Weight Loss Update & Tips for Surviving the Holidays

It has been slow going, but I have lost a total of 26 pounds since returning from vacation in June.  I'm feeling so much better.  I have more energy and I am feeling more confident in myself.

I have to admit that I have fell off the wagon a few times, but I haven't given up.  I have been doing my best in the past month.  I wanted to get on track and get my head clear and straight before the holidays.  I feel more confident than ever that I can reach my goal this time.

Well, I just wanted to give a little update on my progress, but I also wanted to share some tips I have come across to stay on track during the holidays.

Choose these snacks/appetizers at parties or holiday functions:

Cheese:  A small serving (1 oz. or 5 small cubes) of full-fat cheese is loaded with protein.  Choose full-flavor cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda, their sharp taste can help satisfy cravings quickly.

Festive Nuts: Toss 1 cups each of almonds, walnuts and pecans, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary, a pinch of red pepper flakes, sea salt and pepper.  Roast in the oven at 350 on a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes.

Nuts are high in calories.  To avoid overdoing it place a handful of nuts on your plate and snack on that throughout the evening instead of grabbing a handful every time you pass the bowl.

Dark Chocolate:  New research finds that the antioxidants found in dark chocolate can boost your mood and calm your body's response to stress.  Try a serving of one truffle or two squares of dark chocolate containing 70% or higher cocoa per day.

Shrimp:  An appetizer of 9 medium shrimp can fill you up and only contains 50 calories.  Shrimp contains omega-3 fats, which helps you stay fuller longer.

Finding My Power

Someone shared the following quote on Facebook today and I have made it my new motto:

"You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself."

Glinda in The Wizard of Oz

When I read the above quote today something clicked inside my head.  I have always had the power inside of me to change my health for the better.  I just had to believe it.  And nothing is more empowering than progress.  As of today, I can report that I have lost two more pounds bringing my total loss to six pounds since returning home from vacation.  

This new journey is not easy; but what is that old saying?  "Nothing worth having ever came easy."

Getting a handle on my eating habits has been easier than increasing my activity levels.  My biggest problem is lack of energy.  At the moment I am really battling my insomnia.  No sleep equals one very sluggish woman.  However, I am aware that regular exercise will produce more energy and boost positive emotions; so I'm going to start putting one foot in front of the other and pushing through.  Hopefully my sleeping will improve as well.

Speaking of exercise, I promised that I would keep you all apprised of my Zumba experience.  I was very optimistic and excited about trying it.  But I really should have considered how terribly uncoordinated I am before I ordered the DVD.  I suffered a temporary lapse in judgement; I forgot that I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time.  That being said, I'm not giving up.  I'm just going to move and try to have fun at the same time.  Like I've said before, if I don't like it, I won't do it.

Before I go, I want to share a few tips/tricks that I am finding helpful.  Maybe they will work for you too.

• Munch on Crushed Ice:  This keeps me from looking for something to eat between meals.  Added benefit; I'm upping my water intake.
• Brush Your Teeth or Chew Minty Sugar Free Gum:  Brushing my teeth or chewing minty sugar free gum will temporarily cause foods/treats to taste bad.  
• My Fitness Pal:  As I mentioned in my earlier post, at http://www.myfitnesspal.com you can sign-up for a free account and journal your meals, exercise, and progress.  I can't recommend this tool enough.  It is essential for me to keep track of my calories so that I don't get off course.

It is my hope that sharing my journey will encourage others who are struggling.  I am by no means a professional. There are going to be ups and downs and I am going to make mistakes along the way.  But I feel like I have finally found my power.  I encourage you to search within yourself and find yours too.  It's there, you just have to believe it!

Until next time, God bless!!!  :)