World According to Shia

31) Keep it off for good. Basically this tip is that you have to make whatever changes a lifelong change. Self says to make eating right a lifelong habit, look for regular inspiration. My skinny - Maintaining is the hardest part of losing weight. The strongest and most determined person can lose focus and slip back to the unhealthy side. Another hard part of making it to the end is the inevitable plateau....you're giving it your all and the pounds are sliding off and one day they just STOP so it can be a very frustrating time. My advice keep telling yourself that you'll make it through and remind yourself of how far you have come. Also make realistic goals from the start...don't start with the idea of losing a super high amount. Start with small milestone of 5 lbs in one month and then see what you did and go for more or less the next month and so on. The more you accomplish in smaller sections the more motivation you'll have to keep going. For example, tak...

30) ID what's eating you. Basically this tip is about emotional eating. Self says tension is one of the most oft-cited reasons people overeat. Scarfing down a bunch of cookies doesn't get rid of the problem and now you've just scarfed down a bunch of cookies. Make a list of three things you can do when something pushes your limit and if needed stick the list on the cookie jar. My skinny - Emotional eating isn't only with tension. Some people overeat when they are sad, we've all seen the chick flicks with the sad chick with the Ben and Jerrys. However, it can just be plain boredom. You're sitting there watching tv and bored and so you go to the fridge, freezer, whatever and EAT. So just like Self 's tip find something to busy yourself when you know you aren't hungry and you are reaching for food.

29) R.I.P. MSG! Basically this tip is to say bye-bye to processed foods. Self says there may be a link between the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) and weight gain. The additive may interfere with your body's ability to regulate appetite. Chinese restaurants aren't the only place you encounter MSG; it is still a common ingredient in canned soups, instant noodles, chips, salad dressings, and smoked almonds. (Here are the disguises of MSG...monosodium glutamate, hydrolysed soy protein and autolysed yeast) My skinny - MSG also causes bloating. I can't eat the stuff. I feel WAY sick afterward. But the tip is to check the labels. A lot of foods will put a little marker on the front stating NO MSG just make sure to flip around to the nutrition facts to make sure none of the other aliases are listed. Processors like to be tricky. Also, make your own soup, etc. It'll taste better and have WAY less sodium (another bloating cause).

28) Toast lightly. Basically this tip is drink alcohol but choose better drinks. Self says to drink white wine mixed with seltzer, or a flavored vodka with club soda, to curb liquid calories. Skip colorful mixed or frozen drinks, which can rev the meter to 400 calories per cocktail or more. My skinny - Okay here's my deal with alcohol. I'm not someone who goes out with friends all of the time so I am not put in this situation regularly. However, if I am going to refrain from eating cakes or cookies ... things that I would enjoy eating....why would I drink calories? I just find alcohol a waste. I've never been one to eat and drink at the same time so I don't see it adding to the flavor of the meal. To me it's just a waste of calories that can turnout to be ... well not so forgiving if you over do it and at least with cake there is only the guilt of eating the cake.

27) Be a smoothie operator. Basically this tip is to um drink smoothies. Self says that smoothies offer up high doses of fiber, calcium and other disease fighting vitamins AND you can sip them on the run. My skinny - Sure you can get countless smoothies from particularly everywhere these days however...be mindful of added sugar! That clear stuff they are pumping in there is SUGAR!! So if for whatever reason you don't think the fruit, yogurt etc is sweet enough on it's own ... add a no calorie sweetener of you choice. The best way to drink smoothies in my opinion is the am. They can be a quite filling breakfast. Just throw some greek yogurt, flash frozen fruit and a splash of no calorie juice in you blender the night before...store it in the frig and whip it up in the morning. Other combos could be...protein shake mix, fruit or soy and fruit, etc. Just whip up what you like and you'll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast in seconds.

