I really did not realize how many additional calories every day that I was consuming two months ago before I started this program. It has been rather eye-opening. And I’m talking about empty calories. Chips, bread, butter, salad dressing, etc. Salad dressing is loaded with calories and I guess I never paid much attention to that before. Now I just use straight balsamic which is maybe 15 cal versus 150 or 160 calories in salad dressing. I also stop and ask myself when I go for a snack if I am really hungry or am I bored. I am trying to make a conscious effort of the fats I am putting on my plate as well. In addition to having carbs two out of my three meals. If I already had it for breakfast and lunch, then I don’t need carbs for dinner. The other thing I learned is how important protein is. Some meals I think I still struggle to get enough but like everything else it’s a balancing act. I’m also trying to take pride in the non-scale victories. Because they are just as important. That’s really more than one thing but I couldn’t decide and pick just one.

@Alexander Kodama intrigued!!

@Krista Kelly thank you Krista!! Yes I have had veggies and hummus. I have never tried jicama. I’m not even sure I know what that is, but I think I’ve seen it in the grocery store and it looks like some kind of horseradish root or something. I would be interested to know how you prepare it or eat it. I have had roasted chickpeas with turmeric and some other spices, which were actually pretty good. I have never tried to kale chips. Thank you again for some of the ideas.

@Krista Kelly thank you!!!

Great inspiration Cindy. Thank you for sharing.

Awesome job Sandy!!