I gave up alcohol and it is true. I don't miss it at all even with 3 weddings last year. Wish I would have given it up sooner. And my blood work has really improved too. Great video Melissa. I am 56- I should mention
I literally don't have ANY of these 😢. I'm 61, haven't had refined sugar in my house for 35 years. I've recently started painstakingly weighing and counting EVERYTHING and finally after 7 weeks, I'm starting to actually see and feel a difference.
Lately I have made what I call pizza chicken, simply putting pizza sauce and my favorite toppings on a cooked thin-cut chicken breast. It's been surprisingly satisfying. I know some people pummel chicken into some kind of "flatbread crust" for pizza but that seems like too much trouble for me and chicken will never replace a flour crust no matter how it is used, but a good option if reducing flour.
1lb of Ground chicken, mozz shredded cheese and parm cheese schmushed out on a baking sheet for 10 min on 425 F then pull out put sauce cheese and toppings on & bake for another 10 mins. Its not hard. I made it for hubby a few times. Excellent way to squeeze in more protein as well.
I already gave up sugar, which was so difficult. As an Italian… pasta and pizza are (or should I were) the norm at my house but I am prepare to do whatever it takes for my health and shape. Like you said, in our younger days everything was a go. I’ve always been sportive. When I lived in Asia I had help and that was a tremendous thing to keep up with food part. Now, mamma’s gotta cook again. You are an inspiration and I have already been back to the gym since seeing you. I will definitely follow your steps. Thank you for everything you do, for keeping it so real.
I don’t eat processed cereal ever! I limit alcohol to maybe once a week, pizza is a rare food for me. My new desert is fruit combined with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese (very satisfying!) I love the changes I’ve seen in my body since I’ve been working out, especially with weight training! Huge difference at 65! Thanks to you Melissa! My friend is checking out your RU-vid channel now. She’s seen the changes in me and is really impressed❤
Thank you Melissa hearing this makes me feel good and let's me know I'm doing good on my fitness journey. I don't eat or drink any of these things. I used to be a heavy alchol drinker. I've been sober now for a few years, and I feel absolutely amazing. Love your channel it's been very helpful. Sending Love and Positive Vibes to you and all the beautiful souls out there. 💜💥🩷💥💚💥💙🙌🫶
Trying to ditch all things 'whites,- pasta, potatoes, sugar. I don't buy sugar or salt for my household. Switched to brown rice, Whole grains, and Vanilla flavored UNSWEETENED Almond milk. Sweet potatoes. Cauliflower crust pizza. But now I try to make things with oat flour.
Beautiful choices! And know that Himalayan pink salt or Redmond sea salt are fantastic - no sodium issues cuz they’re naturally high in minerals a body needs, and in balance.
Oh wow.. I ditched 7/8 of those things in the last 4 months & effortlessly loss 20lbs. I do like a glass of fresh pressed pear juice every few months, but I drink mostly water & caffeine free herbal teas. I ditched caffeine, too. 😊
I always get so much from your videos. Thanks. I have already ditched most of those or cut some down to only when I can’t avoid because I am out/or staying at someone’s house. Living with someone that eats differently can be really difficult too, specially when they push their food onto me. Their leftovers, I throw immediately in the bin so it doesn’t tempt me. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Gone: Pasta, White flour, bread, etc, Refined sugar...I hate pizza, and don't drink sodas. Only drink non gmo 100% juice with specific fruit serving listed on the containers and I drink them on occasion...
Home made 'chickpeazza' diy instead: chickpeas/garbanzo beans very high in protein. I grind chickpea to flour and use as crust...then add fresh herbs n healthy toppings, bake, moderate cottage cheese (high protein/ calcium source) sprinkled on top..do it your way...enjoy! ♥️🇯🇲
I love pasta but I find the zucchini noodles to do the trick. I love rice too but the cauliflower rice is no comparison. I just stay away from rice now too.
I like rutabaga noodles. The texture seems more like pasta to me and they absorb sauce flavors well. They can be more of a challenge to spiralize than zucchini however. But a good arm workout, lol!
So glad I found and have subscribed to your channel today. I am 57 years old and post menopausal. 😢 I am at least 5 stone overweight. Since I was perimenopausal,3 years ago, I have been diagnosed with ,pre diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol and as a result, extremely depressed and have low energy. I have tried everything to try losing weight in the last 3 years, without success. I have recently joined a gym because I know weight training will help drop the lbs. Thank you for giving me hope. Your videos are inspirational. 🙏🏾
You can do it! I just turned 70 and have dealt with those issues. I had to reduce saturated fats and nearly eliminate processed carbs. Good for you for lifting weights! Walking helps too.
