I started calorie counting again, and did pretty well on Monday!! My total count for that day was 1,560. That's really really low for me.
Tuesday was not so low, but still slightly below my maintenance level (2,500) at 2,250. Tonight... hmmm... so far I'm at about 2,800. I blame my hubby for the barbecue steaks and fries ;-)
Mind you, I walked a lot today. I took my son to Strong Start in the morning, and then both kids swimming in the afternoon, all on foot. At the moment I'm trying to figure out a way to incorporate more exercise into my routine. Walking is easy, because I have to get places. I just need to make other types of fitness into unconscious habits. I'd never dream of going an entire day without brushing my teeth at least twice, why can't the same be said for sit ups?
4/30/08
4/27/08
Sunday Night `When Will I Start My Diet` Musings
There really is no excuse. I haven`t been doing what worked last year. Once I get motivated I can accomplish a lot - I just have to figure out how to motivate myself this time.
Anyway, here`s my Sunday night confession ;-)
132!!!
(sigh)
The upside is, my dog is looking great!!!
Anyway, here`s my Sunday night confession ;-)
132!!!
(sigh)
The upside is, my dog is looking great!!!
4/26/08
Eight Things I Did To Lose 18 Pounds
This worked for me a year ago. I've gained about nine of it back, which is why I started this blog. I thought I'd look back and review what has worked for me in the past.
1) Counting calories. It may be a pain, but it truly works.
2) Writing down everything I eat (and drink, and chew... did you know that Double Bubble gum is 10 calories per stick??)
3) Measuring stuff. Like, the cream in my coffee (30 calories per tbsp), the cereal in my bowl, etc.
4) Categorizing food. When I simply count calories I end up eating too many calories. However if I require that a certain amount of calories be protein, veggies, fruit, carbs, etc., I end up eating fewer. The reason for this is that protein fills you up longer than carbs, and I don't tend to reach for the protein unless I'm consciously thinking about it (I'm a carbaholic!!).
5) Not eating the leftover food on my kids' plates. Tough habit to break, but it all accumulates....
6) Walking, instead of driving. Walk walk walk (oh yeah, and then walk some more).
7) Eating small amounts frequently, and avoiding large meals.
8) Avoiding "fillers". For example I could still treat myself to bacon and eggs, but have only 2 or 3 strips of bacon, and skip the toast.
Anyway, you get the idea. It's all about food and exercise consciousness - there is no easy shortcut. When you're ready to get serious, it works!
1) Counting calories. It may be a pain, but it truly works.
2) Writing down everything I eat (and drink, and chew... did you know that Double Bubble gum is 10 calories per stick??)
3) Measuring stuff. Like, the cream in my coffee (30 calories per tbsp), the cereal in my bowl, etc.
4) Categorizing food. When I simply count calories I end up eating too many calories. However if I require that a certain amount of calories be protein, veggies, fruit, carbs, etc., I end up eating fewer. The reason for this is that protein fills you up longer than carbs, and I don't tend to reach for the protein unless I'm consciously thinking about it (I'm a carbaholic!!).
5) Not eating the leftover food on my kids' plates. Tough habit to break, but it all accumulates....
6) Walking, instead of driving. Walk walk walk (oh yeah, and then walk some more).
7) Eating small amounts frequently, and avoiding large meals.
8) Avoiding "fillers". For example I could still treat myself to bacon and eggs, but have only 2 or 3 strips of bacon, and skip the toast.
Anyway, you get the idea. It's all about food and exercise consciousness - there is no easy shortcut. When you're ready to get serious, it works!
4/24/08
A Blessing in Disguise?
I chipped a molar.
Actually that sounds better than the truth, which is probably that the tooth broke apart because it was more filling than tooth, and probably needs a crown.
It doesn't hurt, but now I'm afraid to eat anything that requires chewing. This is not necessarily helpful to my "diet", as ice cream doesn't require teeth. It should, however, cut back on my snacking a bit.
Tomorrow I'm going to call my dentist and see when I can go in to get it fixed. This may not happen as quickly as I'd like, since we're going to Vegas in about a week and a half, for four days. I'm hoping that nothing else happens to the tooth in the meantime, in case I can't get an appointment until we return. I'm not really too keen on being south of the border with a dental emergency.
If only there was pain. It would serve as a helpful reminder, and deter me from chewing... (Honestly, I'm kidding).
Here's to a few weeks of careful eating, more thorough brushing, and good luck in getting a dentist appointment soon...
Actually that sounds better than the truth, which is probably that the tooth broke apart because it was more filling than tooth, and probably needs a crown.
It doesn't hurt, but now I'm afraid to eat anything that requires chewing. This is not necessarily helpful to my "diet", as ice cream doesn't require teeth. It should, however, cut back on my snacking a bit.
