I’ve been talking to myself since I finally stepped on the scale last week. Yikes! That number I saw was shocking to me.
Before I stepped on the scale, I had already planned and started a 1200 calorie a day eating plan. I bought a book for inspiration but my choices are personalized.
After a full week on 1200 calories a day I’m telling myself…
1200 calories is plenty of food to eat in a day.
Some days after dinner and being satisfied, I still have 200 calories left to consume.
It’s okay to eat the same thing over and over again if it is what I like.
Adding cucumbers to wraps gives you a delicious crunch and satisfaction.
That a single serving of oatmeal with a walnut, two teaspoons of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of blueberries was delicious and satisfying and under 300 calories. (I’ll be having that for breakfast again)
The varieties of good food I can eat is encouraging and doable.
A Costco chicken deboned chopped or shredded and frozen in smaller portions is a plus.
Shopping with a list of good things to buy is important. I need to have those items on hand.
Keeping an ongoing, daily list of everything I put into my mouth is necessary for me.
My math skills are being challenged in figuring out calories then adding and subtracting. 🙂
I’m reminding myself that things might be slow going but I’ll be pleased in a month, more pleased in 2 months, etc.
A huge help for me is knowing my ‘girls’ are cheering me on. They are praying with me for resolve to continue doing what is good for me physically and mentally. Accountability is key.
Because of my Plantar Fasciitis I’m not able to walk regularly for extra exercise but I have started chair exercises with a YouTube that is good and going well. Just 10 minutes in the session but still helpful and easy on my feet.
Another reality is that there will be special events where I won’t be counting calories and that is okay.
As my clothes feel less tight I will remember to take notice and be thankful.
You won’t hear any weekly reports from me about this journey but I will try to post something monthly or every six weeks for more accountability.
This ground turkey soup I made on Saturday ended up being 175 calories per cup (8oz.) and was very tasty per Greg and me.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cooked ground turkey
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 can Rotel original diced tomatoes and chilies
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 small zucchini sliced
- 2 mushrooms sliced
- 1 Carrot sliced
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in soup pot.
- Bring to a boil then turn down to simmer.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve while hot.
Yield: About 5 cups
Note: This was spicy with the Ro-Tel but added some nice depth of flavor. You can substitute a can of chopped tomatoes instead if you don’t tolerate hot spice.
Some other meals I’ve enjoyed, just to name a few.
- Low Fat Cottage cheese with pineapple
- Cooked ground beef wrap with cucumbers and salsa
- 2 eggs on toast
- Strawberries with a squirt of whipped cream
- Avocado and egg on toast
- Cheese melt on English muffin
- Teriyaki Chicken breast with rice and brussels sprouts
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Good job for doing something when you didn´t like the number that you saw. 1200 calories does not seem like many. However, I realize that for me, the older I get, I feel like I don´t need as many calories. That is a bit depressing because I like everything about consuming caloric things! But what my body needs and what my body gets are two different things, oftentimes! How wonderful to accountability partners and women who are praying for you. Have a great Monday!
…lovely ladies in your family!
praying for you, my friend. I’m on a similar challenge for myself.
I’m not good at counting calories. I’m just working on taking in less…
Good job and thanks for sharing some of your meal ideas. I’m always looking for healthy meal options.
Way to go. Sounds like you are on a great path. Wishing you success, I know you can do this!
Well done!
I’m willing you on. Happy counting 🙂 B x
I understand well the endeavor you are on, Ellen! I have started an app that helps me track the calories, it is called My Fitness Pal. My doctor recommended it. It seems to be very helpful! I enjoyed seeing what you are eating. We have been enjoying Chia Seed Pudding. It is really delightful. Wishing you well on this journey! Blessings to you!
Good luck with the weight loss program. It is a never ending battle. I try to keep to 1400 calories a day all the time even with all my walking and exercising. I use MyNetDiary to keep on track.
The turkey soup sounds good. I like the photo of you and your girls.
Good luck with diet. Take care, have a great day!
My A1C was going up so I ate Keto for a few months and lost 30 pounds last year. It is hard for me to stay on strict Keto, but I have been trying to minimize carbs as much as possible since then and we exercise at our community gym 3 times a week. Of course I did indulge eating some Christmas cookies and desserts, so I’ll also have to get back on track!
Congratulations on the start of a great journey!
I did the same thing, got on the scale after New Years and was shocked at the number. I could tell my clothes weren’t fitting quite the same. I’ve changed my grocery list too, buying healthier items: mushrooms, cucumbers, blueberries, baby carrots… I began to feel better almost immediately. It feels good to feel good! I’m excited to see your journey!
Cheers to your health!