A Good Thing Going
I'm so touched by all the wonderful comments - it means so much to me to know that you guys appreciate what I'm going through.
I'm on day three of my exercise schedule, and I'm feeling victorious already. I got in a good, hard 45 minutes on the mini-trampoline today, and managed to keep my eating small and healthy. I'm even more motivated to exercise daily after taking a look at fitday.com, and calculating how many calories I will need to eat in order to lose 2 pounds a week. If I do no exercise, I should only consume 1000 calories a day - starvation rations, which my doctor and I agree is crazy talk.
If I work up a sweat daily, I get the benefits of the exercise, plus I can actually eat a meal without fear of sabotaging my ability to lose weight.
With the fruit cleanse, I had to give up all dairy - which meant taking my coffee black. I used to drink it black all the time, but in recent years have become addicted to lattes. No more - I'm back to enjoying it black, if I have it at all. I'm also really enjoying the different teas I've tried - will you guys let me know your favorites? I'd like to branch out and try some new ones.
The plan (not that it is really a plan) is to focus on eating vitamin rich, nutritious foods, along with plenty of water. For me, this means mostly veggies and fruits, with some lean protein and whole grains. When I put it that way, it doesn't sound like much fun. That's the other thing - I am focusing on food at mealtimes only - it isn't entertainment. When I'm bored, or restless, I'm trying to come up with other ways to occupy my mouth.
Sometimes, it is a cup of tea. Sometimes, I chew gum, or torture myself with mints. I brush my teeth. I put on a tooth-whitening strip. Usually by the time the gum has lost its flavor, or the time is up on the bleaching strip, I'm not feeling like eating anymore.
I'm still using every ounce of anger I have, and directing it at my thick waist. This is the year it says goodbye.
I feel like I have a good thing going. It is a struggle, but I'm fighting. How about you guys?
Comments
Try and get hold of twinnings lemon and ginger tea. It is delicious. I see there i is mail order on this site. If you can get it in the States it would definetly be worth ordering.
http://www.twinings.co.uk/Infusions/TraditionalHerbal/LemonGinger.html
Posted by: Sher | November 17, 2006 5:26 AM
I've been drinking a lot of green tea, which took some getting used to, but I love it now. My favorite is a honey/lemon/ginseng blend. No calories, lower caffeine than black tea (or coffee), and full of anti-oxidants.
(Also? Hang in there.)
Posted by: Mir | November 17, 2006 5:59 AM
Jenny, you are doing a great job! I weigh the same as you but I'm only 4'11 3/4". I've gotten off track with Weight Watchers a little, like I'm not remembering to track all my food, but we have stopped eating out and I'm substituting ground turkey and extra lean ground beef in my casseroles. I'm losing about a pound a week and it is staying off. And then this morning, my oldest son said none of his jeans fit, they were too big. He got on the scale and he lost five pounds too. So I'm feeling good about that. Next step-EXERCISE. Yikes!
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 17, 2006 6:14 AM
I really love Tazo Passion Tea. It's an herbal, not actually a tea. It's made from hibiscus flowers and even without any sweeteners, it has a distinctive taste, kind of tart. I love it.
Posted by: Bethiclaus | November 17, 2006 7:08 AM
I drink tea constantly.
My favorite is Mrs. Kelly's Russian Sweet, which is a black tea, and I also like some of the Mrs. Kelly's green tea blends. Those all come loose in a can, so you need an infuser for brewing.
My favorite bag kinds are Twinings jasmine green tea, Bigelow Mint Medley, Tazo Honeybush, and a new one that I just love called Celestial Seasonings Red Safari Spice. I think you'd dig that one, Jenny. It's spicy and exotic!
Posted by: EverydaySuperGoddess | November 17, 2006 8:46 AM
I swear by Bigelow's I Love Lemon tea, no caffeine and very lemon-y. Something else to consider is vegetable protein, Morningstar Farms has some very good meat substitutes. My husband and I have enjoyed the "steak strips" in stir fry, and their "sausage style recipe crumbles" are great in chili or spaghetti sauce. Sometimes I use half the suggested amount of meat and half Morningstar crumbles. Using the veggie protein really reduces the calories and fat in a dish. I have a great calico bean recipe I'll send. It's hot and good and lower calorie as well.
Posted by: Katie C | November 18, 2006 6:33 AM
Hey there Jen! Good for you! I actually checked out FitDay.com and I'm addicted. Putting in all the food I've eaten in a day is an EYE OPENING EXPERIENCE. I had NO idea I ate that much. I'm trying to stay under 1600 calories a day and boy, do I need to stop eating junk at night. That is my downfall, midnight snacking. I get up, go down and scavenge. How do I quit this nasty habit? I don't know if it's comfort eating or WHAT?
Posted by: MJ | November 28, 2006 12:48 PM