Thursday, August 30, 2012

Inspire Me: Healthy, Calories Don't Come Free

A Mommas Desires And Pacifiers

Today's inspiration came from a little chat I had with Stephanie.
She happens to be very fit, and we have a lot in common with our eating habits. We end up swapping secrets, sharing encouragement quite often, and I know that she inspires me!

Photobucket

Originally, I was commenting on Stephanie's post and the fact that we all get offered snacks at the office, free samples at the grocery store, and soon it will be goodies for the holidays. It is nearly impossible to say no in these situations, but I mentioned that I have to remind myself "I love free food, but the calories don't come free!"

Then, as I continued to contemplate this statement, I thought about how it applies to the "fat free", "low fat", "reduced fat", "sugar free" claims of the food industry. If you actually read the nutrition facts, you will see that all of these claims are just hiding what is really in the ingredients list, and giving you a false sense of "healthy".

For example, having a diet coke at lunch is:
 a) Just as bad
b) Doesn't negate the burger and fries you are about to down.

So... 
I have a simple challenge, if you are brave enough.

For ONE week:
No sodas, not even diet.
Drink water wherever and whenever you can.
No fast food.
Eat the right portions.
(Your stomach will shrink and you will feel fuller longer)
Stay UNDER 40 grams of sugar/day.
Stay UNDER 2,000 mg of Sodium
Read the labels, and follow these guidelines:

JUST by cutting down you sugar, sodium, and portion sizes, I can GUARANTEE that you will notice a visible difference AND feel less bloated. Doesn't that sound enticing?
Everyone tells me that they want to make the changes...so make these for one little week.
Do all of things or even just one of these things. Just do something, instead of complaining!

Source: google.com via Sofia on Pinterest


Put down the cheetos. Just sayin'.

Honestly, I know it's hard. I'm not perfect in my eating, but I strive to be. I don't label things as "bad" or "good". I just surround myself with yummy, healthy snacks and options and remind myself, that "Calories don't come free".


at

38 comments:

  1. Michelle (michabella)August 30, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Love this. It's amazing what no soda or ridiculous foods with sugar can do to your body!

    But do know it's okay to have A cheat meal every now and then :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. SimplyheatherAugust 30, 2012 at 2:46 AM

    The nutrition facts pin is very helpful! Great post, Janna! I keep trying to challange myself with cutting things out of my diet for a week! I cut out soda out of my life again three days ago. I don't know why I ever start drinking it again when I stop. It's so gross once you haven't had it for weeks and you take sips of it, it almost tastes like syruppy at first! Or I'm just strange. Either way - TEAM WATER <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. NikkiAugust 30, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    This is GREAT! People simply do not understand how many empty calories they are consuming on a daily basis from a bite here and a bite there along with the soda and other crap. Thanks for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousAugust 30, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    I fine with not drinking soda, but my biggest vice is candy. I love it. I agree about the stomach shrinking. I think mine as stretched a little again because it's taking me longer to feel full and stop eating. I'm struggling to get back where I was. :/ I love these posts though! Keep em coming!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mosby HardinAugust 30, 2012 at 7:25 AM

    You are so right! Throughout the day we always think that one little snack here and there isn't that bad. But when it turns into 3 or 4 little not healthy snacks a day it really adds up! I have been working hard on losing weight and your tips are always so great!

    ReplyDelete
  6. P!nkyAugust 30, 2012 at 7:35 AM

    That is a great great great idea.

    I think I get my sodium content quota when I wake up... ;)!

    Just kidding, but salt is everywhere!

    Love love love your health tips!

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. EmilyAugust 30, 2012 at 7:53 AM

    Love this!! The first time I had soda - I think I was about 4 - I spit it right back out. I rarely drink soda, but I always remind myself of that when I think about maybe getting one. If a kid spits it back out, you can bet it isn't too good for you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. NobodyAugust 30, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    OH how I love that nutritional cheat sheet! I am stealing it! kthx! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousAugust 30, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    Perfect timing on this post! I just saw a picture of myself tagged on Facebook...and was disgusted. Good thing when I went grocery shopping last night I stocked up on healthier choices and LOTS of fruits and veggies!

