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Grace-Filled Homemaking

To The New Trim Healthy Mama: Tips for the Overwhelmed Beginner

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This post might include affiliate links for products that I know and LOVE!

Hey, new Trim Healthy Mama! I remember when I was new and overwhelmed, so I just wanted to take a virtual seat and share a little bit from my heart. 

 First of all, let me just say how proud of you I am. I know at this point THM is a new chance. A dream to renew your health, whittle your waist and learn a new way of eating. I know that in the back of your mind, you are feeling a twinge of hope and you are also feeling that annoying little thing called doubt. I totally don’t blame you, I mean, diets are exhausting, depressing and not fun. But this..This is a little bit different.

 

 

 

From one THM sister to another, here are a few things to keep in mind:

First things first, new Trim Healthy Mama! Read the book. 
I can’t stress to you enough the importance of reading the book. Without reading the book, every social media post will seem like gibberish. No one can succeed if they don’t have a clear understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish. You can grab your own copy here. If you can’t gain access to the book, ask another THM if you can borrow theirs or check it out at your local library.

Get Your Basics Down
Before you tackle Deep S, Fuel Cycles, and other super-advanced things you need to get your basic S and E meals down! If you don’t gain a clear understanding of that, you lose the very foundation the plan was built on. Practice separating those foods, then move on to something more advanced. If you’re struggling to learn what’s what, you can download the free THM app for your phone. Just search “THM Food Analyzer” to start.

Tailor the plan to fit your life, not your life to fit the plan.
I am a social media group lurker. Now that I’ve outed myself as a total creep, I’ve noticed that a big reason THMers fall off the bandwagon is that they work the plan unrealistically. In my own life, when I try to follow someone else’s journey I set myself up for failure. Focus on making simple changes with meals that you already cook and places where you already eat. 

Learn from the differences of other THMers!
 This plan is amazing because it fits all lifestyles and personality types. Whether your a total purist or a “Drive-Thru-Sue” you can live a healthy lifestyle. If you’re someone who hates spending time in the kitchen, can’t cook from scratch to save her life and has a super tight budget, embrace that! There is hope for you! At the same time, appreciate those purists and incorporate a few of their hacks. Or vice-versa. It takes all types of people to make a world. 

The Facebook groups are yay, not nay.
 There’s a lot of debate as to whether newbies should take part in the Facebook group. I say yes! You’ll get encouragement from others, learn some new recipes and connect with some great people. You can ask questions if you need help. One thing to keep in mind is that since everyone is unique, their response/reactions are going to be unique as well. Take what wisdom you can from each response and go about it lightheartedly. There’s also an amazing community of Trim Healthy Mamas on Instagram and Pinterest.


Have fun with special ingredients! The Trim Healthy Mama Store is an amazing resource. Pearl and Serene have priced their special ingredients frugally and they’ve created some great products. Here are a few of my must-haves!

Remember, these ingredients aren’t vital to the plan, but they do make things a bit more fun. 🙂

Follow THM Bloggers for Free Recipes, Tips, and More!

No matter what your style is, your sure to find a THM blogger that’s right up your alley. These ladies are so creative and have a heart for helping others stay on plan. Here are a few to get you started along with some words about their blogs.

Northern Nester : Northern Nester creates strictly THM recipes without special ingredients! Jacinda lives in Canada where specialty ingredients are hard to come by, but after 6 years on plan, that’s no deterrent to eating well!

Mrs. Criddle’s Kitchen: Mrs. Criddle’s Kitchen- a southern Mama’s kitchen… featuring all THM recipes! 

Joyful Jane: Joyful Jane specializes in baking EASY breads, rolls and more with sprouted flour that is on the THM plan! You’ll also find many other types of recipes as well as encouraging posts about family life. Come check us out at our website and on YouTube here-
https://youtu.be/tI4bFdkpSps

Darcie’s Dish: Darcie’s Dish – helping you be successful on the THM plan with easy to follow monthly and weekly meal plans and frugal recipes.

