We've all heard the advice: "Exercise a little more, and eat a little less." And that's actually how good, steady weight loss started for me.
Last summer, my family went to Rome. In establishing a daily budget, we decided that food and fun were more important than transportation. So instead of using taxis and buses to get around, we walked everywhere - kilometer after kilometer - every day. The extra walking and summer heat curbed my appetite, and by the end of those 10 days, I noticed my pants were a tad loose. Back home, I gradually started eating a little less. And instead of walking or running only in the morning, I threw in a second walk or run later in the day. As for eating, nothing was totally off limits if I really wanted it. But dessert after a special dinner became a sliver instead of my usual slice. And instead of thoughtlessly cleaning my plate, I tried to stop when I was satisfied. It started to work. I bought the next-lower-size jeans, then the next. People began to notice. I used to snack more. Now I eat three meals, plus a snack. To avoid midmorning hunger, I eat smart but well at breakfast. Like grits. Often cooks will enliven this hot cereal with lots of cheddar cheese and bacon as a side dish. I substitute leaner Parmesan and prosciutto to get big taste for fewer calories.
If you're low-carbing it, try my spinach omelet with tomato and feta filling. If you thaw the spinach and squeeze it dry the night before, this omelet is very doable even for speedy weekday breakfasts.
Even if you don't think you have time for breakfast, my Chocolate-Cherry-Banana Smoothie can be blended in just a few minutes. Pour it into a travel mug and enjoy it as you commute.
Copyright 2004 USA Weekend and columnist Pam Anderson. All rights reserved.
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