Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Encouraging Each Other: Eat Less Move More: How is it going?

 

Vegetable friends

Three weeks into Eating Less / Moving More. The first two weeks I lost a pound.

Today, makes three weeks, I am eating less, culinary mindfulness, and I was mindful to begin with, but now I am ultra mindful.

I lost zero pounds this week.

I have been moving more by swimming and walking, okay not hours, but moving more doesn't mean sweat does it? I have cut way back on what I eat, I was hoping that would be enough.

Discouraged? No… I feel great! Next week my body will think this new style of being is okay and surrender a few pounds. I believe that. It is in shock that is why it is holding on.

 

Six pound barbell

 

I have been lifting my old fashion weights. At the beginning of the week I could hardly lift the six pound barbell (with my healed wrist) but now… I can do many sets of twenty.

Annie says, "Muscle is heavier." So encouraging. 

 

Wrist exercises

 

I am stronger!

And that is enough glory for one week.

Though it sure would feel nice if that scale gave way too.

Eating less… being mindful. It is working, I feel better.

 

Cafe de paris...non

 

Well sometimes.

We went to lunch at a friend's house Isabel and Gab, the food!!!!!! Oh my goodness the beautiful food, being a foodie is not really a diet thing you know. I ate a little of everything. And for dinner I had an apple and water. I felt fine.

Today some blogging friends are coming over for Cafe de Paris and cakes. I already know what I am having… fruit and water. I am okay with that.

Really?

Yes.

Does lifting the camera and that bottle of sparkly count as exercise?

 

An apple a day

 

The joy of an apple a day. I have had more apples in the last three weeks than I have had in a year.

I am not a fruit person.

Though I saw on a calorie chart that the fruits I like are the most fattening. My lucky. 

Figs are off the chart.

So sad.

 

Pumping iron

 

Lifting weights…. Powerful!

 

Eat Less Move More 2

 

Vegetable friends, vegetable power, vegetable whatever.

I am sticking to it, even with only one pound lost two weeks ago.

Slow and steady, that is okay.

 

HOW ABOUT YOU????

 

Extra sweet sites and ideas, without calories…

Bite de Lite fantastic lickable photos of "delight" recipes.

How to Prepare tofu, and other vegan recipes.

 

Calories

 

Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea & Ginger Yogurt Verrine

Photo Source Tartlette

Whe says diet has to be boring? Eat less, but eat. Yogurt and fruit can be as appealing as a hot fudge sunday. Right.

Eat Less, Move More, I just found this article in Forbes, I am rich!

Kinfolk, Sunday suppers, good ideas to breath in.

Culinary Mindfulness

Comments

67 responses to “Encouraging Each Other: Eat Less Move More: How is it going?”

  1. susan

    hang in there Corey!

    Reply
  2. Susan

    I think it often comes down to how your clothes feel, vs. what the scales say. I don’t have a scale! I can only rely on my pants (and my mirror!) to tell me what is going on. Hang in there and have a good weekend.

    Reply
  3. phyllis

    What about FIG NEWTONS? (they probably don’t have them in France…)
    I need to follow in your food steps..I mean footsteps! Both!

    Reply
  4. marlis

    It has taken 3 weeks to lose 6 lbs.. with only one last week and one this week. But My jeans are less tight and my tummy less big. So I’m okay with it.. I’m on the Corey “Eat Less, Move More” diet. It does work. You are right that muscles weighs more than fat, but scales that seem to be stuck are hard to live with.. Chin up, power on! Happy Friday.. xo marlis

    Reply
  5. Amylia Grace

    Slow going for me…Moving more is showing me just how out of shape I was, but it’s only been a week and my legs feel stronger and my resolve is increasing so there is that. Eating less is making me hungry all the time, but my body needs to adjust to the new routine. There is enough to sustain me and then some…it is just used to more. Small steps over time will give the results I seek, and I feel better in the process, which is the real deal.

    Reply
  6. Debra

    Maybe you have hit a plateau, let your body get use to this new level, push through and more will come off. I am still holding at 8 lbs off the last couple months. Looking at that last 8 lbs and thinking I need to really eat less and exercise a lot more to get there. But a smaller rear & belly is motivation. Nothing tastes as good as being a little thinner feels.

