peanut m&m's, you're going down.
Funny story.
Last Thursday, I asked a simple question on Facebook (and Twitter) that said:
Why do I get so weak around peanut M&M's? What's your current (food-related) weakness?
You see, I had just grabbed a(nother) handful of those little yummies to munch on while I worked. And so it caused me to wonder what your go-to snack might be. I was curious. Here's the funny part. Of all the tweets on Twitter and notes on Facebook I've ever posted, this simple question led to a record-setting response. Quantity and response speed.
Why? Because we all weighed in on reporting our favorite food weakness.
Let me just say that I believe life is too short to not enjoy a favorite snack now & then. But lately, the "enjoying" has been a little too much in our home lately. Busy schedules have pushed good health to the side a bit. So here's what I'm thinking for today. I'm going to ask another question. But this time we're focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses. Are you with me?
Q: What is one of the specific habits you have to live a healthy life? Seriously. I want to know.
A: Post a comment. Yes, you. Surely you are willing to share just one little thing that you do.
I am no example of healthy awesomeness right now, trust me. But I'll start the ball rolling by sharing a few of my "things".
1. I don't drink my calories. I have made an effort to drink more water. Throughout the day and with my meals. That's not to say I don't love a little root beer with Mexican food once in a while. But for the most part, I pass on juice and soda.
2. I am a slow eater. Ask anyone who eats with us. I'm the last one to finish.
3. I don't drink. As in alcohol. Beer, wine, coffee, none of it. Actually (refrain from gasping) ... I never have. Like, ever. Made a conscience choice and personal commitment as a teenager to never, ever drink alcohol. Not good for my body or my mind or my spirit. One of the best decisions in my life.
4. I work out every day. Oh. Wait. Got ahead of myself. That's what I'm going to be able to say at a later date.
5. Baby steps. I will not touch a peanut M&M this week. Peanut M&M's are my personal enemy this week and I will win.
Okay, so that's us today here on my blog. Focusing on the positive. So go ahead. Be positive. Focus on your positiveness. Share your positivity with us. We want to learn from you.
Labels: health
at
7:33 AM
116 Comments:
I started the Eat Clean Diet (eatcleandiet.com) as part of my New Year Resolutions. I love it. I've already lost 8 pounds. Only a little over a month in and I'm almost half way to my goal of 20 pounds. It's been amazing. I thought that I would have a hard time cutting out all the junk, but it's easier than I thought. The most surprising part? Our food tastes a million times better than what we were eating before.
I try to cook as much at home as possible and make everything from scratch...it tastes better and I can control how much "bad" stuff I put in! We also try to eat every meal sitting down at the table....it takes us longer to eat, helps us connect as a family and gives us a chance to enjoy our food!
water lots of it
veggies
fruits
those three things- now if i could give up the baked goods.
As I sit consuming a nutty bar and diet coke for breakfast I can honestly say not much lately (but hey I am 34 weeks pregnant!) One thing I can say for myself though as I too do not drink calories! I LOVE water and easily consume 64 to 96 oz of it a day!Now to get in that much veggies and fruits and I would be golden ;)
Instead of thinking of things I can't do....I am trying to think of all of the wonderful fruits and vegetables I can ADD to my diet.
So as I clicked on your blog this morning I thought I was going to ask you how you seem to have so much energy and get so much accomplished. I teach 3rd grade, have no kids yet, and by the end of the day I'm just worn out. You seem to be the energizer bunny...granted this is just what I see from your blog, and maybe from my blog I seem to have it all together too. Anyway...just wondering what you do to keep your energy level up. You have 3 kids, a business, and I would imagine a husband who can work some crazy hours. What's your key to energy?
I take a B complex vitamin every.single.day and my hubby and I go meatless at least two nights a week. I also serve my dinner on a smaller plate.
I discovered a while ago that if I start out the day eating something sweet (sugary cereal, leftover goodies, donuts, whatever) I always eat badly for the rest of the day. So I make a conscious effort to at least start every day right with whole wheat toast or a good, whole-grain cereal or bagel. It really does make a difference.
I try to eat as much food in it's natural state as possible - that is, unprocessed. So whole grains, real fruits and veggies that aren't in a can or freezer box covered with sauce... that also means avoiding everything with sugar in it. I'm not perfect at this, but I try.
