Eating During the Holidays

This weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with our family out of town so I have to admit I had to think about how I was going to handle the food issues and do some preplanning.

*Turkey. The size of the palm of my hand and deck of cards. White meat.
*No mashed potatoes. I chose to bring a sweet potato and turnip puree which my Dad, myself and my husband enjoyed. My sister's family loves their white mashed potatoes!
*Eating a regular breakfast. I knew we would be eating at 2 so that my parents wouldn't have to drive home in the dark. (2 hours drive)
*Maintaining my water drinking and opting out of sugary pop, juice and drank some green tea as my treat.
*Tossed green salad with balsamic vinegar.
*Brussel sprouts.
*Dessert was pumpkin pudding that I made as well and brough along for everyone to try. The majority of the group chose pumpkin pie with loads of whipped cream.

While eating dinner I noticed that everyone was more interested in the food then in each other so it was nice that I was able to have conversations and not worry about shovelling food into my belly. Yes I enjoyed my meal! It was great to see everyone and not have a food hangover the next day or sit that evening with my pants loosened because I have stuffed myself.

Results to date: Down 19.5 inches and down 15 pounds.

Onesmartcookie

Staying on Plan and On Track

This has been a lifetime in coming.

Over the last two years I have learnt more about food then in my entire lifetime. I attended a two day food and nutrition seminar, I have read books, I have surfed the net, subscribed to healthy eating plans, attended weeks of self developement classes and been advised by experts in the health and wellness field. It is all coming together for me.


I am now entering week four of my plan and down 17.5 inches and 12 pounds. I am proud to say that the largest amount of inches came from my mid section so this will definately help me live the healthiest life possible! My goal is to reach my goal weight by my 43 birthay in May so I am in this for the long haul and for a lifetime! I am positive and optimistic.

Some of my challenges in the last two weeks that were food related:

Attended my father's 72 birthday and found out the day before they were celebrating with Chinese Food and Black Forest Chocolate Cake. So, I made my own meal, took it along the way and heated it on a plate so I ate my version of Chinese Food made by me! I skipped the cake and chose a herbal fruit key while staying at the table.

Sometimes you just have to say no. I have said no to cake, candies and chocolates. I remind myself, These do not support my lifestyle. Does it mean I will NEVER have any of these again? The next time I accept it, it will be my choice and not because everyone else is doing it.

Two nights ago, my husband decided to make microwave popcorn late at night. I was tired as it was and the smell reminded me of what I had not had for a month. So, I surrendered to sleep and went to bed for the night. Why sit in a corner sulking when my body was already tired and I wasn't listening to it.

Now that I am making all my meals at home I am finding that once again we are sharing a meal together and spending more time together in the evening. The other night, we had sushi and I stayed on plan by making wiser choices like the sashimi, small california rolls and mixed veggies. I no longer felt like I was denied and got the taste I loved and was craving!

Almost ten days had passed and no weight loss. I was frozen with the scales so I then decided that I wasn't going to let the scales make me give up. I looked at the inches and pounds I had lost in such a short time. I then went back and looked at my food journal and realized I had been eating beef for many of my meals. So now I have mixed it up by eating more chicken, fish and vegetarian choices. I will keep beef minimal because it takes so much energy to digest the food and it is one of the hardest foods for our bodies to digest. Oh believe me, it is quite easy to fall into the poor me syndrome instead of listening to your body or reviewing what has been happening in your life! That's called accountability and I am holding myself accountable.

This weekend in Canada, its a long weekend and its Thanksgiving. I have a plan in place for the BIG dinner with all of our family in Drayton Valley. Turkey, vegetables, garden salad and small portion of baked sweet potato. I will opt out for dessert but if I do, I will choose fruit like cantalope.

Remember.. Good Health is Real Wealth.

Onesmartcookie

Stumbles and Celebrations.

The other day I was in one of the offices at work and there sits the candy jar. Without thinking or bring mindful I start to reach for the jar out of habit as I am doing it, I suddenly think.. what are YOU doing? STOP! So, I stop and do not touch the candy jar.

