finding a system.

One of the hardest things for me when I first started trying to lose weight was finding a system that worked for me. I wanted a realistic solution, not a temporary fix. For me, that meant avoiding systems where you cut out a staple food such as bread. Joining programs that sent you meals was a no go as well. So what's left?

At first I tried to count calories. That just didn't work for me. There are a couple of reasons for that. I used an online calorie calculator to determine I could consume around 1,700 calories a day if I wanted to lose weight. It was difficult for me to grasp how much something impacted my daily allotted calories when I was dealing with such a large number. It's not that I am bad at math, because I'm not, but for some reason I just couldn't quite get used to counting my calories in this way. Secondly, all that is evaluated using this method is the amount of calories you consume, not how bad those calories were for you. That just wasn't good  enough.

So what do you do when the simplest option doesn't work and you also don't want something that will be complex and take a lot of time. For me, the middle ground was weight watchers. I have never actually joined or followed the program exactly how it is laid out. I turned to the internet and found some helpful sites to guide me in the beginning. At some point, Weight Watchers switched to a newer version called Points Plus. I decided to stick with the original system since I wanted to avoid paying a monthly fee to Weight Watchers and it was simpler. 

The first step is to determine how many points you get daily. The best calculator I found for this is in a web forum. Here is the link. Currently I get 22 points a week. That number is much easier for me to grasp and understand  than the 1,700. 

Not only is the number more user friendly, but Weight Watchers takes fat and dietary fiber into account when calculating the point value of food. I recognize these variables are not the only ones that matter, but it's a lot better than ignoring all of them. A good example of how this really can impact your diet is a small fry at McDonald's. It contains 230 calories,  11 grams of fat, and 3 grams of dietary fiber. If I was just counting calories, that would be about 14% of my daily intake. However using Weight Watchers, it comes to 5 points - or 23%. That's a pretty big difference. 

To calculate the points, I again use an online calculator. The link to the one I use is here. Obviously  I use the one labeled "Previous" since I am not using the points plus system. 

The best part of weight watchers for me is that it has helped me to understand what foods are healthier options for me. I may not always have access to the calculator or to the nutritional facts of the food I am eating, but I feel better prepared to make a knowledgeable choice after using weight watchers for a while. It has also taught me that eating what you like is okay - as long as it is in moderation and it may mean cutting back somewhere else that day. 

I have had a lot of success with Weight Watchers, but it took me a while to find a system that worked for me. Good luck finding one that works for you!

saturday in madison.

This Saturday was well spent. Steven and I made our way to Madison, IN to spend the day together. That afternoon we walked around Madison exploring the little shops they have. It was fun to go somewhere so different from Louisville and we were lucky enough to have the perfect Fall weather.

Around 5 pm the shops began to close. (Crazy, I know!) Then, Steven and I went to this adorable little coffee shop called Madison Coffee and Tea. We sat around and talked for about an hour. I loved being able to sit by the window and see the scenery of Madison rather than a busy road like we are used to at home.

When we finished up our coffee, we made our way down to the river. There they had a "Scenic Tour." Basically, it was a lighted walking path along the Ohio river. Steven and I spent the majority of our evening walking the path. 

How exactly does this relate to "Healthy Living?" The whole point is Steven and I could have spent the day sitting around on the couch watching Netflix (which we love to do), but instead we spent the day walking around a new place. Just because you aren't throwing your running shoes on and heading to the gym or eating a salad instead of a hamburger, doesn't mean you aren't making "healthy" choices. I strongly believe one of the first steps to creating a healthy lifestyle that will be permanent  is to live a more active lifestyle. Don't spend all of your free time laying on a couch staring at a television. 

out with the old, in with the new.

Just last week UofL opened up the new rec center for it's students. I can honestly say I am surprised by all of the technology and advanced equipment they incorporated in. As far as I can tell, UofL did not cut any corners when equipping this new facility. 

Today Jessica and I finally had the time to do a little more exploring in this 128,000 square foot gym - let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes on the first floor are all equipped with touch screens. I'm still trying to figure the technology out because it is not the most user friendly interface, but if I can manage to find Netflix, I'll be sold. So long, Planet Fitness! 

Next, Jessica and I ventured upstairs to some of the leg, arm, and ab machines. THESE THINGS ARE NO JOKE. Sitting down on the Leg Press machine, I was fully prepared to do my normal resistance level. Not at all... The entire machine moves with you, engaging your core in the exercise as well. It is hard for me to explain just how difficult these machines are compared to ones I have been using. I was taken aback by just how little I could do well. 

After an hour long workout, (time flies when you're having fun??) Jessica and I grabbed a light lunch at Zest Bistro, which is also located in the rec center. I liked that they had calories listed by all of their main entrees. I feel like that makes students more aware of what they are consuming. There weren't a ton of options, but I like that there is a lighter choice for us on campus now. Plus, I had their Mango smoothie after a workout last week and it was exceptional. There is no doubt in my mind that fresh fruit was used to make it.  

Overall, I am excited about this new gym. It is an astronomical improvement from the SAC. I for one will not miss the hot, humid air that reeks of sweaty feet filling my lungs as I jog on a treadmill. I know it's a gym, but come on - I should be able to walk in without wanting to pass out. The equipment is not even comparable. From crickety, old machines to ones with wi-fi enabled touch screens.. That's what I call an upgrade. And, aside from the technology, I feel like the workout I get on the new machines is abundantly better.

I can't wait to do a little more experimenting with some of the new machines. They also offer free classes like Yoga and Weight Training to UofL students. I am excited to give those a try. 

Moral of the story, the new rec center rules.