If you read my blog regularly, you will remember that a couple of weeks ago I wrote about my experience after doing two weeks on the Diet Chef diet. I was so amazed that I lost 8 lbs in the first two weeks. It was definitely a boost that I needed to get my weight loss journey started. After another appointment at the hospital this morning, I know more than ever now the importance of being lighter for my PCOS symptoms to disappear. So, after a month of doing Diet Chef, what is the final verdict?!
Well, in the final two weeks, I knew that the weight loss would be slower. That happens in pretty much most diets or healthy eating plans, though. But I managed to lose an additional 2 lbs each week. Meaning a total loss of 12 lbs in a month! Really pleased and it has given me the boost that I need to carry on wanting to lose weight and not fear stepping on the scales.
Four weeks is quite a long time to eat this way. However, I really enjoyed the ease of it. Meal times can become pretty repetitive, but at least it is quick and easy. As I was the only one in the house eating this way, it is nice that I don’t have to think about it. My advice to anyone thinking of trying Diet Chef would be to pick the meals that you know you would love to eat. I wish I had put in a few more risottos and cottage pies, rather than lots of curries. It seems like that is all I have eaten this week. So choose your meals wisely and make a meal plan of what you will eat and when. Having said that, I have enjoyed all of the meals I have been eating. They honestly do taste good!
So, thinking of giving Diet Chef a go? Here are my tips for making it be the most effective experience:
~ Pick What You Like – This probably sounds obvious but when I was picking out my food to order, as there is a huge variety, I just thought that I should just get one of everything. Not the best move. After two weeks I had had some lovely meals and snacks but wasn’t very enthused about the things I had left to eat. I’m not the biggest popcorn fan in the world, though I don’t mind it, but I wished I hadn’t ordered any and had ordered more protein bars for snacks, for example. I like to enjoy my food
~ Take Measurements – Sometimes the scales aren’t always accurate as it depends when you’re on the scales, how hydrated you are etc and so only using the scales can be a little disheartening. If you take measurements of your waist and hips (and whatever else you want to monitor), they will always be the most accurate measurement – so it will keep you motivated!
~ Drink Lots of Water – the one thing that all diets have in common, drink lots of water. This really helps the feeling of being fuller and gets rid of hunger pangs. More often than not, its a sign you’re dehydrated rather than hungry.
~ Plan Easy Family Meals – in the likely event that you are the only one in the house on the diet, make sure you plan meals that are easy and won’t keep you cooking for long in the kitchen (unless you’ve got an other half that loves to cook). It always helps if you aren’t too fussed about the meals they’re having either.
~ Pick Food Relevant to Your Lifestyle – the lunches are generally soups, noodles, shakes or protein bars. I much preferred the shakes and protein bars as day to day it was hard to know what I would be doing. If I was out and about it was easier to have one of the protein bars. Equally, if you work, you need to think about how you’d be able to have the soups etc. Is there a microwave, should you pack your own bowl etc? I for one didn’t take any of that into account when ordering the food.
Would I Recommend It?
The proof is in the pudding, so to speak, and that is the weight loss results. It does work! So if you want to give your weight loss a boost, this can be a easy way to do it as you really don’t have to think about what you’re doing. The food is all prepared for you and it has changed my eating habits.
Do you think you’d ever give it a go?
*the meals were gifted in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
