Weighty Matters Monday #1

As I mentioned, in a previous post, I've decided to devote every Monday to my weight loss journey. I don't, however, want to make this blog solely a Weight Loss blog, as I do not want to get back on the treadmill of having that, the whole focus of my life.

That's what happened when I was doing Weight Watchers. Sure I lost weight, but when I found myself looking at other people's plates and mentally calculating the points on them .... enough was enough..

I really believe that if I want to reach my goal, I need to be accountable for what I eat and how much I exercise.

I don't want to be on a diet though. I HATE the word 'diet' with a passion. I personally think it sets you up for failure, because you instantly think of deprivation and all the foods that you can't eat.

What I want to do, is change my habits by eating smaller portions, finding other things to do when the mindless eating, or comfort eating, urges hit me and eating food that is better for me.

I also want to get more exercise and pay attention to my fluid intake.

I tend to forget about drinking fluids. Sometimes I don't recognise the signals that I'm getting dehydrated until I start feeling tired, achy and brain fogged.

I'm hoping to put up tips that help me, recipes and so on.

I'd really like to hear from you, as to what works for you. Once I figure out how to use 'Mr Linky' you can place a link to your post at the end of mine. In the meantime, if you want to join in, just let me know and I'll link you.

Support is a very important part of succeeding in anything you do, so lets give each other some support!! :-)

Good news, is that I lost 2.2 lbs this week. :-)

I found two interesting articles, that pertain mainly to the American diet. Hopefully these issues are not rearing their ugly heads in other countries, as much.

Firstly, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP , which can be found in a frightening number of foods here in the States.

This link and this link gives information on some of the affects, that consuming high amounts of HFCS can have on us and our kids.

The States is showing a worrying increase in juvenile diabetes and juvenile obesity and there is evidence that HFCS may play a significant part in this.

Why would we want to subject our kids to this?

In an attempt to encourage dieters, to eat foods such as chippies, etc ... some manufacturers started using OLESTRA in their foods.

This link may give you pause for though, before you're tempted to throw that bag of Light Crisps into your shopping trolley.

I tried this stuff awhile back. I bought a packet of Lay's Chips. They're not kidding when they say they may cause cramps and diarrhea!!

The first serving I ate was fine. The next serving was not so fine. The stomach cramping was agony and I dared not travel to far from the nearest loo for about 24 hours after eating them!!

Plus, even if you don't have those side effects, your body doesn't get to absorb needed nutrients due to the rapid passage of the food through you.

Definitely no longer on my grocery list!!