The Weight

If you’re new here, check out Week 1 to see my no-stress weight loss plan.

So, week two.

This week, I am 201.2. Last week, I was 202.4. I think we’re in business, folks!

Good Eating

I know that last week I said that I would be implementing more swaps, starting with swapping chips for popcorn. Unfortunately, I haven’t gone to the store yet. So, I haven’t bought any popcorn and am still eating the chips that I have left. Maybe I should’ve thrown them out, but grocery prices are too high right now to waste anything. Even if it is junk. The popcorn is still on my shopping list but more chips are not, so no worries. We’ll get right back on track soon. Besides, I’ve still lost a pound.

As far as this week’s substitution, I made chili using ground turkey instead of ground beef (recipe coming soon). Not only does ground turkey have less fat, but beef prices are atrocious! I also made cornbread with it. No substitutions. I like honey cornbread, but it costs $3-$4 a box now. Who wants to pay that? I just used the $0.79 Jiffy and added my own butter and honey. It is truly insane how much more we’re being charged for things that we could do ourselves, but I digress.

The best part about making chili is that it’s already nutrient-dense. The base is chilies, tomatoes, and beans. I did not need to go out of my way to achieve my goal of having a more balanced diet with this one. And that’s what this is all about! Getting healthier, easier!

No Pain, Lots of Gain

I’m feeling extremely motivated, so I have been doing the 15-minute Walk At Home videos on YouTube. They’re very easy, just fast-paced. It’s the equivalent of walking a mile. They also have longer videos if you’re looking for faster results. I don’t want to push myself into getting faster results because then I’ll get overwhelmed and just stop doing the workouts entirely. Everyone is different and it’s important to do what you know has a better chance of success for you.

My goal is to do 20-30 minutes of activity a day. That fits into my schedule. To accomplish that, I have been starting with 10-15 minutes of stretches or light movement. I have a stretching routine from a personal trainer that I had the last time that I tried losing weight, but another great resource is Tone and Tighten on YouTube. Jared Beckstrand is a Physical Therapist and he’ll get you right.

I like to switch things up. Instead of doing my basic stretches everyday this week, every other day I did a bit of yoga. For week 3, I am going to try a bit of Tai Chi. My favorites to follow along with are Yoga with Kassandra and RAMONI for yoga and I am interested in Phoenix Mountain Tai Chi for Tai Chi. Everyone’s voices are so soothing and it’s just a wonderful way to start your day.

Wrapping it Up

I am sure that it seems like I’m barely doing anything. Swapping turkey for beef in one meal? Stretching for 10-15 minutes and then walking indoors for 10-15 minutes? Keep in mind that I have only done this for 5 days out of the week. I want to have my weekends completely free just like everyone else. But I’ve still lost a pound. Could it be a fluke? Could it be water weight? I don’t know and that is why I am tracking my weight every week. Keep following my progress. Maybe you’ll be inspired to try it for yourself.