I really can. But sometimes I just don’t feel like it. I live alone, so if I make something my cat and I are eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner all week. (And I don’t think Marvin likes my cooking all that much.)

Preparing lunches are especially hard because they take up so much brain power before I’ve had my morning cup of coffee. And it can be tough to find healthy, fast meals that taste good, too. I mean, sure, you can buy something low-fat, fat-free, light, or diet, but does it usually taste all that good? Or fill you up?

So, I’ve found some nukers that are just as tasty as the real thing and STILL healthy for you! Here's my current lunch obsession:



This soup is healthy and wicked tasty – not a common occurance. And it only has 80 calories a serving! Ok. The can serves two, and you know we all eat the whole thing. But still! 160 calories for lunch is really low! And I guarantee you'll feel full afterwards.



I like to add pepper. Lots and lost of pepper.



What's your favorite lunch?

Labels: cookie diet, healthy eating, lunch

I was going to wait until Monday to share this weight loss challenge with you, but then I thought that’s the trap perpetual dieters fall into. “I’ll start Monday,” is often followed by a weekend of Last Suppers. So, instead of waiting for the first of the month or a Monday, or the morning after a marathon love affair with chocolate, I’m starting this today. On a Thursday. In the middle of March. Exactly 95 days before the first day of summer.

So here’s the deal. I’ve recruited experts to share their wisdom with you here, on Weigh In. I’m also going to share success stories of people who have lost weight so we can pick their brains and find out how they battled brownies and won.

Those who want to participate can write to me at WeighIn@captivate.com. Send me a before picture with your weight and measurements. If you’re not comfortable sharing all this information, you don’t have to. You can just send in a before picture. Every Wednesday will be Weigh In Wednesdays. You’ll weigh yourself and report back to me at WeighIn@captivate.com. (If you don’t want to share your actual weight, you can just tell me how much you’ve lost/gained each week.) It’s important to be held accountable. Sure, you may still eat Oreos the night before weigh in, but you may not eat the whole sleeve. I’ll pop into your head around your fifth or sixth sinful circle of goodness and you'll put. down. the. bag. of. Oreos.

I’ll also share with you my progress – that’s right I’m doing this, too! Feel free to share your struggles and successes in your email and I’ll address them here.

95 days. 13 weeks. If you lose one pound a week, you’ll be 13 pounds lighter by the first day of summer. Why wouldn’t you want to do this?

So what now?

Calculate your BMI.

Take your measurements: (like my artwork?)




Chest: At the largest part of your chest.

Biceps: Halfway between your elbow and the top of your shoulder.

Waist: At the narrowest point, about an inch above your belly button. And don’t suck in your stomach!

Hips: At the largest part of your bum.

Thigh: At the largest part of your leg.




Read this.

And come back here tomorrow.

Labels: diet, healthy eating, weight loss

It's just a fact. No one enjoys going on a diet. And salads and celery do not – in any way – stack up to cake and cookies. Anyone who says otherwise is either lying or … well, lying.

But not everyone needs to overhaul their intake. Sometimes all it takes is some tweaking. So here are some simple ways to trick yourself into eating healthier (stolen from Women’s Health).

– Cut your pancakes with cornmeal to add extra fiber and magnesium. Replace ¼ cup of flour with ¼ cup of cornmeal.

– Boil your peanuts. I know, it sounds kind of crazy. But researchers have found that boiled peanuts have four times more antioxidants than dry or roasted peanuts.
– Grab blue corn tortillas next time you’re making nachos or fajitas. Researchers have found tortillas made from blue corn have a lower glycemic load than white corn tortillas, so your blood sugar won’t rise as quickly. They also have more protein and less starch.

– Spice up your life. Scientists found overweight people have a better chance of losing weight after having a meal with chile peppers than after one that’s bland.
– Add oregano … to anything. One tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same amount of antioxidants as an apple.

– Beef up your burger … with vegetables. Before you toss that paddy on the grill, scoop out a hole in it and fill it with veggies. This will trick you into thinking you’re eating a massive meal when you’re really only eating your recommended serving of beef, which is 3 ounces.

– Add oil to a warm skillet. Cold oil tends to soak into meats and vegetables, so you’ll eat more fat.

– Opt for softer cheeses like goat, feta, and ricotta because they're about a third lower in fat and calories than harder cheeses.

Do you have any tricks of the trade?




For more tips on healthy eating check out Women’s Health.

Previous Post: Trainer Tip of the Week

Labels: cooking, diet, healthy eating, weight loss