The Learning Continues

        Wow. It's been a while since I last posted and I apologize for that. I have been really busy! Anyway...
         After the first 10 lbs I hit somewhat of a plateau and have been staying about the same. However, I have also started measuring the amount of inches I've lost as well, which has been 6.5" around my body! Just know that when you aren't losing pounds, don't get discouraged because you are probably losing the inches instead; and that's a good thing! After a while, it will start to show!
          Since I've last posted, I learned a few more things that has helped me, and will hopefully help those of you who need help as well. Here they are:

1. I know I've already mentioned this, but drink lots of water! Did you know that 75% of the world's population is chronically dehydrated? If you feel thirsty, you are already really badly dehydrated. Also, for most of us, our thirst mechanism has become so weak that we mistake it for hunger... thus putting unneeded food into our bodies that our body will store as fat.
2. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This may seem like a cliche, but it's true. After you eat your last meal of the day, you don't eat for another 8 hours. At least. If you skip breakfast, your body goes into starvation mode and stores your next meal as fat instead of burning it off, and the vicious cycle of weight gain continues. Eating breakfast in the morning (usually before 9 or 10 am) also gives your metabolism a little boost and helps you burn more calories faster during the day.
3. Up your proteins. Normally, you need about 55% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 15% proteins in your daily intake. However, when you are trying to lose weight your body needs a little more protein. In order to do that you should substitute some of your carbs for the proteins. If you are not really a meat eater and want some other protein options, here are some good ones that can help you out. However, they will not have the same benefits of lean meat. They are:
• Quinoa- pronounced keen-wah. It is the only grain that's a full protein by itself, and you can use it like rice or couscous. It has a little bit of a nutty flavor. It also can be prepared for anything. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, salad, you name it.
• Peanut butter and bread- Both peanut butter and bread have a half of the amino acid chain to make a protein. Together, they complete the chain and ta-da! You have a protein. This is the same with the next couple combinations.
• Beans and rice
• Legumes and rice
• Muscle Milk- this is a protein drink and is actually used as a meal substitute. I like to mix some frozen berries into it and make a smoothie. YUM. And, unlike most of the "weight loss" drinks out there, it is actually filling and you don't feel like you're starving yourself.
4. Exercise. I know, I know. It's hard, and not exactly enjoyable. But you won't get very far without it. It helps to have an exercise buddy, or if not, music to listen to. Listen to music that makes you pumped up and and makes you want to move. And don't do more than you are physically able. If you can't run for an hour full speed, so what? An hour of moderate exercise (you can still talk easily, but it takes a bit more effort) will be just as good. If you are too sore, take the next day off to recover, then get back on track. Make sure to stretch as well so you don't become stiff the next day.

       Well, enough of my facts for today. Remember to not get discouraged. It is hard, but it will be worth it. Today is another chance. Make yourself proud.