My Trim Healthy Mama Non Scale Victories -So Far!

I have hyped about the THM (Trim Healthy Mama) plan so much on here, here and here.... and I'm about to hype about it again! LOL 

To those who do not know what the THM plan is, go here! But in summary, it's a "diet" (more like a plan for life) that apparently "doesn't deprive you of anything but excess body fat". No calorie counting. Everything is on plan. Yes, fat as well and in abundance! You can eat a 3 course meal in every sitting, including desserts and yes, you will shed off pounds. You can do this while pregnant and while nursing and the plan is suitable for all ages and gender. It makes sense. 

Okay, so I facebooked about my NSV (non scale victory) a while ago regarding my complexion. The past 10 years I have had quite the story with "adult acne" and quite the journey with trying to heal from it. For some years my complexion has just been brutal and other years mending really well. Never a dull moment I guess, either ups or downs. 

This year has been one of the medium-crazy-kind-of-acne-battles for me. I couldn't shake off the zits and the inflammation. I was very, very close to signing up for a continuous skin care regime, that was going to cost me lots of $$. For several reasons it never eventually happened, I didn't sign up as a consultant and I was frowning at the idea of having to go forward without it. 

I had just started my THM journey and I didn't think of it as a tool for healthy skin, but more as for losing weight, so I just basically continued on and focused on being a better mom for my 4 kiddos and wife for my hubby. My weight will shift! Won't it...?

I'm one of those lucky women who really doesn't lose the weight while nursing, but only afterwards after the baby/toddler has weened themselves off. I was still getting a bit discouraged because I was the "tortoise" rather than the "hare" in losing weight. So, one day I took my phone and took a selfie of my face. Surely something positive was happening in my body after I eliminated sugar and processed wheat out of my diet?? And sure enough, I was in awe.

As you can see, I was not wearing any make up on either photo. This was the "NSV" that everyone on THM facebook groups took turns posting about! Finally it was my turn! And you know what else, it did not stop there.

Here are my NonScaleVictories so far!

1. I've had to buy smaller clothes
2. People have noticed my weight loss
3. I can see my collar bones
4. I can feel my hip bones
5. My libido is coming back...
6. My skin is doing so so much better, no pimples, no inflammation and no soreness! 
7. My hair is thicker and shinier
8. I feel more energetic, not relying on caffeine anymore
9. I have been off caffeine for over a month now
10. I sleep better, even while still night nursing my 1 year old
11. I've returned to the gym with more motivation and energy.
12. No more embarrassing and painful "trapped gas scenarios", hoping visitors would leave soon! LOL
13. No more bloating, no more stomach pain
14. No more midnight snacking, regular blood sugar levels
15. And I am far less flaky than I was, he he! I am not so forgetful!

The list goes on...

This complexion change happened in a month for me. Your body doesn't need much to get back on the right track. Everything we eat, communicated to our bodies at a cellular level. Isn't that amazing?!

I'm less worried about whether I will see my abs or not, but more focused on how I am nourishing myself and my family. Truthfully, this isn't a diet but a life long plan.

I've had to make some adjustments to some recipes on our weekly menus but I've not switched out a single dish, so my family is still enjoying their favourite meals. I've learned how to bake again, make desserts in a different way, but that is not a big job or a sacrifice considering that these desserts are "fat stripping"! 

These don't look like depriving dishes, do they?

In summary, THM is an answer to my husband's and my "pleasure that is undermining our happiness". Pleasure and Happiness aren't the same thing. Our pleasure, which was eating at late hours, and eating the wrong kinds of foods were undermining our happiness. There is no happiness in painful joints, knees, ankles and hips from excess weight. There is no happiness in having health problems, PCOS, or adult acne in my case. There is no happiness in losing your libido, and never being in the mood for your husband. There is no happiness in being too tired to run around with your kids, and always sitting at the side lines when you truthfully would want to be in the midst of all the fun. There is no happiness in a raised heart rate when you walk up a few stairs. And the list goes on... Fill in the blanks.

In my case my pleasure was robbing me of true happiness. This is where THM stepped in for me. Balance. Balance just as God intended, or as close as we can have it in today's world.

Want to start your journey with THM and put your calorie mindset at rest once and for all? Click HERE

Thank you for letting me share!

-Cathrine

Follow me on Instagram @trimhealthycathyhttps://www.instagram.com/trimhealthycathy/

My 3 Week Fuel Cycle Version

5 years ago I was on a diet that was meant only for 3 weeks to kick start your metabolism and to put you on the right track for healthy eating. I've never been on another *diet that worked so well. 

Right now I am not on any diet, but on the "THM" (Trim Healthy Mama) plan indefinitely. THM plan in my mind is very biblical and I've always "preached" about Genesis 1:29 and 2:29 and so forth. What God has made is good, and nothing is "off plan" unless of course, you're allergic to it.

On the THM plan you lose weight automatically if you are overweight. And when you've reached your goal weight, you look and feel incredible! You can eat 3 course meals at every sitting, with the most fatty desserts and still lose weight. Oh yes, you can!

It's safe for pregnant and nursing women. I constantly come across comparison pregnancy photos of when women were off and on the THM plan. The results are breathtaking and encouraging. 

