Just keep moving – my weight loss plan
Welcome to week three at BlogToFit! Hope all of you who celebrated Thanksgiving were able to slide away from the table before doing too much damage.
We’ve added a few tweaks to the site this weekend. We have a Tools page which will feature online calculators and other stuff to help you in your weight loss. On the sidebars, we’ve added a few RSS feeds which should be of interest to both men and women in our readership. In coming weeks, we’ll be adding a few new features to the site including interviews.
And for anyone who may have been wondering if I will get into my boxers and pose for some photos for the site, the answer is mercifully no. Maybe for an “after” shot. But not now. No way. Not everyone can look as sexy as David Fowler in such poses. Hell, he’s already got fans in the comments section!
Anyway, on with my post for this week.
It took me two weeks, but I’ve finally decided to lay out my weight loss plan. For those that didn’t catch my first post, my goal is to lose 100 pounds within a year. To do so, I need a plan in place like my BlogToFit cohorts, Tara and David.
Truth is, I’ve been winging it the past two weeks, but I should know better. Winging it is what led to weight loss failure in the past. While it might work for others, I’m the sort that works better with discipline and rules in place.
My plan isn’t all that fancy. However, I’m of the belief that keeping it simple will work so long as I stick to some sort of decent plan.
So here’s how I’m starting off:
Exercise
I’m going to walk twice a day for at least 45 minutes each time. This should keep my metabolism up and burn calories. Once I get out there and build up some stamina, I’m going to incorporate some weight training into my plan.
Meals
I’ll eat five smaller meals throughout the day. This is contrary to my normal eating habits which include eating two meals and a snack per day. Despite my best intentions, the results have been disastrous. I eat well during the early part of the day, but come nighttime, I am craving calories. That’s when I do the most damage.
From now on, I’ll eat smaller portions during the day, just enough food to keep me going, but not enough to make me feel stuffed.
Snacks
I have a sweet tooth. I love ice cream, cookies, brownies – and if you have a dish which combines all three, I‘m there with bells on!
I’ve tried going cold turkey without sweets in the past but that doesn’t work for me. I wind up feeling deprived and the next thing I know, I’m scooping fistfuls of ice cream into my mouth, sprinkles, jimmies, and chocolate all over my face looking every bit like my 19 month old son.
I could say that I’ll simply eat smaller portions of ice cream, but you and I both know I’d be lying. There are some foods that I simply have no self control with. Ice cream is one of them.
From now on, snacks will consist of fruits and nuts, for the most part. I’m not saying I’ll never eat “good stuff”, I just won’t eat it regularly.
Chocolate fix
Sometimes, fruit won’t cut it, though.
I recently discovered a great snack to satisfy my craving for chocolate – semi-sweet chocolate chips. Yeah, the kind you use to make chocolate chip cookies.
A few weeks ago, it was late at night, and I needed something sweet. We were all out of snacks, though. Then I discovered a bag of chocolate chips hiding in the baking section of our pantry. I felt like an alcoholic drinking mouthwash, but I opened up the bag and dug in.
I was surprised that it only took a handful or two of chips to satisfy my craving without packing too heavy a calorie punch.
Tip: They‘re even better when they’re frozen.
Water
This will be the tough part. I prefer my water to be colored, carbonated, full of chemicals I can’t pronounce, much less spell, and flavored with artificial sweeteners – in other words, diet soda.
I’m not giving up diet soda just yet. I have to have one vice! But I will also start drinking water, which is not only a healthier alternative, but is far cheaper! I’ve read in a few places that drinking ice cold water helps to burn a few extra calories as your body works to warm the water up. All the better because I love my drinks on the verge of freezing.
This is my plan so far. I’m sure I’ll be modifying it as I progress.
Question for the day: What healthy snack helps sate your cravings?
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33 Responses to “Just keep moving – my weight loss plan”
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I’m with you on the fizzy drinks DW. I use Diet Cola as me sugar fix even though I know it’s bad for me and it’s coroding my teeth and it’s setting a bad example to my children.
But I have to say that now I’ve turned to water it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. The trick is to neck it. Seriously, guzzle that water down and you forget that it tastes of, well, nothing and is a bit boring.
My healthy snack of choice is nuts (stop sniggering at the back DF).
I have a jar of dried fruit and nuts I keep in the kitchen, so if I wander in there looking for something, that’s the first thing I see.
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Wow, Fowler didn’t pick up on the nuts comment. He must be losing his touch.
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Dave, you need your eyes tested. Or were you being sarcastic? Sexy indeed.
What I really like is how realistic you’re being. The five small meals throughout the day is great – and acknowledging the evening danger zone is a good move.
As for soda… I can’t stand the taste of diet soda – and I managed to kick the regular soda habit years ago. I agree, don’t give them up, not yet anyway.
Dave Fowler’s last blog post..Do Something Different
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Me sarcastic? Never!
