Well, I made it to 30 since the last time I wrote an “Eating Restructuring Plan” update. The best news is that Brett gave me the bestest gift for my b-day – a 4-day cruise on the Disney Dream to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay next December! That gives me about 300+ days to get in 2-piece body condition.

Yes! You heard right! I’m going to try and tone my body so I can wear a 2-piece for the first time in my life. I don’t know if it will happen but with all the Zumba on Wii that I have been doing lately, it is a good possibility.

And yes, I did get Zumba for Wii…and it’s AMAZING! I forgot how much that workout – for even 15 to 20 minutes – kicks your butt. I like how the game gives you various level options from beginner to expert. So someone like me who has done Zumba before can opt for higher level workouts, while Brett, who admirably is learning how to shake his little groove thing, gets quite a vigorous workout on beginner.

Here’s a little video of me doing the beginner routine “La Twist de la Munequita:”

I read this great article on WebMD about how to “Melt Your Muffin Top” away. I don’t know how much of a muffie I really have – it’s more of a bundt cake right now, but it really reiterated a lot of the things that I learned about processed carbs and foods from the South Beach Diet. While I’m not actively on South Beach anymore, I am reading labels a lot more carefully these day.

It also gives a lot of excellent exercise tips that will make that muffie disappear. Some of these exercises I used when I was in physical therapy last year. Strangely, it was for a pulled trapezius muscle but I learned that a strong core helps keep the rest of you strong, too.

I’ve felt really good the past two weeks about the things that I’ve been eating. I made my own falafel last weekend. For those who don’t know what that is – It’s ground up chick peas that you then cook in little balls or patties. I got some organic, whole wheat tortillas, added some tzatziki sauce (a cucumber and yogurt sauce – traditionally used for gyros), onions, lettuce and tomatoes and it was a great and filling lunch. I had enough left over that I froze the patties and took them to work. So, I made a little salad with the falafel crumbles. It was uber tasty.

To curb my cravings during the day, I’ve been making sure to bring enough snacks. One of my favorites is a quarter cup of popcorn kernels in a paper lunch bag. I pop that into the microwave for about 2 or 3 minutes and I have a nice, healthy treat that keeps me full all afternoon until I get home.

I still really have a sweet tooth. I tried satiating that over this fortnight with some Weight Watchers Carrot Cake bars. Not a good idea. They were dry like cardboard and didn’t taste much like carrot or cake. If anyone would like the last one that is sitting on my counter, just let me know in the comments section.

It’s hard to find good, delectable treats for dessert. I have a few No-Sugar Fudgsicles, which usually hit the spot. Otherwise, Brett has been getting in the habit of eating more dark chocolate (another one of those foods with flavonoids). So, one square of the Ghirardelli dark – it’s about 86% percentage of cocoa called “Midnight Reverie.” I really enjoy it but sometimes it’s hard to ignore that craving for ice cream or a big slab of cake. We were good the other day – went right past the Cold Stone Creamery without buying anything.  Hard to do for a girl who once worked there.

So, here’s my roundup through week 4: (Yay! One month down!)

• Weight: 171.2 (5 pounds total)
• Waist: 35 inches (that’s 2 inches down in 2 weeks – Thanks Zumba!)
• Hips: 42 inches (no change)

Things to watch in the next two weeks:

• Eat slower.
• Start strength training again.
• Watch portion sizes. (I’ve already started using our smaller plates – about 10-inches – for dinner instead of standard plates. It’s helped me eat less right away.)

In the coming months, you’ll also start to here more about our Disney Cruise planning. With so many restaurants on board – 2 just for adults – and 24-hour room service (you can get Mickey ice cream bars 24/7!), it will surely be a food lover’s heaven. I’m so excited! Looking at the menus already has me giddy!