Social Eating

victories Taking a new path on my lifestyle Sorry for the hiatus last week. I was at a writers conference and just ran out of time to blog. But I came home with a topic after being dependent on restaurants and conference meals. This has always been a real challenge for me, especially before my lifestyle changes.

Eating Challenges

That isn’t to say there weren’t challenges and that I didn’t overindulge, but I did so mindfully. I accepted that I was eating when I wasn’t hungry and with food I didn’t necessarily want. victories View from the plane flying into Seattle But, I didn’t stuff myself until I… Read More

Dieting Again

32639157_s Image courtesy of Okolaa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net I’m dieting again. The three most dreaded words in my vocabulary. Fortunately I haven’t used those words in almost two years, but they still haunt me. They lurk in the back of my mind. What if what I’m doing stops working and I start gaining weight again? Ever find those thoughts and fears becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy? In the past, that’s what it’s been for me, but I’m starting to feel more confident that what I’m doing is working, and will continue to work. I attribute much of this to the fact that I no longer deprive myself of foods I love until I lose weight or until I go off… Read More

On the Road

I've been on the road this week so instead of a written blog I'm doing a pictorial blog. First up, a pit stop at Mt. Shasta. road Nephew Cody at Mt. Shasta road Me and Nick at Mt. Shasta              

On the road to Smith Rock

road Monkey Face at Smith Rock       road Smith Rock     road Smith Rock         roadRead More

Last Child on the Farm

farm Alfalfa field Whenever I pass a freshly plowed field it gives me the same thrill as an unopened book. Full of potential, surprise, pleasure. And just like that book that beckons me to peek beneath its cover, the sight of that rich, dark earth beckons me to curl my feet into the freshly tilled layers. As a child, I lived on a dairy and had a childhood surrounded with animals—cows, dogs, cats, hamsters and the occasional jack-rabbit my father found orphaned when cutting alfalfa. farm Farm dog Fresh, clean air and the farm provided a plentiful playground. I scampered through alfalfa fields and hay barns. I… Read More

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating can definitely be a challenge, especially after I've worked all day and have nothing planned for dinner. But a recent blog post by Diane Carbonell, author of 150 Pounds Gone Forever reminded me that a nutritious meal doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can even be faster than preparing a TV dinner.

Nutritious and Filling

Chicken and salad or shrimp and salad is standard fare in the in the summer when it’s hot and heating the kitchen isn’t appealing. It's a fast, easy meal that is nutritious nutritious and filling. But now that fall is in the air, I want something heartier—stews, soups, casseroles. These meals are my friend because I don’t just make a single… Read More

Weight Loss Struggles and Successes

I blogged a few weeks ago about how where I eat is directly related to the amount I eat and my ability to judge fullness. I have used the table more, but even with good intentions, I’ve slipped back into old habits and still eat in front of the television a lot.successes

Struggles

The truth is, I like eating in front of the television. It’s a reward after a long day of work, and when I force myself to sit at the table, I feel deprived. I don't have the same reaction eating on the patio or at a restaurant . I also continue to struggle with late evening snacks. Sometimes I’m hungry, sometimes I just want the snack. Last night… Read More

Snack Time—Choose Wisely

It’s snack time and it’s important to choose wisely. I want to grab something fast and easy. Generally, I eat in front of the computer while working, and whatever I’m eating disappears in an instant. I’m not even certain what I’ve eaten! In my ongoing quest for healthy eating, I have stopped eating snacks in front of the computer to avoid mindless eating. I also try to look for lean protein snacks. snack Crabmeat and grapes

Lean Protein Snacks

Rebecca Clark, author of the Checklist Diet and says, “Having a good protein snack will help stabilize your moods, your blood sugar and your energy levels.” I’ve started choosing lean protein snacks when I’m working because it takes… Read More

Exercise Challenge

Exercise Challenge

challenge Mt. Fernie, Canada In one of my first blogs, I wrote about obesity and I threw out an exercise challenge. I said that since I was motivated to exercise and eat right, I would be support and encouragement for those of you who can’t. I promised I’d do double time—extra sit ups, run or swim an extra lap, ride another mile—all in honor of you. I’d be your helping hand, your lift up until you could take the torch and do it yourself. challenge Mountain biking Spense Mountain, Oregon So I took up the challenge, and since July 14, 2015 when I posted that… Read More

Mindful Eating and Meal Presentation

Meal Presentation

Does meal presentation make a difference? I’ve always thought it doesn’t, but I’ve had a change of heart. I’m learning that how my food looks, tastes, smells and even where I sit can make a huge difference in weight control.eating For years, our table has been a clutter collector. Everything gets tossed there. About the only thing that doesn’t happen at the table is eating.

Mindful Eating

When I had young children at home, we ate at the table because anyone who’s had toddlers knows they are incredibly messy eaters. But as our children got older, it seemed we were always on the go and mealtimes became grab and run. And after the kids went off to college, we evolved… Read More

Is That All I Get?

Portion size

portion I wanted this much portion I chose this much Every time I look at my plate I think, is that all I get? Logically, I know the portion size is right for me, but I want more. My struggle is, how do I match up with what I want versus what my body really needs? This has been a constant struggle for me, and I’ve tried all the tricks. Use a smaller plate, eat slower, savor my food. They do work, but there’s still that little voice taunting me—more, more, more. Why do I see a normal portion and feel it’s not nearly enough? I… Read More