    I've got to get myself in gear... thanks for the motivation!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Alana ChristineAugust 30, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    I went without pop for two years for medical reasons then just decided to start drinking it one day. I think that's when I started gaining weight. I have converted to diet and try to limit it to one a day TOPS. It's a lot easier to drink water at work than when I'm working from home

    ReplyDelete
  11. ErinAugust 30, 2012 at 9:00 AM

    I never drink soda. Ever. But sugar and sodium are my best friends. Hence why I feel like the monthly friend is here to stay every day of the month. BLOAT. Definitely need to start watching those numbers and not just calorie numbers. Thanks lady!

    ReplyDelete
  12. My-cliffnotesAugust 30, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    I don't drink soda at all so for this challenge can I give something else up! Like peas ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. JessAugust 30, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Great post girl...I am in agreement with all of what you said :)

    I wish people would get educated and not fall for the "healthy" foods that the food industry tries to sell us!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. MalloryAugust 30, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    I do love me a good diet coke, but don't let it fool me into thinking I can eat crappy!
    I'll definitely have to try this though:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. SarahAugust 30, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    I'm so bad at trying to stick at eating healthy all the time. I always so that I'm so thankful for my genes because by the way I eat, I should be fat. Like really fat. haha but I rarely drink sodas unless it's like a special occasion but my weakness comes with eating out. Not so much fast food but just eating out in general. I'm working on it though. The fact that I can save so much money from making my lunch is definitely a motivator :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. SamAugust 30, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Yes! Thank you. No sodas + no fast food + no junk = a healthier you with more money in your pocket.

    ReplyDelete
  17. NicoleAugust 30, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    Great advice! I dont usually eat fast food because I don't have many options in my little town :) But, I DO need to drink more water!

    ReplyDelete
  18. AmandaAugust 30, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    Awesome advice. I don't pay super close attention to the sugar/sodium on the labels but I know I need to. I will keep track of it for the next week and see how I do!

    ReplyDelete
  19. BrittanyAugust 30, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    It is so true that you can tell the difference in your body after eating right. I am so excited to be bringing my lunch to school this year and not be eating the food at school.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lynn | Motherhood in MotionAugust 30, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    Awesome advice. I try to limit my diet soda to 2 a week. But I can cut them out!

    ReplyDelete
  21. NicoleAugust 30, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    Good advice. I gave up pop on January 2nd. I've had 2 days where I slipped up since then. This is good for me because I used to drink it like it was going out of style :). I'm slowly trying :)... sometimes it's difficult! Sugar is next!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dear Boys Love MomAugust 30, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    great post girl! I was telling kenny that I have to stop complaining and be proactive about changing my body. we workout has been put on hold ;-) and I cant eat much these days, but when things go back to normal, I will not go back to soda that is for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  23. KaitAugust 30, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    Okay fiiinee, you've finally convinced me to put down the Diet Coke. So until next Thursday, you own me and my DC addiction. I will report back..keep rockin' it out. You are the best inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kelly { MessyDirtyHair }August 30, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    well this challange should be easy for me! i already dont drink sode & havent for over 5 years now...fast food is a once in awhile thing. i totally agree, the calories aren't free...im SO guilty of eating all the free food at costco....hahah! loveyou gf!

    ReplyDelete
  25. DesireeAugust 30, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    i'm totally going to take this on!
    *flexes muscles*

    ReplyDelete
  26. CeCeAugust 30, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    I'm a sucker for free food myself. Had a cookie hand out just yesterday! I don't drink soda much anymore-i stick to water and I've been watching the sodium and the sugar already. I'm on my way!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. SarahAugust 30, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    I completely agree with this post! It's the little things that make the world of a difference. I think the reason a lot of people are overweight is they think they need to DRASTICALLY change their eating habits, which can be very hard. Just like you stated, the fact of the matter is a little goes a long way and it's all about making healthy choices! Thanks for this :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. JeanAugust 30, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    I haven't purchased salt in the longest time ever... I haven't cooked w/ salt for awhile now. I think adding seasoning is enough. When I go out to eat... everything is too salty and I don't want to eat.

    I haven't done fast food in quite some time.... Though this past weekend, I did have a Wendy's Crispy Chicken. That was it.. w/ water. I'm fine w/o pop, but I am addicted to energy drinks! :( I drink lots of water on a daily basis.. why I use the bathroom so much.

    And you're right... Diet pop is just as bad as regular... We always order water when we go out to eat. I feel adding pop is too much. I can live w/o pop. I think my problem is just exercising... The eating/drinking part is fairly easy....

    ReplyDelete
  29. RachAugust 30, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    It's funny that you should post this now because I actually eat this way most of the time. I can't have caffeine/sugar/msg because of a heart condition so I am super careful about all of that anyway. HOWEVER, portion control is so not my strong suit, haha! When it comes to pasta... well, let's just say I love my carbs, haha! Anyway, I would totally take your challenge, but this weekend we are headed to Chi-town and I have been SO excited for pasta and pizza and there is no way I am even thinking about portion control this weekend, haha! BUT! When I get back, I really will watch my portions and be better. Glad you are hosting the challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  30. ♥ ♥ Just a Girl in Love w/ a Soldier ♥ ♥August 30, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    I love this and I'm going to join in for the week :) I already gave up soda so I'm good there. My weakness is sweet tea its oh so good. lol. But I know I can do it if I put my all into it!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring me chicka!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. TraciAugust 31, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    We don't allow that fat free, diet, low fat stuff in the house anymore. I've been eating as you suggested for going on 3 months now and it has really changed my life. Combined with exercise I have seen a significant decrease in my bad acid reflux episodes. That's enough for me to realize how much better eating right is for you!

    ReplyDelete
  32. his little ladyAugust 31, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    ha, love that quote, "calories don't come free". definitely have to be better at eating healthy. that's a day by day process.
    xo TJ

    ReplyDelete
  33. BlakeAugust 31, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Great inspiration. I always have to remind myself I have to work out for the body I want! I'm trying to keep inspired and goal oriented :)

    I'll try your challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  34. MimiSeptember 1, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    i am really trying to drink more water. i want to start eating healthy. :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Mile End Bakery Giveaway: Win a dozen cookies of your choice!
    Open internationally: Win a set of temporary tattoos!

    ReplyDelete
  35. KatieSeptember 2, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    I can go without soda. I need to challenge myself to not eat sweets!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Amy SSeptember 4, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! great advice and love the graphic!

    ReplyDelete
  37. AmandaSeptember 4, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    This is a tough challenge! Maybe I'll try next week :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. UnknownJune 19, 2019 at 6:11 AM

    low carb food list printable keto meal kits guaranteed weight loss pills for men But as long as there's science to recommend that a pill might assist you lose fat, that there's, and other peoplepromising that their pills can build all the pain escape, then there’s reaching to be a marketplace for them.Before you get Another Fat Don’t get Maine wrong, I do believe the idea of fat burners. we've Phoenix here that I completely love (not gonna lie, sensible chunk is within the name itself) however we want to be realistic.build whereas additionallybeing safe enough that we have a tendency to might sleep in the dead of night knowing that it works and isn’t symptom anyone. It’s removed from a cure though; all fat loss supplements area unit.Anyways, enough pessimism. You didn’t return here for pragmatism and dietary recommendation, you came to envision what we have a tendency to feel area unit the 3
    http://www.cureidea.com/

    ReplyDelete

I love every bit of insight, encouragement, and to hear your stories as well!