Halfway though the halfway point of the week already? I’ll take it!
And even better, my day has been movin’ along pretty quickly…just how I like it.
Lunch
This morning, I was already prepping and cutting veggies for a batch of Crockpot Veggie Stew, so it really didn’t take that much more effort to chop a few more for today’s lunch.
I steamed up about 2 cups of fresh broccoli, carrots, peppers, onions, and grape tomatoes, which I then mixed with 1/2 cup brown rice, a package of tuna fish, a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese, and a drizzle of tomato-basil vinaigrette. It really was a cinch to make, and it was deeeeelish.
Mid-morning, I snacked on a little something that I’ve been waiting to get my hands on for months…
Chobani recently came out with their three new flavors, but the apple cinnamon flavor was the one that had my attention from the get-go. All I’ll say is…if you can find it, grab it. 
I also packed up an apple with some peanut butter to have later this afternoon, as well as a couple clementines and almonds.
Since I’m planning an afternoon workout, I wanted to be sure that I had enough food with me to keep me fueled until I get home later tonight for the dinner that will be awaiting me (gosh, I love when that happens!).
Nutrition Plan Update
So it’s been two weeks since I began my new nutrition plan with Jim and so far, things are going really well. Before I get into any updates though, I just figured I’d mention a couple of quick things.
First, Jim has decided to join blog land and has started up a brand new blog of his own! It’s not officially set to launch until the beginning of February, but it’s currently in the works and already has some pretty helpful stuff on there. Definitely give it a look!
Second, I’ve had a few of you asking me whether or not I feel restricted on the plan because it didn’t appear as though I had many options. I’m thinking that some of you may feel this way after I posted this particular outline…
Just to give ya a heads up, this is just a little cut and paste of a small portion of the things that Jim suggested. All together, he gave me a ton of different options for meals and snacks, but I just wanted to give you guys an idea as to what some of those options were. Hopefully, too, you’ve been able to see by the meals and snacks I’ve been eating the past few weeks, restriction is certainly not an issue, by any means!
Alright, so moving forward. I had my second check-in with Jim last night (my first one was last week), and he said that he’s still very pleased with my progress and the food choices I’ve been making. Here are some of my current thoughts and observations:
- I feel GREAT! With the exception of some recent stress-related tummy troubles, I am feeling 100x better than I was a month ago. Overall, I feel less bloated, less frumpy, more satisfied, and even more confident.
- I let myself get a little more lax with the plan in the second week. By lax, I don’t mean that I was making bad choices; rather, I felt more confident in making smart choices where I could go outside of Jim’s suggestions but still be getting the foods that I need. In the first week, I felt more compelled to follow the plan to an exact T; this past week, I might flip-flop ideas for lunch and dinner, or swap out some different food suggestions throughout the day. It’s even getting easier to come up with ideas for meals, too.
- I’ve already noticed that my pants are starting to fit better. I don’t feel quite so much like that “stuffed sausage” I was feeling like just a couple of weeks ago.
- I’ve lost about 2 pounds so far (but then again, who knows…that’s what the scale says, but I’m more excited about the pants thing!)
- I am eating all the time. I had to laugh last week when at a couple of comments from the girls I work with. The first one was “Geez Courtney, do you eat all day long?” The second one was, “Okay, every time I turn around, you’re eating something!” Yes, yes I am! I am eating pretty much every 2-3 hours, which is doing a fabulous job at helping keep me full and energized throughout the day.
- I am drinking a lot of water. There are still days where I struggle to get my 64 ounces, but I’m getting better. This is one of those things that I just force myself to do because I know how much better it makes me feel.
- I’m still eating a snack almost every night. I don’t always mention it, just because it’s after I’ve already posted and the camera has been retired for the evening. My evening snacks as of late have been VitaTops, rice cakes with peanut butter, tea, Chobani, a small bowl of cereal with almond milk, and 100-calorie bags of kettle corn.
- My cravings for sweets have dropped significantly! When I first started the plan two weeks ago, I was in a BAD place. I constantly had sweets on the brain, and craved cookies, cakes, and sugar like it was nobody’s business. Now, I honestly don’t have a hard time with having the tray of cookies next to be every day at work.
That last bullet about sweets is something that I actually brought up with Jim last night, and his response really got me thinking. After I told him how I was feeling, he said, “Yeah, isn’t it crazy how after a while, you almost sort of lose your lust for certain foods?” The more I thought about that, the more I realized that Jim was dead on: I was totally in lust with sugary sweets…like these.
