Simply Filling, Simply Fabulous

Ugh...you ruined my groove. I have seriously felt like Emperor Kuzco for too long now. Something ruined my groove and I could not get it back. Most of you know that I successfully lost 46 pounds on Weight Watchers before I became pregnant. I tracked, I counted points, I lost. When I was pregnant I figured that I would gain the necessary 25-30 lbs and then quickly lose it by nursing afterward...

One year later, I wear a larger pants size than I did before I lost weight the first time, I still weigh has much as I did after having Kenzie (which was 50 lbs more than before I got the great news that a baby was growing inside me). Circumstance after circumstance, excuse after excuse, time after time...I gained I lost, I gained I lost. I jumped on the 5 lb roller coaster and have been doing loop the loops for 12 months.

But then two week ago...I found my groove!

Weight Watchers has a less known component of their program called Simply Filling. Based on Weight Watchers extensive research, there are certain foods that are considered to be high in protein and fiber, low in fat and low in simple carbohydrates; these are called the Power Foods. I like to use this analogy to describe power foods vs. non-power foods: imagine that you want to build a fire. You can make fire using newspaper or wood. Newspaper catches quickly but burns out instantly and if there is no other fuel, the fire will be gone. However, if you burn your fire using wood, the fire will stay warmer and sustain longer. High sugar, low protein/fiber foods are easy for the body to burn and therefore don't stay with you long. You will be hungry again soon. Foods that have more protein and fiber with complex carbs take longer for the body to burn and therefore ward off hunger.

Simply Filling operates on the principle that you make the majority (and I mean large majority) of your daily intake come from Power Foods. This basically eliminates ALL processed foods (anything from a box, fast food drive, and a lot from jars). It may seem like this makes things much harder but in fact, I've learned that Simply Filling has made my life just that: simple. Power Foods include:

• most non-fat dairy products (your choice to go organic)
• many lean meats/proteins
• all fruits/veggies
• true whole grains

Going Simply Filling has given me the opportunity to be way more aware of what I eat and even better...why I eat it! For example, wild, sock eye salmon is a power food but farm raised is not. Rolled oats, steel oats, and even quick cooking oats without any added sugar, maple flavoring etc are power foods but many instant cooking oatmeals have additives and hidden (or unhidden sugar) that adds points. I also learned that the phrase "Whole Grain" is deceptive. You really have to look at labels to learn what is in fact whole grain. Boxes can say whole grain but if you look at the ingredients they are a mix of part of the grain and usually something else like Semolina (in pasta). Semolina isn't necessarily bad but if the only ingredient isn't whole wheat then you are eating other stuff.

In my first week I learned to just stock my fridge and pantry with awesome power foods. Coincidentally, they are also foods I like giving Kenzie. We eat many of our meals together because I know what I'm eating is good for her too. Yes I still eat out, yes I still enjoy my glass of wine but I've found my groove again and lost 4.8 lbs the first week on it.

This week I am trying several new recipes (including some for Kenzie). Check them out:

Baby Bolognese

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Pumpkin Slowcooker Oatmeal

 I weigh in again on Monday and I don't expect another 4.8 lb loss. I have relished feeling more energetic, more in control of my eating and at the same time less focused on it.

Boom Baby!

Product Review: Proactiv and Wen Hair

Over the summer I succumbed to my consumerist tendencies and my susceptibility to advertising. I decided to try Proactiv and Wen Hair by Chaz Dean. I did research about both, sought feedback from people I know who use both products, and understood the financial commitment that both required before starting either product. I've decided to stop using both products but I thought I'd share my results in case others are interested in considering using Proactiv or Wen Hair.

acnetreatment.net

I have occasional break outs and thought that Proactiv with all of its celebrity endorsements would be the solution. I used the basic three step line, which should be done twice a day. I had to immediately cut back to once a day because my skin was tight and felt so dry. I could only use the acne medication as a spot treatment because it dried out my skin. Overall, I've decided that the price of the product was not worth the lack of results and serious change in skin moisture. I still have my sporadic break outs so perhaps Proactiv just isn't for me. I've used almost every type of skin care out there. I've used every variation of Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, Origins, Clinique, and the Say Yes line (in blueberry, cucumber, and tomato). My favorite by far will always be Mary Kay. I wish I knew someone who sells it. I wish that I still sold it just so I could get the product. Nothing has ever worked better or been more worth the price than the Time Wise line by Mary Kay.

marykay.com

I have thick, frizzy hair. I thought that Wen Hair might tame it and give me the silky Asian style, straight hair that I can only achieve with tons of product and a flat iron. The Wen Hair line is different than most other shampoos because there are no sulfates so there is no lather. I realize that I actually wanted the lathering. Because the shampoo has no sulfates, it won't strip off product, build up, or dirt and grime. Wen Hair continues to coat the hair and I believe that is what gives the slick, soft feeling that people reportedly love. I decided to stop using the product for a few reasons:
1. I have to use so much product and a tiny bottle is $30. One little bottle only lasted 3 weeks and I only wash my hair every 3 days or so.
2. The washing process is tedious. You have separate your hair into sections and use a comb to move the product through you hair. I just don't have time for this.
3. My hair felt heavier than it already is, it felt constantly oily, and was not smoother and silkier at all.

wenhair.com

So...I cancelled both subscriptions and luckily it was easy to cancel both. I can't say don't use them but I wasn't a fan.