Week 2: On the Road to Phat

January 01, 2011 10 Comments

Happy New Year everyone! I know many of you have decided now is the time to get moving...to get working out...to lose those pounds. I'm here to tell you that I'm in the same boat. I feel your pain - and your determination. I too am set to lose the weight, but more importantly I'm determined to feel really good. I have two little girls and I always want their perception of their body image to be healthy. I always tell them that skinny does not mean healthy. It can. But, if you don't eat a healthy diet even if you look thin you could still be fat (unhealthy) on the inside. Sure, I may not be rail thin but I could be absolutely healthy for my height and the amount of muscle I have on my frame. I am not interested in losing my weight fast and furiously. I want to do it slowly and pragmatically. I want to make the right food and drink choices meal by meal and at the end of three months see a difference. I've been working out regularly with a trainer twice a week for about a year now and I've seen significant changes. I feel better in my clothes, my arms are more muscular and I am more energetic. What I have not seen is a change on the scale. I've been about 135 pounds from the start - though I'm most comfortable in my 120s. Now, before you judge and say that 135 is not that bad - I'm here to tell you on my 5 foot 2-3 frame it feels like a lot. I just hate the feeling of it all in my gut. I don't feel bad - I feel uncomfortable. And I don't like that feeling - I want to feel right for my frame. Some of the things I've been doing wrong? Eating well during the week and then splurging on Friday with pizza. Sure, a slice isn't bad. But at times I will eat 5 slices. Now, that's just plain gross. So, what I'm setting out to do is for the next 14 days cut out the takeout and instead healthy homemade (Indian) food. I will also cut out the alcohol. I don't drink too much but that beer on the weekend has been setting me back as well. I will also drink twice as much water. I don't drink sugary drinks anyway (we don't bring them into the house) but at times I'll go hours without water. These are just a few things that I am going to do..what will you do? Write and let me know.

Don't worry, this is still a blog about Indian food. But, homemade Indian is a way I'll be reaching my weightloss goals...so I see the tie in. You all helped me finish my first book, so I'm hoping you'll also help me with this.

Here's how my second week into this project is coming along:

Day 1 (January 1, 2011): Woke up determined I would jump out of bed ready for a new year, but just wanted to sleep more. I actually slept 9 hours (what is wrong with me?) but still didn't want to head to the gym and workout. BUT...I did. Three miles and 50 pushups later I feel great and very proud of the fact that I pushed past my initial resistance. Although I felt good, I was struggling after the initial 8 laps around the track. But, I thought of all of you reading this post and I determined to finish the next 4. What's your goal today. Did you meet it? If not, when do  you plan to start? Get going, folks. If I can do this, so can you!

Day 2 (01/02/11): Woke up with a plan to swim and then just couldn't stick to it. That's fine - I think making a resolution is about taking it a day at a time, sometimes even minute-by-minute and dealing with things as best you can as they're thrown at you. Today ended up being devoted to the kids and running errands. But, I've got to say. I feel really healthy. Just a tiny bit more in control and leaner. Today's win was saying no to a muffin with my coffee (that's our usual Sunday splurge). I was also pretty good with portion control through out the day: small bowl of oatmeal with flax and berries, 1/2 veggie bagel sandwich, bowl of soup with side of rice chips, and homemade pizza. I did OD on the pizza. But at least it was all healthy ingredients. Tomorrow will be an even better day. I'm determined. Oh, and I did go for the water bottle consistently. How are you all doing?

Day 3 (01/03/11): Why is it that I always start the day on a good note but end it a failure? A friend heard this sentiment on Oprah's network this week and I couldn't agree with it more. So, today, I determined I would not feel like a failure. No late-night binges or splurges. I am determined to stay strong all day...and I did. The started strong with a 45-minute workout with Will and ended with a cup of warm, ginger-infused chai and a small piece of dark chocolate. Along the way? A banana with peanut butter, a bowl of kitchari (dal and rice), 2 small slices of homemade pizza, and a homemade burrito with my kids' famous guac. Lots of water and not cheating with the pizza and onion rings the kids had for lunch. Now off to drink some water...

OKAY. I ADMIT IT. I FELL OFF THE WAGON A BIT. I got majorly sick (the last 2 times I've actually gotten the flu have been right after doing yoga at the gym...hmmmm). No working out for the last seven days for me. But tomorrow I'm back to it..and back to writing. Habits take at least 3 weeks to really cement, right folks?




