The holiday and the dietician

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend - I know I did!! I got to spend quality time with my family and enjoy the great outdoors. It has been a few years since I was able to spend time in the lake - since the weather has been so cold, it hasn't warmed up enough. This year we were finally able to enjoy it again!

Anyways, before I ventured up north for the weekend I met with my dietician for the first time. It was very enlightening. The appointment started with her asking me quite a few questions, which led to me having to say all of my bad habits out loud in a matter of 10 minutes. Talk about a stomach punch.
However, this is a very necessary part of the process. I have bad habits, which has led to me being overweight. I am a snacker. I eat too much fast food. I don't stop eating when I am full. Plus many more. It was an overall great appointment, I learned quite a bit. Some tips she shared with me included:
1. Only eat at a table. Even if it is a snack. If you aren't hungry enough, you likely won't eat at the table unless it is time for a meal.
2. Avoid routes on the way home that take you by fast food places so you will be less tempted.
3. Stop eating when you are full. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to catch up to your stomach.
She also set nutritional goals for me to start working on now, which will overall help when I have surgery:
1. Eat 3 meals per day and eliminate snacks 2. 64 ounces of water each day 3. Remove beverages from meals 4. Eat 60 grams of protein per day 5. Keep a food diary 6. Use measuring cups and spoons 7. Remove trigger foods from home 8. Exercise plan: 3-4 times per week 20-30 minutes 9. Avoid pop and juices
So, my first goal is to cut out pop completely. My second is to clean out my kitchen and start meal planning every Sunday. I meet with the surgeon again tomorrow. Stay tuned...