The Challenges of 2010
This year, I am really trying to get healhy. For me, that means losing some weight and exercising more. The losing weight part is a struggle for me because I love to cook. And while I think I eat healthy the majority of the time, I know I eat too much food. When trying to lose weight, I normally try to do it by not cutting out everything unhealthy, just cutting back and trying to eat a little less. But I generally don’t lose much. I am trying to lose 20-25 pounds, and this time I’m doing it differently-I’m counting calories. I figure that even if I don’t do it forever, it gives me a better idea of what I can eat in a day and lose. You know the saying-calories in, calories out. I started on Jan. 1 and I have lost 7 pounds so far.
The struggle that comes with this is what to do with my blog. I have belonged to several cooking groups that I post about-Daring Bakers, Daring Cooks, and our Sunday Whatever (it is now Sunday Slow Suppers). I dearly hate to give those up, but for now I am not following any recipes, I am eating mainly oatmeal and fruit for breakfast, a turkey wrap for lunch, yogurt and fruit for a snack, and fish or chicken, along with vegetables and a salad for dinner. Maybe a little quinoa if I’ve exercised hard that day. Not really anything to put on a food blog. So I”ve posted one recipe since the holidays, and it was one I made over the holidays. I might go back and repost some of the recipes I’ve posted in the past. I’m still not sure. I do know that I’m not too motivated to work on the blog while I’m not cooking, but I don’t want to give it up all-together. So bear with me during this period as I figure things out. And if anyone has any suggestions on what they’d like to see me do, by all means let me know.
Way to go, you!! Good luck on your weight loss goal!
If looking for ideas, you can never go wrong posting photos. I love seeing new areas through the eyes of those who live there. New to me areas, that is…I haven’t been to Alaska, although my mom visited a corner of it on her honeymoon and said it was gorgeous. For some reason, she didn’t take many photos 🙁
right there with you Cindy. It’s difficult to be sure. Good luck on this journey. You can do it.
I think if you’re going to have long term success you’ll need to look for healthy recipes. I think Amy has had the right idea – how can I modify the recipe to make it healthy. If it can’t be modified then don’t make it.
There are few folks out there as food obsessed as I am. I’ve turned my obsession to healthy food choices.
I figure that the reason I’ve gotten fat is because I was making poor food and lifestyle choices for years. Unless I actively work to change THOSE patterns thna no amount of dieting will work in the long term.
Jerry-I think you’re absolutely right. Modify where we can, and skip some things. I’ve been doing well. I know San Diego will be a challenge, but how much weight can you gain in 4 or 5 days?
Cindy, I understand how you feel. I think the idea of converting recipes to be more healthy is a good idea for your blog. That way you will be accomplishing both of your goals – to eat healthy and lose weight and to have material for your blog.
Nancy-Thanks for your encouragement. I’m sure that you’re right in that being the best way to accomplish my goals.
Cindy, you are such an amazing cook–I am SURE you will find your enthusiasm for cooking while still eating healthier. It’s a challenge, bot certainly not an impossible task. And in a few weeks your tastebuds will adjust, and you’ll feel satisfied with less fat and sugar in your food. I’m at the point where I am very slowly adding one off-plan meal a week, and I’m not tempted to go back to my old eating and cooking habits. Feeling good is more satisfying than cake, I promise.
Amy-Thank you so much for the encouragement. You wouldn’t know it from my blog, but I do eat healthy the majority of the time. Always have eaten lots of fish (not fried!), vegetables and fruit. But when I then add the bad for me things, I don’t lose weight. You’ve done such a great job of losing weight, I’m glad you can add back some special things every once in a while. That’s the way I plan on eating.