Breaking Down THM {Things You Should Know Before You Buy The Book}

I am, in the 10th month of my journey to becoming a Trim Healthy Mama. I am 52 lbs lighter and 3 sizes smaller than I was this time last year. While I am very, very proud of these numbers, the fact that I still have some 30 lbs to go lends a certain amount of restraint to my celebration. And lest I exult in my accomplishments, prematurely, I am often reminded (by well-meaning complimenters) that I "sure am looking good". Which, in Swahili means, "compared to what you used to be, you look a hundred times better, but you've got a long ways to go before you're there, sista, so keep on truckin'!" So, truck, I shall! And, I want everyone who has unwanted pounds to shed, to do it with me, my way!

Which brings me to this blog post. I sometimes share my weight loss progress with my friends on Facebook, and over the past week, have received 2 - 3 PMs asking for more info on the plan. Of course, my first response usually is, "Buy the book", which is usually followed with "but before you buy the book". Because I realize that not everyone has $45.00 to spare, especially on something they are not 100% sure is going to be doable for them.

So, here are a few things you should know before you make that purchase:

• You will have to say goodbye to sugar. Which means, if you like sweet things, there will be a process of trial and error before you find a sweetener substitute you are happy with. I started with Stevia--didn't love it, but lived with it--until I tried Truvia. Wall-a! So much better! I was happy with that for a while, but now I am using Swerve, which is even better (IMO). You can order a free sample here (just pay $1 for s&h).
• Say goodbye to corn, white rice, white flour, white pastas, and white potatoes. What? Yes, I know that's like every single staple of our southern style of cooking and eating, but....that's also why we're all obese and riddled with diabetes by the age of 30.
• You will learn to make delicious dishes by replacing the above-mentioned items with brown rice, coconut and almond flours, healthy pastas, and sweet potatoes.
• Say "Hello!" to butter and coconut oil. Real butter, that is. I buy LuAnna brand coconut oil from Wal-Mart. It's relatively inexpensive and doesn't have the strong flavor that organic coconut oil is said to have. These will replace the vegetable and canola oils that you are going to give up :). 
• Are you a cow's milk lover? You will replace this with almond milk (unsweetened) or coconut milk. I use Almond Breeze from Wal-Mart. I don't like to drink it straight, but use it to make delicious, slimming smoothies, cheesecakes, and puddings. 

As you can see, the plan does require a lot of change. A lot of trying new things, and letting go of those families "comfort foods". But if nothing ever changes, then nothing. ever. changes.  Kwim? It's baby steps. Do not try to jump in this thing with both feet in one day. Slowly introduce new things into your diet. Experiment with recipes from Pinterest and their FB page. It IS doable. Don't be intimidated by it.

Onto a few more points you should be familiar with:

• You will have to learn some rules and some lingo. Your basically will eat two types of meals, the "S" and the "E". Each meal is based around protein (meat). 
• "S" meal--S stands for "satisfying" and refers to a meal that is higher in fat, lower in carbs. Because fat is satisfying, right? When I say fats, I mean butter, cheese, mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, etc. Example: You could choose a fatty meat like steak and pair it with a cheesy broccoli casserole (delicious!) and some green beans. High in fat, low in carbs. 
• "E" meal--E stands for "energizing" and refers to a meal that is slightly higher in carbs (good carbs), but lower in fat (think of a see-saw). Choose a lean meat, say a grilled chicken breast, and pair it with a sweet potato with a teaspoon or so of real butter on it, some cinnamon and salt sprinkled on, with a side salad topped with a low-fat vinaigrette dressing. OR diced chicken breast in some red beans and brown rice (beans are considered a carb, not a protein). 

To be perfectly honest:

• They are going to introduce you to some pretty strange-sounding stuff in the book. Glucomannon,  konjac noodles, whey protein, who has ever heard of this stuff? It's OK, you can still apply the concepts without going full-fledged with all that. Although it is helpful.
• The recipes are strange. Especially to people in southwestern Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. But, modify and roll with it. Be creative and make it work. If you want it bad enough.

So, is that clear as mud? I hope this gives you an idea how you will be cooking and eating on this plan. Please, please, do not feel overwhelmed. It takes little baby steps at a time, but once you get going, you will take off, I promise ya! The pounds will melt off so fast you will be amazed! Go ahead, take the plunge! 

Have questions? I'd love to answer them! Fire away!