I get a lot of messages asking what I eat and so I’m going to post a series specifically about food.
One of the things I’ve realized about myself is that when I’m writing down what I eat it makes me more conscious of what I’m sticking in mouth, and I end up making better choices. After enduring a frustratingly long plateau I decided to go back to basics and focus on religiously tracking my food consumption again. And what I found surprised me – I was over my Points allowance almost every day. So, while I thought I was doing well and blamed my plateau on breastfeeding, the truth was that I was eating a bit more than I should… not enough for me to gain, but too much for me to keep losing.
Getting the day started off on a healthy foot is incredibly important for my success.
As a kid I never ate breakfast. I remember in high school that at some point I was told breakfast was an important component to weight loss so I’d often grab two Pop Tarts for a whopping 440 unfilling calories. I think about that now and go “eeeeeek!”.
One of the biggest changes I’ve made over the last few years is ditching high calorie, low density foods – which make up a lot of the quick breakfast items.
In terms of food I tend to become a creature of habit – having a routine helps me stay on track and feel in control. This is my favorite meal at the moment, which takes about 8 minutes to make…
5 points (<300 calories)
It consists of 1 egg (2pts / 75cal), 2 Boca sausage links (1pt / 70cal), 1 Thomas High Fiber English Muffin (1pt / 100cal) plus no sugar jam (1pt / 40cal). To prevent stick-age I use the Misto Olive Oil Sprayer, one of my most-used wedding presents… thanks brother!
Love this stuff! It actually tastes better than real sausage in my opinion, and has 75% less fat.
My latest breakfast obsession. It's also yummy with peanut butter!
While I eat this combo most mornings – I also rotate in other options so I don’t get bored:
- 1.5c of Special K with Red Berries and 1/2c skim milk (4pts / 220cal)
- 1 Dannon Light & Fit yogurt (2pts / 80cal)
- 2 packets of Quaker Lower Sugar Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon (4pts / 220 cal)
What’s for breakfast in your house?
Nicci: Looks like a yummy breakfast. I didn’t know, Boca had breakfast link…I’m on this when I go to the store.24 weeks ago
Niki: I can’t do without Jimmy Deans D-Light sandwiches! They allow me to eat healthy and on-the-go (since I’m always late for work.) I get the english muffin, egg white and turkey sausage sandwiches. Then follow it up with a cup of berries, trail mix, or yogurt.25 weeks ago
Kristy: I actually like BRAN FLAKES! Can you believe it??? Amanda and I have started making breakfast burrittos in the morning with 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites! The protien keeps us both full!25 weeks ago
Beana: I enjoy hot cereal in the morning. Cream of wheat is pretty low-calorie. Also, at Henry’s (a healthier foods store, not sure if they are all over) they have “European Hot Cereal” in the bulk bins. It’s oatmeal with almond slivers raisins and dates. 1/2 cup is just 4 points. Very yummy! And filling.25 weeks ago
Tom Snyder: Have been a cereal guy all my life. As a kid, BooBerry and Cap’n Crunch were both close personal freinds. A heavy breakfast makes it hard to feel sharp, and eggs have never agreed with me.
So part of my 45 pound loss was switching from a big old bowl of sugar cereal to a 1.5 oz measured portion of Shredded Wheat with Bran. I add cinnamon, some flax and bit of Splenda, and pour in 1/2 cup of organic skim milk and 1/2 cup of soy milk (for the protein)… Tastes great, easily holds me over till lunch, and keeps me regular…sorry but that’s important for us old guys.25 weeks ago
tracey: You are so right on about the importance of ditching high cal/low density foods. If I start out my day with a bagel and cream cheese I get hungry an hour later! However if I eat a bowl of fiber cereal and scrambled egg whites w/veggies I’m good to go. I also tend to make poorer choices throughout the day if my breakfast is bad. And don’t even get me started on skipping breakfast!25 weeks ago