Every once in a while it’s good to take a self assessment. Since I’ve been at a plateau for the past 4 weeks, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at what I’m doing (or should I say not doing) and figure out what I can do better.

1. 5 Servings of Veggies and Fruits per day - I am honestly only averaging about 2 per day. Some days I have 3 or maybe 4, and some days only 1 or none at all. The easiest fruits for me to eat are: pineapple, clementines, applesauce and bananas. For vegetables it’s carrots, peas, salads, potatoes, onions and green beans. I am going to set a goal for 3 per day (baby steps!) and try to get one fruit or vegetable in per meal.

2. Choose whole-grain foods - This one is a little easier. I have switched to whole wheat bread and pasta. For breakfast I have oatmeal, nutrigrain eggos or cereal. I eat corn or wheat tortillas, etc. We’ll say this one is a but I am going to try to do more with brown rice and more of my own baking with own ground wheat.

3. 2 servings of milk products per day - I love milk. This one is easy for me. I drink milk nearly every day, plus I love dairy products like cottage cheese and yogurt. I usually don’t have a problem getting my 2 servings.

4. Healthy Oil - Ok, this one just doesn’t appeal to me. When I cook, I always use Olive or canola oil, but I am not going to add oil to anything that doesn’t normally call for it. Sorry WW .. I’m not saying the oil isn’t healthy or a part of losing weight, but I just can’t stomach it. If I’m sauteeing veggies or something I’ll use it, but you won’t find me putting it on salads or in a shake or anything.

5. Adequate protein. Well, for the last week I have had beef or turkey every day. I’ve also had a lot of peanut butter and dairy products. I think I’m doing OK on this one, but I want to start cooking more fish (love the Tilapia from Costco!) and chicken.

6. Limit added sugar and alcohol. Well, the alcohol is easy - I don’t drink. As for added sugar, I have switched to sugar-free drinks and jello. I still like the occasional treat like lo-fat ice cream or a mini candy bar. Halloween had it’s challenges, but overall I think the sugar consumption is down dramatically from where it was a few months ago

7. Drink 6 glasses of water per day. <– That about says it all. I bring a water bottle nearly every day to work. I usually drink all of it and occasionally fill it up and drink a little more. The water bottle is = to 2 glasses. Another glass or two in the evening with dinner and I’m probably still short at least 2 glasses. Gotta step this one up. I think I need to try to get some water in with my breakfast and lunches too.

8. Multi-vitamin daily. I’m hit and miss with this.. I think this could help with #7. If I start getting my vitamin in every morning then I can get a glass of water in, too. I’m probably getting my vitamin in 50% of the time. This is one of the easier ones on the list so there’s really no excuse for not having 100%.

*** 6***

Overall today was probably a 6 on a scale of 1-10. I had 3 fruits/veggies, 2 protein servings, and whole grain pasta. I only had one milk, though, forgot my vitamin and only 4 glasses of water. No oil .. and I did have some Hershey kisses (darn Halloween Candy is still hanging around!) Exercise was limited to walking between classes on campus and taking the stairs. (It was my 12 hr day.)