Do, or do not. There is no try.
Wise, old Yoda was right on, wasn’t he?
So, guys, let’s have a little heart-to-heart chat.
I’m not off to a good start with my Lose the Dough challenge. I’m doing okay with the fitness and balance elements, but I’m really slacking in the diet department. Last night, for instance, after I blogged, I ended up eating 3 more bowls of cereal. Cereal and I just can’t seem to find a healthy balance. Once I start, I can’t stop! 
Plus, there have been other instances where small snacks have not been documented on the blog– and obviously, those calories still count!
Basically, what I am saying is that if I really want to Lose the Dough, I need to DO IT. No half-ass trying, ya know? I’m actually considering counting calories again. 
Maybe it’s just what I need to get “serious” about my challenge? I know that calorie counting works for me because it’s how I originally lost weight, but I just don’t like dealing with/thinking about all of those numbers. I dunno. I thought my calorie counting days were behind me, but maybe doing it for a few days isn’t a bad idea?
Anyway, onto lunch!
Lunch
Tasty and satisfying lunch today! 
I started with a homemade salad with romaine, grape tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, sliced turkey, crumbled Gorgonzola, pistachios, and oven-baked zucchini. Lots of delicious flavors in this salad!
I also had a banana and a Vega Whole Food Vibrancy Bar.
Yoga Day USA
Love this!
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Grocery Shopping 101
Curious to see how I save money when grocery shopping? Check out my newest post on Trading Up Downtown: Grocery Shopping 101.
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I had these same thoughts when I started to try to lose a bit more weight. But i figured that I need to eat in a way that’s sustainable, and I’m not going to be calorie counting for the rest of my life. So if I can’t loose weight eating in a way that feels proper, then maybe the last 5 pounds weren’t meant to come off.
Ugh– cereal is IMPOSSIBLE for me to eat in small portions! Sorry your new plan isn’t going as well as you’d like, but I have faith in you! You’ll get into the swing of things…sometimes it just takes longer than we would like, you know?
Tina,
I find that sometimes if I’m feeling snacky, some plain low fat Greek yogurt does the trick because of the protein! And if you don’t like it on it’s own, you can add a touch of honey, granola, or fruit. FAGE 0% is my favorite!
Calorie counting definitely works…that’s how I lost all my weight in college. If you think it will help you now, try it for a few days. It may help put some things into perspective for you.
Tina, I am not doing the best either with my post-holiday weight gain either!
One thing that has helped me eat a bit more cleaner is to make a concentraetd effort to eat helathy fats. I drizzle olive oil on my soup, eat avocados, eat some nuts. It almost signals to me that I need to feel satisfied. Fat, when combined with proper meals is what settles my stomach and makes me less hungry. I am not sure if this will help you, but its been keeping my hunger at bay when I remember to welcome it rather than avoid it!
I know the feeling! Maybe the best idea would be to eat mindfully AND keep an eye on the calories. I’ve recently switched to this after 1.5 years of maintaining my weight by eating mindfully. I went on a long vacation over Xmas and could not get back to eating like a normal human being. I also lost my weight by counting calories, so now I’m back to that. I’ve been at it for three weeks, lost ~5 lbs and in general feel less bloated and gross. BUT I’m not just counting calories. I’m planning my meals better and trying to get in correct servings of the healthy things I need. I actually think I’ll be able to go back to not counting in February. A month was just enough time to get back to normal.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck
Calorie counting isn’t the end of the world. You can do it for a few days to see where you are. Once you know, it’s easier to cut back. Some people on Sparkpeople only do it once or twice a week. (I cannot buy cereal that I like.)