It also got me thinking a bit more about what I read in Working Out Sucks with the 66-Day Rule. Those first 21 days are most critical when trying to break a bad or begin a new, healthier habit.
Now don’t get me wrong…I am definitely NOT banning sweets. I can guarantee you I’ll be eating some birthday cake in a couple weeks.
And if I’m truly craving a cookie, then I’m going to eat it. But right now, I really just don’t feel like I need it and I’m totally cool with that. I’m excited to get back to having a healthy relationship with sweets…besides, I’ve always been more of a fan of LOVE over LUST. ;)
So there’s the update! If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask!
This eating plan seems perfect for you ! you eat a lot, have no cravings, look good !! =)
I’ve said it before but I LOVE how you’re doing this plan! It’s so the right way to stay healthy and at a happy weight! People look at me crazy when I eat all the time, but it’s literally what keeps me thin!
I also agree about the sweets. After Christmas it takes my body about 3 weeks to forget the sugar cravings and then I’m “a-okay!”
Random – is the apple cinnamon Chobani tart like their regular ones?
Sounds like an ideal plan: love that it doesn’t involve any gimmick foods! I gave up Diet Coke and chocolate at the start of the year and it amazes me that I’m not missing either. My taste buds seemed to have lost the craving for both!
I JUST had the apple cinnamon yogurt for lunch. I should have purchased more than just one (but you just never know). It’s my new favorite flavor. Wow!
Your plan sounds like its working really well! I like the look of the rice and vegie dish!
I am curious about your drop in sugar cravings. I eat chocolate and sweets everyday, so how does one actually reduce that? I think I often eat for psychological reasons, but also habit.
Glad to hear the plan is working out so well for you! I need to get back in the habit of eating more frequently through the day and am starting to get better, but I really need to work on my water intake. I start feeling like a fish late in the day because I realize I haven’t drank enough and then chug away.
I’ve been trying to makeover my eating lately by eating more during the day to stave off those late night sugar cravings–it really does work!
Enjoy that AC chobani. I had mine for dessert last night, and I will be heading right back to the store for more. So incredibly delish!!!
That is FANTASTIC! looks like you are doing great. I have also found lately that the more I follow my own little plan, the less I crave late night sweets. Which is definitely a good thing.
I find the first 3-4 days without sweets is the hardest but then it does get way easier. But somehow they always work their way back in and I am back to consuming mass amounts. I think its easiest if you replace the cookie with a yogurt (which is still sweet so it works!)
I am so so so glad you mentioned the eating every 2-3 hour thing. That’s exactly what I do: breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, and dinner. Everyone at my work starves themselves until lunch time and then over eats. I have tried to explain many times that’s not the way to do it. I like to “graze” throughout the day so I love this eating plan. Keep up the good work!
sounds like the plan is going really well so far! I have been cutting back on the sweets as well and have noticed my craving for healthy foods definitely takes over my craving for sweets now!
sometimes as much as we know about eating right and nutrition, we need a little external kick in the butt to get us back going again. i’m glad jim’s plan is doing that for you! sounds great!
Hey Courtney!
Congrats on the great progress! I am thinking about reaching out to Jim too! Quick question – are you allowed to drink on the plan? I might have missed it but I didn’t know if or how much wine was alotted :)
Sounds like Jim’s meal plan is great and that you’re getting the same great results that I’m getting with the Live Fit meal plan! Never hungry or snacky, eating ALL the time, still delicious! It’s great!
Glad to hear your plan has been going so well for you! I too find that my cravings for sweets nearly disappear when I stop eating them for a while. Isn’t it weird how that happens? The most I’ll want lately is a square of dark chocolate.
I bought the 3 new Chobani flavors last night & had the Apples and Cinnamon for breakfast this morning and decided that it tastes JUST like a slice of apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It is SO yummy!
it’s so great to hear that you’re still loving your plan and feeling even more confident! i love when you’re able to see results from something you’re really working hard at. way to go girl! ;) i’ve been working on eating smaller portions more often the last few weeks and have been LOVING it so far too! like you said, it makes me feel energized all day, hardly hungry, and more satisfied. i wish i had done that sooner!
