1. My mom said that she is even colder when she is thinner. Now, she is cold all the time. But I am beasty hot all the time, and if losing weight could help with that problem, it is definitely something to consider!
but even more importantly,
2. We are going to be living in Paris again next spring. Being fat in Paris is 1000x worse than being fat in America. It makes you stand out SO much more than just being American. Unlike here, where I see fat people all the time and can to some extent not realize how large I am, that is impossible in Paris. Almost everyone is thin there. Marc even feels fat there! It would be basically impossible for me to find clothes there to fit me. (Not that I need to be shopping for a new wardrobe while we're there for 2 months, but still.) I've been fat in Paris, and I've been relatively thin in Paris. I don't want to be fat in Paris again. I realize that I may not be able to lose all the weight I want to before we go, but I could at least make significant progress, right?
So here's the deal. I've decided that I need some Strategies for Success. I mean, I've tried to do this umpteen times, with very limited success. What will make this time different? Here's what I've come up with so far:
- No more cookies for breakfast.
- I have to find a way to fit exercise in. (Tough when Eva wakes up so early.)
- I need to make a list of breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas, because so many times I'm hungry but can't think of anything that sounds good and is a good choice.
So, here's my request. If you have any ideas for good food choices, please share! Tell me what you eat for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. (Mom, if you're going to tell me to bring along some Triscuits, never mind...) I'm serious here. I want to make a list of good ideas that I can refer to. I get into serious ruts and I don't want to resort to bad choices based on what's easily accessible. Thanks for your help!
21 comments:
You didn't tell me I couldn't be fat in Paris, that's a problem.
As for your new resolve (which is impressive by the way) you said no more cookies for breakfast, but what about m&ms? I've had peanut m&ms this morning and was feeling rather delighted with them, dang it. Maybe I need to have Wheaties or something.
I hope you get good ideas for meals and snacks, those are my biggest problems too. If I had ideas or wasn't always waiting until I was shakey and starving I'm sure I could make better choices.
As for exercising and Eva, what about your bike and the baby canopy thing? I thought that was the perfect solution.
My tastebuds have been conditioned to appreciate only foods with a high content of fat or sugar. With that said, I find it rather interesting that since giving up sodas and juices (I only drink water and milk now) my body craves healthier things. I think I've eaten more fruits and vegetables in the past few months than I have in the last year. Some of my favorite treats are frozen grapes and blueberries, they're very refreshing (especially in the summer) and they're sweet, so it feels like you're eating a treat. I was once told that if I wanted to lose weight quickly I should eat lots of fish. I buy the big bags of individually packaged salmon at Costco. The fillets are big enough for two servings so I eat half for dinner and save the other half for a cold salmon sandwich for lunch the next day. If I have to have a treat I eat Hershey's Sticks. They are only 60 calories and it's quite a lot of chocolate.
As for exercizing, if you can't dedicate a specific amount of time to work out, try parking further away from the store or taking the stairs when possible (or even walking on the escalator instead of standing). Little things like that can add up quickly.
Best of luck to you!
One of my favorite treats is peanut butter on Rice Cakes. my friends laughed at me when I ate it one day, but than they tried it and are hooked.
I have found for me portion control is the best thing. With dinner, I don't put it on the table, I dish it up, and than I immediatly put it away, that way I am not tempted to go back for seconds, at a restraunat ask for the box when they bring the meal, I will put the portion in it and than box it up and take it home.
Exercise is a hard one, but I have found that nap times were my best time. I would get in my workout clothes, put my kids down for a nap and than do my workout videos. One really great video that is broken up into 5 minute awesome segments is by Kathy Kahler. She gets to the basics, I have lost a good amount of weight with her, that way if one of my kids wakes up before the 35 minutes is up, I still feel worked out.
Other treats that are great: almonds (buy them in bulk so you control how much you can afford) veggies cut up (I will buy mine and than cut them immediately put them in a bag or bowel, you get hungry you can dip them in some light ranch or pb. Popcorn, cold cereal, cottage cheese, yogurt, sugar free candies (some are really good).
Good luck, you can do this, and drink water, water and water. I always would do that with my snacks, I would drink a glass of water and than get the portion size and boom I was full.
Do you have a jogger stroller (or regular one will work)? If not does a friend have one you can borrow? I also have found that going with a friend helps soo much. It makes it go by tons faster and you can chat too. I find that the earlier I exercise first thing in the morning I will do it. As the day goes on I normally won't do it.
