How I Ate My Cake, and Lost Weight Too – Part 2
When I said I was thinking of writing about how I’ve lost weight without giving up the cakes, cookies or other treats I share on this site, I received many emails asking if working out was part of my secret. I got the impression that folks were hoping exercise was not required, and on that front, I do have good news: you can definitely lose weight, and enjoy sweets, without working out. At its most basic level, weight loss is about eating less calories than you expend, so by regulating what you eat (and making adjustments when you indulge) the weight will come off. I shared some of my healthy eating tips in Part 1 of this series. 
And yet, I have a confession to make: I do work out. I’m not an exercise fiend, but I do pilates and go jogging with my dog, Oreo. It didn’t start that way. In fact, exercise was a huge challenge for me at first. The last thing I wanted to do was put on a pair of tennis shoes and go for a walk. I mean, ugh. That was no way to spend what little free time I had. Much better to relax on the couch with some snacks and a good television show.
Then my size 12 jeans stopped fitting, and since I refused to buy the next size up I was reduced to wearing sweatpants – all. the. time. Once, my now husband (then boyfriend) made the questionable decision of asking me: “Why don’t you wear something else? All you ever put on is sweats these days.” I don’t think you’ll be surprised to learn that I hurled a pillow at him.
A woman cannot live in sweatpants alone so, little by little, I made a change. I began by putting an audiobook into my portable CD player (this was pre-iPod folks) and going for 30 minute strolls around the neighborhood with Oreo. I also learned how to cook, and learned more about what to eat, and these 3 changes made a difference. When those first 5lbs came off I danced around the living room and tried on my size 12 pants, which fit. That was 5 years ago – and now I wear a size 4.
Since then I’ve come to believe that movement is something I need in my life. Not because I want to lose weight (although that was how it started), but because I appreciate my body’s ability to become stronger and healthier. I love the way it feels to live inside a body that’s taken care of – a body that can jog around the park without feeling winded or even tired. This is the only body I’m ever going to own, and when I’m in my sixties I want to be two-stepping around the dance floor like Len Goodman. Spunk like that only comes with a lifetime of physical activity – so, I better stick to it.
This second part of my food-loving view of health & fitness focuses on two things: Power and Breath.
In addition to practicing good nutrition, adding movement to your lifestyle will transform the way you feel. Here are 6 tips that can help you get started.
1. Change the way you look at exercise. It’s true that exercise can be hard work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Horseback riding, hiking, walking with your dog, gardening, heck even dancing around the living room all bring you one step closer to physical fitness. I did all these things and also started doing the 10 Minute Solution DVDs, which give you mini-workouts that are easy to fit into your day. (My favorite DVD is the kickboxing one. Rawr!). Eventually I bought a Nike+ and was slowly able to transition from walking with Oreo to jogging with her. I’m not a super athlete, but with a some kick-ass music and a happy dog trotting beside you it’s hard not to have fun while jogging. Figure out what motivates you and then find a way to incorporate into your fitness routine. For a 30-40 minute investment a few days a week, you’ll feel better and live longer.
2. Drink more water. I know, I know. I mentioned water in Part 1 right? But hydration plays a crucial role in your body’s ability to perform, which in turn makes it more likely that exercise will feel good instead of torturous. I learned this lesson the hard way. When I was doing short workouts at home drinking water wasn’t such a big deal. Then I started jogging and one day I almost passed out while on my way home – right there, in the middle of the road. What the heck was going on? I felt like I was getting weaker instead of stronger.
As it turns out, hydration was the problem. When I told my husband how I was feeling he sent this thread to me from one of his paintball forums. After reading that discussion, I began drinking 20 fl oz of water 2 to 3 hours before exercise and 7 to 10 fl oz of water 10 to 20 minutes before exercise. This seemingly small change completely changed my life. By drinking more water, my workouts became easier and I was able to jog farther in a shorter amount of time.