26) Mind the menu. Basically this tip states that no one can eat at home 100% of the time. Self says that dining out can be twice as many calories as making it at home so be prepared when you go. Look online ahead of time for nutrition information and make better choices at the restaurant. My skinny - Doesn't this sound familiar? Um yeah it's post #11. Again isn't this supposed to be 31 ways not rehashing the same thing? So anyways. See Post 11 and here's another tip. When you do go out to eat....eat half of the portion because it's the true portion size and take the other to go. Box it up right away if you need to. Also, if you are a bread eater...tell them to take it away...that way you aren't tempted and rack on more calories, fat, etc eating before the meal. Go somewhere with a salad bar and load up. Ruby Tuesdays has a great salad bar. I once got only a chicken breast and ate the salad bar and it was under 10 bucks...win win!

So today I am 31 and accepting it! (Seriously I am not going to cry) Notice Mom my post is at 8:29 am...my time of birth =) Monday night (2 day countdown) I had a realization...it has officially been 10 years since I celebrated turning 21. Well I am now celebrating being a true adult. Being able to drink was once a highlight but now that I NEVER drink ... I now look back and think aww Mellishia you were so young but now you are older and much wiser! At least I think so. HAHAHA

25) Call it a night. Basically this tip is watch out for late night eating. Self says your body might not be able to burn the late night nibbles as efficiently as it does those you ingest while the sun is up. Declare last call two hours before bed, if you are really hungry have a 150 calorie snack. If not sip tea, cut the lights and bid farewell to the fridge until morning. My skinny - If I am still hungry late at night I will have a glass of soy milk. It's filing and low in calories. A WW leader once said to brush your teeth, you are less likely to eat right after brushing. Also, are you just bored? Find something to do instead of watching tv. Call a friend, surf the internet...READ MY BLOG =)

24) Spoil yourself. Basically this tip is don't use food as a reward. Self says rather than indulging in cheesecake for a job well done, seek out a nonfood prize that rewards and inspires you. My skinny - When I was doing WW I totally did this. WW is all about getting to your 1st milestone of losing 10%. So I had little milestones for on the way. Lose 5% reward myself with this. Lose 10% and get this, etc. Also, for every pound I was losing I put $1 in my savings account. That way I was saving up for my rewards.

23) Strike a balance. Basically this tip is that no food is off limits. Self says no food is off limits just think of your daily intake as a level scale - if you put something in, take something else out...heading to an over the top dinner? Have a lowfat, high-fiber meals during the day. My skinny - This can be a slippery slope. Sure no food is "off limits" but if you keep putting the same junk in it's not going to help in weight loss. Besides once you stop eating something you will stop craving it. It takes time but come on have a little self control. Also use an alternative...want a hamburger? Okay cook one at home ... lean ground beef, lowfat cheese, high fiber bun...tastier than that Mcdonalds hamburger and HEALTHIER by a long shot. It works with cookies, cakes, ice cream, etc. Make or buy a lowfat version. Also, craving Oreos buy a snack pack don't buy an entire bag of oreos because you will eat them all even if it is not all at once. Same goes wit...

22) Spice things up. Basically this tip is to use spices. Self says that trying to subsist on plain grilled chicken breasts or naked steamed veggies is the fastest way to fall off the weight loss wagon. My skinny - Like I have said before without chicken breast I don't think I could survive, however Paul feels the opposite and hates chicken breast plain. So I have learned to jazz it up. Seasons go a long way! I usually spinkle on some garlic, rosemary, basil and parsley and cook in a light spray of olive oil. MMMM!

Here's me with my new bedspread...yes black and white damaskish print!

Marissa and Kaelyn - Kaelyn's First Christmas

Frosty, Me, Kaelyn, Paul and Marissa

21) Let your eyes feast. Basically this tip is about cooking. Self says that cooking saves you cash and calories (AMEN!), so to inspire you to break out the pots and pans on a night you'd rather order out, buy a beautifully illustrated healthy cookbook (wait I thought we were talking about saving money). My skinny - Cookbooks are a waste of money. There might be like a couple out of the 1000s of recipes in it that you will actually make. You can find any recipe online with a beautiful picture. Don't waste your money. For inspiration, watch a cooking show on tv. Top Chef on Bravo always gets me in the mood to cook.

