Week 1: Tracking, Weighing, and Veggies!

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If you're new to the site, please check out my first post "The Plan," which explains the blog. 

And consider pledging a donation!  The more, the merrier!

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The Weekly Update: 

Current $/lbs = $44!

Current Weight = 149.6

Weight Lost = 3.4 lbs.

Money Raised = $150!

I lost some weight this week!  Yahooooo!

It's probably based on my diet, 

which is so high in kitty.  --->

Really, though, for those interested in following along (or dieting too!), I attribute my success this week to the following factors:

"MyFitnessPal" really IS my fitness pal!
         First, I got back on the "MyFitnessPal.com" bandwagon.  If you've never heard of it, it's a totally free online calorie counter.  It comes in website form (for us boring 'ole regular internet users) and in App form for iPhones, Android phones, Blackberry, iPad, etc.  It has a user-created database of THOUSANDS of food options, which allows you to search for chain-restaurant items, fast food items, coffee drinks... you name it!  (Note:  Since it's user-created, you occasionally have to be careful of the calorie postings.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Google it and check.)  You can also very easily put in your own calorie counts, as well as track your exercise!  My husband and I have found the calories earned from exercise to be a little high, however.  So, we tend to cut our time entered in half.  To give us an edge, let's say.  In addition, MyFitnessPal.com is a social experience.  There are friend's lists, forums, and online support groups a-plenty.  It's a great way to monitor what you eat.  And, for me, that's about 1200 calories a day.

Weigh EVERYTHING!
         Second, I was careful to control my portion size through very exact, weight-based measurement.  Instead of taking the time to count out 21 individual "Better Cheddars," I weighed 30 grams worth.  It may seem picky, but you'd be amazed how much more you put on your plate if you just "eyeball" it.  Those calories can really add up!  So, if you're dieting, I STRONGLY suggest getting a digital food scale.  Coupled with calorie counting, it's a fantastic way to track everything you're eating, down to every last little gram.  It makes a difference, believe me!

Here's a photo of our food scale, which has served us quite well for over 3 years.  It can handle up to 11 lbs of load at a time (which we've never managed to do, even though we LOVE food) and we've only had to replace the battery once.

A very good investment!

Veggies, Veggies, VEGGIES!

        Lastly, my husband and I ate a lot more veggies than usual.  We are self-described "Meat and Potatoes" people, with cheese on the side... and maybe some bread and butter.  And a beer.  But typically, we don't eat enough veggies.  So, we coupled my dieting challenge with another challenge:  As each vegetable comes into season at the Farmer's Market, we must buy (and eat) at least one of them.  Obviously, we can repeat the ones we enjoy, but we have to try as many as we can.  It's been surprisingly great, so far!  Not only are we supporting local farmers, but we're getting stupidly fresh produce and taking a nice weekend walk while we're at it.

  
Here's a list of all the veggies we bought at the Farmer's Market and what we made (or will make) with them:

Red Potatoes:  Oven-Roasted with herbs and a touch of Olive oil, as well as in Veggie Korma.

Cauliflower:  In Veggie Korma & Parmesean Roasted.

Green Beans (a lot):  Asian-Roasted (served with rice, see the picture to the right) & Italian seasoned.

Sweet Corn:  Microwaved and served with a little Smart Balance, Salt.  So good!

Sweet Onion:  In Veggie Korma, in Rice, in Meatloaf, with Potatoes, & anywhere else we could stick it.

Carrot:  Part of the "One-Pot Asian Rice" & Steamed.

Zucchinni:  Will be made into "Zucchini Crab-cakes" and Zucchini Lasagna later this week.  (Will be sure to report back on this next week, as I hate zucchini.)

Gypsy Peppers:  Will be stuffed with lean beef, rice, spices, and sauteed mushrooms.  Sounds tasty!

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And there you have it!  Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who donated this week!  It's given me the strength to "Just say no!" to several delicious things, including a Culver's Custard Cake that was served at a work function.  Seriously.  Free ice cream cake.  It was hard.

Please spread the word!  And feel free to email any donation pledges to skinnyforkitties@gmail.com!  See you all next week!

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