Nana’s Little Kitchen: Find plenty of healthy Southern-style recipes over at Nana’s Little Kitchen. Teresia is using her 40 plus years of knowledge and experience to convert and create classic dishes. All recipes are THM friendly! 

My Table of Three: My Table of Three features recipes that are simple but delicious. You’ll find lots of THM recipes that are kid-friendly and perfect for your family on busy nights. Follow working mom Keri as she shares healthy favorites from her table to yours. You can also find her on YouTube by searching for her blog name!

Wholesome Yum: Wholesome Yum features natural, gluten-free, low carb recipes with 10 ingredients or less. Every recipe is THM S, keto-friendly, and easy to make.

Oh Sweet Mercy: Hi there! I’m Dawn. It’s my great pleasure to help Trim Healthy Mamas, low carbers, & sugar-free peeps stay on-plan with delicious, healthy, THM-friendly recipes that won’t bust the budget.

TheWellPlannedKitchen.com (formerly workingathomeschool.com, as seen in the Trim Healthy Mama Plan book and Trim Healthy Table) features recipes, time-saving hacks and money-saving tips for busy Trim Healthy Mamas!

Briana Thomas Burkholder: Briana (Thomas) Burkholder shares Trim Healthy Mama friendly recipes that are easy and budget-friendly – many inspired by her Mennonite heritage! She shares all kinds of recipes but is known for her wide array of healthy ice cream recipes. 

Grace-Filled Homemaking: Then there’s me! I create THM recipes, menu plans, lists, and more! My style is frugally family-friendly if there is such a thing. 🙂 I mainly shop at ALDI, so my ingredients used are the simplest of the simple.

On an ending note, I just wanted to let you know that I am rooting for you. There will be days where you are flying high and there will be days where you just want those Doritos and a Heath bar. When you feel like giving up, remember the sole purpose for starting this journey. Whether it’s your children, your spouse, your health, your looks or just to be an inspiration to others- It matters. 

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Are you a new Trim Healthy Mama? This post is for you! Hear a veteran THM's best tips and tricks for success. There's something for everyone!

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Comments

  5. Anonymous

    You may have another post about this but how do you make it work with your meat and taters hubby? Mine wants to join in but the only veggies he will touch are sweet potatoes, corn and potatoes. The later two don't fit in. Looking for someone who's been there. Thanks!
    Couldn't get my phone to cooperate to post other than anonymously. My email is [email protected]
    Thanks, Melisza

  9. Anonymous

    I started THM a few weeks ago. Do you have any sweeteners you recommend? I've tried Trulia and Sweet Blend and I get really sick after eating anything with either sweetener in it. Headache and nausea, it's super weird. I would love an alternative so I could enjoy sweet treats while on plan. Thanks!

      • Cate H

        Hey, Rachel!

        Some of the side effects are from sugar detoxing (not fun!). Other times, your body truly can’t handle the sweeteners. In that case, I’d say use what’s best for you, like honey or coconut sugar and maybe scale down on the sweets. Weight loss may not be as quick with these sweeteners. 🙂

  12. The Fabuless Wife

    Hmm. I normally recommend only eating the sweeteners that are on plan, but if they're giving you that much trouble maybe try something a little gentler like Splenda. I would think that a sugar alternative with less calories would overall benefit your health more than going back to using sugars! Just try different alternative sweeteners and find one that your tummy and you like!

  15. The Fabuless Wife

    My husband isn't a big fan of veggies either! I find that "tricking" his taste buds works best. He will eat veggies if they have cheese or if they are sauteed into a stir-fry. Also, keeping it simple like an on plan casserole, chicken and sweet potato, or chicken alfredo makes him happy! My husband isn't 100% on board, but he is supportive! 🙂

  16. Sarah

    THANK YOU!!! I'm considering starting THM, and I've had doubts because we're on a super-tight budget, I'm a total "Drive-Thru-Sue", and I just found out I'm pregnant — and I have a history of GD. I want to eat better and be healthy for my kids, but I don't want to totally overhaul our lives, you know? Anyway, this was encouraging for me to read. Thanks! 😀

  18. Anonymous

    Well, just had a little cry after reading this. I am so used to failing, so my level of hope is much smaller than my doubt.
    I can only but try. Hoping my book will arrive today….
    Xxx

  22. The Fabuless Wife

    Thanks for stopping by! Create a new mindset that says you will win. I know that you'll succeed at this plan. Have faith in yourself. You are worth it!
    If you go off plan, just start again in 3 hours. No matter what, don't give up on your goals.

