I have gotten into a rut. Eating anything I want at will, with no thought or effort. This, combined with lack of exercise has caused me to gain ten lbs. Roughly 10. Could be 8, could be 11. I was at my lowest in a really long time. Like, since having Maia. That's nearly ten years. I could feel old habits creeping up. Slowly adding the pounds back on that I worked so hard to lose. My first goal is to lose those pesky ten lbs. Have a tiny shopping celebration, and then set my new ten pound goal.
This will be a journey.
This won't be easy.
I just need to remind myself of the reasons I want to do this. Sure, it feels good to be skinny. I'm not gonna lie. That's a big reason. But mainly I want to set a good example for my girls that there is a balance in life to everything. As busy as I feel sometimes, I know with a little effort I can find the time to work out 3 times a week. I am going to start just like I did before. Walking. Three scheduled 30+ minutes of walking every week. Then I am going to make a conscious effort to make any activities energy-burning. At the park, playing outside games, going on a hike etc.
Mainly, it is my food choices and I know it. I love food. Always have, always will. I just need to make 90% of my choices good. I did it before, and I can do it again. I will still have treats. I will still celebrate birthdays, but instead of 2 pieces of cake and taking the leftovers I will have one small piece. I love to bake and cook. I just have to rework recipes. Find ones that are low-calorie, low-fat, etc. Incorporate fiber, fruits and veggis. It's a mindset change.
Today - is day one. Again.
Meal plan for this week:
Breakfast - optional (oatmeal with raisins, protein shake, BelVita and a piece of fruit, yogurt) Not pre-planned, but pre-ready. To grab and go.
Lunch:
Monday: Tuna Wraps and a banana - small amount of mayo, tuna, tomatoes and lettuce. I will use lettuce leaves for my wrap, Danny will have whole wheat tortillas for his.
Tuesday: Turkey Sandwiches on 9grain bread with an apple.
Wednesday: Spinach salad with chicken - fresh spinach, carrots and tomatoes with low-fat ranch and grilled chicken
Thursday: 2 hard-boiled eggs, apple and whole wheat crackers (reduced-fat)
Friday - one cheat meal
Snacks - 2 per day: Yogurt, cucumbers and tomatoes, celery and peanut butter, low-fat cheese, hummus with veggies or crackers, sweet potato, steamed squash.
Dinner Menu:
Monday: Turkey Meatballs with whole wheat pasta - I like the "smart" pasta in the purple box. It might not be whole wheat, but my family likes it. Some of the whole wheat pastas feel like you are choking down hay.
Tuesday: Tacos with ground chicken - We love tacos, trying to make it healthier with ground chicken instead of beef. We will use low-fat cheese, tomatoes and lettuce.
Wednesday: Baked Turkey cupcakes topped with mashed potatoes (shhh...the turkey cupcakes have zuchiinni in it, don't tell the fam.)
Thursday: Grilled pork chops, corn on the cob and steamed white rice (most likely with a bit of soy). I have the white rice already. Once we finish this up, we will move to brown rice.
Friday: Pasta, broccoli, tomato bake - low fat cheese, healthy pasta, tomato sauce and fresh broccoli chopped. Cook the pasta according to the directions. Mix with broccoli, sauce and top with low-fat cheese. Bake for 15-20 min til the cheese is bubbly.
I also have some random "emergency" snacks planned. Because I know by the 3rd day I will be wanting some sweets. I will eat yogurt and I am going to try to get some skinny cow ice cream.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday I plan to work out for at least 30 minutes. That's the plan.
I will also have coffee. I can't really live without it. I like it, and it perks me up. Just one cup in the morning. That will probably need to count as a snack. I can't drink it black...so i add fat free creamer and sometimes splenda.
This is me. Well I guess Day 1 would be tomorrow. If I were to gauge how I felt, it would be bloated, tired and ready for a change. I am up for the challenge. Anyone want to join me?
