A lifestyle blogger’s food journal
Rahel Brhane is a beauty and lifestyle content creator who focuses on sharing thoughts and recommendations on skincare, makeup, fashion, and home decor. As a first-generation Eritrean/German with an upbringing in the south of Germany, she quickly realized that exploring different parts of the world and learning about cultures is a huge part of her life. She speaks German, French, English, and Tigrinya (Eritrean) and has lived in places like Toulouse, London, and New York, with Los Angeles as her latest place of residence. Since moving to sunny California, Rahel began the path to a healthier and fitter lifestyle. She started to share this journey on her social platforms and received positive feedback from others to learn more about her newly adapted methods.
Her main goal is to lose extra pounds around her stomach and thighs while working out and sculpting her body to look more athletic and fit. She is here to share her daily diet to get to the goal of being happy, healthy, and glowy!
16:8 intermittent fasting
I started to create new dieting habits without wanting to add too many restrictions and difficulties to my daily routine. I began to alternate when to consume food. Intermittent fasting has become a trendy method to help with weight loss. The 16:8 hour fast means eating during an eight-hour window during the day and fasting for 16 hours. According to Healthline, fasting for short periods of time helps people eat fewer calories, potentially resulting in weight loss over time. Personally, I have seen a significant difference in how fast I lost weight once I have implemented this method within a period of two months.
Lemon + apple cider vinegar
I moved to what to consume and learned about different foods and their effects on the body. Lemon and apple cider vinegar have been found to be very beneficial for overall health and also aid in the weight loss journey. The high amounts of Vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds found in lemons and the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar help control bloating and may reduce belly fat, among other things. I made it my morning habit to drink a cup of lemon + apple cider vinegar diffused with water on an empty stomach before starting my day. By doing so, I have seen a noticeable improvement in my digestion and my stomach’s appearance — it looks less bloated and flatter.
Breakfast
To introduce my body to the eight-hour eating period (I usually break my fast at 10 am), I read that it’s recommended you start with an easily digestive meal such as a smoothie, for breakfast. I love to pack my smoothies with amazing nutrients like nuts, fruits, and vegetables. I also make sure to add important supplements to the mix that may be hard to incorporate solely with my food intake. I usually add collagen peptides, protein powder, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.
Snacks
I typically eat two healthy snacks throughout my eight-hour food window. I like to keep those very simple and organic. A handful of nuts like almonds, cashews, or simply fruits are my usual go-to’s. On a low energy day, I reach for a protein bar containing a maximum of one percent sugar. One of my current favorites is Quest’s Hero Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar. Overall, I like to make sure to have snacks that are healthy and delicious to enjoy while providing daily necessary nourishments all at once.
Lunch or dinner
Depending on timing, the second meal is considered lunch or dinner and is the biggest of my daily meals. My main goal is to create a very colorful plate with lots of vegetables, protein, and some grains for this dish. One of my current go-to’s is air-fried spicy shrimp on a couscous bed served with a rich salad. Fun fact: Different foods get their color from the nutrients they have inside, so the more color, the better!
After eight hours, I start my fast at 6 pm, which will continue until 10 am the next day. During the fasting period, I can have water, tea, and black coffee in the morning.
By following this diet, I experienced a rapid change in my weight and an increase in energy levels. It is easy to follow with a few rules and restrictions for you to keep in mind. I highly recommend this diet to anyone looking to change their eating habits overall. I dare you to give it a try!
Life By LaserAway disclaimer: Remember that diet and nutrition are very personal, and what works for one person may not work for another.
