“Shifting into Gear”

Trying to get myself in gear to eat better. Fell off the wagon today, but that is not what I want to talk about. I am taking a look at my eating habits, the items I have in the house, and my goals.

I found a great FREE iPhone/iPod touch application called “Lose It” where you can track your exercise and food (allows you to set up a password so no one can look at your data :-). I plan on using this tool to track my weight, exercise, and nutrition. BAD numbers for today!

The basic premise of a diet is to have more calories burned than you take in, a task easier said than done, especially when you need to break bad eating habits. I have been trying to observe my habits so I can list them out and work on being healthier.

Exercise: I seriously lack in this department. My second job at the hospital will have me moving around more on workdays, but I need to increase my exercise. I like to walk with my dog or on my own. I also have a bicycle that I need to at put air into the tires. I also have an elliptical machine that needs the handles attached then I can use that. OK, added these things to my “To Do” list.

How I Eat: I tend to eat real fast when I am home. I also tend to eat my meals in front of the TV and/or computer. I need to change this. When I eat slower, I feel full sooner, and eat less. I think when I do not give myself the chance to fully taste and enjoy my food I eat more.

Time/When I Eat: I need to eat dinner not so late at night. I tend to “forget” to eat then realize its 10 PM and I have not had dinner yet. For me, this opens me up for migraines, and to eat something quick and full of sugar, fat, and empty calories.

Food in House: this I have already started to work on. I am trying to stock the house with healthy food: fruits, veggies, whole grains, roasted nuts, etc., and get rid of the crap.

Lunch at Work: I need to put together my lunch for workdays the night before. I always want to sleep until the last minute and end up without enough time to put a lunch together. I should keep hard-boiled eggs on hand.

Breakfast: I always eat before I go to work. I need to keep this up.

Beverages: I do drink a lot of filtered water. I have already converted myself from drinking Coke to diet root beer to cut down on the calories and the caffeine. The next step will be to decrease the soda intake to occasionally then rarely. I don’t really drink alcohol much, though I love a glass of wine for occasions. I also love a Molson Ice watching a NFL game most weeks, so that will be a treat I will keep, but limit myself to one, and try not to do it every week.

Caffeine: the caffeine I get is from Coke and chocolate. Already broke the Coke habit, once I get things truly rolling, the chocolate will wane as well.

Snacks: healthier snacks! Including protein as part of a snack usually helps me to feel fuller.

Sure there are more habits I need to modify or break, but this is a good start.