I walk most days - when i was working in an office I walked to work every day (40 mins) and back most days plus a beach walk with a friend every sunday. I really miss it when I don't get a walk into my day
I have a very crazy busy life...as we all do! My saving grace is in simple routines that I have established for myself:
1-a thank you prayer each morning before my feet hit the floor
2-quiet time in the a.m. before anyone else is awake
3-morning meditation/planning over a cup of herbal tea after I've dropped the kids off at school-no answering phone, etc. during this time
4-quick pick up of common areas before going to bed, set coffee pot
5-thank you prayer and body relaxation before sleep (oh, and most importantly-SLEEP-I get enough every night! Except, the 2 nights after my project life kit arrived)
Sorry for the long post!
one of the best things we've done is to stop eating (as much as possible) processed foods. it really is just junk. it may cost more and i do spend more on groceries, but we are eating organic things where possible, making treats instead of buying processed mixes and eating fast food rarely.
it really makes a difference in how you feel! (we are not fanatics and we enjoys treats quite often, but our focus is on eating healthier.)
I have so many things that I still need to do. However, I drink ice water. All day, every day. I gave up soda quite a while ago. I was drinking diet soda for years. Now, I honestly don't miss it. I love my ice water! Time for me to conquer something else!
I gave up all carbonated beverages - and drink almost 100% water now. That was a big deal for this "diet coke-aholic"! It's been over 1.5 years since my last Diet Coke - yeah me and my healthy bones!
Now I'm trying to exercise everyday - but that is a harder goal!
As of Jan. 16th...
no more soda at all, just water and milk. Eating 1500 calories a day, on a diabetic diet since it came back and bit me in the butt 4 years after having my middle child (had gestational diabetes). To add to the diet 20 to 30 minutes a day of exercise and I am down 6 pounds and getting tone! Not to mention lots of positive thinking helps a lot in life... got to find that silver lining in everything
I try not to eat anything after 7pm... This tends to have a huge impact and direct correlation on how my jeans are fitting. This is a huge restraint for me, 'cause I love snacks/treats at night.
So far I have lost 40 pounds through better portion control and working out at 4 days a week; I meet with a group of guys for lunch one day for Bible Study and I rest on the weekends so that is why 4 days, but they are intense workouts.
Also, I really try to only eat when I'm hungry. That's not to say that I'm not standing with the fridge wide open when I'm stressed.
We as have also switched over to as many whole wheat foods as we can get the kids to tolerate (they will not do sandwich bread yet); they cannot tell a difference in pancakes, pasta, etc.
I generally do drink a pop, but it is diet; the regular stuff is too sweet for me. As far as alcohol, I may have a glass of wine once or twice a month. Usually with a really good steak.
swim laps...eat what I want :) swimming seems to be the only thing that works for me w/o having to totally quit eating.
What a great way to start off a new week. I too have way too many weaknesses so I start today by:
1.Drinking more water
2.Starting my Power Yoga again with Bob off Biggest Loser (love him)
3.Power walking after dinner tonight with my cousin who just moved into the area
4.Making better choices on my snacks as I love Valentine Hershey kisses way too much.
Carolyn
I walk every day and only drnk water or herbal/decaf tea.
I've been having a BIG problem with sugar lately - - so my biggest thing right now is to:
*eat fiber and protien rich foods to curb those sugar cravings - it works! When I get plenty of fiber in my meals, I don't feel the urge to snack,snack,snack - especially on something sweet. Of course, I still watch portion sizes as well.
*trying to be SLOW eater - usually I scarf things down before I realize what's happening. I'm trying to chew slowly, savor, and listen to my fullness indicators better!
But like you, I also don't drink my calories (drink 95% water, sometimes milk throught the day) or consume coffee, alcohol, etc. We are ten times healthier for it!
I start off the day with a devotion, have a current 365 one I love. I take Juice Plus. Water - from the time I get up until at night. I puree big amounts of Squash and Sweet Potatoes every month and half, freeze, then sneak into foods for my kids. Hubby and I enjoy them too. We eat them once a day at least.
Trying to get to Shred with Jillian Michaels each day is hard but I'm trying!
I have lower back problems from a cheerleading accident in college and will FOREVER do back exercises to keep the pain away!! It is amazing how pain can motivate you to stretch everyday!
I also drink water or milk (never soda), but I do enjoy a cocktail/wine/beer every once in awhile.
Wow! I'm very impressed about the no, alcohol and coffee. That's very good! Coffee is my weakness. This might seem silly but in order to keep an eye on what I'm putting in my body, I've been jotting down what I eat throughout the day. I'm just going to do this for a week and see where I'm going wrong. Green tea helps your metabolism too. I drink at least 2 cups a day. I like Mighty Leaf Green Tea Tropical.
Cutting back on sugar is my one big thing. A pre-diabetic scare pushed me in this direction. I'm not overweight, but diabetes is in my genes and I don't want it. I feel so much better now that I'm not over indulging in sweets. My second healthy thing...Getting to bed early at night. I had no idea how much sleep deprivation had been taking it's toll on me. Love this post!
I walk/run in place while watching TV rather than sit on my backside. I am doing many other small things but this has been the most significant in my 60 lb weight loss last year.