Snacking is a hard thing especially when you are home. If you have a sweet tooth like me maybe try some of those 100 calorie snacks. (I enjoy the chips ahoy or oreos)They are not as good but are better than grabbing the "real" stuff. Also another sweet secret is Skinny cows in the icecream section. (can you tell I love treats). Good luck, I know you can do it. If you were here you could walk in the mornings with us! P.S. Can I ride in your suitcase to Paris with you? Sounds amazing and fun.
Oh, and like Katie said drink water. They have said that water is an appetite supressor. However, I never have had this work for me. Or if you like soda drink the zero ones or diet.I about fell out of my seat when I learned what I was really drinking when I drank the regular stuff.
Most of these are from the Body for Life book I have and I love them all:
Breakfast:
Non-instant oatmeal & scrambled eggs
Bran cereal with sunny side eggs
Toast with low sugar jam- I have some apricot that I made this summer if you are interested
English muffin with a slice of tomato, lowfat cheese, & turkeybacon
Egg whites, baby spinach, lowfat feta cheese and berries on the side.
Snacks:
Apple and low fat string cheese
Yogurt and cottage cheese
Power Bars/Luna Bars- a must of me and the sweet cravings
Cantelope and Cottage cheese
An apple and then cottage cheese that has cinnamon and splenda mixed in
cottage cheese and raspberries
Hard bolied eggs and an apple or other fruit
Lunch:
Turkey Reubens
Turkey sandwich on wheat
Chicken Pita pizzas
Tuna sandwich or in a salad
Leftover from whatever dinner I made the night before
Good luck Michelle- I know you can do this! Paris is a great motivator. I suggest for working out that when you get up in the morning, no matter how early, you get your walking clothes/shoes on and as soon as the boys are to school, head out with Eva in the stroller or on your bike. Don't give yourself time to make excuses or get too busy.
Thanks for all the ideas, guys. Keep them coming! I especially love the specific suggestions.
Anne, what are Hershey's sticks? Never heard of 'em. I love the frozen fish at Costco. Also Skinny Cows! (Although saying those two things in such close proximity is feeling kind of icky.)
Jill, I think the bike with the baby trailer is a great solution, only I've heard that I need to have a lot of biking experience before I hook that thing up. Anyone know if this is true?
Michelle - I really want to do this with you. Are you going to check in on the blog? If that's too obnoxious to the skinny bloggers maybe e-mail. AGAIN I think I have hit bottom and have big plans for tomorrow. I am going to count points:
1) because I have all the stuff (thanks to Becca)
2) that's how everyone I know personally has successfully lost the weight
3) I am REALLY fat and get a lot of points.
The other thing that worked for me a couple of years ago was no white...no enriched flour at all and no sugar before the fifth ingredient on the list of ingredients. I am not so much a sugar person as my portions are too big. I like this more because the food isn't limited but I really feel that I need to learn moderation and portion control.
Two things I don't think have been mentioned:
Sara Lee Lite Bread - I bought it at Costco. 1 point for two slices so you feel like you can have a real sandwich.
Egg Beaters - I have also only had the Costco brand. I have learned to like them ....the protein is there to keep you full and one points worth on toast with lowfat cheese is a filling meal.
Good luck.... and really let me know if you want a check in partner.
OH YA! Seven Peaks is only open from 4-8pm from now on, except Saturdays. I HATE that they do that. It is like half a summer! We have piano at 5:00 on Mondays and I cancelled last week while the kids were with the in-laws so we won't be going tomorrow. I just didn't want you to get all packed up and be disappointed it was closed during the afternoon...Jill and I did that last year!
Hershey's sticks are a new product from Hershey's (obviously). They come in a box of 9 chocolate sticks in 4 awesome flavors: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel filled milk chocolate and my personal favorite, mint milk chocolate. I was a little doubtful that one stick would be enough to satisfy me but it's perfect...as long as I take my time and savor each bite. I found them at Target.
I also like Katie's idea of cutting up the veggies and putting them in individual bags, I do that too. That way they're ready to go when you need something NOW. I also try to keep them in the front of the refrigerator so they are the first things that I see. I tend to only eat things that are already prepared for me and I love the fresh mango slices you can find in the produce section of Costco. Sugar-snap peas are also a yummy snack.
Can I steal the ideas people share?!! It's not that I feel so overweight (cause you'd be mad at me if I said that) but I feel tired and sluggish and dumb all the time!
My two ideas are- I wake my kids at 7:30 and we ALL head to the park. I walk the track while they play and we all feel better for getting moving. Two, a diabetic gal was on Arthur the other day (hey, I have five kids under 9!) and her favorite snack is turkey wrapped around apple slices- that sounded yummy to me!
