It’s Not a Diet, It’s a Way of Life
Hi Friends! Before I get into the story of my transformation, I want to make sure we’re starting from common ground about the difference between a diet and a way of life.
A “diet” by definition is simply: the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
In a sense, it’s one’s way of life.
It seems our culture has altered the meaning of the word “diet” to infer a temporary change of what one eats in order to change the way one looks only to conclude those changes are unsustainable and the search for another “way of life” continues.
For many of us, the search becomes our way of life.
We struggle to find a way of eating that is “enough” for us—a way of eating that we don’t have to constantly change in order to keep our bodies in their right sizes and that also provides enough fuel to keep our bodies and minds functioning and healthy.
Ironically, many of us are doing it backwards, though. We’re trying to change our bodies to create that feeling of being enough because that’s what the world tells us to do. When in fact, our bodies were never designed to carry the responsibility of that role.
The kind of enough we’re truly seeking is the kind that comes only from our loving Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Wouldn’t you agree that all we really want and need is to know that we are already—in our most imperfect, incomplete state, regardless of what any other human thinks of us—enough?
What if we could find the nourishment we’re really seeking in something other than food?
What if all we had to do was find the truth in our food, real food, trusting in the One who created it for us to live and thrive?
Don’t you think we would be able to figure out what to eat and how much is enough so we don’t have to spend our lives searching for it?
Wouldn’t the weight and body image stuff take care of itself so we could get on with living and loving our lives?
About My Postpartum Weight Loss
On Aug. 2, 2019, I took my last bite of sugar and flour. I no longer eat processed foods and while it seems like it happened overnight, it’s really a decision that came after years of absorbing and learning the truth about our food but struggling to commit to such a change.
I now eat 3 meals per day with no snacks in between (because I’m still learning how to determine when a snack becomes a meal, LOL). My meals consist primarily of vegetables, fruit, grains and protein.
The short of it is, I joined 12-step program for food addiction that taught me by experiment how much food is ENOUGH food. It also taught me how to turn to God when I need help, instead of turning to food to numb and escape difficult or uncomfortable thoughts and emotions.
I was desperate for change, but it wasn’t as much about changing my body or my weight as it was about changing my HABITS.
My food habits were self-destructive and I didn’t realize until now just how much those habits were damaging my self-image. All these years, I thought my reflection in the mirror was causing my lack of confidence.
Because I had spent years learning about real food vs processed foods, I already knew how to eat healthy meals. I just couldn’t stop snacking on extra junk (candy, cookies, ice cream, popsicles, anything and everything processed) in between or sometimes in place of those meals.
The idea to eat something sweet would cross my mind and I couldn’t say no. I didn’t know what “enough” felt like and subconsciously always needed more.
I was addicted to sugar. Emotionally and physically. Honestly, aren’t we all? Sugar is in EVERYTHING.
These habits always led to weight gain, but most of my life I somehow “kept that under control” with exercise. During pregnancy, however, and especially my second pregnancy, these habits went unchecked because trying to control them only brought more shame and it was just easier to pretend not to care.
As a result, I gained more weight than I ever had and that started to scare me. I started to question my identity.
Once I honestly acknowledged the possibility of addiction and made the decision to follow my food plan (focusing more on the Lord’s love and deliverance than on weight loss), the pounds started to come off.
To date, I’ve lost a total of 32 pounds. The first two months I lost 10 pounds each and as I got closer to my right-sized body, the weight loss slowed down to 1 pound or so per week.
What I Eat Every Day
Now, to answer the question many of you asked on Instagram that prompted the idea for this blog post in the first place, here’s what I eat every day. You’re going to love how simple it is (more details here).
Breakfast
- 8 oz protein (yogurt)
- 1 oz grain (oatmeal)
- 6 oz fruit (1 apple or 6 oz berries)
Lunch
- 4 oz protein (chicken, steak, fish or 6 oz beans or 2 eggs)
- 6 oz cooked vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans, brussels sprouts, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, tomatoes, fajita peppers, zucchini, etc.)
- 4 oz grain or starch (sweet potato, potato, rice, quinoa)
- 6 oz fruit (strawberries, pineapple, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or 1 apple, 1 orange, etc.)
