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Newsflash: I seem to have finally reached that age where I can no longer eat whatever I want and not exercise. During the past two years I’ve gained about 15lbs and
although it has been driving me crazy, I’ve honestly not had the time to do anything about it.
I know, I know…”make the time”…well I’ve tried that and seem to fall flat on my face every time I do. It just isn’t easy running a website while also working full time in a demanding job that both have me sitting on my butt for hours every day. The other problem seems to be that I’m not really accountable to anyone when it comes to eating healthy and getting enough exercise.
More than just appearance, the lack or energy and not being able to fit into my old jeans are the two areas that are the most annoying to me. You might look at my before picture here and think, you’re crazy…you don’t need to lose any weight, but I can definitely feel a difference and would really, really, really like to wear some of the fall clothes that I purchased a few years back.
So…when I was recently offered the opportunity to try out the brand new Reader’s Digest Digest Diet I thought it might be a good opportunity to get back on track with healthy eating and to possibly fit into my old jeans again!
To be honest with you, when I agreed to participate in this program, I didn’t really have any idea what kind of “diet” this was, so I was a little skeptical. Busy lives and starvation type diets do not mix well…trust me, I’ve tried it. 😉
This is why I was pleasantly surprised to find that the first couple chapters of the book did not focus just on getting “skinny”, but instead on getting healthy through eating wholesome foods. The author, Liz Caccariello, even explained why some fat is a good thing when it comes to health.
After reading all about the “why” behind the plan, I checked out what the 21 day menu consisted of. Again, I was pleasantly surprised that there were tons of fruits,vegetables and healthy fats like peanut butter, avocado and almond butter included in the plan. The entire 21 day program is broken out day by day, but most importantly, it gives you choices to suit your tastes. For example, for the first four days, you have a shake for two meals a day. You then get to select what fruits and healthy fats go into them. For my first day (today), I made a grape/peanut butter shake and also a orange/peanut butter shake. So far I’ve had the grape one and it was delish. This is coming from someone who doesn’t really care for most shakes…especially healthy shakes. I’m looking forward to having the orange shake later today.
Now for the accountability part. I was thinking about it and there seems to be no better set of accountability partners than my readers! I’m sure many of you have been in this place and either have been successful at getting back on a healthy track or maybe, like me, you are still struggling. Either way, I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you all!
There are a lot of other things that I want to share with you about this program, including how I’m incorporating exercise, so stay tuned for my next update. I’m already feeling a little boost of energy this morning, so I’m really hoping that it lasts!
sheila says
Jennie,
I was in the same boat as well..I figured out I could no longer eat what I wanted (darn aging) and the last 15 pounds from baby 4 just refused to leave my body no matter what I tried. I couldn’t fit in to most of my clothes. I tried my old exercise program and it failed. Over the summer I did p90x. I still have 5 pounds to go but boy did it help a lot. I just started a 2nd round of it and am zig zag dieting with it. With this you alter your calorie intake daily so your body doesn’t readjust it self to your diet calories and accept it as normal. It helps break plateaus. Good Luck Jennie!
Amy says
Good luck to you! I am in the same boat, except I have gained more than 50 lbs in about 6 months, and I eat a reasonably healthy diet, I am diabetic on insulin, so I have to be careful that I eat enough carbs, and I often feel that I eat too much, but doc says I am doing good, which is frustrating! He has added some med to my regime which should help me, and I’m planning to go from 3 times week workout to daily workouts. It’s encouragung to see someone else going through at the same time, keep it up!
Rachel O'Neil says
Good goals. Let us know how it goes. Can you put other proteins in your morning shakes besides peanut butter? Maybe if I start as well, hubby will get whats on my wishlist for Christmas. A Vitamix.
Mommy Kane says
Jennie, this comes at such a great time! I have been feeling the exact same way. Over the summer, with 2 little ones at home, any kind of exercise or healthy eating for myself went out the door for some reason. I have never really gotten back into shape after my second child, who is now 3, was born. I did lose the weight, and gain it, and lose it again and repeat…however I haven’t gotten any muscle tone. And after the last few months of looking at pinterest way too much and making way too much junk, I feel my tummy is starting to look like I am a few months pregnant. I’m just waiting (well not really) for someone to ask when I am due. So now that the kids are in school, I have decided I need to make a plan to eat better and exercise several times a week. It is nice to know there is someone else going through it too! I might have to look into the book. Those shakes sound great!
Elizabeth says
I know exactly how you feel. That could have been me writing the post. I’m so excited to see how it goes for you and I’m sure it will provide some inspiration for me to lose the few extra pounds I’ve put on. I really, really, REALLY appreciate your blog and all that you do to help us save money!
Anuma via Facebook says
Hi beautiful lady may i no u
diane says
Low carb/ paleo style no grains.
I lost 40 lbs in 6 months. 24lbs the first month of low carb… Also look up interval training HIIT. I would workout out 2 times a day 4vminutes each time. 30 sec high intensity jump jacks 10 sec rest google it. works great and you just use your bodyweight. Good luck!
Natalie via Facebook says
Low carb, low carb, low carb. 🙂
Natalie via Facebook says
Low carb, low carb, low carb. 🙂
Hazel says
Thank you for sharing! The two times I’ve seen you I thought you looked just perfect (and my being hefty, I wished I could reach out and take your “skinny” because I used to be that way.)
I understand the sluggishness that comes along with things … I have too many “slugs” hanging on and at this age, it’s harder and harder to lose the weight. But, a little trip to the doctor and the irritation with the attitude of said doctor got my goat and I’m now on a better path with both food and exercise. To me, irritation is a great motivator. When I doc tells me they want to see me again to figure out how aggressive they want to be with meds, my mind talks back with I’ll show aggressive WITHOUT meds!
You’re not alone in your wishes and goals – it’s nice to see you opening up that side of yourself 🙂