3. Make an appointment. And possibly go public. I don’t know about you, but I’m more likely to stick to something if I’ve put it in my calender. Saying “Oh, I’m going to workout next week” is not as powerful as saying “I’m going to workout on Monday at 7:00pm.” The former is a vague sentiment that you can easily adjust and eventually forget about. The latter is a concrete statement with a specific date and time, and hence is an attainable goal. Attainable goals are key because they give you something to aim for and something to feel good about when you achieve them. I like to reward myself for meeting a set number of goals. When I first started working out I would treat myself to a manicure or a new novel after successfully completing 8 exercise ‘appointments.’ Now that number is 20 – you gotta raise the stakes every now and then!
Another trick that has helped me stick to my workout goals? This blog. In July 2007 I started keeping a workout log here on Baking and Books, and later I added my Nike+ stats to the right-hand sidebar. Even if people don’t look at these logs very often, the mere fact that my workouts are online and someone could be peaking at them motivates me to put on those jogging shoes, or queue up a workout DVD. So in a very real sense, you have helped me live a healthier lifestyle.
4. Evade boredom like you’re a school kid on the dodgeball field. You shouldn’t wait for your exercise routine to become boring any more than you would stand still on a dodgeball field and wait for someone to whack you with the ball. Working out is as much a mental thing as it is a physical one, so mix it up and keep it interesting. Although jogging is my favorite workout at the moment, I also do pilates, yoga, go for walks, dance, go hiking and lift weights. Weights can be a challenge for me because the repetitive movement totally makes me lose focus, but I do like the Crunch Total Resculpt DVD. As the TV season ramps up and many of my favorite shows return, I’m going to try lifting weights for 15-20 minutes while watching TV, at least twice a week. You’re welcome to peak at my calender and hold me to this. In fact, please do, lol.
5. Take it slow. People often stop exercising because they overdo it in the beginning, which leaves them feeling sore and can lead to injury. Another reason people give up? They don’t see results quickly enough. Start with easier workouts and give yourself time to build the strength and endurance you’ll need for more challenging activities. It can take up to 12 weeks to see noticeable changes in your physique so patience is important, but there is one thing you’ll notice immediately – the sense of pride that comes with actively improving your lifestyle.
Another part of taking it slow: making the time to warm up and cool down when you work out. A warm-up is about 5 minutes of low level exercise like walking, which helps your body prepare itself for the physical activity you’re about to do. Your heart rate increases and more blood flows to your muscles, giving them the energy you’ll need to perform well. Similarly, after you exercise, cooling down consists of about 5 minutes of walking. This phase gives your body a chance to recover and helps reduce the chance of muscle cramping. I also add an additional 5 minutes of stretching to my cool downs.
6. Be inspired. Life is busy and sometimes it’s hard to make exercise a priority. It happens to me too, so I try to find music, quotes and stories that inspire me. This month my Power Song is “What a Feeling (Flash Dance)” by Global Deejays. I added it to my music mix on Playlist.com so you can rock out to it.
As for inspirational people, lately I’ve been looking up to an 85 year old woman named Margaret Hagerty. Margaret was mentioned in my last issue of Runner’s World – she quit smoking and decided to start living a healthier life at age 64. She also began running, completed her first 26.2 miler at 67 years old, and now holds the world record for the oldest woman to run marathons on seven continents. If Margaret isn’t proof that you can radically change your lifestyle at any age, I don’t know what is.
Tension and anxiety can have a significant impact on your ability to maintain a healthy weight. They tell your body to go into “fight or flight” mode, which raises the levels of cortisol in your system. Cortisol is a hormone that encourages your body to hold on to belly fat (the last thing you want right?) and also makes you crave high fat/calorie foods. As a result, part of achieving a healthy weight and balanced lifestyle involves reducing the tension in your life.
If you’re working out you’re already well on your way to feeling less stressed. Many, many studies by people with impressive degrees have shown that physically active people are less anxious, less depressed, and generally happier. Here are 4 more things you can do to relax.
