Fit Friends
Basil's Blog
Behind-the-scenes commentary from one of Joy's Today show challengers
Home Cooking
January 22, 2009
I'm back! The underwear band dosen't curl underneath my stomach any more. This is because my stomach is just about flat. There is still some to go on my sides (obliques) and the layer of fat that calls my back its home. I exercise daily and play Paddle 3 or 4 times a week. The weight loss has helped me to maneuver better on the court, resulting in better performance and confidence. Men that choose to go on the diet must check their caloric intake vs. what they will burn. Joy's suggestion is to eat more protein during your meals to supplement the calories you need to fulfill our body's daily needs.
I drove to Boston and back on Monday. It was difficult having to pull into the service centers for restroom breaks and have to leave with just coffee and water, because the food they offer is calorific. You have to pack a lunch when you travel by car or stop in a grocery store for ready-to-eat veggies and cottage cheese. Most grocery store have store-baked turkey that they slice as a cold cut. It's great because it doesn't contain salt and all the other stuff those meats have to preserve them. I wrap the turkey with lettuce and Dijon mustard for lunch, avoiding any bread. Normally after lunch I would feel sluggish, now I feel energetic because of the amount of food I eat.
When it comes to the diet, the cooking seems overwhelming because we are not conditioned to doing so. We are all so acclimated to fast food, pre-made junk, and food that is not labor intensive for us. I have timed the difference of cooking at home with going to the deli or restaurant. Home cooking and preparation is quicker, tastier, and healthier — not to mention lighter on your budget. Once you have planned and shopped correctly, you may spend a bit more in the grocery store, but if you add up what you normally spend weekly eating out and on the road you will find a significant savings. Now that we have reprogrammed ourselves to cook and prepare our meals we find it easy enough, it's mind over matter and the math is in our favor.
We still go out and eat, we went to Sidewalk Bistro the other day and Alain prepared our dinner for us. (Watch the video of the Fit Friends team at Sidewalk Bistro preparing the LIFE Veggie Soup.) Maria had a salad, sirloin steak, and asparagus. I had a salad, pan sauteed sea bass, and string beans, all cooked with Pam. If you ask you will find most restaurants have cooking spray on hand. I know that after a few months we will be re-shaped, physically and mentally. Once we have reached our goals we will be able to maintain even with a few added calories, but we will be more responsible when ordering too much food or having dessert every night.
Watch for us on Jan 26 and see the reveal that can help you change your life for health and self esteem. Keep in mind that our losses came in a mere 21 days. Imagine what we will accomplish by spring time. Imagine what you can accomplish by then as well, but you have to start now!
Basil