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!