Uh oh, diet soda just as bad (New Study)

Thought I'd share this study on sodas. It turns out that diet soda is just as bad as regular for you...duh, it's all chemicals, BUT its sad that you can't even have a diet soda in a pinch due to the caramel coloring causing insulin resistance. That's what I'm trying to avoid.

Oh well...bye bye soda.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19918336/

Happy Halloween!

Alright, it's already started...the offers of chocolates, candies and cookies...and it's still the morning! In fact, one of my co-workers just put a Halloween cupcake on my desk, yet I wasn't the least bit tempted (actually I thought it looked a bit disgusting with orange frosting and candied corn sticking out...blech!) I've been holding strong and steady. The past two days have been really good, no slip ups. I've been right on track with my diet and had a lovely work-out yesterday (I really felt the burn - granted I think that's because I'm terribly out of shape).

I'm currently sipping my decaf coffee and trying to decide what to have for my snack at 10:30 a.m...probably pumpkin seeds...I mean it IS Halloween after all :)

I've already lost a couple of pounds this week (the first two weeks you drop anywhere between 8-13 lbs.) and this while on my period...it's a miracle...lol. I really feel good too. Something feels different inside; cleaner, leaner, a definite change is happening. Always listen to your body, it has so much to tell you...mine is certainly speaking loudly. The carb cravings aren't as bad either, which is nice...that usually takes the first 2 weeks to get through. So I have a positive outlook and start to the program and I feel it's going swimmingly.

Now to really up the ante on the working out. I've only been doing cardio so far...Jake and I have had such opposite schedules that we haven't been able to have a training session yet for him to show me the kettle bells. That's alright, I'll figure something out in the meantime. Push-ups, crunches, squats and stretching are simple and efficient enough until I can learn something new to add in...AND it uses your own body weight as resistance, so it seems a safe enough way to get started.

Happy Halloween Kids, and avoid the candy & empty-carb Witches if you can! *cackle cackle cackle*

So Far So Good...

Phase 1 Week 1 Day 2: So far so good, however it IS only the second day of the detox phase of my diet, but I've held strong thus far and that's in conjunction with this being the 2nd day of my menstrual cycle.

V came and had lunch with me yesterday and I truly enjoyed my black bean soup & lamb kabob w/hummus, grilled veggies & salad. It was so much food that I ate the other half of the meal 3 hours later...and it was still delicious. It's so nice to have her doing this diet with me. It makes it so much easier when the person you dine with has the same dietary needs as you. Of course that's not always the case, but I've got such a great support group of friends and they generally let me pick the location so that I can stay on my diet.

I have some favorite meals & snacks I'd like to share that help me stay on this diet...sure you can have salad...but one does get tired of the same ol' grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens thing (or at least I do.)

Sample Menu:

7:30 am: 2 eggs (or egg whites) w/Canadian bacon or Morningstar veggie sausage (I happily can eat breakfast anytime...mmm)

10:30 am: 2% String Cheese (so easy to grab & go)

1:30 pm: Fat-free "refried" beans w/fat-free cheddar (just a sprinkle), diced onions, and salsa (make sure it's low in sugar).

4:30 pm: Nuts - 15 Almonds, 30 Pistachios, or 3 tbl spns Pumpkin Seeds...another quick and handy snack.

7:30 pm: Turkey Kielbasa w/onion & cabbage (sauteed in Smartbalance "butter")

Usually I'm done eating by this time, but if I want one more snack, I'll take some whey protein & blend it with skim milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon and Ice for a nice smoothie/vanilla protein shake, or just have some sugar-free jello...oh and 2% or 0% Fage yogurt w/a package of Splenda mixed in is always a nice treat too (so thick & creamy).

So that's generally what a day in the life on this diet consists of during Phase 1. Not bad and a lot of food...The cabbage was delish last night by the way :)

Ok kids, I'm off to the gym!