One thing I find helpful when I feel like my eating habits are getting a bit out of control is I write down what I'm eating for a few days or maybe even a week. This helps me get back on track because I'm paying attention to what I'm eating rather than just reaching for the closest goody. :)
I stand while I scrap and when I watch tv, I try and get in some working out while doing it. I drink Diet Pepsi...my addiction besides chocolate. I play ice hockey (wish I could do that EVERY day), and I'm a Lifetime member at Weight Watchers. They're like AA for foodaholics, which that's what I am. :)
Since last April I have been counting fat grams and calories. I work out at the health club, I am up to 40 minutes a day 5-6 days a week. I feel better than I ever have...I highly recommend this life style to anyone. I too, have a "problem" with peanut M&M's...so I don't start with them or Reese' Peanut Butter Cups...not a good thing!
I measure my portions out (except for lettuce, because it's a veggie & has so few calories that I would be sick of eating it before I would be sick *from* eating it) and then I write it down. I write down every.single.thing I eat. And I use my bodybugg to track to calories burned/calories used and maintain a deficit to lose weight. Plus, I work out just about every day. To date, I've lost almost 35 lbs and need to lose another 15 lbs before I'm at a healthy weight again.
So much of my health is mental. I try and focus what my mental state is- grumpy, happy, content, bored, sad, scattered, peaceful, etc. Then I do what I can to change it if needed. Sometimes I forget, and spend a few days out of sorts and my body feels it.
My number one goal is to drink "enough" water everyday. The second is to make exercise a priority and do it everyday (or more days than not). To eat more regularly with healthy foods, so the bad snacky foods aren't calling me as often! And to stop buying peanut M&M's! :)
I rarely drink anything but water. No soda ever (I don't like it, so that's easy for me, other than an Italian Soda on a special occasion). I also eat very little meat - mostly veggies and fruit (lots and lots of veggies). I choose brown rice and wheat pasta over white and try to sprinkle flax seeds on dishes I make (when I remember).
Have a buddy to exercise with. It makes it a committment
Have and fruit or veggie for breakfast. (Egg with veggie in it)
Have two veggie for dinner (1/2 c. ea.)
Eat whole grain bread and pasta.
#1 hint, actually plan food, spending the time prevents snap decisions and you can look forward to good things to come.
When a craving really get me (like peanut m&ms or chocolate of any kind) I go for the flavored teas. My latest favorite has been chocolate mint by Stash. My standby favorite is vanilla almond by The Republic of Tea. MMMMMMM
I walk with a very special friend, at least twice if not three times a week. It helps my heart, my mind, and my body. We leave early, before our little ones are awake and my husband gets the cereal on the table until I get back.
After many failed attempts to lose weight, I decided to do a new approach.
1.Didnt wait until New years to start a new habit. I started in Sept 09.
2.I started moving. I joined the Y and took a class that met twice a week. After 2 months, I had dropped almost 2 sizes.
I now go to about 4 different classes a week. and lost about 4 sizes so far.
3.I don't own a scale. I vowed never to step on a scale b/c it is so deceiving. I'm using clothes to be my scale..for now.
4.I haven't worried about eating better...yet. But it is amazing how looking better transform wanting to eat better..so its changed my mind about food.
5. Get healthy for me. I started taking responsibility for me.
I know that wasn't one answer, but I want to encourage people who are having a hard time losing weight...
It can be done...you HAVE to make the environment work for you, not YOU slaving yourself to another dead end diet.
Love your Blog Becky!!!
Mine has to be sleep. I have to have enough of it or I'm no good! I wish I could be good and not drink away my calories! That would definitely help me! I have been eating less recently so that has helped when I control how much I eat. Also I don't eat late anymore. That has probably helped a lot! I don't go to sleep with food in my stomach.
I make myself do a workout every morning at 5:30! Some days I hate it!! But the way it makes me feel afterward is worth the effort.
While I'm not totally 100% strict with this, I've been using my "Loose It" iPhone app to count calories during the day to make better food choices. Until I used it in a totally serious way last week, I hadn't realized how much I was overeating. It's easy for me to use, and for you iPhone users, it's FREE. Lets me keep track of where I am and I've been making better "do I really need those chips?" decisions! PS-loving the light Laughing Cow cheese wedges with an apple, YUM!
PS-LOVE everyone's responses, getting a lot of good motivation today from all of you!
Drink plenty of water every day.
Yogurt smoothies. My family loves them. And if my kids don't like the taste I freeze them to make popsicles and suddenly they love it!