    Reply
  7. Bev

    Well after losing 4.8 lbs last week (hadn’t weighed myself in 2 weeks), I GAINED 2.7 lbs. I was so disappointed in myself. Was it the low-calorie dark chocolate zucchini brownies that I made and could not get enough of? Was it the box of milk duds that I bought as a reward? (I know, stupid, stupid.) So now I’m off to do Yoga and then a spin class. Hopefully next weigh in will be better. I am still down 5 lbs. thankfully.

    Reply
  8. Ann

    I weighed myself and OUCH! The diet is on. I found a diet journal which provides many great daily affirmations in addition to charting 1) glasses of water, 2) fruits and 3) veggies did I have. Then it goes into more detail on exercise etc.
    The main affirmation is “It isn’t about dieting as much as it is about taking care of myself.” I love this whole shift in how to look at dieting.
    The advice I got from people who have mastered weight loss, is to lose as much weight as possible before starting an exercise routine. This is because muscle weighs more and we get discouraged when the scales aren’t moving.
    I’m not going to weigh myself for another couple of months but I can feel it through how my clothes feel – baggy. Yeah!

    Reply
  9. Jillayne

    Annie’s right, and so are you – the pounds will come off eventually and you’ll be stronger – it’s just a waiting game really, isn’t it?
    I am eating the same things but less of them – we’ve been eating pretty healthy for some time as both our grown children are vegan and I have had to learn some new things in the kitchen for when they visit – makes me think of food a little differently.
    As for moving more, I’m taking the easy button and going for brisk walks at night (although last night I actually jogged a few intervals, and I haven’t run since high school!) I haven’t been able to make it a nightly ritual yet but I’m averaging two out three…at least for this week I am! We’ll get there Corey!

    Reply
  10. martina

    You can do it!

    Reply
  11. Kristin

    Yeah, you should also do measurements. Measure waist hips, arms…. You may be loosing there but gaining muscle.
    Also, you need to make sure you are eating enough. Diet doesn’t mean starve! If you are not eating enough your body goes into a survival mode and holds tight to every calorie.
    Drink tons of water!

    Reply
  12. Christine LeFever

    I have lost 18 pounds since May 3rd. via online Weight Watchers. I also learned from various studies that exercise doesn’t help you lose weight at all. But it is good for your heart of course and can assist in sculpting. Eating less is key. Weight Watchers is actually fun! If you have a point system, you can monitor your eating very easily and never go hungry. Of course, eating mostly fresh fruit and vegetables is key along with small amounts of meat/fish. I have finally succumbed to fat free foods. Here’s a delicious 2 point dessert: caramel flavored rice cake with two tablespoons Philadelphia fat free cream cheese (only Philadelphia makes it) and 1 teaspoon of jam. I have a banana with it. Almost all fresh fruits and veggies are 0 points. I can eat 26 points a day. Trust me. It works.

    Reply
  13. annie

    You are building muscle and losing fat. Good for you. The scale just doesn’t know the difference.
    Don was gone for two weeks recently. I thought this would be the perfect time to eat sensibly. NOT. I was so lonely, I went completely off the rails. Now that he is back, I’m eating better. Not well, but, better.

    Reply
  14. Todd

    … and don’t forget to have fun!
    –Todd
    (author of Forbes’ “The Simple Secret Of Weight Loss: Eat Less, Move More, And Make It Fun” http://www.forbes.com/sites/toddessig/2012/04/12/the-simple-secret-of-weight-loss-eat-less-move-more-and-make-it-fun/ )

    Reply
  15. kim

    As long as the scales are going in the right direction it doesn’t matter if you lose 1 pound or 1/2 pound or no pounds. It’s a way of life. It might take you months to take off 10 pounds but so what? You’ve got to eat and exercise this way anyway. You’re taking care of your body and that’s what counts.

    Reply
  16. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    After 3 weeks of eating right it will become a habit and much easier. I don’t think about eating as much as I previously did. Yogurt, some fruit, veggies and I love to heat up green beans and eat them with my fingers. Pecans are always helpful for that crunch I grave.

    Reply
  17. Monica

    Annie is right!

    Reply
  18. Laurie SF

    Muffin top in a pair of running shorts heading out the door for a run. Feeling empowered.
    You look beautiful..

