[MaryAnneMc]

Hello to all!!!

As co-host of the weight-loss blog (along with Lisa and Jennifer) I'm trying to get a feel from the community as to what they'd like the weight loss blog to include. While I hope you find the blog to be extremely informative, motivational and inspiring-- I'd like to know if any members have a particular subject/topic they'd be especially interested in. The topic of weight loss is obviously extremely broad, and if there is anything out there that you'd ever wondered about or would like to know more about, please let us know.

We hope to generate a lot of discussion and look forward to bringing you the best blog possible. I look forward to hearing from each and everyone of you!

[shoshanna]

I'd like to know more about how to stay on a diet when you are busy and stressed and have very little time to cook or do anything else. That's when my diets always fail!

[MaryAnneMc]

Shoshanna--

Thanks so much for responding! I have a feeling that this will be one of the most highly asked questions on the Weight Loss Blog...how do we lose and eventually maintain weight loss while doing a million things at once? With the stresses of work, kids, school, etc. combined with our busy schedules and the holiday season...who has time to cook, much less eat well??? Many of us (esp. women!) cave into emotional eating, especially this time of year. While we are constantly on the go, it's so much easier to grab a Quarterpounder (and Supersize it!) than taking the time to sit down and cook a healthy meal.

While I believe the secret to weight loss isn't denying yourself of the foods you love, I believe it's a lifestyle change. I’m living proof that you CAN have a family and do a million things at once, all while having a healthy lifestyle. Plus, eating healthier also helps you de-stress!


A Few Strategies to Healthy Eating (even throughout) the Busy Holiday Season!

1. Sit Down as A Family and Eat Together
- We try and at least do this 4-5 times a week...not only does it give you time with one another, but conversing makes you eat more slowly and gives your body time to realize it's
"full".

2. Get Exercise Out of the Way
I exercise first thing in the morning, before my daughter gets up. I know if I wait until
my husband gets home after work, I'll never get it done. Working out helps you cope with stress AND it's also a great start to your day!

3. Plan Your Meals Ahead!
When I worked a full-time job, I planned and went grocery shopping for all my meals on Saturday and cooked them on Sunday. I threw practically all of them in the freezer and put them in the crock-pot while I was at work. Voila! A warm, ready to eat meal when you get home!

4. Go for the grilled chicken and the salad!
While no one on earth has the time to cook a meal everyday of the week (and who wants to?), some days we have no choice but to run through the drive-thru. While a cheeseburger and fries could possibly be my favorite thing on earth—who wants all those calories? When you have no choice, opt for the grilled chicken Sammie (no mayo!) and the salad. You’ll be glad you did.

I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg! Be looking for more diet tips, tricks and motivation on the Weight Loss Blog. I’m excited to be a part of families.com, hope this helps!

MA

[jjones]

I know that seeing a nutritionist may sometimes cost money, but I was fortunate to have meetings with one for free. My nutritionist workshops lasted for 8 weeks. She taught me how to count my calories and how to read labels which has helped me to lose 10lbs in the last three weeks. For instance if you were to read the label of a Chef boyardee can, that can is not a serving for one. Actually half of the can would be a serving for one. She also taught me how to eat in moderation. I learned how many calories I could consume in order to lose weight and have a food journal and I don't go over and the weight keeps coming off. My excercise is jumping rope(it burns alot of calories). An example of what I would eat on a daily basis would be Breakfast: 2scrambled eggs (70cal each) 3pcs of turkey bacon 35cal ea.& a 8oz gls of soy milk (60cal). LUNCH: 1 banana 105cal. 1 bosc pear 85 cal. as much water as I want 0 calories. Dinner: 3 chix drumsticks (250 cal.) 1 rst sweet plantain (85 cal) 1oz cooked carrots (70 cal.) my snacks throughout the day were a homemade blueberry muffin med size 135 cal. and 2 lowfat caramel rice cakes (which are really good) 40 cal. each which brings me to my total of 1135 calories for the day and I still had 195 calories left over. It works for me. What you would have to do is get a list of all kinds of food alphabetically and how much calories they are. Don't know if this will help, but I gave it a try.

[Julia Havey]

Great Blog! I would love to help any of you if you need any additional motivation and support! I lost 130 pounds and it is now my full time mission and passion to help others to do the same. My blog is (mod edit) or my site, (mod edit) I also write for (mod edit) their "Master Motivator"
Carpe Diet!