Feel Great Weight
Holy moly! I’m blowing through my jar of Barney Butter like it’s my job! I’ve almost finished an entire jar in less than 2 weeks! 
I’m definitely overdoing it with this delicious almond butter, so this morning, I decided that it couldn’t hurt to remind myself what 1 serving (2 tbsps) of nut butter looks like. I broke out my measuring spoons as a visual aid.
Of course, the “standard” serving size isn’t right for everyone, so do what’s right for you. I don’t plan to measure my nut butter every time I want to eat it. Some mornings, I know I will be super hungry and glob on the nut butter like I usually do, but this morning was a good reminder for me.
On two slices of Whole Food’s brand whole wheat toast, I spread Barney Butter on one slice and pecan butter on the other. I topped the BB piece with ground flaxseed meal; the pecan butter piece was topped with golden raisins.
Breakfast also included a bowl of fresh fruit: strawberries and red grapes.
With iced coffee with chocolate soy milk and agave nectar…
Feel Great Weight Debut
Exciting news, guys! 
As most of you know, I have maintained a weight loss of close to 25 pounds for about 3 years now. Well, just recently, I was able to share my story with Health.com for their Feel Great Weight (FGW) program, an online diet plan/community. Right now the FGW program features real women and actress A.J. Cook (all of whom are on the plan) in the magazine each month, plus they have a handful of experts who weigh in. The one thing that the FGW program was missing was someone whose found—and maintained—their feel great weight, and that’s where I came in!
Each week, I will blog about “Maintaining My Feel Great Weight” for Health.com. My posts will be about my weight loss, my maintenance, and my daily life—much like Carrots ‘N Cake. My first post is all about my weight loss journey. Obviously, I am over the moon about this opportunity! I hope you guys will check out my posts as well as the Feel Great Wight program over at Health.com!
How I Reached My Feel Great Weight
Maintaining My Feel Great Weight One Carrot (And Cupcake!) At a Time
P.S. Check out the main page of Health.com and scroll down!
Question of the Day
Have you found your “feel great weight”? How do you know?
Tags: feel great weight
Jen — May 6, 2009 @ 7:18 am
How awesome, I’ll read your first entry right after this! I haven’t quite reached my FGW yet, but that doesn’t mean I’m unhappy about my weight right now either. Just getting there and taking it gradually so the changes stick.
Great idea to remind yourself of how much 2 Tbsp looks like. I tend to forget as well and that Barney Butter is too darn expensive to go through in a blink of an eye.
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday — May 6, 2009 @ 7:18 am
Congrats!! That is great, I can’t wait to read it!!
I am not at my feel great weight but am working on it!
Shelby — May 6, 2009 @ 7:21 am
Portion size, schmortion size…just eat what is right for you girl!
Alison — May 6, 2009 @ 7:23 am
Looking forward tot eh Health.com blog!
I was really surprised to see just how much PB 2 tablespoons is – I usually can’t eat that much.
SmA033 — May 6, 2009 @ 7:24 am
hey tina! i thought you’d be interested to know, yesterday i made carrot cake cupcakes!! they’re by food network chef & nutritionist ellie krieger. and they are AWESOME! you should DEFINITELY try them out!!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/carrot-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/index.html
Sarah — May 6, 2009 @ 7:31 am
Congrats Tina! What a great opportunity!
Lauren — May 6, 2009 @ 7:35 am
That’s really exciting news about Health.com – congrats!
I recently started measuring my nut butter portions to keep myself in check before my upcoming wedding… I had been eating closer to 3 Tbsp!! I think I’m at the point where I can eyeball 1 Tbsp, but I plan to keep breaking out the measuring spoon until we’re past the big day
Tina — May 6, 2009 @ 7:37 am
@SmA033: Heaven!!!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? — May 6, 2009 @ 7:38 am
Congratulations Tina! How cool!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) — May 6, 2009 @ 7:46 am
Congratulations! That’s amazing!!
I need to start measuring nut butter too. I’ve nearly killed an entire jar in about a week. YIKES!
katey — May 6, 2009 @ 7:48 am
Wow T, that is amazing! You are going to be famous!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — May 6, 2009 @ 7:49 am
CONGRATS! so well-deserved and I can’t wait to read your future posts
tami — May 6, 2009 @ 7:52 am
did you see you can buy barney butter in Mass now, fresh market in Hingham
Bree — May 6, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Congrats on the Health job, I just checked it out!
Amanda — May 6, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Awesome post! I’m just starting out on trying to change my lifestyle to be healthier so this really hit the nail on the head! Thanks
Kailey (SnackFace) — May 6, 2009 @ 8:08 am
Congrats on the awesome Health job, Tina! You’re perfect for that!
