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Okay, I admit I gained two pounds over the holidays. I’ve added them to the three pounds I’ve put on my backside this past year. Mind you, I’m not particularly overweight. I'm 5’2” tall, and I weigh 127 pounds. I already have a fitness routine, so losing five pounds can be difficult. I really have to watch those calories.
So what will I do to lose those pesky five pounds? After many years as a Weight Watchers fan, I find the following works well for me:
- Keeping a food journal gives me a solid picture of where I’ve gone astray. I get a grip on portion sizes, and a reminder of how many calories are in my favorite foods. I use a small notebook, but there are several free websites that will help you track calories and exercise. Some also include menu planners. Here are a few of my favorites:
Fit Day
MyPyramid
Spark People
Calorie Count
- Stocking the refrigerator with healthy snacks. String cheese, raw nuts and seeds, fruits and veggies, yogurt, etc. I take unhealthy snack foods to work to share with my coworkers, or I donate unopened items to my local food bank.
- I make a meal plan for the week. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but in the long run it’s a huge time saver. I don’t have to worry about what’s on the menu, and I don’t have to run to the store to get something to make after work. I have everything I need in the refrigerator and pantry because I’ve shopped for the week using the grocery list I’ve made from my meal plan.
- Learn how to lighten up your meals. Simple changes can really shave unnecessary calories and fat from your meals. You can find my cooking suggestions on my blog page Lighten Up! 10 Tips to Lighten Up Your Recipes.
- I’m committed to a fitness route. If you don’t already exercise, start with 30 minutes a day, three to five days a week. Get your doctor’s approval if you have any health issues.
In the end, it’s all about making that commitment to change some bad eating habits, and form good ones. What usually motivates me to drop a few pounds is seeing the number on the scale rise, my pants get tighter, and feeling like a slug because I’m not getting the proper nutrition in my diet.
I’m off to start a meal plan for the week. I hope my experiences are helpful to you. If you’re looking for light and healthy recipes here are a few favorite blogs that focus on light and healthy cooking, including my blog, Mother Rimmy’s Cooking Light Done Right:
- Gina’s WW Recipes
- Fight The Fat Foodie
- Cheap Healthy Good
- Family Fresh Cooking
- A Veggie Venture
- Cooking Light