And thanks. Maybe I can learn something from you and Tara, after all.
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I need 1 treat item per day. So, I started off with milk chocolate and slowly worked my way to darker chocolate (60%, 70%, 85%). I now have 2 squares of 85% dark chocolate every night (50 cal). And interestingly, now I can’t stand milk chocolate. It’s way too sweet. Note: you do have do work yourself up to really dark chocolate. If you jump right in, you will find it too bitter.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Sweatin’ with the oldies
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Tara Cain Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 9:04 am
I would love to be able to do that Panther.
I am such a sucker for milk chocolate and I HATE dark chocolate, but I guess going the slow steady route to learning to love it is the way to go.
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Yeah, I’ve tried some dark chocolate. I have to be in the mood, but I imagine I can get used to it.
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Tara Cain Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
This is how sweet my tooth is DW, I saw that pic above of all the multi-coloured E-numbered goodies in your post and gasped in an ‘oo they look yummy’ kind of way.
That’s just not right is it? I’m 40 not 14.
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The whole water idea – was something I struggled with when I started to lose weight a few years ago, too. I didn’t want to give up the soda. But, now that I have – I really don’t drink much soda, because it just doesn’t appeal to me nearly as much anymore – once I really tasted the water – and felt how cleansing it was.
Good luck on the journey, Dave!
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
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Tara Cain Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 9:05 am
Totally agree with you Lance.
For me it was when I noticed how water had such an amazing effect on my skin – who needs expensive face creams when all you need to it glug down as much water as you can?
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Thanks! While I don’t normally enjoy water, I LOVE it after I am active. In fact, it’s the only thing I’ll drink after exercise. And if I am exercising more, I will drink more water!
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My usual snack is a cup of trail mix made up of peanuts, cashews, raisins, and M&Ms.
I stopped drinking regularly carbonated drinks several years ago after a business trip to Atlanta. While there, we visited the Coca Cola museum. By the time we left, the exorbitant tribute to a company that basically sells flavored, carbonated water turned me off entirely to diet coke. Since then, the only time I drink diet coke is in a very rare mixed drink.
Mike Goad’s last blog post..WPA Carol – 25 Days of Christmas: Day 1
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Wow, a trip to the Coca Cola museum would be like Mecca to me! I was told that they have many many different flavor combinations there. I shiver at the thought!
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Just like you, have a huge sweet tooth, but unlike you, I have to just say no. If I allow myself one, it will turn into two, three, and four, which is the main reason my final 15lbs haven’t come off yet.
Instead, I’m trying setting up rules for myself, monthly rules. I’ll be blogging about it later this week. They say you can develop new habits in 30 days. I guess I’m going to find out.
I’m loving reading about all of your adventures. Keep up the great work…………….:)
LisaNewton’s last blog post..What’s the Cost of an Indoor Minimalist Gym?
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Thank you! I look forward to reading your rules.
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Tara Cain Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I’m just like you Lisa. I can’t have one chocolate finger. I have a faulty gene that makes me HAVE TO HAVE the whole packet. And it with niggle me constantly that there is an open packet somewhere in the house that needs to be eaten.
If it’s never opened I’m not the sligthest bit bothered!
Going to come over and visit and check out your plan of action . . .
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This is so reasonable, Dave. You know your strengths and weaknesses and are applying them to a plan. That’s a tremendous first step. I’ve taken to eating nuts to help me with cravings. They are still high in fat, but at least I’m not eating as much sugar. I was a monster this weekend, however, and I’m sure I gained a few pounds.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Writer Dad in Rough Draft
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Thanks. And while my doc told me not to eat nuts at all a few years ago due to some bad blood work, I ignored her and ate them and my cholesterol dropped to perfect and all my blood work was good. The good fat in nuts helped me (along with my dietary changes).
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Tara Cain Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I was just going to write a comment along the lines of ‘ooo I LOVE nuts’ but thought better of it when in a moment of clarity I remembered who I’m sharing this blog with . . .
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David Fowler Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I don’t get it. What’s so amusing about nuts?
P.S. The site looks great!
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Writer Dad in Rough Draft
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David Fowler Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 11:35 am
It does look great doesn’t it. The man Dave is a genuine genus with the code.
He’s Alwrighty in my book.
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Genius? I wish. I know just enough to tweak. I’ve so much to learn. But once I do, watch out! The site will be teh awesome!
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Knowing the tough spots will really help you. You have a great plan and walking is super exercise.
I am totally there with you on the sweets! Dark chocolate, chocolate chips rock. I always have a partial bag in the fridge (and several in the freezer since I stock up on sales). I peeked at the “serving size” one day – 1 tablespoon. It didn’t seem like it would be enough to curb my sweet tooth – but I found that’s about right (give or take a few chips).
