Trim Healthy Mama: Year 2

Well folks, I’m a little behind schedule this year with the "trimaversary" update, but better late than not at all! Let’s get right to it, friends!

I am officially in maintenance mode with Trim Healthy Mama. I enjoy a lot more crossovers, and in year 2 I’ve learned to really embrace E meals! I love me some legumes.

I still do the plan with no special ingredients, although I have added in things that are easy for me to find such as collagen powder, nutritional yeast and baobab. It’s wonderful that grocery stores are starting to carry more products like this!

Left: 2 Years into THM in 2020. Right: Pre-THM in 2018.

One thing that I’ve learned over the past year is to be a little more realistic with my weight goals. I’m 5’7” and got down to 155lbs in the first year. I was at 180lbs at my peak weight.

I’ve figured out that for me, staying closer to 160lbs is a lot easier for me to maintain. My hubby likes to take me out for dinners and eat off plan with him when we do, so I’ll stick to the 160 range!

This year has been a little wild in terms of staying fully on plan (there were so many on plan essentials that were out of stock at the height of the panic shopping of 2020) but overall I’ve managed to stick fairly close to it.

I don't do things like say " I'm __% on-plan" because I find that to be a source of condemnation for me. I am a Trim Healthy Mama whether I'm 100% on plan or not! It's a part of my person-hood, not part of a percentage group. This is such a grace-giving way of life, my friends!

The biggest blessing from this plan has been my restored energy levels. I’m doing things that I never dreamed I’d be doing - like going on hikes and I will be competing in my first ever horse show!

Now, to bring some practicality to it all, here are some of the things that have helped me in year 2 of THM:

First, I now eat veggies at basically every meal. Even at breakfast. Okra has become my very best friend. I had to learn to like it, but now my breakfast isn’t complete if I don’t have it.

Face off Friday: 2018 (Left) versus Today!

Second, I’ve more fully embraced E meals. Lentil soup, chilli, and oatmeal have become regulars in my house. They really do help with slimming down!

Third, crossovers! This has been my FAVOURITE part about hitting goal weight! I love ‘em! I find for my body (avid adult amateur equestrian) that I can have up to 4 a week. It’s all about finding that sweet spot with the crossovers and it took some trial and error to figure it out.

Fourth, sparkling water. Flavoured, plain or mineral. Staying hydrated is important and sparkling water helps me stay on plan when cravings strike!

Fifth, the free THM resources are a huge contributor to my second year of success! The podcasts help keep me motivated and the THM Food Analyzer App has helped me to hone my skills and truly own this lifestyle. I also love the THM group on Facebook. There’s so much encouragement, support and love there.

Just a little bit more about the podcasts: these are honestly a weekly blessing to me. Serene brings such Godly, biblical truth, Pearl brings the practical application, and Danny brings the WIYC motivation to bring it all together. Of course we can't leave out the wise words of "Producer John" and the good points made by Leslie-Pops! Check them out!

There are so many blessings that have happened in my life because of the THM lifestyle. Friends, this is NOT a diet! It’s a healing and life giving journey to freedom - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

So, if you are a fellow Mama, keep on keeping on! It only gets easier to do as you learn it. Own it and make it work your way!

If you’re considering trying THM, I encourage you to go for it! You’ll find yourself surrounded by the most caring group of people, a fully maintainable lifestyle, and blessings that will knock your socks off. If you’re ready to experience food freedom and grace, give it a try!

That’s all for now.

xo, Alyssa