Thank you for this very informative video. I've either ditched most of those things or I rarely eat them. It really does make a difference in how my body looks and feels.
I have not eaten any of those foods in many years now. My vegetarian diet journey began in 2010 and I keep going. I started with green smoothies and lots of veggies. I do eat Fresh Medjool dates and other fruit for fiber. My lifestyle diet consists of High Protein, Fiber and Saturated Fats. I am so glad that I gave up all dairy 4 years ago. No more cheeses or any of the other yucky stuff. I keep gluten free and never drink alcohol either. I eat non-processed food as often as possible. I don't miss any of those foods from the past at all. I feel so much healthier and more satisfied too!
I don’t drink alcohol at all as I cannot have it anyway due to health issues. I no longer have even raw sugar in my coffee. My coffee is one cup a day and that’s it. I don’t eat pizza and I try to have zucchini noodles instead of pasta. I don’t eat cereals. In the winter I eat oats, but summer is protein powder smoothies with coconut or oat milk and berries. I don’t touch soda or as we call it in Australia soft drink. I don’t even drink carbonated water. Fried food is another thing my health issues means I cannot have. So I pretty much don’t eat any of these. My diet is pretty much protein and salad most nights. My one indulgence is the occasional fruit juice and dark chocolate but even that is sugar free 70% dark chocolate. My weight is slowly coming off. I have been strength training interspersed with sprints for cardio/hiit as I love running. I started the weights about 5 weeks ago and I have lost 2 kgs. I think I just need to keep at it and keep visualising my end result. Thank you so much for your videos as a woman about to turn 50 next year you have been just amazingly helpful and inspiring . So thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I've not had any alcohol for nearly 10 years and I would agree that this has been the most beneficial thing to improve my health! I need to refocus on reducing pasta and white flour, as well as sugar. Thanks for all of your advice x
That’s fantastic to hear! Eliminating alcohol can make a huge difference in overall health. Refocusing on reducing pasta, white flour, and sugar is a great step towards your goals. Keep up the great work and stay positive! 💪
The only ones I have here are cereal and a very limited amount of alcohol. I have oats for breakfast 3 days out of seven and eggs (boiled or poached) one day, so cereal only on 3 days. I don't drink alcohol on a week day, on Saturday and Sunday I might have a couple glasses of wine. I train 3 times a week doing a combination of low impact cardio with a heavy focus on strength training. I'm 55, I don't have insulin resistance and in spite of all the above and a 'clean' diet I'm still gaining weight! 💁🏽♀️
I've naturally ended seven of these. Sugar is an issue but it is limited to 75 percent cacao dipped almonds,orange peels, or gooseberries. In six months I have lost 12 pounds ...working on body comp...but eek is it hard...one hour walking dogs, strength 40 minutes 3 times a week. Power yoga combined with yin sixty minutes 4 to ,six times a week ...at the moment I hurt wrists so strength is off for a week. Progress is slow but I am 70.🎉
I will be 44 next week and I've ditched fruit juice, alcohol, white bread, cereal, and i am working on sugar and pasta but it's been hard. thank you for your advice!!
Melissa, thank you for all your videos, they are so useful!!! Could you clarify for me the idea about cheese? Do you eat cheese? Is it also a product I should avoid?
Here I go...with my "What-a-bouts!" 😅 There is real cranberry juice without the sugar. I like to drink at times to treat uti symptoms. I cut out drinking soda, but replaced with other sweets, lol! What do you think of Shredded wheat Melissa? I use Almond milk, I don't like Cows milk. Pizza...I bought cauliflower crust to try, but never made it! I don't drink alcohol- I will have a Shirley Temple like once a year for my birthday 🎂 Cereal is going to be hard🙈 I use brown sugar for my oatmeals - I haven't bought white sugar in years!🩷
Thanks for sharing! Feel free to check out my FREE nutrition guide here: melissaneill.com/free-stuff/ and learn more by browsing my how to guides: melissaneill.com/how-to-guides/
I have ditched 5 out 8 items. And one item is a treat from time to time. But not often. But There is room for improvement. Thanks Melissa for sharing ❤
Love your videos Melissa. I’ve been doing IF for over a year now and I stopped losing weight. What I lost is muscles no matter how hard I try. Will try one of your recommendations and see if there are changes. Thank you
Such a great video, Melissa! I actually love all of your videos. You are a blessing for many! Have you considered doing a video about these foods and including healthy options as replacements for people who struggle with eliminating them? I was sitting here thinking about that as I was viewing. God bless!
