It took 8 weeks to shift the weight!
My secret to losing 7 kgs/13 lbs was spices.
Two of the biggest myths on the planet are that you need to get to the gym 3 times a week and that you need to starve yourself to death to lose weight. For years I tried both, and nothing ever happened. I thought joining a weight loss program was for the really overweight, not me. I imagined never having to make the decision to join one, in case I felt deprived or even worse, starved. But in the midst of a crisis about how I was treating my mind and body, here’s how I lost 7kg using spices on Nagina Sethi’s masalabody.com program.
Beach holidays used to be torture for me. My hubby and children would swim in the water and I would sit on the side fully dressed, even in 100-degree heat. I hated myself in photos. I looked bloated and had bags under my eyes. My daughters would make fun of me about my size. Although I laughed with them, on the inside I was embarrassed. My nemesis was the inability to see myself as others did. And there’s nothing like children to tell you how it really is.
Repeatedly, I experienced lower back pain and knee problems so acutely, that I could hardly walk. Sitting became was impossible, including carrying anything - including my laptop. Constant exhaustion meant I could hardly keep my eyes open when I got to work. Ultimately, my career and health were at risk.
Then in October 2015, after months of pain and procrastination. I learned how Nagina - founder of masalabody.com - lost a staggering 40lbs - using spices - and not going to the gym. Let me repeat that loudly BY NOT GOING TO THE GYM. I knew I needed her help. masalabody.com sounded like a FUN way to lose weight.
Spices starter pack: Red Chili Powder, Cumin, and Smoked Paprika
In the past, I would eat muesli for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch and endless, pasta and rice dishes with tons of Italian tomato sauces and pasta dishes for dinner. The portions were out of control. I would eat the same portions as my husband - an endurance athlete! When I did that I would feel bloated and sleepy afterward. To make the transition to the masalabody.com menu plan easier, on a Monday morning I would go to the supermarket (next door to my office) and buy pre-cooked salmon and chicken for the week. I kept a staple of items that turned good meals into a feast, like balsamic vinegar, a jar of jalapenos, feta cheese, fat-free yogurt, coriander, mint and avocados, cucumbers and mixed salads in a bag in the fridge, and I would steam veg in the office microwave.
I split a container of mixed spices and kept one container at home and one at work. I only had one mishap, when after a flight an entire container of red chili powder exploded in my bag before a meeting - and I couldn’t stop sneezing. When I finally had the framework to plan meals - it allowed me to create a low-calorie tasty snacks or menu items in seconds. Instead of resorting to my usual high-calorie snacks, sandwiches, and bread.
For the Love of Cinnamon
The thought of transitioning to almond milk from cows milk was worse than the actual transition. By mixing unsweetened almond milk with cinnamon it made the switch from high-calorie cappuccinos to almond milk americanos easy. The result of doing that meant no more upset stomachs for me. I didn’t realise the impact milk was having on my stomach, my concentration levels, and my blotchy skin. The cinnamon stopped the sugar cravings.
The biggest realisation in only weeks of being on the 2 of Masalabody was how much my concentration improved. In the past when my stomach was upset, I couldn’t focus. I was used to eating large portions, but now I was retraining my operating system to eat smaller portions of extremely tasty meals - and it felt good. Preparing tasty dishes in the evenings for the next day’s lunch also saved me a fortune instead of buying sandwiches at lunchtimes. Switching to eating with colleagues at work had a secondary network effect. It allowed me to make new friends, instead of heading out to get sandwiches and cake alone like I used to do. This menu plan was fun.
Lentils, Turmeric Powder, Garam masala, Black sesame Seeds and Coriander
Before MasalaBody.com I used to avoid lentils because they upset my stomach. What I learned was that by soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking them drastically reduces the bloating effect. Adding spices when cook them also changes a bland eating experience into an after-hours party for your taste buds. I never felt deprived because the lentil dishes were so tasty especially mixed with a green salad, jalapenos, balsamic vinegar, and coriander. Consequently, my weight fell off. Because of the extra energy, I found it much easier to get out of bed in the mornings. Along with clearer focus, making work a breeze instead of the chore it had become.
Roasted Cumin seeds, Crushed red pepper, Black sesame seeds Boiled Eggs and Hummus
In the past, I didn’t plan meals in advance, it seemed like a total hassle. What happened when I did that was I would get extremely hungry in between meals. Like a crazy woman, I would eat anything I could get my hands on, especially carbohydrates like bread and pasta, because I craved them. What I didn’t realise was - they make you feel hungry again - quickly. I was stuck in a cycle. What I do now is eat slow energy releasing foods that reduce the cravings, and on a side note increase concentration reducing the stress often associated with the sugar rush.
I used to eat eggs for breakfast and include bagels, toast, jam and cheese. When I did that I would be starving by 12noon ready for another round.
What I do now is only eat boiled eggs or MasalaBody.com’s California eggs recipes (think huevos rancheros) or have a tasty smoothie for breakfast and if I want a bagel or toast, only eat half.
I look forward to meal times now. Feeling hungry in between meals was the primary trigger for eating high sugar foods. I tricked my brain by replacing sugar and carbs with spices to reduce the highs and lows caused. I’ve have won a battle with myself, by losing the weight I wanted and finding the formula to keep it off.
On the beach this Summer I wore a bikini for the first time in years and swam with my hubby and the kids. I felt liberated at last.
If you’re considering joining masalabody.com they have a new program coming up called SpiceYourselfSkinny.com. Make sure you get on the waiting list now! And be the first to know, when it goes live.