Finally!

I hate to take top billing from the kids, so promise that when you are done with this post you will scroll down and look at posts about them.

Just had to say that I WON Fit in Four! I did not go in expecting to win because I had already lost a handful of pounds on SIS, but I had a big first week and no one else ever really contested. I learned that I actually liked it better when I was the chaser and not the chased. I thrive on that. This time it was a bit on the too easy side, but I have wanted this and missed it twice so I am still very happy to finally claim that elusive crown.

This was actually the most casually I have ever played the game. I still claimed every single point available but I did not work out obsessively or over think every calorie. Walking was my only form of exercise (other than bonus point challenges) and I only walked for exactly the 46 minutes a day that are required to claim full points. I mean, I walked more than that in my life (always over 10,000 steps and sometimes as high as 25,000) but I only walked on the clock for 46 minutes a day. I partly did this because I was using the philosophy of The Body Reset Diet by Harley Pasternak. For the first 5 days I followed his 3 smoothies and 2 snacks a day plan. After that I did my own thing, but followed his advice to eat 5 times a day and ALWAYS combine protein and fiber at every meal. He also suggests very minimal exercise, mostly just wearing a pedometer and making sure you hit the 10,000 mark every day. I lost 5 pounds in the first week, and 8.5 overall. Remember that I had already just lost 11.5 in SIS as well so that is 20 total. Okay, back up...4 of the FIF pounds were just weight I had regained in California after SIS, but even if we deduct those 4, I still legitimately ended 16 pounds down from where I was going in to SIS. I am still 2.5 pounds up from where I was when I went to Cancun last year, but 16 pounds...HECK YEAH!

If you have any interest I would check out The Body Reset Diet. I was never, ever, not even once hungry, weight just seemed to move, and I feel awesome. I will continue to be more conscientious about fiber and protein. I will keep wearing the pedometer and I hope to keep up the healthy eating as well. Pasternak's plan allows two anything-goes meals a week, rather than a whole blow-the-work-you-did-all-week cheat day. I will probably allow 3 freebie meals a week instead but this is the first ever eating philosophy that has made sense to me. I hate when diets preach no fat, no carbs, no sugar when some of the healthiest foods are high in natural fats, or carbs, or natural sugar. I have tried cramming in loads of celery with no dip because heaven forbid we take a no calorie food and dump calories all over it, but veggies in Greek yogurt (mixed with Ranch powder) adds protein to the fiber which keeps you full and takes care of your muscles. He also taught me how to properly make a smoothie. I had always just thrown in whatever sounded good. It helped me get my fruits and veggies in and tasted good, but by combining fiber, protein and natural fats, they actually function as a meal. In the past smoothies have always been a snack or treat for me, but when done right they provide all the nourishment of a meal and keep you full for hours. The ideas in this book were a revelation to me. This is the end all, be all, stop reading books about dieting book, in my opinion.