Tomorrow I'm going to call my dentist and see when I can go in to get it fixed. This may not happen as quickly as I'd like, since we're going to Vegas in about a week and a half, for four days. I'm hoping that nothing else happens to the tooth in the meantime, in case I can't get an appointment until we return. I'm not really too keen on being south of the border with a dental emergency.
If only there was pain. It would serve as a helpful reminder, and deter me from chewing... (Honestly, I'm kidding).
Here's to a few weeks of careful eating, more thorough brushing, and good luck in getting a dentist appointment soon...
4/21/08
Quality Control
In addition to limiting my after hours food consumption (so far so good tonight!) I need to practice some quality control over what I eat. The chocoholic in me is not so happy about that.
I was really happy when they came out with this business about really really dark chocolate being good for you... I bought a bunch of those "97 %" (or whatever) cocoa bars, and praised myself for my dietary accountability (Note - I actually like those - a lot of people I know think they're too bitter and don't have enough sugar). Not me. I used to horrify my Mom by eating (and enjoying!) Baker's unsweetened chocolate squares.
Anyway, back on track here - in the past I've written down everything I've eaten and sorted it all by food type, which was extremely useful in ensuring there wasn't a hole where a certain nutrient group should be. I discovered, as many people have, that if I increased my protein intake, I could stay full longer on fewer calories. Unfortunately chocolate is not a protein, so that strategy didn't stick with me too long.
My fall from grace began last Halloween, and has carried on ever since. In an attempt to rectify this I've converted our mini-fridge, formerly my husband's canned beverage fridge, into a produce fridge. I was tired of the plant food being shoved behind the left-over take out in the big fridge. How am I supposed to eat it if I can't find it? Now every few days I wipe the chocolate off my face and open the mini-fridge, and look in. Ahhhh!!! Now I can see it!!! My compost worms are pretty happy about it all, that's all I can say.
I was really happy when they came out with this business about really really dark chocolate being good for you... I bought a bunch of those "97 %" (or whatever) cocoa bars, and praised myself for my dietary accountability (Note - I actually like those - a lot of people I know think they're too bitter and don't have enough sugar). Not me. I used to horrify my Mom by eating (and enjoying!) Baker's unsweetened chocolate squares.
Anyway, back on track here - in the past I've written down everything I've eaten and sorted it all by food type, which was extremely useful in ensuring there wasn't a hole where a certain nutrient group should be. I discovered, as many people have, that if I increased my protein intake, I could stay full longer on fewer calories. Unfortunately chocolate is not a protein, so that strategy didn't stick with me too long.
My fall from grace began last Halloween, and has carried on ever since. In an attempt to rectify this I've converted our mini-fridge, formerly my husband's canned beverage fridge, into a produce fridge. I was tired of the plant food being shoved behind the left-over take out in the big fridge. How am I supposed to eat it if I can't find it? Now every few days I wipe the chocolate off my face and open the mini-fridge, and look in. Ahhhh!!! Now I can see it!!! My compost worms are pretty happy about it all, that's all I can say.
4/20/08
Sunday Night Weigh In
Well, so far no ice cream, although I did have some toffees after the kids were asleep. I think I may just have to go back to calorie counting - that's worked like magic in the past.
Well, it's Sunday night....
131!!!
OK, well I haven't gained anything, so that's a plus. How long have I had this blog now? It should be called "Keeping Those Last Ten Pounds" !!
Well, it's Sunday night....
131!!!
OK, well I haven't gained anything, so that's a plus. How long have I had this blog now? It should be called "Keeping Those Last Ten Pounds" !!
4/19/08
New Strategy
Today I've decided to not eat anything after my daughter's bed time (8:00 pm). We'll see if I can stick to it.
I know it'll work, because that's usually when I cave and succumb to my carb cravings. Ice cream at midnight is not uncommon (did that last night, actually!). So far so good tonight, but it's only 11:05 pm.
Wish me luck!
I know it'll work, because that's usually when I cave and succumb to my carb cravings. Ice cream at midnight is not uncommon (did that last night, actually!). So far so good tonight, but it's only 11:05 pm.
Wish me luck!
4/18/08
Woof Weight
My dog is on a diet too.
OK let me re-phrase: My dog is on a diet.
Eventually I'll start mine, but meanwhile The Pupperoni is no longer being given carb scraps (we used to toss him all kinds of junk - stale bread, left over garlic toast, old socks) which he'd happily inhale, and then wait longingly for more, giant drool slingers painting the floor as he did so.
Now he still slings drool (unfortunately for our carpet), but the scraps are few and far between. He has a bad hip (he's some kind of shepherd/spitz dog cross so he's prone to it) so we can't really run the poop out of him, so cutting back on the incoming crap is our main option.