It's safe for the whole family regardless of age or gender. And most of all, it's HEALTHY, NOURISHING, and VITALIZING. You wont want to go back to your old unhealthy eating habits after you embark on the THM journey.

What really makes this plan GREAT is the fact that some things on plan, like the desserts I'm eating, would normally trigger the alarm in any other diet, but in THM it is very acceptable to eat this way!

Okay, here is my 3 week version of a fuel cycle that works like a charm. Now know this, this isn't the typical recommended THM fuel cycle or eating plan. I only do this when I hit a plateau, or I want to spur things along for a specific event or such. I have lost lots of pounds within 3 weeks of eating this way and I am not the only one! Hundreds, if not thousands of people have as well.

THIS CYCLE IS FOR 3 WEEKS ONLY!

There are rules to this 3 week cycle, and they are...

... NO CHEATING! This is a chemical reaction happening in your body, and the slightest, tiniest, puny cheat will hit the "STOP button" of your weight loss. Don't try it, it's TRUE. (here's a secret: I've made that mistake thinking I know better! It's so not worth having to start from scratch, after you're half way in, ugh!)

There are a few guidelines to this, and they are...

• drink 2-4 liters of water a day
• eat every 3 hours is the best, but between 2 1/2h and 4h is okay...NEVER past 4! Get an app on your phone that tracks the time between your meals or use the timer on your stove/phone.
• take your vitamins, especially your omegas and double the dose by eating a recommended dose in the mornings and the same at bed time.
• No starchy vegetables and NO fruit. Strawberries and raspberries are ok.
• If you workout, drink a post workout protein shake (1 scoop of whey and water) immediately after your workout.
• Have protein in every meal!
• no sugar/no hidden sugar -beware!
• weigh the meat/fish before cooking
• Some of my meals on my 7 day menu are from the new Trim Healthy Mama cookbook. You can order it and needed ingredients (Integral Collagen, Pristine Whey, etc.) from HERE (it's my affiliated link, thank you so much for your support :)! )
• If you are male, add another 1t oil and 50g of meat to you lunch and dinner meals.
• no wheat unless it's sprouted whole wheat
• no white potatoes or white rice
• 100g is about 3.5 oz and 200g is about 7oz ( I have remembered everything in grams..)
• for coffee drinkers who love milk and cream in your coffee... :( sorry, you have to come up with a Fuel Pull coffee recipe for the time being... I know, but it's not forever!! Also, limit your coffee to mornings only. If you need to sip on something, drink herbal or decaf teas! Be aware of hidden sugars.. yes, in tea too!
• collagen is vital! Don't skip on your daily collagen!
• If you find yourself very hungry in between meals, you can add zero calorie konjac noodles to your lunch or dinner! Truly a miracle noodle, so filling! 

Basically for those who know already what S, E, SHelper, XO and FP mean, you can either come up with your own 3 week menu with the help of my quantity guidelines, or you can just follow my 7 day menu below. 

For 3 weeks eat

Breakfast-E

Lunch-FP

Snack-FP

Dinner-SH

Snack-FP

Day 1

B) Sprouted whole wheat tortilla with 4 egg white- 1C spinach omelet, topped with 1-2T salsa

L) 100g extra lean ground meatballs, 200g non-starchy vegetables, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese, 1t oil and seasoning

S) Strawberry-lemon-gluccie collagen smoothie

D) 100g chicken breast, 200g veggies with 1/2C cooked quinoa/brown rice/sweet potato and 1t oil.

S) hearty 4-6 egg white omelet (use peppers, mushrooms, onion -no more than 1C), 1t oil

Day 2

B) Bowl of oatmeal and 100g frozen strawberries. Oats boiled with only water, and add liquid egg whites while it simmers (trust me, it's good!) and add 1t oil. Sweeten with THM approved sweeteners such as stevia or xylitol.

L) Egg white and 1C spinach omelet, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese, with 1t oil. Side with sugar free kimchi or 1-2 sugar free pickles.

S) 1/2C-1C 0% Greek Yoghurt and 100g of strawberries- smoothie it up or eat from a bowl. Sweeten with stevia.

D) 3 medium sized Wonder Wrap p.204 tacos filled with 100g beef and 200g of vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, dark leafy greens and cucumber. Top with 1-2T salsa. Season your meat with homemade sugar free taco spice, with 1/2C cooked quinoa/brown rice/sweet potato and 1t oil.

S) Pristine Whey Protein (order here, my affiliated link :)!) with 100g strawberries and water. sweeten with stevia or other.

Day 3

B) Sprouted whole wheat tortilla with 4 egg white- 1C spinach omelet, topped with 1-2T salsa

L) 100g Chicken fillets, 200g chopped and fried up zucchini, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese, with 1t oil.

S) Salted Caramel Creamy Oolong p.434 

D) 100g extra lean ground beef patty with 200g green beans and 1/2C cooked quinoa/brown rice/sweet potato, with 1t oil.

