Time to Eat Healthy - Trying to Love It and Live It!

by Cindy R. Williams

It is time. The time I have put off again and again and again because I really, really, really don't want to do it. Yes, it is time for new and improved eating habits.  I say this instead of "diet" because I truly believe diet is a dirty four letter word.

I started Tuesday, September 11, 2012. A good day to start really because September 11 is a somber day when we remember the horror of the Twin Towers. A moment of reverent silence for those lost . . . . . . . . . .

You may think it a bit odd to start in the middle of the week, but it really was now or never. I finally felt emotionally ready.

I spent the prior weekend planning and working out my eating program. I combined Weight Watchers and a program called "Thrive."  Weight Watchers is one of the healthiest weight management programs around, but I'm struggling with it. I haven't been successful of late, trying to work it into my daily life. I need more structure right now, so in comes "Thrive."

My sister's husband's brother and sister-in-law - did you follow that? -  used the "Thrive" program three years ago and each lost more than 100 pounds. They've kept it off and both are now "skinnies." 

My sister emailed me a copy of the program, but . . . as my own thin husband said when he looked it over, "Somethings wrong with this."

"What? It's exactly what they sent me," I asked concerned.

He then replied, "There isn't anything to eat." 

Well he's right , that is if you are accustomed to eating roasts,  spaghetti and meat balls, sausage and gravy on biscuits, home made bread with whipped butter and berry jam, root beer, brownies, cakes and a mega bowl of ice cream before bed.

I thought about what he said and looked the program over. I found I agreed with him, so I added low fat items that I enjoy and made it more of a "moderation in all things."  That term sound familiar?

I formatted it so that I could print out the various categories on recipe cards. "Thrive" has you choose three of the five categories of foods each week, so I wanted to be able to group the different categories together.

I spent about four hours Tuesday morning shopping, organizing two fridges, cupboards and the utility pantry so that I was all set up for success.

I weighed and measured myself, then patted myself on the back for choosing to do something about this. (Better than beating myself up for allowing the weight to creep on.)

I made it through Tuesday, and actually found that I slept better than I had in a long time. The hardest thing so far has been breaking the habit of getting a snack when I take a break from writing or when I finish a chore around the house, and . . . the deadly eating when I am bored.

At one point I was sooooo hungry and tempted to grab a granola bar (granola bars can't be added in for a few weeks.)  I dug my heals in and stuck with it and had a cup of green beans and a cup of sugar free jello.  P-U-L-E-A-S-E!

Second day, I found I wasn't really hungry. I mean, nothing I was allowed to eat sounded good to me, so I made myself eat a veggie loaded salad and drink the required 12 cups of water.

Third day, I made some stuffed green peppers, filled with ground turkey, chopped green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and some seasonings. They turned out yummy and were filling. I made enough for three days. Okay, I think I can do this.

Fourth day is Friday - night out with my husband. I'm still at the beginning stages so all fired up. We went to see 2016 - eye opener for sure. I took a few things with me that are on my program and ignored the theater popcorn - my fav.

I'm home now finishing this blog and STARVING! I'm planning on eating a delicious and oh so filling - NOT! - bowl of beets in balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, and a few bites of my leftover stuffed green pepper along with three to four cups of water. See, I really am serious THIS TIME. Big sigh . . . "this time." I  really want it to be my last time.

Reality, though, is that it's going to be a long road . . . One day at time, and so far I'm on day five. My clothes still fit the same, but I do feel healthier.

My plan is to live and somehow love it until my birthday, November 6. Then re-evaluate and tweak my program including setting new goals.

Anyone want to start a losing weight program with me?  The more the merrier, or is it misery loves company? ;o)