Eating Healthy this Summer!
July 12, 2012
I am trying to get back to the reason I have this blog and that is to keep myself on track as far as maintaining my goal weight and inspiring others on a similar journey.
You would think that Summer would be the perfect time to be on a diet with all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that abound this time of year. However, I have heard from so many people that they are going along great and then there are ball games, barbecues, picnics, weddings etc. that take them away from their goal.
So far it has been 7 months into my maintenance program and I have kept my weight within my goal of 131 – 135. That is not to say that it has always been easy or that I haven’t let myself splurge a bit. We all have to eat and a lot of us, myself included, love to eat. The one thing I have found during this journey is that I have become extremely picky. I plan out my splurges for the really good stuff and then I let myself thoroughly enjoy it without the guilt. Diets have room for extras just not all of the extras. Let’s say you are going to the ball game and you really want a hot dog. Okay. You can have that hot dog but just don’t have the nachos, cheese fries, cotton candy, cracker jack and all of that other stuff too. That can be your downfall. Also, if you are going to the game on Saturday you don’t have to throw caution to the wind on Tuesday and eat all week leading up to the game. Be careful all week and then enjoy yourself at the game.The one thing I have learned is to splurge for one meal or for one day and then get back on track. That way you really enjoy the special times but you are not paying the consequences for days afterward.
If you have gotten off track this summer don’t beat yourself up about it. This is a great time to get back on a diet. The sun sets later so you can stay more active and treat yourself to some delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. Stone fruits like peaches and nectarines are in season as well as berries and sweet corn. Sprinkle a little brown sugar on the peaches or a dollop of cool whip or light whipped cream on the berries and you will think you are having a special treat which you are but without the guilt. The other thing to do is to challenge yourself with a new exercise goal or try a new class. We just bought a stand up paddle board and have had lots of fun paddling up and down the lake. Enjoy the rest of the summer and know that you can still have fun without making huge sacrifices. After all you are worth it!
February – the month of love…
February 2, 2012
love and light
February is the month to look around and appreciate all of the wonderful people and things in your life. While you are doing this don’t forget to count yourself. If those new years resolutions have gone by the wayside don’t get upset, just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start over again. I was always so hard on myself and then I’d fall into the trap of eating and feeling sorry for myself and really getting nowhere.
The first thing to do is to have a plan. It is really imperative because there are those times when you’re tired or busy or on a trip when you don’t have the time or energy to expend on eating or exercising properly. The plan is there as a guide and fills in for you when you can’t. It is also there to come back to if you have had a relapse or a bad day. Don’t get mad at yourself or feel bad just appreciate the small steps and continue making them. The small steps turn into giant leaps.
My go to plan is Weight Watchers. I lost a lot of weight on it several years ago and even though I have tried many other diets since then, in my heart of hearts I knew it was the best plan for me. It’s like that perfectly worn pair of blue jeans, that little black dress or that classically cut tailored suit. It never goes out of style and it always looks and feels great. You are the one who can figure that out for yourself because who knows you better? Exactly. Even though I am a huge Weight Watchers fan you might have another program that you know works best for you. The next best thing to finding a good plan is consistency. You have to follow the plan and stick with it. If you have a weak moment don’t sweat it and don’t blame yourself just take it for what it was, a weak moment and go on from there. Remember the tortoise and the hare? The tortoise just kept plodding along and eventually won the race. This is how it is with weight loss. Here is a link from U.S. News and World Report rating the best diet plans. You’ll surely find the one that fits you best. http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets
Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it is hard to see the forest through the trees. Let’s say you have lost five pounds and don’t think that is such a big accomplishment. Just go to your cupboard or the aisle of the nearest grocery store and pick up that five-pound bag of flour. Think about carrying that around with you all day and you will realize what any accomplishment that was. Be proud of yourself and keep plodding.
Enjoy the week. Spread the love. xoxo Current Weight: 131.6
1fatgirlthin 