I discovered your blog a couple of days ago and have become addicted! I am feeling the same – I lost about 20lbs on Weight Watchers, maintained it for over a year with the help of exercise, and felt fabulous for my 30th a few months ago. Since then 5lbs have crept back on slowly and I am not sure how best to tackle it. I do feel that if I started counting points or calories again, my body would go into ‘oh no she’s starving us again mode’ and I really want to focus on healthy living rather than dieting now… on the other hand my trousers are feeling tight and I want to drop the weight asap! It’s tricky. I was thinking of noting down what I eat through the day, then totting up the calories at the end just to give myself an idea rather than feel like I am keeping tabs all day. I think that as soon as we say the word ‘diet’ we start to crave ‘bad’ foods more. Balance – a great word, not always easy. I adore your dog and can’t wait to try the 3 minute cookies – once I have worked out how to translate the ingredients and portions to UK measurements and produce! Thank you for putting the thoughts we all have on the page.
I’m with the use a tiny bowl and spoon school of thought.
There is nothing wrong with going back to calorie counting for awhile. I don’t know how people can do it as a lifestyle, I wish I could but I tend to drop it after a few days. The Lose It app for the iphone is a great tool. When you are talking about those last five pounds it takes some serious comitment and in my opinion something more substantial than “being mindful.” I agree that on a whole just being mindful is the way to go but when it’s those LAST FIVE POUNDS that is just NOT going to cut it, for most people.
You can do it, Tina! I definitely have my “trigger foods” (I have dubbed Tostitos Hint of Lime chips “Crack Chips”) and now I only bring them into the house knowing I will probably eat the whole bag in two days (crack is addicting!). I try to keep really filling snack foods around (fruit, etc) so by the time I have one snack, I’m full! Plus it takes way more work to eat an apple than to chow down on a bag of chips
I also find that I eat when I am bored. Whenever I feel myself moving to “graze” through the fridge, I find something else to do! I will go online and read through blogs, play cards with my boyfriend, go and take a walk…suddenly when your mind is busy with other things, the food is forgotten! I only counted calories when I was a very bad place in my life eating-wise, and I found that the counting let me obsess. Once I found other things to occupy my time, I ended up eating less because I was having so much fun! Good luck, no matter what you decide, do it because you want to, not because you feel that you have to! You will do great!
Great post Tina – obviously touching a lot of people! One of my resolutions for 2010 is to NOT mindlessly snack on nut butters as I went way overboard several times in 09. I’ve been sucessful so far by making sure I eat enough during the day and questioning my craving at night. I realize the only reason I ever want pb after dinner is b/c I’m bored or I like the taste which is not good enough reason to cave! That way I can fully enjoy my oats and nut butter in the morning
. Good luck to you!
Tina- I actually started back up my SparkPeople account this week to get an idea of how many calories I’m eating AND to keep track of my nutrients and protein. It’s been incredibly insightful, and helped me redirect and fine-tune my eating to ensure I’m being more balanced. I’d encourage you to give it a try for a few days!
I think – as do most – you are absoultely beautiful, in AMAZING shape already… and want to incorporate lasting habits and changes to your life that will last in the future…
… an extra bowl of cereal or a cookie here… nothing in comparison to your happiness and enjoyment.. and you have a great exercise regime… eat healthy.. you’ll be just fine!
I know for me trying to go back to calorie counting just isn’t fun and seems to be added stress. Enjoy LIFE, your husband, job, murphy
I say just continuing to do what you do!
I think you admitting it is a great start! Honestly, it makes ME feel so much better to know that someone like you still occassionally has problems with portion control! I know I still do!
This is going to sound lame, but think about what is REALLY bugging you. Is it that your 30th birthday is coming up? Is it the stress of finding a new apartment? Or sticking to this very intense program you just set up for yourself? I know for me, I tend to mindlessly eat and have problems with portion control when something is really bugging me and I’m not admitting it. This actually happened to me last night over some life stress I’m having right now!
You’ll be okay! If you want to start counting calories, I highly recommend sparkpeople!
Ohhh Tina I think you are beautiful!!!! If you have gained weight, I can’t tell! I agree though that sometimes overindulgences can make you feel like crap…but as long as they don’t occur all the time, I believe it’s okay! I definitely have “my days” too!