There is a skinny girl who makes me feel SO out of shape just standing by her and when she drove by the other day she was eating carrot sticks. I felt really annoyed and came in to grab a Snickers. Being committed to this is WORK! So, kudos for committing! not the chocolate dipped kudos! :)
Hey Michelle. Nice of you to come comment on my blog. I absolutely love Paris. Definitely something worth getting motivated and looking forward. I have been trying to pull out of a rut in this eating category myself. Before I give any suggestions, let me just say that before I had my bowl of cereal today I had a cookie and peanut butter M&Ms! You're not the only one with that weakness. If I can force myself to eat the cereal first than I can usually kill the cookie craving. When you're real hungry in the morning you'll go for anything.
I'd have to say I think Oprah is probably right about not eating too late at night. I think having a stopping point around 8 or so is a good idea unless you need a banana or light popcorn or something to pull you through if you're a night person. Again, when you're tired at night, I think you'll eat anything. This is my experience.
I think all the snacks that have some element of protein are really helpful to fill you up and stop the cravings. Like the PB on the rice cake or adding an egg to your breakfast or having some tuna at lunch along with your grapes and crackers or whatever. The low fat but mostly carb snack items don't seem to cut it.
Rasp yogurt w/ fruit on the bottom is my latest find that is low fat and good for you, but that tastes like a treat. If I stock my fridge w/ these I'm satisfied by this instead of a cookie or candy. Plus they're very filling and to me they taste better than the premixed.
I read last night in Good Housekeeping that studies show that those who drink diet sodas actually tend to be more obese than those who drink regular because for some reason the artificial sweeteners up your cravings and you get tricked into thinking you can eat more b/c you saved calories on the soda. Interesting.
A lot of GOOD ideas on healthy snacks. I am a strong advocate of physical activity as a complement to healthy eating for a overall healthy life style. (I don't believe in diets...but in healthy living.) You could take walks with Eva, pushing her in her stroller. A brisk walk for 20-30 minutes would do wonders...not just for weight loss, but overall health. Of course cycling is a great way to exercize.
GOOD LUCK!!
Michelle,
i didn't have time to read every single response to your post, so if I reiterate, I apologize. I put on a lot of weight during the 4 years we were trying to get pregnant. I am 5'3, so even 10 lbs is a huge difference on my body. I got pregnant a good 20 lbs up from the weight I was pre-trying to conceive, which was about 10 lbs up from the weight I was when I got married. I decided to just be healthy while I was pregnant, I was so sick the whole time, I just ate when sounded good, and then while I nursed I made an agreement to be healthy, eat when I was hungry, exercise, and not obsess about my weight. I lost about 3/4 of the pg pounds quickly, but the rest would not budge when I was nursing. I was so miserable with my body, I would see pictures of Evie and I am hate it. Since I weaned Evie and she turned 1, I have lost 30 lbs. My MAIN things, because I am not a faithful exerciser, I am very all or nothing, were 1. portion control, 2.Regular Soda and 3. Eating between meals. I realized how MUCH I was eating at meals out of sheer habit because I had been genuinely hungry while pg and nursing. I love soda, but I switched to diet. I allow myself regular for a treat a couple times a week. Again, I had gotten into a real habit of snacking. When I forced myself to eat only at meals, and eat a good meal, I lost 20 lbs rather quickly. I have worked harder for the last 10. My challenge now is to tone up. I wanted to look good in my clothes, and I guess I want to look better out of them?
Oh- I've really cut back on packaged, processed foods. The secondary gain from this is that my Evie will eat this way for the most part as well.
Most importantly, and this may sound too "new agey" I have started to love my body for its functionality, if not its appearance. Specifically, each part, and sort of visualizing it that way. My legs get me where I need to go, I will never wear short shorts, but I don't need or want to. I need to run into the open arms of my husband and daughter, and I can. I love my legs.
Best of luck to you, we're here to support you!
Michelle, on the bike trailer, my dad is an avid cyclist, I am getting a trailer soon, but haven't ridden really since E was born. He just told me I need to start riding before I get the trailer or my legs won't be strong enough to pull the trailer and Evie in it. I don't know if there is more too it than that, but that is my 2cents. I know kbc has one and uses it, I think with 2 kiddos, she would be a great resource. Sorry for the lengthy post!
You've had tons of good advice--as you see, we all struggle with it. I have tons to say about this--I could write a novel. In fact, I did my undergraduate and graduate work in health I was so dang interested in it/struggled with it.