I haven’t measured p.b. in forever, but was definitely shocked at how much was in a 90-calorie Barney Butter packet. I suppose I have not been eating even one T’s worth at all.
I also don’t really weigh myself often, but when I do I’m always in the same 5-pound range. I guess that’s happy for me!
Amy — May 6, 2009 @ 8:13 am
What a great job on the article Tina!
Every so often I revert back into the ‘measuring’ phase too just to remind myself what a portion exactly is.
coco — May 6, 2009 @ 8:21 am
I love the article, great job Tina!
I don’t know if I found my feel great weight, I think I do because I feel strong and eat whatever I crave for! Is this enough sign?
ashley (sweet & natural) — May 6, 2009 @ 8:26 am
Exciting news! Congrats!
Jessica — May 6, 2009 @ 8:27 am
congrats tina! I just read the article and I really liked the tips that you gave- very realistic for every working woman! Great job!
Danielle — May 6, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Love the article! Congrats!
I’m not at my FGW yet but I can’t wait to get there!
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) — May 6, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Congrats on Health.com! How exciting!
I haven’t reached my feel great weight yet, but I’m getting there.
brandi — May 6, 2009 @ 8:51 am
congrats on the article – that is super cool!
I think I have found my “feel great weight”. I can still splurge here when I want to and eat balanced the rest of the time and be good.
Victoria — May 6, 2009 @ 8:56 am
What a cool opportunity! Congrats Tina!
Emily — May 6, 2009 @ 9:08 am
Congratulations on your new writing job with Health! I really enjoyed your first post and its so exciting to be featured on the site!
Catherine (FOOD SNOB) — May 6, 2009 @ 9:21 am
I think I have reached a “feel-great weight.” I’m at a weight that falls into the “healthy” range for my height, I eat whatever I want (within reason,) I get exercise, I sleep well, my skin is reasonably clear (I used to have awful acne,) and I have plenty of energy. (Sometimes too much!) I think of all of these things when I think I should give up sugar, or coffee, or whatever — I’m doing fine!
And I had to work really hard to get here — 35 pounds over 5 1/2 months! But that was several years ago, and I don’t EVER want to have to do that again!
weight and meditate — May 6, 2009 @ 9:30 am
Awesome, Tina! No, I have not found my ideal weight…I’m working on it, though!
Melissa — May 6, 2009 @ 9:30 am
that’s so exciting! congrats.
Lacey — May 6, 2009 @ 9:32 am
WOW congrats tina! you are FAMOUS!
Sarah — May 6, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Awesome Tina, you are such an inspiration!
I have found what I call my “comfort zone” with weight, but I would eventually like to get off another 5-10 lbs to be at my “ideal” if possible. I’m just on the cusp of what is considered a healthy range for my height (I’m just over the max).
But I’m definitely happy I’ve already gotten rid of 70 pounds, which I’ve maintained for over a year now
Betsy — May 6, 2009 @ 9:49 am
Wow, congrats on Health! So inspiring!!
Leah — May 6, 2009 @ 9:49 am
I’m still figuring out what my feel great weight is. I mean I “feel great” now but according to my doctor’s I should lose another 17 pounds. On the upside I’ve lost and kept off the 28 pounds that I gained during college, but it took me almost 2 years to get back to where I was in high school. I think I’ve hit another plateau and it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get through it.
So my goals have changed – now I’m just trying to run my first 5K in June, and I try to get faster every day. I’m feeling stronger and I’m eating better, but still have issues with portion control especially with my long days of work then class. Some days feel great and some days feel like such a struggle! But as long as I get my run in I feel pretty good.
Kara — May 6, 2009 @ 9:58 am
Congrats on the feature!!
I’d like to lose a few more pounds, but nothing major. I always lose weight in the summer because I’m more active on a daily basis, so I’m hoping they shed soon and then I can just maintain that weight.
Rose — May 6, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Congrats on a great article and opportunity! I’ll be reading
*Andrea* — May 6, 2009 @ 10:05 am
congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you deserve this great opportunity 1000000%
Renee — May 6, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Tina- love your article on health.com! I have used the same tools to manage my weight loss over the past 2 years- counting calories has been the biggest help because it keeps me in check and then i don’t mind splurging once in a while:)
congrats on the article!
janetha — May 6, 2009 @ 10:21 am
i have got to find this barney butter somewhere. everyone raves about it but i can’t find any! your breakfast looked great, and the coffee mix ins sounded yum.
i look forward to reading your feel great weight story, right after i post this! i reached mine finally in november of last year after doing body for life. i knew i was at my feel great weight because i was not embarrassed to be seen in a bikini for the first time in my life.. even though it was november.. i got my “after” photos done in a bikini and walked around in it like it was meant to be. haha!
