Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

[Sarasmiles]

So, for 30 days I've focused on staying sober. I will continue to do so, every day. As part of my "treatment plan", I've also eaten healthy foods. But I've eaten a lot! I've tried to eat lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and some nuts and cheese. It seemed pretty healthy and balanced...Except for the dark chocolate that started out as a treat ("with anti-oxidants!) and has become a daily fix. So, although I haven't gained weight since I stopped drinking, I haven't lost any either.

I'd like to lose 8 - 10 pounds by January. I'd like to do it in a sane, healthy, non-obsessive way; to nourish my body and my mind, but also to slim down enough to fit into clothes I haven't been able to wear in a while. I think the plan will be to basically keep eating that way, but to control portions a bit more, make chocolate a rare treat (can I be moderate about that???) and exercise more.

Does anyone want to join me? Any other ideas for what seems healthy and wholesome? I'd love a team! Sara

[TakeHeart]

Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

I'll join you, Sara.

AND...if you can stay sober, you can certainly kick the chocolate.

Do we have any plan as to how we are going to lose this weight? Maybe we all say what plan we are following then check in with weekly weigh ins...ouch!!

[Sarasmiles]

Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

Great idea, TakeHeart! My plan is similar to "Phase 2" of the South Beach Diet. Phase 1 seems too restrictive for someone who's adjusting to life without alcohol (at least, for this someone!)

Acceptable Foods:

Lean meats, chicken and fish
Eggs
Legumes (lentil soup, humus, beans)
Nuts and seeds (limit of small handful/day)
100% Whole grain bread or tortilla (1 slice/day)
Whole grain, thin crisp crackers ( to dip in humus or have with a little cheese)
Brown Rice (1/2 cup/day)
Steel-cut oats (3/4 cup cooked)
Unlimited low carb vegetables
Fruit (mostly berries)
Low fat cheese (or small portions full fat)
Low fat or fat free yogurt (love "Fage" w/ Splenda, nuts and berries)
Olive oil; other healthy oils
Half and half for coffee (won't give that up!)
Coffee and tea (drink 1/2 caf, limit 2 cups a day)
Lots of water
Diet tonic water (my wine substitute)

Unacceptable Foods:

Sugar (at least until weight is lost, then re-consider moderate/occasional use)
White flour
Potatoes
Fried foods
High fat meats
Processed meats (bacon, salami, etc.)

Exercise:

Daily walks (unless it's pouring) At least 25 minutes. I like to walk in the woods with my dog. I'll run a little bit of the time, too.

Pilates at home, using a great DVD I have of Stott Pilates. Do this at least 4 times a week.

Relaxation:

Deep breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Positive/rational thinking!


Rewards:

For each week I remain AF and stick to my eating/exercise plan, I will reward myself with one thing from this list, spending $3 - $20 :

A new book
A manicure
A nice new pen (love nice pens)
Browse a thrift store for something fun for the house
A pretty new pair of panties
A comfy but sexy t-shirt
A lovely candle
Fresh flowers
A magazine (and lazy time to read it)
A nice moisturizer or bath oil type thing (from Marshalls, or TJMaxx, for my American friends...cheap)
A present to give my boys (anything for them to play with or read is a gift for me)


I start Friday this week. Need to stock up on the right foods, and I can't shop until then. I'm ready! First reward will be next Friday. It won't be based on weight loss, just sticking with the plan. And okay, I guess we could weigh in. How about we just say how much we lost, or gained, or if we stayed the same...no use comparing weights with each other. :H IMHO


Any thoughts?

[JackieClaire]

Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

Hi Sara,

You can take my AL but never my chocolate.

Mr JC joined Slimming world about 2 years ago and lost 75lbs. You can join on-line. Now I sound like a slimming consultant. (I'm not honestly).

It's based on a very low fat diet with a few treats thrown in. It has loads of ordinary recipes and I could cook for all the family rather than just one person.

Although I didn't need to loose weight (far too skinny from substituting AL for food) I still find fatty foods yukky.

Oh and you can't take my cheese either.

Love Jackie xxx

AF since 7/7/2009

[greeneyes]

Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

Sara that sounds like a fabulous plan. Very healthy and well thought out. But I'm no expert.

And I do like my peppermint ice cream.

[work in progress]

Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

Hey Sara, your plan sounds like a solid one, but watch portion control, that's the most important part. Measure your food and count calories.

There was an article in Time magazine recently that basically says that although exersize is important for many health reasons, it doesn't impact weight loss significantly. It's all about the food. The amount of calories it may take to burn 300 calories in a 40 minute aerobics class can we wiped out in 30 seconds by eating a chocolate bar.( you would have burned off 60 calories by just sitting, so the class may only burn only 240 calories, and that's a high estimate) In otherwords, it takes alot more work and time to burn it off than it takes to put something in your mouth.

The article also busted the myth that a pound of muscle burns more calories than a pound of fat. This is true, but the amount is completely insignificant. On the average, a person can convert fat into maybe 5-8 pounds of muscle by weight training. If a pound of muscle burns 6 calories more per day than a pound of fat, than you may be ahead 30-40 calories per day.... one piece of bubble gum per day (or a half of a light beer).

It took me awhile to let this sink in. I realized I was eating more portion wise than I thought I was so I started paying much more attention to what I was eating. Although I still go to my classes, I watch what I eat more. My focus is more 90% food and 10% activity.

I'm with you... Good luck!

[drylifeahead]

Okay, now I want to lose a little weight!

Sarasmiles,

I'm in!!!
I've always been slender..5'6" hovering around 130 lbs.
That is until April. Then I gained 25 of the littles f'ers and don't fit into any of my clothes grrr.

My plan is simply portion control, and watching what I eat. Throw in some exercise and that should do the trick.

Since I've become AF, I've stuck with fresh fruit and veggies, fresh juice and loads of water. I still eat potatoes and meats of course, can not do without, just smaller amounts.

You know...I never drank juice because I hated all the calories in each glass. Funny (not!) how 8 big cans of beer a night never bothered me in the slightest...

DLA