1. Laugh more often. Go ahead, laugh at this suggestion. But take it seriously too! Laughter increases your oxygen intake, stimulates your muscles and releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins in your brain. It also decreases cortisol levels (mentioned above) and may help you fight off illness by making you feel more optimistic. (Happy people don’t get sick as often, go figure.) Watch a funny movie, hang out with friends, read the “funnies” in your local newspaper – whatever makes you chuckle, find a way to do it at least once a day. When I’m in need of a little mid-day mirth I watch a Monty Python or Muppets videos on Youtube, or visit I Can Haz Cheesburger. How can you not laugh at a cat that looks like it’s doing a Russian folk dance?
2. Sleep more. One of the best things you can do for yourself in terms of weight loss and general contentment is sleep more. According to Sleep, an academic journal devoted to, well, the study of snoozing, people who get 5 hours or less of sleep a night are 55% more likely to be overweight. Not getting enough sleep increases your body’s production of hunger hormones and makes you crave sugary foods that will give you a quick boost of energy.
Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night and develop a nightly ritual to help your body transition from working to resting mode. I like to rub a few drops of Dr. Hauschka Moor Lavender Body Oil on my hands before patting them on my pillowcase and infusing the cloth with a relaxing scent. I also cover my alarm clock with a dark cloth so that the room is darker. Although it’s tempting, resist the urge to stay up late in order to work on a project. It may feel like you’ll get more accomplished that way, but you’ll only wear yourself down and reduce your ability to perform well the next day.
3. Pamper yourself. Treat yourself like the gorgeous god/goddess that you are by indulging in at-home spa treatments that will ease tension. Being a foodie comes in handy here, since many easy spa-like treatments involve things you’ll find in your kitchen.
- To deeply condition your hair: run 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil through your tresses. Read a good book for twenty minutes while it soaks in, then take a steamy shower and wash your hair.
- The citric acids found in fruit gently exfoliate your skin by loosening dead skin cells. Body+ Soul magazine has a great homemade body scrub recipe that takes advantage of this: cut a fresh orange in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl; mix with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup olive oil. When you take a shower, rub this fragrant scrub into your skin to exfoliate your body. Rub the leftover orange pieces over you knees and elbows to soften those areas even more. Rinse off with warm water.
- Enjoy a soothing facial steam by adding 3 or 4 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water, then holding your face over the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow-up with a hydrating face mask such as the Korres Wild Rose Mask. Place chilled cucumber slices or chamomile tea bags (steeped in hot water, then chilled) on your eyes to revitalize them while your mask does its work.
Pampering yourself also includes making time for the things you enjoy – like reading a good book with a mug of hot cider, knitting, or playing video games.
4. Celebrate the little things. We live in a world that encourages us to count our troubles more often than we count our joys. So above all, take the time to notice and appreciate all the good things in your life. Remember: jumping for joy is good exercise too.
I hope these 10 tips have been useful! I’ve added two new categories to Baking and Books – ‘Balanced Eating’ & ‘How To’ – so that I can share more healthy eating tips here in the future (along with all the baking recipes, of course!). If you aren’t already subscribed to Baking and Books, you can sign up here and receive full posts via email or through a reader.
I’ll end this series by answering a question that has appeared in my inbox more than once since Part 1 was posted:
Q – How do rich meals like the butternut squash lasagne, which has way more than a cube of cheese, fit into your healthy eating plan?
I don’t see anything wrong with enjoying a rich dish like the butternut squash lasagne every now and then. However, when I eat things like that I do modify what I enjoy the rest of the day/week. For instance, if I know I’m going to eat lasagne for dinner, then I’ll eat a small bowl of Kashi cereal for breakfast and have a light lunch of salad with kidney beans and a chopped hard boiled egg. I don’t believe in denying myself good food when I want it, but I do believe in maintaining balance.
Don’t forget about the monthly book giveaway! December’s winners have been posted on the giveaway page. January’s books include one signed copy of “My Caribbean Cookbook: Tastes Like Home,” by Cynthia Nelson and one copy each of “The Sweet Melissa Baking Book,” by Melissa Murphy and “Bakewise” by Shirley O. Corriher.
