Short Term Shred

Meg2012

Ok, so I'm under 10 lbs to go for my goal weight. And the deadline is two weeks away.

I totally understand that it's short sighted thinking to want to shed it by then, and that it will likely come back. But... I need to make this a short term goal. Even if 5 lbs come back on week 3, I'll still be ahead of the game.

I've been pretty lax about what kind of stuff I put in my body, and focusing more on calorie count. For the next two weeks, I really want to focus on quality. I want to cut out processed foods, excess sugar and salt.

Here's the thing: I'm a grazer. I can't eat a lot at one time, but prefer to have stuff to munch on throughout the day.

What easy to leave out snacks can you recommend that may be helpful over these next two weeks?

Thanks!

jjs22

Well, I agree that its probably not the best approach, but since you asked...

You say you've been "lax about what you put in your body". If that includes a fair amount of carbs, you might be "in luck". Eating cabs causes your body to store more water, so when people reduce their carb intake (most often at the beginning of a diet) they experience some "water loss". Most of us need to be reminded that this isn't really significant, but if reducing carbs helps you meet your short-term goal, then go for it.

The important thing for ANY dieter to focus on is sustainable habits. Losing weight on a diet is worse for your body than not dieting at all. Unless you are one of the (few) people who succeed in eating sensibly after the weight has been lost. As hard as it is to lose weight, the statistics show that its even harder to keep it off. The best way to succeed in the second challenge is to focus on it from the beginning.

Good luck to you !

jjs22

Oh, and about snacks...

I think carrots are great for when you "just want something". And if you need something sweet, go for an apple. You can burn off the calories in an apple by walking for 15 minutes or so.

Meg2012

Yep, I don't plan on going completely insane week 3. (Though I will try to use these two weeks to start a healthier habit.)

So far, I'm good about getting my fitness time in. I belly dance, do Zumba, and walk a few times per week.

It's time to cannonball into better eating habits now. Will all of them stick? No. Some? Yes. And that's the point.


Be spot-on with nutrition for two weeks. Then transition into where I will ultimately be for the winter. I'll be doing the Zig Zag approach to caloric intake. But for now, it's time to jump in.

Apples and carrots are a good start. I keep those around a lot. Any ideas for savory? I would frequently do peapods & soy sauce, but I'm cutting my sodium intake too.