Weight Loss Weapons

I've been at this weight loss mission for about 3 weeks now (well really my entire life, but who's counting). It hasn't been completely smooth sailing as I am human and weekends are not my friend. To date I am down about 10.5 pounds. This loss comes almost entirely from diet as that has been my focus so far.

I heard once that it take 2 weeks to transform a change into a habit so I thought I would share some of my new habits.

BREAKFAST – I fly solo in the mornings getting the kids and myself out the door. My selective eaters rarely purchase lunch at school so most mornings I pack for them and typically for myself. Pre-Ella I would occasionally finish my morning tasks with enough time to make myself a bowl of cereal or something, but now that I have added a 4th person to load up, that rarely happens. I would find myself hitting a drive through to grab something 2-3 days a week or eating whatever goodies were brought into the office that day.

I hated doing it. I knew how bad it was and the fast food really didn't even taste all that great. This was actually a pretty easy habit to break.

My new habit, I pack my breakfast too.

Here is my go to breakfast: Quaker Oats High Fiber Instant Oatmeal, fresh berries and coffee.

(Starbucks is my weekly treat. Most days it is just standard office coffee).

If by some random chance I do have an extra 5 minutes I may switch things up by cooking an egg with a light, whole-wheat English Muffin with some veggies or lunch meat instead. 

(Sometimes I make several on the weekend and freeze them for a quick grab in the morning). 

Then I drop the kids off, fix my breakfast at work and eat it at my desk.

LUNCH – I have always been a member of the clean plate club, not proud, but it is what it is. I have been pretty good about packing my lunch at least 3-4 days a week for many years.

My problem is that I typically filled the Gladware containers with dinner leftovers so my portions were far to large. So, a few new lunch habits:

• I bought smaller containers and don't fill them all the way

• I tried these new (at least I think they are new) Lean Cuisine Steamers. I have had 2 flavors, both surprisingly delicious (not a word I use lightly especially on frozen meals). I did add about 1/2 c of frozen veggies to give it a little extra bulk

• Add a fresh fruit or veggie as a side item if need be

POWER HOUR – You know that hour or so after lunch when you are craving something sweet, a little finish to your meal (I find this worse when I am not as busy at work).

To get me through this hour, I keep a stash of gum in my desk. Two of these babies and I am good until 3-4:00ish.

SNACKS – I now avoid the vending machines completely. Instead I pack these too. Some of my favorites:

• yogurt (Chobani, love it)
• cottage cheese
• fruit or veggie
• Wheat Thins Fiber Selects
• I also keep some Kashi granola bars in my desk for an emergency

I find dinner and weekends to be the hardest. Dinner I find my self picking at things as I cook and typically end up making a separate meal for myself. Weekends I do get in more activity but without the structure of a working day, I eat more and eat out. Wine doesn't help the calorie counting either.

I guess dinner/weekends along with adding in exercise will be my focus for the next few weeks. I'd love to hear about your Weight Loss Weapons. I can use all the artillery I can get.

* None of the brand references I use in this post are paid endorsements. Just my opinions and products I like. Of course if the price is right, I am totally willing to sell out. ; )