Things I've learned from Week 1:

Dieting takes a lot of work and preparation, especially in the cooking department!

It is MUCH easier for me to build my lunch first thing in the morning while I'm cooking breakfast. It's practically zero effort at lunchtime and I'm not tempted to cheat.

It's also MUCH, MUCH easier to eat right when someone is suffering along with you.

There's something about eating healthy food in the same fashion as I used to eat unhealthy food. Even though I'm eating my turkey burger on lettuce leaves, the simple act of holding it in my hands while I take a bite is incredibly satisfying. Ditto for scooping frozen yogurt into a bowl and eating it with a spoon, a-la ice cream.

Frozen yogurt can save lives. Especially those of my husband and children when I need a treat! Throwing my good 'ol Yoplaits in the freezer makes for instant portion control, which is a DEFINATE good thing for me.

I love my metal water bottle. I have measured how much water it holds and know that, when I fill and drink it 3 times, I'm done!

I have learned to get in all my water in the morning. Otherwise... well... you know. Nonstop pregnant-style nightly bathroom trips are NOT fun.

I have learned to go pee before early morning workout, and a couple times before my elliptical trainer. I didn't actually learn this one this week, since I've been doing Jyze for a year, but it's still vital to my survival. I've also learned that the stronger my core muscles are, the less problems I have with wetting my pants in front of everyone during jumping jacks.

Diluting low fat bleu cheese dressing with Frank's Red Hot sauce makes for a delicious chicken salad dressing.

Spade L Ranch seasonings are my friends.

I have learned the value of fat free sour cream, fat free cheese and dark chocolate. When I use them with caution they can keep me from gagging, wanting to gouge my own eyes out and also prevent the desire to come completely unhinged and give up.

Best of all, I've learned that I love this blog. I love writing down the things I'm thinking about dieting, weight loss and exercising and feel like it really helps keep me motivated! I want you all to know that I check in every day with stalker-like enthusiasm, wondering how everybody is doing.

So.... success or no success... what have you learned in week 1?