Introduction II

I was about to explain the changing of my food bible, in sorts.

There are two main avenues of weight loss.

1. Eating Habits
2. Exercise Habits

I have created rules in the regards to on how I eat. Eating less calories is one thing, and even watching how much I am snacking. The point isn't just about losing weight, but living a better healthier life style. If I was just to eat less calories I could adopt the Atkins diet, and live on yummy meat, and high protein foods all day.

The rules state (which sometimes can people broken):

1. Remain positive:

   If I over eat one day. It is ok, and jump right back into it the next day. Remember eating is about the average. How much exercise gets on an average day. How much someone eats on an average day.

   
   
2. Fast Food is a no go:

   This one is easy in some ways. The only fast food place I remotely offered my wallet to was Taco Bell. So, no thanks any more. Though, I did need to limit going out to restaurants. I am somewhat of a foodie, not to sure though.

   
   
3. Processed & Prepared Foods:

   These are a whole bunch of troubles. This is part easy and part hard. Is a juice drink highly processed, even if it says all natural. What about peanut butter and bread? One of the reasons why this is easy is because I have stopped eating the egos, pizza bagels, and other frozen foods a while ago. Then there is items such as peanut butter. For the most part I like cooking, and knowing what is in the food I eat. If I could make a loaf of bread a week I would, and even roast my own peanuts to make peanut butter. But I can't. So depending on the ingredients and what I can afford. We go to all natural as best as possible. Peanut butter is affordable and even bread to get to all natural. White bread was a no good, which I prefer rye any ways.
   

4. Diet Food:

   Diet food are akin to processed and prepared foods. Need to look at the ingredients is a factor, but at the end of the day I don't trust diet foods, nor do I care for them. If I am going to eat 100 calories. I rather eat fruit or nuts. The idea is to eat healthy not just junk food. That is a 100 calorie pack is. Plus, some low fat yogurts, ice creams, and other foods are loaded with sugar not fat.
   

5. Meat:

   I love that yummy high protein, saturated fatty, yummy food. Some people will extend this to mild and eggs as well. I don't drink enough milk to care, and I love eggs. I limit eggs to one in a day. As far as meat goes. I have decided to limit how much meat I eat for the most part. If I go out and eat there is a change of oz. For the most part the limit is 3 oz a day if the type of meat is red, or chicken. Chicken can be a little bit more depending if I make sausage (I grind my own sausage, and I know what goes in it.) I have replaced a lot of the red meat and poultry with fish as well, where I can eat about 3 to 6 oz for a serving. Now the so called organics come into play or all natural fed grass, grazing, and not torturistic animals. This is a quandary. I can't afford to do this all the time, or even most of the time, but once the summer hits, which is now. Farmer Markets are going to be popping up. This is a great time to get these products. Which will be done.

6. Fruit, Veggies, & Nuts:

   As long as I stay near caloric intake I can eat as much fruit and veggies as possible. They are full of the nutrients and minerals needed. Nuts are a good snack, but not to much, just a serving or two. They are great sources for protein, and healthy fats. Of course I try to roast my own almonds. But not peanuts, sunflower seeds, pistachio, and etc....

7. Portion Control:

   For me to say processed foods, fast food, and diet foods are all a no go is easy. This is not what I consume. Portion control is the hardest aspect to losing weight. I do not stop at 3 0z of meat, and its not like I stop eating at night, or in between meals. I use SparkPeople to log in what I eat and how much. This social site also allows to keep track of fat, carbs, and protein. Will power comes in handy as well, and trying to keep busy. So my belly doesn't rumble.

Exercise habits had to change as well. Living a sedentary life, is just as bad as eating way to much.

1. Walking:

   Adding a walking regime to most of the week, at least a mile. Turns out I am walking about 7 to 10 miles a week. This is done with the family, or my self.This could evolve to running but we will see.
   

   
   
2. Family Activities:

   This can be considered walking, but also means playing with the kids more. Like playing chase, breaking out in a lite jog. Also, this means getting back to what I enjoyed as a child. Hiking & camping! My kids are 4, 2, and 6 months, so the deal is we are starting slow to get them involved. So they can get used to it. Of course museums, shopping, etc... all count as well.
   

3. Wii Fit Plus:

   Wii Fit was great to start the ball rolling. Before I had a scale that was good. I also can do things when the kids are sleeping and I can't escape. I did get bored with it, but increased walking, which is good.

As of today, I have 3 days left of my first 3 month goal line. Which was 22 pounds. I am tech. .2 off. So that is good. In the beginning of this I was considered obese, and now overweight. Also I was a 36 now a 34 for the waist, and my pants and belts are way to big.