- 6-8 oz dairy/protein *for breastfeeding only* (yogurt, milk, almond milk)
Dinner
- 4 oz protein (chicken, steak, fish or 6 oz beans or 2 eggs)
- 6 oz cooked vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans, brussels sprouts, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, tomatoes, fajita peppers, zucchini, etc.)
- 2 oz lettuce + 6 oz raw veggies for dinner salad (carrots, broccoli, celery, tomatoes, cauliflower, etc.)
- 2 tbps dressing – sugar not in first 5 ingredients (my current fav is Lighthouse Bacon Bleu Cheese)
I followed the above meal plan for 90 days and then an additional 4 weeks until I hit my goal weight. Once I hit that weight, I’ve maintained it by changing my grain/starch to 3 oz at lunch and adding an additional 3 oz at dinner + 6 oz of fruit at dinner as well.
I use and love the food scales from Clean Simple Eats because they’re the perfect size to fit a standard plate and still be able to see the numbers.
And since I know you might be wondering: I’m 5’7″ and weigh 120. 🙂
How Did I Do It?
My answer to this question is simple: I really didn’t do it. I let the Lord do it. For the first time ever.
And for the first time ever, I feel truly free. Isn’t that interesting?
It has been a huge sacrifice to give up sugar and flour. I was so afraid and at this point in my journey I still am some days. All the “foods” I’ve loved that have always been a part of my life (ice cream, pizza, cookies, candy, to name just a few) are no longer part of my life.
But I don’t think about doing this forever. It freaks me out when I do.
Instead, I take it ONE DAY AT A TIME.
I do my best to hand things over to God when I feel stressed, overwhelmed or out of control.
I’m not perfect at following this plan and I’m not perfect at turning to God for help every time I need it, but I’m getting better at it every single day. Prayer and scripture study have truly been central to my internal growth and change.
Historically, I have a really hard time asking anyone in my life for help. It’s a constant area of improvement for me.
But I know God doesn’t expect perfection yet. I’m here to learn and practice. And I’m just so grateful I know now, more than I ever realized before, that He LOVES me. That love, when I allow myself to really feel it, motivates me to do what I know is good and right for me under any/all circumstances.
I know He wants me to have the things that are important to me, even having a body I feel comfortable and confident in.
The interesting thing is, He’s educated my desires along the way and some of the things I thought I wanted, are no longer needful.
He wants me to be happy and healthy and grateful for everything I have. He wants me to be free from bondage (to food, myself, cultural expectations, etc.) so I can help Him do a great work.
And He wants to be a part of every detail of my life.
I know He feels the same about you.
It’s Not About The Food
It’s difficult to summarize everything I’ve learned and just how much I’ve grown since I gave up sugar and flour. The emotional weight loss is even bigger than the physical weight loss and there’s no before/after photo for that.
Looking back on the past 5 months, I can say with certainty, if you keep searching for something that works for YOU, you WILL find it.
Never stop searching.
I’m planning a few follow-up posts (check here for updates) to answer the additional questions I received on Instagram and via email, but feel free to ask me anything in the comments and I’ll be sure to respond.
HI there! I feel exactly the way you do and know I am addicted to sugar and know it is horrible for me, but having a very difficult time stopping. I thought you found success with CSE. Is that not what you are using? Please share as I would love a faith-based plan as well.
Hi! I still love and use CSE regularly, but not for every meal. I actually love their plan because most of the recipes are sugar-free or call for natural sugars like honey and maple. But I mostly use CSE when I want to make something different or be more creative in the kitchen (1-2 times per week).
Me meal plan is even more simple and that’s what makes it so sustainable–grocery shopping is easy, prepping is fast, cooking doesn’t require a bunch of steps or ingredients. The program I found is non-promotional, that’s why I don’t talk about it specifically. If you email me I will send you their website link. My email is littlemissfearlessblog at gmail dot com.
XO!!
I was about to ask the exact same thing, would it be ok if I emailed you for the details on your diet/mealplan? I am 5 months postpartum with third baby and just cannot stop stuffing my face with all kinds of junk, am litterally treating my body like a dumpster and am so sick of being out of control like this. I have always been an emotional eater and have struggled with food addiction on and off for over a decade so I very much relate to this post.
