Fed Up to Fab – One Week In….and I’m Feeling Good!

So, I’m one week into the Fed Up to Fab 21-day programme and I’m feeling great! I started the programme with plenty of enthusiasm to begin with as was very keen to change my approach to food. With such a busy life as a mum of three, including a baby, the house to keep on top of and work to do, I simply wasn’t looking after me as best I could.

When I tell people that I’m on the programme, they often kindly comment ‘you don’t need to lose weight, you’re fine as you are’. Although I wanted to get back to my comfortable pre-pregnancy weight and ditch the extra pounds I’ve been carrying (particularly around my middle) ever since, the truth is, this programme was less about weight loss for me and more about changing my attitude towards how I looked after myself and my relationship with food.

I had gotten into some really bad habits. I didn’t plan meals, I stayed up much later than I should, I craved and regularly ate sugary snacks, I ate far too many carbs, I didn’t eat enough fruit and vegetables and I certainly didn’t drink enough water. I seemed to be taking paracetamol on a regular basis to combat my consistent headaches, leg aches, everything blimin aches! My moods were generally good but had a tendency to yoyo. I was simply not in control of these areas of my life and decided it was time for change.

The common saying, ‘You are what you eat’ emphasises that the key to good health is a good diet. This is often easier said than done. We all start out with the best of intentions, particularly at this time of year, but being creatures of habit, we often return to what our brain ‘tricks us’ into believing our body wants and needs. It’s easier to fall back on what we know and like rather than try something new right? Change is hassle, change requires a little learning, I haven’t got time for change, I’m too tired, too busy, I just want a cup of tea and a piece of cake….I’ll start again tomorrow. Sound familiar?

Perhaps though, it’s worth actually stopping for a moment and listening to what your body really wants instead of your brain. We eat the wrong things for different reasons, laziness, comfort, stress, loneliness or perhaps simply because we want a well earned treat. Of course there is nothing wrong with a well earned treat but if you are eating for other reasons then maybe it’s time to try and crack those habits and take a different approach.

What I am enjoying about Fed Up to Fab (FUTF), is the fact that you don’t start your journey on your own. You are part of a group of women who also participate as part of an online private Facebook group, all wanting to make some positive changes in their lives. Many are there to lose weight (which you will) and some just because they want to get healthier (which you also will!). You can share how you are feeling, what you are struggling with, if you’re craving something. The support is fantastic.

You are encouraged to upload images of every meal you eat (a good incentive to eat well!) and are given lots of support and advice when you need it from Chloe who runs the course. There is also an exercise programme that runs alongside after the first five days which I plan to start this week (am a little behind on that front…!)

The basic principles of the course include drinking 2 litres of water a day, eating food that is low carb, that contains healthy fats for example avocado, full fat yogurt etc (basically avoid anything labelled ‘low fat’ as will contain unhealthy additives – not to be confused with replacing with saturated fat though) free from artificial sweeteners, low in sugar, food that is fresh, not processed, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit, and protein ideally with every meal. It also involves limiting your alcohol intake to one alcoholic drink a week! You are given some sample menus but you are also given lots of inspiration and ideas from the other ladies meal choices when they upload what they are eating.

These are just a few examples of the sort of meals I’ve been eating since I started the plan. ‘Plan’ by the way being the way forward. Planning what you’re going to eat is key to your success…All of these meals were so easy to make (although the beef bourguignon took some preparation over the weekend):

If I get hungry between meals I snack on ryvita with mashed banana, oatcakes, a piece of fruit or a small handful of nuts. I have suffered from a few headaches over the past week (as did most of us!) but this is all apparently a natural process as our body gets rid of the rubbish we’ve been keeping in our system. My cravings have got less as the week has gone on and I’m feeling more rested as am forcing myself to go to bed earlier than I would generally do otherwise.

I have already noticed some positive changes even though we are only one week into the three week programme. I have started to lose that extra weight from around my tummy (1 inch to be precise!) and although it may be too early to say for sure, I think I feel happier! My mood has felt really even all week, calmer and more positive. Maybe it’s because I know I am finally ready for change and plan to embrace it.

Finally, what I love about FUTF is that it is helping re-programme my brain to start to listen to my body and to make the right choices. It gives you the kick-start you’ve been waiting for into a healthier and happier relationship not only with food but with yourself.

I will be writing my final post at the end of the programme in a couple of weeks so watch this space!!