Black Bean Quesadillas with Zucchini and Butternut Squash (My recipe)
This healthy meal is filled with beans, butternut squash, red onions and zucchini. A small amount of cheese in each quesadilla gives them calcium and extra flavor. Beans are a great weight-loss food because they have high protein content and generous amounts of fiber, folate, potassium and magnesium.
Ingredients: Makes 6-7 quesadillas
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 cups zucchini, chopped (about 1 large zucchini)
- 3 cups peeled butternut squash, chopped (about 1/2 a squash)
- 2 cups chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- About 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 or 7 10-inch-diameter whole wheat flour tortillas (burrito size)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, to taste
- Salsa fresca, homemade or store bought
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, squash, onion and jalapeno and saute until they begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and cook for about 2 minutes more.
Lightly mash half the black beans, then add all the beans to the skillet and cook until heated through. Season with the salt and pepper. Set aside.
For each quesadilla, spoon some of the vegetable mix onto one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle a scant 1/4 cup of cheese on top of the veggies and add a few sprigs of cilantro or parsley, if using. Pull the other half of the tortilla over. Place on a heated skillet over medium heat and cook until the tortilla begins to toast a little and is a light golden color. Flip over with a spatula and cook on the other side. Serve immediately with salsa fresca.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:- How I Ate My Cake, and Lost Weight Too – Part 1
- How to Make Pita Bread in the Desert
- The Best Thing I Ever Baked – Baby News!
- Butternut Squash Lasagne with Fresh Sage & Thyme
- How To Grow Culinary Herbs and Plants (Without a Yard)
- My Kitchen, It’s Full of Nuts
- Easy Three Cheese Broccoli Calzones (Plus: My First How-To Video!)
- My Favorite Apple Cobbler (Plus a Love Story)
81 Responses to “How I Ate My Cake, and Lost Weight Too – Part 2”
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You look great. I like this post. I have to exercise regularly also if I don’t want to gain weight and still enjoy all the food I cook & bake.
Thank you so much! I have very recently found rock climbing which is fantastic and so much fun! I have issues getting out the door to exercise too, especially with a 9 month old hanging around. But your advice is very good and intriguing. I will definitely have to remember the water one!
Thank you so much! Your story has inspired me to stop TALKING about going for a walk/run to actually GOING for a walk/run! I also like the idea of rewarding yourself after successfully completing exercise ‘appointments’
Thanks for hte great tips. I am excited for more entries to appear in these two new categories.
You are so inspiring. Thank you for so intimately sharing these tips on weight loss and healthy eating, and how your life has changed. You are definitely a role model for all of us!
Another great and interesting post! I love to go out for walks… Otherwise, I don’t really exercize (a bit at home)!
Nice quesadillas! Healthy, yet still very scrumptious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Great tips to follow. You have presented some good common sense ideas to help achieve the weight loss goal.
Great post! I was looking forward to Part II and didn’t expect to see it so soon! Again, great, sound advice. Looking forward to reading more under those new tabs you added!
Divine!!! And good luck.
Love the tips, Ari!
Great tips! I started working in habitat restoration this year, so I’m eating considerably more so I don’t crash on the job. Eating healthy helps so much!
Amazing post!
It really motivates a person to stop talking, and start doing! Your workout log looks great, and is the main reason behind why I’m going to be a regular at my gym again. And then hopefully, I’ll be able to bake all I want
CONGRATULATIONS Ariela!
This is wonderful – you certainly have a gift for writing and inspiring folks.
I subscribe to fitmusic on itunes, they have free music downloads for working out. I must warn readers SOME of the podcasts have some suggestive music, but generally they put an explicit label on those ones. I’d say 85% of their podcasts are just fine, and they are great motivators – the beats and music really help keep you moving!
Another thing which helps some people, and I don’t THINK you mentioned it, is to work out with a partner. You’re less likely to try to squirm out of a workout if you have a date to do it with someone.
Truly enjoy your blog.
Barb – For sure, having an exercise buddy is a great idea! I like to think of Oreo as my exercise buddy when we go jogging, though sadly she can’t participate in my kickboxing or pilates dvds, lol. And thank you for your kind comment about my writing style, that made me smile.