20) Reduce you oil dependence. Basically this tip is to limit oils even healthy ones. Self says that olive oil is healthy but it still packs a caloric punch 120 calories and 14 g of fat per TABLESPOON! Get the rich flavor without blowing your caloric budget with a stainless steel mister and making your own salad dressing (two parts fruity vinegar like fig or raspberry and one part olive oil). My skinny - Agh! Haven't we already gone over this? It's like they couldn't think of 31 independent things so they have to keep rehashing the same stuff. Okay well no need to run out and buy a stainless steel mister...Pam makes Olive Oil spray...and I have seen other olive oils in a can. However, if you can find one on the cheap go for it, that way you can utilize your fav oils.

19) Bento box it. Basically this tip is about portion control. Self says to get a bento box, a Japanese-style food tray. The size reminds you to stick to sane servings. You can only fit a half of a small sandwich or cut-up turkey and lowfat cheese, some grapes, a salad and a small dessert. My skinny - You don't need a special bento box just measure out your servings and count up your calories. This also ties into other tips but eating over the serving amount is only due to ... eating too fast, being ravenous when eating, etc. Stick to eating breakfast, a healthy morning snack, lunch, a healthy afternoon snack and dinner (with a possible healthy dessert depending on calories and time of day) and make sure you keep track with your journal and measure the serving sizes.

18) Crack yourself up. Basically this tip is to incorporate eggs to your morning breakfast. Self says to take your breakfast a healthy step further by scrambling an egg. Research shows that dieters who ate eggs in the morning consumed fewer calories for the following 24 hours and reported feeling less hungry and more satisfied than those who ate a carb heavy breakfast. Pressed for time? Prepare and chill a batch of hard boiled eggs to grab in a flash. My skinny - Okay I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. Hard boiled eggs...YUCK! Okay peeps me making eggs in the morning...not gonna happen. I am happy with my waffle - soy milk routine. I literally have no extra time for eggs. I would never get to work. I mean they might get a little pissy around here if I started coming in at 10 am. But...in an effort to curb calorie consumption on the weekend, I will eat eggs in the morning and test scrambling and reheating...maybe that will work. I'll keep you posted...but...

17) Attack a healthy snack. Basically this tip is to eat healthy snacks to curb ravenous hunger. Self says to stock up on 150 calorie bites that contain filling protein and fiber, such as lowfat cheese and whole-grain crackers, hummus and sliced veggies or nuts mixed with dried fruit then keep them in plain view in your office or at home so they're the first thing you see when hunger hits. My skinny - Sounds great! Just make sure you measure out the portions, especially with nuts...it's easy to eat more than one serving in a few seconds. Also, since you are now eating a lot of filling foods you might not be hungry for a snack. Eat it anyways because it will keep your energy up and you won't get hit suddenly with hunger pains later. If you have to set a reminder on your office computer that it is snack time! Something to look forward to in the afternoon. I mean if only there was snack time and nap time...ahhhhh.

16) Surrender sweets. Basically this tip is to be mindful of added sugar. Self says that on average women down about 18 teaspoons (1/3 of a cup!!) of added sugar a day (that's even with avoiding soda and the white packets!!). To limit your added sugar quota, scan labels on instant oatmeal, cereal, canned fruit and sauces for corn syrup, molasses, honey or anything that ends in ose (such as dextrose or maltose) - they are all aliases for sugar! My skinny - Okay well Paul is very mindful of added sugar because he's pretty much diabetic (long story). So anyways we buy almost everything "Sugar-Free" which only means No Sugar Added. You would be surprised on how much stuff adds sugar. I mean even applesauce! Also be careful of the Sugar - Free it can sometimes contain aspartame. However, a lot of products now boast that they have Splenda...which taste better as well. If you are cutting out eating actual sweets like candy, cakes, etc. don't blow it by eatin...

