So a while back I blogged that I was going back on the Atkins kick. As I had used this method a few years ago I honestly didn’t think I’d have a problem with it the second time around. Boy was I wrong. You see my life has changed since then. When I originally did the Atkins diet, I was single, living alone, and addicted to WoW (World of Warcraft). This may not seem like a significant factor, but bare with me while I explain.
I worked at Time Warner Cable where they graciously had breakfast meals that I could have on Atkins, more specifically a cheese omelet. Then at lunch they had a full on salad bar. So it was easy to have an omelet for breakfast every day and then follow it up with a healthy salad for lunch. When I’d get home I’d load up on broccoli and cheese or whatever quick food I could have on the diet. For example, hot dogs, hamburgers without the buns, and of course my staple Diet Mountain Dew. Then I’d plop myself in front of the computer and be set for hours on end until late am where I’d go to bed. That lifestyle included no one else around me to influence my eating habits and a bad addiction to a video game that ensured small quick meals and lots of substituted calories with the Dew. Not very healthy I know, but I shed a lot of weight.
Now, I have a full blown family. I tried the Atkins diet again, I really did. But as it was only me on the diet I got to watch Dustin eat awesome things that I love, like bread, potatoes, and ice cream. I was a sad panda. And of course I gave in. So Atkins sadly was out the window for me. But we had a back up plan. Counting calories!
Of course that sounds so laborious and taxing. Fortunately, Dustin had his iPod Touch to help us out with a calorie counting app called Lose It. In no time we were calculating what went into our favorite foods and realizing that it wasn’t so much the food that was making us gain weight, but the amount we were eating. What should have been an easy 1 serving size had been upped to at least 3 servings. Especially, when we’d go back for seconds.
So, armed with new knowledge and an application for calories, we started cutting back on the amount we ate. In about a week we’d dropped a few pounds already. It was awesome! All we were doing was just setting a goal and then sticking to it. Exercising would burn calories allowing you to eat more if you desired, but generally I found I was getting used to the new portion sizes. Now sure, we had times where we did still go back for more, but we were aware of the consequences. In addition we’ve been walking more during the day and well I have my Zumba class every Friday. I’m sure that helps.
We’ve also found quick a few tasty low calorie foods to enjoy as well. Skinny Cow Ice Cream has 100 calorie bars. Quakers Rice Cakes are delicious and only 70 calories per serving. Franz bread has special 45 calorie slices which is awesome for bread! Digorno has 200 calorie pizza slices! The list goes on and on. What I’m trying to say is that I’ve started this calorie business on New Year’s Day and I’ve dropped 20 pounds so far. It’s a gradual loss but I know I’ll keep up with it and it’s a healthy way to lose weight. Plus I can still eat ice cream and pizza and anything I desire! I just have to remember to keep it in moderation.
So wish me luck as I continue this. I’ve still got another 30 pounds to lose before I’m back where I need to be. It’s only a matter of time now.