I walk my daughter (with 20 month-old) to and/or from school as much as possible. It is about 2.5 blocks. We live in North Dakota. It is not always possible with the temperatues. My no walk gauge is about 15to20 degrees.
amy
To help maintain a healthy lifestyle I make an effort to just not buy what I know I can't resist. And that excuse "it's for the kids" no longer comes out of my mouth. If I don't need it, neither do they. I started going to the grocery store every 2 week instead of weekly. Now I only have to make it past the candy aisle twice a month!
I really love to drink water. That's my good habit.
My word of the year is health. I joined Weight Watchers and continue to work on it every day. One thing that I do without much effort is drink my water. I have a 24 oz spill free (essential for scrapping) water bottle that I refill throughout the day. I have three magnets above the water dispenser on the fridge. Each time I fill up the water bottle I move the magnet over to the other side of the dispenser. That way I keep track and get my three bottles a day in.
I choose to shovel the driveway instead of snowblow the driveway. (Maybe it does help that I have no idea how to use the snowblower).
It's great to get the kids involved too. Plus it's a great workout since we just got dumped on and will get dumped on again in the next few days. Just remember to use your legs instead of your back......
After years of night time snacking I finally made a commitment a few years ago to stop. We eat an early dinner around 5 or 5:30 because we all have to go to bed pretty early due to our schedules. I always crave something sweet after dinner so right after dinner I might have a very small sweet and that's it. Occasionally on the weekends I break this but normally I stick to it. I've been able to lose weight by doing this and still let myself eat pretty much want I want.
Hey Beckie,
I am a Beachbody Coach and became one to keep myself accountable and also to help motivate others to lead a healthier lifestyle. Over the last year I have dropped 30 pounds and now weigh LESS than I did in High School when I was on the swim team!! Best of all, my husband, both of my sisters and their husbands and my parents have started exercising and making better food choices!! I have never felt better physically!
I love to work out! I run 4-5 times a week (total-18 miles) and started taking a barre class a few time a week this year. I am not a big soda drinker but do enjoy a latte in the morning! We don't keep a lot of junk in the house which helps because I have no willpower.
Well since I'm pregnant I'm trying to eat healthier. I've cut out most fast food (except when we were out of town last week for a few days) and have been buying a ton of fruits and veggies. When I want a sweet snack I have some melon and grapes instead of junk. It usually takes the craving away. And instead of coffee and soda I drink water or gatorade.
I pretty much gave up soda completely...I only drink tea with no sugar or sweetner or water, with only a rare soda (which now doesn't taste too good). Has made it easy to maintain a healthy weight!
1. Avoid fast food. We eat at home almost every night of the month, and when we do go out, it's not for fast food.
2. Eat more fruits and veggies. I have an easy time with this.
3. Drink lots of water. Harder in the winter, but I don't drink soda, juice or milk. I do drink coffee and 1 beer with dinner a few nights a week. I need to do a better job of not drinking it MOST nights.
4. What I need to work on, is less sweets. Not big sweets either, just a hard candy here or there, or a few tootsie rolls. But sometimes's its harder to not grab a handful.
We never buy soda (and haven't for a few years) so there's never any in the house (unless we're having a party). We also eat lots of chicken and fish.
I gave up diet sodas!!!! After 20++ years!!!! I switched to ice tea and truvia which actually tastes good!
I am buying more organic foods... Eggs,fruit, veggies and even meats! I am trying to really eat whole foods and cook more!!!! It is easier than I thought with places like costco offering organic choices now!!!!
I am also taking vitamin D...it has become a standard blood test my doctor orders now for everyone. I was so deficient when I started and after 3 months I was up to the low normal range- I do see an improvemnt in my energy levels!!!
The healthy thing we do is a veggie with every meal! Breakfast lunch and dinner! We generally eat clean in our house, and rarely have junk. However peanut m&m's are my fav... I posted on facebook a few weeks ago, "Why can't peanut m&m's be their own food group!" Thanks for sharing!
I turned 40 last year and have decided this is the year I want to feel good about myself for myself. It is a mental challenge some days to exercise and eat right. I've been eating salads once/twice a day and love them, tried new veggies and beans and love them. I make it a goal to work out 6 days a week if only for 30mts. This has really improved the way I feel and look at myself and it's rubbing off on the rest of my family. I do not buy anything at the store that would tempt me at home either. Thanks for this post Becky I love reading what everyone else is doing. Good luck on your peanut m&m's habit.
I drink water which is easier during the summer time than over winter, winter I tend to have more milo than water. I walk with my boys to and from school when time allows, its only a short 10-15(depends on the energy levels of the boys) each way but its better than nothing right?
I always have fruit at every meal and a vegtable (or two) at lunch and dinner. This goes for my family too ( a 3 & 6 year old). It is the one rule I have maintained for quite some time and I think they have adjusted well.... sometimes the veggies are a harder sell because fruit is just so much easier to eat!!!
Floss.
