It’s Going to Take More Than a Contest

So to be Captain Obvious for a moment - I’m not winning in this contest. In fact, today I weighed in at 164. I thought it would be different. I thought there would be some sort of accountability factor because I’m in a public contest.

But I find myself more than ever thinking that I’ll “just have this extra slice of cheesecake today because I can’t tomorrow.” Tomorrow, of course, never comes.

Being 5′8″ and 165 lbs isn’t a horrible thing. I’m not appalling. Dare I say I even get checked out sometimes. (Sorry, dudes, I’m married.)

But my frame is small. I’m carrying extra weight. I can only do the dishes for maybe 10-15 minutes before my back hurts. I always gain in the front (abs, breast) first and that’s where the… ...Continue reading

Printable Version of Low Cal Fast Foods

It has been requested that a printer-friendly version of the 158 Fast Food Meals for 500 Calories Or Less

So, I copied and pasted everything onto a Microsoft Word doc and ftp-ed it onto my social media blog, Social Media Butterfly.

Click here to download the printer-friendly version of 158 Fast Food Meals for 500 Calories or Less

Happy healthy fast food eating! By the way, one more tip - if you cave and order fries - try throwing 1/2 the fries away before you start your meal. Cut 1/2 the calories and half the guilt. If you end up digging them out of the trash can, get professional help.… ...Continue reading

158 Fast Food Meals for 500 Calories or Less

For anyone using a low-calorie strategy to lose weight, you’re going to want to bookmark this list. It is possible - very possible - to eat low-cal at fast food restaurants. Here’s a list of 158 meals that you can eat at the most popular fast food chains in the country.

This list assumes that you will be drinking a Diet soda or Water!

And don’t think that you can just eat a salad and be fine. Many salads at these establishments break the 500 calorie mark - some without even adding dressing.

And lo-cal dieters might want to be careful when you go to Arby’s. I was only able to create one real meal - one of their salads with the corresponding dressing. Sure, there are some Arby’s sandwiches under 500… ...Continue reading

Sleep: It’s What’s for Dinner

Over the past few years some studies have been published that suggest that sleep helps people lose weight.

I can attest to the fact that sleep is a necessity for the weight loss inclined.

When I get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, I’m more likely to have success. BUT read carefully. Sleep is an aid to my efforts (fewer calories, exercise) already in place. I can’t just eat all day, sit around and then sleep off the pounds.

Conversely, when I don’t get enough sleep, I have to work much harder on my diet strategies in order for their to be any results.

I have had poor sleep the past two nights mixed with reducing calories only slightly and not exercising. I’m surprised I’ve been able to remain at a steady… ...Continue reading

February 5, 2008 - 165.5

Well, you wouldn’t know I’m in a weight loss contest would you?

Ok, I didn’t really try yesterday.

Onward.… ...Continue reading

Starting a Diet on a Friday

Ooh, I am none to thrilled about beginning this process on a Friday. Since childhood, the weekend is a time to eat pizza and junk food and dessert, oh my!

What’s worse is the Super Bowl is on Sunday! Ever since I had the best chicken wings in the world at my step-father-in-law’s relatives’ Christmas party in Sandusky Ohio last December, I have been on a major chicken wing kick!

And then there’s beer.

There’s a few ways I could address this.

1. Alot of exercise

2. Super light eating the days before and after the Superbowl, followed by moderation.

3. Eat a salad instead of chicken wings.

4. Eat the foods I love, but just fewer of them.

5. Realize that an indulgence every once in a while creates more long-term success by reducing the amount of ...Continue reading

My Plan for Fighting the Fat

On Friday, February 1st I will begin shedding pounds like cats shed hair in the summer (or at our house, all year round).

My strategy is an old technique that was once favored when bangs were high and Madonna was good. It involves eating fewer calories and exercising.

I know. I know. It’s old school. But I tried the fewer calorie thing last summer and lost 8 pounds. And only when I started eating more calories did I gain it all back. So, I’m thinking there’s got to be something to this less calories thing.

The good news is that I can eat what I really want and not pay Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers a dime for their versions of real food. I just eat one slice of NY style pizza instead ...Continue reading