Yesterday was the weigh-in, and – guess what? – I’ve lost the most pounds relative to my body weight. I think Brian actually lost the most poundage. (Go, Brian! Go, Brian!).

Anyway, I was totally stunned with my results. Last week, I was a mere half pound down from my starting weight. This week, my total loss was 4 pounds! What the heck? Maybe I’m finally “over the hump,” or maybe it was the changes I made in my food and exercise.

For lunch, I decided to only bring lean proteins – seafood or legumes, sometimes chicken. I’ve been having black bean wraps in a whole wheat tortilla, salmon and brown rice, or even shrimp cocktail for lunch, plus lots of fruit. The cantaloupes are so juicy and delicious right now, and I scored some outrageously juicy peaches from Costco.

At home, it’s been turkey burgers to the rescue! I got some spicy southwest ones from Trader Joe's. When the rest of my family has burgers or BBQ sandwiches, I tossed a turkey burger on the grill pan. Then I top it with salsa and lots of lettuce. I like it on a potato roll, but if I'm trying to be extra good, I put it one a whole wheat english muffin.

I’m also trying to double my veggies and skip the starches. The deal is, if I finish my main course and a BIG salad, then I can have some potatoes au gratin or what have you. But usually, I'm way too full.

My dessert treat has been no sugar added Fudgesicles. At 40 calories and 1 gram of fat, I can afford to have two or three a week. Now Starbucks is an every-other-day indulgence, instead of every day. There, I get an iced Americano with sugar-free syrup. Though I do add a splash of whole milk to add some body. (Total: approx. 58 cals and 2g of fat)

I don’t think the elliptical was challenging me enough. I started running / walking / jogging on the treadmill instead. It definitely delivers a lot of bang for the buck! That is, it gives me a heck of a workout in a short time. Typically, I only have 15-20 minutes to work with. Since I’m so out of shape, I usually start out at a brisk walk, sprinkled with some short 2-5 minute runs. Today, I was a bit sore, so instead, I increased the incline and walked quickly. It was kind of like a hike. This training will come in handy when I head to Havasupai Canyon in a couple of weeks. I can hardly wait!