Tracy Calabrese

Ate like a piggy today.

I think my diet might be on hiatus for the long holiday weekend, which officially starts tomorrow, but in my mind, started today. It started with a work-related luncheon, where they served a decent salad with apples, feta cheese and walnuts, then fried chicken breast with sides of mashed potatoes and veggies and the kicker, chocolate cake for dessert.

When I got home around 4pm today, I thought, “Hey, I am going to each something healthy for dinner.” Then I remembered I had some fabulous tortilla chips from the Mexican store my mom goes to in Denton. So I figured, screw it, and made some nachos. And I think I am going to eat ice cream or some chocolate in a little while.

Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow is also the start of the weekend and I always blow my diet on the weekends by drinking beer and eating junk food.

So…next Tuesday is a new day! Yes! Tuesday!

I have been doing Weight Watchers since January 12th. I allow myself one cheat day a week, where I can eat and drink whatever I want. If I go out for happy hour or lunch during the week, I try not stay as close to my points allowance as possible. So far, so good. My pants are even starting to fit better!

The one thing about “dieting” that I like is that it forces me to be creative in the kitchen. Last night I made a frittata with Egg Beaters, egg whites, veggies and lowfat cheese. I made taco soup, which consists of ground turkey, beans, corn, tomatoes, chicken broth and taco seasoning. My new breakfast go-to is fat-free Greek yogurt with berries and some granola or some Fiber One cereal for crunch.

I have also found some new points-friendly snacks. And a tip for anyone who might be looking for some healthy snack foods - Target has THE BEST selection. Some of my new favorites include Quaker Rice Snacks Mini Delights in Cinnamon Streusel, Emerald 100 Calorie Almonds in Cocoa Roast/Dark Chocolate, an apple with Laughing Cow Original Light Swiss Cheese spread on it (Don’t knock it ‘til you rock it! Thanks, HungryGirl!) and Fiber One bars. And Stash decaf tea in Chocolate Hazelnut flavor (with some skim milk and Splenda) is an awesome way to satisfy my sweet tooth at night.

And the diet continues…

I planned my meals out last night and was all set for today. I even set aside enough points to grab a skinny latte from Starbucks before my two hour client meeting this afternoon. I was starving at 10:30am so tomorrow I need to plan for a mid-morning snack.

Weight Watchers has always been the easiest way for me to diet. I like the fact that I can basically eat anything I want, but in moderation. If I eat something that is high in points, I just cut back throughout the rest of the day. And I am the type of person who tends to splurge every now and then, so I have come to the realization that it is OK to eat a couple slices of pizza or a piece of cake and just start over the next day. I can’t completely deprive myself of junk food or I would go crazy.

On to day two. And don’t worry, I won’t tell you about every meal I eat or fill you on every day. I might just need to complain for a few days while I get over being hungry.

Why?

Because I am officially starting my diet tomorrow and I need to make sure the cookies are gone.

Goodbye cookies, hello Weight Watchers.

And that is all I have to say about that.

I have been doing Weight Watchers for the past month and half or so. My mom and I have done it before and she started up again a few months ago, so I decided to join her. It’s always been an easy way to eat anything I want, but keeps things in moderation.

I have been doing very well with counting points and writing everything down in a food journal. Watching what I eat has even helped me be more creative in the kitchen and buy more fresh fruits and veggies.

My “points” pretty much go to shit when I travel (hello NC BBQ and fried pickles) and when I go out to dinner with friends (birthday dinner, sushi night). Or when I have had a stressful day.

But that’s OK…

When I blow my diet, I cross out that day in my food journal and start over the next day. I have come to the conclusion that it’s it perfectly fine to have a day or two a week (or a few weeks or even a month, if I can hold out) to eat whatever you want.

I don’t feel guilty for eating pancakes, ice cream and popcorn at the movies today. Tomorrow is a new day.

I was stressed out today.

I ate a cupcake.

Its cute pink frosting and sprinkles were calling my name from the kitchen all day.

I was at work late and then had to run an errand.

I didn’t get to work out today.

Now, I feel guilty.