Results? He does look leaner, actually. Not by much, but it's better than nothing. I keep getting on the scale myself, hoping his results will show up on me too ;-)
OK let me re-phrase: My dog is on a diet.
Eventually I'll start mine, but meanwhile The Pupperoni is no longer being given carb scraps (we used to toss him all kinds of junk - stale bread, left over garlic toast, old socks) which he'd happily inhale, and then wait longingly for more, giant drool slingers painting the floor as he did so.
Now he still slings drool (unfortunately for our carpet), but the scraps are few and far between. He has a bad hip (he's some kind of shepherd/spitz dog cross so he's prone to it) so we can't really run the poop out of him, so cutting back on the incoming crap is our main option.
Results? He does look leaner, actually. Not by much, but it's better than nothing. I keep getting on the scale myself, hoping his results will show up on me too ;-)
4/17/08
Oops, I'm Not Doing Anything Constructive
I thought I'd write a post before another week went by and it was time for yet another "Sunday Night Weigh In" and I'm considering myself lucky if I haven't gain anything...!!!
Geez.
I'm one of those "eat for reasons other than hunger" people. For me the trigger is boredom. Yay - got that figured out. Now what?
See you Sunday ;-)
Geez.
I'm one of those "eat for reasons other than hunger" people. For me the trigger is boredom. Yay - got that figured out. Now what?
See you Sunday ;-)
4/13/08
Sunday Night Weigh-In
Oh geez is it that time already?? Can't I have a couple more days?? (sigh). Ok, here it is (the whole truth and nothing but the truth):
131!!!
Gained it back again. Sheesh. Apparently having such personal details as my poundage publicly blogged is doing little to motivate me.
On the upside, I am basking in the triumph of successfully securing our wireless router, which saved us $100 in tech fees. Everyone my husband spoke to told him to have a tech come in and configure it, and when I told him I was going to try, he was skeptical (in my defense he works with tradesmen, not tech heads). Granted when I'd finished it was so easy that I was skeptical too, so I called the 24 hour support line to double check, and their rep confirmed that it was indeed secure.
Pffft! So there. Apparently there are brains mixed in with my brawn. Spare IQ points with the spare tire. (Hey! Maybe I should gain ten pounds!!)
131!!!
Gained it back again. Sheesh. Apparently having such personal details as my poundage publicly blogged is doing little to motivate me.
On the upside, I am basking in the triumph of successfully securing our wireless router, which saved us $100 in tech fees. Everyone my husband spoke to told him to have a tech come in and configure it, and when I told him I was going to try, he was skeptical (in my defense he works with tradesmen, not tech heads). Granted when I'd finished it was so easy that I was skeptical too, so I called the 24 hour support line to double check, and their rep confirmed that it was indeed secure.
Pffft! So there. Apparently there are brains mixed in with my brawn. Spare IQ points with the spare tire. (Hey! Maybe I should gain ten pounds!!)
4/11/08
2 Things I've Done Right Today
Well it's early, but I'm off to a good start (I have to make up for the ice cream yesterday!! oh my).
1) First, I walked past the pantry, stopped and stared at one of those yummy chocolate coated chewy granola bars, and I actually walked away and left it sitting on the shelf (when the box is almost empty, in an effort to make more room on the shelf my husband discards the box and leaves the few remaining bars sitting in plain view). Today I managed to walk away without grabbing one and tearing open the foil wrapper... yay me!
2) I put less cream in my coffee. I've been drinking it without sugar for awhile now (that was a hard switch, and I only do this at home 'cause I buy good beans, or if I'm at a high end coffee shop where I know it'll taste ok). I have a weakness for the high calorie "coffee cream" as opposed to the regular stuff, and today I cut back on the amount I poured into my cup. Let's see if I can keep that one up.
Hey it's something. Now let's see if I can get through the rest of the day with the same success...
1) First, I walked past the pantry, stopped and stared at one of those yummy chocolate coated chewy granola bars, and I actually walked away and left it sitting on the shelf (when the box is almost empty, in an effort to make more room on the shelf my husband discards the box and leaves the few remaining bars sitting in plain view). Today I managed to walk away without grabbing one and tearing open the foil wrapper... yay me!
2) I put less cream in my coffee. I've been drinking it without sugar for awhile now (that was a hard switch, and I only do this at home 'cause I buy good beans, or if I'm at a high end coffee shop where I know it'll taste ok). I have a weakness for the high calorie "coffee cream" as opposed to the regular stuff, and today I cut back on the amount I poured into my cup. Let's see if I can keep that one up.
Hey it's something. Now let's see if I can get through the rest of the day with the same success...
4/7/08
Cinnamon and Red Pepper
Here are two items on my "things to try" list...1) Adding cinnamon to my diet. I've learned recently (specifically from my diabetic Mother-in-law and then from further internet research) that it can be helpful in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
"According to some studies, cinnamon may improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The results of a study from 2003 in Pakistan showed lower levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol after 40 days with levels continuing to drop for 20 days after that."
