Wednesday, May 20, 2009

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #109 -- The Diet Edition


THIRTEEN FOODS
I CAN ENJOY REGULARLY

& STILL LOSE WEIGHT



I had been going about this whole weight loss thing all wrong. I tried giving up "bad" foods I loved, but I have no will power. I tried working out more often, but I often couldn't get away from my desk at lunchtime and felt like a loser, doomed to being fat, unfit and unhealthy.

Then this past month, two amazing things happened!

First I joined another gym (so I can work out at home as well as downtown) and spent time with a personal trainer. She showed me how to exercise correctly and efficiently -- something I hadn't been doing, which is why my workouts weren't producing positive results. (Duh.) In just a month I have found that I now need to belt my jeans and my shoulders no longer ache all the time. (The latter is thanks to lat pulls and the rowing machine.)

Then I began tracking what I ate at The Daily Plate (www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate). I cannot tell you how much I love, LOVE this site! You tell it what you eat, it tracks the calories, fat, sodium, protein and fiber intake for you. I have learned that to lose weight, I don't need to give up any food that I love, I just have to keep track of how much of it I've eaten. This site is free and it's wonderful. Over the last 30 days I have gone over my calorie allotment 7 times, yet I've still managed to lose 3 pounds.

So it's not really a diet. I'm developing a new way of living, moving and eating. I feel good and I'm enjoying it. And I'm thrilled that I'm still able to consume all of the following (in moderation, of course):

1) Coca Cola Classic (OK, so I still guzzle it)

2) McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese

3) Bud Light

4) Peanut butter

5) Spaghetti with meat sauce

6) Five Guys Famous Burgers and sometimes Hot Dogs

7) Mimosas

8) Battered shrimp

9) Screwdrivers

10) Ribeye steak sandwich

11) Frito's

12) Bacon and eggs

13) A big Au Bon Pain chocolate chip cookie

I admit that by tracking what I eat, I have begun eating better, too. It's just a natural side effec of monitoring what kind of fuel I put into my tank. There's a lot of oatmeal and rice cakes on my Daily Plate now. I drink more milk and water, too. But that wouldn't make for an interesting post, would it?

To participate yourself, or to look up more TT participants,
visit the new hub (thursday-13.com).



14 comments:

  1. Good plan! I'd really hate to have to give up 5 and 12!

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  2. It's great you still get to have your favorites.

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  3. Now there's a weight loss plan that is doable. Great info!
    Happy T13!

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  4. oh my I am forming a list of giveups as well

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  5. GReat list! I might have to check that site out!

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  6. Yum! I feel lighter just thinking about it. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I love the daily plate site! I lost 43 lbs in a year by tracking what I ate. Haven't been tracking for the last couple of months (cross country move has interrupted many things) but I have maintained the loss just because I am more aware of what I put in my body.

    Happy TT!

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  8. Good luck. Yes, yes....I've always been told that moderation is the key to success. And plenty of water [I know water will fill me up some, and I would over eat]

    Happy Thirteening!!

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  9. You're pretty lucky if you can eat all that and still lose weight.

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  10. That's the key. Moderation. Giving up what you love only makes you want it more!

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  11. Hmm. Very cool. I think that's the big problem about dieting--not getting to eat what you want. I'm trying to eat better also. Happy TT!

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  12. Great list....I am right there with you on all of them!c

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  13. Geez I'm seriously hungry now! lol - Great list for TT. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

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  14. I'm with you ... denying myself things I really want NEVER works for me. I believe in all things in moderation and regular exercise.
    Hugs and blessings,

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