I’ve been watching a little television (I’m home this week), and it’s amazing how many ads there are for diets and exercise equipment. Of course, each offers more amazing results than the last.

I’m not saying that these don’t work. It’s probably just the opposite, really. I bet most of them work, if you stick to it. But that’s the kicker, isn’t it? You know if you lift weights, job, bike, or completely change your eating habits you’ll lose weight and get fit. It’ll be your dream come true, right?

Sure, I know that too, but the problem is, it’s easier said than done. I know that I should snack on raw veggies, but chocolate TASTES better. I know that I should be walking on the treadmill, but what I want to do is kick back and relax. I bet you’re the same. Most people are. We want to do what’s fun, and dieting and exercise just aren’t. Continue reading →

So, how did the first week go? If you’re like me, you may have reached for seconds almost without thinking. I think I made it to the kitchen once or twice before it dawned on me that I had committed to not having seconds.

You know what? I didn’t feel deprived even once this week. Of course, all I did was avoid seconds. No dieting, no deprivation, just a small dose of common sense. How did it work for you? If you tried the week of no second helpings, how did you do? Are you going to continue on with it?

As for me, I will. It was just too easy not to stick with.

Christmas is here, and so is the food! No, I’m not going to even suggest that you pass on the holiday favorites. I’m not going to, and I’m not going to ask anyone else to either.

For this week, let’s resolve to eat only healthy snacks. If I eat between meals or after dinner, I’m going to limit my snacking to fruits, vegetables, or something equally healthy. Fruit salad is one of our favorites for the holidays, so i’ll be eating that and passing on the chips, dip, and leftover desserts.

What do we do about last week’s habit? Continue reading →

So, we’ve spent the day going without seconds. How did it go for you?

One thing I’ve learned through many diets is that I’m most definitely an emotional eater. When I stressed or upset, I reach for comfort foods, which could be sweets or salty snacks for me.

I started the no seconds habit yesterday, and one thing I’ve already noticed is that I tend to reach for seconds purely out of habit. No, I’m not hungry. I may not even be all that enamored of the meal itself. Still, I reach for seconds anyway, without even thinking.

Today and yesterday, I reminded myself not to do that, and you know what I noticed? I don’t feel deprived; after all, I ate what I wanted. I didn’t even reduce my portion sizes, but I didn’t increase them either! I served up what’s normal for me, and that was it. So far, sounds pretty easy, right?

Maybe. Two days does not a habit make, but passing on second helpings doesn’t seem like it will be a terribly painful way to reduce calories.

Each week, I’m going to announce a new habit to try to either get in more exercise or improve eating habits. I’m going to try each for a week and then decide whether I think it will be beneficial to continue it.

I’m hoping that this will be a simple technique to aid in weight loss. Continue reading →