I try to plan what I'm going to eat. If I put some thought (and sometimes a little work) into finding something healthy that will satisfy me before I am hungry, it always goes better. Same with getting healthy food on the table for the fam every night. A meal I plan before I need to start cooking it is almost always lighter and more well received than the seat-of-the-pants one. Good luck with those M & M's!
starting a running routine tomorrow. for real-- finally got a jogging stroller!
okay, so maybe more of a walk/run depending on what i can realistically muster with this belly. ;)
My husband and I made a commitment last May to get in shape. Since then I have won the battle of not drinking pop in excess (I was drinking 101 oz/day; now I only have 8-12 oz.) and we have only missed ten workout days since May.
We bought new dishes and my husband and I eat off the smaller plates. Portion control has done amazing things for us both. In 5 weeks he is down 15 lbs and I am down 11.5 lbs.
We work out together as well, so that is a big motivation. We are in a "friendly" Biggest Loser competition with some relatives and the prize is some decent money so that has motivated us as well....we are currently in the lead and plan on staying there!!
The words I would use to describe our lifestyle change would be "Choice" and "Focus". We make good choices every day (well almost everyday) and our workouts are intense and focused.
1. I started reading more: "Master Your Metabolism" (Jillian Michaels) and "The Unhealthy Truth" (Robyn O'Brien). Very eye-opening.
2. Always eat protein with carbs so your blood sugar stays level. If you just eat a carb, your blood sugar will rise and then bottom out. When it bottoms out you'll be right back where you started...HUNGRY!
3. Have "go to foods." My favorites are: unsalted almonds, kraft string cheese (doesn't have the growth hormones), plain yogurt with frozen fruit, pretzels. My go to meal is 2 scrambled eggs, 1-2pieces of 100% whole grain toast and an orange.
4. We plan ahead for meals and cook most of the meat on Mondays so it's ready to go.
5. We have a frozen pizza in the freezer, so when we just don't want to cook, we're not tempted to eat out.
I started a couch to 5K running program - used to HATE running...now I LOVE it! I've lost 20 lbs & counting. I also almost always drink water & we rarely eat out.
The only thing I can say that I do all the time is to get enough sleep every night. My body really likes being on a schedule and I think it helps me stay healthy.
I drink lots of water and am constantly looking for ways to eat better and am always on the look out for good healthy recipes.
I also enjoy working out and look forward to doing my CATHE videos each day. Check her out at Cathe.com.
Now I just need to work on sleep. There are no where near enough hours in the day :)
Two words: MEAL PLAN. I have eaten SO much healthier since planning my meals and snacks each week. I don't go for "convenience foods" when I have all of the ingredients for my daily meals. I plan leftovers or crock pot meals on busy days. I also double up when I cook and freeze a pan of lasagna or meatloaf or a pot pie for a "fast" future meal.
Oh, my other healthy tip is to keep the house stocked with fruit, specifically apples. It's a great go-to snack that's filling and healthy all at the same time.
Growing a veggie garden. Seriously.
It's a lot of work. And because I worked so hard to help those veggies grow, I had better eat them. I've only done it for 2 years now but it's made all the difference. My whole family is eating better. I've even cut my food bill by almost half!!! We are on a half acre and my garden is 40x15 feet and too small. I've done things like grown some of the things I need in my flower beds, mixed in. And that's important because eating right is expensive. This year I am going to plant an apple tree and 2 grape vines (red seedless). And there is nothing like a drip system with a timer in the high desert to keep things growing properly. In fact, tomorrow I will be planting the rest of my onion seeds so they are ready to go outside when the snow melts.
Substitute brown rice for white rice. Or quinao for rice and wheat when possible - it's in the low glycemic index and sports a complete protein.
I dont drink my calories either. We always eat a well balanced family meal at the table too.
I work out to stay in shape and I try to avoid fast food, especially french fries! Chips and french fries are best left untouched because if I eat one I can't stop.
I drink a lot of water, and I eat lots of greens (salads, especially). I always eat a healthy breakfast, so no matter what happens during the rest of the day (temptation, temptation), I always have that.
Now I need to go back to the top of the post and read the other helpful hints....
i work out every day and have tried to eat fruit with breakfast and lunch or dinner. i've also been eating veggies with my lunches too, so it's not just at dinner. i also have cut my old munchie runs to the store to get candy and try to not buy it at all. but i still have a diet coke issue and need to drink more water.
just recently did a cleanse. it took all the "toxins"out of my body and cravings for my weakness, which also happens to be peanut m&ms as well. made me realize how much junk i do eat. now, i eat WAY more veggies, fish and lentils. i LOVE this. feel great, have TONS more energy and keep raw veggies cut up in the fridge as my "go to snack". if they are easy to grab, just like m&ms, they are easier to eat!!