Yes, please email me! I can completely relate. This program changed my life in so many ways. More than just the food. You’ll find the desperation is a gift. Reach out if you have more questions.
Did you include any fats? Also, what did you do if you we’re still hungry? Thank you so much for being so vulnerable and having the courage to share!
Hi Damaris,
I count my salad dressing as fats and currently have 1-2 ounces of nuts before my workout. Sometimes I have avocado in place of my salad dressing. If I feel hungry, I drink two large cups of water immediately! Sometimes I’ll eat my dinner salad a little early if I’m hungry around 4pm. I try to avoid snacking because that’s where my “never enough” habits with sugar started. But I’m not perfect at it. I just find it easier to avoid sugar and flour completely. Hope this helps!
What is the sodium content for the dressing?
220 mg
https://www.litehousefoods.com/products/bacon-bleu-cheese-dressing
Thanks for sharing your journey! You have really inspired me to step back and evaluate what will work for me. I find I do great during the day, but I have a mental block in the evening to reach for a “snack” or a “treat” after dinner. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I know exactly what you mean. 2-3pm is the hardest for me! After dinner I sometimes just stay upstairs because being in the kitchen/living room makes me miss my old habit of dessert after dinner. It gets easier over time. And you’re doing better than you think you are.
XO
I’m amazed by your determination and focus. Even though I don’t follow the same plan, You’ve helped me so much!
I love you babe. You helped me first.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It’s incredibly inspiring!
I just started one of my own and it’s a bit overwhelming… ugh. I like your comment about not thinking too far into the future. Eating like this might not be forever, but it IS today!
1. Do you also incorporate a regular fitness routine? If so, do you also attribute that to your weight loss?
2. How do you handle going out to eat or social gatherings (galas, fundraising dinners, functions where you are not personally cooking or have control)? I meet often with friends at coffee shops/bakeries or we go to lunch. As a family, we like to dine-out often to break up the week. I have a lot of dinners for my husbands job, etc. Just thinking about it makes me nervous… will I be missing out, high-maintaince, or what will I do?!
I appreciate your feedback and wish you the best of luck!
Sending good, strong, and healthy vibes from Iowa. xo
Hi! Such great questions.
1. I love fitness, but hardly worked out at all while following this plan. It was a blessing actually, because I used to always turn to exercise to maintain my weight, and with two kids, it is incredibly hard to find the time. Eating this way freed me from the burden of HAVING to workout. I just do it if I want to now.
2. I’m working on a blog post about eating out and social gatherings. I will say we don’t eat out as much as we used to. When we do, I look at menus in advance when I can and game-plan what I can eat. When I don’t know what food will be offered, I either try to find out, or just pray and pledge to have a sugar/flour-free meal (aka, I do my best). I just survived the holidays with all of our family dinners and eating out and it’s always a bit awkward at first because people ask why you’re not eating what they’re eating. But eventually they get used to it and you just do your thing. I’d love to share more on this. Feel free to email me (littlemissfearlessblog at gmail dot com).
Would you mind sharing what program you did? This is so encouraging to me, especially the spiritual aspect!
Yes! Email me and I’ll share the website. I joined primarily for the spiritual aspect and the weight loss and food freedom just became an added bonus.
What is your favorite yogurt? You have inspired me and my mom and we are now on this journey together! Thank you!
That’s amazing! An accountability partner makes all the difference. The only yogurt I eat is Oikos Vanilla. It’s soooo good! http://bit.ly/36Hjxwh
Does Matty eat the same thing as you for dinner or do you make two separate dinners? I’m sure if I were to try this I would have to get real creative with making dinners that Chad would eat. I do want to at least start cutting out sugar as much as I can for myself at least! I eat waaaaay too much of it..
He doesn’t. We have our staple meat + salad dinners that we still eat together and I just add my veggies. But sometimes I’ll make CSE meals that I know he’ll like and that I can have, too. You could start there! They have a one-week sample meal plan that’s free on their website: https://cleansimpleeats.com/?ref=ty-8zjfumcc
(Or if you buy a full plan, my link will give you $15 off.) Most of their meals use natural sugars like honey or maple. Maybe Chad will like them!
