Thursday, July 23, 2009

Trim the Fat, vol IV

Though my kidney stones were incredibly painful. I was quite thrilled with the side effect of not being hungry AT ALL. The whole idea of food. Eating. Chewing. Was quite distasteful. For an entire week I barely ate. Unless my mother forced guilted suggested a little soup. The weight loss was quite lovely. And I hoped that my body would just get used to less food. And stop with all its incessant demands for things that should not be part of my diet.

Unfortunately. When I woke up from my vicodin haze. I actually FELT like I hadn't eaten for a week. I was ravenous. Nothing was enough. And all I wanted was crap. Stupid body. Stupid brain. Stupid cravings.

I have managed to sort of get myself back on track. But not without a modicum of inspiration. That I found in these books:

They call themselves the no diet weight loss solution. I wouldn't go that far. Or even that close. But I do find them a great resource. For example, you are going to buy frozen pizza. They tell you which ones are better options and why. Which ones you should stay far, far away from. And why. And often, the answers are quite surprising.

Like...Kellogs Smart start cereal has more sugar than Lucky Charms. Or Frosted Flakes. Or even Cocoa Pebbles! Kraft Mac and Cheese has 19 times more fat than a can of spaghetti Os. Or that most guacamole dips have NO avacado in them at all. That when you are picking out your Halloween candy, while neither are great choices...a snickers is better than skittles. Or skittles are better than plain M&Ms. Who knew?

And what is even more inspiring...is that there is a kids version. Originally, I had gotten each of these books from the library. But the kids version is my favorite. So much so that I went out and got our own copy of this one. My kids have each read it. Been so excited by what they read that they read parts of it aloud to me. Even more importantly...I am seeing results. They are paying attention to labels. Katie ate a frozen pizza for lunch yesterday. But looked at the label to see about fat and sodium. And to see what a serving size really is. And then today, we ran through Sonic. And Madalyn. Without any suggestions from me, asked for apple slices instead of fries.

Awareness and knowledge are the first steps. To me getting back on track. And for all of us being a little healthier.

Goals for the week:

To be better about writing things down. And to come home while the girls have tennis lessons rather than sitting in my car reading. And while I am at home...to do my exercise video. Not hang out online.

If you need some additional inspiration, head over to Angie's to see how everyone else is doing!

So...what about you? Have you read this book series? Is your family on the healthy eating bandwagon?

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17 comments:

Michie said...

My husbad owns those books and constantly refers to them. Seems to work he has lost some weight! I love your blog so I awarded you a "Lovely Blog Award"! Stop by my blog to pick it up.

Angie's Spot said...

I keep seeing those books and am so glad you reviewed them! I'll definitely have to check them out. I'm going to start my Flat Belly Diet 4 day jumpstart on Sunday. Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of it. LOL!

Shannon said...

Um, yeah... no one is going to be motivated if they read my post for the week.

Oops.


These books sound interesting. I'm all about my Lucky Charms... who knew they were actually good for me?! (sort of)

Denise Grover Swank said...

This is so timely for us! My 12 year old weighs a little more than she should and I've always stressed "eat healthy" over "diet" but I recently realized she has no idea HOW to make wise food choices. I hate that we're looking at calories but at the same time I'm glad that she's more aware. We are going to Barnes and Noble after dinner (frozen pizza, uh oh) to see if they have that book! Thanks Kat!

Jen said...

I have looked at these books before but I had to put it down because it told me not to eat all my guilty pleasures. I guess that is why I am guilty.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I'd never heard of those books, thanks for the tip!

texcindy said...

I am going to have to check out these books. I've seen them before! You've just given us all a new tool!

Gramma 2 Many said...

I have seen those books at Costco. I have actually picked them up and leafed through them. Maybe I should buy them and read them instead. We live in such a hurry hurry world, that none of take the time to eat properly, I am afraid.

Aubrey said...

I have never seen those books! They look great! I am always looking for a great alternative to this and that but too lazy to look. This sounds like the solution!

Kori said...

Where's my Follies?

JennyMac said...

I have seen one of these books online with a description. The what NOT to eat mortified me.

Brandy said...

I have never seen those books before but they look awesome!

Glad your feeling better!

Anonymous said...

You have an interesting blog, but blue text on a bile-green background is just too hard to read.

Dillypoo said...

These books are great. One of my co-workers has them at the office and they are real eye openers, especially if you're the kind of cook who relies on cracking open packages to create meals. I think one of the best things you pointed out is that your kids are paying attention to and understanding labels. Wow!

Love your blog! And the blue/green layout works for me. I think it's beautiful!

LadyStyx said...

Only problem with those books is that they never give the BEST choices. I've found that most times I've found a better option that's lower in whatever they're comparing and tastes just as good if not better! All you need to do is take the time to read the labels on the foods.

Rhonda said...

Well, thank goodness I've been eating the Lucky Charms!!! lol

Great post! And I'm glad you're better!

Debbie said...

what a great review! I have seen these books but was not sure what the benefit would be! I think I might check them out, especially the kids one!:)