Just in case any of you were wondering how I’ve been doing since my post about loving food, here is a post to let you know that I’m doing pretty good. I have been exercising every weekday with a friend here in Ankeny and I have been keeping my total daily calories very low. I had one bad day when I went to my doctor’s appointment and she said that I was off to a good start but that the 2000 calories I was trying to keep to was really more a recommended amount for men. Women, she says, need less. And women who want to lose weight need significantly less. I don’t know if she was lowballing me or what, but the first number she mentioned seemed so impossible that I immediately broke into tears. Not that I wanted to of course. I don’t cry so much, and I especially don’t want to cry for seemingly no reason in front of basic strangers. Plus, I had my kids with me cause , you know, they’re always with me. Ok, that’s not true. Josh came home for lunch to watch them when I had to go to the dentist. Anyway, I digress. So, yeah, I had that one really bad day. But by bedtime that night I had regained my resolve to lose the weight and although I don’t expect to ever maintain the low daily calorie amount mentioned by my doctor, I have reduced my intake even further. I did have one McDonald’s cheeseburger. I know it sounds like an excuse, but it was a neccessity. Even so, one little cheeseburger in three–almost four weeks, that is impressive! (Ok, so some of you especially from older generations may be thinking “four weeks, big deal.” Maybe you haven’t had a cheeseburger or eaten fast food in months. Ok. That is valid. But, as recently as last month I was eating fast food upwards of 5-6 times/week. And none of this “one little cheeseburger” crap, no sir! I had value meals. And usually I would “Super-size,” “Biggie-size,” “King-size,” whathaveyou. Sometimes, I would even go to more than one place for different menu items. And sometimes, I would get a meal PLUS another sandwich. So, for me, one little burger in 4 weeks is HUGE!) So, like I said, I’m doing well. My scale is starting to tip. 
Hmm, cheeseburger… I mean, good job! Keep it up!
YAY!!! You are my inspiration!
That is great Becca! I’m sure the kids are eating healthier too. My opinion is that your kids’s generation need to be shown how to make and buy all the food groups at a grocery store verse going out to eat. Healthier,less costly and getting the kids involved could be fun too.
Keep up the good work!
Kathy O
Becca,
Your resolve is impressive, and I’m glad you are seeing results. I do not poopoo your efforts at all.
Nice point from Kathy about modeling good food for your kids! Believe it or not, I think you learned some good food ideas (if not habits) in our home (from your Mom if not your Dad, of course).
I am proud of you!
Dad
Kudos to you Becca. As someone who just started running a few times a week so my legs get some exercise, I want to say good job. I find myself not wanting to go out and run, but then I picture my life if I never ran again and I’m able to do it. So great job on the diet. Have you tried sushi? It’s really good and it’s mostly rice so I figure that’s pretty healthy (for a mostly starch meal I guess.)
I am ever impressed by your resolve.
Foods can be very addictive–I’m impressed!! –and very glad to hear you have an exercise partner! Having an exercise partner makes it more fun (dare I say relaxing) and easier to stay regular.
You can learn new food habits–but it takes time and lots of determination. I’m proud of you. Maybe you’ll learn the “Joy of Healthy Cooking.” I have some super LENTIL recipes!!
And I won’t ask you to try sushi–I know better.
When you were 1.5 years old, you and I used to make cheese pizza several times a week. It was pretty cheap eating because flour was cheap and we’d skimp on the cheese! I’d let you play with the dough (instead of having play-dough) for a half hour to hour before making the crust. You loved it! We did this many mornings when we lived in Des Moines and Dad could join us for pizza lunch. Fond memories.
Sounds like you’re doing a great job! I’m impressed. Less than 2000 calories is hard for me to do, too (I’m pretty sure, anyway… I don’t count, I just guess). So I think it’s a good goal to have. Keith found a site that calculated how many calories you can eat to maintain your body weight and anything less will make you lose weight. Sorry, neither of us can remember what the site was, but I’m sure you could find something if you google a few related terms. Keep up the great work!!! By the way–I thought you looked great when I saw you last weekend.
It was good to see you. I enjoyed my time in Iowa with family I haven’t seen in quite a while. Take care!
Heidi
Way to go, you can do it if you make your mind up.
You are an example to all us overweight individuals.
keep us informed.
Jerry