Eat this, Not that (The Jaclyn Edition)

I get lots of questions about my weight loss...mostly, "What do you do?" When I respond, "Diet and Exercise" a lot of times I get a good "Oh." I think sometimes people really do think that there is a miracle solution that is quick and easy.

But unfortunately, until I find that quick and easy miracle, it's Diet and Exercise for me. All day. Every day.

I've done a good deal of journaling about my exercise.

Now, it's time to talk food.

It's a never-ending battle journey with food for me. And I am prepared to deal with this for the rest of my life.

And because I know this, I try fun and exciting ways to still have "treats" in my life.

I feel guilty when people see me out in public and I'm eating ColdStone ice cream or a juicy burger.

But many don't know the "back story" when they see me out eating those things. There was most likely lots of juggling of calories (light lunch, basically eating like a rabbit with fruits and veggies), lots of sweating at training or Zumba, and yes, I will probably be going over calories for the day.

But that's ok. Because I'm human. And it's OK.

It's O.    K.

So, here are some "tricks" to help you cut some calories, but still maintain some sort of normalcy. I am in no way a dietician, a trainer, or an expert on any of this.

But I am a full time working mother of two who has to do what she can the best she can. I don't have time to make pasta out of a spaghetti squash, and I really think my kids will tell the difference between potatoes and cauliflower. So, I have to work with what I've got for right now. And maybe in the future we will try new things. [And my trainer is out of town this week. Otherwise, I bet he would kill me for what I am gonna tell y'all.]

So, let's get started.

What Southerner doesn't love this?

Love me some chicken and biscuits. And dirty rice. And seasoned fries.

But a two piece meal at Bojangles with seasoned fries and a biscuit is about 1006 calories.

But, here's an alternative for you.

Remember my crock pot? Though it does hibernate in the summer, I do pull it out every now and then and cook up some chicken legs in the summer time.

Pinterest has some great recipes and here is an easy one.

http://pinterest.com/pin/99360735500167749/

By making our own chicken legs at home, two-three chicken legs in the slow cooker is about 225 calories. Then, we swing by Bojangles on the way home from church and pick up individual sides of dirty rice (165 calories) and green beans (35 calories). [Sorry, no biscuit, but I usually get one for the kids and take a small bite before handing it over.]

Now, that new meal is around 400 calories (425 with your biscuit bite). Saving you over 600 calories.

See? It's fun, right?

Next up.

Coming home from the beach, there is a Hardees on every corner and if you end up like us, you miss the last busy restaurant stop and end up ONLY seeing Hardees to stop for lunch and a potty break.

The best advice I can offer you here?

Order the turkey burger (460 calories) and a side salad (120 calories no dressing). This meal is only 580 calories as opposed to a Bourbon burger, fries, and a coke which is 1600 calories. And just don't taste your husband's real burger and the turkey burger isn't all that bad.


Ok....moving right along to the question of "How can I eat what I REALLY want to eat?"

I love Moe's. And I really don't want a naked burrito. I want the real deal. A real burrito.

So, I get one.
But, did you know that by simply ordering the Joey Jr. with chicken, lettuce, and rice and no sour cream or guacamole (460 calories) instead of the full-sized Joey (about 700 calories for the same ingredients), you save about 240 calories? [Don't add the cheese either (you can't really taste it anyway) and you can save another 70 calories.]

And try to portion out your chips. But I know that's hard.

I LOVE chips.

But, I'm not eating these chips...

My absolute favorite snack are these chips...
And this salsa...
16 chips and 2 tablespoons of salsa is 180 calories. And it's delish.


Ok...on to my nemesis. My kryptonite.

Cookout Milkshakes.

We just have to stay away. Far far away.

But this week, we pulled out my Magic Bullet and made fruit smoothies.

Definitely a MUCH better choice.

Especially when you look up an Oreo milkshake and see that a 20 ounce milkshake is about 1200 calories. Because each Oreo they put in it is 53 calories. EACH Oreo.

So, fruit it is!



Finally, it's all about the drinks for me.

For me, my general rule is "I want to chew my calories when it comes to meals, so when it comes to beverages, no calories."

So, when I started this weight loss journey....seriously started....I gave up all calorie-filled drinks.

No soda.
No juice.
No alcohol.

Pretty much ever.

I don't do well with drinking milk, but I do make sure I eat a yogurt every day to get my calcium.

And it's a lot...A LOT...of water.

Hopefully this helps you out in helping you make smarter choices when it comes to meals.

Truly the best thing you can do is pack your lunches for work and cook dinner at home. Avoid the "inner aisles" at the grocery store, stick to the outer aisles, and really work that produce section well. [A smart man once told me that the sooner something goes bad, the better it is for you.]

Keep track of your calories if you can. With my current weight and my goals, I have to stay around 1200 calories for the day. I love My Fitness Pal and it's a great tool to keep with me at all times and keep me in check throughout the day.

I'll share some of my tips and tricks with MFP soon. But if you have a smart phone and can download the app today, do it now. Don't wait. I'll be back soon.