A Girl Can Dream

Hey y’all!!!

OK, so far I’ve lost 1.7 lbs … yayyy!!! How do I know that exactly? (besides the fact that I weighed myself and documented it) 2 things.

1. My brand new scale

I am pretty sure I told you about this already, but I bought a scale. It’s one of those scales that measures everything – Body Fat, Body Water and bone mass. So, I can keep track of that stuff too. Here’s what it tells me so far:

Body Fat Weight – 67.5 lbs (that means 67.5 pounds of my 188.7 pounds is fat!!! )
Body Fat Percent – 35% (It says anything above 33% is too high)
Body Water – 46.8% (Anything between 45 and 60 is normal, so I’m good)
Bone Mass – 7.0% (Anything between 6.2% and 7% is normal, so I’m at the high end of normal)

So, because of my new scale, I’ll be able to keep track of that … and hopefully get my body fat down to a normal level

2. Calorie Count

OK guys … this … is an AWESOME website!!! I found it while trying to find the calories in a cheeseburger (I know … I know … but it was my one cheat item … and I lost weight that day! But I still stayed under my calories) and I am now hooked! … With this website (there are tons more out there, but this one is my favorite by far) you can keep track of EVERYTHING. You set up your (free) profile, fill out some information and it helps you set a goal that’s healthy and right for your body type. From there, you can search for foods and add them to your food list right there. Most foods are on their list, but some aren’t. If your food isn’t there, you can add it yourself. I haven’t had to add anything yet. Many foods from restaurants are there already, too. Also, you can add activities. I add simple things. … For example, I live in an apartment complex. Yesterday, I walked to the mailbox to get the mail, came back and put that onto the website, and it told me I burned 23 calories! During the setup process, you tell them your normal activity level, and they add up the calories you burn just by your lifestyle. So, everything you add to there is on top of what you already burn every day. I have been adding my weight every day, but you don’t really have to do that. It does tell you how you’re doing on your way to reaching your goal. There are several charts, too (which is always helpful because I’m a very visual person). My favorite part is that each day, you get a grade based on the foods you’ve eaten and the activities you’ve done that day. So far today, I have a B, but I haven’t input any of my activities and I haven’t eaten dinner yet. Anyway, go to this site and look around. I can see it being really helpful to anyone looking to lose, or even maintain, their weight. Oh, and they have an iPhone app, too! (They also have applications on other phones, too, but I have an iPhone so that’s the one I was interested in )

I also wanted to let you know of a couple books I just got. I’m really excited about them. They are both full of very colorful pictures (I told you – visual learner) and great information and recipes. I have only read the first 17 pages of the first book and I’ve already learned so much!

1. Cooking Light: What to Eat

I have started to read this book, and it’s fantastic!!! Apparently, it’s not even a month old (according to Amazon, which you can get to if you click the image), but I think it’s the best book of it’s type I’ve seen. It has tons of super great hints in it. For example, a whole chicken can cost $1.28 per pound compared to skinless, boneless chicken breasts, which can cost $5.49 per pound! Throughout the book, it also gives tips on reading nutrition labels. So far, it’s great!

2. Taste of Home Guilt Free Cooking: 356 home-style recipes for healthier living

I bought this book for one simple reason – I LOVE taste of home books! They have the most amazing pictures and easy to follow recipes. I’m really excited about this book! The pictures of the food look so amazing. It makes me want to make it all! I’m really excited to start using this book.

Anyway, I just wanted to let y’all in on what was going on with my diet so far. Let me know if y’all have any questions or anything!!! Thanks so much for reading

Melissa