Snack Time

It's Snack Time!

Many of you have asked me how I have been able to lose 30 pounds.  Well...the answer is complicated and simple all at the same time.  First let me preface this by being honest...I did NOT do this alone!  The past year I had 1/2 of my right lung removed and stomach surgery.  These two large events and recoveries helped to aide in the 30 pound weight loss.  But I haven't gained it back.  (*About 10 pounds of the weight loss was due to the stomach surgery directly.)

So how have I changed my eating habits?  It's simple really, everything they tell you not to do, we don't do...it's really that simple.  We don't starve, there's always more than enough food on our table (and in our bellies).  But one thing above all else is important: snack time.  You have to have it or your diet will fail.  Hubby & I are on a limited income.  Because of this we are careful with our money and thrifty.  So here's some of my simple steps to saving on the waist line and the bottom line:

#1) Eat fresh.  This means that YOU make it.  While this is easier said than done, this means no lasagna's from the frozen food section, no boxed dinners, and pre made pizza?  Forget it.  All of it.  Not only will making it yourself save on the calories, in the long run it will also save you money.  The easiest way to do this: use a meal plan, fall in love with your crock pot, and learn to use "refrigerator surprise" nights to your advantage.  The more "color" on your plate at meal time, the better off your waistline will be!

#2) Do NOT stop for fast food!  Just STOP wasting time, money, and let's face it, empty calories.  It's not worth it for your wallet or the inches on your waist.  If you think you're going to be gone all day, do it the old fashioned way: pack a lunchbox with not only your lunch, but snacks for the day.

#3)  Find a snack you love that is filling.  It's NOT okay to starve yourself (you'll pay for it later).  When you are hungry, you should eat.  Eating small and more often is better for you than eating large meals less often.  Fresh is always a great option for snacks: fruit, veggies, even a nutella roll up.  

But for me, when I am uber hungry (which does happen often), I grab a protein rich snack, with my favorite, a cup of coffee.  Often the snack is one of my refrigerator staples: Dannon Oikos Plain Green Yogurt (See above from Dannon).  I add about 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/4 cup of multi-grain Cheerios on top.  Yummy, filling, crunchy, and so satisfying.