10 Responses

Sue Lee
Sue Lee

June 26, 2011

I know what you mean about getting healthy. The past 9 months I have been working towards losing 20 lbs since my doctor told that it would help me with my health. I am prediabetic. I had to completely change my lifestyle since foods have a direct relationship to me getting healthy. I had to start exercising. I tried several different things, walking, jogging, and then doing Zumba. I love Zumba, it feels like dancing at a party and not at all like I’m exercising. I started to lose weight. Then I look and researched into foods. I found out that replacing all simple carbs with complex carbs in my diet it would help me to lose weight and get back my health. In my search for complex carbs I found that lentils and beans would work wonderfully for me as they are great for filling me up and actually help me to lose weight. That’s how I stumbled upon your book. I made your chana dal recipe and I loved it. It was delicious. My husband loved it to. I have since made many of the other lentils and beans dishes from your book. I’m happy to say that I have lost 23 pounds by exercising and eating beans and lentils. My husband has lost weight too. Your cookbook has literally been a lifesaver. Thank you!!

Grace
Grace

January 19, 2011

Hi Anupy,
Sort of drifted away on indian cooking, but today had grilled talapia filet and guess what, I put on it cumin, sweet paprika, and lemon pepper, plus a big squirt of lemon. It tasted so good I thought of you, so by picking my spices carefully and avoiding the hot hot stuff it goes down nicely. Will give your book another dry. glad your watching portion control – I am too as I have another doctor ’s appt for chloresteral next week so I am juceing veggies twice a day, one for pm meal and have to avoid bed-time snacks that get me too. thanks for yur inspiring me. will keep keeping up on you.

Anupy Singla
Anupy Singla

January 19, 2011

That sounds delicious, Grace. Maybe next time even try ground, roasted cumin? The flavors will explode. If you don’t want to make it yourself you can purchase it. McCormick now even sells it. In terms of some of the juicing…have you thougth about a Vita-Mix?

Grace
Grace

January 22, 2011

I tell you I have a lazy streak in me. I bought a cheap Black and Decker juicer, but after two juicings couldn’t hack all the washing especially the strainer. So am back to using the Torpedo, which works like a vita-mix, only cost $128. I just throw everything in it, mostly organic baby carrots, celery, tomato, half a lemon, some apple and ginger. then half a tray of ice cubes and some water and turn on automatic and the whole thing disolves into a nutritious drink. Try to drink two 8 oz glasses per day. so far its working. lost 2 lbs in three days. And on those days ate fish, beans, pita pizza, salad, egg and english muffins, all in small portions. The best thing about portion control is that besides losing weight, your appetite decreases. double bonus.

In Grand Central Terminal there is a Penzy’s spice place and I’ll look for the roasted cumin there. Tumeric is supposed to be good for inflamation so will buy some of that too. good for arthritis. thanks for your help in inspiring us all to eat well and lose weight. (yesterday I was at my bank checking out something and the person I spoke with commented on my nice complexion. I was really suprised counting my age, so I guess it’s the juicing and healthy grains veggies and beans. plus extra virgin olive oil) so that’s a triple bonus for us all!

Anupy Singla
Anupy Singla

January 03, 2011

Wow. As always I am humbled to know you tried yet another one of my recipes. Thank you so much for the kind feedback and message! And, yes, storing the legumes separately in glass jars is the way to go. If you want to make it even easier, clean them (not wash – but sift through them) prior to putting them into jars. Then, you just have to wash them before using. I would not wash before storing because any sort of moisture can lead to spoilage.

Chris and Amy
Chris and Amy

January 09, 2011

We love your recipes and just offered your cookbook as a prize in our Third Bloggaversary Giveaway! Just wanted to say hi and Happy New Year!

Jillian
Jillian

January 19, 2011

Hi Anupy—just stumbled (happily) across your site today—yours is JUST the site I’ve been looking for, for ages! I live/work in Bangalore these days, and love Indian food. Unfortunately, it’s the only cuisine I am truly pathetic at cooking (I always burn my spices, so my efforts tank well before they get off the ground…er…stovetop). That said, I always knew I could really do some justice to dishes that could be made in the crockpot. Can’t wait to try your Kali Dal & Rajma—two family favorites! Thx again—do post more recipes while I check around to see if your book’s available here!

jan winning
jan winning

January 01, 2011

ok..you will be my inspiration…I just got your cookbook last week and am deep into it….have let myself go for the past few months…but yes, I will begin again….

Anupy Singla
Anupy Singla

January 01, 2011

Fantastic. That’s exactly what I want to hear. Remember, you’ve got to start to actually do this thing and complete the journey. It’s not impossible but it will be difficult. But, that’s what it takes to break bad habits. We’ll inspire each other!

Chicovegano
Chicovegano

January 02, 2011

Made the Indian vegetable soup and has turned out to be a comfort food to bring us into the New Year. I am going to have to get separate jars to store the legumes in to make it easier to know what is in stock and to replenish as needed.

Once again, thank you Anupy

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