~~Mel~~

~~Mel~~

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Extreme Makeover - Me Edition

I've been following Amber's blog since I started blogging a few months ago and she's decided to start a weekly post on "Extreme Makeover - Me Edition" and considering I've been trying for a little while to get myself in shape...well I figured what better way to do it than to have the support of others!

Today she was talking about low calorie snacks...but because I'm not into the whole 'counting calories' bit (it's just too time consuming and there is so much to remember)...I thought I'd share what I have been doing in the eating department.

My mom for years has been on the Atkins diet off and on...she's lost alot of weight at times...other times not so much and usually she eventually puts it back on...because she's never been willing to make the diet a whole life change. Why do I think this might work for me??? Well simply because I don't eat alot of bread and don't really miss it when I'm 'dieting in full force'. My downfall is pasta though...so I've really been trying to cut down on that. What I do love is that I can still snack on the things I love...for example...cheese is like one of my all time favorite foods...I just can't imagine life without it. I've tried the low fat and it just doesn't taste the same. On this diet...I snack regularly on sandwich meat and cheese...no bread, no crackers...just meat and cheese and it is sooooooooo yummy!

Now I am definitely not saying that cutting out carbs is the right choice for everyone. Some say good things about this sort of diet and others say it just plain doesn't work...If calorie counting works for you then go for it. I just know I feel 100x better when I've not had alot of carbs.

Now I just have to get back on that exercise train. I've started doing the stairs at work (16 flights down...and right now we turn around and do 7 up...hopefully in time we'll work our way up more)...it's great to get your coworkers involved too. I have 3 girls that do this with me daily and it only takes about 5 to 10 minutes max. But because my legs are sore from doing those stairs I seem to have forgotten (this week anyway) the elliptical that sits in my basement...and I haven't made time to do crunches like I promised I'd start last week. Sometimes it's just about time or the lack thereof. But I try hard not to beat myself up over it and just make tomorrow a better day if I do fall of the train...for a little bit.

12 comments:

That Girl said...

very inspirational!

Lapa37 said...

I don't like to count calories either it just makes me feel like I don't want to diet. I have been trying to eat yogurt when I am hungry. I have also started eating Quaker rice snacks they are pretty good.See my thing is I don't like the word diet I am a rebel that way. I guess I just need to cut out the bad one thing at a time it is easier for me to do it this way. My weakness is chips and bread I haven't had chips for a week now. That is huge for me and I try to eat wraps instead of bread.

I wish you luck with your "diet" I hope you do well.

Anonymous said...

Good for you! Yeah...my problem is snacking.

Xazmin said...

I think all weight loss programs will work if you stick to them - you just have to find the one that fits you best!

I don't think I could stick with anything where I had to cut out any particular food group - for me, eating everything in moderation and staying on the EXERCISE train is what works best!

Good luck reaching your goal!

Xazmin

Amber Filkins said...

Atkins is SOO not for me, but you're right, it's about what's right for you individually. And like they say on The Doctors, you can lose weight on any program, as long as you are consistent.

That is awesome about the stairs though. It's cardio and strength for your legs. I don't think I could as much as you guys!

Unknown said...

Good luck with your diet and getting in shape! It's hard to take that first step and I'm glad you are willing and able to do it!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tecia said...

OH ! I love cheese too!!

Carole said...

YAY Mel!!!! Way to go. I wish I had your energy.

carole
xoxo

Tanielle said...

Way to go! The stairs thing is a great idea!!! I struggle with the exercise thing, not that I don't like doing it, I just have a hard time making the time for me.

Have a great day!

Together We Save said...

Good job. I always say I will do better. I need to, not just to loose weight but just feel better.

Staci said...

I need to participate in this!

Carbs are my weakness. I could LIVE on bread and butter! I can do without sweets, just give me bread and lots of them!

I really don't know how to count calories, the whole portion amounts mess me up! There is way too much thinking involved! lol....

Keep up the great work! Steps are HARD!!!!