Saw this today and it is perfect.  I am altering my lifestyle so this won't happen

 

 

So, today is my 36^th Birthday.  I am so happy that I have started my weight loss journey because I keep hearing that the older I get the slower my metabolism gets.  It's not exactly speedy right now so God help me when it slows. Although, according to the above cartoon I may just eat too much and not exercise ;)  At the weigh in on Saturday I was down 8.2 pounds!!!!! To say I was excited is an understatement.  You know what made it even better? All of my friends, family and co-workers being excited and proud with me.  It's a great feeling to know that what you are doing is working.  I've been really great with dieting and I'm excited to start working out so next month should, hopefully, be as great.  Just have to keep on the path and I know I will be successful. 

Winter Fun – Staying Fit in the Frozen Tundra That is Ohio

 

 

I know I need to work out; not just to lose weight but to be healthier.  The problem is that I hate the gym.  It's boring and I just can't seem to make myself go.  My wonderful friend Pammie follows Lake Metroparks on their Facebook page.  They posted a spontaneous winter gorge hike at Penitentiary Glen for this past Sunday.  We went and it was awesome. 

 

Here's the thing, anyone could do this.  It was not super strenuous even for a first time snow shoer like me.   There are 141 steps so that's not super fun but definitely doable.  The best part is that I got a great work out, beautiful pictures and had a blast with my friend. 

 

Check out their page and trust me, this is way better than the gym. 

Portion Control for the Lazy Person (AKA Me)

 

 

I'm not sure if you have heard of Bento Boxes or Laptop Lunches, but it has been my obsession for over a year now.  (If you haven't, check them out here) The premise is that they help you pack nutritious meals by having the containers pre-portioned out and assigned to each food category.   Very cool idea.  The issue is that I am cheap and they are not.  However, where there's a will, there's a way.

 

A wonderful person gave me an entire box full of Rubbermaid containers.  While I had thought of using them before I prefer to buy my containers at the Dollar Tree (I'm cheap remember).  Well I can firmly say that these are worth the investment and I wish I would have done this a while ago.  Not only do the containers snap together but they have measurements on the side.  It has lessened my dependency on my beloved measuring cups and spoons immensely.  There are three different sizes as well.  I can now pack my salad and have everything separate for maximum enjoyment.  (I cannot STAND to have my food touching prior to eating it.  Plus, nobody enjoys soggy lettuce) 

 

Since I believe the key to success is portion control I highly recommend these happy little containers.  They definitely are helping me and hopefully I'll see the proof at the next weigh in. 

 

A "Handy" Guide to Portion Control

 

 

 

One of the biggest issues I have when trying to eat healthier is portion control. I do fairly well at home because I always have my measuring cups, but when I'm out, that's a whole other story.  I would love to be able to bring my measuring cups and food scale to a restaurant but really?! I do not want the whole place thinking that something is seriously wrong with me.  (if you do this, you are my hero)

That's where the "Handy" guide comes in.  It's a great way to ensure you are keeping your portions under control without whipping out measuring tools at the table. Plus the article below has some other great tips on portion control.  I have listed some below.

 

Don't eat from the bag.

We all would like to think that 1 bag = 1 serving, knowing full well that it's not.  Also, as a note to myself, eating an entire large bag of Lays is NOT okay.  My defense was that they were Baked Lays so they're better for me; this would be a lie.

 

Serve food in smaller plates.

This is the best thing I've learned in a while.  I eat so much less because I still fill up my plate; it's just less of a plate to fill. 

 

Keep serving dishes on the counter instead of at the table. This will force you to get up for you to get seconds.

Unless you are me.  I have to immediately portion it out and put it in the fridge.  I have no problem standing over the stove taking "one more bite". I am however entirely too lazy to warm the food back up. 

 

If you're hungry between meals, eat a healthy high-fiber snack such as fruit, salad or broth-based soup

True statement but I prefer a cheese stick and some pretzels.  It's my go to snack and I always feel like I'm getting a special treat. An apple doesn't have that same effect on me. 

 

Visit the below sites when you get a chance and check out the articles.  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going for a fist of ice cream :)

 

Sources:

 

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/keeping-track-diet-portions-the-easy-way.html

www.365daystoweightloss.com