Facts about being hungry.. and weight loss for women

Today I thought I would reference some information that I have been reading in a book called Women's Edge: Fight Fat Secrets to Successful Weight Loss.
I enjoy this book because it offers so much realistic information for women who want to better understand how their bodies work, and why they can't seem to look the way that they want to look.
The section that I am referencing discusses ways to monitor how much you are eating and how to be on "Hunger Patrol."
1. Smell your food: "Studies have shown that once you start eating, smelling food can make you stop eating sooner by satisfying you faster.(38-39)" Smelling your food causes you to slow down and savor every aspect of what you are eating, which in turn, creates a more satisfying experience all around. And who is going to say no to having a satisfying experience?
2. Keep a food diary: "Write down any unplanned eating and the circumstances under which it occurred." This is a method I swear by. I do not only write down unplanned meals, I write down every morsel that goes into my mouth. This way, I can review what things may become problem areas in my diet, or what things I have been eating too much of, or not enough of.
3. Eat Breakfast: "Researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville put 52 overweight women on a 12-week diet during which some ate three meals a day, including breakfast, while others passed up their morning meal. The women who ate breakfast tended to snack less of high-fat, high-calorie goodies." I have one more bit to add to this: eating first thing in the morning gets your metabolism going for the day... and stops you from overeating in the evening.
4. Spice it right: "Food will satisfy you more quickly if it tastes good and has a good mouth-feel." Using lots of herbal seasonings and spices in lieu of salt is a great idea, and more satisfying.
5. Eat Filling Foods: Fruits, veggies, potatoes, whole-wheat pastas and breads, fish, lean beef, etc.

These are some helpful hints to being in tune with what you are eating! More to come!

Getting up when it seems impossible...

Today was one of those days when my eyes felt crusted shut. I heard Roofus and Olive whining outside of the gate, begging for their morning attention, and I wondered if perhaps, I should just dive back into bed.
But, alas, I arose and brushed, washed, ate etc. I knew I needed to jump in the car and hit the gym, although the couch was calling to me.
Once I made it to the car, I knew that I had made the right decision. With my tunes playing, and the sun beaming into my car, I felt the awakening sensation that comes with knowing you are going to have a great day.
The gym was wonderful, a great combination of resistance and cardiovascular training that wore me right out.I love feeling myself being pushed to the limit and knowing that I can make it. I get this rush when I am running on the treadmill, faster and faster, sweat dripping down my bright red face,and suddenly I am smiling, even though I can barely breathe.(The poor people around me probably think that I am about to keel over.)If I can conquer the gym, I can conquer anything that this day throws at me, with the Lord on my side of course. Otherwise, I couldn't so anything.
Now I need to pull some energy together so I have something to give to my client later today! :)
I am so glad that I didn't go back to bed.

The Inspiration Of Sunshine And... Yummy Dinners

I am so grateful for the beautiful weather that we have been having. It is so inspiring to wake up and feel the sun shining into my home as I go through my morning rituals of eating, reading my Bible, and praying. I am so grateful for the opportunity to enjoy every waking moment of the life that I am so blessed to have.
I am grateful for a strong and able body. Last week I did my first longer run of the season- 6 miles, and as I was running, I couldn't help but be amazed at the strong and able body that God has given to us. So often, we do our day-to-day tasks forgetting all of the tiny miracles that are taking place around us. It is a miracle that we can walk, run, and lift things. It is a miracle that we have people in our lives that love us and that we can love.

On a different note, last week was my first week of being home with my husband and enjoying dinners together. This "normal" routine was so foreign to us, yet perfectly sweet and enjoyable. I was happy to have time to go through my cookbooks, and plan a menu for the week. Some of the healthful meals that we enjoyed were: 1. Beef Stroganoff with Whole Wheat Noodles, 2. Salmon with a pesto glaze, mashed sweet pots,and broccoli, 3. Breaded Baked Sole with Brown Rice Risotto and Carrots, 4. Balsamic Chicken with broccoli.
They were all delicious and easy to make! Contact me if you are interested in any of the recipes.
Have a wonderful, miraculous, sunshiney day!