It's Time To Get Back On Track With Wellness

It’s been quite a year at the Chester House. I’m not going to go into any lengthy, boring details but we’ve weathered quite a few storms since January. Yet through it all I feel grateful that it’s brought my family closer together.

The bad news is it derailed any exercise routine I had and gave me an "excuse" to do some emotional eating. That is not a healthy combination.

This was me before the first time I began Jenny. I still hate scales.

I never step on the scale. Ever. Except under complete duress at the doctor’s office when the nurses force me to step on, kicking and screaming all the way. Then they roll their eyes after hearing (for what is probably the millionth time that day) why a woman hates being weighed.

I don’t bother taking off my shoes, earrings, rings, coat, sweater or socks to squeeze extra ounces off my body. What's the point?

I can feel I'm gaining weight by the way my clothes fit. If I can’t breathe with my blue jeans on, or the buttons on my preppy buttoned-down blouse doesn't close properly I know I’m in trouble.

Re-enter Jenny Craig.

When I called my friends at Jenny there were no questions asked. No comments about gaining weight or falling off the wagon. Their focus is on wellness and feeling good about yourself. And I quite agree.

The Jenny Craig consultants are wonderful.

So I’m taking control of my health by jumping back into Jenny Craig. It's my wellness gift to myself.

Jenny Craig offers nearly 100 premium food choices to help us lose weight, and they're properly portioned and nutritious by balancing protein, carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats.

They’re also delicious. They really are. When I wasn’t on the plan I craved their triple chocolate cheesecake. They're amazing!

I love the attention you get at the weekly Jenny one-on-one consultations. All of my questions are answered, and the professional advice I receive from my consultant helps me lose weight by offering tips and tricks to stay on course and also ideas on making time to fit in exercise.

I’m excited to be getting back on track and more than ready to feel and look better.

Here we go!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free trial program and discount on the Jenny Craig meals. As always all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Offer: Join today & get $50 off* Jenny Craig’s Best Program + $50 in food savings**
Disclaimer:
**$50 food discount to be used in $10 increments with minimum weekly food purchase of $90 US/$95 CAN. Discounts valid at participating centers and at Jenny Craig Anywhere for new members enrolling in the Jenny Craig All Access program, other restrictions may apply, details available at participating centers. Additional costs include monthly membership fee, cost of food, and cost of shipping if applicable. Not valid to purchase food at jennycraig.com. No cash value. Offer ends 10/30/2015.

Offer: $25 off Jenny Craig food for each referral (limited time only)*
Disclaimer: *Offer requires minimum food purchase of $90 US/ $95 CAN. Referring member discount available on visit after referral enrolls on Jenny Craig program. Membership required at time of redemption. Valid at participating centers and Jenny Craig Anywhere only. Not valid at jennycraig.com. No cash value. Not valid for shipping costs. Not valid with any other offer or discount. One offer per person. Not transferable. Guest Code: NGE. Referring Client Code: GRD. Restrictions apply.

Boomers: Eating Healthier Than The TV Dinners And Tang We Grew Up On

There are words in today's vernacular that we never heard growing up. Words such as:

Cholesterol
Trans fats
High fructose corn syrup
Vegan
High fiber diet
Low carbohydrate diet

Chicory Coconut Mango Salad

For most boomers, our childhood cupboards were filled with the typical foods of the 1960's:

Velveeta "cheese"
Frozen vegetables
Lay's perfectly shaped potato chips in a can
Swanson's frozen TV dinners
Cap'n Crunch cereal
Tang instant breakfast drink
Devil Dogs, Ring Dings, Yodels or Twinkies.

I grew up in a house with a German born father who enjoyed German meats, or wurst, such as knackwurst, bratwurst and also a good salami. On occasion we'd have salami and egg omelettes for breakfast. Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed every bite of them.

Are your arteries clogging by thinking about this? Thankfully times have changed.

Today, we're more aware of the importance of eating healthy, reading food labels, eating in moderation and staying away from foods high in fat, cholesterol, sodium or carbohydrates. We shun high fructose corn syrup after learning about its danger. We limit or cut out white flour and sugar completely, and use extra-virgin olive or canola oil in our cooking.