Amazing to read someone else’s thoughts and they be your own! Like everyone else that has commented, I am addicted to sugar! All of your food choices above look really good. I do eat a lot of vegetables, mainly no meat or dairy except occasionally. About one per week, I’ll have a pizza…not a slice or two, but a whole personal pizza from a place like Blaze. Knowing it is going to cause a stomach ache, I do it anyway. So sad. Do you mind to share the info with me also, as I would love a new way of life. Period.
Hi Hannah! Totally get you. It’s funny how we do that to ourselves. When we know something’s going to make us feel worse but we do it anyway. Lol.
Send me an email and I’ll share the link with you. It’s a program of attraction, not promotion, so that’s why I don’t talk about it in detail externally.
Cheers to a new way of life! XO
Hi! I stumbled across ur IG account, and I have really enjoyed following you!! Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. I’m curious if you drink coffee or alcohol, especially when you were in “weight loss” mode. Thanks so much, I wish you continued success.
Thank you so much! I’ve actually never had coffee or alcohol so they didn’t affect my weight loss process. Quitting flour and sugar has given me a new perspective on how challenging it can be to quit anything that’s been a part of our lifestyle. But I now know that it is possible! Anything is possible. XO
Thank you so much for sharing! Really! You have inspired me to do the same! I just bought some things from CSE and look forward to eating healthier!
Thanks for the feedback! I’d love to hear about your favorite CSE meals when you try them. They’re all so yummy!
Do you ever get bored of eating the same type of stuff every day?
I have a pretty good rotation of veggies going on so I haven’t yet. It sounds strange to say this, but because this program was different from any “diet” I’ve done before, I actually hardly think about my food and what I’m going to eat next. It’s been so freeing because of that.
I’d love to hear how you navigate going out to dinner – any tricky menu foods I should look out for (aside from the obvious sugars and flours). Also, I work full time and have a really great salad bar in my office building. How do you recommend I maintain portion sizes at my salad bar when I won’t have a food scale? thank you so much!
Hi! I plan to share more thoughts on eating out in a future blog post, but in short, I don’t worry to much about portions when I eat out. I commit to having a sugar/flour-free meal. That’s basically it. I usually look for salad options because they’re so simple, but you could do any combination of veggies/protein/grain/fruit. Don’t be afraid to ask if there’s sugar/flour in the meal.
I’ve been weighing my food for so long now that I actually can eyeball portions pretty well. You could try that at home with salads for a bit and then make your salad at work accordingly.
what a great post! did you have any digestive problems that this lifestyle change helped with? I’m battling just a plateau in eating and also just overall blah! about how I feel..even though I weight train/cardio 4/5 days a week.
I emailed you and would love to know what this plan is to learn more about it.
Hi Kate! I hope I emailed you back. Let me know if I missed it.
This diet is very similar to Whole30 except my meal portions are completely clear. Like no guessing games. When I did Whole30 I noticed I felt better without dairy. For some reason when I have dairy on this plan, I don’t have the same issues I used to. Maybe bec I know exactly how much dairy I’m eating and it’s always at the same meals. Not sure. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions.
I just realized there is an actual plan you’re following – if you wouldn’t mind emailing me the link I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Hi Jeanne,
So glad you love the breakfast! Yes, it’s an entire program. It’s non-promotional so I don’t talk about it publicly, but feel free to email me and I’ll share more (littlemissfearlessblog at gmail). XO
Thanks for sharing. I’d love to know the faith based plan that inspired you!
Hi Leslie,
Send me an email and I’ll share more details! littlemissfearlessblog at gmail. XO
Hi Amanda.
It is really often that I get involved with a blog but as I am getting ready to switch over a few of my social accounts I will never be leaving you behind. I am a 53 year young lady and am inspired every time I read a blog, post or anything by you. You small nuggets of truth are the amazing Grace that women need. The way you write touches my life right now and I am happy to be sharing my journey with you. It makes it more bearable.
Some day I may write my story for you. (Short version)
For now. Keep it coming.
Prov: The Elder of you women will teach the younger in spirit.
~~it is amazing how much I have soaked up fom listening to our young leaders. They are so full of light and knowledge. The Holy Spirit speaks through the young leaders of our church. Never be too “Old” to learn from a more “mature” teacher.
