Diets dont work. But changes can.

I'm a diabetic. I was diagnosed four months after my wife had our son. I firmly believe that the reason I have this disease is because of my choices. At the time I was 340lbs and not getting any exercise. Breakfast meant stopping at McDonald's on the way to work. Well, I lost close to 100 lbs and continue to fight my weight and eating habits.

My success and failures are mine but here is how I lost the weight and I try to maintain. Portion Control. It's that easy just eat what the recommended portion for a meal is and eat the recommended daily amount. I lost weight and got my diabetes under control by using portion control. It takes time to figure out what a serving really is and then being satisfied with it but it can be done. Some of the stategies that helped me are: eat a portion and if I'm still hungry wait 15 minutes if I'm still hungry after waiting I'll eat half a portion and stop, trusting I've eaten enough. Drink water and tea (hot or iced) and remove soda completely. When ordering out move food around your plate. What I mean is figure our what your going to eat and seperate it from the heard so to speak. When done have the server bring a box for leftovers or ask them to remove the plate. I know it sounds like a waste but restaurants are about giving you value for your money not healthy choices. My belief is the value I'm buying is the experience and the service the food only a part the whole.

Speed Cooking

While the intrepid cook never seems to lose his composure (at least not until the end) I know I've felt the same type of pressure to get a meal out quickly.



Have a couple goto meals you can turn out in 15 minutes or less. Make sure that it's not just junk food. It's fine to use some prepared foods just make sure you have some fresh foods as well. My favorite last minute meal:

Grilled Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar
• Tomato Slices
• Dijon Mustard
• French Bread Sliced Thin
• Olive oil for browning
  

Tomato Salad

• Tomatoes (Cherry or Sliced)
• Cucumber (Sliced)
• Onion (Slice)
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Olive Oil (Optional)

Baked Beans

• Canned baked beans
• Mustard and Ketchup (to taste)

If I've got it I'll serve cantaloupe slices also. It's your own picnic. It's primitive, tasty and it makes for great leftovers. It also only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Hello world

I'm a stay at home dad. I never imagined that I would have to know how to cook more than spaghetti to impress a girlfriend. But, now I've got to feed the family, healthy, tasty food that appeals to my wife and my three year old tastes.

These are the lessons I've learned...