Hi Tina,
I know you have close to a hundred comments here but I had to put my thoughts down b/c I too have been struggling these last few days (well, let’s be really honest: few months). I found my way to balanced eating almost 2 years ago. I followed the advice from the book Intuitive Eating. I learned to listen to my body and it’s cues. That was my perfect plan! Truly perfect and I was never happier.
I think exercise can be the best calorie deficit in the world! Keep focusing on those workouts, push harder during your intervals and try to remember the balance!
But this past year I started to enter a more fitness focused career field and I suddenly found myself trying to get thinner and more fit again which always leads to disaster for me. When the focus is taken off my health and leading a balanced life, I lose control for some reason. It’s as though years of dieting and restricting flood back.
I started to consider calorie counting this week myself but I’ve ultimately come to a different decision. Focus on taking care of my health and working out like a mad woman!
I wish you the best!
Jenn
Tina, maybe you are putting too much pressure on yourself by deciding a date/plan/expectations? Go easy on yourself and you are doing great with working out and eating balanced meals. If you eat couple extra bowl of cereal ONE day, its not going to make a huge impact on your body in the long run. You have done this before and you know its perfectly normal to indulge every now and then.
Maybe you need that extra fuel after your tough work out? Maybe the cereal just tasted awesome and its not like you eat like that every day. Dont worry about not being able to keep up with your goal..you will do just fine. Few days of over indulgence is not going to throw you off the track.
Chin up!
Hi Tina,
I read all the time but I have never commented… not that I remember. When I read this post the first thing I thought was “something else is bothering her.” I don’t think it is that he cereal is just so delicious. When I feel like I eat to much and I keep going back… it’s because something else is bothering me. The cereal thing is interesting because you physically have to go back and make another bowl each time. It’s not a big box of crackers that you get the end of the box and you had no idea you ate so many. Does this make sense. And let me also say that I can be totally WRONG and you just love the cereal. I am only speaking from personal experience. If I am feeling stressed or defeated then this thing is easier to happen. You have a lot going on right now and this would be totally normal… I hope this makes sense. I love your blog, your honesty and your spirit really shines through. =) Look at all the love above. You WILL be exactly where you want at the big 3-0!
I’m sure my comments will reflect a lot of what’s been said… First, I really respect you for coming clean with your struggles. I can relate on two levels as I created a plan for myself that I haven’t been completely following through. Also, I have problems eating just one bowl of cereal (among other things). I try really hard to eat well and exercise regularly but sometimes I get in funks. They eventually pass. I know yours will, too. PS. I think you are and look fab!
Like Steph just said – I really respect you for being so honest about the struggle.
And you are not alone – I cannot be trusted around cereal either, no matter how determined I am to stick with my health goals. Theres something about cereal…it’s totally my weakness.
It’ll be really interesting to see how you overcome this and push on with ‘Lose the Dough’!!
Chloe
I love that you’re open enough to talk about this on your blog. As you can see, you’re not alone in over snacking! I always eat when I’m not hungry at night, too, and I’ve realized that the only way to stop is to stop eating “trigger” foods. (For me, it’s anything chocolate!) I allow myself to have other snacks, but nothing that I know I can’t control.
I’m rooting for you in your challenge! I recently started my own blog and yours is one of the ones that inspired me to do so…thanks for the positive posts!
it might be a good idea to count calories for a few days, just to get a sense of things again. i am personally not a fan, but we all know it does work!
I love that you’re so honest! I know it can be hard to fess up to that kind of stuff sometimes. Sometimes when I over-indulge on sweets, I catch myself thinking, “if no one saw it, it doesn’t count!”
