Just an Author Trying to Get Healthy in a Fast Food World

So, the squats didn't work out so well. I hurt something and had to wait until it was healed to start again.  But this week we are trying to get back in the swing of things. I took liberties with dinner way too many times over the last few months (while not really feeling like myself mentally) and ordered out, ordered pizza, or made a frozen pizza for dinner. Well, that's over. My dinner plans for the next two weeks include chicken, chicken, and more chicken. (Can you hear the groans from my family?) Well, I was going to make tacos one night, but the grocery store was not only out of the taco dinner kit, but out of ground meat - soooo.... no tacos until I can get to a different store and get what I need. The slow cooker cola bbq chicken last night did not go over so well. Tonight is teriyaki grilled chicken and asparagus. I've literally been sitting for two years. As soon as the "stay at home" started I stopped trying to get my steps in. It was too hard. Mr. G was...

Today is my new Day One I'm ready to get back at my #HealthyLifestyle I will be the first to admit that during the Pandemic I've gotten way off track. I gained 15lbs since March 2020. I'm not proud, but I'm not mad either. With how I was eating that should've been much higher, lol. I woke up, weighed in, drank 16oz of water before I even started my day. Had my coffee and Protein Oatmeal for breakfast.  I tried a new creamer, and I'm not a fan. Super Creamer Vanilla. It's a weird sweet (think less cream, more sweet) I think I'll stick with my way too many calories creamer and just take the hit on my total calories for the day. Speaking of calories, that's what I follow. I find a set amount of calories for the amount of weight I want to lose, and I add that in my FitBit app. I keep track of everything I eat (good or bad) and at the end of the day I can see if I went over (the point is to try to not go over) or if I kept to plan. So I don't lie when...

Yesterday I started over (wait, have I said that before?) I watched my calories, and drank my shake for lunch (instead of eating something) and tried to get in my water. It was rough. When you get used to eating foods, and not so healthy foods, it is hard to not eat them. And you crave them. You mistakenly think you need them. And it sucks. And it's hard. But if you want it bad enough, you'll try. And I am. I am trying again today. I will take this one day at a time - no, one meal at a time. We (meaning my husband and I) ordered Fit Boards. Yep, we did. Yes, the ones you saw on Shark Tank. I'll let you know if they work. I got very used to snacking in the morning and the afternoon and the evening. Did you? This quarantine made me lazy. I look at the room and say "I should vacuum/dust" then I don't. And I keep thinking I am not going anywhere this summer, so what am I fighting for? Then I see people on tv like former WWE wre...

I don't know about you, but I don't exercise. I should. But I don't. Maybe I'm just lazy, (and I do have a gym membership) but I am in the middle of two books with another one in the works, and am trying to do some graphic design side jobs. All sitting jobs. Along with planning and making dinner, I just feel like there's not enough hours in the day... And they all sound like excuses. Well, they are. But it's how I've always been. I am not an outdoor person, and I hate sweating, lol. So I concentrate on the food aspect. I do my best to watch what I am eating and count calories. Drink my water. And careful not to drink my calories or eat my emotions/stress eat. (Ever wonder what happened to my quest to cut the unhealthy flavored coffee creamers out of my diet? Well, I found out that the ingredient that supposedly is bad for you is in almost everything we eat - granted I buy as little boxed, processed, and frozen processed foods as possible - but there are...

Do you ever have those days where you get an idea, and you focus on it all day? Yesterday was one of those days for me. My Dad was talking about flavored coffee creamer, and how it is really not so great for your health. I got home and it bugged me all night - because I love my flavored coffee creamer. And I'm slowly learning that it isn't very healthy for you (as tasty as it is). Today I have spent most of my morning researching different brands of coffee creamer and their ingredients. What brand do you use? What brand do you like? Anyone have a secret recipe they created and would like to share? I am all ears! My thought of the day is trans fats... I've narrowed it down to Califia Farms dairy free creamer. Now, the difficult part will be finding where I can buy it. I know for sure that my local grocer, that I frequent many times a week, does not carry it. Do you use this brand? Is it any good? As soon as I find it I'll let you know...because I am very picky ab...

I am the first stop when it comes to how and what we eat in the Gatto house. I plan the meals, I do the shopping, then I cook the meals. (and I really don't enjoy any of it, lol) Some weeks I really enjoy making the menu. Other weeks (like now) it just feels like work. I get tired of making and eating the same things over and over, but my idea of cooking is limited to only a few ingredients. If the recipe is too long, not only do I immediately get uninterested, but it will cost too much money to shop for that one meal. I need to plan a week so I can stay within my budgeted amount. And that can be difficult when trying to eat healthy. Why in the world is it cheaper to buy frozen meals and chips then to buy fresh veggies and fresh lean meats? You know I'm right. I cut out frozen/processed foods two years ago. I do buy frozen veggies (not with sauce or flavoring, just plain frozen veggies). I do occasionally buy frozen french fries, but I have attempted to make my own from fre...

