11 Down . . . 55 to Go

Me at our community center.
Photo by my friend Lisa.

Day 44 of this quest and I have lost 11 pounds. I am feeling great and 185 but I know that my quest is still in the baby stages. I am trying only to lose the weight slowly because I know slow weight loss is usually lasting weight loss.

Some things to think about:

1. Healthy Habits are better than Dieting

2. Any exercise is better than nothing - keep moving. Even if you already did your workout . . . any other movement is just bonus! Take the stairs, park your car further, and for all of us with older kids (don't tell my kids) stop ordering them to get stuff for you - get moving and get it yourself!

3. Fill up on veggies - you can eat that casserole or homemade stew and bread with your family just remember your portions and start with a huge salad or pile of steamed veggies. After the salad or veggies you won't want as much stew and bread. But if you deny yourself you will be more likely to binge eat later.

4. Beware of hidden calories. Yeah, that salad is healthy, but did you drench it in ranch dressing. Remember usually a serving size of dressing is 2 Tablespoons (I actually cut that in 1/2) and I choose vinegarette dressings instead of creamy dressings. Better yet, use just flavored vinegars. 

Found on Mark's Daily Apple

Having a drink. Yeah sure, you drink red wine for your health. It is okay to drink wine but a serving size of wine is 5 ounces (which is 100 calories). A regular wine glass can hold up to 20 ounces . . .you might have well eaten 4 cookies instead. A 12 ounce glass of Hard Cider is equal to a donut - you may want to have both but we are talking about weight loss here. If I am going to relax or socialize with friends I may choose Rum and Diet Coke, or a Lite Beer. If I want that wine I just may need to plan ahead for the extra calories. I don't encourage drunkenness but I did find this cool site Get Drunk Not Fat.

Found on Jessica Sepel
Health & Lifestyle Advisor

5. Talk to your friends about what they are doing - but remember one size does not fit all. You have to do what helps you lose weight and encourage your friends to do the same. We all have different weaknesses and strengths. Your differences can help each other but you must not try to be each other! 

6. The food pyramid is not the same as the old one . . . with science we discover new things or rediscover the old ones. Check out the 2 new ones I displayed here.

7. Do your research . . . read about weight loss, exercise, eating healthy. The more you learn the more motivated you will be . . . . 

8. HAVE FUN!