The Eight Golden Rules--i am breaking one of them.

Before I had the surgery the clinic gave me a book called "The Lap-Band Solution" written by Paul O'Brien MD. I give him full credit for the following "Golden Rules" I give myself credit for following them or not following them. LOL

1. Eat three or less small meals per day. I am at three small meals a day, sometimes I need a snack depending on the business of my day. Today has been long and hectic, so I am hungry. Also, I am hungry because I had to eat soup for lunch due to my hectic day.

2. Do not eat anything between meals. I normally do okay with this. When I do have a snack it is normally not more than 100 cals. Yesterday was an emotionally stressful day so I found myself sitting in my van with that bag of chips and a candy bar. I did not eat all of either one.

3. Eat slowly and stop when no longer hungry. I do follow this one.

4. Focus on nutritious foods. They go on to stay eat your protein first. I eat lean protein twice a day with a protein shake for breakfast. I may eat 5 or 6 green beans or peas with it. Sometimes I east 1/4c of potatoes.

5. Avoid calorie containing liquids. Checkmate, I can handle this one! (And no soda pop for over four months)

6. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Okay, well here is where I am cheating myself big time right now.  My day is completely packed all day during the work day. Most of the day I am on feet, not sitting down. After working from 7am to 4pm I come home to be a mom of three, caregiver to my mom, wife to my husband whom I pray I will one day have more time for again. My hubby and share cooking chores and homework chores ( on the evenings he is not working a 12 hour shift). After dinner it is time for chores, finishing homework, getting kids in showers and ready for bed, checking on my moms needs, putting kids to bed, finishing getting mom ready to be alone during the day. It is 11pm before I get to shower and go to bed. I usually have an extra 30 minutes in the evening to sit. I hate the idea of putting my tired feet on the cross trainer during that 30 mins. So, if you can tell me how to get my time in, let me know! With all of this today I was reminded of Amy Grants song "Hats." Why do I have to wear so many different hats? Im a mother, im a lover, im a teacher, im a daughter, im a pet owner.....you get the point.

Amy Grant "Hats"

7. Be Active throughout each day. Yep, I have got that one down.

8. Always keep in contact wit your LB DR. I no longer call in between appts, but my next appt. is next week.

Thanks for reading!