Our team of women at Sound Health Physicians have gone on a mission to lose those winter pounds and keep them off. In three weeks’ time we each have lost 10 pounds by simply cutting out sugar and butter and substituting with healthier options. Initially, we cut carbohydrates and then reintroduced complex carbs back in slowly and proportioned to the rest of our diet.

The first two weeks were challenging but now I feel better than ever.  I have more energy and improved memory.  I struggled at first as I am a connoisseur of rich sauces and love to cook. I have learned that substituting low or nonfat Greek yogurts can easily replace sour or heavy creams, there are healthier choices without losing the richness or flavor. There are many choices of dairy products that can be used for rich cheese sauces, dill caper sauces, for seafood lovers as well as desserts. Stevia is a great alternative as well as the more common sugar substitutes.
Another hurdle has been my coffee habit. My normal “morning” drink is a peppermint mocha Frappuccino.  It tastes like heaven but constitutes almost half my recommended caloric intake numbers for the day at 560 calories and 160 of those calories are fat alone. Now I order my coffee with nonfat milk and two packets sugar substitute; only 100 calories or 460 calories less than my fattening Frappuccino. It doesn’t taste like ice cream but I have grown to enjoy the taste, and appreciate that my pant waist loosening considerably. As you change your habits, you will change into to a healthier, happier and thinner you. Getting used to a different food tastes is a lifestyle change, but it is worth it.

As your metabolism slows down, which is a reality most of us women face, we have to now make a point to exercise and eat healthier meals and appropriate portion sizes. If exercise sounds hard, grueling and uncomfortable with your extra pounds then start out out by dropping some of your extra pounds before starting your exercise regimen. You will find your desire to exercise will increase and your energy will pick up. Start your exercise program with 10 minutes.  This is a good length of time to start and then slowly build from there. Instant gratification is unobtainable; be patient.  Have fun!
-Lori Byington