So today I’m going to start to share the nuts and bolts of my weight loss plan. This is going to be just the basics; I’ll fill in the blanks as I go along.

Diet: Let me preface this by saying when I say “diet” I do not refer to some kind of weird restriction type thing. For me, this is a lifestyle change. “Diet” simply refers to the simple definition of this is how I eat. With that out of the way, I pretty much have no restrictions. I do go to classes at my HMO, where I have access to a registered dietitian, exercise science pro, and a therapist. If you can, I highly suggest meeting with a dietitian at least once. She set up a calorie goal for me (and keeps lowering it, le sigh) and is just incredibly critical to my success. Also, if you have access to the LEARN classes, I do recommend those as well. I’ve done Weight Watchers and I’ve found LEARN to be a lot more helpful. I absolutely believe in WW and it can be an awesome tool for many people, but I think it’s super important to find the program that works for you. Don’t be afraid to quit something if you’re not loving it, because this is something you need to do for the rest of your life, and if it’s not enjoyable or even tolerable you won’t keep with it. Keep in mind that when I say enjoyable that doesn’t equal easy. Weight loss is simple mathematically but can be pretty grueling emotionally.

Anyway, diet. I am not perfect. I don’t eat clean or vegan or anything like that. I have been both in the past but it just wasn’t sustainable for me and my life right now. I pretty much track calories and that’s it. I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to carbs or fat or anything other than calories and sodium right now. I rarely eat fruit; I just don’t like it. I love vegetables though. I eat above and beyond the recommended veggie servings a day, so I don’t feel bad for my lack of fruit. I do eat some in the summer though, when I can get it locally, and I love fall apples. I try to stay away from fast food. I avoid white rice, bread, sugar, etc. I rarely eat red meat, and when I do, it’s certified humane and grass-fed. I do eat chicken, but it’s also got to be certified humane, cage free, and vegetarian fed/grain-free. I won’t go into the animal cruelty debate because I’m far from perfect on that front either, but I also strongly believe that meat cultivated in a humane fashion, allowing the animals to live as naturally as possible, is healthier for you anyway.

I drink almond milk instead of cow milk (tastier and my stomach doesn’t love cow milk). Love cheese. I eat a lot of Morningstar Farms products, love the Grillers Prime and the buffalo “chicken” wings. I like Lean Cuisines for lunch. Yes, I know, packaged and bad for you and blargh but I like them, damnit. Maybe down the road I’ll try to eat cleaner but for now, this is good for me.

Long story short: I track calories. I try not to go over my goal. I allow myself to eat pretty much whatever I want as long as it stays under that goal.

Later I’ll talk about workouts and apps and my weight and goals and all that. This wasn’t very funny or witty because I’m still waking up even though I’ve been up for two hours. It’s still snowing like crazy here, in the past 24 hours we’ve gotten over nine inches so far with lots more on the way, and I have to run errands and I’m not excited about driving in this, but oh well. Wish me luck!!