The kindness of strangers...

 

God knows when we need a little pat on the back, and yesterday I got mine. I’ve been a little discouraged by my lack of progress in losing weight. I understand the concept of calories vs. exercise and with my physical restrictions (arthritis, facet arthropathy, stiff ankle) I have not been able to burn many more calories by exercising. I’ve cut back on how many calories I’m taking in, but there are limits to how much I am willing to sacrifice. Lol I still enjoy a good meal! I will proudly say without hesitation that I have vastly improved what I’m eating. And yesterday someone noticed!

I was in line to check out at Wal-Mart and had most of my groceries on the belt already. The woman in front of me was just finishing and kept looking at my food. Finally, she turned to me and said, “Your food looks so healthy! I just go through the store grabbing junk.” Then she smiled and the clerk smiled and I felt like I had won the lottery! I thanked her for the compliment and spent the rest of the day feeling good about my dietary changes.

Here are the latest changes I’ve made:

Still basically vegetarian with the exception of fish or other seafood at least twice a week. I love, love, love salmon so that is usually my first choice.

Very little “fake meat” because I just don’t need to eat sandwiches and that’s what I find myself doing if I rely too heavily on veggies burgers or chik patties. Haven’t tried many of the other substitutes or dinners or whatever because I want to keep my diet as natural and simple as possible.  Frozen food still has too much sodium.

 

I switched from almond milk to nonfat dry milk for two reasons. First of all it is much cheaper. Second, it is less wasteful for me. Almond milk comes in a half-gallon carton, which I cannot finish in a week (I am absolutely phobic about stale or old food since having food poisoning). I can make one cup or one quart of dry milk at a time. Since I formerly used 1% milk, I don’t notice a big difference in taste.

I’m eating more fruit. My father brought us some peaches Sunday so they are the snack of choice for the week.

Graham crackers are a great substitute for cookies if I feel the need for something sweet. I’ve always liked them.

 

I’m eating a lighter breakfast and saving the omelets I love for dinner. My favorite one is spinach, mushrooms, and cheese (fat free cheddar). I use Egg Beaters instead of real eggs.

More fresh produce! Of course I can now pick tomatoes and okra from the garden. Soon we will also have squash and cucumbers. I buy some veggies from Wal-Mart and some from a local produce market.

Fewer, better condiments. Trying to cut down on sauces, dressings, etc. Fat free sour cream is just as good as the real stuff.

 

So I continue to try to improve this old body in hopes that it will last for thirty more years. I hope that my journey offers a few ideas for improving your way of life. If you think of any tips for me, please pass them along.

Have a healthy day!

 

BTW- these pics are my neighbors. When I stop by the side of the road they come running to see me!

 

Comments

[diana Weger]

You are doing a super job!! Wish I could say I was trying that hard and buying all the right things,but I'm not! So hard for me to feed my family on the go non-stop and cook something fast AND healthy!! And I have picky eaters so that's twice as hard. Keep up the hard work!!!!
I LOVE horses!!!!!

[Megan]

The horse pictures made me yearn for your life for a day.

Fantastic news on the improved diet. Loved the comment from the shopper in line with you. I'd be worried that when I'm checking out on our treat run with doughnuts and ice cream someone would observe the reverse. :)