What I Learned in Year One Part 5

I am not perfect.

This was the biggest shock of all! I was so determined last August, I was so dedicated to sticking to a budget and a diet and I wrote everything down and I worked out every day, but I stumbled, a lot.

I figured out this year that life gets in the way of our plans. I knew this, of course, but it is more apparent when you are so focused on those plans.

I try not to beat myself up about my imperfections, some of them are kind of charming, but I am also trying to not blow them off and learn from them. I have found patterns in my imperfections (my penchant for cheating on my diet on Wednesday night for example) and am trying to mitigate the damage (planning a healthier splurge for Wednesday).

I don't imagine I will get any more perfect in year 2, I just hope when my imperfections show themselves they are adorable and quirky.

What I Learned in Year One Part 4

I have to work out, no excuses.

As soon as I get busy the gym is the first thing that gets chopped from the schedule. I try to reason with myself that I will eat fewer calories to compensate, but I am certain my body does not work that way.

I know it is simple calories in vs. calories out and that we should be able to lose weight simply by cutting calories, but when I stop working out I stop losing weight.

Also, I find that when I work out I eat better overall. It is a truly symbiotic relationship for me. I am jealous of those who can just cut a few calories and drop a few pounds or who can work out and eat whatever they want. I am not one of those people.

It may be that I am getting old and my natural metabolism is stagnating, but I must find a way to get to the gym at least 4 times a week.

What I Learned in Year One Part 3

Retail therapy is not actually therapeutic.

I used to shop for pleasure, but I now realize it was the same kind of instantaneous pleasure I got from eating an entire bag on mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. It felt euphoric for a bit and I loved everything I bought, but then the guilt would settle in and I would start to worry about the debt I had added to my credit cards and wonder how I was going to pay the bills.

A whole year with no credit cards and I never once had that feeling (about shopping, the peanut butter cups are still an issue). Everything I bought over the year (and believe me I still shopped) I paid for with cash, either budgeted or gift money, and I did not once feel guilty about anything.

Also, shopping is now a real treat. I plan for my shopping outings and try to make the most out of them. They are no longer binge shopping trips.

It is hard to isolate the things that happened this past year that have lead to my overall better sense of contentment, but this is definitely one of them.

What I Learned in Year One Part 2

I cannot eliminate entire foods from my diet, no matter how bad they are for me.


I went over 5 months without eating anything deep-fried, and I was disappointed in myself for falling off the fried wagon, but it is truly unreasonable to imagine not eating certain things ever again.

I wish I could give up candy as there are many more delicious dessert delicacies I would rather waste my calories on, but I just cannot seem to do it.

I did succeed in finding a few dessert-type items that were less destructive than others (fat free pudding, York peppermint patties and ginger snaps) to satisfy an every day need.

Any successes in cutting out a bad diet staple out there?

What I Learned in Year One Part 1

I learned a lot about myself this past year, this week I will revisit a few of the big things in hopes of reviving my success.

I made some big changes in my life last year, but I learned in the past couple of months that all those changes are useless if I am not faithful in writing it all down.

Starting today I am back to a food and budget journal and will attempt to log all calories and spending. It will definitely be harder this time around as my life is so much busier than it was at this time last year.

Last year I used Fit Day online for my food journal and did all budget recording on an Excel spreadsheet. If anyone has any cool new user-friendly websites or apps please send them along!

Year 2: Electric Boogaloo

I know, I know, I promised to blog more often back in June and it is now nearly September, I am terrible. For years I have wanted a new job, those of you that know me are well aware of that.

I got an incredibly challenging new job in May and while I love it, it has completely taken over my life and messed with my diet and my budget.

I am working 16 hour days and traveling a ton, so I eat whatever I want and have $800 in expenses due in reimbursement which is messing with my carefully balanced budget.

I do not see this schedule slowing down, so now the challenge is how to find time to work out and how best to plan for healthy eating options instead of constant take out and frozen meals. I also have to cut back so I can save a little extra to make these business expenses less of a burden.

It has been just over a year since I started this blog, time really does fly. Year 2 will be a re-visioning of the plan, fitting it to my new life and trying not to run myself into the ground at every level. Hang on, it is going to be a bumpy ride!

I'm Alive and So Sorry

I cannot believe how negligent I have been to my blog and my diet and my budget for the past 3 or 4 weeks. Life gets in the way some times and I am currently enthralled in a new job. It is the busiest I have ever been in any job I have ever had, but I am incredibly happy with it.

What is interesting is that being happy leads me to overeat just as much as being sad does, clearly I am an emotional eater and not a stress eater, any emotion produces a desire to eat in me.

I have managed not to gain any weight by working my butt (literally) off at the gym and an upcoming high school reunion has spurred me into high gear in hopes of shedding a pound or two in the next 3 weeks.

When I started this blog, nearly a year ago (yikes), it was all about focus and that is my priority right now. I need to find focus amidst the madness, get back on track and take the time I need to keep my blog and my budget and my diet a priority.

I will be back on a regular basis very soon!

