As Simple as Five a Day

My friend is a diet fanatic. Everytime I see her, she has a new book on the latest diet. She is fit, lean, and energetic. When I asked her why she continues reading diet books when she is already in such great shape, she told me she wants to be sure there isn’t something out there she is missing. She fusses about what she eats when we go out to dinner, whines about not being able to have dessert, and is consumed by counting calories, carbs, and checking for monosodioglutimo-blahblahblahs in everything she eats.

I have another friend who is not a diet fanatic. She is also fit, lean and energetic. Everytime I see her, she is full of life and bubbling over with things to share about her family, their adventures, and her upcoming vacation plans. When I asked her about her eating/dieting/regimen, she told me it was very simple. She walks briskly at least 30 minutes a day, and eats at least 5 fresh fruits and/or vegies every day. She drinks plenty of water, and is very protective of getting good sleep nearly every night. She never seems to fuss when we go out to dinner, but selects healthy, fun foods, and enjoys a small dessert.

So, after observing both friends and determining which I’d rather follow, I decided to try the happier, less drudging approach, of the second friend.

In about a month I lost 15 pounds. I do not know this because I painstakingly weighed myself every morning (I’m way to busy for that!) but after about a month my pants were way too big (I had to go buy a belt) and I hopped on the scale just for the fun of it. 15 pounds lost just from adding fresh fruits and vegies? Hmmmmm.

I am an all day snacker. I have the luxury at my job of being allowed to nibble at my desk while working. So, while others are nibbling on chips, cookies, and chocolate, I bring in my tomato, cucumber, apple, carrots (no Ranch dressing!) or whatever I can quickly grab from my kitchen, asl long as it’s a fresh fruit or vegie. (I do eat a balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I am talking here about the snacking part of my day). I count them: I need at least 5 per day. I don’t leave the house without 5 fresh fruits and vegies. I keep a pearing knife, a carrot peeler and a small cutting board at my desk.

I get the weirdest stares from some people. I offered pieces to friends, and now they’re doing it too. Some days we pool all our fruits and vegies together in a huge basket and share, it’s a guilt free potluck!

Best of all, I don’t crave sugar like I used to. Water tastes refreshing, and fruits and vegies taste like they did when I was a kid. I also stopped drinking soda, (pop) but that could be a whole different story, for another day. And those 15 pounds? It’s been over 6 months, they haven’t come back, and I’ve lost about another 10 without trying. Now I am ready to start doing sit ups and toning my leaner body, and I think I’m ready for some new jeans!

Try it…5 fresh fruits and vegies per day. Walk at least a half hour a day, drink plenty of water, and get good sleep. You will feel great!