Journaling

I have been wanting to write about this for a very long time, as it has been key to my success. Journaling is a word that a lot of people cringe at, for many different reasons. Some of the reasons that people have given me are: 1. Afraid to see what they are eating. Here's the beauty, weather or not you are aware of what you are putting in your body, not writing it down does not take it away. If you ate it you ate it. 2. It takes too much time. Losing weight takes a lot of time too, perhaps if I had journaled when my doctors told me to 20 years ago, I would not have a need for a "my journey" blog. 3. I just don't see how it would help. Seeing what you put in your body creates both an awareness, and accountability factor.

When I first began my journey, I was not journaling, and not aware of what I was still putting in my body even though I had cut out a lot of things. For instance, liquid... The silent diet killer. Many of us do not think of liquid calories because we are not eating them. I was definitely in this category, I had cut out most junk food but was hanging on to my soda. I did not think about the calories in this because I was only focused on food. Another silent diet killer, spices & condiments. There are a lot of spices and condiments that do contain calories, fat, sodium, and other things we don't normally think about. It wasn't until I began journaling that I became aware of this. I was finally able to see something that I could not deny or justify, it was what it was. Now that I could see what exactly I was doing to myself it made it easier to see where I needed to adjust. To this day it still helps, because lets face it... sometimes we think things are a good idea, until hind sight smacks us in the face. That is ok, because once we've been smacked  we usually won't make the same mistake twice, at least I hope.

I am a firm believer that journaling is essential in any lifestyle, not just for those trying to lose weight. I think that weather you are trying to lose, gain, maintain, or just be healthy, you should know what you are eating. I will probably journal until the day I die. Now lets not be ridiculous, there are times when journaling is not really feasible, i.e. parties, buffet's, etc... it is nearly impossible in these situations because you don't know exactly what went into a dish or how it was prepared. Sometimes and I stress sometimes ,it is ok to have a day when you don't log (vacation), one day did not make anyone fat or unhealthy, it is ok to live a little.

I keep my food journal on the computer at Calorie Count, I like using this form of journaling because it has other tools to further help me determine the quality of my nutrition. It gives the lows and highs of foods, and also helps me know if I am consuming enough or too much of a certain nutrient.  In addition it helps me to find info on certain foods that may not come with a nutrition label (produce, and meat). There have been times when I could not get to the computer and a piece of paper did just fine. My grandmother for instance, does all of hers in a notebook. She says it is fun to her, kind of like a little game. I have to agree with her, I spend my calories like I spend money, I want the most bang for my buck! Contrary to what people think, journaling does not have to be torturous or boring.

These are just my thoughts and feelings on the subject, I would never want to derail anything that may be working for someone else. I do feel that no matter what diet you are on or what lifestyle changes you are making, that journaling is just another essential piece of the puzzle. Awareness is power in this battle. Good luck to all of you, no matter what your journey may be, or the method you choose, anything is possible.

In closing, I have another recipe for you all... have a great week & ENJOY!

Greek Beef & Orzo

Confessions of a Slacker....

Ok, so I have been slacking a little on this blog and commenting on the blogs I follow . Mind you, it has not been intentional, things have just been crazy busy this week. I am still trying to figure out if I a coming or going at this point. I think that this summer is going to be quite full of busy, so what I need to do is sit down and figure out how to fit every little thing I want to do into 24 little hours. Seriously as much as I will probably regret saying this, I kind of wish that the day was a little longer just so that I could do everything. It seems the older I get, the shorter the days become. Does anyone else feel this way?? Today I will commit to blogging at least 3 days a week, and commenting on the blogs I follow the same 3 days.

I have also been slacking in regard to exercise. I haven't done my Zumba in about 2 or 3 weeks, gosh that's bad I can't even remember. I have been doing plenty to stay active, but I really need to get back to the on purpose exercise. I felt so much better when I was doing it. Really there is no excuse, just my lack of motivation. Time is only a small piece because honestly I could probably make time. Today I will commit to making time for Zumba, or any other form of on purpose exercise at least 3 days a week.

I have been slacking a tad on my nutrition, I am still within my calorie range but am not eating the things that I know are the best for me. Especially where snacks are concerned. Too much on the go, and being above 100 degrees lately I have fallen victim to the Ice Cream Monster. Today I will commit to only eating Ice Cream on the weekends, instead I will eat my much more nutritious yogurt creamies when I am craving the monster.

Whew.... now that I got that all out on the table, I feel much better, and feel it is time to move on. I had the best experience on Friday.  We were shopping at a local thrift shop for some work shoes my hubby needed. I decided that I would just go see what they had on the rack for me (usually nothing). To my surprise I found some jeans that were a size 26, decided to try them on not thinking I would have any luck... Well, they fit!!! This excited me so, because my clothes are getting too big at such an alarming rate, the thought of spending $30 on a pair of jeans that would only fit for a month or two was kind of frightening. I have decided that from now on (at least until I can get 6 months out of my clothes) I am going to buy my pants at the thrift store. They look brand new and are only a fraction of the cost. I got 2 pair for $9. This is not the most exciting part though... When we were checking out, the woman at the register looks at me and says "I don't mean to be rude, but how much weight have you lost?" I was shocked that she knew and wondered how she knew, but proudly I told her 174 pounds. Her eyes welled up with tears and she told me that I was beautiful and so inspiring to her. She asked how I did it because she has been trying without any luck. I talked to her for a few minutes and then gave her my phone number. This is exactly what I hoped being open about my journey would accomplish. I want to give hope to those who feel that it is not possible, to let them know that they are not alone. I really hope that she uses that phone number, I am looking forward to supporting her in any way that I can. On the downside, I now know that other people can see my sagging skin, that is the only way I can figure that she knew I lost weight. (you can't see it but I am frowning at that thought).

Okay, so to not overwhelm you with all the thoughts floating through my head, I am going to end here for now. As promised though, I have another tasty recipe to share with you.... Anyone craving a healthier Asian dish???

Asian Beef & Peas
So So Good