    I'm rooting for ya, Anon!

  23. Clara Pask

    Hi, I am a newbie, I have had my book since June! I have dabbled in a few recipes, but it is just too over whelming for me! If anybody would want to befriend me, it would be appreciated! I guess I need someone to hold my hand! Clara. [email protected] or message me on facebook!

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  29. sanam arzoo

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  32. Kristen

    I found this post onPinterest – so glad I did! I bought the book today. Can't wait to dig in. Just one question, can I ask what you mean when you say that you messed yourself up? That just scared me a little bit. Thank you!

  33. The Fabuless Wife

    Hi Kristen!
    The basis of THM is separating your fats and carbs, which the sisters explain perfectly in the book. It's not hard to do at all. 🙂 As long as you follow that you'll be fine. I tried to go ten steps ahead of myself by worrying about the more in-depth information that isn't nearly as important to the plan as the foundational steps. Basically, I made mountains out of molehills and stressed myself out when I really should've focused on the simplicity of THM!

    Thanks for reading and good luck with the plan, I know you'll do great! If you have any other questions,just ask! 🙂

  34. jojo

    Thanks so much, I'm on day four and was looking for recipes. I haven't been able to get all I need for recipes but I'm building. Thanks for the links and the encouragement. I have a long way to go. Your encouragement is just what I needed!

  36. Unknown

    i am struggling, although i feel better going in the right direction to eat healthier, i am feeling like it is a bit much with trying to understand the meal types. I am doing this w/ someone so the accountability is there which is helping me to continue but I know I have a lot to learn. Praying I can stay on track. This is from a non reader of the book and
    going on my 5th day.

  39. Lindsay

    Hi friend, So I’m sort of a newbie at this thing. I started THM back in Feb. of this year. I was 3 months postpartum, lost some weight, felt amazing, then summer happened. I gained it all back and then some. I just sort of went back to the way I was eating before. Then a few weeks later I found out we are expecting another baby. I’m excited, discouraged, happy, fad and sad all at the same time. I’m overwhelmed. I am sick of the smoothies and shakes, and I HATE the sweeteners. I like truvia but it has sugar. So what’s a girl to do? I’m getting ready for another homeschool year and am completely overwhelmed by the thought of starting again.

    • Cate H

      Hi, Lindsay!
      First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! What a blessing. 🙂 I’m so excited for you and this precious new life!
      I completely understand how you feel. My two little guys are just 18 months apart and it can get crazy. The regular Truvia (Not the baking blend kinds!) don’t have sugar, so if you like the taste of that go for it! I also like Gentle Sweet because it tastes pretty normal. I’d recommend finding some good recipes that you do like. It can be hard at first, but as your taste buds adjust, more will start to taste good. Seriously, the Cheesecake Berry Crunch from the THM Cookbook got me through some hard times! Also, keep it simple. Don’t think you have to go all gourmet to do well. A lot of my meals are easy. Chicken Alfredo over Dreamfields, Bean Burritos, Low-carb wraps, eggs and bacon, oatmeal with berries. Having these easy standby meals makes things less overwhelming. Give yourself lots of grace and take it day by day. 🙂 <3

  40. Lisa

    This is such wonderful advice Cate! And a bit of refresher that I needed. Thank you for sharing. I am linking to this on a blog post I’m doing that gives tips for THM beginners.

  41. Therese

    Thanks for listing some of my favorite blogs. My computer crashed about a month age and I lost all my bookmarks. This is a great help to me .

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