I haven’t eaten pasta for quite some time now. But, I have just come across edamame fettuccine in my supermarket. It’s fantastic! As it’s made from just the immature soy bean flour and water, it’s high in protein, fibre and low in calories. I also started eating the edamame beans, adding them to meals. I’d never heard of edamame before, now I can’t get enough!
I will try to ditch as much as I can of all of them - I'm vegan and will try my best. May have to occasionally very special occasions but will start right away
Melissa, love your channel, such good information. As a 54 and having both hips replaced and spinal fusion, I just lost 30 lbs, eating healthier, weight lifting and doing everything right for my age! What is your take on sugar alcohols?
Thank you so much for your kind words, and congratulations on your incredible progress! Regarding sugar alcohols, they can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, they have fewer calories than regular sugar and don’t spike blood sugar levels as much, making them a popular choice for those managing their weight or blood sugar. However, they can cause digestive issues like bloating and gas, especially if consumed in large amounts. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s best to see how you feel after consuming them. Moderation is key
Hi Melissa, I tried some of the 2-month program tonight (Monday). I mean, the weight lifting part🙂. Respectfully, what about sugarless cereals? Are some not without white flour? I check the nutrients and admit I am really attracted to high percentages of magnesium and manganese, et cetera. Also, we can make our own very healthy cereals. And, there are also healthy pastas made from food such as quinoa, for example. Just curious🙂. Also, as I’ve so massively increased my water intake (largely due to new medication), prior to eating and/or drinking, I find that doing this really helps me with whatever I choose to consume. I mean, IF I somehow forget to do this one☝🏽thing, I may end up running to the bathroom and/or falling asleep. Juice is a tough one. Again, (healthy) pineapple juice is highly recommended for my dry mouth side effect. I will shoot for actual pineapple🍍, next time. Cheers.
I have not eaten any of these in years. Alcohol only Christmas eve/Thanksgiving dinnerm still having issues reaching my goals. I truly appreciate you speaking truth!! I have good health, just 57 and stress ( I think thats my issue???)
Making your own pizzas is really not a problem, its totally up to you what you put unto it and what kind of flour you use for the crust...organic wholegrain, for example will do perfectly. Reduse or leave out the cheese, use potatoes instead of bacon, and you've already improved that dish 😊 Wish you all a happy time in the kitchen, and a healthy life ❤❤
I quit alcohol more than 15 years ago. Stopped considering pasta and bread to be actual "food" items a long time ago. No longer eat much other than Fage 5% Greek yogurt, broccoli, sweet potatoes, chicken thighs that I prepare with butter and mustard, asparagus, sirloin, pork or lamb burgers and the occasional tenderloin tip.
I have been on my journey since I turned 40 and I've seen amazing results but I've hit a bit of a wall recently since peri menopause has set in, I also have an underactive thyroid. I've cut out sugar, some carbs and fats, I very rarely have pizza, pasta or bread but I have a real weakness for a glass of wine at the weekend. So wish I could cut alcohol all together. Definitely going to work on the sleep and I'm taking some great vitamins magnesium, Collagen, selenium and creatine which has been great for my hormones 👍
It sounds like you've made incredible strides on your fitness journey, and it's inspiring to see your dedication to your health despite facing challenges like perimenopause and an underactive thyroid. Alcohol can indeed be a tough habit to break, especially when it's something you enjoy on weekends. Cutting back gradually or finding healthier alternatives might be helpful steps to take. Remember, progress is about finding what works best for you and making sustainable changes over time. Feel free checking my FREE programs here: melissaneill.com/free-stuff/ to get you back on track with weight loss.
@@MelissaNeill thank you for replying I will definitely take a look at your programmes. I've been following an amazing online coach for fitness and nutrition for the last 4 years but since I have hit this wall with fat loss I really feel I need to explore how my body is being affected by being over 40 and menopause, how to get back on track and understand how to look after my new body now. I really want to see more lean muscle and definition. Keep the videos coming I am loving watching them and have found them so relatable, especially the nutrition, supplements advise x
Im happy to say since I've been listening to you most of those things are off my list. I feel so great! I do struggle with craving a cookie or something sweet from time to time but there are good alternatives on the market now days. Do you use stevia or monk fruit sweeteners if so what's your go to?
I'm glad your videos are for over 40. I'm 42, it came fast, and I have a career in fitness...!! I didn't realize until 41 how hard it is to reach my goals vs. when I was in my 20s and 30s.
