At the beginning of the year, I told you how my word of 2013 is "action." Instead of forming a New Year's Resolution, I kept seeing people choose one word to define the year. I like that idea. For me, choosing one word simplies everything and really allows me to focus on my goal.
I truly believe that "Actions speak louder than words." Last year, I had a whole bunch of resolutions, but this year, I am doing much better focusing on my one word. I'm determined to take action this year and finally lose the weight I have gained since having kids. I finally scheduled an appointment with a dietitian and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time!
As soon as I sat down with my dietitian, I knew she was the perfect person to help get me in the right direction. Something about her cordial, yet firm, approach worked for me. I thought I knew everything about diets, but after 1 hour with her, she has opened my eyes to a whole new way of eating
After my first two weeks, here are 3 things I learned from my dietitian:
1) I kept hearing about cutting out wheat, sugar, pasta, bread, but I don't really need to cut that out of my diet. I can have those things as long as I follow proper portion control. The huge portions that we get in some restaurants are not okay. Eating twice or three times as much as you need to, should not be the social norm. If I want to eat pasta or rice, I can, however, it needs to be in the proper portion (and not necessarily the portion that's written on the side of the box either.)
2) Eating 6 times a day helps keep me full, and I don't even feel like I am on a diet. My dietitian developed a plan for me using the exchange system. This way of eating really keeps me satisfied. I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus three snacks a day. I can eat from all of the food groups: protein, dairy, starch, vegetables, etc. and I don't feel deprived. Eating smaller portions spaced evenly throughout the day is key.
3) Life goes on. There will be times when I want to eat a chocolate truffle or enjoy appetizers at a party and that's fine. Instead of feeling totally guilty that I "cheated," I just get back on track the next day.
If you've been following this blog, you know I'm not a health expert by any means, but these past couple of weeks have been a huge wake up call for me. I wish I would have seen a dietitian years ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing her more in 2013.
Did you make a New Year's Resolution or choose a word to focus on in 2013? Have you ever met with a Dietitian? Leave a comment and let me.