Today the new eating plan/weight loss program started. It’s through Omada Health. We aren’t given specific diet plans as far as calorie counts or what we can and cannot eat. We’re supposed to learn through lessons, group discussions and a health coach, how we can make healthier choices. We were sent a scale and each time we step on it, our weight is transmitted to our profile but can only be seen by ourselves and our coach.
Here’s about all the proof I need: I submitted my weight this past Tuesday and at that point, made a goal to cut back to one Dr. Pepper per day. Despite making cinnamon rolls on Friday, I’ve already lost 5.6 pounds – simply by cutting out the Dr. Pepper. My weight problem truly is not what I eat but what I drink and I need to be more active.
Another problem I have is that I love to cook! There are healthy recipes but as soon as I come across something that looks yummy, I want to make it NOW. I suppose part of the challenge (and I do love a challenge) can be for me to adjust the recipes I find to make them healthier.
As far as activity, there’s a new walking track about 6 miles down the road. I won’t go there by myself but I’m hoping Vince will go with me at least 3 or 4 days per week. I’m able to walk on completely flat surfaces but I cannot walk on rocky or uneven surfaces so I hope that works for us.
Vince and I are doing it together so we each have our scales. We’re supposed to weight first thing in the morning – every morning so we jump out of bed, and head to the scales. Then we spend the next 10 minutes discussing our progress.
Vince is a snacker. He loves munching on chips, cookies . . he’s your typical junk food eater, but he has no interest in soda. Our main goals this week will be removing all the junk food and providing healthy snacks for him, and keeping me away from the Dr. Pepper.
Our lessons for Week 1 provided some healthy snack ideas. Vince has decided rice cakes and almond butter will be what he takes to work for a snack but I’m going to make hummus and carrot sticks. I know he likes that too.
My plan is to report here every night and let you know how well we’ve done. We have our little group of 12 to 15 though the health plan but I need your support and encouragement . . and your suggestions too!
Karen Sutton says
Good luck Judy. I’m looking forward to following the journey. I need to lose about 25 lbs myself so I hope to pick up some tips.
Verna Groger says
I love reading your blog, always so much great information. As a dietitian and exercise (Tai Chi) instructor, I’m always happy to see people making good choices for their health. Here’s a couple things that helped me lose weight after the birth of each of my six children.
I ate a very light supper (veggies and some protein) and chewed gum or fiber wafers to take the edge off when feeling extra hungry. Cooked a big meal for breakfast (like a supper) and ate a moderate lunch.
Going light at the last meal was the easiest way for me to cut calories because by the time you’re feeling ravenous, it’s bedtime so you can go to sleep and dream about food. 🙂 Having a big meal in the morning is something to look forward to every day.
Losing weight is truly a daily battle. I wish you and Vince strength, wisdom and perseverance.
yanicka says
What really helped me lose weight was drinking home made broth. I know weird but it took care of my need to much and it is very comforting. Good luck finding what work for you!!!!
Tricia says
Sounds like you have an exciting challenge ahead of you! Congratulations for losing over five pounds!
Tina in NJ says
I’ve found recipes I like at Budget Bytes. The angle is to eat good food on a budget, but it isn’t necessarily a “diet” site. Beth lives in New Orleans and I think works in the food industry. Skinny Taste is also a good site. Have you found Dad Cooks Dinner? He has pressure cooker recipes and grills. His focus is cooking for his family rather than weight loss. Hope this helps.
Quilterbee says
Apples are a great snack when you want to lose weight. They satisfy the crunch and sweet at the same time. Smaller portions. A small salad a half hour before lunch or dinner. Soups without meat or with chicken. Lots of vegetables on your plate. I always have a bottle of water by my chair and i drink unsweetened tea with lemon hot or cold. In May I was in the hospital with heart problems. I walk with a walker now became it takes stress off the heart and lungs. I exercise sitting down and it works. I walk with a walker that has a seat taking a sit down rest when needed .You could do the sit down exercises when you knit. There is a walking video you do in your house. Sugar free puddings and jello are good snacks. One Hershey kiss or one bite size candy bars when your cravings are out of control. One day a week is cheat day. Don’t get upset if you are losing just a little at a time. You didn’t gain the weight in a day. The goal is to learn how to eat healthier. I also only eat meals when I’m hungry and stop eating when I’m full not overmy full. I lost 52 pounds so far.
anudge says
Best of luck to you both, Judy. I’d like to lose 20 pounds, too. While I only drink water and tea and an occasional coffee substitute like the once available Postum – I have no idea where to cut down – already use a luncheon plate. Think mine is not moving enough. Look forward to your sharing – maybe I’ll get some tips.
dezertsuz says
Good luck with your goals. Having someone to do this with will be most helpful. I lost 30 pounds, and have kept it off for over six years, just by controlling food and walking 1-3 miles every day. I do 18-minute miles, so no speed demon here, but it gets me to target heart rate, and then I’m good. If you can find a nice whole grain cracker or chip you like, salsa has very few calories, so makes an okay snack, too. SOME carbs are good because we need energy!
Eileen says
Good for y’all!!! Skinny Pop popcorn is my snack at night. Eat it slow and portion control. It satisfies my need for a snack at night. And drink water!!! I need to get me self under control!!!
Donna says
Good Luck!! I started Weight Watchers 5 weeks ago and it’s working for me. For exercise we tried walking the roads around where we live, however meeting up with skunks several mornings in a row put a stop to that. Someone recommended the Leslie Sansone walking dvds and so I’ve been using them. Her voice gets on my nerves somewhat but I do get a good workout right in my living room.
TerriS says
I’m a snacker too, but it’s quite possible to work with that. I eat something every couple of hours between meals. For snacks I use fruit, a piece of cheese, peanut butter, a handful of almonds. hummus and celery, a couple of cups of air popped popcorn, 2 squares of graham cracker, whole wheat crackers with some cream cheese. Giving up that soda is probably going to be the hardest thing for you.The headache is from not having the caffeine in the Dr. Pepper and that will go away after a while. I know you like to cook, but you can look for healthy recipes or try to make some of your favorites more healthy by substituting healthier ingredients, and still indulge in your love of cooking. You can do this!! I know you can!!
Alycia @Quiltygirl.com says
Dang!!! That’s an awesome start!! We found a track to and it seems easier to walk on since its flat and no unexpected bumps 😉
Sharon Downey says
Hi. I haven’t heard of this program before. May have to check in to it. I’ve been with Diabetic Resources for the past year because I was bluntly told by my doctor to diet or plan on a much shorter life. I was pre diabetic at the time. On their program you count fat grams more than calories and food portions. It’s been nearly a year and I’m soon to leave the program but want something I still need to be held accountable to. Great start for you. Your right it’s what we drink and snack on that really hurts.
Leslie says
Nuts are a healthy and filling snack. I make a mix of equal parts almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pecans, cashews, golden raisins, and dried cranberries. Just mix it all up, and store in an airtight container. Also, add more healthy protein to your diet. And remember, water, water, water!