When I first heard about the 400 Calorie Fix I was terrified! I thought I would be starving and cranky all day but I was pleasantly surprised when I actually looked at the meals and realized how much food 400 calories can be. Getting used to eating on the plan was easy as far as my hunger was concerned, but as a busy mommy, the planning was a little tough for me in the beginning. But as I said on the show, if it was necessary for one of my kids to eat this way, I would do it without hesitation. So the most important thing I have learned from this experience is that as a mom, it is not selfish to take time for yourself if it is going to improve your health.

The experience of being on the Rachael Ray show was amazing! I got to be pampered a little by hair and makeup and let’s not mention a day off of work and away from a house with chores a mile long! The biggest benefit of being on the show is the public accountability which drives me to continue. Previously, if I wanted to "try" to lose weight, I would do it on my own and tell no one because I was embarrassed that I was overweight, but now everybody knows! I am glad because when I am eating something people are looking to see what I am putting in my mouth so it helps keep me honest. I have been doing really well on the plan; no hunger and most of all I am proud of myself for keeping it up and know it is something that I can continue to do. I have incorporated my meal planning in with the rest of my family’s and now it’s not a problem at all, it’s just part of my day. I write down every morsel of food I put in my mouth which makes me think twice about what I eat, and I go to the gym as well. After working out for 30 minutes and seeing how many calories I have burned, I am not going to blow all of that hard work by eating something I shouldn't.

I have lost another 2 pounds and look forward to the scale moving consistently over the coming months. I understand that it will take some time to lose what it took me years to gain. But the plan has been great and the support from my husband has made it so easy to eat properly. We have BOTH switched to smaller plates and he eats what I eat so we can be healthy and live to see our children’s children together.

Here is my advice for those who want to try it:

• May the book be your bible (I look at it everyday).
• Make a list of some of your favorite meals from the book so you have a quick reference for when you’re too busy to think of what to eat.
• Keep a journal – it keeps you honest. If you leave something out, you’re only lying to yourself!
• Tell people you are trying to lose weight so they can be your support system.
• Know that you deserve to take the time for yourself if it will benefit your health.

I am so grateful to Rachael Ray, her staff and the writers of the 400 Calorie Fix. My life is completely different now – I eat to live, not live to eat!

Cassandra

Related Links

400 Calorie Fix