Some food for thought, maybe do some reframing. The challenge just started, so you’re bound to slip up or take some time to get on track or whatever you want to call it. I’m sure you’ll be successful with the challenge!
so, I have read some of the comments and agree with most
I too am a cereal addict and cannot have it in the house…seriously I can eat the entire box in one day…sometimes, I will buy a box (usually a kashi brand) and plan on eating the whole thing that day…I’m full, I loved it and I’m over it…so I really don’t think I have any good advice for you 
I am trying a new thing with some friends that has been inspired by you…BALANCE through the year…we are trying to make sure to balance everything everyday…we have some fun goals each day, for instance, meat free monday…then you have to think about what you can eat that doesn’t involve meat…another fav is sassy saturday, 1- 400 cal treat!!!! I am inspired by you and by others to eat clean…if you eat clean then every now and then you can have a not so great treat…so I guess my suggestion is no cal counting…just eat clean foods
and remember, we are all struggling with you 
OK, I haven’t read the other comments but I have a feeling I’m just repeating what others have said. Thank you for being so honest! I HATE counting calories only because I know it’s puts me in danger of getting obsessive and I do not want to “go there” once again. It’s probably fine if you aren’t emotionally involved in it but food is emotional to me.
I’m struggling right now only because I was on track in my marathon training (I’m trying to qualify for Boston) but I’ve been derailed with some sort of foot injury but I’m going to the doctor tomorrow to get it checked out. I can’t tell you how hard it’s been and it’s only my 3rd day of not running!
I guess there’s always challenges.
I don’t think counting calories HAS to be so obsessive and crazytown. You can count calories every other day or so to make sure you are on track. Sometimes you need a realistic eye opener of how many calories you are eating. I know in my mind I don’t count little bites of things here and there and then wonder why I can’t lose weight. SparkPeople is great for just plugging in your food to track it and also you can track your exercise! Sometimes just seeing you didn’t get enough protein one day, or you were low on fat, can direct you in the right way on your eating plan.
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
I feel like I should also add… that the only way I know how to lose weight is my logging it somewhere, whether I calorie count or not.
I have to say that calorie counting for me is the key! I use the Daily Plate feature at livestrong.com. When I really get off track is when I stop counting and being aware of what my intake is. I don’t think that it has to be an obsessive thing…I don’t beat myself up on the days that I do bad…but I still log it to see where my downfalls are. Snacking is a huge issue for me…and I feel you on the cereal. I can’t really have it in the house I just eat bowl after bowl! Good luck! You can do it!!
Hey Tina! These prints have a great message and mantra. None of them fit my interests but if she were to customize a print mine would be keep calm and drink tea or keep calm and bake cookies! Hang in there with the Loose the Dough Challenge, I’m doing something similar myself at the moment and find myself having the same troubles!
Wow…I totally admire your vulnerability. I too struggle with those little ‘extras’ that can add up pretty quickly…and I also want to take off some dough (Holiday induced). I don’t know what to tell you on the calorie-counting thing. I count weight watchers points…and to be honest, it can become an unhealthy obsession, and I don’t like being controlled by what I’m eating (or not)….but on the flipside, the accountability of counting calories or points is definitely a benefit. Whatever you decide to do, YOU CAN DO IT. And I stick to my previous comment: I don’t think you need to lose ANY dough…YOU LOOK AMAZING….I would LOVE to look even close to as good as you do!
Tina,
Hi there. I admire you so much and really look to you as a role model. I am a junior in college and am having a tough time trying to live a healthy life and make good choices while everyone around me seems to be treating their bodies like ever-lasting gobstoppers. I am like you, and LOVE beer and certainly allow myself to drink, but in moderation (only on Fridays and Saturdays).
Well, I just wanted to say that I don’t think you should count calories! I think you look fantastic…honestly. You’re strong, work out, eat wholesome things but let yourself have fun! You’re certainly not on your way to a bad place and already have great an healthy habits. I get that you want to look great for your 30th, but you already do! And if dieting or changing things isn’t working, then your body is happy with the way things are!
