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DEL.ICIO.USWater, water everywhere….
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I would like to start off by thanking everyone for their support! It really makes a difference to know that people are behind you. So far, I have lost a net total of 3 pounds in 2005.
I am at a stage in my life where I would rather add different elements to my lifestyle to affect my weight rather than dropping things. For example, I am drinking more water than ever before. I am such a soda fiend, particularly Coca-Cola products. This is embarrassing now, but not too long ago, I would hide spare cans of Coca-Cola in the glove compartment of the car, in my locker at school, in my desk at work, around the house, even in my purse, just in case I needed a quick caffeine fix!
So instead of completely dropping sodas cold turkey, I decided to add more water to my diet. I keep a gallon of distilled water at my desk. I have set an alarm to go off every hour at work to remind me to drink a cup of water. I have to be honest and let you know that I don’t always drink all eight cups, but I am working on it!
Another change I have made is that I have decided to only use the stairs at work. I would classify myself as extremely sedentary. I spend most of my day in front of a computer. The most exercise I get is going back and forth from the copier. I figured adding a little more movement stimulating some blood circulation would be a good start. So to all of my co-workers, if you catch me on the elevator, please make sure there’s a good reason!
I have also made a commitment to work out regularly. A little over a year ago, I purchased the Winsor Pilates body-sculpting program. I really did see results in just 2 weeks. The workout program includes an introductory step-by-step program, a 20-minute workout, and an advanced-level one hour workout. I like that the workout encourages muscle toning and flexibility. I plan to start off by doing the 20-minute workout three nights a week and the 60-minute workout once a week. I want to do more as time goes on.
My major challenge is still fast-food. I don’t cook on a regular basis, and it’s hard to find healthy foods when you’re on the go. Someone suggested carrying around fresh fruits with me as snacks when I get the urge for fast-foods. I tried it for a couple of days and it really does help. I have to learn to plan ahead for meals and to start bringing my lunch to work. Eating Blimpie and Subway every day gets really old really fast when you’re a picky eater like me! Any suggestions for quick and easy meals?
Until next time!
Veronica
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By Kristin
January 11, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this
I was just like you with cans of Coca-Cola. I could easily consume 5-8 cans a day. I made a vow to never drink any soda other than diet. (yuck) At first you will feel sluggish, but stick with it. It is amazing how much more energy you will have when you rid yourself of the excessive caffeine and unnecessary calories. Save those calories for food. Another hint I found that worked for weight loss was to go grocery shopping for the week and make sure that on nights that I know that I will be too busy to cook I will prepare the dinner the night before and I always bring my own lunch from home. It is more work, but the results will be worth it. Just stick with it and try to do your best everyday and you will be rewarded.
By Kathy
January 11, 2005 1:10 PM | Link to this
Veronica,
It’s good to hear that you’re still excited about your weight loss program, and congratulations on the 3 pound loss - that is excellent!
Easy meals - soup, soup, soup. Choose broth-based soups that have 3g or less fat per serving. When I open a can of Campbell’s Select, I eat the entire can without guilt.
Consider stopping by a Weight Watchers location and trying some of their products that are for sale only at meeting sites - you do not have to be a member. There are 3 flavors of crunchy snacks, multiple flavors of bars, four flavors of gummy-bear-type candies, and three flavors of smoothie/shakes. Go to http://www.weighwatchers.com, look for a meeting location near you and find out the hours they are open. All their snacks are tasty, filling, nutritious, and low-calorie.
Keep up the good work!
Kathy
By Debi
January 17, 2005 1:53 PM | Link to this
Veronica - I too was a soda fiend. I have gone cold turkey on the soda because apparently moderation is not part of my vocabulary. I lost 20 pounds in the last year and have not put it back on. As for the fast food issue - I took that out as well. There is a lot of fat and salt in most fast food. My suggestion is look at Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals (she does low carb too). It quick, easy and you can make enough to get another meal out it later in the day.
As for the water, I fill a 52 ounce container first thing in the morning and make sure I have finished it before I leave the office for the day.
Good luck Debi
By Thommi
January 17, 2005 3:24 PM | Link to this
I am a single working woman who HATES to cook. There is a book at Weight Watchers that offers recipes for one pot meals. Also, when you eat out, you can request your food to prepared in a certain way. Just ask… Good luck and congrats on your progress thus far!
By kelly
January 18, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this
easy lunches: tuna/salmon/crabmeat with whole wheat crackers(come in ready made packs at store - just leave off/go easy on mayonnaise
spinach salad - buy everything in ready made versions(grape tomatoes, baby spinach,etc) just throw everything in a tupperware container and go!