Shedding the Muffin Top

Editorial director Pam Daniel and I commit to a weight loss regimen.

by Judi Gallagher

Unfortunately, the numbers on the scale are not where I want them.

It’s time. It might have been the horrifying picture of my muffin top or the video that shows my two chins (a.k.a. turkey neck), but I am ready to shed the 11 pounds I have gained this year. Sure, I can use the excuse that my job is a hazard to my health, but let’s be serious--I am obsessed with food even when I am on my own with no blog to write, no restaurant to review, no pie to judge. Gosh, I even just described my body fat in terms of food.

So, Pam Daniel, my dear friend and editorial director of this magazine, and I have decided to be weight loss buddies. Good thing; I couldn’t do it without her. We email back and forth several times a day and it is really helping. Even Good Morning America had a segment yesterday morning on support groups for weight loss. See, Pam, we are now cutting edge.

Shredded cabbage steamed in chicken broth makes for a good filler snack.

So, how did I get started?

Pam and I committed to support each other day and night.

I am drinking more water, with a splash of diet cranberry juice.

I bought fat-free Greek yogurt and Pam suggested slicing cabbage into shreds and steaming it in chicken broth--I am eating it cold while I type. Anything to fill my bottomless pit.

I am not an exercise lover and am limited with weight training since my back surgery, but I am starting to increase my walking and actually set up the treadmill for inspiration.

I have decided not to watch Food Network while on the treadmill

And I fully blame Square 1 Burgers & Bar for their outstanding onion rings that scream to me, not to mention the chocolate malt.

Will someone please call Bonefish Grill and tell them I am banned from Bang-Bang Shrimp and fish and chips?

I did spend $100 for myself on sushi at Vizen, well worth every bite—and that was healthy.

Now my challenge—heading to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for their Spring Fling Wine Dinner. Pam, get ready for lots of text messages needing support.

Can you help us lose weight and keep it off--even as a food critic? Let us know your secrets in the comments!

Posted: 4/19/2011 9:41:25 AM | 6 comments

	judi gallagher
	sad but true- I am still at only 1 pound lost-- I need advice from people that have to take medication that causes weight gain like lyrica-- I have taken a full week off of restaurant reviews- back at it next week and of course the Napa trip- oh well, didnt get the five pounds off for the trip but i am hoping for a miracle soon
	4/22/2011 5:13:49 PM
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	judi gallagher
	Well, here it is Weds, which means it is Top Chef night on TV- always a challenge watching good food. I have had the benefit of not going to dinner so far this week, having done 3 reviews the week previous. Today has been a bit of a cheat- started out not that hungry- some Greek non fat yogurt and berries, an apple, then finished the apple- then a big salad with fat free sour cream, salsa, ground beef and some cheese and crumbled blue tortilla chips. Should have passed on the cheese but was craving something filling- and yes, confession, while making the custard portion for my next Easter ice cream project, I tasted the health Bar crumbles---
	4/20/2011 8:22:47 PM
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	judi gallagher
	I have been checking our facebook that is getting flooded with ideas- I do only drink wine and it is on the weekends, usually 2 glasses on a Sat night and that is it. I am eating a cup of oatmeal in the morning and then an apple i really need to step up my exercise
	4/20/2011 1:47:14 PM
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	Tabby
	Judi, what do you think about these cleanses that are on the market? The ones that tell you explicitly what to eat on what day! I am anxious to try but am afraid it's just a temporary fix. It's all the rage though! Help!
	4/20/2011 11:44:38 AM
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	Debra
	Judi & Pam, I can totally lament with you two ladies and am on the bandwagon myself! I am trying to shed those extra winter lbs. that somehow always rear their head right before swim suit season! I am so not a lady who loves a literal work out! I try and take walks at an above moderate speed around the neighborhood or on the beach barefoot! I also love walking on trails or going for a good hike! So good foods to snack on are almonds, avocados, hard boiled eggs, and tons of fresh fruit thats low on sugar! Keep it up ladies! Lets knock out that muffin top!
	4/20/2011 11:42:23 AM
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Chef Judi Gallagher's Foodie's Notebook

Shedding the Muffin Top

Editorial director Pam Daniel and I commit to a weight loss regimen.

Post archive

	judi gallagher
	Well, the weekend was up and down, folks- lost a pound,gained it back-- one hamburger 1/2 cup homemade ice cream how could I resist my new Cuisinart heavy duty ice cream maker? had to take it out for a test drive
	4/19/2011 1:56:56 PM
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