Delana Grammer

At the end of this challenge, controlling my portions has been a struggle but extremely beneficial to me. I have learned more about portion control, which has led me to eat better and healthier, and less overconsumption of food. I also have pushed myself to focus on what I am eating and even what is being put into my foods I am consuming! I think controlling my portions has been a great way for me to focus more on my health and getting back into better shape. I have felt better since starting this challenge, I have more energy and look forward to eating a meal that makes me feel the right amount of full! I have truly enjoyed this daily challenge, along with my one-time challenge of learning and utilizing more woman-owned businesses around me. I think this challenge has definitely helped me become healthier and helps me make better eating decisions that I feel like I needed! 

Today for lunch I ordered food from a small business here in Knoxville called "sticky rice cafe". I ordered a small amount of food for myself and it was healthy! Smaller portions and healthy food and I felt ready for the day! I had two medium-sized rice rolls with veggies, and honestly, it felt nice to have enough food for myself and feel full without having left over on my plate. I also had a size of pho soup and finished it all. It was correctly portioned, filled me up for the day, and it was a healthier choice. I really enjoy feeling full and energized when I am correcting my food portions! 

I spent some time today researching woman-owned businesses here in Knoxville. I did not realize how many there actually are, and I truly think this is amazing. I love supporting women's businesses, and think it is awesome how many there are. WBIR here in Knoxville posted a list of businesses from Knoxville to Sevierville, and I plan to definitely shop/eat/support these places! A couple of examples of businesses that have won awards from our mayor include A-Z Office Resources, Pioneer Builders, Inc, Collier Restaurant Group, KaTom Restaurant Supply, Tennessee Associated Electric, Bobcat of Knoxville, Management Solutions and so many more. There are so many women out there that are doing great things in a "man's world" as they say, and I love to see it. Many of these companies are project management companies, wholesale distributors, restaurant operations, and even electrical contracting services. It's amazing to really be able to research and look at each company these women own and see what they exactly do. I have lived in Knoxville for 4 years now and did not know even our local favorite down in Market Square, Tomato Head, is owned by a woman. It is amazing to see, and I will continue to support these businesses however I can! 

For breakfast, I had my correct portion of pancakes instead of eating the amount I can make in one serving (usually is 6). I love this challenge, I have felt so much better lately controlling my portions, and I can feel a change physically. I am less tired and more energized throughout my day! This challenge also helps me maintain my current weight before I was gaining more weight due to over-eating, and it's helped me want to stay healthy. I enjoy this challenge a lot, and to do it daily is even more important for me! I can maintain my workout goals of eating healthy and correcting my portion sizes, and I can maintain my goal of staying motivated and energized! 

Usually, I love to cook at home because it is a cheaper option and healthier option than constantly going to a quick, fast food place. Since I enjoy cooking at home for 2, I usually have leftovers, so it gives me room to eat more than I should. I do that often, and hardly ever think about portion control, and tonight for dinner I had the correct amount of meat and pasta. I feel the right amount of full, and feel better than when I over-eat! I also made enough for me and one other person, without having a Tupperware of leftovers!