Despite of all this "deliciousness" as Nathan would say, I have made some changes lately that have helped me to feel healthier. I have started bringing a huge bag of groceries to work. If anyone remembers me from my previous job, it feels just like old times.
In my bag this morning:
-full fat cottage cheese with strawberries, an apple, a banana, a tortilla with refried beans and corn, a packet of oatmeal, and a jar of peanut butter.
This line-up of food keeps me from getting hungry when I'm at work and it also makes me feel good. With the cottage cheese, refried beans and peanut butter, I get dairy, protein and fat. The strawberries, apple, and banana satisfy my sugar cravings and knock off three servings of fruit. And the tortilla and oatmeal satisfy my grain servings.
I know, I know...I need a vegetable and corn doesn't count. But all in all, I feel pretty pleased with my breakfasts/lunches.
In addition to bringing food to work, I've also tried to make a habit of walking the 1.5 miles back home. Unfortunately, this task is more difficult than I would like. Let's just say Syracuse, NY is not a fun place to be in January. Yesterday, I walked home in what felt like 10 degree weather, with the wind blowing smack in my face. But regardless, I have been walking home about 2-3 times per week, and it feels good to get some exercise.
And last but not least, today marks day three of quitting cigarettes. It hasn't been easy, but my lungs feel a lot better even after such a short time period.
Despite all of these "small" improvements, this morning I pulled on a pair of jeans and they felt TIGHT. I told Nathan that we need to buy a scale (the old scale somehow ended up in a trash can in Richmond) and he said no, that I don't need a scale in the house. While I somewhat agree (I did become borderline obsessive with the scale last time), I would like a way to monitor my progress. From what I can tell, I should be maintaining right now. Although I sometimes overdo it at dinner, my meals throughout the day are healthy and balanced. And I'm getting in some exercise. I think that my weight (should) be holding steady. But on the other hand, I really don't know.
I keep having these dreams where I go to a WW center and weigh in. The other night, I weighed 160 (huge sigh of relief) but sometimes I think I weigh 170. Last time I weighed myself, one month ago, I weighed 165, but I have no idea what I weigh now. Grrr...the suspense is killing me. And before you suggest joining WW again, we REALLY cannot afford that right now. One of the many perks of being a professional writer is trying to live on a minimum wage salary. And come on, you know me, I like my cheese, wine, contacts, dinners out to restaurants, movies, new clothes, hair cuts, etc...way too much to live within my means.
On the other hand, I also enjoy working at a job that doesn't make me want to pull my hair out.
Is it possible to achieve both? And is it possible to eat well and maintain?
Oh, the eternal questions. Well, on that note, have a nice weekend.
Sounds like you're doing great doing what makes you feel good! Keep it and stay warm :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your post. I miss you on the boards.
ReplyDeleteI would try to get a scale-- even when I eat healthy food, I still can let my portions get crazy, and only really notice when I see the negative impact on the scale.
Maybe ask Nathan to hide it from you so that you only weigh in 1x per week, like you are at WW.
Keep up the great work.