I’m on day 22 of my healthy eating plan. I’m happy to report that I’ve really stuck to it, and it’s paid off. I’m down 10 lbs, and starting to notice a little change in my appearance and how my clothes fit.
I’ve eaten out two times. Once was the Mother’s Day Brunch I told you about, and the second was after our trip to IKEA. I had a grilled chicken pita, and a few french fries, but then had my protein shake for dinner, so I felt good. No other fast food/drive-thru eating for me! This is a huge change. It was just so convenient to grab something and scarf it down in the car. Especially when there are two little munchkins wanting to eat whatever you have.
So what have I been eating? Well, I have an English muffin or toast with a serving of fruit spread for breakfast, sometimes with a banana. I then have a snack of a protein bar a couple of hours later. I’ve been sticking to either having my protein shake for lunch or dinner. In my shake, I usually add some peanut butter powder (which is awesome!) and/or banana. Which ever meal I don’t have the shake for, I usually eat a turkey or ham sandwich on whole wheat bread with a slice of reduced fat cheese. I also have a serving of low-calorie chips. I then have another snack a couple of hours later. Sometimes it’s another protein bar, sometimes vegetables, or sometimes popcorn. My husband is nice enough to pop me some at night, or I just use the microwave kind. I know it’s not the best, but it’s easy and very low-calorie, when I need a salty snack.
When I go to my weekly Ballet class (more on that in a future post,) I eat my shake for lunch, then have “real” food for dinner right before. That way I don’t run out of steam half-way through the class.
Speaking of Ballet, that’s the only set exercise I’ve been doing each week until yesterday. With the reduction in calories in my diet, I just haven’t had enough energy until recently. Yesterday, I did a Yoga DVD, and today I did another DVD with weights.
Even though I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it, I’m not going to lie to you. It’s been HARD. I’m hungry a lot of the time, and sometimes by the end of the day, I get pretty cranky. I know I need to drink more water, which will help with the hunger, so I’m working on it. I’ve also been really good about taking my vitamins.
So what am I missing? I definitely missing variety in my diet. Right now I stick to these few options because I know the calorie count and it’s easy. Once I’ve gotten more used to the amount of calories I can eat a day, I will start experimenting more.
I’m also missing DESSERT! As part of my old routine, I would eat dinner after the twins went to bed, then get some dessert and settle in for a show on Netflix. Now, I eat before the twins to bed, and it’s just me watching my show. No ice cream. No cookies. No cake.
I know they say it takes a while for a change to become a habit, so I’ll let you know when I’m not desperate for dessert anymore. Or french fries.
Until then, here’s some of the products I’ve been eating. These are my own recommendations, but if you click-through the picture and purchase, I do get a little something from Amazon. 🙂
Added to a shake…yum! These almost make me forget dessert….almost.
Ugh, I could never go without french fries! They’re my absolute favorite! Congrats on all the progress you’ve made, though! 10 pounds is so impressive! Keep it up!
xo, Caitlin
And Possibly Dinosaurs
Thank you Caitlin! It is hard!!!
Wow, good for you sticking out to your healthy eating plan and all the weight you’ve lost. Food is my weakness but I know I have to keep my weight in check so it doesn’t worsen the joint condition I already have. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I’m trying to manage back pain too, but so far it hasn’t helped yet. Guess I need to lose a little more. 😉
Congratulations! Losing 10 pounds makes such a difference, I know 🙂
Thank you so much!
Why don’t you start incorporating more variety? Sandwiches though great in a crunch aren’t exactly known to be the most bang for your buck. Introduce some salads, brown rice, quinoia! Don’t fear the occasional pasta dish. Everything in moderation and try to aim for foods that offer low calories and high volume which will 9 out of ten times be veggies! Don’t fear carbs, I made that mistake! But good to you for sticking with your new approach on eating!
I have been also adding salads…forgot to add that in. But, the other suggestions are great…thank you!
Congratulations on the great progress you’ve made thus far!!
Thank you so much!
Wow-great job! 10 pounds down is so awesome! There are so many fantastic healthy options out there for once you’re more comfortable to venture out, I think you’ll find plenty of stuff you like. When I’m counting calories I never count fruits or veggies. I need a ton of them anyway and without counting them, I eat a lot without taking from my calories for other things. I try not to eat after 9pm (so hard!), but I usually have a “treat” around 8:30. It’s usually toast with either peanut butter or almond butter with chocolate chips. That way, I feel like I’m kind of getting a dessert. I gave up ice cream every night about a year ago, I know it’s hard, but now when I do have it, I savor it. Good luck!! I’m looking forward to hearing about your continued progress!!
Thank you so much! I like the idea of never counting fruits and veggies…sounds good to me!
Congrats! That’s awesome. I often eat the same things every day because I know they are healthy and it’s easier than having to think. I don’t really count calories (especially now that I’m pregnant), but I just try to fill myself up with fruits and veggies as much as I can and avoid all the processed stuff.
Contrats on your switch to healthier eating! I’m betting the longer you go, the more those cravings will go away.
I just decided this morning to cut gluten from my diet after living forever with stomach pain. I thought maybe this will help get me past the constant struggle with tummy troubles. I didn’t plan well since I decided on the way to work but I say whatever gets you healthier and makes you happy is worth it. Congrats on the new lifestyle and keep the faith. I am sure as you continue you will find other foods to add variety. 🙂
Congrats on reaching 22 days and counting. I love that you call this a healthy eating plan and not a diet as that makes me think long term, not short term fix (as offered by numerous people on FB and IG feed it would seem). I am trying to get back on track with my own diet and exercise so thanks for a little extra motivation 🙂
Thanks Sue!
You had me until you said ‘no french fries’. I just… I don’t… anything but the french fries!!
Seriously though, congrats on the 10 lb loss and for sticking with it this far. You’re doing great, Shann 🙂
You’re quite an inspiration! I’ve been battling 10 lbs up and down for a while now. You have to really want it and have to stick with it. Keep it up, mama!
Thank you Kathy!
Good for you! It sounds like you’re working hard and paying close attention to what you need. It sounds hard, but it sounds like you’re dominating! I bet the more you progress, the more variety you’ll come up with and feel confident in. And I’m so interested in the ballet class thing…I’ve thought of doing that as a non-dancing adult before, maybe I’ll have to consider it more seriously. 🙂
Thank you Brooke! I’ll tell you more about the Ballet Class in a future post, so stay tuned!
Wow, that’s some great discipline! Congratulations on the weight loss. I’d love to be more disciplined about my diet too. It’s hard when unhealthy things are so convenient.
Yes! They need to have more healthy options out there for us moms on the go. Thanks for reading!
Get it girl! This is awesome! I am trying to be healthier, but I am having a super hard time! It is inspiring to know that someone else is in the same boat with me! Great post!
Thank you! I’m here if you need support!