I have troubles around the massive amounts of holiday treats. (Especially in my family!) After 3 days of eating a lot (and I wanted to try a bit of every dessert at my Auntie and Uncle’s 50th anniv), I’m back on the bandwagon. But I didn’t stuff myself into napping oblivion this year on turkey day – so that’s my start. I think getting up at 4 am to help my mom shop helped burn a few calories too.
Avlor’s last blog post..Organizing Roundup: Laundry Room (and Leapsters don’t belong in the loo)
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David Wright Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Thanks! Yeah, holiday treats are my kryptonite. Well, that and ice cream… and cookies.
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Tara Cain Reply:
December 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
and Coke.
A cola
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I’ve found that eating fruit makes me ravenous, but a small amount of nuts (about 6 almonds, for instances) about a small bit of cheese are good for satisfying hunger. I couldn’t live without Diet Coke though I only drink about 1 500 ml. bottle a day most of the time.
I’ve found that having lots of sweets around makes it much easier to eat conservatively. I know that sounds weird, but my husband picked up a can of Almond Roca and a double box of Ferrero Rocher about 3 weeks ago and I never have more than one or the other on a given day. I’ve also found, ironically, that doing a blog about food reviews has really curbed my desire for unhealthy food. It’s as if having to eat it makes me not want to eat it.
Orchid’s last blog post..Tirol Passion Fruit Chocolate (Premium)
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David Fowler Reply:
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 am
Hi Orchid, I tried your cheese eating tip yesterday. It worked very well.
I’m not too much into the nuts, I tend to eat too many, so I find it better to leave them alone.
Are you interested in going our Wednesday Weigh-In at all? Or are you you fit as a fiddle already? Either ay it would be nice to see you there.
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I have a huge sweet tooth, but just read a horrible article about Aspartame, MS , diabetes and gaining weight – I have been using Fresca to hold me over the rough part of the day…but I will stop drinking it now…Dave W. I need to know how to link the article to you or should I just forward it to you?
If you need to drink soda use a straw…save your teeth…like fruit juice for children..
your exercise and water drinking looks good…and will make a difference.
The site is looking fabulous.
I am happy to say all the walking in SF and I broke even on the weight – what a relief.
It took me a long time to like dark chocolate but now I like it better than any other treat….
drinking green tea – hot or cold is the Asian secret…and my friend discovered Green tea and acai berries in an organic juice which has given her quite a boost of energy and weight loss.
One day at a time, one step at a time…balance….I keep telling myself this over and over…with a smile…
Patricia’s last blog post..Chug, Chug, Toot, Toot
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David Fowler Reply:
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:38 am
Whilst I gave up the fizzy drinks years ago it doesn’t mean never drink them, it’s just that it’s rare as hens teeth that I do. As we don’t have those drinks in the house mykids don’t have access to them either. We let them have a taste from time to time when we visit friends or family but they don’t crave it.
Unless you hear to the contrary from Dave, I’d put the link in the comments and that way everone can have access to it.
Good job on all the walking Patricia!
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Hey, there, sorry to be so late…
I see some have already offered “my” tips: dark chocolate that truly does satisfy the sweets craving; water for basic liquids (flavor it with various things like crushed fresh mint, orange slices, cucumber slices—really!); and nuts with hard cheese for the other basic “feed me” fill-in cravings. If you go slow and fully savor the tastes of the chocolate, nuts, and cheese, you might be surprised how satisfied you feel. As for the water, I found visualizing the hydration process in my body does wonders; “seeing” how healing and healthful it is. TOTALLY makes me want to stay away from sodas; I just can’t get the same good vibes imagining what that stuff does inside… eeuww…
One thing I read, though, about drinking through straws was that it eventually will add those fine pucker lines around lips that we see in smokers. I don’t know if it’s true, but that’s the day I stopped using straws. I figure I’ll reach that look eventually, but what’s the rush?
Julie’s last blog post..The Smile
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Dave, thanks for your comments…about the BP medication that is why I am loosing weight to get off that and to not get diabetes ( so far I only have slightly elevated triglycerides) but since I purchase my own health insurance if I don’t achieve these goals I will have my health ins. dropped by August 2009 when I turn 60. I am not eligible for Long Term Care Insurance in the USA because I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant and I have had cancer 7 times….
I do need to say to folks here that I see a dietitian every week, Personal Trainer/Physical Therapist every week and I monitor my BP 2 times a day….I usually see my Dr. once a month but she is saving lives in India right now –
I don’t do many things on my own any more because loosing my health ins. would bankrupt my family for years to come…
My goal is to be the healthiest I have ever been…
PS I use straws and have no pucker lines…..I would think using a straw would exercise one’s lips and keep the collagen from shifting away like the fat that shifts down to make under eye bags? I’d rather have good teeth – oh well just my thoughts!
Patricia’s last blog post..Is It All About Food?
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Patricia, I know… we never know quite what to believe, do we? There’s just so much info floating around! Really, I think we’re all just winging it!
Julie’s last blog post..The Smile
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