Here's why I plan:
Planning helps me make sure that I have a good balance of protein, fats, carbs. For example I wouldn't have a Tortilla Pizza on a day I ate Oatmeal for breakfast. I'd be pushing my personal carb limits. With a plan in place I can see something like that before it happens.
Planning helps me make the best choices. By having a plan in place I rarely get caught in the "crap grab." "Crap Grab" happens when you are hungry and have no plan. You grab any old crap that is around ;)
Planning helps me use leftovers wisely. I don't like waste and when I sit down and plan a day (or two) in advance I can figure out ways to use food in the most cost effective way.
Planning helps me not overeat. I know if I'm eating something that is not on my "menu" for the day (last minute invite to lunch, having a hungry day, popcorn at a movie) that I am eating extra... something that can either be dealt with with a little longer walk or later in the week with a lower calorie meal choice.
Starting out:
When I was first starting out on this journey I made a list of 3-4 Breakfasts, 3-4 Lunches, 3-4 Dinners and 3-4 Snacks that worked well for me post-op and I just rotated those for awhile. Slowly I added a few more new menu items and now... well you know I eat oodles of different things each week.
I plan a day or two advance nothing more than that. I write it down because that is the only way I will remember. My short term memory is well ummm short. I try and do it faithfully. Every once and awhile I come home late, too tired and I say, "Ehhh I'll just figure it out tomorrow" and sure enough the next day the "crap grab" begins and I find myself eating way more than I should have. Not a good thing.
So I plan.
Here's what I ate yesterday...
Breakfast: Shelly's PBJ Protein Smoothie (yesterday's blog entry)
Lunch: Shelly's Fish Taco Salad - Tortilla Crusted Tilapia, Mixed Greens, Homegrown Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese, Spicy Yogurt Dip.
Shelly's Spicy Yogurt Dip
3 oz. Fage Greek Yogurt (I use 2%)
1 teaspoon Mayonnaise
a few splashes of Cholula Hot Sauce (or your favorite)
a dash of Southwest Seasoning
Kosher Salt to taste
Mix together. Great to top Taco Salads or use as a dip with veggies or soy crisps.
Dinner: Shelly's BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza - Mission Brand Carb Balance Whole Wheat Fajita Size Tortilla topped with BBQ Sauce, 2 Naked Chicken Nuggets cooked & sliced, Sauteed Red Onion, Monterrey Jack & Cheddar Cheese, a sprinkle of Steak Seasoning
Snack: Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli (I had 4)
and yep I know what I'm having tomorrow ;)This is just my 2.5 cents (.5 for inflation)
I am not a weight loss surgery expert just another post-op trying to fight the daily battles against obesity and come out a winner for life.
Eggface Thoughts on Snacking
Eggface Thoughts on Fear
Eggface Thoughts on Exercise
