Nothing Tastes As Good As Skinny Feels

Today is day four of my 1500 calorie diet. This is the first time in my life that I've taken a diet seriously and so far I'm feeling optimistic, but I'm not gonna lie, it's hard. When I first decided to try this approach (limiting myself to 1500 calories a day) and writing down everything I eat (calories included), I thought it wouldn't be that hard. I've been a pretty sensible eater (or so I thought) for several years now, and I've limited myself to fairly healthy foods with only the occasional fast-food binge. I had no idea the amount of calories I was putting into my body, but I figured it couldn't be that much more than 1500.

Way off!

Regular meals I've eaten in the past are no longer an option. I've pretty much said my good-byes to bread as well (I'll miss you and cherish our memories together!). I really have to plan my day now and limit myself to less than 700 calories for breakfast and lunch combined to ensure I have a full dinner. My routine now is having a piece of fruit, a meal bar or a small bowl of Kellogg's All-Bran cereal with only a smidgen of yoghurt. For lunch it's usually a medium-sized salad (a Greek salad, more often than not). Dinner is a little easier (and often, tastier) as I can use the last 800 calories at this time. The reasoning behind having a larger dinner is that I usually work out in the evenings and I need the energy at that time.

Also, I cannot go to bed hungry.

Obviously writing about dieting in a blog that is supposed to be fashion-focused might create some negative connotations. After all, fashion and body image have gone hand-in-hand for centuries, and wasn't it Kate Moss who said, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels?" My main reason for going on this diet isn't the goal of extreme weight loss, it's actually something most women want the opposite of—smaller boobs. Before you roll your eyes just hear me out. I've had a larger than average chest since I was around fourteen years old. For years I have struggled with finding clothes that will fit me. I don't consider myself to be a large woman—I'm 5'5" (1.65 for you metric users) and I wear between a size 8-10 in US (38-40 EU). My jeans have been a solid size 30 for almost eight years now. The problem arises when I'm shopping for tops, jackets/coats and dresses. I generally have to buy a size or two larger just to have the garment fit over my chest, and because I'm not a tall person this means the sleeves are now too long and I start to resemble what I refer to as "pregnant chic."

For someone who loves clothing as much as I do this can be pretty depressing. For example, I bought this amazing dress from the H&M Garden Collection a couple months ago, and now that the weather in Sweden is wonderful I am dying to wear it. Unfortunately for me the low-cut v-neckline makes me looks like a porn star (sad face), and I haven't had the courage to wear it out in public.

Losing a couple inches elsewhere on my body is a bonus (I'm looking at you, stomach!), and I do need to tone-up, but my life would be so much better if I could just drop a cup size, or two (my back would be happier as well).

Anyway, I've read that writing about your weight-loss journey can be a very productive and helpful way to ensure reaching your goal so I will probably post a few updates here and there so everyone can monitor my (hopeful) progress, and maybe get inspired to join me.

Speaking of inspiring, I thought I would post a small selection of music that I listen to when I need motivation at the gym. According to my Nike+iPod I burned 450 calories at the gym last night, so I must be listening to something good! Music is very subjective and I am not claiming to be the authority on "gym music," but I've found that these songs help me when I need to kick my ass into gear.

Hot Chip - Over and Over
Death From Above 1979 - Romantic Rights (Erol Alkan Remix)
Metro Station - Shake it
Kasabian - Empire
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance the Way I feel
David Guetta feat. Akon - Sexy Bitch
Tiësto feat. CC Sheffield - Escape Me
Bodyrox feat. Luciana & Nick Clow - Brave New World