…are just easier than others. And this was a pretty easy day. I managed to stay 100 calories below my 1200 limit, got some time in on the stair stepper, and got all my water in + some.

I made a “lettuce slaw” for a snack this evening by slicing lettuce into fairly thin strips (rather than tearing off chunks), adding some finely chopped green onion and grated carrot, topped with 1 T. of fat-free Miracle Whip. It was delicious, filling AND only has about 20 calories per bowl. It’s a great alternative to chocolate chip cookies!:winking:

* * * *

Oh!  I also meant to add this.  I was doing up the supper dishes and noted how my back and shoulders weren’t killing me, as they usually do when I’m in that position for long.  I seemed to be standing…straighter, or something.  Hubby said, you’re standing closer to the sink, that’s why.  And when I thought about it, I was!  Because…I’ve lost 2.5″ off my waist!  And that allows me to stand closer to the sink, I guess.   That’s another inch off my waist in a week!  Now THAT‘s motivation!!

Tips on eyeballing portions:

*A 1/2 cup serving of canned fruit, vegetables, or potatoes looks like half a tennis ball sitting on your plate

*3 ounces of meat, fish, or chicken is about the size of a deck of playing cards or the palm of your hand

*A 1 cup serving of milk, yogurt, or fresh greens is about the size of your fist

*Your thumb is about one ounce of cheese or one tablespoon of salad dressing or peanut butter

*Your thumb tip is about one teaspoon–use this for determining the size of fats, such as butter, margarine, mayonnaise, or oil

*1 ounce of cereal (1 serving) is the size of a tennis ball

*A computer mouse is the size of a medium 5-ounce potato

*A small bar of soap is the size of a 3 to 4 ounce serving of chicken, fish, or meat

*1 ounce of cheese, that’s the size of four dice

*If you’re eating spaghetti, 1 serving (1/2 cup) portion would be about 32 strands.

*A hockey puck is about the size of a 3-ounce bagel (1 serving).

Fun and Useful Links:

The Portion Plate – Use this activity to learn more about portion sizes and how to build a healthy plate.

Take the Portion Distortion quiz!

I’m doing better today. Mr. Flinger got up with LB this morning and got all ready to run so that when I got up, all I had to do was through on my workout stuff and my shoes and go for a run. Also? TODAY IS SUNNY!!! First time, y’all, since mid-December. Have you seen the news? I’m not kidding. OH MY, it’s just lovely.

So we went to Starbucks, the park (to let LB run around and get exercise and fresh air, too) and the store to load up on healthy bits for the week. I’ve decided the answer to my own question (thanks to the inspiration of a few people here!) is that I’m going to plan ahead, buy the ingredience for new recipes, get prepared to work out on the worst days possible (get a system or plan in place to deal with the cranky child, have Mr. Flinger help, set up an alternative, etc..) and just do it even if my heart is not in it because EVENTUALLY, I’ll see progress and that is motivation waiting to happen.

when you’re feeling down and out? What do you do to pick yourself back up?

I’ve been having a kindof blah last few days. I think it might have more to do with my hormones and PMS because I’ve been really emotional about everything. I get teary eyed at the drop of a hat. I hate it. LOL

I’m not doing as good as I was the first week. I guess I’m in that learning stage. I was really strict and careful the first week or so, and it paid off. Then I was like, well this works… I’m doing good. But I let myself get a little relaxed, not being as careful to write everything down. Trying to estimate in my head. And it cost me.:duh: Do you know what I’m talking about?

Well atleast I caught it early on and can now adjust appropriately. Tomorrow is another day. I get to start all over. right? :blush:

So what do you guys do to motivate yourselves to get back on track after you’ve slipped up?

CNN Presents this evening, 8PM ET, Fat Chance.  Check out the link — it looks like a really good show.  (Scroll down toward bottom of page for link and info.)  Just FYI.

Thanks to everyone who listened and commented and linked and pinged and whatever. I am having a much better day today. Why. What’s different.

Well. I started nutrisystem and as normal, the first day is harder and hungrier, but I am ok so far.

I went out today, but Rachel, you went out yesterday also. Yes I did. But today I bought something. But Rachel you bought something yesterday also. Yes, I did. Yesterday I bought a cd rack, that will be put up today. So what did I buy today.

I BOUGHT A TOWNHOUSE. That’s the land it’s going to be built on. The picture quality, not so good, but right now, it’s dirt and a hole.

My goal is to lose 20 lbs by move in date (closing is around 7/28, will probably move in in august) I can do it. I think yesterday was “just one of those days” crappy rain and can I afford this. Well, it’s beautiful out today and I can.

Thanks to everyone with a special shoutout to Shelli and Mrs. Flicker.