Weight Loss Wednesday: Update #5

As part of the Slim Fast 3-2-1 plan, I choose three 100 calorie snacks per day. One yummy snack that I've discovered is Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop Kettle Korn 100 Calorie Minibags. They are convenient and delicious!

Weight Loss Wednesday: Update #4

Starting a weight loss plan is usually the easy part for me. Sticking to it for an extended period of time is the tricky part. For now, my efforts are still going strong. I am proud to say that, starting on May 30, I have been going to the gym at least 5 days per week. One aspect of this that has helped me to go regularly and maintain a level of excitement about getting my workout in has been that I go with my husband. Having a gym partner is also motivating because if I don't go, I'm not only letting myself down but someone else as well.

My workout of choice is using the elliptical machine, which I like much better than the treadmill because it cushions the impact on my knees. However, 2 days per week, I use weights to do side bends, I use a workout ball for crunches, and I use an ab machine for crunches. I have been using an elliptical that has upper body handles to exercise my arms as well as my legs, and I select the full body workout mode. I enjoy keeping track of my heart rate as I work out, and I also use the google books app on my phone to read while I work out. Separating my mind from the monotony of repetitive movement actually helps me stay focused. The first week, I started out with 30 minutes daily of elliptical. Last week, I bumped it up 45 minutes, and this week, I have progressed to 1 hour, which is how long I plan to exercise from now on.

This is week 3 of my gym workouts. In addition to the going to the gym, I have incorporated another element to my weight loss tool belt this week. On Monday, I started the Slim Fast 3-2-1 meal plan, which is to eat three 100 calorie snacks a day, replace two daily meals with a 200 calorie shake, and to have one 500 calorie meal.

Getting fit and staying fit are a challenge, but I am making efforts to stay motivated and make some changes in my daily life to improve my physical fitness. What do you do to stay healthy?

Weight Loss Wednesday: Update #3

- 4 pounds

Better portion sizes, more water, more fruit and vegies, a glass of milk per day, and yummy yogurt parfaits... making progress... slowly but surely....

Weight Loss Wednesday: Update #2

I have realized that this low-sugar, low-fat sweet, blissful treat is much better for me than sugary ice cream. Ice cream leaves me feeling bloated and with a not-so-enjoyable syrapy aftertaste. I put together these simple, healthy ingredients (vanilla yogurt, mixed berries, and granola) for a Berry Vanilla Parfait, and realized that this fresh, healthy alternative to ice cream is much better for me AND actually tastes delicious. It doesn't feel like eating diet food, and that is important to me.

Weight Loss Wednesday: Update #1

This week has been challenging for me as I knew it would be. In fact, my weight stayed exactly the same. An issue that I am facing is that I am exhausted after work because, on most days, I do end up staying late. I am trying to change that dynamic, and the days of this school year are winding down.... Another issue is dessert. No more sugary desserts for me....

On the up side:

Goal #1: I have done well with saying no to family when offered food after I've already eaten. No extra snacking. The willpower to say no is difficult to find sometimes, but I'm proud of my efforts for now.

Goal #2: I have steered clear of eating out over the past week! Woo hoo!

Let's add one more to this mix:

Goal #3: Drink 64 oz of water EVERY DAY!

Can I do it? YES, I CAN!

Weight Loss Wednesday: Getting Started

Well, I am already skin and bones at this point... Just kidding... Oh if it were only that easy!

<---This is a picture of my table setting for this past year's Thanksgiving Dinner, the first big family dinner held in my new home.

I selected this picture for two reasons.

1. At family gatherings, even small ones, we usually eat something, even if it is just a desert with coffee. For me, meeting with family is also meeting with temptation. I am mustering the will power to "just say no," to extra food, not family, I mean.

2. To me, this picture symbolizes home-cooked meals. It is easier for me to eat healthier when I take the time to plan out my meals in advance and to cook at home rather than grabbing fast food at the last minute when I am starving and do not necessarily care what goes in my stomach - or on my thighs for that matter. With this in mind, my second objective is to prepare my meals at home at least 6 out of 7 days of the week.

Wish me luck!

D is for Diet

After viewing some recent spring break photos of myself, I have been inspired to shed a few pounds. I realized that I've begun to take more pictures of nature than of myself. Although I love nature shots, what is significant here is that I am capturing less memorable moments on camera of myself with family and friends because I do not enjoy seeing me in the memorable moments. So, once a week - on Wednesdays, I plan to document my progress in a new column called Weight Loss Wednesdays. Please drop in to encourage me in this personal challenge by leaving supportive comments and/or tips on fitness and nutrition - both of which I'm going to need, believe me!

What works best for you in maintaining a healthy weight?