As Time Goes By...

Dear Sisters,

Here I am again. Feeling guilty for the things I've eaten today and for not posting in way too long. I've decided to start using this blog as a journal of sorts. You see, I think regularly of food and of treats and I thought maybe here would be a good place to write down what I think about it. Maybe by doing so I'll be able to make sense of it all and actually be able to find something that works for me as far as eating healthy goes.

So I guess it would be good to start with today. I've been thinking lots as of late about calories and about what a proper caloric intact would be for someone like me. My sister suggested 1800 as a good amount for someone who is mildly active and wanting to drop a few pounds...I think maybe 1500 would be more ideal until I reach my desired weight and then maybe increase my calories then to 1800. I'm not sure what my feelings are on this though. It seems like such a pain to be constantly measuring and calculating what I eat and keeping track of things either on paper or in my head but in reality loosing weight is not an easy, carefree thing to do so the reality is that counting calories just might be part of it.

One of my major problems is I like food. And, I like making good food for my family. I try really hard to put whole foods on the table for my hubby and my kids; making a well rounded meal is pleasurable for me and it gives me a lot of satisfaction in myself when I'm able to do so. I do try to plan healthy meals which include all four food groups and offer a wide variety of tastes and things for my kids to try. This week for instance I've cooked salmon with french bread and bruschetta and salad, last night we ate lettuce chicken wraps (which were heavenly) and fruit salad, and tonight I made crock-pot italian chicken with green salad with cheddar cheese in it. Tomorrow I'm making hamburger soup with cheddar and chive biscuits and we've also got manicotti on the menu this week with broccoli and salad as sides. We make cookies and chocolate cake on a regular basis and I try to make buns and bread often. I've always thought that homemade is better then store boughten so I really try to avoid processed foods when I can and turn to basic homemade foods instead. Cooking like this takes a lot of work but I enjoy it and the result is almost always something me and my family like to eat.

As time goes by I'm beginning to realize that I'm now 31. My metabolism is slowing down, I've had 3 kids, and I like good food. So, where does this leave me? I truly wish I was one of those people who spring out of bed at 5 a.m. bouncing off the walls ready to do an hour workout before showering and having the house cleaned up before her kids get up in the morning. I keep hoping that as I get older I'll begin to love sleep a little less and that getting up in the morning won't be such a chore for me...the sad thing is it probably always will be. And, so the mind games begin. The challenge I now find myself facing is becoming self-disciplined enough to make eating right and exercising regularly part of my life. Something that I just do instead of something I'm always 'trying' hard to get control of. Maybe by the time I kick the bucket I will figure this out. Hopefully in the mean time I'll be able to loose a few pounds and become happier with my self image in the process.

With any luck, one of these days I'll figure this all out.

Have a good night.

Erin

Confessions...of a sugaraholic.

Dearest Sisters,

It's been way too long since I've posted on here.

I think it's because of guilt.

I had the best intentions of starting the New Year out on a 'no sugar' goal.

Who was I kidding?!

I don't even think I made it a week into the New Year...to be honest I didn't make it past the first day. I've realized, as of late, that I'm addicted to the sweet stuff. I eat it when I'm tired, stressed, busy, or just want some.

No self control going on here.

What is my problem? Does anyone out there know if there are support groups for people like me? I seriously want to cut back but just don't know how to do it while convincing myself that I don't really want it anyways.

Any thoughts on this?

Erin

Crystalline Fructose

So, this week, I was label reading on my favorite brand of yogurt, Mountain High Yogurt (buy it if you can...SO good!). It mentioned that crystalline fructose (the type used in their yogurt) has a lower glycemic index than high fructose corn syrup (a common sweetener). Here is a website with some great info:
http://fructose.org/facts.asp
Do you have any favorite "low glycemic index" foods?? I could sure use some suggestions :)

Sisters,

I thought I'd try to start the New Year out right and set some goals on eating better. I'm trying to cut back on my sugar, milk and simple carbs (ie. grains). So far, at only a week into it, I haven't been very successful. I'm a stress eater. When life is stressful I tend to eat sweets and such. Do any of you have an suggestions on what to do instead of eat? I'm a little worried that at the end of this life crisis I'm going to weight 200 pounds.

Not a fun thought.

The weather was sunny today. Lots of snow melted and me and the kids went for a long walk. It was so good to be outside.

Have a good night.

Erin

On a cold day...

Dear Sisters,

I made soup for supper.

Yum.

I love soup on a cold day.

Tonight it was chicken noodle.

Thick hearty chicken noodle soup with homemade whole wheat bread and butter.

It was so delicious.

I had a healthy day. No treats. I'm proud of myself.

How was your day? What did you make for dinner?

Erin

A New Year

This is my SSS blogging debut and I have to say that I am beyond excited to be a part of this movement! So, let me begin by saying that all are welcomed. Even big, preg-o women like me who are forever trying to gain control of sugar cravings and weight. It is a constant battle, simply because I LOVE FOOD (especially things with sugar). There you have it, plain and simple. So, why, if the admission of my love for sweet goodies, is so simple, why is the conquering of it SO profoundly difficult/complex? Am I genetically wired to love sweet sugar? Am I psychologically weak or dependent on food for comfort? Possibly both :) Either way, I totally believe in the power of the mind and the ability to change. Which belief is a great prelude to my New Years Resolution:
1.This year, I will gain self-control over my sugar cravings by reducing the amount of sugar I eat. Not only in the sweet side of food, but in complex carb's as well. I think sugar is addictive and highly disguised in many other foods that come in healthier packaging than what you see at the check-out stand at the grocery store :) This year, I want to be a food sleuth and learn more about how sugar affects the foods I eat and my body. This information will fuel my ability to make better decisions about sugar as I learn the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about sugar :) Bring it, 2010.
2. Lose all of my baby weight...I mean all of it from #1-#3. No more excuses. I honestly feel like getting sugar cravings under control will make this possible. Good-bye, Sour Patch Fruit Salad. I know you have zero real fruit in you anyways....
Good luck to all of us as we begin our journey to achieve our goals this year! Next week, we should discuss findings about sugar and ways to stick to our New Years Resolutions, because no doubt, we are going to count on each other to stick this out--365 of keeping a goal...let's face it, that will feel better than any sugar rush :)
Cheers to our New Year,
Court

Will I Ever Change?

Dear Sugar Sisters,

I'm sitting in a lazy chair at the Cabin.
The Christmas tree twinkles beside me.
Trev was gone snowboarding all day.
The kids and I had fun playing on the ice, making cookies, and crafting together.
It's holiday time.
I think I've gained 5 pounds and we're still on 'vacation'.

Where is my self control I wonder...

...is it lost amidst the wrapping paper and the traveling?
...is it hidden in all the toys?
...is it forgotten underneath the fuzzy sweater?

Will I ever find it again?

Time for a New Year's resolution:

I will be a better eater, exerciser, and blogger this coming year! I will regain my self control and change my lifestyle so that I can be healthier and feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I'm really going to do this.

Wish me luck.

Erin