Great tips! I really like that you mention how living in a stronger, fitter body is why you continue to work out regularly.
I like to take my dog, Bud, out with me in the afternoons for walks, but he’s not great at jogging. He weaves around in front of me like a drunk man!
I so very much appreciate the things you mentioned in this last article on taking care of ones self. There wasn’t anything I had not known but there sure was alot that I do not keep in my forethought process. I remember to do the dishes and wash the clothes but why didn’t I keep up with taking care of ME? Thanks for the nudge in the right direction. And I so look forward to trying this recipe; it has such an interesting combination of the things I like to eat.
oh, a workout song you might really like is the Ronson Remix of Bob Dylan’s You Go Your Way, I’ll Go Mine!
Jenn T – I’ll look for it online, thanks!
What an inspirational and uplifting post
I love vegetarian quesadillas so I will definitely be giving this one a try 
Awesome post full of amazing info once again! – Thanks!!
Love quesadillas, and your version sound absolutely scrumptious – I’ll have to try them!
Very inspirational–
I love the quesidilla recipe and plan to make it this evening.
Good Post! Very informative–glad that you are going to continue writing things like this!
That is a fantastic photo!
Love the recommendations which I feel I can incorporate at least little by little into my current sedentary lifestyle.
I was very impressed with the inspirational story about Margart Hagerty, thank you for sharing.
Great, great tips!! I feel ya on the hydration thing. I notice a big difference in my ability to run and not feel like I’m going to die based on how much water I’ve had that day.
bensbaby116 – It’s amazing what a difference good hydration makes huh?!
Well written post Ari. Agree with everything you wrote. I see food and fitness the same way you do.
Major kudos to you for all of your efforts and for sharing you journey. What you’ve already accomplished is something special, but it’s even better that you are sharing your experience for the good of others as well.
I wanted to thank you so much for these posts about your weight loss. Two years ago, I started to loose weight, but unfortunately I did not manage to keep a clear mind about food like you did. I lost 40 pounds, but now I struggle every day with anorexia and bulimia. I really do try to get it out from me, and your post gave me hope that I can learn to eat normally and healthy without going back to being overweight. I understood that the key was to forget about the weight but to focus on being healthy, and that’s what I repeat to myself days after days (actually, hours after hours…).
So of course, I also think that the new posts about healthy recipes is a great idea.
Thank you again.
Mélanie – Thank you for leaving such a heart felt comment. I honestly don’t know what to say, except I’m touched that my posts have been helpful and will do my best to share more healthy dishes in the future.
Also, huge kudos to you for striving to live a healthier lifestyle and bring balance to your relationship with food. I think that takes an enormous amount of courage and insight, so go you. *hugs!*
Great follow-up to your earlier post, and there’s no denying that these lifestyle changes have worked for you! I know your ideas will inspire many of us to incorporate healthy changes into our own lives.
This is a great follow up to post #1, Ari. I recently started a regular workout program with my 12-yr-old daughter, and I agree, it’s very motivating to have someone keeping you accountable! Also, I get bored with exercise easily, so changing things up is critical for me – I alternate stationary cycling, yoga, weights, even Wii Fit. It’s way more doable when it doesn’t feel like a “chore.”
Keep up the great work!!
Cheers,
Sandy
The hydration thing is true even for just work. When we go on rounds at the hospital, I carry a bottle of water with me. Sometimes I start to feel hungry (even though I’ve just eaten) and drinking the water is really what I need. It keeps me going.
These quesadillas look SO good! Yum!
wow, those look so healthy and delicious!
Thank you so much fo sharing all of that great information! What an inspiration! Love the blog and best wishes to you in 2009.
great tips. IMHO movement and water are just so important to being healthy. i have been looking for an upper body workout so i will check out the DVD you mentioned. thanks.
Really great advice Ari! I was exercising regaulrly for awhile there but somehow fell off the wagon. I need to flag down that wagon and hop back on. My pants are fitting snug now too!