    Reply
  19. Carolyn Mallin

    Corey you look great. Keep doing what you’re doing. It could take a little time. A little hint that might help. My aunt told me years ago that a tablespoon of apple cider vinager,a little honey to sweeten in a glass of very cold water helps boost the metabolism. Once to three times a day. I’ve been doing this and at first I thought it tasted pretty tarte, however, now I look forward to it and find it very refreshing.
    I’ve lost 2 more pounds this week. Since May I’ve lost a total of 20lbs. I think it helps that I’ve given up all meat and packaged foods.
    Good luck to you all, keep up thinking positive and I’m looking forward to seeing how we all do next week.

    Reply
  20. Linda

    Once again, Annie is spot on. Muscle contains more water and weighs more than fat. When I tried to lose weight by weight lifting, I didn’t lose a lot of pounds, but lost many inches. Don’t get discouraged. You are doing just what you need to do to be healthier. I have lost two pounds since we began. You are a great positive role model for us all. I started at 185 and am 5’6″. Only 22 to go.

    Reply
  21. Massilianana

    You look very sparkly ! And I love your necklace. I lost another pound. it is coming around slowly which is the best way. I am not banning anything and i feel exactly like you say : mindful. I ve even had a delicious aïoli for lunch today with nice fish huge shrimps delicious vegetables it was a pure feast ! And I think it is super important to enjoy this kind of “out of line” meal, shared with coworkers and with some good laughs. Precious moment !
    Till next friday !

    Reply
  22. Lauren

    Being disciplined with what you eat is the first and most important step, so you’re doing a great job!! Also, the last 20 pounds a person wants to lose are the hardest. When someone needs to lose 100 pounds the first month is a breeze. Someone leaving a comment said that exercise doesn’t help you lose weight, I don’t know why someone would say that…
    I know you don’t want to work out but that really is the best way to lose weight and boost your metabolism (especially as we age). Getting a trainer would be worth it! Excising doesn’t have to be a bore! Take a class with a friend, do active things you have always wanted to try. For me that would be things like yoga, zumba, horseback riding, etc.
    Keep it up girl, you’re doing a great job!!!

    Reply
  23. Chris Wittmann

    Corey….I am hearing alot about how the combinations of foods is key in losing weight. Fruit and veggies alone are not going to do much. YOu need to eat high quality lean proteins and fiber together at each meal…in other words…veggies & certain fruits (not all are good for weight loss) with lean meats or fish. Since you’re a vegetarian I’m not sure what you could do to alter the diet.
    Muscle definitely weighs more than fat. I have great dense muscles under the extra layers of fat 🙂 Now for the job of uncovering them!
    I have no scale here, I go by the way my clothes fit. I may have lost a few pounds this week, but the pizza I ate today probably nullified that!

    Reply
  24. Kathie B

    Corey, I seem to recall your once mentioning that your neighbor French Annie eats at least 5 pieces of fresh fruit per day — I’m pretty sure she’s on to something. Luckily, this is fresh fruit season, with so many local choices at the farmers’ market, which makes eating fruit a real joy. Why, I think I’ll go eat a sweet, ripe peach right now (I even eat the fuzz)!

    Reply
  25. Sheala

    You’re doing great Corey…and you are beautiful! The scale may not be moving, but maybe your clothes fit a bit looser? It’ll come off and you are already feeling better.
    Blessings ♥

    Reply
  26. g

    well guys i hesitate to write here that i did not have the greatest of weeks— i swear i should just keep my mouth shu— every time i say well i lost this or that a period of transgression occurs-any way-back in tune and refocusing-black bean lime soup for dinner some sliced jersey tomatos water water water-KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ALL-until next fille friday….

    Reply
  27. Jenna

    I am also feeling better, but I doubt I have lost pounds. I’m eating better and am using my baby as a weight, so my biceps feel stronger.
    I hope everyone is doing well.

    Reply
  28. Franca Bollo

    Keep the wine, lose the gluten.

    Reply
  29. cynthia

    Go Corey!! You doing great. But you don’t have to look at the scale. Your clothes will tell you what’s going on. When I worked out in a gym for 5 years (increasing carefully and slowly), it was more for health and fitness than weight loss, but I actually gained 8-10 lbs (of MUSCLE) and lost TWO pants sizes. The number of pounds/kilos is not the most important thing. Also I went up and down and up in weight as I learned to work out. Your body may do that if you are lifting enough weight to build more muscle. Don’t get discouraged by the scale (Ignore the scale!!!) Oh, and it took 3-5 months in the gym to really notice much change in stamina, strength, feeling better, different. Habit is crucial. You are doing it!!

