Calories, fat grams, grams of fibre ... those 3 all important facts on a nutritional label ... at least that's what I've been taught in the hundreds (yup, hundreds) of weight loss group classes I've attended. I know the formula, 3 grams of fat per 100 calories to stay in the "safe" range. At least 2-3 grams of fibre per serving to keep it "regular" (you know what we all need to keep "regular", I won't post that). And lately, we've been drilled to think of carb count, too. Having moderately high blood pressure, I have to look at the sodium levels, too. Alot of pre-packaged foods are PACKED full of sodium ... you think you're eating something relatively healthy, but really aren't. Yesterday, a friend shared some pointers from his very successful weight loss journey (thanks John!); the one that really hit home for me is to eat nothing from a box or package. Preservatives aren't healthy for us. We know that. Haven't we all become so dependent on "quick" meals and take out? I'm totally guilty of buying the convenient frozen WW entrees, Lean Cuisines, Healthy Choice. (I'm sure this comes from following the Jenny Craig program for over a year ... it's ALL pre-packaged food). Yes, my life is busy, but so is everyone else's. It's time I quit using "busy" as an excuse and start making more home-cooked meals (Terry will no doubt be pleased!). I don't think that buying "fresh" will be any more expensive, when I take into consideration ALL THE MONEY I've spent on convenience foods; pre-packaged, diet and non-diet foods (see "paying off the Federal Deficit" in Blog #1). Not to mention it's an excellent investment in my HEALTH ... and what's more important than that? This sounds like one of the BEST things I can do for ME to jump-start my ... what will be my FINAL ... weight-loss journey. Then nutrition labels won't be such an obsession.
Thanks for reading!
Janet xo
Thanks for the tips with the formulas. During the re-start of my own journey to fat busting I have come to the conclusion that another important factor to be successful in weight loss is to plan ahead. Take the time to know in advance what meals you're going to cook, because it's when you don't that you grab those quick fixes and as you mentioned those pre packaged things which come with all kinds of hidden treasures. As you know on WW we are applying points to the nutritional value and I covet those babies! So last night I had to work quite late. I called home and asked to have my chicken cooked in the oven and to make some rice. When I got home I realized I didn't clarify what kind of rice I wanted. It was one of those microwave express bags. I normally NEVER buy them and only did to use for a casserole. When I did my point calculation I was stunned to find out what I was losing! Three quarters of a cup. To me, last night that was a big deal cause I as starving! So to give more credit to your pre packaged observation.... 1/4c of that stuff was equivilant in points to 1 full cup. Those in the early stages of point counting can truly appreciate that!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet for you humour and keeping us inspired!
eat lots of fruit :) it doesn't have a label haha
ReplyDeletethat's what I've been doing lately
I have one of those digital scales .. they're crazy! get on before your shower and it say's one thing, get on after and it say's another! Think I'm going to get one of the reliable "old" ones! Just need a magnifying glass to read the numbers!
ReplyDeleteWould love to hear the roomba story!