I love all of your tips! I totally agree! I eat healthy but still allow my sweets, treats, and favorites on occasion. I love food to much so I am not even going to pretend to give things up. I just make sure I get lots of fruits/veggies, whole grains, lean protein, etc. And I do exercise. I am a big believer in it! But I think everyone needs to find something that they like doing so they will do it. If you hate running, don’t do it. Try something else. Just get moving! I just started swimming with my husband and we are loving it!! I also do my elliptical, run, yoga, etc. I like to mix it up so it stays fun!! Well thanks for the tips! You are amazing! Sorry I am rambling. I just am a big believer in health and good food:) You can have both!
What a nice, attainable, track to a healthy lifestyle! I need to take notes, for real. And the picture? Gorgeous!
although i’m not actively trying to lose weight, i can fully appreciate your tips. that being said, my favorite part about this post is this recipe–it’s so colorful and nutritious and contains all my favorites. thanks for sharing it all with us!
I use PodRunner when I want exercise music (for my shuffle), but normally I listen to musicals or Cirque du Soleil for my exercise music needs at the gym. It’s important to have the right clothing for the exercise. Not necessarily expensive clothing, but clothing that doesn’t ride up or otherwise make the experience less comfortable!
I just stumbled on your site today, it is so refreshing and inspirational. I started my new years diet on Jan 7th(hey I was on a cruise so, wasn’t starting til I got back!) I have only lost 3 lbs but it is a start. You really motivate me! Thanks Ari!
I can’t wait to make the quesadillas! YUM!
Fantastic tips – I loved this!
New to reading your blog and have really enjoyed these two posts about healthy eating. As someone who has been on “diets” for most of my adult life, its refreshing to see this approach. I’ve been working to live healthier, and if the result is weight lose then good. I appreciate reading your thoughts when I’m looking to take a very similar approach. Thanks.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I don’t look at walking as exercise and try to walk wherever I can. We once took a vacation that involved tours with a lot of walking each day. I got pregnant on that trip and lost 10 lbs. from all the walking!
Thank you so much for these 2 posts! You have inspired me to finally get off the couch and start moving! I am definitely going to try the workout appointment trick!
What an inspirational post Ari. And a gorgeous first picture. Food for thought & hought for food…all in the post…YUM!!
Thanks again for sharing all your inspiring tips! I agree with them all! And those quesadillas look fantastic!
congrats on your weight loss (and keeping it off for 5 years)! its inspirational to hear. i’m on business right now but i’m gonna hit the ground running with a new lifestyle when i get home to try to lose some weight! thanks for sharing!
love the quesadilla photo! so colorful!
Thank you for sharing your tips, again! Like another poster mentioned, I did know about many of these tips, but you presented them so well with a great motivating spirit! I’m wiping the dust off my elliptical and also doing strength training exercises. I do online exercise videos from The Real Age diet and they have lots of online videos for all exercise levels. I agree with Seanna Lea, comfortable work out clothing is a MUST! You can get inexpensive yoga pants at many stores that will not creep up or down as you work out. Thank you for the motivation!!
what a beautiful blog. as for the quesadillas, I am a sucker for these. Eat them any chance I get. Love the addition of butternut squash, I am going to try that next time.
This recipe looks delicious. Thank you for sharing it, along with your tips and suggestions. Both are much appreciated.
Great tips and inspiration. Thank you!
Yummy! Love it.
There are so many ways to include exercise in your life; you don’t have to have a gym membership. Even housework (not MY exercise of choice, thankyouverymuch) counts. Whatever gets you up and moving!
Sandra – Haha, housework isn’t my exercise of choice either, but it certainly does count!
Great post as usual Ari!
I wanted to let you know that I nominated your blog for an award! You can pick it up at: http://www.runplaycook.com/?p=350
bensbaby116 – Thank you for the award! It’s an honor.
Fabulous post! I knew it was time to get moving when my husband came home with a bag full of work-out clothes. Hint, hint! It worked! Now I feel awful if I don’t get some moving and shaking in.
