Who am I?
My name is Natalie and I have lost 88lbs by transforming my mind.
I’ve battled with weight, health and image my entire life. Most people would never know because I spend most of my time laughing, joking and making other people smile but deep down, I was unhappy.
For over 5 years, I fell into a state where I did not want to be around anyone. Didn’t want to take pictures. Missed family events. I was ashamed, embarrassed and even afraid to face my family because to me, my weight had gotten out of control and I was unhappy. I didn’t need the constant comments to remind me how unhappy I really was.
I battled some nasty thoughts and things I would say to myself. Then I got my wake up call while we were in Cabo. I was there on an all-expense paid trip. Enjoying myself. Enjoying good company. Laughs, drinks, etc.
Then I turned the corner and saw this tall, beautiful woman who if she wasn’t a model, could’ve been one. My husband swears he didn’t see her but I did and it brought my mood down. All the fun was sucked out of the night because I looked at her then myself. I hated how that made me feel.
Right after coming back from Cabo, I went to the doctor and he said I was prehypertension.
That was my second wake up! I told myself I was too young to be popping pills and I refuse to if I don’t absolutely have to 🙅🏽♀️ That’s when my health journey started. Like many people, I knew the basics about healthy food. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not fried food, too much salt, etc was bad, it was a matter of my eating habits, my thoughts around food, my beliefs, my fears and just even old patterns where I’d eat to cope with life or when I was bored.
I’m a firm believer that any diet and lifestyle works but it’s not simply what works, it’s what works for YOU! If you’re not consistent, it doesn’t matter. So I’ve spent this time focusing on listening to my body, becoming more aware, challenging how I view foods, eating healthier and loving myself.
It feels damn good!
Ever so often, I have people starting their health journey ask if I’m afraid I’ll put the weight back on and here is my response…
I’ve battled with weight, health and image my entire life. Most people would never know because I spend most of my time laughing, joking and making other people smile but deep down, I was unhappy.
For over 5 years, I fell into a state where I did not want to be around anyone. Didn’t want to take pictures. Missed family events. I was ashamed, embarrassed and even afraid to face my family because to me, my weight had gotten out of control and I was unhappy. I didn’t need the constant comments to remind me how unhappy I really was.
I battled some nasty thoughts and things I would say to myself. Then I got my wake up call while we were in Cabo. I was there on an all-expense paid trip. Enjoying myself. Enjoying good company. Laughs, drinks, etc.
Then I turned the corner and saw this tall, beautiful woman who if she wasn’t a model, could’ve been one. My husband swears he didn’t see her but I did and it brought my mood down. All the fun was sucked out of the night because I looked at her then myself. I hated how that made me feel.
Right after coming back from Cabo, I went to the doctor and he said I was prehypertension.
That was my second wake up! I told myself I was too young to be popping pills and I refuse to if I don’t absolutely have to 🙅🏽♀️ That’s when my health journey started. Like many people, I knew the basics about healthy food. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not fried food, too much salt, etc was bad, it was a matter of my eating habits, my thoughts around food, my beliefs, my fears and just even old patterns where I’d eat to cope with life or when I was bored.
I’m a firm believer that any diet and lifestyle works but it’s not simply what works, it’s what works for YOU! If you’re not consistent, it doesn’t matter. So I’ve spent this time focusing on listening to my body, becoming more aware, challenging how I view foods, eating healthier and loving myself.
It feels damn good!
Ever so often, I have people starting their health journey ask if I’m afraid I’ll put the weight back on and here is my response…
No!!!
- This was a lifestyle change for me and not some weird, crash diet.
- I learned how to practice mindful eating - check out my top tips that helped me here.
- I no longer use food to escape my problems.
- I’m focused on self-love and self-care.
- I actually pay attention to my body now and listen to the cues it gives me.
- I don’t have to give up the foods I love! Instead, I make healthier, tasty versions of the food I love! Check out some of my favorite recipes below.
Disclaimer: I usually bake with protein powder because protein helps build lean muscle, burn fat and keeps you full longer.
When baking, I prefer to use a whey/casein protein powder blend. Whey protein is a little dry and casein protein can be very absorbent and moist. Together, they’re perfect! If you have either whey/casein, you can still use them but might have to slightly modify such as more/less liquid and more/less cooking time.
If you do not like your protein powder, you will either have to find one you like or doctor up your current one using sweeteners, spices and seasonings.
One way to see if you like your protein powder is to mix it with water instead of milk or any other beverage. If it tastes ok with water, more than likely you’ll like it in a recipe. If not, keep looking or hook it up :)
The good news: if you bought a protein powder before because you wanted to focus on health and had absolutely no idea what to do with it, now you have options 😁
More good news: if you’ve never purchased a protein powder before but you thought about and thought only super buff guys used them, now you get to fit in 😁
Recipes
Breakfast 🥞
Vanilla Protein Pancakes
Desserts 🍨
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Lunch/Dinner 🍽
Toppings 🍓
Store-bought 150-calorie or less snacks 👀
In rush or just don't feel like cooking? It's cool, I have some healthier snacking options for you here:
Chips
- Orville Redenbacher Smart Pop Popcorn (100 calories per bag)
- Quest Protein Chips (Available in multiple flavors including BBQ, Nacho Cheese, Ranch, etc) - 140 calories
Chocolate
- Atkins Endulge Treats Chocolate Peanut Candies (130 calories)
- Atkins Endulge Treats Pecan Caramel Clusters (120 calories for 2)
Fruits
1 cup or about 18-20 medium-sized grapes (62 calories)
1 apple
1 medium-sized banana
Fruity Snacks
- Popsicle Sugar-Free (15 calories each)
- Snack Pack Sugar-Free Jello (5 calories per cup)
Yogurt
- Chobani Zero Sugar Greek Yogurt (available in Mixed Berry, Strawberry, Blueberry and Vanilla flavors) (60 calories each)
- Chobani Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt (80 calories)
- Danon Light and Fit Nonfat Gluten-free Greek Yogurt available in multiple flavors (80-90 calories each depending on flavor)