Took A Step - Day 212

This morning I woke up in the mood to throw out complacency and take action. I recently read a column in the latest edition of Cooking Light that mentioned several nutritional sites. This morning was my time to join. I went to SparkPeople and signed up - www.sparkpeople.com. SparkPeople is a free site started by one of the original eBay employees as a way to reach out to others and inspire a healthier approach to life. The site offers a way to journal your eating habits, record exercise activities and set goals for weight loss or simply a healthier lifestyle. I was able to explore the site for a few minutes before Mike announced his choice for breakfast. No oatmeal. No pancakes. No toast. Mike wanted Athena Cafe. So off we went to Athena with our BOGO coupon. I know I have mentioned Athena in previous postings, but it bears repeating. It is a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in an Altamonte strip center. The restaurant has a diner feel, both in the menu choices and the comfort you feel when you walk in the door. I love breakfast at Athena for one big reason - GRITS. They make grits the way grits should be made - with milk. Each bite is creamy comfort in a spoon. I ordered the Breakfast Special - two fried eggs with grits and dry toast. The hot coffee kept coming. Mike and I had a really nice relaxing start to the day. Unfortunately...actually fortunately, I am now VERY accountable for what I eat and how much I exercise between the blog and SparkPeople. I am hoping this will guilt me into change. I, the queen of talk and good intentions, am ready for action.

Speaking of action...I have to brag. I have been mall waddling three times this week. A few more weeks of this and I may actually advance from waddling to walking.

My Costco buddies at work today were far too generous. I took in the mother load - a whole slice of brie, an overflowing paper cup of Wholesome Fruit and Nut Mix, two crackers with tuna salad and a taste of granola. There goes my calorie count.

Tonight Mike and I met some of his bowling team cronies for dinner at TGIFriday's. Eating healthy out was definitely a challenge...especially since I was hungry. I opted for the three course dinner for $12.99. For the first course I chose Fried Green Beans...hmmmm, not really a diet friendly item. Entree choice was equally bad - Sizzling Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta. I redeemed myself somewhat by only eating half and saved the rest for lunch tomorrow. Dessert was definitely out of the question. Wrapped to go, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for Mike to enjoy tomorrow.

After making all my journal entries into SparkPeople, I was pleasantly surprised with the results. I actually fell slightly below my calorie intake goal and had a very tasty time doing it.

Many hugs,

Kathy