We grew up relying on comfort food to make us "feel better" during times of stress. Had a bad date? A quart of Ben and Jerry's will make you feel better. Bad grade on a midterm? A bag of M&M's will melt your troubles away. (Okay, sometimes I still do that!)

Are you a master at talking yourself out of sticking to any diet plan?

"It's only one bowl of pasta, and I promise to be good tomorrow."

"There's only one piece of bread left so I might as well eat it."

"I had a bad day and deserve this bar of chocolate/ice cream/bagel/fill-in-the-blank."

"I haven't had this in months. This one time won't kill me."

But wait! Hold on. These are the eating patterns that led to my clothes not fitting and feeling less than healthy. As the numbers on the scale were creeping up, my self-esteem was plummeting. I began hating the way I looked and felt.

I needed to make a change. When the people at Jenny Craig approved my request to be a part of their blogging program, I was more than thrilled. I saw this as a chance to recapture my former self by taking back control of what I eat, of feeling emotionally and physically better. Their meal plan, along with eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking a lot of water and finding time for daily exercise, began my new chapter of feeling better about myself.

I'm on my way back...to me. And it feels good to start feeling good about myself again.

As my Jenny consultant says, it's not the number on the scale that matters but the way you feel about yourself that does. Those are wise words for us all to live by.

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Emotional Eating: I'll Have A Bowl Of Pasta With A Side Order Of Ice Cream, Please

Comfort food (noun): Food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically any with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking. (Source: Google)

Do you have a favorite comfort food that you lean on in times of stress?

Do you make a big bowl of pasta?

Or sit yourself down with a delicious bowl (or two) of ice cream?

Or do you want something salty like potato chips?

Most people have a favorite food they think will help them feel better for awhile. Food will ease our stress, and every bite will melt away our problems.

That is emotional eating.

Finally, I'm in a groove of eating healthier, learning new ways to deal with stress other than relying on comfort food. I don’t want to slide backward into the pounds I worked very - VERY - hard to take off. (And it is hard work. Every single ounce of it!)

There's so much in our lives that's not in our control. We all would love to have something that is.

So I’m working hard on fighting my urge to reach for comfort food during times of crisis. It's not always easy. I’m filling my plate with more vegetables, eating more fruit (I love summer fruit and will miss nectarines and peaches), eat at regular intervals (including healthy snacks to keep me from feeling hungry between meals) and drink more water.

According to an article in WebMD, Jane Jakubczak, a registered dietitian at The University of Maryland says that emotions trigger eating instead of the physical symptom of hunger initiating it.

Jakubczak goes on to say that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

Wow, that’s a lot of overeating.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave what my husband and son eat at dinner. The aromatic smell coming from their plates – heck, from the oven – are enough to set my palate in motion. I’ve had bites of their meals and they do taste delicious! And while those bites taste good, I’m also happy to go back to my own delicious meal.

My nightly dessert: Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. Photo Credit: Jenny Craig

Being on Jenny Craig has allowed me to learn better eating habits, and there's a lot of comfort in that!

What is your favorite comfort food?

Summer Wellness: 12 Ideas To Give Yourself A Break This Summer

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ~Henry James

Photo: Jenny Craig

Trying to stay healthy as you age isn’t easy. First you must:

Eat healthy
Exercise daily
Take a multivitamin
Get an adequate amount of sleep
Keep stress and anxiety to a minimum

During midlife you must also:

Take daily medications
Schedule added routine medical examinations
Take care of parents, children, spouse, friends, yourself
Focus on your career or plan for retirement

My day also consists of:

Writing, promoting and reading, reading, reading
Responding to emails, social media comments, blog comments, texts and telephone calls

“It was a splendid summer morning and it seemed as if nothing could go wrong.” ~John Cheever

With so much to do during the course of a day, how can we possibly take good care of ourselves?

I look forward to summer all year. It’s a time for renewal. The days are longer, the flowers are in full bloom, and for many it’s vacation time.

But what if you have no plans for summer vacation? How can you create a feeling of renewal? Without a much-needed break, how can you take good care of myself?

“I love summertime more than anything else in the world. That is the only thing that gets me through the winter, knowing that summer is going to be there.” ~Jack McBrayer

It’s important for us to make time for ourselves. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of being creative to find new and fun ways to renew, refresh and feel alive again.

