The Winter of Me

You know the point you reach where you just can't take it anymore? I've reached that point. I've decided I can't let myself slip into a lethargic food coma this winter and that is why I'm declaring before the official date of December 21st, that this will be "The Winter of Carolyn."

If you're a Seinfeld fan then you know I stole this concept from an episode where George Costanza declares it will be "The Summer of George." His activities consist of sitting inside watching TV and incessantly calling Jerry for updates about what's going on outside. At the end of the episode he slips on a high-gloss invitation he dropped on the stairs and throws his back out. The doctor tells him the injury wouldn't have been so bad if his muscles weren't so atrophied. The "Winter of Carolyn" will not end that way. My winter will consist of me eating right, exercising daily and trying to drop 15 pounds.

My first decision for this epic winter event was to set up an appointment with a dietitian. I found a very nice, informative woman in West Hartford and went to my first of 3 appointments this morning. I was assigned a meal plan and given the low down on why bagels are so evil. Did you know the bagels they serve at fast food breakfast places like Dunkin' Donuts are the equivalent of 6 slices of bread? Yikes! I used to be addicted to them, until I discovered the wonder of the Protein Plate at the Starbucks near my work.

The dietitian explained that losing weight is all about kick-starting your metabolism, which is achieved through eating more and yet less. I am a classic skip a meal here and there kind of girl. If I am in a hurry, I grab the worst thing for me and scarf it down or more often, I skip that meal altogether. However, if you eat smaller meals in more frequency, you're never denying your body the fuel it needs to function. I found out my meal skipping is ultimately what's making me feel so sluggish. Its also causing my body store fat and carbs like a squirrel storing nuts for .... WINTER! I'm just like a squirrel!! I'm practically putting my body into hibernation.

My meal plan now consists of:

1.) 6 meals a day - 3 square meals and 3 snacks, eating every 3 hours
2.) A goal of 1600 to 1800 calories a day
3.) The principles of 1/2's

The last one is an interesting concept that replicates itself throughout the plan. When measuring food, always start with 1/2 cup portions. When dining out eat only 1/2the portion you are served and save the rest to take home or split the meal with a companion so that you're both eating only half. If you still feel hungry, serve yourself 1/2 portions for seconds. When at home, make sure that 1/2 your plate is vegetables and stop eating after the 1/2 hour mark, this allows your stomach the time to signal to your brain that it is full. It also translates into exercise. Move briskly for 1/2 hour on most days and make 1/2 of your workouts weight training.

Amazing. I mean, most of this stuff is common sense but seeing is believing. We all know how outrageous portion control is in this country, but actually seeing some of the portions I should be eating made me feel like a glutton. I looked at a 4 oz cup of juice like it was a shot glass. And, the worst thing I came to realize is how much I will have to limit my alcohol intake. Damn that trip to Napa this summer and my increased appreciation/infatuation with a glass (or a bottle) of fine wine with a meal.

Sacrifices must be made during "The Winter of Carolyn" but I will make this cold, dark, dreary season one to remember, hopefully.