I’m not a diet. I can’t be, because we made Rocky Road squares yesterday and I ate two.
I will say that diets are doomed to fail if they focus too much on food deprivation and forced sweatiness. Most people cannot sustain hard workouts and carrot sticks over the long term. The longer we cut out our favourite foods the more we will crave them.
I’ve been trying to change the way I think about treats and come up with a few healthier ones for to enjoy during Operation Trim. Early this week I made a batch of my favourite soup and every lunch hour I’ve been taking time away from the computer (a big deal for me) and sitting down with a bowl of soup and a book. And it’s been great.
Since I knew I was going to be the only person eating it I made this batch super spicy with loads of extra ginger and some cayenne (which I normally omit). I find that the boost I get through eating spicy foods makes me eat less of it.
When I nuke up my bowl of soup I leave it in a bit longer and make it extra hot. I also eat it with a smaller spoon. It takes longer to eat that way and I enjoy it much more. When I’m done I follow it up with a sweet piece of fruit.
Here’s an idea might do the trick for some people who likes sweet treats. This is a frozen yogurt-covered strawberry sprinkled with a tiny bit of cookie crumbs:
You want to know something interesting? It’s only been a few days of Operation Trim but I’m already feeling better. Not lighter necessarily (I haven’t weighed myself again), but I’m not fighting that afternoon slump anymore. Is it possible that change can happen that quickly? Hmm.
Operation Trim is not about major weight loss and does not involve me signing up for a gym membership. It’s my own personal challenge to trim down in the easiest way possible. The plan is to work with what I’ve got, and what I’ve got includes a pair of legs that are in good working order and a dog… a dog who needs exercise because she’s turning into a couch potato, just like her momma (but with more fur):
I have notched up the daily dog walk as part of Operation Trim. Let us review the benefits of walking for a moment shall we?
- It is easy exercise.
- I can set my own pace.
- It is private.
- It’s good for the mind as well as the body.
- Fresh air, vitamin D, a snoot full of sunshine… these are all good things that we need every day!
- It’s cheap: no memberships, no special equipment, and no special training required.
Walking is not:
- difficult
- taking up a lot of extra time
- making me feel bad about my jiggly bits, because unlike running I cannot feel them jiggling while I walk
I don’t walk as fast when I’m wearing flip-flops, so I’ve committed to wearing proper footwear when I walk the dog. When I’m wearing proper shoes it’s easier for me to push myself too.
For the past couple of mornings I have laced up, brought my iPhone loaded with music (music provides a HUGE boost for me), and set out on a circular route with the dog (who sadly has trouble keeping up). I did a decent 3K walk this morning, which is good for me. I use Map My Walk to mark the route and track my progress. There are many apps out there which can tell you how far and how fast you walk but this one seems to work well for me.
I’ve actually been working up a sweat, which I don’t normally do when I’m walking with Piper. This tells me two things: (a) I’m working harder and (b) I should always wear gym clothes because otherwise I’m setting myself up to stink afterwards. Oh well, everyone knows that sweat is actually liquid fat dripping away! No, I’m just kidding. Sweat is not liquid fat, but I like to pretend it is. It motivates me to work harder. The unfortunate part about all of this is running into people I know in the neighbourhood. I ran into a blog reader this morning (I’m lookin’ at you lacoop) while looking rather rumpled and unwashed. Ah, but this is the price I pay. ;)
Anyway, there is it!
The next Operation Trim post is going to spice things up a little. Just wait and see.
I am very pleased to welcome the Ottawa Marriott as the newest Fishbowl patron.
Regular readers may remember the epic stay we had at the Marriott last summer. (Part one is here, part two is here.) It was such a fantastic staycation that I seriously considered booking a room for myself and calling it “Mum’s Writing Retreat Weekend”… although my real reason for doing so admittedly would have been to get a little more solo time in this bed:
I have not given up on that idea yet.
Whenever anyone asks me to recommend an Ottawa-area hotel, the Marriott is the first one that comes to mind. This is why:
- 1. The Ottawa Marriott is a modern 4-diamond hotel, but not in a snooty or “don’t touch the artwork” kind of way. This place is immensely welcoming, accessible and friendly.
- 2. The service is great; attentive and kid-friendly. I really appreciate the fact that they do whatever they can to make it easier for the parents.
- 3. It’s clean.
- 4. It’s very well situated at the confluence of Sparks and Kent; a few steps away from Wellington and a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill. (If you’re keen to be near the action in the Market, don’t fear. It’s not far, and it’s an incredibly picturesque walk. You will love it. I swear.)
- 5. The Raspberry Mojitos at Spin Kitchen are divine. And the food is good too. ;)
There is also a neat little Kids’ Zone at the Marriott as well as a pool and sauna, and most importantly, an on-site Starbucks and free in-room WiFi on weekends.
Summer weekend rates start at $109. This is a great deal for a downtown hotel! And guess what? If you act quickly you might be able to win a free weekend stay! Check out the Ottawa Marriott’s Facebook page for your chance to win. The draw is on Wednesday and there’s one every month.
Thank you Ottawa Marriott, for your support and patronage! It is much appreciated, and I look forward to another mini-staycation soon. Or a mojito. ;)