Jenny Craig's Cinnamon French Toast with Mixed Berries helps me eat healthy this summer

Turn off your computer and cell phone, and give yourself permission to enjoy yourself. To help you do that, here are some suggestions of things to do if you’re staying close to home this summer:

Spend a day at the beach
Take a hike, or go bicycling
Go kayaking or canoeing
Get together with old friends
Sign up for a summer class
Learn a new skill, such as a foreign language or computer graphics.
Take time to do activities you’ve put off all year, such as writing a short story
Be mindful of the sounds of summer. The ocean, crickets and summer birds all create lovely music of their own
Participate in charity runs/walks
Find interesting craft fairs or car shows to attend
Volunteer at an animal shelter
Learn the basics of knitting and make chemo caps for infants/toddlers

Summer in my neck of the woods passes by quickly. I try to get outdoors as much as possible by biking, hiking and drinking in the smells and sounds that surround me. Ah, it’s so delicious.

What are your plans for summer?

Life Happens When You're Busy Making Other Plans

We all know the quote that is attributed to John Lennon saying, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." The quote is brilliant because it's honest and true.

An ordinary day can turn on a dime.

A person rarely reaches my age without learning some hard lessons about life after facing illness, financial struggles, toxic relationships or tragedy. These are inevitable as we age, and the lessons we learn forces us to acquire some survival skills.

If you're wise you'll realize that being flexible about the inevitable twists and turns of life is healthier for you. Because the life we plan and the life we lead are, more times than not, two very different things.

Bending instead of breaking is always optimal.

For instance, over the past week I said farewell to a dear friend.

and cared for a sick one.

I celebrated some exciting family successes,

and was mindful of a few happy moments walking by.

It's important to remain focused on staying healthy while maneuvering the highs and lows of daily life. Eating right, getting plenty of exercise and practicing a stress-reducing activity (such as meditation) will help keep our bodies happy as we age.

It was the 1980's and big hair was, well, BIG!

Here's what worked for me this week:

Visualizing how I want to look and feel: At 55 I won't feel like I did at 25, 35, or 45. I'm trying to be the best ME I can be at this age. I'm not perfect. I stumble and fall, but I always try to get myself back up to try even harder.

Eating less: I have the Jenny Craig meal plan on my side to help me eat healthy meals, and I add fresh fruits and vegetables to each meal. This week I ate several meals out, so I'd cut up fresh veggies and carried them in a Zip-Lock bag in my purse. I tried to plan what I'd eat before every outing (a special thanks to Houston's tuna sashimi salad with cilantro viniagrette - a big yum!) Was I perfect? No. I'm a work in progress. But I'm eating healthier than I was a year ago. That's a step in the right direction!

Finally met Carol April of ndy (Not Done Yet) and she came bearing gifts and a new friendship.

Feeling better about the way I look: I'm fighting every (single) ounce to get off my body. It's a battle, and so far I've lost 12 pounds since December. I don't want to gain any weight back after working so hard to take them off. That fact continues to motivate me.

I like telling my husband that I'm losing weight: Okay, I admit it. It feels good to tell my husband my good news. Do you have any idea what it's like to be married to someone who weighs the same as he did when we met 29 years ago? He is dedicated to eating right and getting plenty of exercise. He also has great metabolism! This can be maddening at times, so I try to imagine what it feels like to never worry about gaining weight. Ah, Utopia.

What do you do to take care of your health as you age?

What Did The Scale Say To Me?

This week was different. This week the scale didn't move. It didn't go up. It didn't go down. This week the number stayed the same. My reaction?

At least I didn't gain any weight.

I always thought stress was a bad thing, and in my craziness I'd reach out for a quick antidote for calm by eating something sinful. At least that's how I used to think about stress before I watched this TED Talk from psychologist Kelly McGonigal. She argues that stress is our friend. And now I agree. Stress forces us to face our anxieties and, as Kelly says, "This is my body helping me rise to this challenge." Take a look. You'll never think about stress the same way again. And next time you reach for that donut, remember what Kelly said.