15) Make it stick. Basically this tip is congratulating you on making it to the half way mark. Self says to take a moment to reminisce about the ups and downs of your previous trim-down efforts and think of failed attempts as entry points for learning, look where you struggled and make deliberate changes. Examples, if you used to raid the vending machine at 3:00, buy healthy snacks to take to work, if happy hour was your Achilles' heel, invite friends to Spin class instead. My Skinny - Okay I am all about live and learn. The whole part of losing weight is to find out what is right for you. Try something and see what happens, if it works stick with it, if not make changes, look for new ways, try new things. All in all stay positive! If you do a weird combination of Weight Watchers, South Beach and Calorie Counting and it works...good for you. There isn't just one way to lose weight ... also be creative try to come up with your own ideas. It can be rewarding to know t...

14) Build a fan club. Basically this tip is to get support. Self says that whether it is in person or the virtual kind it is key to keeping the weight off. Then they give you the link to their website for their community board. My skinny - Really is that it. Get support..go to our website and chat with strangers. Good thing you have me right. Okay so yes support is extremely helpful and we aren't talking so much about family, spouse, significant other, etc. because believe me these people care too much to give you the hard truth. This is where I will make a positive stand for Weight Watchers. If you really need a cheering squad or people that know EXACTLY what you are going through ... go to a WW meeting . You really can get a lot from the meetings. Each week the leader has a topic of discussion too so you learn a lot about what to do in situations, etc. Believe me I am all for saving money but if WW is the jump start and motivation to keep you going do it. Besides ...

Sorry that the daily tips have halted. I've had a lot going on with work. Long story...but I vow to get back on track today.

13) Fire up the Fiber. Basically this tip is to eat a more complex and fiber rich bread. Self says for more fat-fighting power choose breads that feature flax. These seeds contain lignan (a phytoestrogen) that may be linked to weight loss. My Skinny - Didn't we just discuss fiber? Like # 9 with the pasta...well the same goes for any white carb. If you eat a whole wheat high fiber version it will be better for you. But here is where I don't see a difference in taste. Eat regular old wheat bread (ok well not old) and then switch to a high fiber with some flax...any difference in taste? Not at all! Just make sure you look at the back. You don't want to waste calories and some of the "better" breads say MORE FIBER and it really means MORE CALORIES. There is bread out there that is like 100 calories for two slices ... I swear... LOOK . It tastes exactly the same as their 100% whole wheat. So whatever bread you eat...look around at that brand...flip them...

12) Tune out and turn in. Basically this tip is to watch less tv and to get more sleep. Self says that for every two hours of tv you watch daily, the risk of obseity rises 23%. They also state that getting less than 5 or fewer hours of sleep per night can increase cravings for high-carb sweets and you are 55% more likely to be obese than people who get 8 hours a night. My skinny - Okay let me just start off with a big HOLY CRAP! I thought what I was eating while watching tv was doing me in but just the act itself...AHHHH!! Get more sleep? Okay please tell Paul that me going to bed before midnight is not because I am an old lady IT IS MIDNIGHT not 9:30!! Okay so I now vow to watch my programs on DVR with no commercials...less time spent and if there is nothing to watch on DVR and everything is a rerun I vow to do something more productive. I mean there's always blogging (until they find out that makes you obese) As for sleeping...let's see normally I go to bed at 12...

11) Get a "fast" food fix. Basically this tip is that you will eventually find yourself without a game plan and will turn to fast food. Self says to manage the fast food need to keep healthy frozen meals on hand. So you can look into your freezer and grab one of these in a pinch instead of going through the drive through. My Skinny - Okay so this sounds soooo simple. Yes I will just always eat frozen meals when I am hungry and don't feel like cooking. I think this tip is pointless. Sure eat your frozen processed meal with high sodium intake (so you'll bloat up) and then....what is that....you're still hungry...NO. So what are you going to do at this point...keep eating...duh! So then you might even eat more calories than you would have to pick something up. I'm not suggesting that a Big Mac meal is going to be a better choice. I would suggest figuring out something you can eat out and about. If you do a little before hand research you can find s...

