So for February I decided to do something about it (yes, I picked the shortest month on purpose!). I didn't want to do something extreme or expensive, or something I couldn't maintain, so I set the goal to make some manageable changes.
The Plan
- Drink more water, at least 64 oz a day, more on the days I workout
- No more late- night desserts in front of the tv after the kids go to bed
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- More protein, more veggies, less empty carbs
I combined a meal plan from my sister-in-law's bikini competition trainer, and from the trainer who teaches circuit training at my church.
Having a meal plan helped me to know what I would eat for all my meals in time to buy it at the grocery store, instead of eating whatever was fast or convenient. This was especially helpful for lunches so I didn't end up eating the kids' mac-n-cheese! And I started paying attention to nutrient values, fat and calories. Not all dressings are created equal, and eating a salad slathered in ranch is not necessarily a healthy alternative!
A definite challenge for this goal was that my husband is 6'3" with about 4% body fat, loves to eat, doesn't eat all that healthy, loses weight just by thinking about running, and wants an accomplice. It took a lot of will power to not indulge in what he was eating! I found that it was easier for me to completely avoid a "bad" food like chips, popcorn, fries, or cookies rather than try to stop myself from eating too much of it once I'd started. I gave myself a free day a week, usually date night so I could enjoy going to a restaurant with my hubby!
The Results:
- I lost weight. . . . in my boobs! Hahahaha! The one place I don't mind a little extra curve!
- I also lost almost an inch in my waist, around those love-handles!
- I found a lot of new vegetables that I actually enjoy eating.
- I stuck to it for a whole month! And I avoided the starvation- ravenous overeating cycle I've fallen victim to in the past. It's an eating plan I will definitely be able to continue for longer, maybe even permanently.
- I feel great! I feel empowered about my eating and body image. And I've also had extra energy.
Thank you Projects Connect for giving me the motivation and accountability to follow through with this!
Ok, first an After picture (snapped by my hubby right before church, quick!):
Here's a link to some recipes from the trainer at my church. She does a great circuit training on Monday mornings if you're in the West Jordan area and want to join me!
2befit.wix.com/healthy
Typical daily menu:
Breakfast
- 1 full glass of water (8-12 oz) before eating
- Small bowl of oatmeal or cheerios WITHOUT toast, glass of milk
- Boiled egg 1-2 hours later
Lunches/ In Between Meals
- 4-6 oz chicken or tuna
- 1/2 cup green vegetables or fruit
- 1 tortilla or 1 slice of bread
Other Snacks
- Sting cheese
- Nuts
- Rolled up lunch meat
- Peanut Butter on fruit
Dinner
I'd usually just do a smaller portion of what I was fixing for my family. I started adding more protein and veggies to fill up my plate instead of rice or pasta, etc.
After Dinner Snack
- No dessert!
- Small bowl of cold cereal
12 comments:
Why is it that those husbands can eat whatever they want?! That sounds like a very reasonable diet plan, one that can be stuck with, and not too extreme! It's those little things that make a difference. I was like you, very active and could eat whatever I wanted! Until I had kids. Oh, how things change. I HATE watching what I eat, but sometimes it's neccessary. Good luck! You can do it!
James and I validate each others bad food choices...He finds my mini eggs, I dish up a little of his ice cream for myself! I'm impressed with the simplicity and your attempt and resolve...and I must agree on the not start on a plate of fries or bag of pop corn rather than just have a little. I start to crave the sugar, air, and ease. Yea for your success.
Great Job! Would love to see before and after pics!
Picture to come!
Nice work!
Having a set eating plan is the only thing that has ever really worked for me. If it isn't too much work, I would love to see yours, or even just a daily sample...'cause if it worked and you were not starving and feel like you could keep it up for longer then I would like to give it a try :)
I'm laughing that you chose the shortest month on purpose! I'm with Christine, I'd love to see a daily sample. Great tip about avoiding trigger foods entirely. Way to go!
Way to go Amber! It's easy for me to avoid the unhealthy snacks, simply because I don't buy them. But then my husband brings home a few and well...a little here, a little there-and I've eaten more than him!
Way to go! Good job on your goal! I agree, I just can't even start or there is no stopping.
Eating veggies is the hardest for me...cause I don't really like any... And since I got my braces, the few I do like have been hard to eat...so I am using that as my excuse for a couple if more months!
Great job, I too loose what little boobs I have when I diet. Arghh!
My favorite way to eat most veggies is in shakes! I started adding spinach to all my shakes, fruit or otherwise, and the flavor is still great, even if the color gets a little off!
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