DAY 24-ALTERNATIVES?

We talk a lot about carbs, starch, sugar, etc...and how the moderation of these foods and in some cases like sugar (hint, hint) the ELIMINATION of can lead to weight loss without even trying.  But did you know there are foods that are just as good as your oh-so-familiar ones that are even better for you?  Take buckwheat for example. I eat buckwheat pasta. Now you might be saying to yourself, "but she always says wheat isn't good for you."  Well, guess what?  Buckwheat isn't wheat at all.  And you will see exactly what it is below after I get through with another rant.  Chickpea pasta is another alternative as is pea pasta, red, green and yellow lentil pasta and the list goes on. These pasta alternatives are high in protein too. So if you're a vegetarian, you can easily get a balanced meal by eating these pastas with some added vegetables of your choice. If you're a traditional pasta eater and enjoy sauce on it like I do, you can add that too and you're all set!  They come in many of the shapes that regular pastas do including shells, rigatoni, ziti, fettucini, spaghetti.  Yeah, I kid you not.  Now, why would you have to eat these kinds of pasta in place of traditional durham wheat pasta?  You don't!  But if you're trying to lose weight and can't understand why it isn't happening despite all the "right" things you're doing, CHANGE IT UP!  Maybe you have a sensitivity to wheat and the change-over to sugar in your bloodstream, adding to the buildup of fat. Without seeing you and training you in person, I really don't know- which is why you should pay me a visit but I can tell you there are ways to shed your extra pounds without feeling like you're being deprived of anything! Everyone is different. You as I always say, need to find what works for you. And sometimes, that can mean a lot of extra work on your plate (pun intended) but it all boils down to priority.  If you like seeing extra fat all over you that's great! Keep it that way. I personally worry about the health concerns that come along with it especially as we get older. But if you're not happy with it, then you really do have to put in the work.  It may seem daunting at first. You work a full-time job, plus another part-time job. You're raising kids which is like 3 other full-time jobs!! You have to clean your house, blah, blah, blah.  All lame excuses.  Sorry, (not) I'm just being real.  Don't look at someone else like "oh, easy for her to say." Because ya know what? Generally speaking, that person most likely puts in the work.  And everyone has their own set of circumstances that could possibly get in their way.  If you have a ton of shit to do in a given day, but you also have a ton of weight to lose, and you really WANT to lose it, wrap your mind around it and do it!  You have to start your workday by 7am?  Get your ass out of bed and get to the gym by 5 am. That's why most gyms open at 4:30 am.  "Oh, no I can't get out of my house at 5 am!" Then get a piece of equipment for your home. Like a bike or a treadmill or a friggin 10 x's less expensive mini trampoline and some weights!  That way, if you can't fit it in in the morning, schedule it for when you get home or while you're watching late night T.V.!  ALTERNATIVES people! ALTERNATIVES!!
 Oh yeah, now here's more on Buckwheat

COOKED BUCKWHEAT (1 CUP GROATS): ABOUT 5.68G OF PROTEIN

Not familiar with buckwheat? You should be! Often used as flour for pancakes or crepes, buckwheat also comes in kernel form and is actually not a wheat at all. It isn’t even a true grain – it is the fruit of a leafy plant that belongs to the rhubarb family. From a nutrition standpoint, buckwheat is a standout. One cup of cooked buckwheat “groats” (the raw kernels) contains almost 6 grams of protein, 4.5 grams fiber, and other important nutrients like iron, magnesium and potassium.
There are many ways to incorporate buckwheat into your diet. Try adding buckwheat flour to soups as a thickener or serve buckwheat groats in place of rice.