scubachick67 wrote: »

I'm just checking in early as I got a calorie shock! It's lunchtime here. I made my lunch and sat down to eat it and track it. Over 900cals! Yikes! I thought I had a healthy enough plate.

It was mostly a plate of baby spinach and avocado.....a full one (mistake 1). I've been avoiding bread as hot toast is my downfall. But today, there was the end of one wholemeal loaf and the start of the other. The kids don't eat the ends, so I toasted them (mistake 2) and buttered them (mistake 3). There was one saussage left over, so I added that too (mistake 4). Then, instead of mayo or creamy coleslaw I put a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top (mistake 5).

I was thinking I just had a lovely healthy open sandwich! Shocked when I counted the cals. Of course, the real mistake is that I didn't plan this lunch in advance. I just grabbed what was in the fridge when I was hungry. I'm beginning to see how my weight had piled on when I think I am eating healthy.
...

@scubachick67. Let me start with it's OK to make mistakes provided you learn from them (and you are). The past is forgiven. Use what you have learned to make a better tomorrow. I am confident you will.

You have just brilliantly highlighted the "leftover food" conundrum. How do you use good leftovers and still keep within budget.

Fortunately you have also hinted at the solutions:
1) Tracking. By knowing what the energy density of the food is, you can more sensibly combine things (the more you do it, the easier this becomes)
2) Portion control. Sometime less is more.
3) Sensible additions.
4) Advance planning. Minimise surprises.

Good thing was protein and fats with the carbohydrate.

Each food you highlighted on it's own is not bad.
- Spinach and avocado (Good - should have taken the edge off the appetite)
- Wholemeal bread (Better than white bread, fine in moderation, but can add up fast and not fill you up - toasting make little to no difference)
- Butter (Far better than margarine)
- Sausage (OK. Good protein, but careful of trans-fat levels).
- Olive oil & Balsamic vinegar (Good alternative to mayo or creamy coleslaw. Still adds energy but also aids digestion).

I would be pretty sure the bread and the avocado were the lion's share of the calories. If you crave those, then plan around them in future.

Do not deny what you crave. Section out a portion (put the rest away for later - out of sight, out of mind), THEN enjoy what you have portioned out for yourself.

Biggest help I found was working out what macro's fill you up (on the least amount of calories). For me it's proteins and fats. Some it's fibre or vegetables. Eat more of what keeps you full on less calories and you are less likely to eats things you should not.

@scubachick67. You can do this. Work from what you have learned and keep going. We here in the UAC group believe you can do this.

@lightningbolt9 you are amazing I could not imagine going to a restaurant and not having ANYTHING!
@scubachick67 our calories can get away from us. I find it so much easier to plan my meals. I find it very hard to wing it, unless I go for some old stand bys...lol
@everyone GREAT JOB! We have an amazing team and I am very proud to be a part of it!

exercise yes 60 minutes aquamotion, 30 minutes exercise bike
calories yes under by over 200 without using any exercise calories(I am going to make that goal...lol)
tracking everything!

Went to a bursary tea tonight as my oldest granddaughter is graduating. We were very proud that she was awarded a bursary. I stayed for the whole ceremony but left as soon as all the bursaries were given out as I did not trust myself to stay away from the goodies Big NSV for me!

Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? YES...40 minute spin class then 20 full body circuit.

Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? YES...a little low today...thought i planned it well then got sidetracked shopping.

Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? YES

@craigo3154 you have made this check in an awesome one...ty for all the info.

captainfantastic94 wrote: »

I don't know anything about rowing, is that actually a good time/distance?

@captainfantastic94. From: http://www.mh.co.za/fitness/mhfit-test-1000m-row/

Level 1 – > 4:21 min
Level 2 – 4:11-4:20
Level 3 – 4:01-4:10
Level 4 – 3:51-4:00
Level 5 – 3:41-3:50
Level 6 – 3:31-3:40
Level 7 – 3:21-3:30
Level 8 – 3:11-3:20
Level 9 – 3:01-3:10
Level 10 – < 3:00 min

Apparently technique plays a BIG part. Height, stroke length, power and cadence are all important.

Don't worry about others times and what is good and bad. Just work on improving your technique and your times.

I'd probably be round 6:00 to do what you did in 4:40. I don't row (or even go to a gym).

Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? Yes, Stationary bike 41 mins
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? Yes
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? Yes

GardenMama129 wrote: »

lightningbolt9 wrote: »

...
Calories: ...We went out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant, ...I didn't even touch the chips and salsa!
...

I'm seriously impressed!

What did you order??? I am having Mexican tonight and I don't want to blow it!