The American Spokesmodel Diet
People always ask me how I stay so thin. Aside from good genes, and years of professional dance, I eat to live not live to eat. I am a firm believer that you are what you eat so I watch carefully what I consume and know that with every choice is a consequence or reward. With a few simple steps and the right attitude you can live a healthy lifestyle and slim down to your desired weight.
The Right Attitude
Having the right mental attitude is the first key to success. You must love yourself and your body to succeed no matter where you start. Be kind to yourself and affirm your way to happiness. Affirmations: “ I am beautiful “ “ I love my body and take good care of it”. The word diet scares me because of what society makes of it – deprivation, restriction, calories and stress. When I think of diet I think – nutrition, health, energy and well-being. A shift in mind set can be the ultimate change that you need. Therefore focus on the health benefits of your diet and nothing else.
50% Raw – Living Foods
The easiest way to get power packed nutrients into your body is through raw organic fruits & vegetables. Raw foods help create balance in our bodies for a more alkaline state. They also help with digestion and protect our cells from the ravages of free radicals. For those reasons, I try to eat 50% or more of my diet raw. There are an abundance of options including:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, Spinach, Arugula, Swiss Chard
- Fresh veggies: Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Bell Peppers
- Fresh Fruit: Apples, Grapes, Oranges, Grapefruit, Pineapple
- Berries: Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries
Healthy Protein
I eat meat moderately, but steer clear of red meat, purely by choice. I prefer fish and lean free-range organic chicken from time to time. I think that meat does provide protein, but in moderation as it takes time to break down and can slow down your digestive system. If you do consume meat make sure it is lean certified organic free range with no antibiotics. There are also alternate ways to get protein like:
- Quinoa (8 grams per cup) Nuts (5-6 grams per oz.)
- Beans (2cups = 26 grams)
- Chickpeas ( 7.3 gram – ½ cup)
- Veggies ( 2 cups broccoli = 8.1 grams)
- Tofu, and meat substitutes like Tempeh.
Carbs
Carbs provide a source of energy we all need. I prefer complex carbohydrates vs. simple carbs because they contain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. There is also gluten free if you have allergies to wheat or for it’s anti-inflammatory benefits. Some of my favorites include include:
- Legumes (lentils, beans)
- Sweet Potatoes
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Oatmeal
- Popcorn
Healthy Fats
Not all fat is bad fat and knowing the difference is important. There are many healthy fats that lower cholesterol and are good for your heart. Good fats are found in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and include:
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Fatty Fish like Salmon
- Soymilk
- Flaxseed
Stay away from Trans Fats and saturated fats found in commercially processed baked goods, margarine, fried chicken, french fries, candy bars, whole fat dairy products, cheese, butter, etc..
The “NO” List
You want to avoid artificial and processed foods at all costs…sodas
Daily Regimen
Breakfast: Steel Cut Oatmeal with cinnamon, almond milk and agave nectar, fresh fruit and a green smoothie
Lunch : A delicious Kale salad with green apple, walnuts, cranberries and hearts of palm, a cup of miso soup and a slice of toasted gluten free bread
Dinner: Grilled filet of Sole, steamed asparagus, sweet potato, and a small salad
Dessert: Raw strawberry cheesecake
Snacks : Raw nuts, dried fruit, seaweed snacks, sliced apples with raw almond butter
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