Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Bread and Salad





It has been said that bread is the staff of life.

Now, it's really true that I LOVE bread.

But, in the 8 millionth effort to lose weight, I've tried very hard to watch carbs and that means "no" to most bread.

It's terribly hard and I'd be a liar if I said it's been smooth sailing without bread.

One of my very #1 favorite breakfasts is a tablespoon of almond butter with honey on top on a piece of wheat bread.  

Is that so bad?  


Honestly, giving up bread is nearly impossible.

Gratefully, I love salad but only with dressing.


Salad slathered with blue cheese dressing is my all time fave.



See?  Everything fattening is what I love.

How about you? 

 How do you lose weight, at this stage of the game?

DO YOU CONTINUE TO TRY AND LOSE WEIGHT? IF YES, DO YOU GIVE UP BREAD?

14 comments:

Linda said...

Interesting topic and one I know a thing or two about since I lost upward of 100 lbs over 2 years ago and have managed to keep all of that off and more, improving my figure and heart health to that of my much-younger self. :) How did I do it? A health issue came along around my 50th birthday and I finally faced the fact that being overweight was the issue and once I determined to take control (and to ask God for His help with the entire process), things started to happen. First, I started preparing food differently (with some help from the Skinnytaste recipes online and cookbooks). I cut out all junk food, not that I was ever that big on those things, but believe you me, I could come home and polish off a bag of chips previously. I limit my caloric intake (by eating the right foods, learning to like the right foods and portion control). At the beginning of the process, I tracked a lot in writing, keeping track of calories, but now, over 2 years into the process, I know what I can and can't eat. Yea, bread is not big on my list even though I enjoy it, I simply don't eat it much. Everyone is different, so I used calorie king online to figure out what I needed for my height, weight, age, activity level and for me that's under 1300 calories a day to lose weight. I still keep it to around that number, never waivering much over 1400 calories a day. That's for ME. You could be different. I also do an intense 4 1/2 mile power walk/run every single day of the week. I've been doing this for over 2 years really, but really built up since I started my weight loss and better health. I do this regardless of snow, ice, rain.... outdoors because that's what works for me and that's what I enjoy and stick with. I know myself and I will never ever go backwards to what I was before because honestly, I am happier, healthier and have an abundance of energy at 52 (and looking better than I have in over 25 years). My relationship with my husband is better, I have more energy for playing with my nieces and for keeping up with my daughter. It has to be an entire life style change and others have to come along with it - meaning, my entire family has improved their diets due to the fact that I am the cook at our house and they eat what I prepare.

Best wishes,
Linda

Linda said...

I was also going to mention that one has to change their habits. Meaning, I used to come home from work and plop down on the couch and snack (even though I wasn't truly hungry). So, I immediately learned to change that habit by coming home and purposefully doing something else, removing the thought of snacking. I also drink upwards of 200 oz of water a day which cleans me out and keeps me energetic. I also removed the problem foods from my life (I haven't had a chip in over 2 years and no desire to even have them anymore). I learned to tolerate fresh fruit and veggies (ok, I never minded veggies, but I honestly never liked fruit). I still don't crave it, but that's what I bring for my little breakfast at work and my midday light meal after my run. For instance, this morning I ate 1 cup of mixed berries (raspberries, which are only 1 calorie each, strawberries and blueberries). I don't truly eat lunch... I run/walk during my work lunch hour (I change clothes into workout gear to do this) and when I come back, today, I will eat cucumbers and radishes with a little hummus spread on a rare piece of bread (!) - but it's low calorie, whole grain and it's a small piece of toast. That's all I have during the day besides tons of water and then I eat a healthy light dinner. I'm not at all hungry because for me, that's enough. I find that most of us eat way too much for our activity level and that's why the weight piles on over the years. Good luck! :)

Linda O'Connell said...

My friend has given up flour and sugar for a year. I am not ready, willing or able to do that. I love blue cheese crumbles on my salad.

SImple and Serene Living said...

THe older we get the harder it is, but I lost 20 pounds last year. I gained back four over the holidays, but I am back to working on it. Low carbs seems to work best for me. good luck. xo Laura

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Like you, I like my bread (in particular scones) but try and keep it to once a day. It's not a salad without dressing and I've started making my own using EV olive oil and balsamic vinegar with added herbs etc.
I use My Fitness Pal to count calories but the weight is not easily coming off and it seems every time I lose a couple of pounds they catch up with me again.
Using our treadmill is my saving grace in the winter but in warmer temps I like to walk outside, nothing intense for me because of arthritis in my knees.
It's willpower for many mature women and although I eat healthy, I don't want to turn down a small slice of dessert if I want something sweet.

Bookie said...

I have lost a little weight, but Susan, don't do it as I did! Even being so ill I have not wasted away! Bread and potatoes are my weaknesses too. Eliminating them never made me lose weight though. Eat healthy, but relish your curves while you have them, appreciate their abundance. So day they may help save you.

Sandi said...

Have you ever made coconut flour bread? It is delicious! Also almond flour. It's not the same, but sometimes substitution goes a long way.


Red Rose Alley said...

Susan, I can eat bread and butter as a meal, it's that goooood. I had to give up bread for many years cause of health reasons, but I'm back to eating it again, but only occasionally. My dad loved blue cheese dressing, and when I saw your salad, it made me smile. Good luck in trying to lose weight. It's hard for everyone.

love, ~Sheri

Chatty Crone said...

Susan I do think eating anything in moderation is the key - my problem is in the moderation part.

TARYTERRE said...

the best way i've found is to just add footsteps. walk. and you will lose.

diane.stetson said...

I try to exercise an hour five days a week in the pool near my house with other ladies who I've come to know and enjoy. Then I try to eat healthy food. I have never tried to give up anything...moderation is the key. It's just that I don't eat in moderation. Ha. Keep trying for whatever works for you is going to result in better health.

Blondie's Journal said...

Since I watch my carbs of course I crave them! Bread, pasta, rice and other grains. When I decide I want a treat, it's not sweets, it's a nice piece of good bread with a ton of butter!!

Jane x

Susan said...

Many thanks to the new Followers for choosing to Follow this blog.

If you wish to be identified and/or have your blog mentioned, please tell me. Thanks!

To all sweet blog peeps, THANKS! Hugs. Susan

Kit said...

At my age I have decided to maintain my weight and if I lose some great, if not that is okay too. I want to be happy and that means eating bread. I do all things in moderation and so it works for me. :) Kit

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