I get the SAME thing from my coworkers.. “are you ALWAYS eating?” that’s why I love Jim’s plans.
and I agree, I’ve lost my lust for certain foods. AND I’m glad you’re with me on the whole “not restricting yourself” part of the plan. there’s gotta be a happy medium somewhere. and birthday cake must be eaten. ;)
Great update Courtney!! And wow weeee…I love my hubby but that Jim is one stud muffin…I would take his tips too after seeing his pic ;)
Joking aside, I loved hearing your positive feedback from your 2 week progress thus far. I’m still trying to get better about eating more often like you’re doing so that I have more energy and to curb my sweet tooth at night but I’m getting so bad at remembering to bring snacks with me to work! I think I’m going to try your easy portable options of fruit with pb, a yogurt, and crackers w/ cheese. So for instance today, was your mid-morning snack a yogurt and then snacks between lunch and dinner were the almonds, fruit and pb? Trying to get an idea of how you portion out your snacks so that I can reap these rewards ;) Thanks girl!
Chobani Apple Cinnamon is so awesome. I feels like dessert for me. It is taking the place of my craving for “not-so-good” sweets. I also love the Mango, Pineapple, and Pomegranate!!!!
I most definitely think that cravings drop the more you eat whole foods. I know I experienced it for myself recently!
I read a really good book that explains the science behind why we crave the things we do. Basically, the same parts of the brain get stimulated when we eat high sugar/fatty/salty foods that would get stimulated if you did cocaine. When you stop the behavior, your brain is no longer “rewarded” so you start to crave the food (or drug) less. Pretty powerful stuff!
http://www.amazon.com/End-Overeating-Insatiable-American-Appetite/dp/1605297852
I’m so glad that it’s working out for you so well! I would love the feeling like I was eating all the time part! And those food choices are all pretty tasty looking! Mmmmmmmm!
I ate so many sweets around the holidays that I honestly did not want another bite! Sugar can be such an addiction and I think taking a break sometimes reminds you that it’s so easy to be a sugar addict! I love how the plan looks and am curious as to whether you see this as a lifestyle change you could see yourself doing forever, or if you think it’s a short term plan for a short time?
I’m so excited for you that you are already feeling more energetic and confident (I love getting out of the “stuffed sausage” stage!). I really love how much you’re learning about your relationship with sweets-the love vs. lust comment is great! Congrats!
You honestly need to stop focusing on losing weight. You’re skinny enough and you don’t eat enough calories… Especially if you’re becoming a trainer. Your plan is the least amount of calories you could eat to get nutrients but are you really being HEALTHY? You should focus on NUTRIENTS. Nutrients equals CALORIES. Sure 1 cup of cereal and fat free yogurt might keep you full, but where is the variety? TWO wasa crackers is not going to give you the key to life or nutrition. Do not be afraid of them my friend. I understand limiting sweets, but limiting nutrients instead? Your body needs them. You are only doing yourself harm.
Lisa, while I appreciate your concern, I’m going to have to respectfully disagree. If you’ve been following along for the past couple of weeks since I began, you’d have seen that the focus of this nutrition plan is not necessarily about losing weight. After months of overindulging on sweets and having a sporadic eating schedule, I felt horrible and am trying to focus on getting back to eating healthy foods and getting rid of that sweets addiction. My meals as of late have been full of nutrients, including plenty of fresh, colorful produce, plenty of protein, and healthy fats. I’m already feeling so much better than I was, and that’s because I’m fueling my body with the right foods and the right amount of foods.
Glad that you’re feeling good eating that way! I think that’s the most important thing … how you feel. I know when I eat junky for too many days, I feel awful. It’s just not worth it to eat like that all the time!
I think you’re plan is great- you are eating throughout the day which keeps your energy level up and certainly consuming enough calories to maintain your active lifestyle! I feel my best when I eat regularly throughout the day instead of having three big meals with no snacks (I just can’t do it!) Also, I have been experiencing the same feeling you have about sweets! I have been doing a good job of limiting and avoiding them because I had gotten to the point where I was craving them all day and I was just addicted! Sweets are something I want to enjoy every once in a while, not feel like I absolutely need every night. I have started craving them so much less- it’s a great feeling! I still can’t go without my post-dinner snack though, but hey thats okay. Anyways, thank you for the update and I’m proud of ya!
-Shelby
It’s so great to hear such positive progress with just two weeks on your new plan. I love the variety you have in your meals…so many people think that eating healthy means “blah” food all the time, but you are showing that is not the case.
I still have yet to find the new Chobani flavors on my grocery store shelves. :( Can’t wait for your next update!
It looks like Jim’s plan is really working for you! I think the best thing would be not craving the sweets so much anymore. To me, it’s not like you have changed your food intake so much, you have just replaced the bad foods with good foods. Sugar and sugary foods add SO much water to my body and of course it makes me feel like a slug!
Great job! Thanks so much for the update!