Thank you so much, Tina! This really touched my heart and means more than you know. XO
Thank you for sharing! Would you please send me the information on the faith-based plan you used? I appreciate it!
Hi thank you for your informative post . I have been trying to lose 5-10 Ibs and just keep spiraling back & forth. I did whole 30 as well, lost 5 Ibs and gained it back when the month ended. I think I need to just quit sugar altogether. I’m also 5’7 so similar body type as yours..would you mind sharing your plan with me? I would love to see what worked for you thanks!
Hi Mena,
I just published a post with the program I joined and others that are like it. Hope this helps and that you find what you’re looking for!
https://littlemissfearless.com/5-programs-for-food-addiction-recovery/
What do you think about Ezekiel bread?
That’s a great question! It sounds like sprouted wheat is different than wheat flour but I’m not sure if it is still a form of flour. I’m so glad you asked–definitely excited to look into it more. XO
Wow! You are such an inspiration. I followed your plan for lunch, and it felt very healthy!
Thank you! I’m so glad you tried it. So much good, real, healthy food! 🙂
How do you prepare your lunch and dinner protein? Grilled ? Is it the same way each time ? I’m trying to figure out how to follow recipes while adhering to this plan.
Yes, I usually always grill my chicken. Sometimes I marinate it first (Primal Kitchen Cilantro Lime is my favorite!). But the most convenient way to follow this plan, I have found, is to cook things individually and then put them on the same plate. So not everything is a recipe. I just cook meat and different veggies during the week and it makes easy leftovers!
Could you please share the program you used for this meal plan? Thank you!
Hi Karen! It’s the 3rd bullet in this blog post: https://littlemissfearless.com/5-programs-for-food-addiction-recovery/. These resources should get you going in the right direction! XO
I loved this. Just what I needed today.
Thank you so much for reading! I’m glad it helped. 😉
I needed this. I am a carb addict.
God impressed upon me that I can’t eat like regular people so that means no white rice, no flour, no sugar.
I was keeping it up for a while but I did a complete 180 during quarantine, even worse since the holidays
Everything hurts and I feel crummy.
I know this is what I’ll have to do especially since I have Insulin Resistance.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Yan! It really is so tough when our culture promotes an entirely different way of eating. Keep searching for truths that resonate with you. One of my favorite books is “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan. Also the documentary “Fed Up” is available for free on YouTube. Education is a huge part of staying motivated, but nothing was more impactful for me in sustaining this change than my knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. We truly can rely on God’s power instead of willpower. You’ll be in my prayers!
I am debating on this life style change. Years ago I was 250lbs, & decided I had to change. I exercised and only ate mostly protein and fiber. I lost over 70lbs! Now I have a 17 month old,who still nurses, and I’m 225lbs. My main question is,if one cuts out sugar,then how can one eat fruits? I know these are considered “good” sugars that metabolize faster,but yet they are sugar. Thank you for your time, and know I’m asking only because I am confused by this.
Hi Katherine,
I can so relate to the ups and downs of weight loss. This new lifestyle for me is centered on real foods that grow in the earth (made by our loving Creator and Heavenly Father). By prioritizing real foods, there’s not much room for man-made/processed “food-like substances.” 🙂 So yes, fruit is included and it’s so much better than the addictive added sugars we’re all used to! I’d love to help more if you have questions. Send me an email through my contact page. xo
Hi Amanda,
I saw your blog for the first time a few years ago, but recently ‘re-found’ you on IG. I am so glad that I did. Your story about your food journey has been a huge inspiration to me. I am 38 and live in Highland, UT, and like you, have two small children and work full-time outside the home. I am also a member of the church. I feel like your story is a gift to me because you are ahead of me on this journey, and you are someone I can relate to on many levels, so that increases my motivation. I have recently realized that my Hashimoto’s-induced hypothyroidism calls for some massive lifestyle changes (no gluten, no sugar, etc.), and in getting started on this new path, I find myself looking to you and being uplifted with some of the things you share, and your ideas and tips! (Hashimoto’s is an auto-immune disease that flares up when inflammation is in the body, and much research has shown that gluten, flour, sugar, processed foods, junk food, etc., increases inflammation in the body, hence why doctors and nutritionists are advising against these things to more successfully manage Hashimoto’s, or any other auto-immune disease). Thank you for being so honest. Honesty (aka vulnerability) helps others so much. I love how you weave our Savior through this journey, because He really is so central — reading how you have done so gives me courage to do the same, and to have hope. THANK YOU!!!
