Saturday, June 9, 2012

Diet vs. Life


When you're trying to lose weight,
or improve your body's health in some way,
 the single most important thing you can do is
simply put together a  proper diet and then
...stick to it.

A funny thing about that "sticking to your diet" part is
 that it's really quite easy when you're in complete
control of everything you're eating
  100% of the time.

When YOU're the one choosing
 the foods
you're going to eat, and the one preparing/cooking those foods,
 and the one ensuring that the portion sizes are to your diet's
exact specifications, and when you can count, monitor, and track
everything at all times...
When you can do this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
 sticking to your diet isn't as difficult.

but....when LIFE really starts to "fight"
with our ability to control the food situations, it can
weaken our willpower.


I found some tips that might give our willpower a
boost when the going gets tough.

It is so hard to resist temptation, but it gets easier if you're equipped with a plan.
  • Review your eating plan and see if you can reserve a few food items during the week to save up for the party or gathering. Be careful not to take away too much food, which could leave you hungry during the week.
  • Portion control is critical to prevent weight gain. Use a small plate and don't go back for seconds unless you know it's low calorie and healthy.  Divide large pieces in half before putting onto your plate.
  • Enjoy a small but filling snack before the gathering to prevent overeating. A small handful almonds and a large glass of water, for example, or a few slices of apple with a bit ofalmond or peanut butter.
  • Don't stand near the buffet or appetizers at a gathering. Instead, survey the offerings, choose the best nutritional bets, put them on a plate, then go sit down and enjoy the meal. It's hard to know when you've had enough food when you stand around nibbling!
  • Bring a healthy dish of your own to the gathering.  If you make it, you will know just how many calories in a certain portion and you will know it's nutritious value
  • Find a bit more time to be active and/or exercise.  If you know there will be a gathering where you will want to eat more high calorie foods, then, burn a few more calories before or after the gathering.

=============================

10 minute appetizer...
Cheezy Zucchini bites
Ingredients
  • 5 medium zucchini (about 6 inches long)
  • 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced   
Directions:

    (1) Cut zucchini into 3/4-inch slices. Using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the insides and discard, leaving the bottom intact. Place zucchini on an ungreased baking sheet; spoon 1/2teaspoon crumbled blue cheese into each.
    (2)  Combine the Parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper; sprinkle half over blue cheese. Top each with a tomato slice; sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan mixture. Bake at 400°F until cheese is melted, 5-7 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 35 appetizers.

    =========================================

    ~~~Ruby's Report ~~~

    Treadmill - 6 days minimum 2 miles each day.
           I "beat my best" (BMB), twice this week.  I have upped my incline
           to 5.5 on the treadmill and I did a faster pace on that incline. 
    Food - the first part of the week, I was careless with my calorie intake. 
           Thursday and Friday, I worked hard to stay calorie low and eat
            healthy.
    Weight(loss?) - down 2.2 lbs.  This "down" is still not back to my lowest of
           a month or so ago.  I'm setting a goal to see if I can get back to the
           lowest by the end of next week...=)


    ================================


How are things going for you?  With the summer here
and lots of family picnics, reunions...with kids and grandkids
all around...what things help you to keep focused on healthy eating?

12 comments:

Kasey said...

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.... Weigh to go!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

My eating habits are totally out of control right now. With kids off school, I have to threaten them with their lives to walk with me, and somehow my treadmill is not appealing. Need a lobotomy. Right now.

Chartreuse Moose said...

What a cool blog!!! You tickled my funny bone in more ways than you could guess!!!!
Hugs!

kc said...

Lucky for Driver & me, it's so hot here that our appetites are off. So, all we ever want for dinner is a good salad, often topped with a chicken breast we share or a small steak, again, we share.

Trouble with eating like that tho, is later on in the evening, when we're all cooled off, we get the munchies...and out come the chips, pistachios, peanuts, ice cream, you know, the GOOD stuff!

Congrats on that treadmill progress!!!

Barb Neiwert said...

Yahoo you! More than two pounds down this week - awesome. Rejoice when you can! My scale has drooped this week also, which is so nice to see finally. Thanks for a great blog!

Chatty Crone said...

You did great this week and those are good tips - it is hard sometimes to stay on the diet - I think you are on the right track and have your mojo in the right place. sandie

Flora said...

Hi Annie: I'm trying to reach you about your Magnus Drudik spinning wheel, please email me -- flora.or [at] comcast.net -- Thanks! -Flora

renae said...

hi Annie! I thought I was following you about a couple of months ago. But I didn't see anything from you so I double checked and I joined or re-joined just now, so I don't think I have done it twice. I really loved the diet control section of this and I just might try your recipe. IAMNOTACOOK. I love to eat but OUT! I am constantly wanting to eat out and my husband is the cook... so i don't starve. LOL. I'd love to have you join me, if you'd like to, too. -)

Renae said...

awesome -- thank you!!!!!!

Miss Hillbilly said...

I try to be in control. Lately budget gets in the way. We used to not eat any processed foods at all. We have had to do some sandwiches at times, but currently we've been eating some cabbage soup. I figured it was better than store bought junk! (and easy on the budget).

Miss Hillbilly said...

And who is your other person posting? I've been away so long and my reader has over 3000 blogs, I don't have time to go weed around and look!

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Again...Genius....and don't forget....I still have my license so I can honestly make the assessment!

Smiles,
Kelly