Leveraged a two-year diet to shed an impressive 90 kilos; these five straightforward meals were my secret weapons.
Headline: The 35-Year-Old Photographer Lost 90 KG with This Simple Diet and Exercise Routine
Gone are the days of fast food and frozen meals for Leah Mancuso, who shed an astonishing 90 kilograms in just two years. Here's her straightforward yet effective approach to weight loss.
Embrace mini meals and regular strolls
Mancuso, a 35-year-old photographer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, ditched the junk food and took up a healthier lifestyle in March 2022. She began by nibbling down one nutritious meal daily and taking ten-minute walks at home. Gradually, she adopted these habits and, two years later, reaped the fantastic results.
Replacing processed food with whole grains and protein
Prior to her transformation, Mancuso's daily fare consisted mainly of greasy fast food and frozen meals. Cooking was a chore she detested, and she has not changed her stance. However, she made an effort to limit her consumption of processed food.
Her newfound favorites include cottage cheese bowls, chicken with potatoes, and open-faced sourdough sandwiches brimming with savory toppings.
Expanding her palate with a protein-packed diet
Mancuso understands the link between highly processed foods and significant health issues, although researchers are yet to pinpoint the exact relationship. To stay clear of these risks, she switched to a high-protein diet, which consequently aided her in losing such an impressive 90 kg.
Here are four pivotal dishes that shed light on the power of protein.
- Egg-centric Breakfasts: Mancuso began her mornings with eggs - either scrambled, fried, or poached, often paired with fruit. This breakfast staple provides a good dose of protein, B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin A, which help in boosting satiety and promoting overall well-being.
- Cottage Cheese Bowls: Mancuso nips into cottage cheese every day, sometimes consuming it plain, altriori turning it into a yogurt-like blend that she sweetens with maple syrup and adds protein powder for an extra protein boost. She then crowns her dish with granola and fruit before digging in.
- Sourdough Sandwiches: Sourdough isn't just easy on the digestive tract - it also provides the sustenance required to combat hunger. Mancuso's favorites include salami, goat cheese, and pesto, or jam, ham, and goat cheese, respectively. She also enjoys tuna mixed with mayonnaise and cottage cheese, topped with pickles.
- Chicken Strips with Potatoes: Even frozen ingredients can make a healthy, balanced meal. Mancuso opts for organic chicken strips, often serving them with a potato diced into chunks, seasoned with avocado oil, and cooked in the air fryer.
A helpful guide to portion control
Experts suggest keeping a 50-25-25 ratio in mind when putting together a meal for successful weight loss - half your plate should be overflowing with veggies, followed by a quarter packed with protein, and the remaining quarter nurtured with starchy carbohydrates.
Nevertheless, it's essential to remember that each weight loss journey is unique, and an anecdotal approach may not work for everyone. Always consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.
And, of course, don't forget to celebrate your small victories along the way - because every pound lost is a testament to your discipline and determination!
What type of food did Leah Mancuso primarily consume before adopting a healthier lifestyle?She made a conscious effort to limit her consumption of processed food.
Can you name some newfound favorites that Leah Mancuso includes in her diet now?Her new favorites include cottage cheese bowls, chicken with potatoes, and open-faced sourdough sandwiches.
What is the 50-25-25 ratio recommended by experts for a successful weight loss meal?The 50-25-25 ratio suggests that half your plate should be filled with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and the remaining quarter with starchy carbohydrates.
What role does protein play in Leah Mancuso's weight loss journey?Switching to a high-protein diet aided Leah Mancuso in losing an impressive 90 kg.
Why is it important to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet?Each weight loss journey is unique, and an anecdotal approach may not work for everyone, hence, it's essential to seek professional guidance before making changes to your diet.
