Busy writing, but not here

I've been on a bit of a break here, mostly for lack of time and also because of this little guy:

He's found a secret access point to my computer, so he loves to sneak up ninja-style and grab my mouse and keyboard while I'm trying to work. So if I have time and can get him away from this temptation, I spend all my time working and not so much blogging.

However, some things I have been writing for work at very applicable here. So instead of writing a new post, I'll share my most recent articles on ksl.com.

First:


Break your diet? Don't feel bad

So you cheated on your diet. You caved in and had a second (or third) piece of birthday cake, got a super-sized combo meal, or dug out that chocolate bar you've been hiding in the back of the pantry. Now what?

Using the internet for exercise motivation


How do you merge the addictive power of the Internet with the unsurpassed benefits of an active lifestyle? Here are a few success stories of Utahns making it happen.



Enjoy!

The scale! It's moving!

After two weeks of this new meal plan, all was going well... Until my baby got the cold that I had, and slight chaos reigned in the Maxfield household. By the end of week two, I was back to my old ways and not even caring. Even my blasted soda habit was back—one can, sometimes two, a day—and I had the bloated belly to prove it.

I had one minor victory, which was that I fought the fast food urge and haven't had any in two weeks. Still, I was pretty mad at myself yesterday that I've slipped so far and I vowed to begin again, AND kick the Coke to the curb once and for all. The craving was really strong this morning (at 9 a.m.! How pathetic is that?) but I'm proud to say that I resisted the urge and made myself a green smoothie instead.

About an hour and a half later, I got back on the scale out of curiosity, since I haven't weighed in over a week. I was kind of expecting a gain, but lo, such was not my fate. On the contrary: I lost weight!!!

I lost a total of 3 pounds in about a week and a half, I'm now almost 5 pounds below my pre-baby weight: I'm now at 151! 

HUZZAH!!!

So, even though I didn't stick to the plan 100%, it is definitely working. With my renewed dedication and the mental boost from the movement on the scale, I am psyched and ready to keep going.

Who's with me???

Food as fuel

It's been a little harder than I thought getting into this new meal plan, but not in the way I expected. I've been really good at eating the oatmeal and veggie wraps, but it's been really hard for me to eat on schedule and get the juice/smoothie in. Not sure why this is exactly, other than the fact that time is always an issue when you have a baby. But I keep working at it, and it's getting better every day.

The main thing I really love about this plan is that it helps me remember that food is for fuel, not for pleasure. OK, it kind of is for pleasure, and it should taste good or else we wouldn't want to eat it. Also, there's nothing wrong with a little snack or dessert every now and then. But the day-to-day business of food is not about satisfying our junk-food lust; it's about giving our body what it needs. When you do this, you do feel satisfied—not to mention full of energy.

This is the concept behind Tres Hatch's book, as I mentioned earlier this week. With this regimented plan that takes the body's dietary needs in mind, and is created to keep the metabolism working at max capacity, it's been really easy to keep in mind that food is for fuel.

I still have intense cravings for fast food every now and then, especially soda and large fries, but hopefully those cravings will subside the more I stick to this plan. Though I was skeptical that I'd be satisfied with a veggie wrap for lunch, I actually am. That's how I know that my food is working for me and I'm getting the nutrients I need to keep going.

That's the update. Is anyone else doing this plan or something similar? Share your experience and tell us what you like about it!