This week was crazy, and I didn't have time to do much exercise. What a ridiculous excuse! Okay, I did walk a lot of steps the day I was in Manhattan, and I also ran around to many appointments. But, c'mon, driving around New Jersey isn't exactly exercise. The problem has always been that I go in and out of being totally committed to a daily exercise program. Now that I've lost some weight I want to keep it off, so no more excuses! Maybe I should find my old Jane Fonda video, dust off my leg warmers and pop the tape into the VCR. Oh, wait, I don't have a VCR (or the leg warmers.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNPdBnlOK_U

When people ask me what would be the first thing I'd do if they found a cure for MS, I always say, "Run." One of my fondest childhood memories is running. Running down the street, around the playground, or alongside my friends. It's so joyful, so pure, and you feel free. If I could run again, feeling my legs blindly carry me wherever I wanted to go, that would be my Utopia. For now I'll keep walking, despite the MS fatigue and numbness. Because my abilities are what makes me strong and full of life and oh-so-joyful. Take a look at the faces of these children from Save the Children and you'll understand what I mean.

Next week, when I step onto the scale at Jenny Craig, I hope the numbers will change. Because this week I'm busy making friends with my stress, adding steps to my day and embracing who I am.

Six Tips That Have Helped Me Stick To My Weight Loss Plan

There are some people who crave the sweetness of a carrot or the purity of a sweet potato They look longingly at a colorful plate of freshly roasted vegetables, then dig in and slowly chew each morsel as if it they had reached Nirvana.

As much as I ~~love~~ enjoy a good carrot or sweet potato, my Nirvana always lands somewhere between Pasta Paradise and the Kingdom of Chocolate.

During midlife, I need to take my eating habits more seriously. I can't give into every craving, promising to cut calories one day to make up for the extra ones I devoured the day before. I gain weight easily, and it doesn't always land where it used to.

Now that I'm on a quest to lose weight I need to have a set eating routine. I've learned that this works best for me when trying to lose weight.

Of course I tweak my routine so I won't get bored. I love food, and if you eat the same thing every day you'd feel food deprived.

If you're like me, you'd begin to "cheat" and justify how you just "want a little taste." The little taste grows into bigger tastes and so on and so forth until BINGO! You're off your diet plan.

Believe me, I know what I'm talking about...

Over the years, with all of the diets and wellness plans I've been on, I've learned a lot about what does and doesn't work for me. What I've learned is that planning my meals in advance works. Knowing what I'm going to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner allows me to have more control over what I'm going to put into my mouth.

Here are a few tips for you that I've found helpful:

Portions - Growing up the food on my plate covered the entire plate. Now if my plate is fuller it's because the portion of vegetables are larger than the protein and carbohydrates.
Snacks - I eat healthier, lower calorie and more nutritious snacks. I fill up on raw vegetables that I pre-cut and store in the refrigerator. I love organic Pink Lady apples and keep a supply on hand whenever I can find them (usually at Trader Joe's.)
Water - I try to drink 64 ounces of water a day. Water is not only good for your kidneys, but also increases energy, promotes weight loss, flushes out toxins, improves skin complexion, maintains regularity, boosts the immune system and hydrates your whole system.
Schedule - I try to eat my meals at the same time every day. I find this works best for me by eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular intervals.
Goals - I set short range goals of losing weight. Doing this gives me frequent successes which helps me stick to my ultimate goal.
Support - My husband and son have been extremely supportive and helpful. This is very important when you're trying to lose weight. Being surrounded by people who love and care about you goes a long way toward helping you reach your goals.

What have you found helpful in reaching your wellness goals?

Healthy Eating During Stressful Times Can Pave The Way Toward Wellness

Have you ever had one of "those" weeks? You know the kind. When nothing seems to go right. When, despite everything you do, nothing goes your way?

I felt better knowing that Mary Tyler Moore experienced the same thing.

Okay, so it happened in a sitcom Whoever wrote that particular episode knows exactly what I mean.

We all experience the normal ups and downs of life in one way or another. It's inevitable and unavoidable. You can't experience truly exquisite moments of joy without traveling down a road of unhappiness somewhere on your journey.

