My 14,000 Calorie Surplus

Since my sons have been in and out of my home throughout the summer, I have put on about four pounds.  Those pounds snuck up on me it seemed overnight!  I've had to take a good look as to what I've been doing to deserve this newly stored 14,000 extra calories!  I needed to investigate!

Jordan with Tickles and Rocky

  Let's see, I made them their favorite dinners (last night it was mashed potatoes and gravy and I'll be darned if I'm going to scrimp on the ingredients) a few nights a week and they've had "their" food clogging my fridge and cupboards.  (What's the big deal if I have one small bowl of Cocoa Puffs before bed?)

My overstuffed, junk filled fridge

But, I can't blame it all on them.  As I made one of my typical breakfasts the other morning, I actually looked hard at what I assumed was a teaspoon of peanut butter on the knife poised atop my toast.  I tried to measure it by site then decided to use a measuring spoon.  I was nearly dead on!  But, once I'd finished preparing my toast, I automatically put the knife back into the jar to do my usual  knife dip; that extra lick from the knife before putting the jar away.  I decided to measure my dip.  It was a full teaspoon or more!  OK, it's only thirty five or so calories, but, on a grander scale, it becomes a pound of fat after swallowing the hundredth knife scoop.  What if I didn't do my "knife dip" and instead put the jar away?

Gian made dinner one night.  He told me he was making chicken burritos.  White tortillas, 210 calories; refried beans, 190 calories; avocado slices, 100 calories; plop of sour cream, 70 calories; chicken breast, 90 calories.  (I added fresh vegetables to mine, just for kicks.)

Later in the day, while I made my lunch,  I mindlessly went to the kid's stash, ready to nibble on a few tortilla chips while heating my soup.  It occurred to me that if I simply did not do those little extra nibbles, I could lop off approximately one hundred or more calories.  Hmmm...I'm beginning to see a pattern!

The yummy zucchini bread Cathy made me.  I finally learned to enjoy one slice, not two or more!

A multitude of studies have found that, on average, normal weight people underestimate their daily caloric intake by about 20% and obese people underestimate by 30 - 40%.  Quite a few underestimate up to 50% or more!  (Even those who walk around with their trusty calorie counter will underestimate the amount of calories they consume.)  That said, it is no wonder why so many fitness professionals ask their clients to measure and weigh portions as well as keep an accurate food journal for at least three weeks.  The more aware one is, the less likely they will underestimate, with such glaring disparity, what they put into their mouth.

I've gained a few pounds and I am again mindful to what I am eating and drinking.  I am not going to diet because every time I have ever thought about dieting, I get all weird and start thinking about food compulsively.  Yuck!  No way!  Nope, it's the 10, 100, 5 rule for me.  Bye bye, four pounds!  I'll let you know next Wednesday how it's going!

GianPaolo and his Kirby

Oh, and bye bye Gian!  I am getting him up in a few minutes.  He's driving to his new school in LA.   And, I am once again an empty nester!  So, this will be a good time to be mindful!  Wish me luck!

Remember The Rule of 10, 100, 5?

Did you read my post of July 23th about the "Rule of 10 Minutes, 100 Less and 5 More"?  I have been wondering how you did?

100 calorie items

  Less than half of a hard roll, 14 almonds, 1/4 cup cranberries.

If you had tried my "challenge" back on July 23d, you may have discovered that there is a joy to losing a few pounds.  I think it is because you weren't dieting in order to achieve the results.  


My clients have gotten the best results with this formula because they can lose a pound or two every few weeks and not be deprived!   They're not starving their body or their mind and end up craving "bad" foods.  


Humans are far more satisfied when eating REAL food.  The diet mentality promotes the thought that you may never get to eat real food again.  So, when you are at the party or the restaurant, you eat as much "forbidden" food as you can thinking you will be going back to the prison camp the next day.

This is about 120 calories of Provolone cheese.

So, had you started with the simple RULE of 10 Minutes, 100 Less and 5 More, you would be feeling lighter. You may even feel stronger and notice a bit more tone.  Wow!  For such a small investment, you could be feeling better about yourself and really groove on the life you are living!


I think we should take as much pleasure from life as we can, but instant gratification doesn't promote the true essence of joy.  Grabbing junk food to satisfy your hunger is not the same as sitting down to a wonderfully prepared dish.  Take your time and prepare your food thoughtfully.  Sit down with your tasty meal and savor the flavor, texture, color and aroma of the food you prepare.  


Order what you truly desire at a restaurant and eat with sheer delight while you take your time to really appreciate the gift of great food!  Then stop before you are stuffed knowing you can eat whenever and whatever you want.  Eat what you want, but eat less.  You will become less extreme in the calories you consume!


Be mindful.  Know what you truly want and then eat moderately. 

I just read yesterday's blog (August 4) from The Rich Life on a Budget.   Adrienne talks about her experience with losing the "diet mentality" and losing weight!  You must read it.  


If you haven't read my blog "The Rule of 10 Minutes, 100 Less and 5 More", check it out.  I would love to hear from you if you try this easy to do lifestyle shift.  Let me know your results!

One-half cup of whole grain pasta.
One and a half tablespoons Ranch dressing.