Forget Dieting: Get the Flu!

I'll be the first to admit that this whole Biggest Loser challenge has taken a bit of a backseat to other more pressing issues. We took a holiday from P90X for Fall Break and then we were sidelined by the flu.

But, as it turns out, the flu is a far more effective form of weight loss than anything we've ever done! Although I can't say that I recommend it. For the first time in my memory, I'm sub-130. And though I know it won't last, it was the small silver lining of having one of the worst cases of the stomach flu I've ever had.

But, today I'm feeling better. And next week is a new week. I'm ready to refocus my efforts once again. Though I haven't lost a lot of weight, P90X has made me feel stronger and more fit, which was my main goal anyway. So, here's to reaching small goals and celebrating every victory!

Sugar Addict

I'm pretty confident that I have a strong sugar addiction. I use the word addiction because of my out of control relationship with it. Because I know about my addiction, I have always done a pretty good job of not having a lot of candy or sweets in the house. (Kids hate my house because I never have enough treats!) So, when I need to satisfy my sugar fix, I become like a woman possessed. A crazy person looking for anything that has a small nutrient to sugar ratio. Handfuls of chocolate chips, fruit by the foot, whatever I can get my hands on. I swear I'm like an alcoholic going after the mouthwash!

I wish I could say that my healthy new lifestyle has changed this. It hasn't. The only difference is that I'm trying to curb the cravings before they happen. First, I try not to let myself get too hungry. That's when the addiction is the strongest. Second, I drink a glass of water first. Usually, that can control the hunger and limit my intake of whatever I decide to binge on next. Last, I make a conscious decision. I literally have to say to myself, "OK. I will eat this and that's it." I think it's important to indulge some of your cravings so you don't crazy. The important thing is to improve the quality of the indulgence and limit the quantity. Last, as I'm a mom and I'm in and around the kitchen a lot. This is really the root of the problem. Physically removing myself from the kitchen area or busying myself doing something else really helps.

Amen. I'm stepping of my soapbox. What are your suggestions for kicking the cravings?

Week 4 Results

As I sit here eating one of my neigbor's world famous pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with cream cheese frosting, I am sad to report that upon weighing in on Tuesday night I am came to the not-so-surprising discovery that I had gained back the two pounds I had lost the previous week. Dan had also gained two pounds. I don't think either of were too shocked. In fact, perhaps we were a bit relieved that we hadn't gained more. The deadly combo of Taylor's birthday and Conference weekend proved to compeltely undermine our best efforts. I'll admit to cake, ice cream, cinnamon rolls, and sugar cookies. Wo is me.

The good news is that we did p90X every single morning this past week. The workouts were absolutely brutal, as was the thought of getting out of bed at 6:00 every morning. But we pulled through and hopefully there will be a positive result! Keep your fingers crossed!

Can I just say, however, I feel SOOO much better (albeit tired and ridiculously sore) when I am working out and eating right than last week when I was eating with wild abandon? Sure, eating all the wrong stuff might be fun at the time, but it makes me feel absoutely awful about myself later. (I swear that last line came from a circa 1980 "just say no" commercial).

Products I Love!

I know, I know. We all hate things that might be considered "health foods." It's that detested category of quasi-food that we have to force feed ourselves while repeating the mantra that it is good for us. If you're like me, you have to literally give yourself a pep talk before choking down one of those nasty whole-wheat tortillas with fake "fat free" cheese on top.

So don't do it! Find something you actually DO like and stick with it. Or make the things you were eating already work for you in a healthy way. For example, I REFUSE to eat fat free cheese. It is a crime against nature and absolutely repulsive. I also can't seem to find a "healthy" tortilla that I can stomach. So, here are a few things that I actually enjoy.

*Laughing Cow Cheese (I am partial to the Garlic & Herb flavor). I use it as a snack with Special K crackers, or use it instead of cheese and mayo on sandwiches and wraps. Natalie Ross suggests throwing a bit into your eggs and omlettes.

* Alternative Bagels: These were also introduced to me by Natalie Ross. They are sold in the refrigerated section at Wal-Mart by the cream cheese. Super great for an egg sandwich in the morning, or as a lunch time sandwich with laughing cow, tomatoes, lettuce, and lean meat. Delish!

* Orowheat Sandwich Thins: These are sold at Costco by the bread. They are only 1 WW point for a whole thing! Another great solution for sandwiches, toast, etc!

*Kashi waffles and Kodiak Pancakes: Again, thank you Natalie. You actually feel like you're treating yourself when you top these babies with berries and Fat Free cool whip!

* Weight Watcher Frozen Fudge Bars: 1 point and a solution to your late night need for a dessert!

So everyone . . . what else do you love? Any hidden treasures in the land of healthy eating that I need to know about?

Week 3 Results

Here it is Thursday and we still haven't watched the latest Biggest Loser in its entirety. BUT, we did weigh in and both got a pleasant (albeit surprising) result. We both lost weight! Dan lost 4.7 pounds and I lost 2. Unfortunately, I'm fairly confident I regained it the following day when I took a complete vacation from diet and exercise to celebrate Taylor's birthday. This inolved all the usual suspects of going out to lunch, cake, ice cream, etc. Oh well, you have to live your life, right? Although, I am a little bit disappointed in my complete lack of discipline.

Anyway, tomorrow is another day. A blank slate. A chance to start again. So, let's all get up early and workout. And eat lots of fiber, protein, and veggies!