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Unlike most of the heroines I write about, I’m neither gorgeous, rich or have a killer figure. The last is what is giving me fits now, though in all honesty I’d be blissfully happy with a normal figure.
We are finally getting warm weather (as in break out the shorts and tank top weather) and my body is so not ready for that shocker. Not only is my skin awfully pale, I seem to have acquired a lot more body over the long winter. (Ugh, like bear hibernation gone wrong.)
Unfortunately I’m not imagining the more me. The scales are backing up the fear.
So this week I started a diet and exercise regimen. God help me! 
I am watching what I eat and eating light healthy food.
My doctor suggested I eat protein midday and I’ve tried to do that with zero cal protein drinks and those 100 cal protein bars. I don’t feel ravenous when I get home, so I don’t chow down a big meal. All good.
I’ve been exercising religiously. Well ok, I’m not an exercise freak — I simply ride a stationary bike for fifteen-twenty minutes, or do crunches. A lot of crunches for fifteen-twenty minutes. But out of five days this week, I’ve exercised three of those and took a long walk the other two. And so far I’ve lost zero pounds. Nada.
It’s just not fair.
My muscles (which were blissfully happy to be a slug all winter) are screaming in pain. My stomach typically growls like some feral beasty at the zoo. I see food and nearly drool.
But I’m going to stick it out and hope for the best. And I am very open to diet suggestions. 
What are your tips to tilt the scales in your favor? Any good diet recipes to share?
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Apr 30th
2010
6:17 am
kristan higgins Said:
I have no good recipes, Janette, and I exercise sullenly and resentfully (perhaps you can hear me whining all the way up here in Connecticut…?). Good luck, though! Rather than a diet, maybe it would help to think of it as an investment in a healthy future (I know. That line didn’t fool me either.)
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Apr 30th
2010
8:09 am
Deb Said:
Good luck, Janette. I know how hard it is to lose weight. It seems like it is a constant struggle.
Here’s how I lost weight (30 lbs. 2 years ago, but I admit that I’ve gained back 14 from being lax and stress).
I ate two eggs every morning; bad for cholesterol, I know. I worked out on the elliptical for 25 minutes every day. I drank a glass or two of milk every day and cut my bread intake.
It’s been proven (so says W.Watchers) that milk will help a woman lose weight. Also, don’t skip food and don’t skimp on meals; less food does not mean you will lose weight. When hungry, eat protein.
One last tip, an Oreo cookie or two or a fun-size candy bar will help with sweet cravings. Just stop at one or two!
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Apr 30th
2010
9:27 am
Shana Said:
My tip–running. It always works for me. Now finding time to run and keeping the baby from screaming her head off in the jogger the whole time, those are whole other issues. And maybe that’s why I’m not exactly ready for shorts and tank tops, either!
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Apr 30th
2010
9:47 am
Margo Maguire Said:
Write down everything you eat. Here’s a useful website to help you keep track of calories http://www.thedailyplate.com/ — try it!
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Apr 30th
2010
12:55 pm
Michelle Said:
My favorite website and diet book HungryGirl.com I get their daily email with tons of ideas and recipes. Books are fantastic, she makes all the good foods that are bad for you – good.
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Apr 30th
2010
6:58 pm
Janette Kenny Said:
Kristan, I do eat a healthy diet, but apparantly more than I need.
And yes, I did hear a whining but thought it was just me.
That’s very interesting, Deb. I used to eat an omelet every morning, but now with my nutty work schedule I have to leave too early to fix a good breakfast. Often it’s cold cereal or on occasion an egg white sandwich. Because of cholestrol I only eat the egg whites, but that’s the protein part. I love bread. That’s one of my big downfalls, I suppose, though the chocolate addiction is gotta trump it.
Shana, the best I can do with my knees is a brisk walk, which I do. I feel for you trying to work out with a crying baby. Can’t be easy.
I’m a calorie counter from way back, Margo. Thanks much for that link!!!
What a cool site, Michelle. Thanks!
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May 5th
2010
10:06 am
Caroline Said:
I have struggled too, and with a health scare, have had the “butt kick” moment.
I always swore by hot lemon water when I was needing a boost around a cold and such. It is supposed to cleanse your system, and help release toxins. Simply drink hot water with liberal amounts of lemon juice (or squeeze fresh lemons into it, either works). It may help to kick start your new path.
Another tip is “eat the rainbow”. This does not mean sprinkles on your Baskin Robbins (although that would be nice right about now yum) but take your veggies and eat as many different colours of veggies as you can. Orange carrots, green spinach, red beets, yellow squash, blueberries, eggplant… you get the picture. Not only will it be varied and exciting, but you have the benefit of all those different nutrients, and the plant-based diet is very healthy for your system.
I also don’t calorie count. No point to it. I carb count. If you do that, and ensure you eat lots of plants, and lean protein, you will get away from the sodium laid, chemical diet food and into fresh food. That will give you the energy to exercise and see results! And remember that water is your friend.
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