Slimmer This Summer: Week 1

Slimmer This Summer officially starts today!  I started prepping last week.  I know I have to wean myself from certain things.  My grocery list included the familiar fresh eating plan foods.  I didn’t get on the plan fully.  But I made progress toward healthier choices, and I’m reworking the dinner menus I made before I knew about this challenge.

You won’t see my actual weight posted here.  But I will post my weekly losses and goal. 

Goal weight loss:  16.5#

Loss this week:  1.5#

Loss to date:  1.5#

Remaining toward goal:  15# 

This week’s goals are to do the eating plan (1,600 cal/day), drink 64-80 oz of water each day, walk 2 miles three times, and lose at least 2 pounds. 

While I fully engaged the eating plan on Sunday, I have already reduced my calorie intake substantially by cutting out some cheese, the peanut butter, the sweet desserts (okay, except for one), and many dinner carbs (potatoes, rice, noodles).  I added fresh fruit (mostly berries on sale this week) to breakfast, lunch and after dinner.  I didn’t dip my finger nearly as much when I iced those cookies for the luncheon, either.  I can’t count how many times I said, “No,” to myself or others. 

I did pan-grill several 4-oz portions of chicken breast (.88/#) and some 93% lean beef (1.99/#) patties to grab from the freezer for lunches.  Prepped vegs (crazy cheap) for freezer and fridge (strawberries .99/# and blueberries 1.39/pt).  Stocked up on eggs (.88/doz).  Got the plain yogurt (<$2) for me, because the boys won’t touch it.   Marked stuff, “MOM’S!” 

My 32-oz water bottle was pulled from the back of the cabinet, and I started using it to better track my water (which is filtered).  I drink plenty as it is, when I think I want food, before and at meals, and throughout the day.  But this way I know two of these gals is my goal.  I’ve taken in at least two bottles-worth (64 oz) each day since Wednesday.

I started walking.  I think I’m going to have to forego my 30-minute aerobic/strength training expectation, however.  Nothing like a lingering concussion from smacking your head on an icy driveway.  And by lingering I mean since February 4.  Even warming up is making me dizzy.  It’s much better than it was, but I’m going to have to get my aerobics from brisk walking, and settle for weight-bearing exercise instead, until I get fully recovered.  I walked four times, from 1/4 mile to 2 miles.

In the few days since I committed to this, and made small changes, I’ve lost a pound and a half.  Much of it is retained fluids, I know, but I’m toning and strengthening the muscle I have, until I can build more.

In lieu of a food log for this first post, I’ll tell you that I am drastically cutting back on unuseful carbs (Who brought those Pringles in this house?!), watching portions strictly (Just one more little nibble.), and loading up on vegs and fruits (No-guilt yum.).  Protein is in every meal and snack.  Fresh is the word, which works well with summer produce offerings.

So that’s where I am.  At the beginning and doing well so far.  How ’bout you?