On Saturday, we walked in the Out of the Darkness walk in Pittsburgh. We had a team of 10 people, and we walked in memory of our close family friend, Ricky Banas. Ricky was always laughing and joking (even as inappropriate as some of his jokes were, LOL!) None of us saw this coming... He was one amazing guy. He was like an older brother to all of us kids on the street. And Saturday, two of those "kids", who are now grown with families, walked in memory of him. My son was lucky enough to get to know Ricky. He got to have him in his life for 14 years. We even met up with a few of Ricky's family and friends at the walk. And I'll be there every year. The walk was along the riverfront, so along with beautiful views, it was about a 5k. I wish I could say that I did the whole 5k, but I only did half. It was hot, and most of our group wanted to stop after the first half. Next year I will do the whole 5k. Bring it on 2020!! Our team, Team Ricky, rais...

Today was Day One at the gym. I am embarrased to day that I joined our local Planet Fitness LAST YEAR with my husband, in the hopes that we would go together. We never did. And I'm managing 5K steps a day just being at home, but I really would like to see 10K per day. So today, I was there. The staff didn't show me around like I thought they would, seeing as I was brand new. So I stuck to the treadmill, just trying to get my steps in. After one hour, it shut off and sent me to a cool down (I didn't reach 10K yet) I then walked around to see what other equipment they had. I see a lot of folks on the elliptical, but I don't like it. I tried it at the YMCA (when it was still open) and it made me nauseous. Then I decided to try the Hydra-Massage, because I have had normal massages by massage therapists, and they are extremely relaxing. The Hyra-Massage table at Planet Fitness was NOT relaxing at all...I thought it was AWFUL. My old chiropractor had a water table (I thin...

I hit my35lb goal last year before the holidays hit. Then my old friends cookies and pasta kicked my ass....Those 5lbs easily found there way back home and didn't want to leave! Then stress came back to my life, and those 5lbs were making themselves quite at home. Well, finally, in July, I decided to take charge again. I made a goal of 5k steps a day (mind you, most days I sit at home and work on the computer - like right now - so 5k steps can be challenging)  and I would even be happy with 4k steps. At least I am moving more. In two weeks, that 5lbs was GONE. Now I want them to stay away. I am back to having lost 35lbs and am proud of myself. Today is Monday and a perfect day to start off the week positive and have a goal of seeing the pounds drop this week too. It is one of those weeks where I will almost for sure be retaining water, but I refuse to let that stop me. (even though today I'm slow on the water intake - but I'll get it done) Small wins are still wins...

I've been back to my #gettinghealthy mindset for two weeks now. And it feels great! I have to remind myself daily that getting healthy is a lifelong mindset. You have to learn how to eat, and for me, that is re-learning. Before, I ate what I wanted, when I wanted. If I wanted fast food for breakfast, I got it, and starbucks (whole milk and whipped cream), I got it, fast food for lunch, and pizza for dinner - yep. That's how I rolled. My food cravings controlled me. You just have to learn balance when it comes to eating. You can have a meal out once in a while, you can eat bread (hello - it's delicious! lol), you can have some chips at a party, or a summer night out for ice cream with the family. You just have to balance your day, or the days around it out. You go all out one day and eat too many calories, get up the next day and get back at it. This is for life, there are no short cuts. And can you really imagine NOT eating foods that you love for the rest of your life...

This week I got back on track with my healthy lifestyle. I kept my calories in check, I drank my water, and I got in 4k-5k steps daily. And it felt great. Today was the pay off - weigh in day. I dropped 4lbs from last week - granted, about half of that was water weight. But it helps me want to keep going. Oh, did I mention my husband brought home sprinkle thumbprint cookies from the grocery store bakery yesterday??? My kryptonite...my nemisis... whatever you want to call it. I LOVE thumbprint cookies - heck, you might as well have put a cupcake in front of me. But, today was weigh in day, and I didn't want that lump of sugar (even though I did look up the calorie count of one cookie...I really did) to define my work for the week. Maybe tonight I will have ONE.

A little admission to amuse you. I found Burton Nutrition last year, and this program got me on my way to getting healthy. The owner of Burton Nutrition is one of my favorite Soap Stars (General Hospital's very own Steve Burton aka Jason Morgan, Sonny's right hand man...) My original motivation was "I don't want to let my favorite soap star down!" as silly as it sounds, it worked for the first six months! LOL But while I'm slipping now, I decided to put a screen shot of Steve Burton as my phone wallpaper, so everytime I look at my phone, he's staring at me, and either judging me or cheering me on, LOL... It might be silly, but if it works, who cares? Right! And if you are interested in trying anything from Burton Nutrition (the supplements, the protein powder, or the vitamins) use this link and get 10% off! http://burtonnutrition.refr.cc/melodyg

Sorry I haven't been blogging in a while... I haven't been "feeling" like sticking to my healthy eating plan. Now, I DO understand this is a lifestyle, not a diet. And some days are harder than others. Well, the last few weeks have been those kinds of days. I decided yesterday, Monday, was a good day to re-start. I woke up, ready and with a positive attitude. Then the stress hit me like a brick wall. I fought all day with myself... stress eat or stay on track. Well, I stayed on track, but didn't exercise at all. I did drink 6 glasses of water though - even though I was aiming for 8. But, I call it a win. I won over the stress. Today is a new day, and the fight starts over every morning. You have to CHOOSE to be positive. You have to push aside the negative that tries to take over. Yesterday that was harder said than done, but I at least won the stress eating battle. And one good day makes you want another, then another, then another. I can do this. I nev...

