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    ONEKIDSMOM   78,773
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30 Blogs Hath September #16

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Today's topic: Do you follow an eating 'plan'? (Vegetarian, paleo, South Beach, Atkins, yada yada yada) How has this helped you live a healthier life?

This is one I was not looking forward to answering, but I'll be honest. I'm a Jenny Craig so-called "success story". Even now, in maintenance, when in "lazy" mode, I go and buy their food, although I freely do "meal on my own" cooking. Thing is, I live alone. If I make a 12 serving pan of lazagna, it's hard not to overeat... even if I portion it off and freeze it. And I get bored. So the JC cuisine gives me variety without having a whole ton of "binge-able" food on hand. Even when I do go crazy, I don't have that much around to go crazy on.

And yes, I still go crazy at times. Part of MY self-defensive eating plan begins at the grocery store, avoiding bringing home stuff that I know will get me in trouble.

ETA: The reason I did NOT particularly look forward to disclosing this is that NO commercial weight loss program is a total solution. They are tools. This happens to be a tool that I use. Success depends on actually FOLLOWING whatever program one is on, not on what the program happens to be. As long as it is balanced, healthy, it's an OK tool in my book.
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

_LINDA 9/20/2012 8:56AM

    Using a weight loss plan's food is nothing to be ashamed of. You have to do what works for you. I am sure lots buy the weight watchers products even if they have never taken the program as they are so readily available. That self defence plan is absolutely the best. Those of us living alone truly have no excuses for eating the wrong things -we ARE what we buy!

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AMANDAUNBIDDEN 9/17/2012 6:33PM

    So well said about commercial weight loss programs! You have to do the hard work yourself, like you did, to obtain success! Fortunately, you did that and are now inspiring others!

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SWEDE_SU 9/17/2012 7:47AM

    each of us has found a different path that works... for us! i like this comment: "Part of MY self-defensive eating plan begins at the grocery store, avoiding bringing home stuff that I know will get me in trouble." - i have the same self-defense plan!

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GMONDELLO 9/17/2012 7:24AM

    Love this!! It's so part of what makes Sparkpeople who they are!!
Your right on the mark here with the JC information. It's a tool! And it belongs in your bag!!
I've often said and I can only hope (when asked) about raising children, that I think I've given them all the tools they need to work out a life for themselves. Help on how and when to use them etc.
It's what we have in life to get by on,right?? No matter who we are,what we do,we NEED tools!!
Have a great day and thanks for sharing!!
"G" I'm a Sparker : )

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SNOWYOGA 9/17/2012 1:10AM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon

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KARIDIAN1 9/17/2012 12:04AM

    For me the temptation is harder, I work in at a grocery store, and there are demos and samples galore some days.

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SLENDERELLA61 9/16/2012 8:18PM

    You are right. It is a tool. You have wisely learned how to use this tool to help you achieve and maintain your goals. Good for you!!

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LVMAMAW 9/16/2012 7:14PM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon

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DEBRA0818 9/16/2012 6:13PM

    You found what works for you and boy did it ever work! I applaud your restraint in trumpeting JC or any other program. We are all unique individuals with bodies that respond to different things. Besides, what a boring world it would be if we all ate the same thing!

emoticon

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MSLZZY 9/16/2012 2:37PM

    Jenny Craig is not available in my area so I just
Search through Spark recipes and go from there.
Whatever works for you.

Comment edited on: 9/16/2012 2:50:40 PM

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FALLNTENN 9/16/2012 2:30PM

    I totally agree with you. "As long as it is balanced, healthy, it's an OK tool."

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GARDENSFORLIFE 9/16/2012 1:44PM

    Yes! If it does not enter your house, you cannot eat it! emoticon emoticon

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LINDAKAY228 9/16/2012 1:08PM

    I understand what you mean about tools. I use Lean Cuisine meals sometimes because I really don't like to cook. My daughter lives with me with her kids but she takes care of them and I do my own food so I can stay on track. I really don't want to cook for everyone anymore. Did that for many years raising 5 kids. And a lot of her things are very simple and quick but higher in calories. So I basically cook for myself too and use tools like packaged meals to get me through.

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MJZHERE 9/16/2012 12:48PM

  "As long as it is balanced, healthy, it's an OK tool in my book." I agree! I am still trying to find out for sure what is balanced, healthy (sure is a lot of debate out there) for me. Obviously you have discovered what works for you - you are sure an inspiration for enjoying a healthy, active life. emoticon

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DOGLADY13 9/16/2012 12:47PM

    When my husband and I got on the "get healthy" band wagon, I had to change the way I cooked and the types of meals we ate. Even with two of us on a mostly vegetarian diet, it's easy to overeat when following standard recipes. It makes too much food!

Now I prepare flexible foods and we supplement. For example, I buy huge containers of mixed salad greens. I use them for salad and I also cook them for greens or add them to soups. I buy cherry tomatoes and use them in salads, cook them in olive oil with garlic for a fresh tomato sauce or toss them with roots vegetables and roast them. We'll eat the roasted vegetables as a side or more often I toss them with the salad greens for a main dish salad. I cook small amounts of rice or quinoa or whole wheat pasta, too. It still bugs me that I don't "cook dinner" any more, but we eat healthier and we aren't over eating any more.

I don't know if that helps or not. It works for us, though.


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DEBRITA01 9/16/2012 12:39PM

    Not bringing into the house the trigger foods is a wise strategy. How many times do we rationalize to ourselves that we can manage a certain food and then succumb in a weaker moment? I can have cookies in the house for my GS and they don't bother me...and then, there are times when I use them to binge on. Finding and defining our limits is a part of the process. Good for you for realizing what they are for you and being proactive to ensure your continued success.

As humans, we are always looking for that magic solution or program that will help up reach our goals. I love this statement: "Success depends on actually FOLLOWING whatever program one is on, not on what the program happens to be". There's no way around it, we HAVE to do the work and be consistent. Another good blog, Barb... emoticon

Comment edited on: 9/16/2012 12:39:52 PM

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WARMSPRINGDAY 9/16/2012 12:26PM

    emoticon

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1CRAZYDOG 9/16/2012 12:23PM

  You know what . . . it works for you. THAT'S the bottom line. Period. And good for you for knowing if you make a 12 serving size pan of lasagna it just doesn't work for you. It's GOOD to know that.

The biggest point is using the tool in additin to the other tools you have to maintain your weight!

It's like anything else. Everyone wants the "quick fix" be it a pill or what not. Ok, well, exaggerating saying EVERYONE . . . sorry. The point is, there IS no quick fix.

I think of diabetes for example. Medication might be one part of the treatment plan. BUT if it's not coupled with things like exercise and proper nutrition, the problem is not going to be handled successfully. It's medication (when needed), nutrition and exercise TOGETHER that work.

So, for weight loss, using Jenny as one tool in your box -- not THE ONLY tool is the way to go.

Kudos!

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DLDMIL 9/16/2012 12:17PM

    emoticon well said. Thanks for posting.

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NEW-CAZ 9/16/2012 12:06PM

    You've found something that works for you and that's a good thing.
Cooking for one can be a pain! SO you've found the perfect solution.Nothing wrong in that! emoticon

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NEW-CAZ 9/16/2012 12:06PM

    You've found something that works for you and that's a good thing.
Cooking for one can be a pain! SO you've found the perfect solution.Nothing wrong in that! emoticon

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GARDENSFORLIFE 9/16/2012 12:00PM

    emoticon emoticon

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