Dollars and Diet Reset Plan

Dollars and Diet Reset Plan 

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year! After an ankle sprain in October threw me off the pursuit of my physical wellness goals, we tended towards eating out and I made a few too many trips through the Panera drive-through in the name of convenience and poor planning.

My YMCA scholarship expired just as I was offered a great rate (even lower than my YMCA scholarship rate including my daughter) with no start-up fee at L.A. Fitness. I have my first meeting with a trainer tomorrow and am hoping that Little One cooperates on her first day in the Kids Klub. I am excited to have access to a swimming pool and hot tub to enhance my strength and cardio workouts and might even try something crazy like Zumba once I have a bit more stability with my ankle.

Now, onto what I'm going to eat. I remember that Tosca Reno, author of the Eat Clean Diet said, "In the quest for weight loss or maintenance, it is 80% nutrition, 10% exercise and 10% genetics." And I know that 80% is why I haven't been seeing the results I wanted even without exercise.   

I know from past experiences with programs like eDiets.com (wayyy back in the day) that allowed me to mix a blend of fresh and prepared foods into a workable plan, that I needed something simple and straightforward that didn't require 100% cooking. January is a busy month for me as an online teacher. I'll be welcome a large group of new students while simultaneously working to finish a large group who lagged from the fall.  Sometimes I forget to eat, or end up wondering how that McDonald's cheeseburger ended up in my stomach causing me misery.  

So here is what I settled on. What I'm going to be doing isn't really earth-shattering, but it something I know I can stick to with and that is important to me.  There are a few clear rules. I've relied on Amy's Organic Kitchen to feed me over the course of the past 5 years or so when I'm in a pinch and need something quick. I've toyed with the idea of using their Amy's Diet Plan for a while and decided to go for it. (If you need Gluten Free and Vegan plans, those are available as well but have fewer meal options.) I do not have celiac disease or a diagnosed gluten sensitivity, but don't mind cutting gluten out when I can. 

Little One and I braved the Super Target New Year's Eve INSANITY to purchase two weeks worth of Amy's entrees, burritos, wraps, and soups. It ran me about $127 at Super Target. I added in a few cans of Health Valley's Gluten Free Veggie Noodle Soup and a couple of EVOL Shredded Beef Burritos as they were on sale and fit the caloric/fat/protein profile of an Amy's soup or burrito for an easy swap. So, $127 for two weeks for a core supply of organic, non-GMO food. Not bad I figure. I still need to go purchase my additional fruits, greens, nuts/seeds for snacks and with lunch or dinner. After spending close to $70 for two family meals out in the past three days, I felt ecstatic at the amount of food I bought for $127, which motivated me towards the second part of my plan.  

After I finish this first two week period, I plan on restocking on my next pay and going the rest of the month on this plan and have budgeted accordingly for that.   During the month of January I will be doing a financial fast (inspired my friend Ellen, who is a fitness guru and weight-loss champion and inspires me in many ways on this journey). This means that I will not be spending any money it is out of necessity (i.e. unexpected doctor co-pays) or prior obligation (i.e. bills). 

Here's the tough part.  This means no eating out; no coffee that isn't made at my own house, no $1 trinkets or extra toys or books for Little one at Target, etc.

My focus will be on putting money into paying down debt on a snowball system (smallest first then put that payment to next smallest and so on in the vein of Dave Ramsey or The Automatic Millionaire) and upping my savings goals. 

So that is it in a nutshell. Just to get me back on track with portion and calorie control, away from the cookies, cakes, and refined carbs of the holiday season. 

I am part of an accountability and encouragement group on Facebook, but wanted to tackle another resolution and provide additional documentation/accountability of my journey here for myself and to invite anyone who would like to share their ideas or their journey here as well.  I am toying with the idea of a Whole 30 for February but more on that later.  

This is a safe place and I am committed to fostering positive feelings and community in the new year here.  Welcome!