Believe it or not losing weight is not my main goal. I want to be as healthy as I possibly can. That involves eating right, exercising, drinking enough water and getting enough rest. I want to be energetic and engaged with life. I want to be fit-meaning in the best possible health that I can be. Right now I need to commit to a lifestyle change that will help me meet these goods. First things first-what should I be eating nutrition wise?
My nutritionist’s goals for me are pretty simple:
· 1600 calories total
· 160 g carbohydrates (I’m pescatarian so she allows more carbs per day)
· 120 g protein (I never meet that goal-I’m trying to do better)
· 53 g of fat
· <230 mg sodium
· 64 oz water (This one is EASY)
The calorie count and water intake is the only thing I can say that I stick to most days. I know I routinely go over my carb goal and I don’t think I’ve ever met my protein goals. Fat? I don’t even bother with trying to keep that to a minimum. I also haven’t been tracking my sodium intake but since I’ve cut out a lot of fast food I know it is lower than it used to be.
I am going to focus on getting in more protein for now. My main issue is that even though I eat seafood I am not in love with it (like pizza) and do not care to eat it in the quantities she suggested to meet my protein goals. I eat fish maybe 2 or 3 times a month instead of the 2-3 days a week that was suggested. I’m seriously considering giving up fish all together and becoming a vegetarian so I’m not looking to increase my seafood consumption. I’m not how to get the amount of protein she says I for this stage of my health journey.
Protein shakes and my stomach don’t get along at all. I’ve tried many varieties but I can only tolerate a vegan pea protein shake once or twice a week. Anything more than that and my body goes into revolt. I’m thinking of trying tofu but I haven’t yet. I don’t know. I don’t feel that the pre-packaged faux meat products that I get the majority of my protein from are healthy in the long run. I’m also sure that their sodium content isn’t within my nutrition goals. I need to do more research. I know that it is possible to eat a well balanced and health diet without including meat. I just need to branch out and try new foods and think outside the box.
My health is important. I am reaffirming my commitment put my health and well being into its proper place in my life!
Fit Begins at Forty 