The only time I step on a scale is in the doctor’s office and even then I wish I could toss it out the window and punch the nurse square in her forehead for that stupid grin on her face while weighing me.  I am not absolutely certain of the amount since I avoid scales like the plague but I recently lost somewhere between 15-20 lbs. To give you a better idea or quantitative measure, I’ve lost an inch off my waist, an inch off my chest, and about 1.5 inches off my thighs.

After being asked by several people “how” I did it, I have decided to share with all of my readers (all 4 of you…LOL) what I have named “The Accidental Diet”…because it was definitely NOT planned.

In early Spring 2007 while evaluating my finances I realized I was spending far too much money eating out, even for a single girl! I was running into a situation that I had not seen since my early 30s…too much month and the end of my money. Sooo, being the responsible girl that I am, (tee hee) I put myself on a strict budget which entailed bringing my lunch to work and only eating out twice a month.

The initial weight loss was a direct result of my strict financial budget. Surprised the hell out of me but it did make sense.

Okay, okay…so to the “how” and “what” of it all.

Breakfast: 1 Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Cereal Bar and 1/2 cup of coffee. I did not measure the coffee nor cream & sugar but I can’t drink the entire cup.

Lunch: 1 small salad, WishBone Rasberry Vinaigrette dressing,  small bag of chips and bottle water.

Dinner: Grilled or baked chicken, STEAMED veggies, baked potato with butter only, water or Crystal Lite Lemonade. Since I prefer chicken wings, I would cook 2 or 3 wings. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray (no PAM, it has silicone), place seasoned wings in the pan, place in pre-heated oven at 375° for about 45 minutes. I usually placed more veggies on my plate to compensate for less meat.

Snack(s):I have never been a big snacker so this wasn’t my weakness so I didn’t change what I ate. I like Planter’s sunflower seeds, the small bags that come 2 for a $1 at the grocery store or local gas station.  Or microwave popcorn – not the whole bag but enough to fill a small coffee filter. I would throw the rest in the trash so I wouldn’t be tempted to eat it all. 🙂

As I mentioned before, the weight loss was a result of my budget so I didn’t monitor how long before I noticed the loss.

Please take note…during this time I went back to the gym. HA! Did you think you could do this without excercising too? Silly Wabbit!

Tuesday – 1 hour Body Sculpting class. (instructor led workout with weights)

Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun – 1 hour on the stairmaster or the elliptical machine. Yes! ONE HOUR! Don’t believe the hype that all you need is 20 minutes…that’s for maintenance sugah! 🙂

I have to tell you though, this is no longer a diet but a lifestyle change for me. I don’t adhere to it strictly because I have my guilty pleasures along the way, just in moderation.

GOOD LUCK!