S) hearty 4-6 egg white omelet (use peppers, mushrooms, onion -no more than 1C), 1t oil

Day 4

B) Bowl of oatmeal and 100g frozen strawberries. Oats boiled with only water, and add liquid egg whites while it simmers (trust me, it's good!) and add 1t oil. Sweeten with THM approved sweeteners such as stevia or xylitol.

L) Egg white and 1C spinach omelet, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese, with 1t oil. Side with sugar free kimchi or 1-2 sugar free pickles.

S) Chocolicious Thin Thick p.423 

D) 3 medium sized Wonder Wrap (p.204) tacos filled with 100g beef and 200g of vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, dark leafy greens and cucumber. Top with 1-2T salsa. Season your meat with homemade sugar free taco spice, with 1/2C cooked quinoa/brown rice/sweet potato and 1t oil.

S) Pristine Whey Protein with 100g strawberries and water. sweeten with stevia or other.

Day 5

B) Sprouted whole wheat tortilla with 4 egg white- spinach omelet, topped with 1-2T salsa

L) 3 Wonder Wraps p.204 medium size with 100g chicken fillets, 200g vegetables, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese and 1t oil

S) Singing Canary p.398 

D) 100g steak, 200g troodles (zucchini noodles), 1t oil and 1/2C cooked quinoa/brown rice/sweet potato

S) hearty 4-6 egg white omelet (use peppers, mushrooms, onion -no more than 1C), 1t oil

Day 6

B) Bowl of oatmeal and 100g frozen strawberries. Oats boiled with only water, and add liquid egg whites while it simmers (trust me, it's good!) and add 1t oil. Sweeten with THM approved sweeteners such as stevia or xylitol.

L) 100g extra lean ground beef patty with 200g vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese, and 1t oil

S) Cottage Berry Whip p.374 

D) Super Salmon Patties p.177

S) Pristine Whey Protein (order here, my affiliated link :)!) with 100g strawberries and water. sweeten with stevia or other.

Day 7

B) Sprouted whole wheat tortilla with 4 egg white- 1C spinach omelet, topped with 1-2T salsa

L) 100g Chicken fillets, 200g chopped and fried up zucchini, 1T 0%-1%cottage cheese with 1t oil.

S) 1/2C-1C 0% Greek Yoghurt and 100g of strawberries- smoothie it up or eat from a bowl. Sweeten with stevia.

D) 100g extra lean ground beef patty with 200g green beans and 1/2C cooked quinoa/brown rice/sweet potato, with 1t oil.

S) hearty 4-6 egg white omelet (use peppers, mushrooms, onion -no more than 1C), 1t oil

Repeat cycle 3 times.

The first 3 days are the toughest. You probably will be feeling hungry and irritated some what, but on the 3rd day when all the sugar has left your body, you will feel great and energized. Also, by then you will already be seeing some progress! It's that powerful! I want to encourage you to stick to it, don't quit. As long as you remember what chocolate tastes like, you're in no danger! *smirk* Just persevere and keep chuggin' along! You wont regret it!

I recently became a THM affiliate. I'm hoping that this would be a little side income for me as a homeschooling mother :) Thank you for supporting us! To order your products through my blog, go HERE

*THM is not a diet, it's a plan for life! No more dieting! I urge you to get the PLAN-book and the new cookbook. So so so so worth it!

I'm also posting my meals on INSTAGRAM daily for inspiration and accountability. Please visit! GO HERE TRIMHEALTHYCATHY

I can't hype enough about THM plan. In one month of sticking to plan with no cheats, my skin cleared up. I was so close in signing up for a continues skin care regime ($$!!) and I'm so grateful I waited! My skin went from bad to worse into super healing mode. These faces have 4 weeks between them, incredible!

Traditional Kimchi

I have been following Maangchi Korean Cooking for a while now, and one of her recipes has been on my to-do list for a long time now. Kimchi.

Maangchi is fun, quirky, and did I mention fun?! She has worked like a horse towards her YouTube channel and is gifted. She makes her cooking look extremely easy, she uses simple ingredients, she is descriptive and so, I feel like her dishes are so do-able! 

I love Kimchi. I love spicy Kimchi. My kids love Kimchi. Kimchi is healthy.

Finally on pay day, I went to the Korean market and bought everything on my Kimchi ingredient list, except sugar. I even bought the basin, and large sieve. The only thing that I didn't buy, that has to wait for next payday is the "Onggi". I used regular plastic containers BPA free. 

Okay, here is the version of the Kimchi. (By the way, there are 100's and 100's of kimchi recipes)

Ingredients:

• 6 lb Napa Cabbage
• 1 medium korean radish or daikon
• 1 large carrot
• a bunch of Asian chives (Buchu) optional
• a bunch of Minari (dropwort) optional
• a bunch of spring onion
• 24 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 large onion, I used white
• 2 C water
• 2 T glutenous rice four
• 2 T brown sugar (you can leave out...it's very little though)
• 3/4 C coarse sea salt
• 1/2 C fish sauce
• 2 t fresh ginger
• 1-2.5 C hot pepper flakes 
• 1/4 saeujeot (pickled small shrimp) with juice

Now you have the ingredients listed for you, I will let Maangchi take all the credit for this one! 

Instructions click HERE!

Tell me how it goes!!!