Kudret — May 6, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Answer: I don’t think I know what my feel great weight is. But I know that I like eating around 1800 calories a day and will probably up my fitness level week by week so wherever my body decides to settle down, is where I’ll feel good. I’ll be eating the amount I want and working out to my heart’s content. Maybe somewhere in the low 150s/high 140s?? For me, eating is SO important that i need to keep enough food in my life to keep me satisfied. It’s the fitness part that’s super variable
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale — May 6, 2009 @ 10:26 am
I tried Barney Butter for the first time this weekend. Instant addiction. My husband came into the kitchen and found me sucking it straight out of the sample pack!
sirenjess — May 6, 2009 @ 10:36 am
Congrats, that is really cool. I can’t wait to read what you blogged about. I have maintained a weight loss myself for three years now. I wasn’t fat or overweight but I would eat horribly. I never ate breakfast and would eat fast food all the time. I always had stomach and heartburn issues and would always wonder why. The big change came when I noticed that size 6 was getting a little tight and size 8 was fitting better. I know that size shouldn’t matter and that’s what I love about your blog. You are so positive and you enjoy your food and exercise and it’s so inspiring. Well back to the weight loss, I decided to join a gym and I have maintained about a 25 or more weight loss. Thanks again Tina for being so inspiring. There’s not many blogs like yours.
Shelly — May 6, 2009 @ 10:41 am
I think I’ve found my feel great weight b/c its between my lowest (healthy) weight and my highest weight. Its closer to my lowest weight, but frankly, my lowest weight doesn’t look as good on me as it did when I was younger, so its nice not to have to fight to get all the way down there when I’ll just look overly bony anyway. This weight is good b/c I have enough reserves to fuel some good long workouts and I am carrying a decent amount of muscle on my frame, which I like.
Since its peanut butter- those bites add up fast! Haha!
Oh and I’ve definitely been going through a peanut butter heavy phase lately. I’ll try to limit myself to a single serving, but since I keep a jar at my desk, its really hard not to sneak in a couple of extra bites.
Melissa @ For the Love of Health — May 6, 2009 @ 10:42 am
Congratulations on the Health.com blog! That’s so amazing!
Hats off to you for maintaining your loss!
I am just shy of my “Feel Great Weight”. I unfortunately put on about 5 pds over the winter BUT it’s nothing I cannot take care of. Over the years I have lost MANY pounds and have maintained the huge loss for well over 2 years.
I hope to be at my “Feel Great Weight” (i.e. dropping 5-8 pounds of fat) within the next month and a half.
Great looking breakfast!! I love toast!
Menden — May 6, 2009 @ 10:43 am
Hey Tina – that’s awesome! Congrats! I’ll look forward to reading about your journey on Health
Christina — May 6, 2009 @ 10:44 am
Congrats! I’ll definitely be reading it
The Healthy Apple — May 6, 2009 @ 10:46 am
Congrats on the health.com opportunity…I love Health and I cannot wait to read your posts!
Have a great day..I too eat tons of PB and love it..haha…it’s so delish and so good for you…I literally go through a jar a week over here all by myself…
Run Sarah — May 6, 2009 @ 10:47 am
Congrats on getting featured, I can’t wait to read it!
Sheri — May 6, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Great artical Tina! I am now at my FGW! Actually I am in the best shape of my life right now and pretty darn happy about it. I exersice from the shear joy I get from doing it and how it makes me feel. I better start measuring my nut butters again too…good eye opener!
Stacey — May 6, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Great topic! My great weight is my current weight 120! At this time last year I was 16 pounds heavier and very unhealthy. I have never felt stronger or more courageous than I do now! Maintaining this weight makes me feel like I can do anything
Help Meghan Run — May 6, 2009 @ 11:38 am
Congrats! That’s such a great opportunity.
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — May 6, 2009 @ 11:53 am
I love health magazine – especially since it features more about healthy eating, exercising, and living than most women’s magazines. And don’t feel bad about finishing a jar of nut butter in 2 weeks!! I’ve polished off peanut butter jars in as little as 5 days. hehe.
Leila — May 6, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
Congratulations! What an amazing opportunity.
Lara (Thinspired) — May 6, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
This is awesome! What an exciting opportunity. I just read your first column and I think it’s great! You’re such a wonderful example for maintaining a happy weight that is sane and manageable. Congrats!
FitFoodie — May 6, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
Congrats on the feature!
The Barney Butter looks SO good
My feel great weight is in the low 130′s. I look fit and people call me “thin”…woohoo! haha
K — May 6, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Congrats!! That’s so exciting! You’re a celebrity
You’re just teasing me with the BB now! I need to bite the bullet and pay for the shipping fee!
Jess — May 6, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
Congrats!! What a great story to inspire others!!
