Cabin Fever

I have cabin fever so bad!  My hubby has cabin fever as bad or worse than me!  My dog and cat have cabin fever worse than any of us!  The boys have it too, although they are still young enough to brave the elements and venture out at all hours.  It seems like we have been trapped inside for weeks on end.  It seems that way, BECAUSE WE HAVE!  My yard has had ice or snow or both on it since December 3.  The streets in town have also been covered or somewhat covered since then. The cold is so cold that it even hurts my teeth.  I am not asking for tropical weather (yes, I actually am).  I just want it so that we can let the animals out; we can take walks; we don't have to worry about falling and getting hurt on the ice.  I will take cold, I just can't take this bone-crusher cold with snow and ice under my feet.  I am ready to take my dog out walking and try to get back into shape.  I am hoping at some point I can look back at this and say, "Hey, I not only dieted, but I started in the middle of winter and I beat the lard and the weather!"

Empty Calories

Did you know they make Monster drinks that are 32 oz.?  Really, what is the point of that?  Can you imagine how hyped the person would be after they drink the entire thing?  Then think how hard that person would crash after the drink wears off!!  I had a student today that had just finished his 32 oz. Monster drink.  In class....a classroom with four walls....and other students.  Oh my gosh!!!! So, I was curious about the drink.  I looked at the can and it has 100 calories----PER SERVING!  And the can is equal to four servings!!  

I have started paying attention to calories and the sugars and fats from those calories.  I think that I have spent a great deal of my life eating a lot of empty calories.  There are so many that add up so quickly that we don't realize.  Drinks (see above!!) for one.  Butter and salad dressing and cheese added to things.  These are the things that I am trying to pay attention to.  Another one of my friends lost 5 1/2 pounds last week.  The pressure is on for me to lose!  I think I am going to have to break down and find a scale that will weigh me so I'll at least know of my progress.  That's enough to send me straight to the fridge!

A lot of work for a little food!

It is a lot of work to eat a little!! Really, it is. Instead of just going to the fridge or the cabinet to get something to eat, I really have to think about what I am going to eat--and how much. I can't just grab a handful of cookies or a pop. I have to think about calories and fats (and getting fatter!) and if and when I should eat. I have been trying to keep fruits and snacky kinds of veggies ready in the fridge so that I have no excuses to go for anything else. I have cheeses sliced in there too (so I won't have the large pieces) instead only small bite size bites. I have to plan out my lunch and my breakfast and not wait till the last minute. Usually, I would just think about it on my way out the door to work, so I would grab what was ever convenient. Eating a little is all about planning ahead and making it easier on myself in the long run. It is cutting and sorting and making up baggies of nutrious snacks so that I am not tempted to eat the readily available Not For Me food. I have also begun to use the little trick of buying the boys any type of snack food that I am not tempted by. Yes, there really are those (rare) kind. I am trying. One week into this thing and I am still going! One of my friends has already lost 7 1/2 pounds. Wow. I have to do well, just to keep up with her! Tomorrow begins Week Two. Stay tuned!