The 2-Week Total Body Turnaround was meant to be intense—a kick in the butt, a mental challenge, a contest to keep you going for 14 days. It was designed to give you the skills and tools you need to get started on the road toward better health. I believe that more than half the battle of weight loss is finding the motivation to get started and gaining the knowledge to believe you are doing it “right” and should persevere.
I also believe that knowledge is power and what you don’t know can hurt you. Making healthy eating choices is about understanding food and how it works within your body. I’m a 44-year-old working mom with three teenagers and a very hectic schedule. I understand how challenging it can be to get started on an exercise and eating plan when your calendar is overbooked and your to-do list is a few inches long.
That’s why Heather K. Jones, a top-notch registered dietitian and weight loss consultant, and I have created the 2-Week Turnaround Diet Cookbook. Keeping today’s busy lifestyles in mind, we designed this easy-to-follow eating plan and its 160 simple yet delicious recipes.
I have always said, “You are what you eat.” The 2-Week Turnaround is as much about the nutrition side of the equation as it is about the physical and mental side. The foods you eat greatly affect your mood, appearance, and weight loss efforts. That’s why the recipes in this book use whole foods (what I call “clean” eating), such as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains or grain alternatives, lean meats, poultry, and fish. The meals avoid using preservatives, additives, processed sugars, and general “junk food” as much as possible, while still maintaining flavor for you and your family.
I know it isn’t always easy, and believe me, I have my moments when I struggle with food choices. But new behavior is learned by repetition. So by dedicating yourself to 2 weeks of focused and thoughtful eating and exercise, you are giving yourself the chance to change and the chance to form new habits. As the saying goes, “Try it, you may like it.” I have often had clients tell me there is no way their kids will eat flaxseed, only to find that my amazing homemade Peanut Butter and Chocolate Energy Bars (recipe on page 235) are devoured every time.
So keep an open mind, try new foods, and take this journey to a healthier lifestyle with a positive attitude. I am proud of you for taking the first step. And after you finish the 14 days, I hope you can throw up your hands with confidence and declare, “If I can do 2 weeks, I can do anything!”
—Chris Freytag
