I have been cheating on my healthy eating plan here and there for the last year and have gained ten unwanted pounds. My summer clothes are a bit tight and I recently saw some pictures of me that I am not happy about.  So this week a switch went off in my head and I am motivated. I am returning to my eating and exercise plan I developed with my personal trainer, Kim two years ago. I plan to ride my bike early mornings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I can only spare 30 minutes around 5:45a.m, but for me 30 minutes is a lot especially if I pedal the majority of the time. On opposite days I will do my various DVDs with weights. In the past that worked for me so it is worth a try to do it again.

My eating plan is a breakfast of oatmeal with fruit ala Bob Harper and my addictive coffee with sugar and milk for breakfast. (Working on one thing at a time- sugary coffee will be tackled later). My morning snack has been delicious green smoothies. I blend whatever fruit I have on hand with water, spinach and flaxseed.  I have become addicted to these smoothies daily.  Lunch is a protein like chicken or turkey with whole wheat tortilla, spinach, lettuce and tomato. Dinner varies- but I try to have a lean meat and veggies as much as possible.  I am currently avoiding breads and dairy.  I find I feel better when I do this and my trainer friend, Kim, swears by it. My afternoon snacks lately have been hard-boiled egg whites, a banana, an apple or cucumbers with my homemade hummus.

I’ve also put a large jug of water with cut up lemons and limes in the refrigerator- so I have cold water on hand all day.  I also keep a jug of green tea with lemon in the refrigerator and drink it throughout the afternoon.  I usually drink another large mug of coffee with sugar and milk in the afternoon, but I have been trying to stick with green tea or water after breakfast. Another rule I am trying to stick to is no alcohol.  I tend to drink wine on the weekends and although I enjoy it, I know it is just empty calories. That will be hard, but it is attainable.

I hope to stick to my healthy eating and exercise plan. I know I can do it.  I am thinking putting it out there on Skinny Mom will hold me accountable. Here’s hoping! Who is with me?

Photo by womenrunningtogether.com