Omg, thank you for telling your story. It’s a god thing I came across it. I’m ready, I’ve been ready but not including god and the 12steps. I’ve been in AA for 8 yrs and have a deep connection with God, but I’ve never use this with my food problem. Thank you, I’ve heard of this concept and have even considered it (12 steps and God) but never dropping sugar and flour. I believe I can do this now. I can see a way to start. God. Thank you again❤️?
A very interesting post. Can you please tell me what program you did? Thank you
Hi Vicki, Here is another blog post with several programs out there. The one I joined is #3 on the list I believe. Hope this helps!
https://littlemissfearless.com/5-programs-for-food-addiction-recovery/
Thank you for this post! It has given me the extra kick to do this again. I’ve made efforts to go mostly no-wheat, no-sugar in the past but because I never addressed the addictive portion of it, I started eating it again and went totally overboard again. I kept telling myself that other people can eat sanely and properly while including wheat and sugary foods, so I should be able to, as well. I realize now that this is not what one would say to an alcoholic about alcohol (“other people can stop at one drink, so you should be able to”). Major epiphany there. And thank you for what you said about snacking as well. I’m the same way. The key is the three good meals a day. It’s how I was raised and it worked fine for me back then. Since I read your post five days ago and started to implement the principles, I too have had freedom from the burden of thinking about food all the time (why can’t I stop snacking or eating toast and chocolate? What is wrong with me? etc). This alone is priceless. I also managed to get myself into disordered eating, and rebounded from various diets over three decades to ‘intuitive eating’, which if I allow sugar and wheat, means I only ever eat sugar and wheat, all day. I got so sick. What you wrote here is so helpful!
It was very motivational!
This is identical to Bright lines eating. I’m on day 8 and loving the changes so far
Yes! Susan was in a 12-step program for food addiction recovery and that’s where she first experienced this food plan, too. I love the research she’s done around the science of addiction. So glad you’re feeling so great! xo
Thank you for this inspiring story. I am motives again! Did you calculate how many calories each meal in what you eat? How many calories you think you have in a day?
Hi Jennifer! My favorite part about this meal plan is that I don’t have to count calories anymore (thank goodness because I found it so time-consuming and anxiety-producing). So I’m not sure but I bet you could google the calories for the different food measurements using the food plan in my blog post here: https://littlemissfearless.com/sugar-free-food-plan-food-addiction-recovery/.
Hope this helps! Xo
I consider myself a healthy. I exercise 4x a week and eat vegetables,fruit,fiber,and just fish. But I have always been addicted to candy bars,anything with sugar since I was a kid. America has brainwashed our thinking have this sugar love to be happy. Well,we all know the happy is a roller coaster. Before I saw your article I’ve stopped eating sugar. It’s my 6 day now and I feel fatigued. Did you feel that too? I’m sure it’s got to be worse before you get better type of body reaction to sugar stop. I also believe all things in christ strengthens us! I am happy you’re putting the lords power in releasing a negative (sugar) culprit. I’m also praying and giving all my sugar cravings to God. I feel when we keep God as a captain,our ship can sail with greater faith. Healthier habits. Thank you for keeping me more on my sugar stop. It feels good to know there’s others like me.
God bless you and everyone on this sugar stop journey to a better health of life.
Colleen, you are so inspiring! Thank you for your words of faith and for taking the time to share them here. How are you doing? I definitely felt tired and like I wanted to crawl under my covers the first few days. I hope things have regulated for you by now, and if not, just keep trying with the Lord and seeking His counsel for you. You’re amazing. xo
I have been wanting to try this. 6 months postpartum and breastfeeding. I have heard it’s not good to get rid of too much fat when breastfeeding? Do you have any knowledge in that area? Do you do any replacement for flour, like an almond or coconut flour?
