It all counts

So, I started this thing hoping I could stop counting calories a month or so into it ... but now, I'm changing my mind!

I will admit that I am slightly calorie obsessed and have instructed the boyfriend to bonk me on the head when it becomes too annoying. However, I can't argue with the results. I have been consistently keeping my caloric intake below 1300 calories for the past 8 days. On weekends I let myself go to 1500 calories a day.

I truly suggest everyone try it out for a month. You will be surprised by how much you learn, not only about yourself, but about your habits and ways to create new habits.

What I use to track my calories

It really keeps me conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth when I track it after each meal! Plus, when I've gone a few days that week at, say 1100 calories, I know I can splurge a bit on date night (just a bit, of course!).

This week's date night took us to a local Mexican restaurant. I talked with the server, who also happens to be on a diet, as Renee suggested I do. She helped me by telling me the different ways I could order. I surprised her by ordering my veggie burrito with no sauce. She seemed genuinely concerned. But I explained that I planned to douse it in salsa - and it was YUMMY!

Saturday was my non-fat, fat-girl day. This means I stayed in bed most of the day watching cheesy romantic comedies and snacked. Instead of ice cream, however, I ate grapes. Instead of pizza, I bought Lean Pockets (but I didn't end up eating them). And I had baked tortilla chips and salsa on hand in case I got a salt craving - didn't want much of those either. Basically, the trick is to be prepared ahead of time so that you don't succumb to temptation or laziness.

Finally, Sunday was tailgate day! Bless the boyfriend for buying turkey brats just for me. The beer took me up, as did the gas station hot chocolate (nutrition info conveniently unavailable!) in my numbers, but overall, I think I kept it pretty reasonable (sauerkraut on brat - only 5 calories for 2 tablespoons!!!) Because the tailgate was before a noon game, I just grabbed a banana for breakfast and enjoyed the early lunch. Also, I know I burned a lot of calories cheering on the Cowboys!