Lose It!

‎"The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment."  - from the Weight Watchers facebook page

So, I realized that I just don't have enough discipline right now to step away from my caloric numbers just yet.   Boo.

I still needed something new to get me "excited" again, well, as excited as you can get about counting calories.  So, in my internet searches, I came across Lose It.  It seems interesting, but a little less comprehensive than MyFitnessPal.   It focuses primarily on calories.  I'm having some troubles entering recipes (ex: entered a muffin recipe, but it won't let me divide it into 12 servings!), but I'm still new, maybe there's a way that I just haven't found yet.  However, it does give you fun little pictures for each food you enter!  I'm a sucker for pictures!

Update: I figured out the recipe issue!  All is well!

I'm still looking for some friends on there, so if you sign up- look me up!

I'll give an update after I've used it for a few days!  I'm off to Spin!

It's About the Numbers... or Not?

There is a time and a place for numbers.  I love them.  They control my life, and give me boundaries to work within.  But recently, I think I've become a little too obsessed with numbers and have started to grow a little resentful of them!

Culprit: Calories. 
For, I don't even know HOW long, I have been tracking (most of ) the calories that go into and out of my body.  Because when calories "out" (energy used) exceeds calories "in" (food eaten), you lose weight, right?  Simple equation.  'Cept it doesn't always work.  There HAS to be more to it!  Answer: All calories are not created equal.

There is definitely something to be said for nutrition.  Really, 100 calories of apples is exceedingly better for you than 100 calories of white bread.  Quality vs. Quantity?  Yet, my brain is so trained to convert everything I put into my mouth into a number (be it calories or PointsPlus, thanks Weight Watchers...) a lot of time, WHAT it is really doesn't seem to matter.  I've tried to eat healthier, but it all comes down to calories.  So, you may have noticed that the "My Fitness Pal" link has disappeared from the blog.  My plan is to FOCUS ON QUALITY foods this month, without counting calories.  (Note to self: Reread "Naturally Thin").

It's so frustrating to work SO hard to keep all the numbers in count, even to the point of feeling deprived.  (Which starts the binge eating... we'll leave that for another entry though.)  How am I supposed to make a "life change" when it constantly feels like I'm walking on a tightrope, and can slip off at any point.  I can't.

Speaking of calories "in"... calories "out" has also added to the frustrating factor.  I love to run, and I love how it feels to finish a good workout.  I hate that my brain loves to convert workouts to calories in order to determine if it was successful.  (And then, I think-- ooh, I burned 500 calories... now I can eat more!)

I need to just learn to eat healthy to BE healthy, and exercise for the love of exercise.  Because, really, I do love it.  I WOULD do it, even if it didn't burn calories!  It just feels good, relaxes me, and gives me a feeling of power and self confidence that I've never had.

Let's see how it goes.  GOAL: Lifestyle Change.

Motivation: Anne from www.fANNEtasticfood.com 

Ouch, that hurts...

Epiphany moment...

Yes, I track my food on myfitnesspal.com.

No, I do not measure everything out- that would make me crazy.

I guesstimate, and I'm pretty sure I give myself the benefit of the doubt... most of the time.  Ouch.  Those few pretzels don't count- they weren't anywhere near a serving!  A couple M&M's (Elena's potty reward) won't make a difference.  Granola?  That only a 1/4 c.  Maybe even 2 tablespoons....

I think I need make this into a poster, and hang it in my kitchen- anyone else?

Nutritionally Challenged.

So, yesterday was my nutrition meeting with my coach, as she has been looking over my food logs for the past 4-5 weeks.  Um, #FAIL!

She said she couldn't believe how many carbs I eat... and I knew I ate a lot, but I didn't think it was THAT bad!  After all, I cut WAY back from what I used to eat!  Why can't we lose weight on relativity??  Compared to how much I used to eat, or compared to how much others around me eat and I-pass-up??  HUH?

Obviously, I've got to focus on the protein, fruits and vegetables-- consistently through out the day- not just in one meal (my beloved Green Smoothies).  This is WAY hard when it comes to eating with extremely picky, young children.  One really good idea Joella suggested was a "Snack Plate".  She's really big on snacking through out the day, as long as you balance it out-- some proteins, some fruits and veggies,  a little carbs.  Put together a snack plate with things such as: cheese, yogurt, pretzels, baby carrots, hummus, nuts/seeds, fruits, veggies, granola- and when my kids (or myself) get hungry, choose what I want, already prepared, but once the carbs are gone, they're gone.  Having it accessible makes it an easier choice, and keeping my blood sugar stable will keep me from going carb crazy later.  Let's start with that and see how it goes.

Here is a list of Meal Ideas from my coach.