nest editors' blog

about this blog

The latest product picks, tips, and ideas from The Nest Editors.

topics on this blog

Thursday, April 19, 2007 10:54 AM

Dieting. Again. For real this time!

By Heather

I suck at trying to be a French Woman. I think the philosophy of eating for pleasure is fantastic, but I ended up using it as an excuse to indulge in cheese, chocolate, bread and wine. My progress came to a complete halt and although I haven't gained any weight, I still haven't lost any either.

So here I am, at square one again. One of my friends told me that I just can't be half-assed about this. If I want to lose weight, either do it or don't. And she's right. I just haven't been fully committed and I've been coming up with way too many excuses.

This weekend DH and I had a talk about it. One of the problems we both have is that we have very long work days and by the time we get home we just go out to get something to eat. And eating out many times a week isn't going to help either of us lose any weight. After our discussion we decided to try the following:

For one week, we will have Lean Cuisine for dinner instead of going out. We'll see if it makes any difference and then take it from there.

We stocked up on one week's worth of dinners and started this past Sunday. The other positive side-effect to this is we'll be spending less money on food per week than we would if we kept going out to restaurants!

In addition, I have also been diligently counting calories. I think I need that level of discipline if I really want to make a change. Documenting exactly what I've eaten and adding up the calories, carbs, protein and fat gives me a much clearer picture of what I've had. It also allows me to adjust accordingly if I know I'm going out for a beer (or two) with friends or if there is a special event coming up.

I'm thinking of using my weekly blog spot here on The Nest Editors' Blog to keep me accountable. Are there any other Nestie's out there who are trying to lose weight? I'd love some of you to join me and post here on your progress too!

Posted by Knot Heather
Filed under:

Comments

re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

You should join SparkPeople! It has everything you're looking for, plus really supportive communities and good articles. If you do join, feel free to use me as a reference, salimoo. :)

Posted by salimoo    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:24 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

Damn you sali.  I just about to tell her the same exact thing.

Posted by GigglingBride    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:27 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

Try www.sparkpeople.com. Us NEY'ers use it and love it.

And your new siggy rocks.

Posted by bethberg    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:29 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

Knot Heather rules!

I lost 60 pounds on WW several years ago. The key is eating healthy and excercise obviously. I also eat out more than I should. If you do, you can always do a half order or put 1/2 in a to go box immediately. When eating at home, consider crock pot meals. I eat a Lean Cuisine, etc, too, but they have a lot of preservatives and salt and cause cause you to keep water weight.

Eat smaller meals more frequently, get lots of fiber, drink tons of water! Good luck!

And, you still rock!

Posted by wingedbride    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:29 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

But it's such a great site it deserves two recommendations!

Posted by salimoo    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:30 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

we're having a 5lb race... winner takes bragging rights

Posted by *CJ10-4*    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:30 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

Ditto on sparkpeople

Posted by KayRI    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:31 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

Good for you!  Eating healthy is definitely tough but you always feel good when you do.  One thing though, Lean Cuisines are not filling!  I could eat 12 and still want a snack after.  You should add a little salad or piece of fruit on the side at least.  If you deprive yourself too much, you'll definitely fall off the wagon.

Also, check out the Health and Fitness board.  Those girls give great advice!

Good luck.  And if you ask me, you don't need to lose a pound!

Posted by Knot Jen    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:32 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

I joined SparkPeople on Sunday!  That's what I've been using to track my calories, but I haven't been on any of the boards yet.  My username there is LadyFleming if anyone wants to add me.

Posted by Knot Heather    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:35 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

oh, I agree, sparkpeople is the best site, especially since its free!  I'm also starting to do all of my cooking on Saturday or Sunday and freezing it for easy meals.  My downfall is snacking, so I have to be vigilant to record everything that goes into my mouth.

Posted by pixy_stix    Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:38 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

good luck with the weight loss! yes, join the NEY bandwagon. and fat free popcorn is your friend.

Posted by bethieroo    Thursday, April 19, 2007 12:54 PM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

I agree with PP's about the Lean Cuisine on both counts: full of various undesireable ingredients like sodium and not filling at the same time. As an alternative, for quick meals you could stock up on some easy to prepare staples like frozen vegetables, whole wheat couscous and whole grains like kasha, quinoa, bulghur, (they sound weird but are so quick to cook and are very satisfying with lots of flavor) canned tomatoes, canned beans (esp. chick peas, they're so versatile), frozen boneless/skinless chicken breasts or tenders, frozen fish filets (just plain, no additives), etc. For soups, low sodium chicken and vegetable stocks can be a base for adding in the previously mentioned ingredients. For a side of salad, bagged greens and precut veggies are great. You can also add things like nuts and dried fruit (cranberries, raisins). Balsamic vinegar or a citrus juice + olive oil make a simple, tasty dressing. For extra flavor/spice: mrs.dash seasonings (they're salt-free), jarred salsa, freshly grated parmesan, olives, etc.

Posted by mr+ms    Friday, April 20, 2007 9:32 AM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

Thanks mr+mrs -- I know that is what we should be doing... and I actually have most of what you suggested on hand!

Our problem is, in a nutshell, that we work very long days -- I have literally 2-3 hours at home each day during the week.  That's it.  We are so tired and drained that the last thing we want to do with those 2 hours we have is cook and clean up.  

We love to cook and we do it on the weekends -- but for the rest of the work week it's tough to want to make the effort.

Posted by Knot Heather    Friday, April 20, 2007 11:08 AM


Comfort Foods, Diet Secrets, and Doctors' Scales -- Oh My!

By Heather I have discovered the best diet of all this past week. Catch an upper-respitory infection.

Posted by The Nest Editors' Blog    Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:49 PM


re: Dieting. Again. For real this time!

I have tried to diet and it never works for me.  I have had gym memberships and I never go.  So, DH and I got personal trainers.  When you are paying someone to help you work out, design a fitness/meal plan for you, I found you are more likely to stick with it.  Plus you get support, you see results, and when you see results it's easier to keep going towards your goal.

Posted by monkeyjump    Friday, April 27, 2007 11:16 PM


Anonymous comments are disabled