Finished Week 4!

[roxy9]

[color=darkred]Hello all TYTers,

I have been (almost faithfully) following TYT for 4 weeks now and am down a good 8 pounds with another 8 to go. I have had a couple of cheat meals already but get right back on track as soon as the ball is my court (these slight deviations have occured when dining at friends and family place). I eat everything that I am served but really limit portions, and I enjoy the experience fully. To me TYT is about a lifestyle change, so I am happy knowing that I can indulge. I think that I have beat the insulin resistance as I crave no sweets or bread anymore. I relish in this particular feat because I live in France and I actually go to the bakery daily to pick-up fresh bread for my husband to be. In fact, I feel quite smug being able to pick out delicious pastries and bread for my family and friends without feeling the lure to inhale them myself . I usually walk home and just smell the bread, and for some reason it is as satisfying as eating it. Though I am technically in week 5 and can consume grains, I have decided to keep up with week 4 guidelines though I may add rice or the odd potato and I am definitely adding the chocolate!

What keeps me sane and on track:
- Whey protein shakes in the morning! No more eggs!! I make a huge shake with lots of fruit and cottage cheese and whey protein.
- The snacks with a nice cup of tea (I recently discovered caramel tea, so wonderfully satisfying with some cashews and a banana).
- My wok! I cook everything in it and have discovered that pretty much any veggie is good when it is stirfried in olive oil and garlic. Today I made a veggie stirfry with fennel, carrot, tomato and zuchinni. It was a delicious. I add a bit of butter to add a touch of decadence and to help the veggies caramelize.
- The self tracking sheets; I now use them as a weekly planner, and include all appts, a to-do list etc...
- TYT posts! I have read every single one of your posts and it has helped me keep going. I have also read sections of the book many times over; knowledge is will power!

The excercise routines are great, really intense! I use music to keep me in the zone (check out Itunes podcasts for some great free music). They take me 25 minutes tops to complete, with the stretching component. I also have included a few weekly HIIT sessions since I used to be an avid runner and enjoy pounding the pavement. I also take a dance class purely for fun, but it also is a great work out.

TYT has helped me get out of a temporary rut of bad eating habits. I just had a little baby boy 4 months ago and I had always promised myself that I would be a fit mom. With TYT, I feel that I am building a solid foundation of good habits that will help me tackle the challenges of an active family and professional life.

Keep the posts coming![/color]