Tips & Miscellaneous ideas

*Cousins make the world go round

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

Happy Weigh Day!

I was excited to get on the scales today as I had been very committed to the daily habits of my new lifestyle.  This week I still had a loss in both inches and on the scales.  My goal was 3 pounds but I ended up with roughly half of that and my inches were down 1 off of my waist.  I am still on track for my overall goals with last week and this week combined so I am rejoicing in the feeling of energy and vitality.

Several email questions for the week have been about how I keep track of my eating, water intake, do I count calories or points, and I thought today would be a great day to address those questions.

I have a big 3-ring binder that I keep everything in.  I divided it into sections based on weekly food plan, the recipes for the week so I can make out my grocery list, and things I'd like to cook.  The very first page of my binder I have a photo of myself (my smiling face) with a slimmer body under it.  I read in one of my research books that if you have been heavier for awhile it's hard to see yourself thinner.  By seeing yourself thinner you internally begin to see yourself thinner and a inside and outside transformation is made.

In the front inside sleeve of the binder I have my Weekly (Sun - Saturday) food log.  It's something I made up and is simple.  It has 3 meals, water intake, snacks, & exercise minutes.  One thing I have learned throughout the Meltdown is that for me to be personally accountable each and every day regarding food is the number one key to my weekly success on the scale.  The other key is 6 days a week of exercise but I have already touched on that this week AND last so enough said on that subject:)

I use to be an emotional eater and through the food log I discovered triggers that would set the downward spiral into action.  The first thing I found out is that in order to keep my blood sugar and energy level at prime, I need to fuel my body with breakfast and 3 hours later I need a fruit or a snack.  I eat a light lunch and have a snack again around 3 p.m.  It helps me not feel famished when I get home, I can get supper fixed for the little cowboy and not be tempted to snack on a bad choice.  I then exercise while he is eating and I eat about an hour after I exercise. 
I have found that I now eat to fuel my body and I am not eating to fuel my emotions and using food as a buffer.  The exercise 6 days a week has lowered my stress level and there's nothing that can replace the feeling of being in control of your eating, your exercise, and your lifestyle.

Have an abundantly blessed weekend ~ Stephanie