Five weeks ago, I decided to go on a diet. I had been eating too much. Period. And I had been eating wrong. Too much starch, sweets and not enough veggies and fruit. My darling daughter has been on a diet for some time now with great success, so I thought maybe I could try the same one. She fixed me up with her diet coach and introduced me to the "shake diet." It's a patented diet product, so I won't mention the name here, but the diet plan is very simple; two shakes a day at about 180 calories each, then using the rest of my daily allotted calories on a meal and maybe a snack or two. I started out at 1200 calories, but felt like I was not getting enough to keep my energy level up. So, I went up to 1350, which felt better, but the weight wasn't coming off. Now I am at 1150 calories and doing well. The shake mix is full of nutrients and it just took my body a while to adjust to the regimen. I feel better than I have for a long time, more energy, sleeping better, not longer, and generally feel in good health and am losing at a rate of about 2 pounds a week. I stepped on the scales yesterday morning and saw a number that I hadn't seen in years!! Go me!
Most of all, I am eating better. I am counting the calories, sure, but I am eating more veggies and fruit, less meat, (getting tired of chicken) and watching how my food is prepared. Yes, I have strayed a few times. Just the other day, I sprung for a dish of chocolate mint chip ice cream. Yes, I blew my calorie intake that day, but I climbed back on the wagon the next day, forgave myself and moved on. I refuse to beat myself up if I falter.
I write down every bite I ingest, and that makes me more aware of what I am eating. I keep healthy snacks, some of which are really bland, but some are really tasty. Did you know that Quaker Oat Co. makes a delicious line of rice cakes that only have about 45 calories each? Also, some of the "cookie" people are now making mini cookies and packing them in 100 calorie packs. It takes longer to grocery shop because I am becoming a label reader, but it's going to pay off in the end.
By the way, I still hate broccoli! It's a weed for crap sake! There is no amount of prepping that can disguise the taste and feel of that awful veggie. But asparagus...now there's a great veggie! And I am developing a taste for salmon and talapia, both brushed lightly with EVOO and sprinkled with lemon pepper and baked. Yummy! Talk about eating better! Wow!
Peace(ful) and thinning,
JE
6 comments:
I committed to healthy eating after I had to keep a food journal in college! oh my gosh, i was shocked what junk I mindlessly ate! i cook very healthy now.. and I see the effects academically, athletically and mentally in my kids. worth the effort.
Go you!! It takes a lot of commitment and effort to change your diet. If we ever need proof that we are NOT really the same, this is it. I have crummy eating habits I know, but I have never, ever found the commitment, motivation, or desire to diet! Lazy me!
Good for you, JE. Eating right is a constant struggle for me. When I was young and in the Army I had a 27 inch waist and thought I would always be that way - now I have 37 inch waist and I hope I can stay that way.
Terry
Go you!!!! Congrats! I knew you could do it!
I've totally fell off the diet wagon and then got ran over by it- twice- this week! Back to the diet drawing board.
BUT I come home armed with some new recipes! (I promise to omit broccoli!)
Maybe we should be vegetarians? haha!
I wish more than anything i could join you two on this diet, but I just can't afford the shakes.
Maybe someday soon!
I have been dieting too although not on a plan but just eating sensibly. It won't be quick, but every few pounds helps.
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