Saturday, June 12, 2010

Re-Directing Your Original Desire - A parenting trick

This morning after reading a bunch of books with my daughter Caitlin, she reminded me she needs to eat. "Mommy, I'm hungry. Can I have some cheese monkeys?" (that is Eric's code for cheese puffs, the most processed food we have in the house.)

I said, "Caitlin, let's have some fruit salad!"

"No Mommy, I want cheese monkeys."

I opened the fridge and pulled out the bowl of fruit salad, then said, "Hey Caitlin, what if we have some fruit salad in a beautiful glass dish?"

"Ooh, ok Mommy."

As I filled her dish, she stood on her tip toes. "Grapes, lots of grapes!" so instead of the junk food she had what I preferred she have.

Our inner desire is a lot like my three year old. We want what we want. But when presented with an alternative we can be swayed, and sometimes putting it in a pretty dish can make the difference.

Eat Well,
Jennifer

Monday, June 7, 2010

Back On Track

Today I got up at 5:40 and slipped into my gym clothes. Packed my work clothes in a bag and hightailed it out of Antioch before the morning gridlock.

I stopped in Lafayette at the grocery store. I skipped Peet's to save time and temptation. At the grocery store I didn't use a basket, so I was limited to what I could carry. I got Blueberries, Romaine Lettuce, Broccoli and Carrots, an Apple an Avocado, and a can of Butternut Squash Soup (200 calories) by Amy's Organic. With healthy food in toe made it through the tunnel and into the gym lot just after 7.

Elliptical machine for 30 minutes, went 6 miles an hour, walked 3 miles and burned 400 calories.

Then oatmeal for breakfast with handful of blueberries.

An apple for a snack around 10.

Lunch was 6" Veggie Delight from Subway (yes to all veggies on whole wheat no to cheese, dressings etc) I added 1/2 the avocado and a splash of balsamic vinegar (5 calories) with a bowl of soup.

Dinner was amazing - salad with cucumbers and homemade stew with carrots, onion, tomato, celery, and red meat -- which I needed because I hadn't had enough protein. (thank you Eric, you are amazing)

Then I had a banana and a few small squares of dark chocolate for dessert.

Feel like I had a good day full of lots of healthy choices...thought I'd share and see if anyone else is trying to get re-motivated.

Already planning on walking at the gym tomorrow and have my gym clothes in the dryer ready for round 2.

Jen

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Joy of Healthy Eating

Life is easier when we make good choices without having to think about it too hard.

Trying to lose weight by thinking about all the things to do or not do to reach your goal is a full time job.

Over the past few weeks, I have unplugged a bit -- and I am finding that my cravings have been evolving toward healthier choices. Yes, I still crave ice cream and cookies, but more often I am craving fresh fruit and veggies.

This shift toward thinking about building these good choices into my day is making my life easier.

On the exercise front, I have started working on a variation of the Wall Sit, but I rest one foot on my knee, so I am doing a one leg version. It is good to search for new ways to challenge yourself as you grow.