Hello, Again!

It's been too long since I posted on this site so I thought I would add an update.

Not much has changed, unfortunately. But, looking on the bright side, I have not gained more weight, just losing and gaining the same fat! My weight hovers around 144-146 lbs right now. The buffets are the killer, but that's what Nasser likes to do for entertainment. I just have to learn how to control myself and make proper choices. It can be done!

I really do want to get back to the 136 weight. I felt so good then, physically and mentally.

I have started a "deal-a-meal" sort of system Each food group will go on a 3x5 index card. For instance, a 1200 calorie diet could be broken down into food groups (like the diabetic meal plans and food groups). You would be allowed to eat daily, the total servings of 2 Milk (Dairy), 4 Meat or Meat Substitute, 5 Starch (includes starchy veggies), 3 Fruits, 2 Veggies (non-starchy), and 3 Fat. I am going to put each food group on a corresponding colored card (veggies on green, meat on red, etc). If I have 5 starches for the day, as I eat a starch, it will be put into the next day's slot in an index file (like a recipe box with daily dividers). When the cards are gone, no more food. Same for water - 8 cards - to be sure I drink it. I always forget to drink water.

I am going to do the same thing for my exercise plan. I work out every day but Saturday and Sunday, but I am thinking about adding a walk in the neighborhood or at the park on the weekends...or perhaps a hike on Saturdays. Each day will have a card as a reminder and reinforcement. (I also put little stars on my calendar each day I exercise. I love to look at my calendar and see all those stars!!! I must keep the inner child in me occupied. Her name is Dee Dee.)

Mondays:          30 min Cardio Low Intensity. 60 min Yoga Class.
Tuesdays:          10 min Cardio Warm-up. 20 min Ab Routine; Butt Buster Routine or P-90 Sculpt. Flexibility Stretch (FS).
Wednesdays:     40 min Cardio 10/10/10/10 Alternating high and low intensity and alternating equipment - 10 mins each on Stepper, Bike, Ellyptical, Treadmill. . FS
Thursdays:         10 min Cardio Warm-up. 20 min Abs. 60 min Body Sculpt/Cardio Class. FS
Fridays:              40 min Cardio 10/10/10/10. FS
Saturdays:          60 min Walk or Hike
Sundays:             30 min Walk


I think this looks like a winner! The meal cards allow for flexibilty and eliminates the need to keep a food diary, I hope. I keep up with a food diary for about 3 days then I quit - get bored with it. This should be more fun and still help me to stay within the 1200 calories. After I get down to 136, I can add some more cards to maintain (1500 calories).  Hopefully, I will be able to post some positive results!