Apologies for the late reply. In case this is still relevant to you, I would recommend discussing with your doctor and a certified lactation consultant. My favorite group is Lactation Link – https://lactationlink.com/. It is important to not reduce your calories too much when breastfeeding, but I don’t know the breakdown of specific nutrients to prioritize. I started the plan while I was breastfeeding and the extra yogurt and nuts were a priority for me and helped keep my milk supply up. I didn’t use alternative flours until I hit maintenance and I added corn flour.
HI Little Miss Fearless,
Thank you for your story, courage and website.
I would like to ask you if you know of any books or websites that have a premade list of meals?
What I mean and need is this: I am a food addict as well. I need a book or otherwise list of meal that I can shop and prepare for in the most simple terms. If I must do a lot of prep, I will often “attack the food” and then a whole week of food is gone in a few hours.
Thank you for any help you can offer
Absolutely! You would love the Bright Line Eating book and cookbook. So simple and made for food addicts! XO
Thank you! I’m really struggling with giving out the sugar, I like the food plan, I’ve been in greensheet anonymous on an offer a while, it’s a similar plan I guess, I’m going to look into this further!
Thank you
I decided to give up flour and sugar beginning yesterday. I’m going to be 60 this year and its time to turn things around.
You’re amazing! How are things going?
Nice. Would be even better if your diet was cruelty free. I have a hard time imagining that a loving God would want animals to suffer in both the way they are raised and dying for a meal. (And no, animals weren’t put on this earth for us to eat.) A loving God would not want his creations to suffer. Thou shalt not kill.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I’m 100% dairy free because of an allergy. What would a good protein be at breakfast instead of yogurt?
You could do eggs or turkey bacon (or any sugar-free bacon). If you prefer plant-protein, I’d recommend searching online for ideas. I’ve seen tofu scrambles, bean-based smoothies, etc. I sometimes just have almond butter in my oatmeal in place of yogurt. Overnight oats with chia seeds are great, too. So many options out there! You’ll find them if you keep seeking!
Absolutely wonderful post!! It really “hit home” and I will continue to write my daily “Letters to God”. I will save your article for inspiration and find joy and peace and love in everything I do. I AM enough😊Thank you and with love, Carolyn
I read your article and then asked chatgpt to create me a meal plan that doesn’t have sugar or flower. I gave it a long list of items that my family likes and doesn’t like. It did a great job and introduced me to a lot of new foods I’d never try. Each sunday, I ask it to create a new meal plan for the following week which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. So far, so good…
This is so cool! Thanks for sharing the tip.
Just wanted to say I’m so happy I stumbled across this post!! Exactly what I needed to keep going. Thank you!
Thanks for saying hi! 🙂
Can u suggest anything else for breakfast besides yogurt and oatmeal ? Thank you
You can create any combo of protein, fruit and grains! Here is the full meal template for reference: https://littlemissfearless.com/sugar-free-food-plan-food-addiction-recovery/. My current favorite breakfast is blueberry overnight oats (1/2 C blueberries, 1/2 C old fashioned oats, 1 C almond milk + 1 TBSP chia seeds for protein, dash cinnamon + 1 medjool date).
Could you please email me the plan you used too? Thank you. Alive in Christ!
This made me cry. I’ve been struggling with insomnia for so long because of cortisol issues so I know I have to give up flour and sugar. But I want food freedom. But I want sleep. I never thought about being set free from cultural expectations around food either. Thank you! Can’t wait to let this transform my heart and body.
Hi Lauren!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I hope things are going well for you so far. I have found there’s never just one reason to take good care of ourselves. We’re all learning the how!
xo
Hi! Your post inspired me to finally commit to a no-sugar no-flour lifestyle. It’s been 4 days now and I’m already feeling so much better and freer. I’m a breastfeeding mom and I have about 20 pounds left to lose. I was wondering if you exercised during the weight loss stage and if you recommend it? Currently not doing any level of activity. Thanks!
Hi Shak,
I’m so happy to hear you’re feeling so good. I did not focus on exercising during the weight loss stage, but I did go for walks or a short jog if I felt like moving. I found it very freeing to watch my body heal to its right size without stressing about controlling the process through exercise. Exercise just became this cherry on top to help me feel even better. Hope this helps! xo