I haven’t written much about my weight lately. So, I thought I’d give everyone an update. I love Weight Watchers, but since I stopped going a few weeks back, life has so much less stress. I didn’t realize how hard it was on me to take the kids to the meetings. Paying $40 a month to not be able to participate in the support part of the experience didn’t make sense. I love having Thursday mornings free as well. We’ve been trying out the local U-Pick places and it’s been a blast.
Now, my trainer weighs me once a week. That gives me some accountability. Several weeks went by without a trainer appointment due to my knee, but on Wednesday, I weighed in. I was down over 9 pounds. I am very happy that the lack of activity didn’t impede my progress. Obviously, my food choices are paying off.
I’m happy to be in the 270’s and on my way down! Some members of my family recently had some health issues and when things hit home, it’s a bit easier to take care of yourself and work even harder to become healthier.
I’ve had several big changes lately. I cut out all sugars except honey and maple syrup. So, I’m not eating white sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, rice syrup, corn syrup etc. I’m on the fence about agave sweetener. Since we have an unopened bottle in the cupboard, I will probably go ahead and allow it. It’s similar to honey and maple syrup, but it’s not available locally. I haven’t been perfect – like when I didn’t realize that Penzeys Pizza Seasoning had sugar in it and I allowed some cranberry bread and I’m sure the cranberries themselves had sugar added. But, if my only sugar is contained in a bit of spice or a few cranberries, I’ll call that a WIN!
I also quit eating white flour. So, anything with white flour has been eliminated. It’s amazing how many “whole wheat” products really aren’t whole anything. I’ve been focusing on more whole grains and making bread or buying 100% whole wheat bread from Great Harvest. They make it with honey and grind their own wheat. Along with this, I’ve stopped eating white rice too. Most of the time, I’m having quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, wheat berries, corn meal, etc. I love it and I’m so much more satisfied.
Between the new flour and sweetener plans, I have essentially eliminated fast food, soda and unplanned desserts. I don’t even miss it one bit. I still have lots of treats, but they are whole grain and honey based or made with other “real” foods and take some planning. For example, we enjoyed homemade strawberry ice cream last weekend. We had to plan ahead. I also make banana bread fairly often. It’s been fun to learn how to cook with honey and my taste buds have adapted so many items are tasting great without any added sweetener. I can’t remember the last time I had fast food. I feel great about that and the example that it sets for Nick and Sally. I also don’t feel deprived one bit. That is extremely nice.
I’m still working on vegetables. It’s getting better and I’m definitely eating less meat and more vegetables. I’m enjoying some spaghetti squash while I type this post. Now, I do need to figure out some more vegan recipes that are tasty so I can work on my biggest food vice left – CHEESE! I just eat way too much cheese. But, it’s a process.
I’m also glad both CSAs have started along with U-Pick season. Our kitchen is well stocked with fresh fruit and vegetable that will rot if we don’t eat them. This provides extra motivation to eat at home and cook fresh yummy dishes that everyone will enjoy.