ArcaMax

Weigh Ins. This is one way to hold each other accountable. Weigh yourself and report out. I have heard of many a man doing the happy dance in his bathroom after he gets off the scale. Just the vision of that makes me smile.

Compare Water Intake. We suggest that dieters drink 100 ounces of water per day. That takes getting used to for most so it’s a good idea to check in with each other around noon and see how it’s going. I try to get my 100 ounces before dinner so I don’t have to drink too much too close to bedtime. Your body gets used to the water but the first week or so you’re in the potty a lot during the night. We did an informal study and found that those who hit 100 ounces consistently lost 30 percent more weight than those who drank less than 70 ounces. That’s a big difference!

Make things in batches. Many a dieting buddy pair take some time on a Sunday and cook up a couple of recipes for things that can be done in big batches. Things like chili or soup. That way you have a go-to lunch all ready to go. You want to mix things up though. Don’t let your body get bored eating the same things over and over again. If you do, you risk losing less weight. It’s weird but it can happen. Take advantage of your freezer too. Many a recipe freezes well in small containers that can fit in your lunch box.

Rate the food. You can both go on line and rate the recipes for Plan Z. Or you can just compare tasting notes. Buddies who live cross country do this all the time. Some ladies in Canada chatted every day by email or text about what they were eating and what they recommended.

Motivate Each Other. Everyone has a bad day on a diet. You should not expect to lose everyday so be there for each other. But no cheating. Cheating on a diet doesn’t hurt anyone except you. This is your time to make yourself a priority.

Be Public About It. Your buddy might be someone who cares about you but doesn’t live with you, so you can be pen pals of some sort. Or even consider posting about your progress on facebook. Or tweet your progress.

Share the love. Share the success. Share your dieting experiences; especially if they are good ones.

Mexican Chicken Bowl

This is a quick and easy meal to prepare. You can make it in batches so you get several servings and it travels and reheats in a microwave easily. Mexican food lovers in your family will love this. It’s not very spicy. You can always add hot sauce to fire it up.

Serves 4

Olive oil spray
3 – 4 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. 24 to 30 ounces total.
½ cup of diced onion
2 garlic cloves, minced. (jar garlic can work but fresh will be better)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 head of escarole, dark outer leaves removed, inner leaves chopped coarsely
3 cups Italian canned diced tomatoes or use fresh. Choose your favorite flavor. I used the ones with garlic, onion and green pepper.
1 tsp dried oregano
Grated sea salt to taste
1.5 cups of water
¾ cup of organic chicken broth
1 to 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (optional)
2 cups of baby spinach

In a soup pot, spray the olive oil and add the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir on medium until onion wilts.

Then add the cooked chicken, the escarole, diced tomatoes, oregano, water and chicken broth. Cook on medium bubble for about 10 minutes. This will wilt the escarole to a nice chew. It will still have a little bit of bite to it but it will be tender. Season with salt. Add the vinegar if you choose to use it.

Right before you want to serve, add the spinach. That will wilt immediately.

Cheers,
Zola