I've been balancing off evening hunger with water or tea and its working amazing. My favorite tea is caffiene free blueberry or green tea.

On Monday night I went for my eight day weight in.. I am down: 9.5 pounds and 9.5 inches!! Holy crap!! I am amazed...

When I get doubtful I say to myself: Weightloss is easy for me. I enjoy eating healthy foods that support my well being. So, those are my positive affirmations. I say them before bed and when I am geting the cravings.

Last night was tough. I am not going to lie. We watched a movie and I was craving popcorn bigtime. Since my plan is three meals and one snack at 4 then popcorn isn't in the plan at all at this point. Will I ever eat popcorn? Yes, of course.

Of all the plans I have been on I have to say I enjoy this plan because I get to chew, eat and make meals that both of us can eat. Sure, there is some measuring but I can prep ahead and control the portion sizes!

Today's food choices are: Mushroom Omelet with fresh fruit, turkey chilli, cheese/fruit and lemon chicken.


My next weight in is tomorrow night.

Day Two.

FIrst, let me update you on Day One.

Day One, I followed the plan perfectly and was even tempted at my Dad's birthday part but I did not eat the Chinese Food or the Black Forest Chocolate Cake they had later! I heated up my meal and sat at the table with everyone. I was not tempted at all..

Throughout the day, sipped water and herbal teas to take my mind off hunger. Wasn't that hungry except when it was the evening and then.. growling tigers.. I can do this I kept telling myself so kept busy doing other things to keep my mind off of it.

So, today is Day Two and I have had breakfast which was a smoothie and going to have lunch soon. I also head to the clinic for 1 of five check ins during the first week.

There Are No Accidents

The other day I went to put on my favourite pair of jeans that I hadn't worn all summer and as I pulled them on I knew something was different. They didn't fit. I would have had to lay down to do them up and my heart sank as I realized that this was more then menstrual bloat.

An aqaintance of mine goes to a place called U Weight and she has been getting amazing results with the program. It focuses on meal planning, supplements and coaching. Then, the other day I saw the location and the Grand Opening sign only ten minutes from our home. Hmmmm, co incidence? I think not.


A couple of days later, I picked up the phone and made an appointment to talk to someone about the program. Two hours plus, I made the decision that my journey now begins.

I had battled with my past attempts at weight loss and see sawed over the choices. I believe that those programs do work but they do not serve me and made the choice to go forward with U Weight because it offers offers, plans and ideas that no other weight loss options offer. The people there were genuine, interested and ready to kick my butt when I made my excuses, fell off the wagon or get ready to give up.

Ah, excuses..and broken promises to myself! I keep promises to other people and bend over backwards to show up for others but when it comes to me, I am an ace at self defeating self talk. You know, those conversations that you have in your head..

So, I begin my journey tomorrow morning.

OSC

The Law of Attraction

Thoughts become things. My thoughts dictate the events in my life not only consciously and subconsciously.

The other day I was talking to someone who gave me clarity and she asked me how my weight loss was going because as I described to her, I had been struggling with my weight. She said, "Stop. Stop saying you are struggling because you are putting all your energies into the struggle and not telling yourself you are losing weight!"

How many times have I told myself I am struggling with my eating, struggling with going to the gym or even struggling with things in my life?! Too many times to count on my hands.

Her advice to me was to focus on my success and positive energies. My weight is the baggage I hold with me to protect me and when I release some of the negativity and self doubt then the weight will be released.

Quite a few people who have recently entered my life are energetic, dynamic etc. and have suggested the book The Law of Attraction. I've been reading it over the last couple of days and it refers to the positive vibration that we as individuals send out into the universe.

Right now, I'm vibrating like a huge tuning fork! What vibration are you sending out into the world?

Non Scale Victory!

I went for my weigh in and lost nothing. Yep, I maintained.

Today I got measurements done and since Jan. 22 I have lost four inches off my waist and 3 inches off my abs!

I've switched up the routines and have increased weights and reps.