Alyn’s ten trim rules for success

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Well, we’re a little more than one month into the challenge, and I feel successful in what I’ve accomplished so far. According to my second weigh in, I’ve lost about five pounds since June 1 (my various scale experiences — trainer, home, Flex + Fit -- disagree on this matter, so I am compromising and saying five pounds). With my one to one-and-a-half pound goal per week, I’m on track so far. My BMI, percent body fat, and measurements all decreased for the second month in a row. To be honest, I feel like my eating habits have changed for the better, and it is becoming a habit that is getting easier to maintain. Would I have liked to have lost more? Always. Is this amount reasonable? Certainly. I can't complain about progress.

For those of you who enjoy reading, Bob Harper’s book “The Skinny Rules,” has twenty rules for losing weight that Bob believes in. I, however, have created my own ten “Skinny Rules” that have helped me find weight-loss success this month. Some are based loosely on Bob’s, but remember, our bodies all respond to different things. Here are “Alyn’s Ten Trim Rules for Success,” after a month of healthy eating.

1. Eat a big breakfast. Lots of protein and veggies. This was a tough change for a girl who has never enjoyed breakfast. Egg-white quiche and omelets are a staple!

2. Eat six times a day. That means snack, snack, snack! Almonds are a great purse-friendly snack.

3. Eat little to no dairy. (This includes a personal favorite -- cheese!)

4. No carbs after lunch, and only minimal whole grains at all other times. (Bye bye white potatoes, sandwiches and rolls!)

5. No sweeteners. No adding sugar, no diet coke, no Truvia or Splenda. It only makes you crave regular sugar.

6. Measure and record everything. Know the portion size and write it down.

7. Sleep well, sleep a lot, and don’t snack before bed.

8. Eat at home. If you’re eating out, plan ahead and know what is low-calorie and fresh.

9. Drink water. At least one to two glasses with a meal and as much as possible in between. I add lemons and limes to the pitcher to give it a special something.

10. Give yourself some space and freedom when you can. Try a taster spoon of ice cream when everyone else gets a scoop. Buy trail-mix with dark chocolate. Snag a single French fry from a friend. Indulge -- but only to the point where you curb the craving.

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that different things work for different people. It has taken me a long time to find a “diet plan” that I can live with AND that makes a difference in my weight loss. So that might be my eleventh rule for getting trim: commit. Try something out; if it doesn’t work, it won’t be the end of the world. My rules worked for me, but I’m sure they aren’t applicable to everyone. I need something concrete and manageable to make a diet work, and this has been it.

Make your own rules this week! Maybe in another month we’ll all be seeing results!

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