What if you can’t eat oats due to avenin sensitivity? Are gluten free cereals ok if you have sensitivity and you can’t manage much else in the morning?
I just stopped coffee, which also means I stop the heavy cream in it. Next is all forms of dairy as I love cheese. To see if it helps with my congestion issues and inflammation. What are your views on sweet potatoes?
Thank you for that list I am proud to say that I have eliminated all those foods for quite a couple of years now. I also went decaf with coffee and think it helps me relax better near the end of the day. I have a question for you. I have been working out for 3 months 5 times a week and notice my leg muscles feel fatigued and achy at the end of the day. Is there a supplement I can take to help with that? Or will it get better with time? I’m about 10 lbs from my goal weight.
I’ve ditched all of those at the beginning of this year when I found out my A1C just fell into the pre-diabetes range for the first time in my life. I’ve also started consuming a high protein diet and got back into doing strength training.
Since my 30s (40 yo now), I do consume all these but very very sparingly or go months without. All in all, message is to avoid processed foods and eat whole foods as much as possible. Good rule of thumb for any age tbh but esp as we age. My weakness is wine 🍷 😢. Still trying to kick that habit to the curb!
The nutrition information typically refers to the actual food content rather than beverages. For any diet or meal plan, it’s usually better to opt for sugar-free or low-calorie versions of drinks
I ditched alcohol too and my health and well-being are 100% better for it. I didn't realise just how unwell it made me feel until I'd given it up. And I never drink sodas or fruit juice - both taste horribly artificial.
Question: And what about organic whole grain, HOME MADE pasta and pizza? Need those carbs for high performance in competitions, but limit those foods exactly to those occasions: Just a day before high intensity training or highly intense competitions.
7:41 Well... I'm starting my journey... I've ditched alcohol, sodas, fruit juice, pasta, and fried food. I'm still limiting pizza, sugar, and cereal... I definitely have these on occasion. But my goal is to eliminate these completely. I'm 50.
Holland Barrett have their own brand of zero carb noodles/rice/pasta stuff made of konjac fibre. It’s fine when mixed with other stuff like veg meat sauces etc. A bit rubbery on their own, but who eats those things on their own anyway ! Bananas are still quite high carb, so I only have a half of one, but all the dark berries are lower carb. I love fruit, I need a little bit a couple times a week. I really miss crusty bread, but make my own bread with almond flour, I add olives and garlic and fresh rosemary to make it more interesting 😊
@@MelissaNeill They have a zero carb noodle/pasta brand called Eat Water which are slightly more expensive than their H&B brand, but I wait until they are doing the half price or penny sale things they frequently do, and grab a load of the cheapest packets then! I think they taste fine when they’re mixed with whatever else stuff you want, and so quick to zap in the microwave, though I do open the packet and rinse it off in a sieve before heating it 👍🏼
What’s the best website to calculate my calories per day for fat loss. Some say 1650 others say 2100 so I need to know which site you recommend. I am getting protein, 140grams, 30/30/30 are my macros but I’m confused on calories- pls help
Cereal is my Frankenstein food. When I was a teenager I could just sit there and eat a packet of Frosties. The sugar just lit up my brain As an adult with kids I never bought any kind of cereal even the “healthy” ones they are still processed junk
Honey does spike blood sugar. I use erithrytol, I go sparingly on sugar alcohols as they can give you wind and a fartybum 😂 I read monkfruit and allulose are meant to be a bit better. I think these sweeteners have their downsides, but I can’t get monkfruit in UK, so erithrytol it is.
Because of allergies and other medical conditions, I don't eat any of the "ditch list" items and I still can't loose weight. I am miserable because I'm always hungry because there is not much on my menu left and half the things I can "safely" eat are disgusting tasting. Eating has become torture, nothing tastes good. Nothing really satisfy my hunger, and I feel sick all the time.
Are you eating gluten free products? Those can cause distress on the digestive track too, maybe going grain free for 30 days and see how you feel? If you are sensitive to gluten, which is a protein, some of the proteins in other foods can be bothering you. So maybe coffee and dairy bother you. Protein from meat should be ok. Try the paleo diet for a bit, and hopefully eggs don’t you either.😊
Yes. Any juicer juice means you’re getting rid of all the flesh and fibre, so you’re drinking pure sugar. Example, drinking pure fresh squeezed apple juice will spike your blood, eating an apple will also spike your blood a bit, but as you’re eating the flesh fiber and skin, the spike will be slightly less. Apples are about 16g of carb for an average sized one.
