A Weighty Issue

I've been touching on my diet and exercise habits once in a while, but I'm trying to make it a more regular update... partly to make myself more culpable, partly because I'm inspired by Weight Watchers Wednesdays (courtesy of Blue Eyed Bride, Mojito Maven and LyndsAU) and partly in case any of my experience helps you loverlies on your own fitness quest.

When last we left off, Hunter and I had just started working out to Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. We eased into the process very slowly - starting one or two times a week, and working our way up to every other day. The best thing about it is how fast its over! 20 minutes goes by so easily, and I feel less inclined to say "I don't have the time" because I know that's just crap. Everyone's got 20 minutes to spare for their wellness, yo. Its been 2 weeks now of alternating The Shred with days off, and I have to say this moderate approach is much easier to swallow than my normal all-or-nothing tendencies. Moderation has never been my strong suit, but this year, I've been trying to integrate it into many facets of my life. Slow and steady wins the race, yes? The tortoise is moi.

Speaking of slow...we're still on Level 1, but our goal is to start Level 2 next week and keep on schedule. Eek! But already we're seeing results! We've got definition in our calves, thighs, arms and abs where only softness used to reign... which is really encouraging... but it also makes me more aware of the need to lose fat so the muscle can shine through.

To that end, we've also been eating better to try and get some of that persky fat to melt away. I've tried a million "fad diets" over the years, and find the key rules across the board seem to be low-fat, high-protein, less refined sugar, more fiber. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to eat well, and be satisfied.

1. Fiber is your friend! This is such an easy way to keep the weight down. Fiber acts like a scrub-a-dub inside to carry excess fat out of the body... so you absorb less and carry less fat every day. My favorite fiber-full weapon is Fiber One cereal. You may like to mix it with another cereal to start (like Trader Joe's morning lite, or Raisin Bran), or add fruit like bananas (good for potassium to help sore muscles)... but it is an easily acquired taste and I really enjoy it now. One bowl packs a punch of 1/2 your daily fiber needs, and is basically a "free food" because its so low-calorie. Hungry Girl has loads of recipes that use Fiber One to make crusts, bread, and more... so subscribe to her emails! (thanks to Mrs. Avocado for that tip!)

My other favorite Fiber-rich treat is Ak Mak Crackers ($1.39 at Trader Joes). I use them in place of bread whenever possible. They're so much healthier and they have those tasty sesame seeds on top that the greek in me lurves. For you WW folks, they're 2 points for 5 crackers, and they're quite filling!

2. Say Cheese. I think you know by now, but cheese is my favorite food group. It's also a dangerzone because of the fat content. So, I stick with Laughing Cow singles at home. They're spreadable, they melt well, and they taste more like real cheese than any of those low-fat shreds out there. We also keep low-fat feta around for use in eggs and stuff.... a little goes a long way!

3. Olive you. I recently discovered the meaty goodness that are Trader Joe's World Largest Olives stuffed with Pimientos. I find that snacking on a couple of them is incredibly satisfying and takes the edge off hunger in between meals. They also pack a flavorful punch so we add them to everything from eggs to pastas.

4. Soy can be a joy. As a vegetarian, "fake-meat" products keep me sane both for their convenience and the variety they offer. But they are a smart choice for carnivores as well, because they're much lower in saturated fat than many "real meat" options. Boca brand Chili is a delight to rival all others, and so good for you its only 2 WW points! Other soy-riffic treats include Edamame - a great on-the-go snack (I like to use in place of popcorn at movies), Tofutti cutie ice-cream sandwiches, and soymilk/frozen banana smoothies. Now, I know there's some concern about linking too much soy to breast cancer.... but remember that nice talk we had about moderation? Yeah.... me too :)

5. Frozen Veg Variety. We add little bits of broccoli, 3-pepper mix, spinach or whatever is around to everything we make both as a filler and for extra vitamins. Frozen vegetables are inexpensive, and easy to keep... plus they retain their vitamins and nutrients much longer than fresh veggies. Trader Joes is a great resource for unique blends and cheap finds.... and just about everything else, obviously!

So, to sum up those suggestions, I'll share my newest lunchtime addiction. So simple, so healthy, but it feels gourmet, fancy and filling!

Take 4 Ak mak crackers, top with 1 triangle Laughing Cow, 4 slices of tofurkey (or turkey), and 2 olives, sliced thinly.... Yummmmm! Tasty, low-fat/calorie, high fiber/protein goodness!

What are your favorite diet treats or fitness tips?