I DEFINITELY found my feel good weight!! I had stomach problems that dropped me to 75lbs in college
NOT feel good. Then I gained 45lbs BACK in one year!!! I lost 11 of those and now I’m feeling great and maintaining my weight (and health!!) for 2 years 
Kori (All Things B.) — May 6, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
Congrats on the new writing gig Tina! Can’t wait to add it to my regular reading!
Sarah — May 6, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
Great to read that someone else is plowing through their Barney Butter! I’m trying to cut back – at least to stretch it out – but it’s so good!
Sarah — May 6, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
My feel great weight is right where I’m at. I used to weigh 15 pounds more and was unhappy due to not being fit! And I also used to weigh 10 pounds less, but I was overexercising and eating under 1800 calories a day to keep it there. That was definitely NOT my happy weight.
Where I’m at, I exercise 3-4 days a week, eat healthy 80% of the time, but have room for splurges and enjoyment! I don’t kill myself if I missed a workout, and there’s no pressure to fit into my ‘skinny jeans.’ I’m finally at peace with who I am, and my weight seems to stay pretty happily around the same spot. That’s my happy weight.
GREAT post, Tina!
Erin F. — May 6, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I’m constantly struggling with my “feel great weight”. I run my best around 120 and aim for it when I have a goal race coming up. BUT I have to be super careful because I feel like death if I get down to 118! On a vain note, I feel I look best around 125, which is pretty easy to maintain as long as I’m training. But if I’m not training on a daily basis, my body always seems to go back towards 130. Luckily my clothes all fit (though a bit differently) as long as I’m somewhere in there!
Lindsey (fiteats) — May 6, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
I’m excited to read your entries! I’m trying to figure out my feel great weight is… I have had three babies in the last 6 years so I feel like I have been pregnant, nursing and losing weight for the last 6 years non stop! I’m taking a break right now from trying to lose weight, but I may give it another stab when I feel up to it. We’ll see… maybe this is my feel great weight and I just don’t know it yet!
RK — May 6, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Congratulations Tina! What an opportunity and compliment to your own success. You are an inspiration to many. I am not yet at my FGW – I still exercise too much and limit my food. I am working on learning to trust and listen to my body so that I can LIVE and be healthy.
Michelle — May 6, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
wooohoo!! congrats on being featured on health!! I LOVE that magazine and I am going RIGHT NOW to see what you wrote.
Exciting!! and…OOH i’m so curious about whether your almond butter flavors mask the pecan butter!! I can only imagine it being delicious….but i’m still curious!!
Amanda — May 6, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
Congrats!!! On both your feel great weight and being featured in Health!!!! How exciting!!!
I found my feel great weight in not such a good way. I got put on topamax for migraine control and my weight dropped off me in no time. Now I am finding it hard to maintain my girlie figure…I have to start working out (should anyways) to keep some weight on. I needed to loose the 20 lbs, but I want to stay where I am now. So I am going to go to the gym and see about weight training to firm up what I have now.
Hallie — May 6, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
Good for you! This is one more step on your goal to blog and write about health and fitness full time, right?
FGW…I need to get there…and need to figure out what exactly that is! Guess I should read your Health posts, huh
Bridget — May 6, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
Wow Tina thats amazing! Conrgatulations!! I’m pretty happy where I am but I’d really love to loose another 5lbs or so, or just tone up a little more over all. You’d think the wedding would be pushing me into gear, but my life has never been busier either…urrg!
JLF — May 6, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
I think I’ve found my FGW- This January I decided to change my diet simply by trying to eat 5 fruits/veggies a day. I had been running regularly for months but the last 10 pounds of weight from my pregnancy still wasn’t coming off. I set a goal to lose 10lbs by march 1 and ended up losing 17 between January and March. I’m 130lbs now, right in the middle of where someone my height (5’4″) should be. Though I’d like to tone up a bit more, this feels like a healthy weight where I don’t feel uncomfortably chubby or unhealthily bony. Your blog is such a great encouragement to have a healthy balance!
Emily — May 6, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
Hey Tina, when you were losing weight, did you eat more on days you worked out? Or for example, if you were aiming for 1800 calories per day to lose, but you burned 300 running, would you then eat 2100 calories? I’m having a VERY hard time losing weight and I don’t know what to do!!!
Tina — May 6, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
@Emily: I didn’t eat more unless I was really hungry. Even now, I pretty much eat the same amount of calories every day.
Pearl — May 6, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
congrats on writing on health.com! that’s a great honor
Anita — May 6, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
I LOVED your article! GREAT job!
My 29th Year of Life – Carrots ‘N’ Cake — June 19, 2009 @ 9:25 am
[...] Started a freelance writing “career” [...]