So easy to gain weight

Stayed home with my sick 11 month-old today. We got cleaned-up, washed out that soiled car seat, ate bananas/rice cereal and took 2 naps. I rarely have the opportunity to watch daytime talk shows, but I watched Today (KathieLee & Hoda) and Dr. Oz address overeating and weight loss. On Today they quizzed about healthier food choices and calorie counts. Dr. Oz has set a weight loss challenge for three women, mothers around my age. Everyone always asks "why is it so hard to lose weight?" My question: why is is sooooo easy to gain weight?

Cholesterol laden fast food, sodium packed prepackaged meals, hormone studded meats, and pesticide coated produce. We drive around to pick-up what others have microwaved. We sit down to eat what others have spent all day cooking. And we top it off with that brownie sundae a la mode that has found its way onto every menu in the land. We want more and we get more. America is the land of convenient consumption. We overindulge in everything (paper, water, fossil fuels, and food). As a society, we do not know when to say enough is ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!! Our over consumption and demand to get more for the money has only brought us closer to the grave. And what's worse is that these habits are ingrained into 3 & 4 yr-olds who don't purchase or prepare their own meals. Pediatricians are strapping insulin pumps to preschoolers. It saddens me deeply to see what we have done to ourselves and our children.

I'm a 32 yr-old, working, married, mother of three (ages 9, 7, 11 mos). I've never keep to a strict workout or diet plan. I go on exercise spurts every few months. They last a few days to a few weeks. A regular routine has never been convenient for my schedule or my pocketbook. I try to eat better and focus on portion size. I start the day with a bowel of whole-wheat cereal (w/ 2% milk), oatmeal (simply amazing food, or an 8 oz protein shake. The protein really helps satisfy my appetite until lunch. Lunch is usually tuna or a turkey sandwich and raw vegetables. It's easiest to make dinner a healthy meal, because I focus on what is best for my kids. I want them to stay strong and healthy. I'm preparing them to make good food choices and better lifestyle choices. Because I want them to be better, I must do better.

This does not mean I follow this diet plan all the time. I'm a baker with a weakness for chocolate and ice cream. Butter, sugar, flour, and milk are gifts from God. But, my motto is moderation in all things. I try to bake for others and only have a single slice of pie for myself. I don't deny myself the occasional treat. It makes it easier shrug off temptation.

My Advice:

1. Start every day with breakfast. It literally means "break+fast." While you sleep your body is not receiving nourishment, but it hard at work repairing and regenerating itself. You must refuel at the beginning of the day. Just like a car, you will run better with fuel in the tank.
2. Drink often. Try to drink a cup of water every hour. Hydration is important for circulation. I glass of water before a meal will help curb the appetite.
3. Snack through out the day. This will help you avoid overeating at meal time. Try raw fruits and vegetables, a handful of nuts, or yogurt.
4. Make dinner the smallest meal of the day and don't sleep on a full stomach. Have your last meal 2-3 hrs before bedtime.
5. Walk. You don't have to run a marathon to be in shape. Take every opportunity during the day to keep moving. Use the stairs. Park at the end of the lot. Take your family for a walk.

At the end of the day you'll thank yourself for doing better and being better.