GreyGirl915 wrote: »

Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? Yes, walked for 45 minutes in the snow and slush
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? Yes, under
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? Yes

Congrats to all the people on the Winner's Circle list. Now onward to February.

@RangerRickL Thank you so much for all your support and for hosting this group and keeping it interesting, great job. I appreciate the correction, things happen.

Here is a pic of the snow and slush I walked through today

victorious55 wrote: »

Some times, I "eat" or "gather" wisdoms from friends in the group I belong to.

Here is a wonderful piece from my friend @w8goal4life here in UAC.
Thank you very much @w8goal4life.

Thoughts:

1. “Diet” is a 4 letter word I choose not to have in my vocabulary. I much prefer “nutrition plan.”
2. Food is fuel and is absolutely essential for my body to run properly. The choices I make can be low grade, regular, premium or high test. Interestingly enough, for the most part, calories are inversely proportional to the fuel grades. I am the only one who is in control of filling the fuel tank.
3. Exercise is an important component for a healthy being, but it doesn’t compensate for a poor nutrition plan.
4. I am not alone on this journey. I have like-minded friends in UAC for cheerleaders; but know that I am the only one who can be accountable to me.
5. It is important to be encouraging for others. I can be a cheerleader for another, but the path they choose is their own to take.
6. Daily success is a gift I give to myself. I am worth it; and each day is an opportunity to begin anew and give myself another gift.
7. A bad day is only a reminder that the next day can be a better day.
8. We are better together.

Practical pointers:

1. A kitchen scale is absolutely essential for tracking and much more accurate than measuring or estimating.
2. For tracking purposes, eating at home is preferable to eating out. Social eating is problematic, but planning ahead can mitigate some of the hazards.
3. Keep it simple – recipes, in general, are counter-productive to weigh loss. Eg. Better to eat the apple than apple pie. Better to eat plain potato rather than potatoes au gratin or potato salad. Better to eat the banana rather than banana bread. Better to just have a piece of cheese instead of mac and cheese. Better to eat a plain egg than to turn it into an omelet.
4. Keeping it simple requires much less prep time in the kitchen and fewer dishes to wash.
5. Always better to track as one goes through the day, rather than trying to remember everything for an end of the day entry. Adjustments can be made more easily throughout the day.
6. The scale is only a number. How one feels and their physical well being are better indicators of health.

Suggestions:

1. Portion control is my responsibility. I can begin to curb portions simply by using a smaller plate, filling it once, and not having seconds. I am known to eat ice cream in a small dish or cup, using a baby spoon. I get lots of small bites that way!
2. Keep an insulated cup of ice water in the refrigerator or an easily accessible place at all times to stay hydrated. Limit beverages to just water/milk. Alcohol & juice are not good choices in a weight loss program.
3. Have healthy fruit and vegetable snacks in the refrigerator for between meal hunger urges.
4. Flossing and Brushing teeth after each meal may interrupt snack attacks and curb the desire to eat, again, right away.
5. Everything in moderation. I don’t deny myself anything, but exercise judgment as to the portion size for each.
6. Have a weight loss buddy. My buddies are the UAC participants. There is no better forum in MFP. We are blessed with reasonable daily goals that assure success if committed to the program…and it’s FREE!