt!!
Week 4 – You Little Cheater You!
That’s right! By week 4 you have earned your weekly cheat day. Once a week you can enjoy whatever white flour food you desire, whether it be pizza or bread, it is your choice. If you pair it with something fiber rich like veggies your body will metabolize the sugar better which helps control your weight.
Be careful with your cheat day, don’t go overboard or you may damage everything that you worked hard to overcome. The cheat day worked for me because, well, I’m human and I need a treat every once in awhile, but unlike years ago when I would eat the entire tray of brownies, now I just have a bite or two and I’m satisfied. It feels great.
Good luck on your Medifast Diet! This will be a great journey for you and you can do it!
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