As a child  I was always thin- then I hit adolescence and it was all down hill from there... I have been over weight since then- never really making a serious effort to do anything about it.  Well- no more.  so far the past three months I have learned that as  Americans we eat all wrong.  Portion size is crucial- I have armed myself with a measuring cup, spoons and a digital food scale- everything that goes into my mouth gets measured or weighed.  "Oh Jeannie"- you may be thinking- "that won't last- you'll get tired"- no because it is becoming a routine and a lifestyle- it is not a diet-. One of the coaches at Curves said to me today- "I never say that I am dieting- why? - the first part of that word is- "Die"!!!!- (lol), Next you might say- "Oh so you're never going to eat out again?"- Of course not- Eating out is not the enemy- All if not most resturants (at least in NY) list calories for all of their dishes- and all you have to do is ask how something is prepared.  You can also swap things in and out- double veggies instead of potatoes or pasta- etc.  And- if the portion is huge- cut it in half- even 3 portions if you have to and take the rest home.  Don't get me wrong folks- I'm new at this and am still working to get it right. I guess my hope with this blog is maybe to help someone else who is struggling with their weight and is tired of fad diets.  The Journey I am on is not a diet- it is a complete lifestyle change and nutritional quest.  I'll stop rambling now- but not before I share some important things I have learned about nutrition-

1. Sugar is the Devil- Obliterate it from your life

2. Sodium is the Devil-

those cute little Healthy Choice frozen dinners you eat-Loaded with it-

start cooking your own food- NOW!!!!

3. Corn is not a vegetable- it is the Devil... it raises your blood sugar.

Eat green veggies- every day- 3x's a day!!!!

4. You know that saying- "An apple a day-" it really should be an Orange!-1 every day.

5. Physical activity is crucial- as my friend Jon says-"Put down the mouse and get out of the House!"

6. And finally- Portion control will save your life- use smaller plates- check

the serving size on the package or box- follow what it says-

Eat 6 small  meals a day instead of "three squares"

or else you'll stay round!

Until next time

Jeannie