I have to admit, I haven't been doing great on the low carb/low sugar eating. Not great at all...lol I gave into a carb craving here and there, and now it's all I want. I will admit, it's hard to cut back on carbs, I love my bread, and potatoes, and pasta... BUT the good news is, I have not gained anything back. Somehow, even though I've been enjoying low salt chips, bagels, and pasta, my weight has stayed the same. Bad news? I haven't lost anything more. What this does tell me, is that I can eat the things I enjoy in MODERATION. I can go enjoy a pizza, or a delicious plate of pasta, or a night out at my favorite resturant, just not all in the same day and not EVERY day, lol. I've still been watching my portions. For instance, if we do go out, I get a sandwich, and I only eat half, and take the rest home. It's a first step. Now, I need to get stronger about being better. QOTD, are there Low carb bagels out there? And are they any good? #AskingForMe

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I need to admit that these last few months have been rough for me. Probably the worst out of the last 14months. This post is what my good friend likes to call the B-Side of my life. I'm not perfect. And as hard as I try to keep up the healthy living, it isn't always easy. But who wants to read about that? And I sure don't want to post about that, lol. But here we are... Christmas threw me off. I ate cookies and potatoes and loved it all. But when the New Year came, I was ready to get back on track. And then that didn't happen. And then my Grandmother's health declined. I was home all day everyday, and we still had cookies and goodies around. And I ate my feelings. (I do much better when the junk food ISN'T in the house. Why? Well, because I am mostly too lazy to go out to the store to buy more, so if it's not here, I won't eat it.) I was stressed and sad, and I snacked. When my Grandmother passed awa...

Now that I'm paying attention to what I'm eating, I am starting to see how fast food chains contribute to us gaining weight (or how they have a helping hand in making us fat). If you know me, you know that I LOVE my Starbucks. I love my iced mocha, I love the Gingerbread Latte at holiday time, and the Maple Pecan Latte in the fall. I also love their cheese danish and chocolate croissant.  And I used to go many times a week. If you don't know Starbucks, you earn 2 stars for every dollar you spend there, then once you have enough stars, you earn a free drink (we all love free stuff). Well, to add to the cravings for Starbucks, they entice you by offering BONUS stars if you purchase multiple times within a week (or a weekend). I used to go solely to get these bonus stars. But now that I only try to go twice a month, I see these bonus dashes twice a week or every week, and I think "they are trying to make me fat" for real. Because one coffee can be anywhere from 200...

Down another pound. I am the lowest I have been in maybe 5 years? And it feels damn good. One pound might not sound like a lot, but it really is. It doesn't just mean 1 more pound lost, but it means all the other pounds I've lost have stayed off. It means that I can have a day where I eat something I enjoy, like a cookie (or two) or a cinnamon roll, and not dive off the deep end and eat that way for every single meal. It means that I CAN DO THIS. And that is everything. I was supposed to have my physical earlier this week, but the office had to cancel. Is it weird that I was actually looking forward to it? And I was disappointed when it was cancelled? Is it even weirder that I ENJOY stepping on the doctors office scale now? Instead of fearing how far UP she will be moving the weights I am not eager to see how much lower she has to move them since my last visit. I am proud of my accomplishments, and I should be. I am learning how to live healthy. It's not a diet, and I...

Why we call it learning a Healthy Lifestyle Because sometimes as adults we need to re-learn how to eat correctly. Just because we eat what we like doesn't mean it should cause us to gain 10lbs like it's nothing. And trust me, I've been there. Learning to eat healthy means making good choices every single day. It's not a diet. It's not never eating a piece of bread again. It's just making good choices. In the last year I lost AND KEPT OFF 30lbs. That is the big part for me - keeping it off. I wanted to lose 50lbs, and that didn't happen, but I kept off all that I lost, and I have to see that as a positive. I kept it off eating stuffing at Thanksgiving. I kept it off eating cookies and potatoes at Christmas. I kept it off over a bad three weeks in February that happened right at Valentine's day (so there was chocolate in the house, which we never have in the house). I was depressed and sad, and I ate. I ate EVERYTHING I could find. I wasn't proud ...

If you know anything about me, you know that I've been on this #GettingHealthy journey since March 2018. My one year goal was/is 50lbs. My two year goal is 50more lbs, and my three year goal is 50 more lbs. I was going strong until Thanksgiving. Man, the holidays were rough for me! As hard as I tried to be good, I maintained my weight throughout New Years - which was NOT what I was trying to do! But I guess it's better than gaining weight? I decided to start a blog, even if no one but me reads it, to stay accountable for my good or bad choices. And lately they have been leaning towards the bad-side. I got extremely low on my protein powder and didn't have the extra money for a new container yet. And don't get me started on the water! Man, it's difficult in the winter to get my water in! (All I want is coffee) So, between not having a protein shake daily and not getting all my water in, I feel like I'm failing. I know I'm not. I haven't gained...