I love the poet Kahlil Gibran. Through the years I've turned to him for his wisdom-filled insights and inspiration. As a blogger I've come to rely on him for quotes. It was he who said:

“Joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.” ~Kahlil Gibran

This week I had a lot going on in my life, and I felt as if I was on a runaway treadmill with no slow speed limit in sight. Typically, when I feel this way, I overeat my "comfort" food.

Ah, food. The what-am-I-going-to-stuff-my-face-with-to-make-me-feel-good -feeling that I was dying to dive into.

Did I yearn for a box of chocolate chip cookies? Or perhaps a huge bowl of pasta with a loaf of garlic bread dripping in butter? Maybe, in honor of Valentine's Day, I'd scarf down a box of chocolates?

Luckily, the old saying "A moment on your lips, a lifetime on your hips" kept popping into my head.

I didn't want to backslide on my regimen of healthy eating after doing so well on the Jenny Craig program. I've been working hard to look and feel better, so I tried to remain focused by thinking about how I'd feel about myself after gorging on food.

Or how I'd feel after stepping onto the scale.

I did the best that I could. It's easier when I'm home to stick to the plan; it's much harder when I go out to lunch or dinner.

The trick to healthy eating is to replace your old, bad eating habits with new, healthy ones.

The days I went out I'd cut up and fill a Ziploc bag with celery, carrots and cucumbers. I'd keep a small apple in my purse, along with Jenny's Anytime Bar.

When going out to lunch, I was careful with my portion sizes, stuck to salads made with fresh vegetables and grilled chicken or fish, and ordered dressing on the side.

And I drank a lot of water.

I told myself I didn't have time to fit in any exercise. That made all the difference.

When I stepped onto the scale at my Jenny Craig appointment, my weight was the same. I didn't lose any weight, but better than that, I didn't gain any.

I consider that a personal victory. In the past, I would have relied on food to comfort me. And this week I didn't. I relied on myself, and on my knowledge of the relationship between eating and wellness.

Now that I know I can do it, I am proud of myself. Today is, again, the first day of the rest of my life. And on this first birthday, I am going to continue to eat right, and make more of an effort to get back on that treadmill for some much needed exercise.

Only this time I am in control.

How do you manage your eating habits during times of stress?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on their food for this review. There was no monetary compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

How To Lose Weight During Midlife: One Pound At A Time

“She threw back her head with a laugh that made her chins ripple like little waves.” ~Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence

As I forge ahead on the Jenny Craig program, I've become more mindful of what I eat, trying to keep my eye on the prize of feeling and looking better.

The phrase "lift and separate" takes on a whole new meaning during midlife.

In midlife it's not as easy to lose weight as it used to be. Our metabolism has changed, and being in menopause doesn't help. I can't simply cut back on the calories and poof - the pounds magically disappear.

No, no, no.

Now that gravity has taken over, it's not uncommon for my friends and I to discuss exactly what is, ungraciously, happening to our bodies.

Boobs somehow need to be picked up off the floor with wired four-hook contraptions that promise to lift and separate, while minimizing any "back fat." (Ew)

Extra fat appears around our midriff, mimicking someone who's had one too many beers.

You can no longer see your toes.

Today there are some not-so- lovely new names for extra fat that are enough to make you want to lose weight:

Jiggly fat, turkey twaddle, chubette, fattux, chunky, fatass.

You get the idea.

Every single pound - every single ounce - is a battle to lose.

Smokey and Jenny Craig and Eating Weight

Who's that sitting in my chair? Smokey is dreaming of Jenny Craig's Chicken Fajitas!

I'd love to, once again, be able to get dressed without the need to check and re-check the mirror to decide whether or not I look good in an outfit.

I gave up trying to ask my husband what he thinks. He's learned over the years that answering my questions are a lose-lose battle.

"Honey, do I look alright in this outfit? Do you think my butt looks too big?"

"No, your butt looks the same."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. I'm just answering your question."

"I don't think so. You said my butt looks the same. I saw the look in your eyes. I heard that inflection in your voice. You think my butt is too big."

"What are you talking about?"

Fade out. (It gets ugly.)

Losing weight takes more effort these days than it used to, so I'm reverting back to some old tricks I learned a long time ago.

