The Holidays are Ruining Everything!

I don't want to sound like I am complaining and surely I don't mean to put blame elsewhere but, really the holidays are ruining everything. From taking time out of my busy schedule to entertain, be entertained, shop, wrap, clean--the chores and activities are beyond doubled and it is taking time from the gym. In addition to the time I am losing at the gym I am being tempted by rich desserts, cocktails and delectable appetizers and full meals. I try to tell myself I am getting a workout while shopping but we all know that is not the same as walking on a treadmill or elliptical. It definitely can't compare to Zumba-but I haven't started that so I guess there is no need to compare anything to Zumba. My upcoming plans at the gym do include Zumba and I truly look forward to watching the weight fall off once I get started. For now I need to be stronger and watch out for the bakers, chefs and most importantly the bartenders. Just one more week until I can return to normalcy. I know the new year is coming but it is just one night of drinking that I have to worry about, I think I can do that. Let me take that back--I know I can do that.

Get Rid of the Sugar

One thing I learned a while back is to get the sugar out of your diet. I read This is Why You Are Fat . . .
by Jackie Warner and her recommendation is to read your labels and DON'T eat anything with more than 8 grams of sugar. This is not easy, but I do read my labels and watch for that. Even John reads the labels for me. By removing the sugar from your diet you remove the cravings for sweet things. Well, you might still want your sweetie around but you are less likely to walk past the bakery and crave those pastries. I am just past a week into my diet and I am already losing the urge. It definitely makes dieting easier. Sugar is one of the most harmful ingredients in our foods. I'm not going to go look up what Jackie says--you can do that. Just remember to watch your sugar.

I'm Still Hungry!

Today I am doing very good on my diet but, I am still hungry. I hate this because I really don't want to be tested and/or tempted. I could be wrong but I think this feeling comes because I ate more starches this morning. I had scrambled egg on an English muffin and then I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I know, I know, I should not have had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. But, let me assure you I did not have sugar filled jelly. I had Paloner's All Fruit Jelly and it only has 35 calories. I think it is all that bread. I really do.
Anyway, I vowed to not have starch at dinner. John called to see what I wanted with our steaks tonight. I said, "vegetables but, no potatoes." I come home and he is making mashed rutabagas. My mother has made them for Thanksgiving and Christmas every year that I can remember and I never ate them. When I entered the house I could smell them and I wanted to cringe. I immediately told him how they were probably just as bad as potatoes and he let me know he already checked and they are not. Then I said they were probably filled with carbs. He told me he did not know but he was sure I could look it up--which I was already opening the computer to find out. To my surprise they only had 11 carbs to a potatoes 30 carbs. I was losing the battle and being hungry as an ox I decided to try them. They really weren't bad. In fact I wouldn't mind substituting them more often if they are better for you. I need to do a little research on them to make sure I am not making a mistake.
Fortunately I have room--calorie wise--for some fresh pineapple and some 60 calorie chocolate pudding. I'm still hungry but I am trying to fill myself with water so I don't feel the hunger pangs. I'm sure, once I shrink this oversized stomach I will not feel this when I eat properly. At least it isn't horrible hunger pangs, just little ones.
Tomorrow is a new day and marks a full week and I intend to stick this out.