All the best,
Emily
http://www.justeatfood.com
Kick ass music is key, isn’t it?? Ari- your first post was a great source of inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing your before/after pics. It’s nice to see that you can keep it up and that you’ve really made a healthy lifestyle change. I’m in the midst of it all myself (well, 11 days into it, but still…) Did you happen to see my healthy eating post 11 days ago? Best to you… I so appreciate your healthy thoughts!
RecipeGirl – I did not see your post, can you send me the url?
Wow, what a great post! I am getting married in June and have been looking to get motivated into shape for the wedding, but I don’t want to give up baking. Thanks for the great tips, hopefully I’ll be lookin’ good on the big day!
Looking at the second and 3th books, I think I gain 2 lbs.
That Fallen Chocolate Souffle Cake looks really good.
Would really like the copy of “My Caribbean Cookbook: Tastes Like Home”.
My Caribbean Cookbook. Yeah, flipped over to her website, found Pumpkin Pudding recipe, and link to Peeling and cooking Katahar (breadnut), via http://www.stabroeknews.com/the-scene/tastes-like-home-60/” rel=”nofollow”>this site, very cool.
Love this Ari! Now to find something to really make myself accountable and use as motivation. Hmmm, that may take some thought. And if I could only get my work finished I could spend more time exploring your site.
You offer some great tips on health and just simply living. I love your quesadillas too. They look delicious and healthy too. I love doing healthy makeovers of my favorite comfort meals. Great recipe and photo.
so great, thanks for sharing!
Amazing as usual Ari
Ari – Thank you so much for writing these two weight loss posts. I’ve started a new getting healthier regimen and hope to lose weight too. I’ve been completely inspired by your workout log and have watched it for quite some time now. It was so cool to see you reach your goal and take down the progress bar!! I’ve started something similar on the lower left sidebar on my blog and have linked to you all over the place! ; )
…here we go on the unnerving centered box….
I love your attitude towards weight and weight loss. How about fiber? That’s another factor often low or practically missing in lots of “SAD” diets. Meals like this one are perfect — beans, veggies, whole grains are all good for fiber. Now, about those books! Each one is a ‘gotta have’ soo — good luck everyone, especially me! Now, if you want to get a book published, you’ve got the germ here in these posts and recipes.
Great post, it feels much more down to earth and inspiring than so many other ones out there. I’m not a big fan of jogging and going to the gym makes me feel self conscious. I’m looking forward to the time when I have the money to support getting a dog (yay being a recent grad
), because I really want one and I’ll have the added bonus of an always thrilled walking/jogging companion.
Thank you for your great tips. I’ve been trying to lose more weight. First I lost about 40lbs. Then I gained some back. Now I’m struggling again to lose more. It doesn’t help that I keep looking at all these great food blogs. Everything in moderation, that’s the key!
you are so inspiring !!!! I am deninitely a great great fan . thanks so much for sharing.
I love this post…especially the inclusion of the importance of breathing and drinking water. A qucik questions for you….did you find losing weight was easier for you when you became a vegetarian?
Jan – I don’t think it was becoming a vegetarian that helped me lose weight (after all, you could be a vegetarian and eat pizza all day every day!). Rather, I believe it was modifying what I eat and how I eat it. So if you’re contemplating vegetarianism ONLY because you want to lose weight, I’d say that you could definitely eat healthier, lose weight and keep meat in your diet.
Thanks for the info…I’m not thinking of becoming a vegetarian…I just knew that you had converted and I wondered if you noticed that helped with your weight loss. Nothing more than curiosity but thanks for the answer.
Jan – Ok, cool.
This article is great. In my wieght loss journey, i did not exercise as much as i shouldve. What i did is i cut out fast food. When i had needed something fast i’d pick up dishes at healthier alternative stores such as famima or trader joes. And I ate more vegitables it really worked and ive been able to keep off the wieght too… im sooo happy!
I really like your blog! (I just subscribed). I struggle with taking time to exercise, and recently discovered a new television station called FITTV that has a yoga program I like, so I have been recording it on my DVR, and whenever I have 20-25 minutes, I “take a class” by watching/participating in an episode. Thanks for the blog.