I took out a few photos that I like of myself to remind me how I want to look again.
I've made a pact with myself not to buy new clothes until I feel more comfortable with my weight.
Every time I walk on the treadmill or outdoors I write it down, and tally up the miles I've walked at the end of the week. (I used to mark it on a map, making pretend I was walking down south. I think I got as far as Baltimore..)
I remind myself that I'll soon have my yearly physical, and how good I'll feel when I don't mind stepping on the scale.

I hope these tricks work for me, because feeling healthier is the ultimate goal. In the new year, it's the best gift I can give to myself.

Are you following any new healthy regimens this year?

During Midlife Exercising Is Even More Crucial For A Healthy Weight Loss

There are many reasons why I enjoy being a woman in my fifties. The freedom to be myself and the ability to chase the rainbow of my passions are the first two reasons that come to mind.

But trying to lose weight? That is not one of them. Why? Because nowadays it’s harder to take the weight off than it used to be.

When I was in my twenties or thirties and needed to lose a few pounds, I’d watch what I ate and burn up calories at the gym. The weight came flying off.

Now? It’s a ~~hard~~ s---l---o---w process.

I have to admit a big part of the reason the weight is coming off slower than I'd like it to is my own fault. I am not getting any exercise. These days it’s harder for me to get the exercise I need, and my job as a writer doesn't make it any easier.

Sitting in front of my laptop for long periods of time is not healthy.

Yes, I know. I have MS. For me that means I can’t run or walk fast or far, and my balance is shaky at best. I also have a frozen shoulder that, even after 8 months, is still very painful and limits my physical activities.

Those are all excuses. Because despite my disability I still have many abilities, and those are the ones I need to focus on and use if I want to keep losing weight and, in turn, feel healthier.

Tools from Jenny Craig to help me get active

Leslie, my Jenny consultant, and I discussed how I could become more active. Walking seems to be the best option, so we decided I need a pedometer and begin a walking program to try and reach those golden 10,000 steps a day.

In the meantime I still have Jenny Craig in my corner. Not only with my weekly consults, but also with their delicious cuisine. This week their newest meal of Pizza Bites was not only delicious, but I also loved that there were three individual pieces. It felt good to know that after I finished one piece there were two more waiting for me!

Jenny Craig has made it easy to stay in control of my diet while learning new ways to become a healthier me.

So I’m ready for another week of Jenny Craig, and although I have a few social engagements, I feel confident that my week will be a healthier one because I'm stepping up my exercise routine and putting what I’ve learned at Jenny to work.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I lost another pound last week!

What healthy changes have you made for yourself lately?

*I received a free month and discounted food on the Jenny Craig program for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Now That The Holidays Are Over, Was I Crazy To Start A Diet Before They Began? The Battle Of Cookies, Carbs And Carrots

Saturday was the big day. The day I looked forward to with equal parts of dread and excitement.

Sage advice from Jenny Craig

Saturday was weigh-in day.

It was the first time I’d step on the scale now that the holidays were finally over. The time when the moment of truth had arrived to find out whether the combination of celebrating the holidays, battling stress and journaling my daily menus would affect my weight loss one way or the other.

The holidays were admittedly a diet struggle for me, with a daily battle between cookies, carbs and carrots.

Our New Year’s Eve plan was a low-key one, with an early dinner and a movie. Although our plan was simple, it was fraught with delectable temptations to celebrate the incoming year with mouthwatering food.

I was tempted to throw my recent Jenny success out the window, and replace it with an order of a pulled pork sandwich, a side of cole slaw and some freshly baked cornbread.

I could almost taste the extra calories and fat. But when it was my turn to order dinner, it was like an out-of-body experience when I heard these words come out of my mouth:

“I’ll have the roast chicken special with a side of broccoli and some roasted potatoes, please.”

Success! Not only was my dinner delicious, but I felt satisfied after eating only half of the large portion.

When I finally stepped onto the scale, I had no idea what the outcome would be.

Before I did, I took a moment to be quietly mindful of how I felt at that moment. I inwardly told myself that no matter what the outcome was, I was proud of the steps I was taking to become healthier.

My Jenny Craig Consultant always encourages me to think about healthy eating and not dieting

Leslie, my Jenny Craig Consultant, placed a paper towel on the scale and I took a deep breath.

