Diet

One topic that I want to try and cover more of on this journey is diet.

Mainly because I truly believe any goals surrounding exercise or weight loss, need to be looked at as a lifestyle change - not as a goal with a definite end. The goal also needs to be accomplished through a balanced approach.

Since the beginning of the year, I have (almost) daily kept track of what I've had to eat. I've done this just as a way to hold myself accountable for what I choose to eat. I know plenty of people who have been successful on a weight loss journey by keeping a food journal.

So - for starters - what kinds of things are written in my food journal?

• Breakfast: typically I start the day with butter & jelly on toast, or cereal with milk. These are easy things to grab in the morning. Many mornings I don't eat anything.
• Mid-Morning: I usually snack on some trail mix out of my desk drawer! The amount is proportionate to what I had, or didn't have, for breakfast.
• Lunch: what I eat for lunch varies. Chad and I have tried to plan meals with leftovers for lunch. We've had a lot of chili and lasagna this school year. I had some Lean Cuisines at the beginning of the year, but they get expensive. I've had tuna on crackers; but lately I've been sick of that choice. The latest kick is salads (topped with cheese, croutons, bacon bits & dressing) - usually paired with cottage cheese. I also pack a Dole fruit cup several times a week to try and balance things out. Since January, I've quit buying sweets for my lunch!
• Supper: Honestly, since Chad has been on nights, there are quite a few of them that I don't even eat supper! I just don't take the time to cook for myself while I am trying to focus on Ava. If I do eat, it is more left overs, a salad, or snacking on whatever I can grab quickly.

Next - where do I want to go with my diet?

• I want to eat what I eat on purpose. I want to watch the serving sizes and the number of calories. I want to eat more whole grains. More fruits and vegetables. More calcium and dairy.
• Really, I just want a little more of everything to have more of a balanced diet.
• I also really want to eat foods that will help fuel my workouts. Let's face it - athletes eat a very specific diet full of protein and carbs to balance the activity. I want to progress in both areas.

That's great. What am I going to do about it?

• I am going to work on keeping a more detailed food journal.
• I am going to read more food labels.
• I am going to try to plan even more; and shop accordingly.