Nancy LeeserRemember those glorious days in your 20s, when you could eat whatever was in front of you and never gain weight? You could go out with friends and eat unhealthy yet still wake up the next day with a fresh mind and body. But the “after 50 lifestyle” comes with some rules. Now we really must take care of ourselves better;
Can I switch to a new diet overnight?
Three years ago I made a conscious decision to take better care of my body. But unrealistic expectations made it hard to start: I wanted to lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks, and that was just not going to happen.
So I learned that it is better to start small and then work my way up to a diet we all can stick to. The way I began, was to simply start counting my daily calories. I had never paid much attention to calories and it showed. So it was challenging to keep an eye on everything I ate especially since I like to cook most of my meals at home. To get started, I used an app called RecipeIQ recommended to me by one of my super-healthy friends. In fact, introducing me to the app was one of the best things she ever turned me on to. I think we all have that one friend, right?
Online tools and apps really help
Now I, too, am very excited to tell all my friends about RecipeIQ. It’s a one-of-a-kind nutrition calculator that makes it super easy for me calculate the calories in my own recipes: the ones I’ve been using to cook meals for my family for over two decades. The app counts the calories (and carbs, fat, sugar, protein, vitamins, minerals in each serving) in the recipe so it helps me make better choices for myself and my family regarding what we eat. Most of us have tons of recipes we have collected from books, magazines and newspapers over the years. This amazing app can calculate the calories just from a picture of the recipe you snap on your mobile phone. It works like magic, I swear.
Whether you’re a home cook like me, a woman looking to lose weight, or someone following a specific diet, let’s say diabetic or ketogenic diets, you will make great use of the app. I’ve already created a cookbook in the app and enjoy healthy cooking every day.
Knowledge is power
The best part of RecipeIQ is that now I can cook recipes with foods that my family and I like while becoming more aware of what we are putting in our bodies. The app also allows me to adjust accordingly. For example, I can see how using olive oil instead of butter affects calorie counts. Or substituting low-fat cream cheese for the more decadent version. I can even save multiple versions of recipes with different sets of ingredients.
A healthy diet helps create a positive outlook
Now that I’m over 50 and my metabolism is not the same as it used to be it took a couple of weeks to start losing weight but after two months I am down 10 pounds. Halfway to my goal!
Now I wake up with an exciting spark in me that I haven’t felt for a long time. And I am actually more excited to cook at home than I have been for years. I feel powerful, strong, energetic and kind of more excited about life, you know? So follow me and try to find your healthy balance and live a happier life.