by Stacy Irish

Created on: September 19, 2010

I want to express my thoughts on how easy it has been for me to lose about 50 pounds since November 2009. I decided first that I needed a change. I was always tired, very moody and constantly in pain. I am married with three beautiful children. That alone was my incentive.

The next thing I did was find a mentor. Then I read and studied all I could about how they got to where I wanted to be.

Tosca Reno is the queen of Clean Eating. This phenomenal mind set is how I took off the weight. I eat 6 times a day, religiously. Each meal contains a complex carbohydrate (such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal) and a lean protein, my favorites are chicken and egg whites. I have a fruit with each major meal and veggies are among my favorite snacks. I don't eat any white flour or white sugar. I also avoid the salt shaker. I never leave home without packing my cooler with clean foods. I always have an apple, with nuts or natural peanut butter. This way I don't get caught in the trap of having to try and find healthy options at a fast food place.

Another key thing that I have started to do is a drink lots of water. This helps the body process all the nutrients and flush out my system. It has also made my skin look amazing. When I say lots, I drink a gallon a day. The exercise of going to the bathroom helps... I accomplish this by drinking 16 oz before breakfast and then I continue to sip out of a water bottle all day. I recently purchased a mug that holds 52 ounces of liquid! This will save on refills.

At the grocery store I steer clear of the center aisles as much as possible. Shopping the outer perimeter with the fresh fruits and vegetables. I have switched to Silk (soy milk) it is a wonderful source of a complete protein. I also have discovered that plain non-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for many condiments. I use it as my sour cream in tacos and my mayo on burgers.

Within the first two months I lost on average 3lbs per week. I am now starting to level off at my body's ideal weight and steadily losing about three-quarters to a pound a week. I have more energy, feel incredible in a size 10 jean - started at a 22W. So yes, with the right mind set and determination, it is very easy to lose weight.

I have faith in you and know that you, too, can win this fight.

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