10) Flip a fat switch. Basically this tip is to eat healthy fats. Self says that eating fat helps you feel full, which means you munch less overall. Simply choose healthy oils, especially those from nuts, olives or fish. My Skinny - So since we've talked about increasing the amount of fiber you need to eat to maintain fullness be careful to not cut out all fat or you have (ahem) personal problems. You can use olive oil when you cook however if you are going to cook at a high heat use canola oil instead. At high heats olive oil becomes a trans fat. Use a small amount of olive oil for your salads or maybe a pasta dish. You can also switch your margarine to a better source. We use Smart Balance , there's one with Olive Oil. Not only are you switching to a better oil source your getting Omegas as well. The Smart Balances taste pretty normal so there isn't a big taste difference between them and regular margarine. Pam Spray also now comes with a Olive Oil option...

9) Pass the Pasta. Basically this tip is to switch to whole wheat version of pasta. Self says that whole grains have the same number of calories as refined or white carbs do, but they have more fiber so you will eat less because you will feel fuller faster. Be sure to maintain portion control. My Skinny - FYI...whole grain pasta doesn't taste the same as regular but yes it is more filling and better for you. The fiber helps break down the fat and sugars in the pasta and sauces but if you are satisfying a craving by eating pasta it might not do the trick because of the difference in taste. When I want the white pasta fix I eat Ronzoni Smart Taste . It's white pasta and it tastes like white pasta but it has more fiber. So you get the same effect as the whole grain pasta and honestly it tastes better. Also try a sauce with less sugar. It will also taste more fresh.

8) Play up protein. Basically this tip is to make sure you are eating enough protein. Self says that your eating routine should include some form of satiating lean protein, such as poultry, fish, legumes or low fat dairy, to feel fuller longer. Self says that these foods also have body-trimming benefits. Protein helps to burn fat. My Skinny - Okay well I feel like with steps 1, 2 and 4 that we basically utilizing this step. First we are logging what we eat so you know if you are getting enough protein or not. Second, we are incorporating our skim milk in the morning and third, we're eating salmon for Vitamin D. So we're already making progress . I have said this time after time...I don't think I could survive if the world ran out of chicken. I eat A LOT of chicken because it's low-fat and it's a protein. So my new way of getting chicken in (since it can be kinda boring so Paul says) is chicken tacos (eaten with moderation of cheese and such) and roasted...

7) Be an action hero. Basically this tip is all about exercise. Self says that if your diet is like a new shiny bike, regular exercise helps keep air in the tires. Self says to engage in heart-thumping activity for at least 30 minutes, five days a week to burn calories, strengthen your heart and gain energy. My Skinny- Well we all know we need exercise so the trick is fitting it into our lifestyle. You don't have to join a gym to exercise. I suggest walking. It's easy and it can be fun. Grab your dog...who needs the exercise too ... and take a fast pace walk around your neighborhood. Too hot or cold? Go to the mall and walk around at a fast pace...no stopping for shopping...you're there for exercise. Self always has floor exercises in their magazine each month as well. Plus you can go to their website and get the same exercise routines. Exercise doesn't need to be daunting or expensive. If you have kids, take them to the playground and run around with t...

6) Treat yourself right. Basically this tip is telling you that treats are okay. Self says whether your guilty pleasure is potato chips or ice cream, feel free to polish off a serving. They say it's okay to use 150 calories on a treat. My skinny - Something doesn't add up here. Okay, we have all seen the 100 calorie prepackaged cookies, crackers, chips, etc. Are you really satisfied after one of those little bags? No. (If you are, you deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for your self control) Okay here is the deal with cookies, cake, candy, chips, etc. If you don't eat it ... you don't crave it. If you are someone who eats little candies around the office on a daily basis, try avoiding it for an entire week (I am not saying the beginning isn't rough) but seriously once you make it past that 7 day period. You will forget about the candy for good. That is also how people can make the South Beach Diet work. Believe me the beginning of SB is a nightmare because...

5) Become a veggie junkie. Basically this tip is EAT as much veggies as humanly possible. Self states pile your plate high with naturally low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables and fruit which leaves little room for other dishes. Focusing on these filling foods helps you lose weight and still feel satisfied. My skinny - Honestly, if you are not one to eat a good balance of vegetables this is where Weight Watchers helps. Seriously before I did WW maybe I would occasionally eat green beans or corn. But WW stresses for one of it's rules to get 5 servings of vegetables a day plus you get a long list of ones that are 0 points and come on points are precious. So when I was doing WW, eating the 5 a day sure I lost weight but the weeks when I had like insane numbers like -4.8 or more it was from loading up on vegetables. I would go to this store in Gainesville (Wards) where they had fresh produce and I would just load up on fresh vegetables. They are also a great in between meal s...

