I was amazed at the length of this list! I tried and tried to come up with a twentieth habit to make it a nice round number. I'm sure there is one, but it's Friday afternoon, and my brain just won't cooperate. So, without further ado, my list:
THE THREE BIGGIES
- I log everything I eat. Everything. And I stick to my daily calorie target whenever possible. I used to think of journaling as a temporary tool, but now I think it's something I need - and want - to continue.
- I work out on the treadmill first thing every morning. Even days when I wake up late and think I only have 10 minutes. Once I'm on it, I always seem to have more time than I realized.
- I plan meals ahead of time. I choose three healthy meals per week and add the appropriate ingredients to our regular shopping list. Between leftover nights, an occasional meal out/take-out, and perhaps an old favorite, three has been plenty.
And the other sixteen:
Eating In
- I monitor my serving sizes very carefully.
- I eat most of my meals sitting at the kitchen table.
- I eat my meals off of small "salad-sized" plates.
- I just don't dine out as often! And almost never have fast food.
- When possible, I check nutritional information online and make my choices before I get there.
- I eat half of the entree - at most - and bring the rest home for another meal.
- I bring a healthy frozen lunch into work every day.
- I bring two or three healthy snacks to work and ONLY eat those things - and my lunch - during the day.
- I go for a walk after lunch almost every day.
Getting that bit of extra movement in during the day.
- I alternate ten minutes of strength training or yoga (using Wii Fit!) on an almost-daily basis.
- I walk down the driveway to get my newspaper and mail, rather than pick them up from the car window.
- I walk around the halls at work while my lunch heats up in the microwave.
- I park far away from my destination, even when closer parking spots are available.
A few really nasty behaviors that I've managed to get away from.
- I no longer go to the cafeteria and buy a breakfast sandwich as soon as I get to work
- I no longer drink sugary soda (Mountain Dew!) to get my daily caffeine fix
- I no longer snack mindlessly in front of the television
WOW Sue! Sounds like you are very very disciplined and that is why it has paid off for you. I was more disciplined in the beginning I am afraid. I still journal almost every day and do plan out some of my meals but my life has us eating out a lot at least 2-3 times a week so that makes it challenging. I have maintained my 30 lb loss so far but I still want to lose another 10 lbs so it's hard.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorrie - It definitely helps that we don't eat out as much. But our typical "dining out" experiences almost always included the kids, so it's easier to skip, oh, say, Friendly's, than nicer restaurants!
ReplyDeleteI'm already dreaming of Hen of the Wood in a couple of weeks when we have visitors and are getting a sitter. Such delicious, high quality food. I expect I won't be completely "good" that night, but I'll try to be disciplined in the days before and after.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI mentioned my big change in one of my comments already ... dive in the fridge the moment I would get home !! BAD, BAD, BAD !!!
That's over with and has been for a while. For the rest I follow your lead and I am grateful for how well is working out so far. THANKS!!
This is a really helpful list - I realize it's all things we covered in the course (except for the number of meals cooked per week, which actually seems workable to me - planning out 7 days just isn't, for me). And bringing a frozen entree to work plus a snack and sticking to them - that's a biggie for me. When I successfully lost a few years ago I ate a not so healthy dried noodle dish at work every day and it was still better than going to the cafeteria. SO here goes - you've inspired me - I'm making that part of the plan.
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