Please don’t change. I think you lead a fantastically healthy life. You’re too inspiring to be a calorie-counting, calorie-expending, skinny-skinny-goal-ed (getting carried away…) woman.
You’re the best. I’m sure Mal tells you everyday.
Best of luck with your goals
I follow your blog everyyyyday, but have never commemted…but I wanted to today. I wanted to tell you that you shouldn’t start counting calories and limiting your food to lose weight. First off, you DON’T need to lose any weight AT ALL. Your weight is perfectly fine, and you look AMAZING. Probably any woman that you asked would kill for your body. If your body wants a certain food, GIVE IT TO IT! If you deny your body the foods that it wants, you will end up binging on it later, which will just start the whole vicious cycle all over again. You have a husband that loves you and you have tons of friends who love you, if you have all of these people that love you and if you are happy, then just let yourself be. Limiting food and forcing yourself to exercise when you don’t want to will just make you un-happy, which I know if not your goal here!
Hi Tina! I read any time you post and I really admire you and your lifestyle. Ironically, I’ve had a ‘rough’ couple of weeks in this department, too… I’m not sure why. I hope that all of the support that ALL of these people have shown you helps you through your rough patch… and I will continue reading and working to get through mine along with you.
I’ll tell myself (and anyone else who needs) it, too.
Just remember that you are healthy, beautiful, and very successful already… anything else is just extra.
Don’t start counting again – just change the QUALITY of your meals! And stock that fridge with nothing but healthy choices!
I think diet is always the hardest part about losing weight! I think it has to do with restriction. Exercise isn’t as hard because you are adding it to your daily routine but in trying to eat better you are at least somewhat restricting yourself from what you’ve been eating. Keep it up girl, it always gets easier!!
I want to start off saying how brave you are to admit your weakness to the world. You are definitely not alone on this, though. Not everyone is as willing to admit it!
I am the same way. I know counting calories is such a forbidden thing, but that is what worked for me. After a little while, I got used to the numbers thing and and it helps me stay on track. You are beautiful just the way you are, (I would KILL for your body) and whatever you choose to do you need to always remember that it’s what’s on the inside that really matters.
The fact that you are honest about what’s going on is the first step. For me, Weight Watchers is what really works. I try to avoid it like the plague but I always come back to it when I need to loose some pounds. Then I’m always happy I did…it keeps me accountable. Maybe try counting calories for a little while just to get you back on track and to see where you can cut calories?
i mean this only in a supportive way — i find it interesting that you (and other bloggers, too!) in some ways seem to be struggling MORE now, with more structured plans/goals in place. i think in some ways that is just human nature, and it’s why i honestly don’t believe in diets. maybe really reframing this as a lifestyle tweak (ie: you, working to feel your absolute BEST) rather than a pounds-losing plan would help?
i do think that writing down food choices sometimes works to help increase mindful eating (ie, reduce those random handfuls and things!), but i agree with kath and others that calorie counting may not be the answer. this might sound weird given that i know you KNOW what to do, but ever thought about consulting with an RD? i am sure there would be one that would happily give free services in exchange for the blog-sposure
and your readers (including me!) would be interested in the advice given.
Hey Tina, I just kinda made this decision last week. Unlike you, I’ve never counted before and ultimately I decided that it was not something I wanted to introduce into my life because I know my personality and such. Only you can decide what is best for you, but I just wanted you to know that you are not the only one going through this frustration right now.
How do boxes of cereal (generally) have 12+ servings? For me, it’s about 3. I feel your pain. I’m struggling with making the commitment of losing my “dough” too. I’ve always had the mentality of “x number of days from y event, I’m going to start my diet” or “I’ll start over on Monday.” My brain and body HATE these mind games and so they never work. Those days come and go and nothing changes, my hand is still reaching for the cereal box. The diet mentality is so destructive. Tina, you are a beautiful, strong and intelligent woman who deserves to be treated by yourself and by others with the very best! I wish I could give you a solution, but I haven’t quite figured it out myself. Know you’re definitely not alone! I admire you so much for putting it all on the table! Love!
PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE OR INDICATE THAT LOWER CALORIE = HEALTHY!!! THIS IS THE BIGGEST LIE THAT IS BEING SPREAD BY THE MEDIA TODAY AND IS LEADING BASICALLY EVERY WOMAN IN AMERICA TO AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP IN FOOD!!! I THINK IT’S ACTUALLY AN EXTREMELY UNHEALTHY MESSAGE FOR A WOMAN LIKE YOU WHO IS AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT TO OBSESS OVER CALORIES. THE WOMEN OF AMERICA ARE ALREADY SUFFERING ENOUGH!
Thanks for the info about Yoga Day USA. I found a class close by and have already registered! I practice yoga at home with a DVD, I’ve never been to a class before and I’m very excited to experience it for the first time for free.
Maybe you should count calories for just ONE day and evaluate at the end of that day weather is was helpful or hurtful to your progress and goal.
I’m sorry you’re struggling right now..I’m sure your busy life with the added stress of a possible move and writing a book (!) makes you prone to mindless, stress eating. I have the same problem. Especially with cereal! I wish there were some magical way to turn our brains off in between meals so we aren’t tempted to snack. You have to do what is best for you and I hope you find a happy balance. I’m sure having such a public life is both a help and a hinderence, but perhaps the accountability (and so many people cheering for you) will help you figure out what works best for you. Thanks for your honesty…and best wishes.
I just love how much you love cereal. I am THE SAME WAY. I will eat an entire box in one sitting. I would rather have a bowl (or 6) of a a super hearty granola or even just freaking frosted flakes then most desserts. And I feel the same about counting calories. I thought my days were over with that too. Just this last week I have started to realize I think I may need it again. Just know, you are not alone.
Your lunch sounds SO good! I would never think of putting that salad together and that those flavors would go together but they sound like they so would!
And just remember, every day is a new day. Don’t beat yourself up over the cereal, it’s over and done with. I hate calorie counting but maybe it could help you out for a few days?
I was slacking off on my eating, so I’ve been counting calories again. It seems to be helping! It’s crazy about how easy it is to forget how many calories we eat every day in every little thing.
Hey Tina – thank you for being so honest. I know I’m comment 150-ish here but I have to ask, what advice would you give to someone else if they were in your shoes. Sometimes its just so easy to see a situation from the outside (hence the 150 comments above mine!)
My two cents – if you want to count for a little, do it. I personally find that switching things up with how I do things every so often helps..it somehow brings some new motivation back since its something new (even if its an old/new thing like counting). Count for a little and see where you can cut back, or notice what you’re craving or how you could possibly rearrange your food throughout the day. You have SUCH long days (430am?!?!) and this all seems to be new, so your body is adjusting.
I trust you and I think that you trust you enough to know that you’ll use calories to benefit your well being. When did calories get SUCH a bad rep? If you count wisely, I think its 100% fine.
I am new to CC but I have to say that people have nothing but praises for you. That’s doesn’t mean that the whole weight/eating thing is easier. In fact sometimes I think it’s harder, because people are ‘watching you’.
I would just say focus on what you know. You’re under the pump right now..heaps of stuff going on which is good. But it’s hard to balance it all out.
What are the three things that ground you? What can you do this week?–focus on only one or two things.
That helps me. Keep up the amazing work. Keep being honest with yourself and just remember that you’re human and you can do the best that you can RIGHT NOW.
Hugs. M
What an interesting chat going on here!
Personally, I think counting calories can take away from the joys of eating. You get so caught up in hitting a ‘number’ that you don’t learn to enjoy the foods you want and stopping when your body has had enough. However, on the flip side, it helps you evaluate where you may be falling in terms of how many calories you may be eating.
Only you know what is best for your lifestyle!
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