Tip 1:

If you have a health problem, factor it in. I often can't exercise during my period because of cramps from the endometriosis, I try to eat healthy, do a little stretching or swimming if I can... then get back on the exercise wagon. Trying to do too much if you have a chronic problem is just going to make you discouraged.

Cate

Tip 2:
Treat yourself well. Think up small rewards, if you need a reward every day at the beginning of your journey, then do it! Even if its "just" a star, or a quarter in a jar, it will help you go far. (Couldn't resist the rhyme). Have bubble bath, good music or a good book. Think up big rewards for the milestones, a massage, a new outfit (You'll have to buy new clothes anyway, make it a treat!).
Cate

Re: Emotional Eating

If you are going through a period of emotional eating and going through a very challenging time or suspect that you may be depressed - please get professional support and help.

I fell off the healthy eating wagon and struggled and gained weight and couldn't get back on for 3 years. I realize now, that my inability to get myself back on plan was really one symptom of my depression. I don't have many regrets in life - but I do regret not getting that bout with depression treated. I don't regret the weight gain as much as I "lost" two years that could have been much happier.

Get and wear a pedometer every day, all day. Wear it for a week and track the steps each day to find your 'baseline' average and then start working to increase that number by 10% each week. Your ultimate goal for weight loss is 12,000 steps per day. Remember it doesn't matter if you get them 100 or 1000 steps at a time. Work to add a few steps all day long (park further away, use a more distant bathroom at work, take a walk at lunch) and you'll be amazed at how quickly they add up! You don't have to go 'workout' for exercise - every step counts!

p7eggyc

I always get the dressing on the side for my salads - yes, I know they bring more, but I carry a measuring spoon in my purse (in a baggie) so I can be in control.

An alternative is (if I didn't bring my purse - which is often) to dip the tines of the fork in the dressing before putting them in the salad. Allows enough of the taste of the salad dressing without all the calories.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want in a restaurant (i.e. grilled not fried; high fiber bread, eliminate croutons, etc.)

Eat smaller meals throughout the day (every 3 hours or so) to keep your blood sugar and metabolism on an even keel. If you are never over-hungry, you are less likely to overeat or to reach for unhealthy foods or snacks!

SheriaVa

Tomato paste can add a lot of richness to beef and tomato based sauces. Just add a little in, and its easy to cut out the fat.

scotas


can't think right now, but I use that one a lot.

Laurie

Buy lots of extra fresh fruits and veggies during the peak of the season and freeze them (according to proper freezing or preserving directions). They'll be a hint of the spring and summer during those dreary winter months.

Coastergirl

Become involved in community supported agriculture. You can sign up with a local organic farm and get a weekly subscription of produce. This will introduce you to some new fruits and vegetables AND get you produce that is at its peek!

matilda254

Meat markets almost always have better quality and better prices than supermarkets or mega-marts. Plus they're usually run by local folk who take the time to get to know you and can give great advice on preparing all kinds of cuts. As a small business, they'll often go out of their way to keep customers happy.

D



And I don't know if you can give any one person credit for this, it's pretty much a consensus--if you're only cooking for one or two, frozen vegetables are often more cost-efficient.

I buy loads of bananas on sale (usually overripe) and freeze them for smoothies.

Involve kids in exercise routine- otherwise I always have an excuse not to do it.

Make exercise a priority. Schedule in your exercise time in ink in your calendar. Don't let anything come between you and your workout!

Bee

quote:

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Originally posted by kd:
"If you can get to a farmers market in the last hour - you can get some real bargains. They slash the prices and throw in extra free pieces of fruit and vegs so that they don't have to bring it home." Eh hum, goingskiing, can we use it?

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OMG!! of course you may use it! I got 20 nectarines/pluots for $3, 5# of eggplant for $1, and 10 tomatoes for $2. It is pretty cool when the impulse buys are basil and eggplant and not candy!