My Health Journey // How I Recently Lost 25 Pounds by Changing my Diet (With Minimal Exercise)

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Hi Friends,

I’m getting a little personal and vulnerable in my vlog today. I talk about some of my struggles with gaining weight, and how I’ve finally found something that seems to bring balance to my body and has brought me back into a place of health. I am currently the leanest I have been in over a decade and most of the weight has been lost in the last month since I changed my approach to food.

Even sharing these photos feels a little vulnerable! I don’t usually show this much skin, and I would usually never show that first picture to anyone. So, thanks for giving me space to show up and share today. This has just been so mind blowing for me… I wanted to spend a little time talking about it.

A Car Accident Can Change Everything

About a year and a half ago, I was in a car accident that really impacted my back and neck. This meant that my doctors strongly advised me against doing any kind of exercise for over 8 months while I healed. I spent countless hours in the chiropractor’s, massage and physical therapy offices during that time of my life.

Prior to the accident, I was a fanatic about working out. I would go for a run 5-6 days a week and would do strength training in between. Taking that much time off from physical exercise felt devastating because it was such a big part of my life.

It has been almost a year now that I have been “Cleared to exercise” and I have seriously struggled to get into a rhythm. This is not something I’m proud of, but it’s where I’m at. I think part of it, is that my days are literally PACKED between working full time, creating content, trying to stay on top of things and staying connected in my relationships. Everything is a trade-off against something else. I know I should spend more time exercising, but when it comes down to it – I often choose to spend the time cooking a good meal with my love or making a post for Steemit.

Before I continued with my post, I just wanted to talk about my relationship to exercise and that I think it is super important for physical and emotional health. Even though I have lost this weight without exercise – that does not discount it’s value.

My Food Journey… One Big Experiment

I am a big fan of experimenting with different foods to see how your body reacts to them. We are all different and taking the time to listen to your body can be really impactful. A few months ago, I started a food journal and kept track of everything I was eating and how my body reacted to it. I definitely discovered that eating gluten made me feel super bloated and heavy, and too much sugar had a negative impact on my body as well. I started cutting out more of those items and started to lose a little weight.

About a month ago though – something really dramatic happened. My boyfriend started following Dr. Gundry’s food pyramid – which focuses more on reducing toxins in the food we eat. It specifically focuses on reducing foods that contain casein and lectin.

I decided to try it out with him, just to see what happened. I have been shocked because I dropped over 15 almost immediately once trying it. Even though I was already eating gluten free – I was still consuming a lot of heavy, starchy foods like potatoes, beans, rice and corn.

Below is a list of the items he suggests consuming based on their low toxicity levels. This is not a complete list in any way – just a general overview. Check out his website if you are interested in learning more. To be honest… I still “cheat” whenever I feel like it. I hate rules, and don’t like to feel restricted. If I’m craving sushi… I’ll just go get some and not worry about the rice – or if I really want pizza… I’ll go get a slice.

Getting Vulnerable… Sharing Real Numbers

Ok… I debated actually sharing numbers, but here goes. For YEARS, I have hovered in the 130 zone – even with exercising every day. This maybe wasn’t quite as lean as I would like – but was a comfortable weight for me. After the accident – I went up to 140… maybe even 145 if I’m being honest.

Going gluten free helped me get down to 130/135… and then in the last month since starting this food plan – I have literally dropped down to 115. One freaking fifteen. I haven’t been this lean since high school.

It just feels so amazing to find something that my body is obviously really happy with.

Do I feel Deprived?

Honestly, not really! I have found a few awesome brands that I really like that fit within my new food paradigm that taste really good. Here are names. Most of these items can be found in a Whole Foods, or through Amazon. Honestly, some of the amazon prices are fair, while others seem a bit jacked up. I’ve still included link below though, so you can make sure you are getting the right product if you head into the store.

Siete – for chips and tortilla’s. They use almond flour, coconut flour and cassava root.

Cappeleno’s – They make awesome almond flour pasta and pizza crusts.

Birch Benders – This paleo pancake mix rocks! I just top it with some almond butter and a homemade blueberry sauce instead of syrup.

Monk Fruit Extract – OMG you guys… this is an amazing sugar free alternative that tastes way better than Stevia. I could literally do an entire post talking about this stuff.

There have been a lot of easy swaps too. For example – I made burrito bowls instead of burritos – or I have a burger served on a bed of lettuce instead of a bun.

Honestly, the biggest saving grace in this food plan is the focus on full fat dairy. I am probably consuming more than I am supposed to – but I treat myself to some delightful triple cream brie on the regular.

Focus on Grass-fed and Pasture Raised Products

One of the most dynamic shifts for me has been transitioning from “regular organic” products to grass-fed and pasture raised. Dr. Gundry goes over a lot of the research showing that these products have lower casein levels. It goes so much deeper for me though. By purchasing grass fed beef from a local farm – or eggs from a local pasture raised chicken – I am supporting more ethical farming.

Knowing that the meat and animal bi-products I am consuming comes from an animal who had a good life, lines up with my ethics way more than mainstream products that shove animals in a big facility. I know a few people who have gone vegan over the issue of animal cruelty, and I really applaud them for sticking to their morals. For me, I feel okay consuming these products if I am more conscious of the backstory.

I used to purchase “organic” thinking it was better… but let’s be honest for a second. Even if they have been fed an organic diet, that doesn’t necessarily mean the animal had a good life out in a field.

Am I Going Broke Eating this Way?

Honestly, sometimes I feel that way when I run my monthly expenses! To me, investing in quality food is worth every penny though. Buying local, grass-fed meat and more expensive gluten free alternatives add up… but it has actually been pretty manageable. One of the biggest ways I’ve gained balances in my spending is by reducing the amount of times I eat out. Sure, I still eat out on occasion – but this has helped me to save money and spend more on groceries instead.

Thanks for Listening/Reading

If you have made it this far… I just wanted to say thanks for either watching my Dtube vlog, or reading this post. I love how supportive this community is and I love that you guys make me feel comfortable enough to share something like this.

Just because this has worked so well for me, doesn’t necessarily mean it will have the same impact on others. I just really loved the approach of reducing toxins and thought that seemed like a holistic mindset with which to approach food. The higher energy levels and weight loss has been pretty eye opening to me.

For those of you who are wondering if it is a fluke… I dropped to 115 a few weeks ago and have stayed there – even with a trip to Vegas and a lot of “cheat meals”.

If you guys have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. You want to know something funny? I literally haven’t even read his book yet. I just started trying it and was so happy with the results that I didn’t really care! I’m at a point now though where I want to start understanding more of his research and the science behind lectin and casein. My boyfriend just ordered his book, The Plant Paradox and I’m excited to go through it together and learn more.

Love you guys.

Xo, Lea

*This video is approximately 13 minutes in length... I have a lot to say on this topic apparently!

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Equipment Used in this Vlog

In order to add an extra layer of transparancy and value to my vlog's, I will be adding a list of equipment used at the bottom of each one! If you ever have questions about the gear I use, or how I use it - please don't hesitate to ask.

• Microphone – Apogee Professional Microphone for Iphone/Ipad/Mac

• Pop Filter - Earamble Studio Microphone Pop Filter

• Foam Sound Shield - Neewer Professional Isolation Shield

• Mic Stand Adapter - Apogee Adaptor

• Camera – Iphone X

• Camera Tripod – Amazon Basics Tripod

• Smartphone Tripod Adaptor - KobraTech Tripod Adaptor

• Lighting – LimoStudio 700W Softbox Lights

• Video Editor – Imovie

• Thumbnail Photo Editor – Snapseed

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