Winning Strategies

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Let's face it, when I don't get enough sleep the first thing I want is coffee and along with coffee I'd also like half of the bakery case.  This month at Weight Watchers we're talking about time saving strategies so that we can get more sleep which will help us to make healthier choices.  So I started thinking about what strategies have worked for me during weight loss and maintenance.  Then I read an article about a study by Dr. Sherry Pagoto.  The article, in a nutshell, says that we should forget about dieting and focus on lifestyle because
if we stop following the "diet" then the weight comes back.  This made me think of something my Weight Watchers leader, Karen, told me at my 2nd meeting and something that my coach, Barbara, told me again this week.

Making small changes will have a lasting impression.

Remember this half marathon?
Ugh... yeah, not so good.

When I started Weight Watchers the small changes were to increase
the number of fruit/vegetables I was eating per day or increasing the amount of water and decreasing the amount of soda I was drinking.  These things worked perfectly and became a routine for me.  I replaced my old unhealthy routines with new healthier routines to change my lifestyle.

Coach B taught me the same kind of thing when it came to activity.  At first I was terrified of being registered for a half marathon and she made me realize that I wasn't going to run a half marathon the first

After more training the next half marathon
went so much better!
See what lifestyle changes can get you?

week of training but that through smaller workouts I'd build my endurance so that I could complete it.  Now, not all of my half marathon attempts have been successful but the overall routine of being active has been tremendously successful in getting me to my goal weight and helping me maintain.  All in all I definitely want to make healthy changes that will become routine so I don't even think about them.

Are you working to make lifestyle changes?  What are your winning strategies?

Quick and Easy Meals

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The past couple of weekends have been incredibly busy which is why I've been quiet on here lately.  So, the routine for this month seems especially relevant.  Two weekends ago we were in Wisconsin with friends and had an absolutely amazing time.  But I knew I overate.  A lot.  There were more starchy carbs eaten in four days than in the last year I think.  Last weekend we were home for a family reunion.  Let me tell you, my mom and aunts can cook up some seriously delicious eats.  Again, I overate.

Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the food that I ate.  Not surprisingly, after having eaten way too much (and things I'm not used to eating) I got sick.  It's "nice" that my body reminds me when I make stupid choices.  Being able to put together a quick meal is essential to staying, or getting back on, plan.  I'm pretty good with the side dishes, mostly because there are only a handful of vegetables that Dan will eat which certainly makes that part of the meal easier.  Then it's just a matter of figuring out the protein for the meal.

My favorite side dishes:
Brussels with Bacon
1 bag frozen Brussels sprouts
2 slices bacon
1 t. olive oil

I cut off most of the fat from the bacon and just use the meatiest parts.  Add the olive oil to a pan, then the bacon and the frozen sprouts.  Cook for about 8-10 minutes.  The bacon should be crispy and the sprouts tender with a little crunch.  Since the bacon is salty you don't really need to use seasoning, in my opinion.


Garlicky Green Beans
1 bag frozen green beans (I like the french cut beans best)
1 t. olive oil
garlic salt to taste

Add olive oil to pan, then green beans.  Cook until beans have begun to brown.  I add a little spray butter and then garlic salt or another seasoning (sometimes steak or barbeque) depending on my mood.

What quick and easy meals do you have in your pocket?