    Reply
  30. Paulita

    Your body can feel better even if the scale isn’t budging. I like your idea of eat less, move more. I’ve run/walked six days in the past week for about 40 minutes a day. I’m still waiting to see some results. I can’t believe figs have the highest calories. I just ate about seven of them.

    Reply
  31. Brother Mathew

    What was it again about gluten and breasts?

    Reply
  32. Franca Bollo

    More than a mouthful is too much?

    Reply
  33. Franca Bollo

    That was mean to be a reply to Brother Mathew … your brother, the monk.

    Reply
  34. Gina Baynham

    Week one I lost not a sausage. This week I finally lost 0.8kgs which is about 1 1/2 pounds! Yay! I ache and nothing looks different in the mirror. It’s my birthday today and already I have eaten croissants for breakfast, hot chocolate mid morning and am eyeing up the toblerone the kids gave me as my present! I’m not sure what the next weigh in holds…?!

    Reply
  35. Suz

    I was TEMPTED to eat out for lunch on Tuesday. But I ate the lunch I brought and went for a walk instead.
    Score: Suz 1. Slippage 0.

    Reply
  36. Brother Mathew

    Gluten more so.

    Reply
  37. Kate L.

    For the last few months my husband and I have been starting our day with a “green” smoothie. The following goes into the blender; coconut milk, banana, small amount of fruit (berries) and the following – 3 types of kale, collard greens, spinach a little fresh ginger and lemon or lime. The reason we started was for a boost in energy, the amazing thing is it has curbed the amounts of other foods we eat and we have both lost weight, 18 and 20 lbs… We now look forward the our green drink every morning and and hopefully losing a few more pounds…

    Reply
  38. samanthajacob

    lime and honey will reduce the calories very fast.
    How Many Calories Counter

    Reply
  39. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi
    I sprinkle lemon does that count?
    I am eating about 1200 a day.

    Reply
  40. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Kate
    Congratulations on the weight lost!
    I have had several emails praising green tea,but not green smoothies. I love Java Juice Wheat Grass Shooters, but they don’t have Java Juice in France. And I do not have a green thumb when it comes to wheat grass.
    Off the diet, my friend made Kale Chips, tempting no?

    Reply
  41. Tongue in Cheek

    Bravo!
    LOL Slippage I like that O!

    Reply
  42. Tongue in Cheek

    Happy Birthday Gina!!!

    Reply
  43. Tongue in Cheek

    That is my problem I have a BIG mouth.

    Reply
  44. Tongue in Cheek

    I’ll drink to that someday.

    Reply
  45. Tongue in Cheek

    Don’t let him fool you.

    Reply
  46. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh no Figs! I love figs. Love them. And ever since I heard they are high in calories I rarely eat them. Well that is to say if I eat one I eat ten. So I cannot start Fig O holic me.

    Reply
  47. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh I want to use a baby for a weight!!! Love that!

    Reply
  48. Tongue in Cheek

    “Habit is Crucial” that is the key!

    Reply
  49. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi G
    This week will be better you’ll see!
    Black bean lime soup, have a recipe?
    C

    Reply
  50. Tongue in Cheek

    XXXX

    Reply
  51. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi K
    Yes Annie does eat five fruits or more a day.
    Fit she is!
    C

    Reply
  52. Tongue in Cheek

    I love Pizza, but thankfully I cannot eat it as it often gives me a headache, the melted cheese.
    I am trying to eat more fish, being a vegetarian is not easy to give up grains as protein.
    Good Luck next week!

    Reply
  53. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi Lauren
    I am thinking to take Bollywood Dancing next month.
    Dancing is my form of exercising, or yoga.
    C

    Reply
  54. Tongue in Cheek

    Dieting is France is very hard, when food and meals are central and sit down. I agree with you cutting back but enjoying what life in France brings us, friends and sharing meals.
    When are you coming over?

    Reply
  55. Tongue in Cheek

    We can do this! Thanks!

    Reply
  56. Tongue in Cheek

    Thanks for the tip, my mom said a friend of hers drinks that for ailments and it helps her pain lessen.

