TLS Weeks 5 & 6 + Italian Spinach Pie

Weeks 5 & 6 on TLS are pretty similar to 3 & 4 only now introducing exercise is extremely important. YAY I CAN RUN!!! I started running again after detox week, but I hadn't gotten back into my normal weekly routine yet because I really wanted to see how the low glycemic diet alone would effect my body. And boy did it! I finally broke through that stubborn plateau and dropped another 10 lbs! I bought my first size 6 EVER. S-I-X! HOLLER!! I was never in single digit sizes let alone a 6! I have never felt better in my life and I am so excited to get back on track with training for a half marathon. I should note my first race won't be until the fall now since I had knee issues and then started TLS and had to break from my training and I DO NOT want to run my first race in the hot summer months. I want to come out alive, thank you.

I am usually drinking one TLS shake per day and I found a flavorless fiber supplement from GNC that I add to it so it really keeps me full for a long time. I drink my shake around 8:30 AM, have some fruit around 11:30/noon, then won't be hungry for lunch until 1 or 2 PM. The timing is great because most days I can't bring myself out of bed early enough before work to run, so my workouts are done after work and no one likes to run (especially distance) completely famished.

TLS Weeks 3 & 4: Protein Shakes!

4 weeks in and this "diet" is a piece-o-cake. It is easy to see now why it is not called a diet because it really is a lifestyle change. Don't get me wrong, I will definitely still eat pasta and bread every now and then once I reach my goal weight, but this program teaches you the best ways to enjoy the foods you love while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

For weeks 2 through 6 there are no grains allowed, so I am eating strictly protein, vegetables (LOTS), and fruit. Luckily, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index and are allowed! The glycemic index (GI) measures the effects of carbohydrates in food on blood sugar levels. A low GI food includes most fruits and vegetables, medium GI would be foods like whole grains, and high GI includes most simple carbs like white bread and rice/pasta. Pretty simple to follow if you ask me. Luckily, I loooove veggies! Especially broccoli and brussels sprouts. If you are what you eat I must be turning into a brussels sprout.

Week 3 we got to introduce protein shakes! The TLS shakes are literally one of the best I have ever tried. They don't get all lumpy or grainy if you mix them in a hand shaker. Creamy and delicious and there are so many smoothie recipes you will never get bored. The vanilla shakes tastes like ice cream when blended with ice and skim milk - add in some berries and we have a winner! These puppies have 18g protein and 10g fiber!

Week 4 we got to try Extend Bars which are high in protein, fiber, and have only 2g net carbs!

Week 4 also meant it was time for our first weigh in! The results were amazing for everyone in the group - one person lost over 17 lbs! In just 3 weeks time! All by changing your eating habits. Incredible.