WLB - Week 1 - Post 4 (The Many Parts)

Originally posted on my Win, Lose, or Blog blog when I was a Win, Lose, or Blog season seven contestant.

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If you have been paying attention you might have noticed I have mentioned Weight Watchers two times. In the first reference I mentioned how I was always hungry and in the second I declared that I am not as hungry this time around. In fact, I am rarely hungry this time around. The biggest difference is that with Points Plus most of the items are more points than with the original system BUT most fruits and vegetables are now ZERO points. I. LOVE. THAT.

Source: via Elizabeth on Pinterest

(Don't let the graphic confuse you. I am not on a fruit and vegetables diet. I include fruits and vegetables as part of my (usually) well-balanced diet.) Most days I get 6 to 10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some people find that number outrageous and don't think it is possible without drinking some of those fruits and vegetables via a V-8 or smoothie. I rarely drink my fruits and vegetables. There are two main reasons for this. 1 - I don't particularly like V-8 and 2 - Making a smoothie is more work than eating them raw.

I generally eat a banana with my breakfast. Then throughout the morning I will eat an apple and an orange. Then I will have lunch which usually includes a serving of vegetables. In the afternoon I will eat two more servings of fruit (usually grapefruit, nectarines, clementines, or pears it depends on what is in season) and two to three servings of vegetables (usually carrots, peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas). Then there is dinner which also usually includes a serving of vegetables. I find that by having the fruits and vegetables easily available (especially at work) I am less likely to eat other random, usually not good for me items.

Source: flickr.com via Ami on Pinterest

One big part of counting points is tracking what I eat so I can accurately count those precious points. I highly recommend tracking what you eat even if you don't count calories or points. I think sometimes you don't realize everything you are putting in your mouth until you see it listed all together. The key is to track throughout the day so you don't forget items. You also need to make sure you are including beverages, especially those that have calories. To track you can use paper and a writing utensil, online resources such as calorie count or SparkPeople, or one of the various apps available. I use a Google Docs Spreadsheet as my tracking tool (I would be happy to share a copy with you if you ask). I could track my food using WWDiary but since I find it easier and quicker to type on a computer keyboard that is what I do.

There are many parts to what I have been doing. I have told you about my increase in fitness, modification of eating, and tracking of food. That leaves goals and support. I will write about those in an upcoming post. In addition to those items I will share with you more detail about where I was, where I am now, and where I hope this fitness/health journey ends.

Source: myvinyldesigner.com via Shelly on Pinterest