I had the honor of speaking at a 'Mindful Eating' group last night and I can only hope that they enjoyed it as much as I did!  It was so interesting listening to the speaker as she touched on all of the things that I have had to teach myself.  Where was this class when I was losing weight?! :-)

Through my own weight loss journey I have had to learn what my eating "triggers" are, change my negative thoughts, and also work through getting discouraged at times. By no means am I perfect, I will always be a work in progress, but it is encouraging to know that all of these things are struggles that others face.

Many people have a love/hate relationship with food, but the ultimate goal is to get to the point where you can enjoy it, but without going overboard and without feeling guilty afterwards!  This is the exact reason that a lifestyle change is the answer.  The key is balance.


Watch for my next post about getting active and moving...       

I know it has been some time since I last blogged, and I apologize if you have checked in only to realize that there hadn't been a new post! (However, I have been periodically updating the 'Smart Food Finds' page so be sure to check it out!)

Recently I have had the opportunity to speak to several different groups and share my story.  This is my passion!  I love motivating and inspiring people, but also teaching them about making wise food choices.  The key to my weight loss success (and maintenance) was really making this a LIFESTYLE CHANGE, and not just something temporary.

I am excited and eager to see what the future holds for FoodSmartie! It is my goal to continue to share my success and help others do the same!


Please share my website with your friends and if you have not already, 'Like' me on Facebook!   

I found this "non-diet" written by a woman named Gloria Tsang and thought it was a great concept! It's about making small lifestyle changes. 

Here are a few small actions to help undiet:

• Start Undieting:

         Stop yo-yo dieting and change your lifestyle.

• Start one change per week. 

• Keep a food journal.

• Check both the nutrition facts panel and the ingredients list.

• Uncover whole grains. 

         Look for the word "whole" in the ingredients list and don't limit whole grains to breakfast.

• Be unafraid of meat. 

         It's not as high in fat or calories as many junk foods.

• Un-drink your calories. 

         "Drinks are meant to hydrate us, not feed us, so they shouldn't be a big source of calories."


Be sure to follow the link to this great Packaged Food Review...

http://www.healthcastle.com/product-review.shtml

I was recently asked by someone; "At what point did you stop thinking about everything you ate and it just became natural?"

This is a very good (and valid) question.  I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble but the honest truth, in my case, is that I have never stopped thinking about my food choices.  I have definitely taught myself how to better control my portions, choose healthier options, and avoid trigger foods, but becoming completely mindless in my lifestyle (diet)...not so much!

I am to the point where I really enjoy fresh and healthy foods, so making the wise choice is not hard for me.  I guess I have been blessed because I actually like fruits and vegetables!  Another motivation to make the right choices is how great I feel now, as opposed to 100 lbs ago.  I don't mind steering clear of fatty foods because I know what the consequences to those are!

I know this may sound funny, but I'm usually thinking about my next meal as I'm eating the current one!  This is due to 2 things...I am a foodie at heart :-) and because diet is all about planning.  The best way to be successful in your weight loss journey is to make it priority to plan ahead.  For all of those spontaneous types, this can be difficult!  

The bottom line is that if you are really determined to make a change, and willing to endure a few small sacrifices in order to achieve it, YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!
    

One of the biggest adjustments that I have made in my eating habits relates to the ability to taste an indulgent food item, but not eat the whole thing. A friend once told me she had read in a Bethenny Frankel book it stated "taste everything, eat nothing." What I interpreted this to mean is that you should not completely deny yourself of anything. If you crave something badly enough, many times you will just give in and eat it. The thought is that if you allow yourself to take a bite or two, you will satisfy the curiosity or craving that you are having. This saves your sanity AND your wasteline!

I myself, notice many times that the food I remember so fondly (french fries, chips, candy, etc.) doesn't even taste as amazing as I remember it! Therefore I am happy that I did not waste the calories of eating something that wasn't that great after all!  

My life has been pretty busy lately and I have deviated from my usual "routine," but I don't think that it should ever be an excuse not to eat right.  Although it's not always the easiest thing to do, in the end it feels the best and it pays off!

I have read that staying healthy is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  I am a firm believer of this.  Unfortunately, when people simply go to the gym but don't change their eating habits, they don't see results.  Diet is key!!!

As I have said before, for the past 3 years I have been following the Zone Diet eating plan.  The premise of this is that all meals and snacks should be in proper proportion to keep blood sugar stable.  The ratios are 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.  I have had immense success following this plan and soon after starting it, the weight just began falling off!  As with many, I had hit a plateau and couldn't figure out why I wasn't losing.  I read one of Jillian Michael's books where it had you take a short quiz to tell you which eating plans would be most successful for you.  It recommended the Zone Diet for me.  Once I had gotten the hang of it, I found it easier for me to follow than any "diets" I had tried in the past.  I had obviously found my fit!  Thanks Jillian!!! :-)

I wouldn't recommend this diet for someone who doesn't like to put much thought into their meals or planning ahead of time.  This also would not be a fit for someone who doesn't want to cook.  Fortunately I enjoy cooking and being in control of everything I eat!   

I'm sure we have all heard the age old saying in regards to losing weight..."it's a lifestyle change." Well I am proof that indeed this statement is correct! 

Growing up I watched my parents stay active by running, going to the gym, and biking (they are both completely average weight, not heavy at all.) You would think this would have been motivation to me to want to be active as well, unfortunately it was not. I didn't really have any desire to get off the couch and get moving! In addition, I didn't care to control my portion sizes. I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted without thinking twice about it. 

An article was published about my success story on AOL.  You can read more through the link below:
Michelle Tackled Portion Control and Lost 100 Pounds

My life definitely changed when I changed my "lifestyle."  I now watch everything that goes into my mouth and always think about it.  I also make exercise a PRIORITY and don't skip it just because something better comes along. 

Losing weight and this new lifestyle has made me into such a planner as well. I like to maximize my time and always prefer to make plans over living haphazardly! I now have the control that I didn't have before! 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

And so it begins...
....the long awaited blog!  
I hope you will bear with me as I figure this whole "blogging" thing out!  I'm a newbie! 

I have been told by numerous people that I should start a blog about my own personal weight loss and maintenance journey, so here it is!  

In short, I have lost a total of 100 pounds and have kept it off for 4 years and counting...

My intention in starting this blog is to share useful tips, suggestions, and practices that have worked for me.  I am no fitness professional, nor do I have a nutritional or dietetic degree.  I do however, know what worked for me and I would like to share that!

I am both honored and excited to be able to share my weight loss journey with you!  I look forward to your feedback.  I want to help you stay motivated and encouraged!