4) Go Fish. Basically this tip is to get more Vitamin D. Self says according to the University of Minnesota, that fatty swimmers such as wild salmon deliver Vitamin D, and having low levels of the nutrient at the start of a diet may hinder weight loss efforts and Vitamin D helps curb your appetite. My Skinny - Okay well after that you are jumping for joy and can't wait to dive into that salmon. Go for it. I on the other hand. I HATE salmon. So...I'm a lost cause I guess. Nope. Seriously I am the pickiest eater on this planet and I can manage my diet for weight loss so the key here to to get the Vitamin D from other sources. So a quick google search and ..... Table 3: Selected Food Sources of Vitamin D Food IUs per serving* Percent DV** Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon 1,360 340 Salmon (sockeye), cooked, 3 ounces 794 199 Mushrooms that have been exposed to ultraviolet light to increase vitamin D, 3 ounces (not yet commonly available) 400 100 Mackerel, cooked,...

3) Check in with your gut. Basically this tip is to avoid overeating. Self says that most people eat too quickly to recognize their fullness signals (according to author Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D.) Dr. Fernstorm states that it takes 20 mins for signals to register. Self's tip is to tune in today by eating without distraction (no TV or computer), noticing the tightness and grumbling in your stomach before you dig in and slowing your bites so you can tell when you're truly full. My Skinny - Sounds simple right? We'll all just sit down and slowly chew are food (aren't we supposed to chew it like 100 times anyways...so start counting) and there will be no more overeating and we will all be a size 0 by the end of the week? Wrong. It's easy for someone to say EAT SLOWER! But realistically it's not always the case. I have heard that there are actually places in THIS country where you do NOT get a lunch break so....how are these people supposed to ...

2) Milk your morning. Basically this tip is to drink fat free skim milk with your breakfast. Self says that breakfast just starts your metabolism and milk (protein - rich non-fat dairy) is a lasting meal. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that skim milk drinkers felt fuller and ate 9 percent less at lunch than juice drinkers did. My skinny - Okay well here is the thing. First, I don't drink juice...hello CALORIE WASTER! (Unless we are talking about Diet V8 Splash that has like 10 calories or something.) Second, I admit that I am a breakfast skipper. Third, I am lactose intolerant so milk isn't really a good wake up to the day for me. So, starting Monday, I will drink a glass of soy milk, equivalent to skim milk, and I will post to this blog how hungry I am at lunch time.

1) Log on and Lose. Basically this tip is to keep a food journal. Self says according to American Journal of Preventive Medicine , dieters who write down their meals and their workouts every day lost TWICE as much as those that didn't. My skinny : Writing it down does help. You can be quite surprised to see how fast it adds up. You might be thinking...nah I have a light breakfast (or none), light lunch and a normal dinner...WRONG. Just write it down for a DAY and see what the outcome is. Okay so now that you're going to write it down the key is to find out what sort of method is best for you. For example, Weight Watchers (WW) is all about keeping a food journal and WW works on a points system. The points system is simple yet tricky. Sure WW gives you a whole list on zero point foods and a sliding ruler on how to calculate points using the nutrition facts. But here's the tricky part that damn sliding ruler is never to be found when you need it...

So every time I read a magazine I'm more caught up with the idea of ... why am I not doing this? Seriously! I have brilliant thoughts which is what my blog is supposed to be all about. So here is the deal ...For the next 31 days I am going to elaborate on 31 how to's that I read in Self magazine. Since it is the season for weight loss I decided to start with it. I hope you enjoy. So in this month's Self magazine it shares 31 ways to eat and slim. I will tell you their 31 tips and either try it their way (if it's something I haven't tried) or tell you the real "skinny" on how to do it.