A couple years ago I was SO tired of being overweight so I hired a trainer to help me. While I did eat healthy 95% of the time, I still had cravings..which is normal! The best advice she ever gave me was "You don't ELIMINATE, you MODERATE." So if for some reason I just HAD to have McDonald's sometime, instead of ordering a double cheeseburger value meal, she told me to order a hamburger, SMALL fries, and a SMALL coke. It's more than 1/2 the fat & calories and I've gotten my craving out of the way without ruining my diet! This was my saving grace and I still live by it to this day! Somehow just knowing that I haven't had to eliminate anything from my diet...that I just have to "moderate" the bad choice a little helped tremendously! AND I lost 47 pounds!!!
My thing, and keep in mind I am trying to lose weight, is to keep a calorie deficit going each week by limiting sweets, controlling portions, and exercising a lot! My two best mantras that get me through each week are "all things in moderation" (cuz I gotta have some sweets) and "I can do hard things."
My motto is everything in moderation. I eat a few chips with my sandwich at lunch, but not the whole bag. I may have a cookie, but just one. I exercise every day. My motivation to stay fit and healthy is simple. I want to be around to see my grandchildren and enjoy them. My mom and my mother-in-law both passed away within the last two years and they were not in good health toward the end of their lives. They never got to enjoy their grandchildren. Health is a precious thing and without good health, not much else matters.
I Zumba! The only exercise that I actually enjoy and always leave with a smile on my face...all while dancing off several hundred calories!
I only drink water and I write down everything I eat. You think before you eat because I don't want to have to write it down. I to am LDS and so the word of wisdom is very important
I too don't drink alcohol...EVER...NEVER. I drink a lot of water, and I cook 98 percent of what we eat from scratch. Excercise is my WORK on...Last year, I lost 40 pounds, slowly, but I did it right! Still working on the next 40.
Water--and lots of it. I always feel like a nerd at restaurants when everyone is ordering strawberry lemonade and diet coke, but there I am, with my water. Always.
Also, I make a point of eating Raisin Bran for breakfast. I'm never "hungry" for breakfast, but I think this easy start to the day kicks in my metabolism and says "wake-up and get going!"
I don't drink either. It's not something I feel like I need to do...and it's so much cheaper!
I add lots of arugula or lettuce to my homemade sandwichs to help me eat more veggies. I also use DoubleFiber bread.
We seldom have juice, soda almost never. Water and Milk mostly.
I normally try to leave a bowl of carrots and raisins or popcorn and dried cherries out around snack time. Not to say that there isn't other options, but if I head them off at the pass, they usually are full from the good stuff.
We rarely go out to eat, and have cut out fast food completely. "Supersize Me" done us in!
We all (all 8 of us) take our vitamins daily.
Attempt to excercise daily- attempt. :o)
I own a massive giant schnauzer, who needs a massive amount of exercise, so we run. Every day except for Sundays. It is one of the highlight of my day, I just don't feel right when I miss, and boy does he let me know he doesn't like it either. But it's more than physical, it is my sanity saver, honestly. I am running a half marathon (13 miles) this July, then it's on to the marathon at an undetermined (as of yet) date.
I don't drink much besides water and carbonated water. This past year I have started to sign myself up for races - just small 5K's. Every couple of months I do one with a friend and then this way I have to keep running a few times a week in order to stay in shape for the event. And I am NOT a "runner".
Drink lots of water and that's pretty much all I drink (with you on not drinking calories).
Eat (homemade) dinner at home most nights.
Have a green salad with dinner (and eat it first) most nights or a big portion of veggies.
Eat whole grains, lean protein and fiber (some fruits and veg) with nearly all meals.
Run daily - ok I go through cycles of whether or not I'm sticking with running, but I'm always trying to do better with it - ran a marathon last year to stay motivated!
I don't drink or smoke.
We buy organic eggs, milk, chicken, beef, and fruit and veggies. I also make all of our cookies, pancakes etc.. from scratch using real butter and real sugar. I think a little of the real stuff is better than all the chemicals in the fake sugars/margarine. My friend has a terrific blog that we use to cook off of too. http://www.deliciouslyorganic.blogspot.com/
Living in AZ we're outside all the time, bike riding, walking, hiking, playing at the park, swimming in a few months ... you've got to get moving!
I'm a huge junk-food junkie, and like Melanee said, if I start the day off with sugar then I'm hosed. So my strategy is 3-fold: 1) for breakfast I have either high-fiber cereal, or eggs (for protein). 2) for lunch and dinner, I make sure I eat 1-2 servings of vegetables before I touch anything else. This way I'm already half full before I eat other things, and at that point it doesn't really matter what I choose since I'm not going to eat very much of it. 3) I try to exercise regularly, because I find that I naturally gravitate toward healthier foods when I'm working out.
