Update: Nutrition & Fitness goals

As most of you know, I am not following South Beach anymore. It's not because it doesn't work. It's not because I don't want to lose weight or take care of my body. It's merely because there are too many foods I want to eat that South Beach doesn't allow. Saturday cheat days work for a while, but soon, they turn into everyday cheat days and then before you know it, you are eating whatever you want, whenever you want...which doesn't work if you want to follow South Beach.

It definitely works for those who can turn it into their lifestyle. On South Beach, I lost inches and felt my clothes fitting less snug. I noticed a flatness in my stomach area and my arms seemed to shrink. It is definitely an awesome feeling, one that I wish I could rejoice in right now. Alas, I am back wearing snug clothes and lamenting over chunky arms, abs and thighs. And I know more than ever I need to get back into shape.

While I'm not where I want to be fitness or nutrition-wise, it's not a total loss. Trying South Beach taught me how to eat for long-term health, not just short term dieting. It taught me to include lean proteins, healthy carbs, and the right fats at every meal. I learned how to cook more with vegetables and some creative ways to use fruits. I also learned that 2% (lowfat) dairy does not taste bad and not all products which claim lowfat/nonfat ingredients are necessarily healthier. Many of them contain loads of sugar!

Since going off South Beach, I haven't stuck to eating the way I know I should, and I haven't been consistent with exercise. Since dropping my stringent following of South Beach, I've been eating foods I can do without most of the time. On a positive note, I did start walking 3-6 times per week, alternated with jogging (which is a struggle for me). Yet once the kids got out of school for the summer, I stopped going my 2 mile route and am lucky if I get in 1 mile of walking/jogging.

I want to get back into my 2 mile daily route, add in some weight training, and get back to eating healthier.

My main goal right now is to lose some weight so my clothes shopping trips will not be so depressing. I hope to share my first success in weight loss with you in about 4 weeks. I will try to keep you updated on my daily/weekly progress with eating healthier and amping up my exercise routine.

Here's to a smaller size! ;)