Girl Meets Grill

In a couple weeks I am going to be house-sitting for my parents while they drive around Atlantic Canada. This means having a huge house and yard (with garden) to myself for 10 days.

One of the things I am most looking forward to is grilling. While I have attempted the grill pan here in the city nothing beats cooking outside over an open flame.

Grilling is a very healthy way to cook as most of the fat cooks off and drips off so it is not reabsorbed in the food.

With the holiday weekend just passed a lot of articles on grilling were floating around. I liked this one which talked about grilling diversity. While I love a good hamburger or sausage on the grill I am always looking for something unique and healthy.

What do you grill that you think is pretty special?

I'm No Yogi, And I Think I Have a Boo-Boo

So last night was yoga class number 1. Now I realize there are lots of different kinds of yoga, the class I chose was taught by someone who practices contortionist yoga. I have pain in places I didn't know existed before.

It was interesting because it was physically challenging in a different way. I am getting fitter by the day, I can run for short periods of time now, I am strong. Balance and flexibility are low on my fitness chart though, which is why I decided on yoga.

One of the things I like about yoga is it is easy to track your progress: this week I could not get my foot behind my head, but maybe next week!

I also spent so much time worried I would hurt and/or embarrass myself that I don't think I was tuned in to the spiritual side of the yoga. I totally accept the spiritual side, I do think we are one with the elements, but I was much more concerned about sliding out of Downward Facing Dog and breaking my face.

I bought a Bloomspot coupon for 10 classes for $30, which is a great deal. I used gift money for it so it was a treat and not a huge investment in trying something challenging and new. I will go back next week, maybe it won't hurt so much...

Mini Size Me

The basic principal of capitalist economics is supply and demand. If people want it, they will pay for it. And while the country is struggling to recover economically I am not the only person who is willing to pay more for less.

This article was on the financial page of Yahoo yesterday. It is a financial analysis of the mini size trend in restaurants.

I have said this before: I am more than willing to spend more money to help control my eating. If the Super Size portion costs less per ounce I cannot get it and just eat a Mini Size amount, I will eat it all.

I love the mini size trend, particularly in desserts. Restaurant desserts have always been over sized and over priced. I am willing to pay half as much for something a quarter of the original size. I know that might seem like a rip-off, but technically I am still spending less.

There is no way I am going to become someone who doesn't eat dessert. Having options like mini Blizzards and cupcakes make this much easier. I can have my cake and eat it to without massive regret.

Farmer's Markets Opening

I saw a sign last night that the Farmer's Market at the Prudential is open. Thursdays from 11 - 6 on the Boylston St. side for you Bostonians. It is a fairly small market, but the vendors are nice and it usually isn't too crowded.

There is a bigger one just down the street in Copley Square on Tuesdays and Fridays. That one has already been open a week.

Cambridge/Somerville Folks: both Central and Davis Square markets open this week.

Here is a cool website with info. Use the Find button to search by region, town or days of the week.

I am so excited for fresh produce as I really need to up my veggie intake. Bring on tender locally grown lettuce!

Feeling Secure

I apologize for the brief hiatus, but sometimes life gets in the way of blogging and the past 10 days have been chock full of life, some good and some bad. The good involved a business trip that resulted in a new sense of financial security.

Those of you that know me understand how insecure my financial life has been the past few years. Like way too many people in this country my job has been in jeopardy and my salary cut significantly and threatened again and again. I know I am not alone in this, but as a single person with barely any savings it led to huge anxiety.

I left my business meeting on Thursday with a solid position and salary commensurate to what I make now. While there was no raise there is much better guarantee that the money will not be cut in the future. This allows me to maintain the budget that I have established this year and that is working quite well for me.

Also, since this is straight salary and not a commission-based salary there is room for merit raises in the future.

I had not realized how much of my life I was suspending in fear of another pay cut (or worse). I have spent the past few days wondering which of the adult ed classes I am going to take and stopped worrying about my lease renewal. I feel free in a way I haven't in years but I have to work very hard to rein in that freedom to not overspend out of relief. I need to channel all the good feelings into focus for the diet...

Blog Hiatus

Hello All! Life has gotten in the way of blogging again. I am taking a short break and will be back with all new blog posts on Monday 5/23. Take Care!

Did You Eat Your Wheaties?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This age old lesson passed down from grandma is actually pretty true. What you eat for breakfast jump starts your day, gives you the energy to be active and turns on your metabolism.

Studies show that people who skip breakfast eat more calories in the day than those who eat a healthy nourishing breakfast.

So this piece from my pal David Zincenko of Eat This, Not That caught my eye. Some of the items on this list are no-brainers (Chocolate Chip Pop Tarts, um even I know that isn't a good choice), but others are more deceptive. Take a look and see if you are falling into marketing traps?

It is easy to fall in a breakfast rut and realize you have been eating Cheerios for 47 days in a row. I try to switch it up at least every 2 weeks. What do you eat for breakfast? Can I steal your ideas?