Ok, this is an off the subject question but my son just lost my sd900 camera that I loved and I bought after reading you blog. It looks like it is not made anymore and I don't want to pay double to get it. Does your fabulous brother have a suggestion for a similar camera? I know you can't answer every question but I feel lost without my traveling camera.
I take my vitamins, Mulit-vitamin, Omega-3 and cranberry supplement. Then no matter what I eat the rest of the day or do the rest of the day I can say I did that right.
I run every day, no matter what. Unless I am really sick, I make sure to fit in a run every single day. It took a while to get into it - it was probably a year or two before I started loving it, but once I did, I was hooked. If you keep it up long enough, it becomes a habit that you can't quit. Now, I don't feel right until I've gotten my run in. Running (or walking!) is my favorite exercise because:
1) No equipment needed - just your shoes and yourself!
2) I can let my mind wander and unwind - running keeps me stress-free
3) It keeps me healthy and happy : )
My main goal this year is to have NO computer time until after I've done some exercise. That might be a way to turn your 'Step #4 I work out every day' into reality. I signed up for an 8-week online scrapbooking class 'My Wellness Journey' at Big Picture Scrapbooking which has been going a long way to keep my motivated and focused on My Wellness Journey including exercise, eating well, etc. (too bad it only seems to run once/year). You should be happy to know that, after my daily checkin for that course the next thing I do is to check out your blog, and after that I try to post my Photo of the Day onto my blog. What great things I've picked up from your blog. Hopefully my tip of 'exercise before computer' may help you and some others.
I forgot to say in my earlier post. I have never smoked & don't let people smoke at my house, car,etc. My husband and I have also made a pact never to drink, we have seen first hand what it can do to a person. I love knowing we both believe in things that are better for our health, spirit, mind and we show that to the kids too.
1.) Put your Bible on your pillow so you can hit your knees when you make your bed each morning, or in the evening drift off to sleep after reading God's promises.
2.) Made a resolution not to eat fast food this year. This leads to healther choices all around.
Well, I've been on two dates with Zumba, and I think I'm in love. I cheated on Zumba with an elliptical machine today, and let me just say, the elliptical is one tough date! What I have discovered, in these first few episodes of voluntary excercise since high school, is that I feel really good, (once the muscle tremors have worn off :) and have so much more energy and PATIENCE for my little one! And so we will continue to court, this excercise thing and me.
lots of great comments. because i had a bit of a blood pressure scare at my last physical in september, i really eased up on my salt intake (not that i ever used a salt shaker EVER). by paying attention to just this one item on ingredient lists, my diet has radically changed. there is so little packaged food to choose from that is low (enough) in sodium that i rarely eat packaged foods now. i also follow michael pollen's 'in defense of food' and 'food rules' which are just so full of common sense. oh, and, i walk daily. and, i eat a little bit of really good chocolate every day.
thanks for the discussion.
kelly
to prevent me from eating late at night, I brush my teeth...try it...the mint makes NOTHING taste good and it WORKS!!
I don't eat out or eat frozen/pre-made type meals. I don't always cook super healthy (we love homemade mac and cheese here), but at least I know what I am using and can cut calories and fat when possible. I don't eat pre-made/frozen type meals because of the sodium and preservatives.
I also drink sparkling water instead of soda- lime calistoga or lime Trader Joe's sparkling waters are the best- just as good as soda!
I'm lucky that my mom taught me to like veggies when I was little. I always enjoy veggies with every meal except breakfast (I have fruit then). I'm also trying to get some exercise in every day, but that's a battle.
I am trying to buy less "processed" foods, especially for my kids (i.e. cereal is a biggy, and bread). I have been making all our bread since November (sometimes, we go without because I haven't had time but when I do, I make about 10 loaves and put them in the freezer). It has been REALLY gratifying. It brings me bad to the need to "create" and how much happiness it brings me. I "create" bread. I love to stare at my bread and think "I did that. I am a good mom today." Creating is healthy.
I'm great about drinking water. I don't even have to try. I just prefer water. I also cook most of our meals from scratch and don't drink alcohol.
Unfortunately I have a sugar addiction. So in the last week I have made a conscious effort to abstain from sugar and I'm proud to say, I've done it!!
I always leave 2 bites on my plate. No idea why but I always have. It drives my husband crazy but if you add up all those bites think about how many calories I have saved over a lifetime.
I have 2 girls (8 and 10). My husband and I drank plenty of soda growing up but do not drink soda regularly. (Probably only at In N Out, do you have that there? And friends who drink diet Coke, know to bring their own.) I also do not eat bread and have cut down on white rice. We supplement every meal w/ fruits and veggies and my girls now expect a fruit w/ every snack they eat. I don't believe in dieting, and I'm a sucker for chocolate chip cookies. I don't believe in denying myself anything either. Everything in moderation and proportion, you can eat anything!
