Carbs can feel like enemy #1 when it comes to losing belly fat.
However, there are many factors that contribute to fat around the middle:
Peri/menopause, lack of sleep, chronic stress, inactivity,…
And yes, processed carbohydrates, a.k.a. carbs.
I’m talking bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, cake,…
No one wants to hear that.
But cutting back on carbs is part of the belly fat solution.
Not to mention, it’s hugely healthy all around.
But..
The biggest issue with cutting back on carbs, is that they’re staples in most of our daily diets.
So, cutting them all out, cold turkey, isn’t easy.
And I don’t believe it’s necessary.
Instead, downgrading carbs from a staple to an occasional treat is helpful.
And taking it slow, step by step, is the best approach.
So here are my 3Rs to helping you release carbs:
1. REDUCE
The first step is to start REDUCING the amount of processed carbs you’re eating.
Cutting your carbs down by half is a good place to begin.
So, what would that look like?
It might be one toast at breakfast instead of two.
Or it might be an open-faced sandwich at lunch.
Or maybe half a serving of your favorite pasta dish.
Just think of how you can REDUCE your current carb load.
Now, of course, when you cut carbs out, and you’re still hungry, you need to replace them…
2. REPLACE
When you succeed at reducing processed carbs, you then may want to find a one-to-one substitute for the carbs you miss.
For example, if you don’t want to cut out toast completely, find a whole grain or low-carb replacement.
Or trade in your regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.
The problem is that these options aren’t necessarily healthier, and they can be expensive.
So, a better step, is to REPLACE the carbs you’ve cut with more of something else you’re already eating.
For example, replace your half portion of pasta with more salad, or steamed veggies, or chicken.
This is what I did when I first became vegetarian (not the chicken, of course.)
I ate what everyone else was eating, but I just replaced the meat with more of whatever else was being served.
REPLACING worked pretty well for a while.
But the one issue I found with REPLACING is that it will always remind you of what you’re NOT eating.
That’s why I think the best and final option is to RETHINK.
3. RETHINK
RETHINKING is the best, and most advanced way, to get over the carb habit.
It changes the game, getting you to think outside the box, literally.
It’s an opportunity to use your creativity, and it can open up a whole new world of food and eating.
So, if your current breakfast consists of two toasts and a bowl of Corn Flakes, RETHINKING would be a complete revamp.
When you’re RETHINKING, you want to consider whole foods only.
Meaning foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.
For example, some breakfast RETHINKS could include omelettes, stir fries, salads,…
Have supper foods for breakfast, or explore all kinds of smoothies, or why not have two meals instead of three?
The only limitation is your imagination.
When I finally let go of meat completely, I began to explore all kinds of cuisines.
Of course it was challenging at first, as meat had always been the main event of a meal.
But I adapted, found recipes I loved, and settled into a simple routine that didn’t include meat.
Similarly, you can do the same with carbs.
It’s not that you have to eliminate them completely, but it’s learning to view them as a treat rather than the main event.
Do most of your meals and snacks contain processed carbs?
Take a look at what you’re eating today.
If most of your meals and snacks contain processed carbs, and you have fat to lose or a health condition, you may want to consider cutting back.
Take it slowly, and be kind with yourself.
It’s not about carbs being the enemy, or you being bad for eating them.
It’s about you learning something new, and taking the time it takes to integrate it.
Pat yourself on the back each time you make a healthier choice.
And keep moving forward,
Debbie
P.S. Do you need help cutting back on processed carbs? I can help you do it, step by step. Curious? Let’s talk… Contact me for a free consultation.
Email me, message me, or book a time to talk through Zoom.