Creative Recycling

I get a lot of budgeting newsletters and many of them have clever ideas that I have incorporated into my life. Last Tuesday I hinted at a few creative recycling ideas in an article on reusing containers from the grocery store.

I only got one response (SSG your Starbucks card will be in tomorrow's mail!) and perhaps my parameters were too vague so next contest will be more clear. In the meantime here are some of my favorite suggestions from my newsletter article (written by Tricia Goss):

1. Grated Parmesan Cheese containers usually have a flip top with 2 different sized openings (holes and a larger single opening). Use for powdered sugar to dust baked goods or fill with baking soda to use as a bathroom cleaner. Also good for homemade spice blends that you can shake out or spoon out as needed.

2. Many condiments, such as mayo jelly and ketchup, come in squeezable bottles. Clean and use for homemade pancake or waffle batter making breakfast a snap. Also, wash and reuse so you can buy larger less novelty containers of these condiments and just refill.

3. Small plastic containers, such as yogurt or pudding cups, are just the right size for homemade popsicles. Fill 2/3 of the way with juice of your choice cover with wax paper or plastic and insert a wooden stick. This is a great diet tip too as you can control your frozen treats!

4. Glue the lids to small glass jars under the cabinet of a garage or work room and fill the glass jars with hardware or craft items. Screw the jars back to the lids for out of the way storage and easy identification of supplies.

The lesson here is, the next time you are about to throw something away look at it in a different light. I am sure there are helpful uses for most containers (heck there are whole stores devoted to buying new and expensive ones) that will keep them out of the landfill for awhile. If you think of a great reuse for an everyday item please let me know, I am always looking for new ideas!

Scene of the Crime

My parents have lived in the same house for 33 years. I was 3 1/2 when they built the house and I have considered it "home" since then (despite only really using it as my residence until age 16).

I love this house, it is full of amazing memories. There is no place in the world I feel more comfortable.

It is also full of many bad habits. It was in this house that I became overweight. Here is where I snuck food and hid food, where I developed incredibly destructive habits. All these years later, despite all I know about nutrition and all I have come to terms with about my own behaviors I often revert back to childlike mistakes about food when I am at my parents' house.

Not all the food memories there are bad, there are 33 years of holidays, birthdays and celebrations. I can vividly remember every cake and cookie we so lovingly crafted in the ever-evolving kitchen (now beautifully modern). I have recently learned that "emotional eating" does not just apply when the emotions are negative, relating food to happy times is just as psychological.

I am trying to break these connections to food and still hold on to the security and innocence of my childhood when I visit my parents. There is something so comforting about falling asleep under the roof that protected me at 3. I am trying to extricate my best self from the many versions of me that have walked those halls.

Working Through the Pain

I'm getting old. In fact, as of the writing of this post I am the oldest I have ever been. I find myself succumbing to the aches and pains of aging. I can feel the humidity in my knees and the cold in my shoulder.

Each work out brings different pains. Some of them good, the twinge of muscle pain that proves I did something productive. Some of them are bad, the Achilles pain that is the remnant of an old injury. Luckily none of them have kept me out of commission.

In fact, when I work out the pain seems to be somewhat relieved. Every time I think I should skip a work out to rest and then convince myself to work through the pain I inevitably feel better.

This is good as I hope that these workouts in my 30's will get me strong and fit for my truly older years.

An Ode to Peanut Butter

Oh peanut butter with your protein and heart healthy mono-unsaturated fats, who I love thee!

Peanut butter is an affordable and delicious form of protein and good fat. It fills you up and gives you energy while doing your body good.

Obviously there are tons of people who cannot eat peanut butter due to allergies and there are good options (not quite as affordable) like soy butter, almond butter (if you only have a peanut allergy and not a tree nut allergy), sunflower seed butter and more.

My issue with peanut butter is portion size. I can easily over eat peanut butter and I always measure it out so I know exactly how much fat and how many calories I am adding to my meal.

Try to avoid low fat peanut butter, generally the fat is replaced with added sugar or chemicals and since the fat in peanut butter is of the good variety try to cut your fat in other areas.

Currently a favorite breakfast of mine is 2 low fat whole grain waffles with 1 Tablespoon of natural peanut butter, delicious and filling.

Contest: Creative Recycling

So I am hosting my first contest here at 4 to 40! I am looking for the most creative reuse of a grocery item container (i.e. a mayo jar or toothpaste tube).

I read an article today with some really clever reuses for items which save money and keep things out of landfills.

I will post a bunch of these ideas next week, but in the meantime show me what you got! The winning idea gets a $5 Starbucks card for the summery coffee treat of your choice. Deadline is Friday at 5:00 p.m. so get thinking...

This Week's New Workout

As I get stronger I find myself looking to shake up my workouts. I can do more things at the gym now and like to push myself more than I ever have before.

This week I am trying this workout from Fitness Magazine. It is just 5 moves, but done in the same day as a good cardio workout it will really round out the day.

I like this workout for its all-over body aspects. It combines upper and lower body work as well as abs and shouldn't take more than 15 or 20 minutes!