Diet vs. Life

When you're trying to lose weight,

or improve your body's health in some way,

 the single most important thing you can do is

simply put together a  proper diet and then

...stick to it.

A funny thing about that "sticking to your diet" part is

 that it's really quite easy when you're in complete

control of everything you're eating

  100% of the time.

When YOU're the one choosing

 the foods

you're going to eat, and the one preparing/cooking those foods,

 and the one ensuring that the portion sizes are to your diet's

exact specifications, and when you can count, monitor, and track

everything at all times...

When you can do this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,

 sticking to your diet isn't as difficult.

but....when LIFE really starts to "fight"

with our ability to control the food situations, it can

weaken our willpower.

I found some tips that might give our willpower a

boost when the going gets tough.

It is so hard to resist temptation, but it gets easier if you're equipped with a plan.

• Review your eating plan and see if you can reserve a few food items during the week to save up for the party or gathering. Be careful not to take away too much food, which could leave you hungry during the week.
• Portion control is critical to prevent weight gain. Use a small plate and don't go back for seconds unless you know it's low calorie and healthy.  Divide large pieces in half before putting onto your plate.
• Enjoy a small but filling snack before the gathering to prevent overeating. A small handful almonds and a large glass of water, for example, or a few slices of apple with a bit ofalmond or peanut butter.
• Don't stand near the buffet or appetizers at a gathering. Instead, survey the offerings, choose the best nutritional bets, put them on a plate, then go sit down and enjoy the meal. It's hard to know when you've had enough food when you stand around nibbling!
• Bring a healthy dish of your own to the gathering.  If you make it, you will know just how many calories in a certain portion and you will know it's nutritious value
• Find a bit more time to be active and/or exercise.  If you know there will be a gathering where you will want to eat more high calorie foods, then, burn a few more calories before or after the gathering.

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10 minute appetizer...

Cheezy Zucchini bites

Ingredients

• 5 medium zucchini (about 6 inches long)
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced   

Directions:

(1) Cut zucchini into 3/4-inch slices. Using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the insides and discard, leaving the bottom intact. Place zucchini on an ungreased baking sheet; spoon 1/2teaspoon crumbled blue cheese into each.

(2)  Combine the Parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper; sprinkle half over blue cheese. Top each with a tomato slice; sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan mixture. Bake at 400°F until cheese is melted, 5-7 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 35 appetizers.


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~~~Ruby's Report ~~~


Treadmill - 6 days minimum 2 miles each day.
       I "beat my best" (BMB), twice this week.  I have upped my incline
       to 5.5 on the treadmill and I did a faster pace on that incline. 
Food - the first part of the week, I was careless with my calorie intake. 
       Thursday and Friday, I worked hard to stay calorie low and eat
        healthy.
Weight(loss?) - down 2.2 lbs.  This "down" is still not back to my lowest of
       a month or so ago.  I'm setting a goal to see if I can get back to the
       lowest by the end of next week...=)




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How are things going for you?  With the summer here

and lots of family picnics, reunions...with kids and grandkids

all around...what things help you to keep focused on healthy eating?