Change

"I will change...gradually" is the monthly mantra from September's issue of Shape magazine (thank you for the subscription, btw, mystery gift giver!). I agree with this statement, for the most part.

When I first embarked on this journey for the ump-teenth time in 2007, I had to make small changes. My personal mantra was "Do more today than yesterday". I would park farther away at the shopping center, bring my lunch to work or take the stairs. I would do more today than I did yesterday and eventually, it worked it's way into a normal part of my lifestyle. With that said, I also believe once you've made substantial changes and you fall off the wagon, you don't need to start with baby steps again. You've proven to yourself that you're capable of change and therefore, you should jump right back in and get on with it!

When it comes to food, the same holds true. I didn't' start off buying fat free (FF) cheese (which I still refuse to purchase), FF ice cream, high fiber bread, etc. There were small changes; low fat (LF) cheese, WW chocolate snacks, WW yogurt and my new favorite Better N' Peanut ButterThere is NO WAY I could have sustained weight loss and lifestyle changes if I made these dietary changes at the same time. They had to evolve. My friend, Debcat, and I were discussing how over time your taste buds change. Don't get me wrong, I still love high fat foods and the occasional In-N-Out, but they are too rich for me now. I had In-N-Out last week with my mom and sis and boy, was I paying for it! The overall message here is that it takes time for your body to change too and accept the different tastes of the new foods you're introducing. I would take chocolate cake made with yogurt or applesauce over one with eggs and oil now. I can't believe I just said that either!

Do more today than yesterday and start filling your fridge and cupboards with LF, high fiber items. Slowly. . . but steadily and consistently!