The Plan!

Now that the planning and execution is in place and believe me, this is continual…it doesn’t stop!, it hinges on keeping it constant and moving, organising a timetable of events so to say, more like a menu for the days ahead. Of course, it doesn’t always go according to plan and there are days that lunch is inter-changed with dinner and vice-versa. The main issue for me is to keep focused on the ultimate objective…keeping the pounds off without compromising a healthy lifestyle!

At present I’m keeping it straight and simple, generally salads, pasta with grilled chicken, indian-styled cooking of lentils and beans with a touch of olive oil, using interesting garnishings like grated boiled egg over a salad, or a salad dressing made with a combo of light mayo mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider or spirit vinegar. Spiced and foil wrapped grilled chicken breasts or fish, are some of the meals prepared. Side items included steamed or grilled veggies of at least a cup and a small salad. Dessert is fat free yogurt or a fruit. My water intake is between 1.5-2 litres a day with green tea in between.

A typical grocery checklist for me is:

Bread and cereals: Crushed oats and bran bread, Durum wheat pasta, Balance Natural museli, quick cooking oats,couscous, quinoa, buckwheat, weighless bran or All bran, Finn Crisp crackers

Milk and Dairy: Skim or low fat milk, fat free yogurt plain and fruit variety, low fat cheese, mozarella cheese, low fat or fat free cottage cheese, flavoured

Protein: lentils, baked beans, chickpeas, butter beans, Fry’s veggie cutlets, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, hake medallions, wild salmon, canned salmon, canned pilchards, canned tuna, eggs (Red meat is eliminated for now)

Veggies: Baby marrow, patty pans, brinjal, cauliflower, green beans, spinach, mushrooms, tomato, onion, green peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, green chilli

Fruit: Apples, naartjies, strawberries

Fats: Olive oil and light margarines, light mayonnaise

Sauces: Loads of chilli and peri-peri mostly, occassionally

Spices: General indian condiments, peri-peri, salt and pepper

That’s essentially list for now and it will change as the weeks go by. I’m happy to survive on the above and spice up the meals as the need arises.

Overall it’s a general low GI plan, ensuring a balance of all food groups and this seems to be working….