I do lots like exercise, eating VERY LITTLE meat, lots of veggies, etc. (I have a blog --
thesparitarian.blogspot.com--that has Meatless Mondays)
My favorite new thing that YOU'VE GOT TO TRY : Lately I've been using black bean puree (just blend a can of plain black beans) in place of oil in my brownies, cake mix cookies, pumpkin bread, and chocolate zucchini cake. They've all turned out delicious!! It feels great to make treats but have them be so much less fattening!! Replace anywhere from 2/3 to all of the oil with the same amount of puree...it is so deliciously moist and you DO NOT TASTE THE BEANS!! I promise!
I journal everything I eat. weight watchers says "you bite it, you write it." just the visual of what I eat in a day helps me stay away from high and empty calories.
I get involved in team sports for exercise. So for me, I play netball once a week and go...uh...ok, I plan to go to tennis every week. It's easier to exercise when it is more enjoyable and when people are relying on you to be there it's hard to come up with an excuse. Plus there is a cheche that my boys go to so it's a nice break and they learn about saying goodbye to Mummy and knowing that she'll be back in just a little while.
I work in a restaurant, so it's pretty hard sometimes to eat 'normal' (as in coming home late and want to snack!). A few co-workers and I started cooking at home and taking it with us. Every day it's someone else's turn. Works great! On the other hand I run around alot, so i can neglect the gym without feeling guilty ;)
we hardly ever eat out, I mean not more then 5 times a year max. It is a very special treat in our house. This means I cook lots, and I try my best to make healthy means which can be a very big struggle, I joke with my husband that "satan is everywhere even in the food section of the store!" the way things are packages and advertised to be "healthy" even though they may not be, the people that make this stuff do not really care about our health, just wanting our money. I know, mean to say but bottom line it is true. SO, a big rule for me is "if I can read and understand the ingredients then I know if I want it in my body." LOTS of times there are tons of big words that most people can't even understand, do I really want that junk in my body? Also- I watch my sugar, like you said I think we should all enjoy it every now and then, but on a daily basis, I watch my sugar- this is really important for my kids too!
I write down what I'm going to eat BEFORE I eat it. It's amazing how that makes me stick to eating right! I don't want to go back and have to write down more food, or worse choices.
Once a week we have treats for the whole family, like pizza night. Knowing that 'treat night' is coming helps us stay strong with the healthy eating!
To those whose kids wouldn't eat wheat bread - start with regular wheat and work your way to 100% whole wheat. Now my kids won't touch white bread!
If it was made FROM a plant, eat it - if it was made IN a plant, don't. (Food Rules - An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan)
We started the Eat Clean Diet at the beginning of January. Although 4 of my 5 kids are in school and eat school lunch, we cut out all processed food and junk food at home. (sad that school lunch is the unhealthiest meal of the day...) We cut out all soda and beverages except milk, water and occassionally fresh squeezed juice. Since starting this along with regular exercise, I have lost 15 pounds and my husband has lost 10. My teenager's acne has also cleared up...BONUS!
I don't buy cookies or candy bars. If we need a treat we make it at home! It's better homemade anyway!
Not to say every once in a while I don't buy some M&M's or Valentine Conversation hearts. . .
I only purchase whole foods, with the exception of ingredients for, or pkg of a small treat that I have after lunch each day. I also plan/schedule my exercise every day ON MY CALENDAR. That has been huge for me. It has just become part of my day.
Not that I am a rock star... I am no where near my optimal weight... however...
1- a multivitamin every day is a must for me
2- doing a workout that doesn't feel like a chore; recently I ADORE Zumba as well as Pilates Reformer with a trainer; I have learned that solitary types of working out are not my gig
3- making sure my house has good stuff to snack on... I stink at this part
4- water, water, water, water
I have recently started going to the grocery store frequently. It's easy for me - my store is very close to my home. I am able to buy fresh produce and not waste a lot of food. I never go on an empty stomach and I tend to have less junk food in my house if I am buying only what we need for a few meals. I also am trying REALLY hard to only shop on the "outside" aisles of the store. Everything on the inside aisles are more processed foods. I learned this trick from my doctor. I am saving money and hopefully saving my thighs from getting bigger.:)
1) I have been writing down all my calories in a little book and its really fun! Its like a challenge every day.
2) I am training for a half marathon which keeps me motivated to run. I have also convinced myself to do a little weights every now and then.
3) I try to drink lots of water! (But i often fail. :( )
4) I try to eat vitamins (and also fail)
5) It is a work in progress for me and always will be!
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