Sounds like your plan is going fabulously!! I’m definitely going to check out Jim’s blog. And your lunch looks super tasty…I would never have thought to mix in tuna, but it sounds delicious. I just may have to try that!
Apple Cinnamon strikes again! Just wait until your special delivery next week :) Thanks for sharing your update– sounds like you’re feeling much more energetic, satisfied, and healthy. And hey, we don’t mind a little lust over our cups ;)
I think I will always lust over your cups ;)
Can’t WAIT for my special deliveryyyyyy!!!
I totally get the sweets thing. Before the holidays I was baking pretty much every week and I couldn’t help myself from sampling one or two every day. Luckily my hour walk to work helped me not gain weight, but I knew that all that sugar couldn’t be good for me. With not baking much over the holidays I’ve tamed my sweet tooth a bit.
Good point about the love vs. lust for foods. I struggle with my sweet tooth too, but lately I just haven’t been feeling the sweets, but I’m not complaining! I too often get into the habit of, “Okay its X o’clock, time to eat something sweet,”…eating sweets should not be a daily routine, but rather an occasional treat. I think sweets are also more delicious when enjoyed on occasion. :)
I love your “love or lust” line….very clever!
I hafta reaaaally watch my sweets too…I’m a total addict!
Holy moly….. Jim does not mess around, does he?? Have you SEEN the picture of him?!?!! Holy 12 pack and 20 inch biceps!
LOL! I know, right?!?
When you bring Chobani yogurts as a snack, won’t they go bad if you don’t keep them refrigerated?
I’m sure it would depend on how long they’re out of the fridge. I have one at work, so I don’t have to worry about it. If not, maybe just be sure to package it up in a lunch bag on top of an ice pack? That’s what I’ve done in the past and it does a good job of keeping things cold.
I have to have something sweet everyday. I don’t know if I would ever be able to not crave them…but maybe I should try :)?
Apple Cinnamon sounds yummy. I am jealous I haven’t seen that flavor yet in my area. I will have to keep my eye out.
Loving the new Apple Cinnamon Chobani’s. SO GOOD! Toss in some peanut butter granola and I’m set for the morning.
Some serious beer games going on in the background.
it is ALL about the first one for me…the FEELING GREAT.
xo
Amen! :)
Congratulations on feeling better and comfy pants! An easy zipper is such a nice feeling :)
Hi Courtney! Seeing your plan definitely inspired me to clean up my own eating post holidays and I definitely agree with you on the craving fewer sweets thing! Once I stop eating junk food I don’t really crave it as much, but those first few days aren’t easy! I was just curious – does Jim’s plan have you count calories? I am a serial calorie counter and it makes me go a liiiiiiittle crazy but I always get worried if I don’t count I will end up eating a lot more because I’m not keeping track! I feel like I’d have a healthier relationship with food if I wasn’t so crazy about it, and I just wondered what Jim recommended or what you do.
Hey Emily! Glad to hear you’re making progress of your own on the sweets – I hear ya, it’s definitely not easy!
Jim does not have me counting calories. The meal suggestions that he has given me fall into a certain calorie range, and I have an idea on what most of my meals consist of calorie-wise, but I’m not counting them precisely or consistently. I told him from the beginning that I didn’t want to have to worry about that because to me, it takes away some of the enjoyment of eating. :)
That makes sense, I think that is a much healthier approach to eating. Now I just need to DO it and not just say it :)
I love to just eat all day long! I have a large breakfast at 7, and then eat something every hour and a half or so once I start getting hungry around 11. I swear it breaks up the day and I never get uncomfortably full from having a gigantic lunch of say, 800 calories…Much more fun to spread it out all day :)
Your an inspiration. I am so depressed right now over my weight gain. It’s only 5lbs., but it just keeps climbing. My clothes are fitting tighter and all I crave is sugar. I find myself eating out of bordem. I think my biggest thing is snacking in the evening. I’m bored, so I eat, I’m not even hungry, actually stuffed from dinner. Sigh… I really want to join the program your on.
Yesterday, finally I got the Chris Fryteg 10lbs. SLim DOwn. I was exercising to it for about a month then On Demand vanished and now it’s that crappy Fit TV. OMG, do I hate it! Those people are annoying and there’s Proactive commercials in the middle of the workouts, stupid! So I ordered Chris’s workout from QVC. I love the kickboxing. I’m going to try to workout according to her schedule, but 80 minutes is way to long for me. I can stand about 40 or 50 minutes, after that forget it!
So anyway, sorry for the rambeling, I just want to say thank you for posting your plan. I need to do soemthing before I blow up like a balloon!