Interesting!! I wonder what kinds of cinnamon and chocolate combinations I can come up with ;-)
2) Then there's the red pepper theory... I'm hoping my poor stomach can handle it!!
Red pepper (Capsicum), Hot Mustard, and other hot spices
Scientists have found that people who took hot spicy foods (adding a teaspoon of red-pepper sauce and a teaspoon of mustard to meal) raised their metabolic rates by as much as 25 percent. The hot spice also stimulates thirst, so you drink more liquids that also helps in gaining less weight.
Scientists have found that people who took hot spicy foods (adding a teaspoon of red-pepper sauce and a teaspoon of mustard to meal) raised their metabolic rates by as much as 25 percent. The hot spice also stimulates thirst, so you drink more liquids that also helps in gaining less weight.
One final note (I keep forgetting, so here goes): the images on all my blogs are courtesy of (drum roll!!) http://nancylovering.blogspot.com :-) :-)
4/6/08
Sunday Night Weigh-In
Omg!!!! I don't believe it:
130 (-1 pound)
I say I don't believe it because I have not really altered my eating at all. I've not been controlling portion sizes or watching the quality of food going into my mouth.
What may have made the difference was that my kids started swimming lessons this week, and since I don't drive, that means more walking.
My husband and many of my friends keep telling me how much easier my life would be if I started driving again, but at the age of 40 I'm starting to really pay attention to the pitfalls of a sedentary life style. I'm afraid to drive because if I do, my fitness level will go downhill pretty darn quick. Sure it's easy enough to say "go to the gym", but how many people actually do? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to find the time or the energy. But if my kids need to get to their swimming lessons and it's only ten blocks away, walking them there is something I will do.
Here's to at least one more pound off in the week to come!
130 (-1 pound)
I say I don't believe it because I have not really altered my eating at all. I've not been controlling portion sizes or watching the quality of food going into my mouth.
What may have made the difference was that my kids started swimming lessons this week, and since I don't drive, that means more walking.
My husband and many of my friends keep telling me how much easier my life would be if I started driving again, but at the age of 40 I'm starting to really pay attention to the pitfalls of a sedentary life style. I'm afraid to drive because if I do, my fitness level will go downhill pretty darn quick. Sure it's easy enough to say "go to the gym", but how many people actually do? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to find the time or the energy. But if my kids need to get to their swimming lessons and it's only ten blocks away, walking them there is something I will do.
Here's to at least one more pound off in the week to come!
4/5/08
Sleep Deprivation and Weight Gain
Ok, I could be in trouble... (lol). According to this article, I fall into the category likely to gain 1.98 kg (those who average five to six hours of sleep every night).
http://www.health.am/weightloss/more/sleep-duration-is-associated-with-future-weight-gain-in-adults/
Hmmm. Interesting - they don't say anything about a category for fewer than five hours... could those individuals (me) be subject to weight loss?? Hey, I can dream, can't I?
http://www.health.am/weightloss/more/sleep-duration-is-associated-with-future-weight-gain-in-adults/
Hmmm. Interesting - they don't say anything about a category for fewer than five hours... could those individuals (me) be subject to weight loss?? Hey, I can dream, can't I?
4/3/08
Bread Machine
I have one, and so does my Mom on the island, and my Dad up north. They're wonderful to use and you can experiment with different bread recipes. For my kids I like to add wheat germ and flax, and whatever multi grain cereal I can find.
My husband, on the other hand, is a die hard white bread guy, and this does me in every time!!! Oh my goodness... fresh warm buttery bread!!! Ahhhh... I have an awesome Henkle bread knife that can cut the loaf while still warm without squishing it, and the fragrant steam rising from the fresh slice makes me want to toss the whole diet thing.
Anyway, I bring this up today because we're all out of bread so that means I'll be making some. Yesterday I did a lot (and I mean a lot) of walking, and left food on my plate at dinner, so hopefully today's bread machine adventure won't set me back too much...
4/1/08
Too many french fries...
...with my hamburger tonight!! I couldn't help myself, and the chocolate my kids have left over from Easter certainly doesn't help. I tell myself I'm being a good Mommy by not letting them eat as much of it ;-)
I can feel myself "waiting to start" this latest weight loss effort, which basically means no weight is going to come off until I change things. I know what it takes to lose weight, and it doesn't come off by itself, unfortunately.
Anyway, off I go to walk the dog (hey!! that's exercise :-) Yippee...
I can feel myself "waiting to start" this latest weight loss effort, which basically means no weight is going to come off until I change things. I know what it takes to lose weight, and it doesn't come off by itself, unfortunately.
Anyway, off I go to walk the dog (hey!! that's exercise :-) Yippee...
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