February 5, 2011
Staying Fit
It is 2011! I cannot believe I have been posting for almost 5 years!
The good news is that I have stuck with the calorie restriction plan (I no longer consider it a diet) for five years. The great news is that it has worked as expected. And, frankly, it has not been all that hard to stick with it for five years.
I continue to hold my ideal weight and am easily in control. If I over-indulge on vacation or celebrating it is easy to adjust and regain (re-lose?) the weight added by enjoying something special or having a good time on vacation. Knowing the control I have translates to having no guilt or self-incrimination when I do choose to add those niceties we tend to indulge in on vacation or at a party. It is my choice. It is done with the foresight that I will take prompt steps to trim off the extra pounds.
I no longer need to count calories specifically as I have learned what meals represent and how portion sizes really do matter. It is also interesting to know the second half of an extra large piece of cake is not nearly as good as the first half! Knowing that, it is easier to just have half the piece and be content.
I see no reason to post again until 2012. Have a great year and stay fit.
Ben
Posted by Ben | Filed under: Weight Loss | Comments (0)
April 3, 2010
Surviving Adding Vacation Pounds
I have just returned from Key West and five days of enjoying good friends, eating at fun places, and enjoying a beverage or three. Definitely not the environment for maintaining weight objectives or the time to worry about doing so!
That said, upon returning to reality I am spot on having not gained an ounce.
Did I sample Key Lime pie? I did.
Did I drink a few more medicinal cocktails than normal? I did that too!
Did I eat poorly given the rich options at every establishment we frequented? No.
It is easy to accept the potatoes and bread that come with fresh seafood entrees. It is just as easy to ask for "something green". The broccoli was excellent as were the snap beans. And when there is a really great grouper on the menu.....I just asked for it over a bed of mixed greens with a balsamic dressing.
As I have learned, the key is average calories consumed. Knowing I was increasing my diet by a few drinks it was easy to trim off a few calories in other areas. Also, we were active every day walking and sightseeing, so that also helped to burn the few extra calories I enjoyed with the shared slices of Key Lime pie.
In all, I had a great vacation, enjoyed myself, ate and drank in keeping with the setting, and returned without the need to shed a few 'vacation pounds'. I remain convinced that weight control is a matter of knowing the source of calories (what each item represents) and maintaining a daily average commensurate with your age and lifestyle. It is discipline; not deprivation.
PS Both of my friends, who had managed over the years to pack on their fair share of extra weight, pulled me aside and said that they were very proud of the way I had managed to stay trim, young and energetic. They bemoaned the fact that they had let themselves go to the extent that they were having trouble keeping up, needed frequent rests, and generally did not feel good. They also now have physical issues to deal with that are related to the extra poundage.
Posted by Ben | Filed under: Weight Loss | Comments (0)