May I have the envelope, please? Drumroll…

I lost another pound!

Okay, so one pound may not sound like a lot to you, but I was ecstatic. It was the first time in years I didn’t gain weight during the holidays.

With the help of Jenny Craig, I have now lost several pounds. My pants fit more comfortably and I began to feel proud of myself.

That was the whole point of joining Jenny Craig. To feel better physically and emotionally.

Leslie was so proud of me. Her face was beaming as she reiterated that losing weight slowly was the healthiest way to lose.

We talked about my dinner out that night, and created a game plan of eating at a Thai restaurant.

"Don’t go to a restaurant hungry." "Eat a salad or soup before you leave." "Order lots of vegetables." "Watch your portions."

These Jenny Craig booklets offer inspiration and guidance

The Jenny Craig entrees are delicious, but it’s nice to know I can continue my social life of dining out with friends without having to compromise my Jenny Craig success.

Was I crazy to start a diet over the holidays? No!

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

How Jenny Craig Helped Me On Christmas Day

The Jenny Craig program has been good for me after my first two weeks. I’ve already lost a few pounds by eating their pre-planned meals, listening to the advice of my consultant and beginning a mindful approach toward eating.

But last week's question, “Am I crazy to start a diet before the holidays?” still looms large for me. In our family, December 25 is a double whammy – Herbmas (Dad’s 86^th birthday) and Christmas.

This day was going to be a challenge.

It all started out fine. I ate my Jenny breakfast along with a small apple, coffee and several glasses of water to fill me up. I worked out a healthy eating plan, in my mind, before we left for our party because I knew there would be lots of tempting food that might derail my diet.

Jenny Craig's Breakfast Scramble
Photo: jennycraig.com

My goals of weight loss and feeling healthy are important to me, and I wanted to be mindful of those goals.

We left for the party, and when we arrived at my brother’s house there was food as far as the eye could see. Not only were we going to be treated to delicacies such as smoked salmon, whitefish and fresh bagels, but also to his girlfriend’s luscious-looking ham.

The table was set for 18 guests, and every inch of it was covered with some holiday delicacy just begging to be eaten.

It was going to be a true test of my willpower. When it comes to food, willpower hasn’t always been my forte.

I was glad I arrived somewhat satisfied, and avoided doing what I usually do. Grabbing pieces of this food or that and sticking them into my mouth “for just a little taste.”

Those little tastes always add up to a higher daily caloric intake than I should have. I want to keep the pounds I’d taken off….off!

When it was time to sit down and eat, I followed what I planned out that morning. I put a pile of vegetables on my plate, along with half a plain bagel, a piece of lox and a smidgeon of whitefish. (They are fish - okay a bit saltier than I should have- but they are healthy Omega's right?)

Then it was time for dessert. Uh oh.

The fruit salad my husband prepared looked tiny (and lonely) compared to all of the other desserts being offered.

Being a chocoholic, this part of the meal was going to be my most difficult battle.

I tried to repeat to myself that later I’d have my delicious Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake to look forward to, making Friday’s weigh-in a happy time for me.

When the desserts were cleared, I felt proud of myself that I skipped dessert. But I still felt hungry.

When my nephew sat down next to me eating a plate of bagel chips, they looked yummy. So what did I do? I got my own small plate, thinking what harm could come from eating them?

After eating the last one, I wondered if I should have opted for more fruit salad instead.

Being on a weight loss plan is not only about losing weight, but it's also about being mindful of what you are eating. That includes knowing how to stay full by making smart food choices instead of filling up on empty calories.

When I go to my Jenny appointment tomorrow, I will thank my consultant for her sound advice, discuss the challenges I faced during the week, and plan the week ahead with her, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Losing weight and feeling healthy are two goals I’m serious about. So was I crazy to start a diet over the holidays? I'll keep you posted!

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and food products. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Members following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

OTHER POSTS TO ENJOY:

Other posts you might enjoy:

Other posts you might enjoy:

Other posts you might enjoy:

Other posts you might enjoy:

Other recent posts you might enjoy:

Other posts you might enjoy:

Other posts you might enjoy: