I failed and still won (I Think)

A long time ago I had decided I WILL NEVER DIET again. I have nightmares from my college days and been through that "body hating or shaming phase". I am definitely NOT proud of that. My grown up and more mature mantra for over the last decade has been: NO Diet. NO focus on weight loss but the focus should be on eating healthier, getting fit and overall upping the energy levels. It's made me happier!

As a mother of two young, highly impressionable kids this seems to be working well.  My husband and I "try not to" talk about weight but feeling healthy. We "try not to" talk about being fat/short/stubby etc. But more around feeling confident about yourself and taking care of yourself.

And mind you- WE ARE NOT THE FITTEST/ HEALTHIEST or even close in the vicinity of "Fit Person". But still, I very strongly believe in Being confident of your body the way it is, being aware of your food choices and above all enjoying food since it's a very important part of your gatherings, your family time. For me, it is the way to a happier self.

Having said all that, I have gone way off the path of getting fit or even being fit! All good, but just crazy busy with work, family visiting, kids and wonderful "work life balance" which was thrown out the window. Yes I know, the lamest excuse of them all: Life is busy and being fit was prioritized lower, way lower. But oh well, that's what happened.

Recently, over one of our fun filled dinner's, a girlfriend mentioned her diet plan which has worked for her the effects showed beautifully on her: In Short, No Carb, no Sugar, and just vegetables and fruits with protein's. I was so far away from 'my fit self' I said, I will try this diet breaking my decade old promise to myself.

After recovering from the flu, I went right in and Failed Miserably on Day 3!

It was too hard for me to be on that diet, my carb craving kicked in and my crankiness was insane. I kept thinking of food! And above all I just felt guilty on not practicing what I preach "Focus on healthy eating and not Weight Loss"

So after failing miserably at this, here is where I am: I am glad over that fun dinner, my friend told me about this no Sugar, No Carb  diet. Since two things happened.

One, I realized how far I had digressed from healthy eating and fitness overall.

Two, I am chatting with my friends , exchanging fun recipes and above all BITCHING ABOUT IT. Since Getting Fit' is hard!

My previous journey of "Getting Fit" had been the most successful ever, I was eating everything (Thanks to MyFitnessPal in keeping me honest), I was working out (Thanks to wonderful workout buddy) and most importantly I was giving the kids a run for their money in the family soccer days (Thanks to the kids vs adult games and our competitive selves)

Here is where I am:  My friends and hubby are continuing the original diet plan "no sugar, no carb, no white food etc etc". They continue to support me in my 'modified' version and I continue to support the three of them for their journey!

Isnt that what Getting Fit is all about: Getting the support, encouragement and making a move in the right direction.

Travel & Stay Fit: Yes you can!

There are two things that I am passionate about, travelling and food!

If you have been following my blog, know me or even just met me, i could go on and out about these two things. In addition, over the last year, I have been following through with 'My Fitness Pal' Trust me, this is the longest I have stuck to the Getting Fit business and actually seen some positive results

Like my husband says, before we finish a trip, Garima is already thinking of the next one! Sadly work comes in way of 'my travelling adventures'. I am happy to say, the kids have travelling bug and definitely are showing signs of budding foodies.

One of the things that happens with this is: 'Getting Fit' always goes out the window when on a trip.

I want to eat all the local delicacies and my 'calorie meter' tells me I am way over my recommended amount. Of course after a trip, when I stand on the 'Scale of disaster' the truth is revealed. Yes, ignore the jeans fitting tightly, the t shirts being a little snug etc... I ignore it on a trip, until I get home and stand on my 'Scale of Disaster'

Story of my life!

But with this 'Getting Fit' business, I am trying to figure out and learn ways of Staying Fit, Enjoying local cuisines and continue Travelling and exploring.

Here is my simple and doable three point guide , I am hoping to add more 'points' as I travel more and eat more

1. Portion Control:
Eat everything you want, but do manage to have a little portion control. These 'buffets' are very appetizing, I get it, trust me.
May be take more variety and less portions. This way you can thoroughly enjoy the buffet and still not be 'way over the recommended calories'. Start with a salad, always!

2. Water &  Snacks:
Hydrate, any trip you take, be it beautiful Quebec, The friendly Vegas or the serene mountains of Leh, hydrate up. This way, you are snacking lesser during the excursions.
And if you are snack-er like me, carry healthy nuts, cereal bars, apple, banana or a simple sandwich loaded with vegetables.

3. Don't fall in the trap of 'Cheat Day':
Trust me, its hard. Read point 1, manage the portions so you can eat everything you really want. And at the same time skip the extra slice of chocolate cake since its your 'Cheat Day'. Its a slippery slope. I know since 'My Fitness Pal' graph is all over the place since I use this 'Its my Cheat Day' excuse a bit often.

Got You, didn't I: You were expecting me to blabber about use the gym, use the hotel facilities... haha!
In that case, you don't know me. On my vacations, I am lazier than my normal self.
You never know, sometimes just relaxing does wonders to your system! The stress eating goes away and you are eating when you are hungry and not when you are worried

 Enjoy these shows if you are in Vegas, take these beautiful excursions if you are in Vegas, the Sin City, book a hotel and enjoy the spa, the gym can wait, but truly relax!

Check out this amazing Website for Vegas, and I cant wait to book my next trip and explore all their amazing deals, and the only exercise I plan to do, is really thoroughly enjoy the city and follow  simple and doable three point guide: P-S-E (Portion- Snacking-Enjoy)!


But I do believe in really trying to stay fit and not gain the 'travel pounds'. If I come back at the same weight that i left before the trip, I am happy.

Getting Fit: Week 6..... Yay!

There should have been a clause in my first post about this Getting Fit business, I am allowed to slack a bit, since you see, I am a mom. I was really hoping to pull the "puppy face OMG, mother of a toddler can get tiring" and then you'd sympathize, pat me along and let me slack off just a tad bit.
But I know you won’t, since damn my big mouth: I wanted to do this so V's mom (Me) is much fitter to chase her in park!
Urgh... Anyways, back to business. So this week, I was in bliss. Again, my daily walks continued. My yoga and stretches got more strenuous and guess what: Finally I am getting some muscle ache! The good kind, you know the kind when you know, you have finally worked the muscle and not just the flab covering it! It felt painful but good. The pain gave me additional motivation.
Now that I am in my last fortnight of pain, I mean getting fit~ I plan to stretch a bit thin! I plan to challenge myself a bit more. Oh by the way, did you know: doing 30 seconds of walk followed by 30 seconds of jogging is more strenuous than 60 seconds of just jogging. OMG! Apparently, everyone knows it. I learned it from my friend: Natasha's facebook status. She is training for the half marathon. Which by the way is amazing, since in her marriage vows, she had said: ”Her husband should forget about coaxing her to run any kind of marathon with him”. But guess what, she is training, with her husband for her wonderful cause. For this cause, you are allowed to retract from the marriage vow! Do drop in on Natasha’s page and donate what you can for her cause and cheer her along.
Ok, back to my progress now:
Yes, however cheeky it might sound- I do feel lighter. Guess what, I stop eating when I am full!! (I know that should be understood, but when the food is super yum and you didn’t cook it, it’s hard!) Hehe, jokes apart.
Food wise, I stuck to breakfast, spaced out meals (minus snacking) and decent hour dinner. Weight wise, the downward trend on my Wii Fit is still excruciatingly slow. But at least the direction is correct!
One very important thing I am learning is, you dont need to go the gym to do a daily healthy routine. It can be in your living room with a yoga mat or out in the park. Earlier, I would always keep shying away saying, no time for gym, or I have to be home with V, or I dont have time! But it's not that hard to make time!
So now, get back to cheering me along so I can complete my final two weeks and be ready to wolf down on my upcoming long weekend trip~

Piper... how you doing sweetie? I think I have consumed more fruits in these six weeks that in the past six years combined. Ok, I am over exaggerating! But you get the idea!

Getting Fit.................round 2354346593764

See there is a pattern here, I start this 'Getting Fit' business' follow through for a bit and then let it slide. And then another phase comes and then I start something new. I wonder if it’s a follow through problem or just that I get bored problem.

Whatever the problem may be, the weight is definitely not sliding off on its own. The tiny silver line, its not increasing, but I am over my target weight at the rate of 10 pounds each kid.

See what I did there; blame the kids of extra baggage and not myself!

Getting back to the point, I have tried only salads for dinner 4X a week, Fit Bit, Meal planning, 3X a week work outs, walking, climbing stairs, slight modifications to lifestyle etc. And case in point, I just lose track of it, be it a vacation, a busy phase or just life in general.

So in spirit of yet another attempt at "Getting Fit' is using 'My Fitness Pal'. Trust me anyone with a smart phone has this app and people who have tried it swear by it. A dear friend on a lazy Friday afternoon chat session swore by it and said she is only 5 pounds over her pre baby weight. That was motivation enough and of course her nudging me on and saying: Don't do anything just log your food. That's it. Simple enough.

She knows how much I hate dieting since for me it’s not sustainable. I get super cranky! Her punch line was, just do what you do and start noting it down, since the calories of everything you consume are right in front of you, it makes you question the choices.  And so I did, 4 days of using it has made me realize I am eating an average of 600 calories over my target for the day. Hmm.

Its only day 4 and as of yet I have not made any changes to my diet. Small things like: taking the pita on falafel sandwich adds 200 calories, so I skipped the pita. I skipped sugar on my daily coffee mainly so the differential of my target calorie intake and my actual consumption is not that much. One step at a time.

This comes to the next point, is 'One step at a time' the right thing to do? I am young and at a place that I should be definitely more active and fitter than what I am. Do I need the 'Big Bang' approach since the pattern of 'One step at a time' is not really working for me? I wonder.

While I wonder, I start using 'My fitness Pal'

Falling off the 'Getting Fit' wagon

I am still kind of doing the 'My Fitness Pal', I am conscious about it, but am not being very strict about it. And it shows, The pounds that were melting away like ice cream in a scorching sun has become more like the stagnant water puddle!

The silver line, the pounds that fell off are almost still off! I have gained 2-3 pounds back. But knowing me, if I don't get serious about it, they will all climb back in slowly but steadily. And there goes my 6 months of effort. 

I am getting back to, 'Oh its just one spoon of Bhujia, oh it’s just one cookie' However, I know firsthand how harmful it truly is. I want to be able to get back to me: 'It’s one cookie, that I will quarter up and consume throughout the day instead of all at once!' This way, I still eat it, manage the cravings, but don't cave in.

That's what this 'Getting Fit' business is all about: Eat healthy, manage portions, enjoy life but make healthier choices!

So this post, is more like a reminder/ kick in the hind side, whatever you want to call it, but I do need to get back 'serious' about it.

Changes now are going to be a little more drastic, especially since I have done this before.

So yes, my husband is fore warned that I may be crankier....

Change 1: Be within the calorie recommendation for at least 4 days in a week

Change 2: Walk, Walk, Walk: So far I have been managing the intake and nothing else. So now with the weather warming

up, I could do the simplest thing: Walking

Change 3: Snacking, there is no point denying it, i love snacking. At home, I will hover near the snack cabinet and pop a few things here and there. So, I have gotten things like Skinny Pop, Multigrain crackers and my favorite Rice Puffs!

Here in my latest love: ' Masala Skinny Pop' Here is the simple recipe

1. Heat olive oil, add Jeera/ Rai, 1 tsp Haldi

2. Add skinny pop popcorn, add Mirchi + Salt to taste!!

And ta-da a healthier and more delicious version of the plain old pop-corn!

I am truly enjoying how my dresses fall and my 'older shirts' fit me finally. I know I am away from my dream weight and it will stay in my dreams if I don’t do anything about it.

So one more kick in the back side to 'get serious about the 'Getting Fit' wagon. Again!

Buddy System

Ever since we were kids, the concept of 'buddy system' existed. Going to the loo in a restaurant, take a buddy. Getting punished in class for being naughty, a buddy gets out with you. In college, the partying night, have a buddy. And then in life as you progress, the buddy system continues.

And it’s a good system to have. There is someone who is accompanying you, has your back and above all: is there.

Why should the "Getting Fit" journey be any different?

For me, Getting Fit is not about losing weight (though it would be an added plus and it is a good indicator), it’s about being active, doing things without being out of breath and above all, being able to enjoy the food without feeling like a glutton. Considering that I am self proclaimed vegetarian foodie and over 50% of my posts are recipes, the last part is really important for me, enjoying the food

Among-st all-the-things-I-have-tried, MyFitness Pal has worked out for me.

Have I lost oodles and oodles of weight, hell no. But do I feel better, stronger and above all more in control of my body. Hell Yes. But I know I have a long way to go still!

For me, its about small steps, so in order to progress and continue this journey, I am doing a buddy system for different elements of the 'Getting Fit' business...

So now I have a buddy, a friend who I nudge and she nudges to continue tracking, just logging what we eat. Every single day. Simple.

So now I have a buddy, my hubby who is competing with me to get to a particular number by year end.

So now I have a buddy, a friend who is my 'workout partner' and we encourage each other to go for another 10 minutes through the class.

So buddy up,  keep logging, keep moving and keep enjoying the process. 

Above All continue to Get Fit. 

And another update on the Getting Fit business

 Notice how I call it 'Business' since sadly it does take more of my time 'thinking' about it than I would like.

Two weeks ago, I had made a promise to keep up by 10 K a week and sadly health was not the best (See I already am giving excuses) But in all due honesty, minus the days when I preferred to not move if I didnt have to, I did do my 10K. Every Single day.

This week however, is better. Better because Sumit being hugely disappointed in me, re-set my goal to 8K steps a day. And I am meeting it EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I know I should be happy, but sadly I take it with a pinch of salt, since I am not 'pushing myself'. Oh well, small steps as they say, or in this case I should say- Lots of Steps!

What am I doing differently besides walking a little more than I used to?

1. Having a whole some breakfast, I know its counter intuitive to talk about getting fit and then say, oh I have a bigger breakfast. But trust me, its helping. I dont know how, but it is, since I am not cranky come lunch time. And above all, since I am waking at an un godly hour of 5:45 nowadays, the bigger breakfast keeps me sane.

2. Finishing off last meal by 7:30 pm. It helps that this week is Paryusan and I should not eat after sun set anyways. But its helping. How- This I can answer. Late dinners = Evil Sin! and Point 1: Heavier breakfasts comes in handy, since well how to say it--I am famished!

3. More water. This is easy for me, since I love water and trust me I can down a lot. But I am now making a conscious effort of skipping my afternoon coffee and substituting that with more water. I have skipped coffee 2 out of 4 days. Hehe! So thats 50% reduction ya'll!

And besides that nothing.

Sumit however is doing a lot more and I am proud of him. He takes most of his meeting walking. He will try to walk minimum 12K. He is trying to substitute all snacks with fruits or smoothies or more fruits. And above all, he is resuming tennis or will walk for his weekly volley ball game or will go and play more basket ball in the evenings.

See, now I feel super bad, since compared to all of the above, I am doing hmm nothing. So I guess him reducing my goal to 8K should be slap on the wrist.

Ouch Ouch Ouch

So the saga of the 'Getting Fit' business continues.

A friend asked me recently, whats so great about 'Fit Bit' and I honestly responded: It shows you what a sedentary lifestyle you lead.

Another Day, Another Try at this "Getting Fit" Thing!

I have documented this business of 'Getting Fit' before and was not very successful. I am all about healthy recipes and the fun stuff. But still, the weighty matters have become integral to me. Mind you, I am not happy about it. But it is what it is.

Luckily or painstakingly, I have come to a point where I don’t have (major) body issues. I am what I am and am comfortable in my skin (most of the times and for the rest, there is Spanx!). With kids, work, life in general, I really don’t get time for working out. Yes, that can be a priority and taking an hour out from my day with such a supporting husband should not be hard.

I get that, but it just falls down the priority list. I can’t even come up with an excuse as to why?

Recently, we had family visiting and my cousin introduced us to this thing called 'FitBit'. Concept is simple, it’s a fancy name for a cooler and more hi tech pedometer. It counts the number of steps you take in a day. Simple.

(Image from google)

But the fun part is, you can set targets for yourself, synch in with the endless possible gadgets to see how far you are from your daily target, challenge with family and friends who have this as well. If you really are into it, you can even include calorie intake in its app and track it from there. The sleep tracking tells you, did you have a restful sleep or now. Somehow this with kids makes me pity myself a bit ;-)

Well, I caved and we bought one for me. I am on day 3. Today

Day 2, I was 1000 steps away from my target of '8000' steps a day.

Day 2: I was 2000 steps OVER from my target of '8000' steps a day.

Hmm> Today, I am hoping to catch up and ensure I meet my target.

Since its new, the novelty factor makes it so much fun. I cant wait to synch it up and see, how I am doing. The cool thing is, you are walking anyways for life in general. This just keeps a tab on it and keeps you accountable. As Sumit says 'It makes you push yourself just a little bit more in your daily routine' And then I am hoping slowly it will encourage me to walk a bit more, to increase my targets slowly and continue this.

I will be realistic; I know I am enthusiastic due to the novelty of the device. But oh well, me being me, lets enjoy the moment and worry about it later!

The only thing I didn’t like about FitBit since I wore it, It's ugly. A black plasticky band on you. The other colors were all sold out. Even this one, took me a good time to get my hand on. Plus with its material, it really looks unfashionable, stocky and eww. But I know it’s for a purpose, so I will suck it up and continue wearing it. But I really DONT like how it looks. It's app for the iPad also has a lot to desire for.

We have ordered a band for Sumit. It should arrive in a couple of weeks and then we will have company in this wonderful misery of the 'Getting Fit Saga'

Getting Fit: Week 7: Almost there man... almost!

I know I know, it’s the last but one week, and I had decided to stretch a bit... But alas, my week turned out to be the exact opposite.
One, I will give an 'excuse' of health> I swear, it’s not fun doing a work-out fun while you are coughing. Second 'excuse' will be of a bit of OMG!
Let me explain the OMG: So towards the end of week 6, I felt that my efforts were paying off: It made me feel good. But it also makes me think, now that I have lost a bit, maybe I can eat 'unhealthy' just a teeny tiny bit.
Here is where all hell breaks loose. Sadly, all unhealthy food options are way yummier and you cannot stop at just a bit. So the next you know: You completed a bowl full of whatever you chose.. and hence the OMG!
So how was my week? Well it was not that good.
I had a lot of work and personal scheduled lunches resulting in me eating outside than home packed. And since I don’t pick healthy lunch choices when I order food, the whole "eat balanced Healthy meals" goes out the roof.
So here is what I am planning to do about it: Order the comfort food, but try managing the portions. Stop when you are full and more importantly, take the remaining to go. You don’t have to finish the ginaourmous portion in one go! Comprendes?
The reason I am taking the above approach instead of ordering healthier food to begin with, is the following: I know I can sustain the former. My whole approach in the "Getting Fit" has been to make subtle changes in lifestyle and make it sustainable. Nothing drastic, but just simpler things that I can incorporate in day to day life.
I love eating out, since it gives me a break from my own cooking. I want to enjoy the process and not resent it. That is my honest explanation.. however lame it might sound.
The saving grace was that with the heavier lunches, I did have lighter dinners. I did something right...
Yes, I did continue my walks religiously, did my routine of stretches.. and had my first: With V enjoying the sun in the park, I managed some yoga on the green grass and you know what: It felt awesome! :-)

In the whole getting fit business, I am surprised; at how much I am learning about myself and eating habits and how they impact my moods.

Now as I gear up for my last week before the long weekend: Here is an irrelevant update: A bunch of our friends are heading off to Galena in the long weekend. Very excited, especially, since this is the first time, I will be using my blogger connections: At a recent Blogger conference, I won a getaway weekend in a brand new Chevy 2010 car. So, I am planning to use the 8-seater car for the trip and write about our trip! You can catch all the details on my Mommy-In-Making blog!

Back to business: Week 8 bring it on.... .....and yes that noise is my happy dancing which luckily you can’t see or hear! ;-)

Good Job

It's rare to tell yourself that. Especially when you know you have not reached your goal but still pat your back and say, you are on the right track- Great Job.

I realized it, this past weekend when a friend commended Sumit on being fitter than before. I am proud of him. He has been good with his Getting Fit business on the Fit Bit. But he was not happy since its far far away from his goal of 15K steps every single day.

Learning from this, I am taking a step back and appreciating my self- Good Job.

I met my walking targets most days past week on the Fit Bit.

I recently joined a Yoga Studio and went to class 4 times in a week.

I made a few better choices. For example, ordering salad instead of pizza. I actually walked past from my yummy bagel place and ordered oatmeal for breakfast instead. But yes, I did enjoy a fair share of cake and cup cakes.

I have woken up at an ungodly hour of 5:30 am to make it to my class before kick starting the day. Whist V was in her class, me as a chaperone decided to talk the hour in the passage looking like a fanatic. But oh well. I did meet my target of steps!

For me, I don’t have a specific goal with this Getting Fit stint. I just want to be more active than I really am. I don’t think the jeans are any looser or the tummy is any bit in. Or better yet, I have not lost a single pound. But you know what, I am proud of myself. For just getting off my hinds and moving.

So good Job- Garima`

Confessions....

So... I am generally very relaxed, satisfied and over all very happy. But there is this one thing about me, recently, which I am getting increasingly annoyed with! Don't guess- I will say it: out in the open World Wide Web, with the limited readers reading this: I have been.. umm.. uhh.. well gaining unnecessary pounds lately! Completely my fault- Call it being, lazy, being ignorant, slightly hormonal (OMG-I said that) and above all- careless!
Yes, I am a foodie and I can just never ‘stomach’ a diet plan. I have tried, but never succeeded. I enjoy cooking, eating new things and really love the satisfied smile of near and dear ones, as the meal is gobbled up! I have made a conclusion for myself: I should work towards getting fit and not change myself for it. SD once mentioned during "dieting" tries- Food modifications make you cranky! I shrugged... but I know he was right!
So, I can do one of two things... One: Really crossing my fingers and hoping the pounds shed by themselves, body gets healthier and I get fitter(Well not worked so far, I tell you!) or Two..do something about it.. like.. hmm...may be set a goal, work towards it and above all, try to enjoy the process!
This blog is like my own little journal, I am introducing a new tag/ category today: "Getting Fit" this is the first post of hopefully many to come in this! As I like to say it: It's a Start!

So here is my Three Step Plan
1. Make a log: Of all I eat during the day, my meals, my snacks, my OMG-I-Ate-A-Chocolate, my eating habits pretty much!
2. Work Out: Hit the gym, climb the stairs, do the stretches and oh yes loose the hmmm.. flab! And yes, mopping the floor post dinner after V does count! So I am going to not be hard on myself about missing a day!
3. Chart the weight: And not make it public. In my case, I am hoping to use Wii Fit to help me chart it weekly!

My "A-Ha! I need to do this" besides my family being super concerned about my well being and the whole past month of jeans getting slightly, how do I put it lightly- tighter around the middle portion- was last Saturday: I went to the gym, saw my stamina in 45 minutes, was ashamed, super guilty and said: Enough is Enough!

Of course, I am following my own principle: One step at a time principle! My end point: 8 weeks starting from April 4th! Ending: Look at the calendar: May 28th! (Just before the Long Weekend! Yee Yaah)
I know, 8 weeks is a short time, But I believe in setting small achievable goals and then increase them slowly. I am hoping to start the momentum in these eight weeks for a long path of healthier choices ahead.
Honestly, I know life will happen, there will be school events, parties, gatherings, social life, parenting life, couple life, working life, House life, and all other things which seem to always be on my calendar! Well, for me, I am adding one more thing" Being healthier!"
So anyways, in case you interested in helping me out, helping yourself out or just want to join me this much needed ‘"loosing the paunch and making it fun!" (Yes, even I am shaking in disbelief right now!)’, Let me know.
We can figure out a way to be creative, to achieve our goals, to be supportive, may be even competitive about it... but above all, just be in the journey together and hopefully set a fitter example for the little ones! (Well at least that’s my reason!)
Else… help me be honest on this blog! :-D

Getting Fit: Week 1 report

Why is getting fit so hard... well since the results show very slowly.
Now, Week 1 into it, I did hit the gym 3 times, but minus a Sunday, I did some sort of stretches, yoga or excercises all other days. Cool naah? Felt better, was chirpier in the mornings, and super exhausted by nights. Sadly, since I am not a morning person, the gym only fits in my schedule later in the night. Which is fine, since I do have early dinners.Another advantage of going in the night: It ensures I dont have a heavier dinner but a more filling one: Confused: Now, since dinners are the only meal, I can have with my family, it tends to be more elaborate, more creative and well I do tend to eat a bit more. So now to still reap family time benefits and make it better, I am trying to start off with Soup often. This fills me up, and my dinner portion automatically reduces making me feel lighter during workouts. And yes, 3 hours dinner prior to gym is OK. I googled! ;-)
My food chart: Yes, I realised my own worst nightmare. I am a snacker. Since more often than not, I skip breakfast, my mornings are a bit snacky until lunch. And now since I am a bit full at lunch, i dont finish my lunch. Getting me hungry around 4. Thats when i tend to finish the remainder of my lunch. Yes, eating at frequent intervals does tend to increase metabolism. However, I have realised, all my snacking is sometimes not as healthy: So now my packed lunch includes some additional healthier snacks like: extra fruit, dried cranberries, yogurt, a small chocolate (I said before, I am looking at getting fitter and not changing myself over it!Ok!) etc. Now, I know i should start breakfast more seriously... hmm.. For now, lets stick to healthier snacks, am sure I will get around to improving breakfast quality.
Oh my Wii Fit profile... sadly it does not show any weight decrease.. Hmm! Mind you, its on a weekly progress. Oh well, at least, I am doing something about it.
Next week, there better be some pound decrease or clothes loosening!

Thanks for all the support over messages, emails and chat windows. Feels good in a funny way, am not alone. Amongst other things, a dear friend recommended the following: Share your food log with three other people, will keep you honest. Hmm. Though its hard to share your vulnerability, I am doing it! Well with one other person for now.
Now, I must confess, this week was super crazy and I did eat a whole load of desserts which I normally would not! Next week's goal: Resist temptation!
Lets see how Week 2 progresses.

Yep....I have slipped!

Nope, I have not forgotten about it...but yes, its ONLY at the back of my mind! I have slipped on the 'Getting Fit Business'.

I have become lazy and lazier these past weeks. May be its the Chicago Summer, the continuous BBQ's, the lazy mornings and even lazier evenings, my stupid knee, I really don't know, but I have become lazy about the 'getting fit'

My model is suppose to be simple.... Log your food, go to the gym/ keep a routine and then enjoy the process with buddies who help and encourage. Its not about loosing weight, its about being fit, energetic and happy!

But, I have not been logging on MyFitness Pal at all now. I broke my 74 day streak a few weeks ago,  and now haven't picked up the baton again!
For the gym, in summary, I injured my knee (I think at a stupid but super fun bowling game) and since then doctors orders are no squats, no pivot motions, no pounding of the knee... aka, no gym routine that I had down and was consistent!

Due to my knee injury, I am in the self pity mode and hence not even moving a muscle for any basic workout routine. I think I am being kinder to my knee. I sound like my grand mum, "kinder to my knee", but trust me being in constant dull pain in knee is no fun. And the pain goes from dull to shooting stabs in a matter of seconds. Read: Self Pity :-)

And it shows.... I am dragging my feet by end of day, I cant keep up with the kids soccer games and above all, I am feeling crankier!

Every Monday, I think.... next week I will start.

Please tell me I am not alone...... please leave some motivational messages :-/

Aaah! So, here I am picking up again. But this time..... not the baby steps that I love, I am actually leaping and jumping, since hey, now I know what to do.

So
Step 1: Join the gym THIS WEEK and actually go
Note to self.... if you pay up the monthly fees, its the best motivation
Step 2: Re-start logging on the weight THIS WEEK and actually not exceed the calories
Note to self....it takes only 10 minutes a day to enter in the food consumed
Step 3: Kick my buddies really well, I cant believe they are not helping me in stopping the slide!
Note to them.... be prepared for the kicking!

See it's their fault! ;-)

Weighty Matters....

As a blogger I was invited to attend the Special K: "What you will gain when you lose" even at Union Station in Chicago yesterday by the PR firm Ketchum. When I read the invite and then re-read it- one sentence struck a chord: "Change the way you think about weight loss"
You are not really loosing the weight, but gaining something. Be it- Discipline, Enthusiasm, Confidence, Better Tailor, Sass, Pizzazz. Whatever, Losing weight, staying fit, is a pre-cursor to other things? And it does not have to do with looks. It has more to do with your emotional well being.
I know, on my heavier days, I feel lazier, implying, I won’t make the effort for that one party, one gathering to go to. Implying, I might just sit at home and sulk. It’s running around in circles from that point on.
Weight is on people's mind, most of times. And weight is no longer the pounds, its the BMI, it’s the healthy well being, it’s no longer, lets count calories, it more about making better food choices, it’s no longer crash diets but its more about let’s see what I can have instead of French fries for snacks.
The 2 week challenge of Special K is well known. The big misconception I had about it- replace two of your meals with Cereals- How boring I think. I know I can’t sustain that for two days, forget two weeks. So I asked the brand manager, and she worded it perfectly. No it’s not two bowls of cereals. Its right snacking, right fruits, vegetables, and nuts. But replacing one 'unhealthy' meal with a nutrient rich cereal bowl.
Hmmm.
I am all about sustainability. Will I be able to sustain the two week challenge? Probably not. I am not that disciplined with my meals. I am far from taking the 2 week challenge. Early last year I had done 8 week Getting Fit challenge mainly for myself. The aim was to make healthier choices, log food, introduce some gym or physical activity and above all live life as normal.
I think I did most of it entire year minus I cheated on the continuous physical activity part. I am trying to change that now.
Key point to note, I have not lost weight, but have become more active in my lifestyle. I have not dropped two sizes, but am definitely balancing my meals more. A heavy lunch one day implies a lighter dinner no matter how delicious the food is. 'Better' choices.
Of course it’s relative. There will be times, when all I want is something for my sweet tooth and at that time, I don’t care. Its 'the' choco-fix as I call it. It’s okay. As long as it’s once in a while.
I have been asked by a few of my readers to do a recap and more importantly the ‘sustainability’ of my Getting Fit. I am working on that. One day at a time, one healthy choice at a time. A detailed post will follow soon. This month, I have introduced physical activity/ gym and it should give the additional inertia I am looking for.
Like I always say- It’s a Start!

Edited to Add: I attended the Special K as a media/ Chicago area blogger. The views expressed above are purely my own. I have not been compensated by Kellogs in any way except the box of cereal which I got to stand on the 'huge wieghing scale' in the middle of the train train station! Talk about OMG moments.

Before the trip, an update on 'Getting Fit'

Spring Break is here! Yay, well let me restate, spring break for my 9 and 4 year old is here, yay and instead of maniacally looking for child care and classes, we are using the time wisely and heading to the beach.

So before start our beach bumming and lazing around on the soft sand under a gentle sea breeze and the sun making us relaxed, here is an update on the wonderful buddying up and Getting Fitter business.

My buddies are ‘at it’ along with me; we are sharingdelicious yet healthier variations of recipes, tracking our meals in My Fitness pal and above all are nudging each other to push a little harder in the gym. And the support helps, it really does!

We are just nudging and not nagging and my husband, Sumit will be quick to remind me that I am on the 'edge between nudging and nagging' so back off! :-)

Trust me when I say this: NOT A SINGLE POUND LOST- in 65 days of continuous logging in my meals painstakingly in Fitness Pal and 45 days of waking up at idiotic 5:30 am on weekdays for my gym class, NOT A SINGLE POUND LOST!

BUT, and this But is important: I am feeling so much healthier, I can hold a plank for 41 seconds instead of three seconds, I can do 14 continuous push-ups instead of zero and above all, I can carry 2-2 gallons of milk on my 4th floor walkup unit without crashing on the couch right after!

Yes, my standards of fitness are very basic, I call them 'achievable goals' or 'baby steps' or even 'let me get to this goal and then move a small step up'.

Trust me, for as long as I remember, I have felt 'unhappy about my shape or my arms or my flab or my F-A-T or just hating myself after I chow down that cake' and for right now, just doing something about it is making me feel happy.

The other day my 9 year old was talking about fitness and Sumit asked her, who is fit according to her and why: She very casually said: You and mummy, since you do yoga every day or go to the gym and are happy.

Of course we were gushing and explaining her about the three pillars of being Fit according to us: Good food, good work out but above all Mental Peace. With the most emphasis on the last one ‘mental peace’

BUT, my 9 year old's comments made me very happy; she does not look at me as ‘as I view myself’. She looks at me being F-I-T and being happy and that itself is the best body image lesson I could ever give her without even trying to.

Now, all heavy conversation aside....... be safe and be happy and I will be back from my beach vacation all relaxed and sun-tanned and craving more fun in the sun!

Tch Tch- This Lazy Business is bad!

I should keep up: Well for both, blogging and secondly and more importantly for my 'Getting Fit' business and its reporting!

Its been exactly a month, since I bought the 'Fit Bit'.

The journey has been 'up and down' and sadly 'more down than up'. Ok, let me elaborate.

The first two weeks, the novelty of it was awesome. I was keeping up with it, increased my target to 10000 steps and doing good. I didn’t meet it every day, but met it 5 out of 7 days. Yay!

But in the past two weeks, I have been BAD. Last week, I met my target of 10K steps only ONE day. Yes NOT GOOD.

And on top of it, I relished food way too much and in my case it SHOWS, everywhere and more importantly my jeans are more snug than I want them to be.

So another Monday, another resolution!

Well. My aim for this week is simple- I want to meet my target EVERY SINGLE WEEK DAY!

That's it.

Just meet my target and I promise come next week, I will 'display' my weekly report that Fit Bit sends me and puts me to shape.

 Sumit bought a Fit Bit for himself as well. So its two of us now. Our cousins, who introduced us to this, have been insisting we join them for 'Group Tracking' and I am not up for that YET. So the struggle continues.

I think the best and the worst part of Fit Bit is- It really shows how LAZY your day to day life is. If we cant do 10K steps in a day at the age we are, the future looks a bit well 'podgy'. Yes my initial target was 8K which I meet comfortably, but I want to push myself, just a little at a time.

So wish me luck> I want my 10K badges!!

Getting Fit, some good and some even better

By now you know, I am not the 'fittest person' and I am far faaaar from being the size I want to be, but, well I am doing something about it.

Last year was much better health wise for me and definitely spirits wise as well. This year, I want to continue the trend in the right direction. And I have a buddy system in place now with a lot of follow through and just checking in with each other to ensure we are 'doing something about it'

So what's going on in the 'Getting Fit' business?

1. My fitness pal: I have been logging religiously on this for 36 days now and I want to continue until spring break and then enjoy the beaches to come back to more of the same.

2. Balanced meal: I have been eating everything (which is what I love about this tool), and I have increased protein in our vegetarian meals, more tofu (this tofu steak has become a staple in our house), more quinoa and definitely more lentils (which I really don’t like and hubby loves) and continuing our regular vegetable infused dishes

3. Working out: So this has been a big game changer, I have signed up for a neighborhood gym and 3-4 days a week, I have been waking up at god awful 5:30 am to go for a 45 minute class. I have been crashing every single night at 9:30 pm. Some days I have even gone for a 5 am class, which for me is crazy good.

4. Weighing in: I have been weighing myself once a week, there has been no weight change, it has not gone up or down. My trainer says: Muscle formation. I will go with that story, makes me feel better, but weighing in day makes me feel like ‘examination day’ and so far, no pass and no fail. I am focusing on the no fail element! It gives me hope that I can Pass someday

5. Buddying Up: This has been the real motivator. I take a morning class; Sumit heads out for an evening class. We encourage each other and discuss the crazy workout our instructors think we can do. The kids have a hearty laugh when we enact the trainers! I message my partners in crime, it’s just nice to be able to say: ‘I am so sore, I can’t walk!’ or 'Why haven’t you logged in today'

I was debating whether I should post this or not especially considering it’s only been a month and my before and after pictures look exactly the same!

But wisdom says, if you do something good, brag, if you do something bad, complain!

So here it is

Yay, I have been going strong for a month    : the good

My gosh, waking up at 5:30 am really sucks: the bad

I can do this……. and sustain it                    : the best

You thought I forgot???

Nope, I have not forgotten about the whole business of buddying up, logging food and being a little more active than I was before. The long, painful but satisfying journey for 'Getting Fit' 

So I am still 'at it' albeit slower with hiccups and not 'glamorous results' but hey the slow and steady wins the race.

And the winner gets a pat on the back :-)

Working Out

Last few weeks, with a travelling spouse, the 'workout' took a back seat. Yes, I could have done the exercises at home, but I decided sleeping in will be better (It was!!!)

But now that life is back to normal with equal number of adults to kids, I am back at the gym. The first day back in the class after 3.5 weeks was crazy bad and though I was not really sore, I definitely was 'tired' sooner. But the rhythm is settling back in which is a good thing. However, my old old knee injury is acting up and until the doctor gives me a clean bill of health, I plan to just enjoy the "Ride" class, which is 45 minutes of riding a bike mixed in with limited strength and cardio. Love it!

My Fitness Pal

Yippie, 50 days streak aka logging in almost every morsel of food in the app to see how much I am eating. I have been logging but have been over the calorie intake almost every single day. I have been unbalanced, ideally it should be in the ratio of 50:30:20 for Carb: Protein: Fat. I have been 'Way Off' and I blame all the delicious goodness of Indian sweets and snacks around the house.

BUT I am logging religiously, sometimes at a high level sometimes faking the data based on memory for the day.  I know I know, hopefully will get back in the groove soon enough.

Buddying up

With summer setting in and our eagerness to be out and about, my buddies and I are 'at it'. Even a simple message of 'Good Job' or 'Let’s go to the gym tomorrow' or 'Why haven’t you logged in' are good encouragements.

Of course, my new buddy aka my husband is waking up at the ungodly hour of 5:30 and coming with me to the gym. And having this new buddy is all the more 'fun'

So there you have it, the details...

Summary: 

There has been no weight loss, but NO GAIN as well. There have been NO clothes being suddenly too big for me (I wish!), but the best result for me: I am able to sustain extended soccer games with my kids in the park and really make a run after the Frisbee in the evenings, so I am truly loving that!

For me getting fit is less about 'the vanity' of it but more about the 'energy levels' of it. And though the compliments help, the true fun is listening to my daughters chat in the morning: 'Mummy just came back from her yoga and she is stinking eeeew'

I chase them every now and then to slather them with a 'sweaty hug'.

Perfect way to start the morning.

Uff, Getting Fit is loosing its drive..

I don’t feel like continuing with the My Fitness Paljourney. It's been fairly easy with amazing results and I have been fitter and healthier and it’s easy to continue on.

I know, but I don't feel like it.

I had almost a month long break with my amazing December trip to India. I met family, i ate there, a lot, I mean when in India, I get to eat all my favorite foods with no effort on my end and its beyond delicious. Win Win.

And so maybe I am getting lazy.

The effect of following through the My Fitness Pal for 2.5 months was fabulous. I fit into all my wedding clothes, I felt on the top of the world receiving all the compliments but above all. I felt like I have accomplished something.

I know these are very same reasons why I should be continuing. But for some reason I am just getting lazy. I have re-started using the app since my return, following through my regular pattern of increasing the protein,portion control etc. and above all noting it down in the app. In the 4 days since I have been back, I have blown through my allocated calories not by a lot, but still blown through them. And I am not feeling guilty about it, that's what is scaring me. But I am not as driven as I was last quarter 2016.

Hmm, I think the best way to do this is my small steps.

Step 1: Use the app and follow through for one full week.

Step 2: Come back, report and follow through end of January

Step 3: Let's just get through Step 1 and 2 first.

Phew, So back to square one

2016: Wishing you a Happy Balanced Year Ahead

Of course it started with our crazy (bad) flight experience coming back from India via Turkish Airlines, getting stranded with the two girls on foreign soil in winter for 4 days is no fun for anyone!

That debacle aside, I was a bit nervous getting into this year..... I still believe what you do on the New Years Day(s) sets a pace for the rest of the year... and this was not a good pace.

For once, I was the one who asked Sumit, no fancy travelling this year, I really was shaken up!

But the year went off really well and kept improving.

 

The girls are growing to be very fine young women now... if I can say so myself. 

Little Lady (Now 4) is charming and is filled with sillyjokes and fun anecdotes. Her highlight is always skipping around the house. She is one 'Happy Soul' 

The Miss Chatterbox (Almost 9) is getting more mature, testing our boundaries a little but still her passion for learning is infections! She is now hooked to Harry Potter Series and is finishing up Book 4. She is definitely wise beyond her years

Sumit and I professionally have had a change of pace all in the right direction. It's gotten busier for us, more challenging and above all more satisfying for both of us. Which is always a really good thing.

A few key highlights, a WONDERFUL relaxing Spring Break trip to Florida and meeting cousins in Everglades. The kids enjoying their summer in India while we traveled up here- Yosemite, Montreal, Quebec and Pittsburgh. All this with a life altering trip to the wonderful 'Leh and Laddakh'. The serenity of that place still mesmerizes me. There were a few more quick getaways from the city, but all in all a nice pace of travel.

We are finishing off the year to a lovely road trip: Chicago-St. Louis-Memphis- New Orleans-Nashville-Chicago

What do I say, travelling and trips are more for memories and really spending time with the family to enjoy, relax and learn something new

This year health wise and 'Getting Fit' has been better than last 2 years for sure. I went for my annual check up and even my doctor commented, am glad you ending this year strong!

Life has been good to us in general, we have parents who dote us and inspire us even today. We have kids who remind us that tomorrow will be even more beautiful. We have each other giving support, holding when we fall and laughing as we go along. We have wonderful friends who are there for us when we need them and are there for us even when we dont know we need a shoulder. We are blessed and happy!

2016 was definitely a better balanced year, what I learned is a Power of No.

If you really think that place is not letting you achieve your potential, say NO and have the courage to walk out.

If you really think that relationship is getting heavier, then say NO and maintain the peace for yourself.

If you really think your family needs something else, then say NO and do what makes the core happy.

To a more balanced year ahead!

Wishing you and your Family a very Happy New Year