-------Eating Healthy------

At New Years, I decided to start losing some weight. Let's just say I packed on some "Love" here in Wyoming. On top of that, I lacked self confidence, I felt really gross when I looked in the mirror, I didn't think I would be able to lose enough weight to make a difference, and I hated to go clothes shopping or even think about putting on a swimming suit. It was really a struggle. 


I wanted to change and I have. Mostly :) I didn't want to start a specific diet because I really wanted to teach myself how to just eat better and watch sweets and portions. It has made a tremendous difference when I am dedicated. My health, energy, and of course-- the scale is making me smile instead or cry when I step on it. 


What I have done: I started the old school counting calories. When I do this, It really shows me what a portion or serving is and it is teaching my brain how to think I am full when I am content-- not stuffed. I love it actually. 


When I am being good, I usually eat 1200 Calories a day. It can be tough, but also kind of fun. You feel so accomplished when you find that less is more. One of the biggest reasons I picked counting calories is because I needed a life style change and when you still eat most of the same stuff while incorporating more healthy stuff with your diet, it shouldn't be a hard to continue even after you meet your weight loss goal.  Some helpful websites for calorie counters:

http://www.loseit.com/

http://www.livestrong.com/

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

I have also learned how to cook yummy things like Light Lasagna (Shown on my blog), Chicken Potstickers, Raspberry-Balsamic Chicken, a Vegetable soup with very few calories, and more.


 Some snacks that I really like are slices of Jicama (A Mexican root veggie), cucumbers in vinegar or drizzled with fresh lemon, Rice cakes with Omega Peanut Butter or Nutella (Nutella is a hazelnut/ chocolate spread that is delicious and not too bad for you and really helps when you have a chocolate craving),  a cup of Rice Chex and 1/2 cup skim milk with some no calorie sweetener on top, and other things like half a banana, a medium size apple, or a Fiber bar.

Most of the time, a typical day of food for me is usually an Activia Brand Light Yogurt (Yes, they really work) in the morning followed by a small wheel of Babybel Brand Light Cheese. If I am still hungry, I eat a piece of fruit or a handful of veggies. Lunch sometimes is nothing more than a Lean Cuisine or bowl of Rice Chexs with milk and fruit-- or the Vegetable Soup with a snack in between lunch and dinner, Dinner is more grand with the meals I already talked about. After dinner, A Skinny Cow Fudge Pop is the perfect way to end the day.  

Usually, I never feel stuffed, but I usually always feel content. If I am still hungry, I try to drink lots of water. Drinking more water helps your body not to hold on to excess water because it doesn't have to worry about becoming dehydrated. Also, sometimes when you feel "hungry", try drinking water first because it could just be your body is trying to tell you it needs water. 


Exercise really helps too. When I exercise, I get to eat more :) Did you know you can burn calories cleaning your house? Gardening? Walking your Dog? Also, just going to the gym works too. Forty Five minutes to an hour of Cardio a couple days  a week and a few strength training/conditioning work outs the other days and you will see a difference. If you are not sure what to do google free work outs and you will stay busy at the gym. Here are some of the Conditioning work outs I found that I have done and the website I found them at:

http://weightlossandtraining.com/freeworkoutroutines-women

After I just told you about all of this, I have lost some dedication, but I am ready to restart and get back on track. Between me and you and whoever else stuck through the post this long, I have lost about 10 pounds. It hasn't been really hard to keep off either, but since I have lacked motivation and I haven't been doing good, the weight will come back so I got to get back in the grove. I would honestly love to lose 8-10 more pounds. It is sad to think I had that much to lose, but it is great to know that I CAN DO IT!


A few of my motivators include, my husband, my skinny jeans (they totally fit!), me wanting even skinnier jeans (When I am done I want a pair of ridiculously expensive pair of True Religion Brand Jeans), my swim suit, my doggie who wants to play and go for walks all the time, my sister Cassie (she and I are both working on getting "hot" for the summer), and my self confidence!

I am totally excited about another new thing too. . .  Bountiful Baskets. Have you heard about them? I am way excited. Basically, if it is available in your area, you can pick up a huge basket of produce for a great price every week or every other week.  Here is what I got this week. . . All Oraganic, All under 40 bucks--HOLLA! Here is there website if you are interested,

 www.boutifulbaskets.org

I am way excited, it all looks so good! What I don't eat or cook with I plan on juicing! 

 Fresh Juice is better than candy (most of the time)!

I already had one apple juiced and two oranges. So yummy. 

Anyone else losing some extra "Love" out there? Let me know how it goes :) Leave a comment!