First, I have a bike trailer and I love it. I am NOT an avid biker but still feel like I can handle it fine--especially if you are just pulling Eva in it. For your first few trips make sure you do flat areas--hills are something to work up to. The great thing about trailers are that the kiddos LOVE it.
Second, don't think of food in black and white, or you being "on" or "off" a diet. Make good decisions, have a plan for food and healthy choices, but if you REALLY want that icecream, have a little, enjoy it and be done. Don't have a little, feel you've blown it, then eat the whole carton.
Third, I hate to say it, but I'm with Tasha, you have to find ways to love and accept yourself too--RIGHT NOW--not when the weight comes off. As you do this, the weight will come off easier--I promise. And as you do this, become more aware of WHY you are eating. Is it when your stressed, bored, to not have to feel your feelings and numb yourself out, etc.
I've said too much--but I fully believe these things. You can do it Michelle. Wow, living in Paris--I can only imagine! Eva will learn french!!!
Snacks I like: apple with a little PB, caramel rice cakes, skinny cow icecream sandwiches, pretzels, oatmeal with fruit, oreos 100 calories, yogurt with granola, frosted mini wheats with strawberries.
I find that when I stay busy, I don't think about eating. (Which is not necessarily good either because I tend to skip meals and then grab anything to munch on.)
I like to keep salty and sugary good snack things on hand because I crave one or the other. So...low salted pretzels and fruit popsicles. I also love baby carrots. They are quick and ready to go. If I put the bag on the counter, I eat them quite a bit.
Anywhere I go -- even if it is just to the grocery store, I walk just a little bit faster than normal. I sometimes park a little farther from the store just so I can walk a little bit more.
Wow! This is all so inspiring! I'm with Katie on the rice cakes with peanut butter--of course, I think there is virtually no food that cannot be improved by a little peanut butter OR blue cheese.
I have the hardest time fitting formal exercise into my day. One thing that has been working fairly well for me is a Windsor Pilates DVD. It takes only 20 minutes, you don't get too sweaty (well, you might--Hot Queen!)and it seems do-able. My weight hasn't changed drastically, but my friends are telling me I look slimmer. I'll take that!
A guy I know lost 20 lbs. just by replacing all of his beverages with water.
For breakfast I usually have a bowl of Special K red berries or oatmeal. I do not reccomend the Special K diet offered on the box because after eating 2 bowls of cereal all day, you're going to want to chew off your arm, or perhaps start biting your own children.
I always have wraps on hand and for a quick snack, I'll throw some hummus in a wrap and that is a very filling and low-cal snack.
The best trick I know is just to abstain from buying junk food. If it's not in the house, you can't eat it.
Also... getting involved with a class is great (yoga, etc.) because then you feel responsible to go, and since it is at a set time week after week you can make plans for the kiddos. (I don't have kids but I think that might be helpful)
Wow! What great ideas from all! I highly recommend the high fiber all bran chocolate muffins (with mini choc chips) from Linda Giler--Jessie has the receipe, they are quick and taste like you are having a real treat and they are only ONE point! Allow yourself two if you like, and the are equally good for late night snack as breakfast! Don't scoff at th triskets either-they are salty and fiberloaded and you can have about 7 for two points-they are great with the soft cow cheese, I never get tired of them and they are quite filling. No need to have them for breakfast, lunch an dinner but somedays it just happens! The high fiber Thomas' english muffins (which Jess says are hard for her to find) with PB is a very satisfying breakfast and will keep you energized and filled for a long time. This morning I had a small banana with it and it was a real treat! Potion (you may have to explain) is also very satisfying and no calories. Sometimes just a small bowl of refried blackbeans with green onions and green salsa with a lower calorie (black bean with sesamie) tortilla chips makes a great lunch or dinner. There is a dorrito baked chip that is actually less points that the low fat version if you can find them.
There are many good sandwiches that taste like a treat when you add arugala and blue cheese! Well, I probably didn't give you any new ideas, but just reminded you of a few of my favorites. I can't stress enough how much I prefer the feeling of trim to feeling full! Try to eat till you're satisfied but not full. It seems like a long road, but it is worth it. Sounds like you have plenty of friends for the ride! Love you more.
michelle you can totally do this. stock you fridge/pantry with only good things that way if you get hungry for a snack you will not be tempted to look for the cookies because frankly they won't be there. guess i should take my own advice. the sugar is killing me.
girl you can do it!
my suggestion is to have marc give you a blessing and do a lot of praying.
there is someone who wants what you want even more than you do and He will help you.
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