    Reply
  57. Ana

    When I am stressed and unhappy I pile on the weight, when I am happy I lose the weight. When I say that I am on a diet I beleive that my mind tells me that I am unhappy about all the foods that I love that I cannot eat and so I eat more and make myself unhappy all over again. Can you see the spiral? so now I am not on a diet I am trying to adjust to a new life style that includes my favourite things as treats and not everyday. I am also trying to move more, but differently because I need to surprise my body by moving differently. I walk to work everyday, but that is normal, so now I am trying to do 20 minutes of pilates, which is great for posture and toning and pulling in those core muscles, everyday.
    Most importantly I am trying not to beat myself up about any of it, because then the unhappy spiral begins all over again.
    Corey you are doing fabulously, simply by the sheer will and determination to do more and eat less, your mind is willing the body takes a bit more persuading, so be kind to yourself.

    Reply
  58. TEXAS FRANCOPHILE

    I follow a book called “Skinny Rules”” by Bob Harper. Great sensible regimen. 48-64oz of water is key to losing it. You have greatly reduced your intake now flush out the toxins. Can’t wait TIL marathon in Nice, that’s motivation enough!

    Reply
  59. Dd

    Btw, I love ur necklace. Weight loss gets tougher over 50. I have tried everything and what helps me is eating vegetables. It’s great this time of year w my garden, and yr location is perfect!! Use olive oil, no butter. Have wine, skip the bread. This is my new go to when I put on a few pounds, and I do get rid of them.
    Keep going, u look great.

    Reply
  60. Jackie

    I have a friend who does not weigh herself. She doesn’t even let the Dr weigh her. Says she doesn’t want to get caught up in the numbers. She just wants to feel good. She is one of the most healthy eaters I’ve ever met, very “normal” about food. Nothing is off limits but she eats small portions. She is quite physical, does a lot of walking and swimming, and is up for just about any adventure that comes her way. I think she has the right idea.

    Reply
  61. Jamie Earles

    I love figs, too. Even though they are in the category of less is more( on a daily basis.)
    So happy you are focused! And thanks for helping me stay on track, if you can do it, so can I!

    Reply
  62. La Contessa

    Hang in there ANNIE IS RIGHT!THAT muscle is why you havenot LOST, But you did say your feeling better?Your body is taking shape!YOur more active,etc……….did you ever read that little book about FRENCH WOMAN and what they do?I cannot recall the name but written by the CEO of that CHAMPAGNE with the name I cannot pronounce CLICQUET………….ORANGE LABEL!!!!I know you can guess what I’m talking about.It was a good read.they take the stairs verse the elevator,have a piece of chocolate NOT the entire BAR!It might be good to re-visit that book?Cause it sounds like what your doing!KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!BRAVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!xxx

    Reply
  63. cindy

    I have spent half of my life on diets. I have always had an issue with my weight…boy can I identify…no wine though…yikes!!

    Reply
  64. Cathy

    Corey, I’m happy to report that I’ve lost 32 pounds since the first of the year. The tool I’ve been using is Myfitnesspal.com. It’s an awesome tool to track your intact and output. There’s a community of people there that will encourage and support you on your journey, whether it be a 10lb or like in my case a 70lb journey.
    I’ve decided that this is a marathon run for me not a sprint.
    I love using Leslie Sansone walking tapes. When I tell people about them they think how can you lose weight walking back and forth, but I tell them it really works and is fun. I love the Walking Slim 1-5 mile DVD. In the 1 mile you break out in a sweat. Try it! Did you know that when you break a sweat it’s your fat crying. Come on Corey make your fat cry!
    I’m believing for you. Yes you can!!!

    Reply
  65. Cathy

    Oh yeah Corey, don’t be fooled by the scale, he’s not always your friend! Go by how you feel and how your clothes fit. I know for me all of a sudden I could pull off my pants without unzipping them. That’s an awesome feeling.
    You’re on the right track baby, you’ll get there. Congratulations on your success so far!

    Reply
  66. Kathie B

    Corey, just from looking at these self-photos, it’s obvious the source of Chelsea’s endlessly expressive facial expressions. Just don’t know whether it’s more inherited or learned 😉

    Reply
  67. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Well. Checking in late because I was at a weekend party where I ate more and moved less. So I’m starting up again now. Sigh.

    Reply

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