Success and Struggles of Weight Loss

2010-03-15T18:08:00.001-04:00

So I am leaving this blog and starting again

I need a change

2009-08-04T18:32:00.003-04:00

I really need a kick in the ass and a slap in the face.

I SAY I will be better
I SAY that I will track
I dont.

I have no idea where to get motivation from.
I read other people's blogs hoping to find motivation that way....doesn't work.

I am not sure what to do
I weighed myself yesterday.....after eating some chips and dip.... I was back to where I was when I rejoined a year ago....sigh. 261.....261...... man things are not going well for me and I need to get myself out of this junk food hole.

100

2009-07-22T08:48:00.002-04:00

Yes this is post number 100.
I don't really have anything special to say.
No good news, nothing fun.....just that this is post 100.

By this time I wanted to lose a lot more weight than I have so far.
it's been a year since I decided to get back into losing weight and I have only lost 5lb since then. I really wish I could get myself back to where I was 3 years ago when I lost 52lb. I kick myself when I think about how much weight I have put back on.

The broken leg (which still hasn't healed) has really put a damper on everything. It has messed with my emotions as it has ruined some things for me and is making my life really difficult right now. I can't do my job the way it should be done, I can't exercise, I cant drive for long periods, it's hard to go anywhere on my own. My contract at work is ending and I need to find a job. Who is gonna want to hire someone who cant walk without crutches??? especially to work in a lab.

This Friday is 24 weeks since I broke my leg!!!! that is almost half of the year!!!!! It is beyond getting ridiculous now!!!

Enough of that sadness!
I have decided that now that the wedding is over, and I am back from my honeymoon that it was time to get my but back in gear and at least eat healthy. Well I decided this yesterday and what did I eat..... 1/2 bag of dill pickle chips.....eek! I have been craving them for weeks and just fel like I needed them. Now I need John to finish them so I wont.

I did some grocery shopping and tried to get some foods that I can eat that are healthier for me. I think I did pretty good! Now to get back into tracking mode and I will be back 100%

MRS. RIDLEY!!!

2009-07-08T19:38:00.003-04:00

I am now married!! I got married on June 27 to the love of my life and it was a great day!!!

When I get more pictures I will definitely post them. Here are some that were taken with my mom's camera (none from the ceremony as she was part of it).

I am going on my Honeymoon this Saturday on a Western Caribbean Cruise.

After all of this I NEED to get back on track!! I am seeing myself slowly getting larger and it ain't looking pretty.

Because I am not walking as much (you know because of the broken leg still......sigh), I am losing a lot of muscle mass and I am putting on fat. SOOOOOO not good! My belly is getting larger and soon clothes are not going to fit properly.

Once I get back from my honeymoon, I am going to be more strict about my food!! If we are going to start a family in the near future I need to get myself healthy!!!!!

2009-06-17T08:10:00.002-04:00

I really need to be eating better. I can say that this week has been better than last week, but I have gotten myself into the "I really don't FEEL like cooking" mood, which is not really a mood to be in. I look in my cupboards and none of the food in them appeal to me. I guess I am just board with my food but not sure what I want to do with mix or spice it up. It would really help if I could just run to the store and grab something to cook.....sigh.

I am driving now, since I can put 50% pressure on my leg (it doesn't take that much pressure to press the gas pedal), the issue is that it takes so much time to get in and out of the car.

I get to my car and put the crutches in the passenger seat. I take my air cast off and put it in the passenger seat. I carefully put a shoe on my foot of the broken leg.....this is a challenge because my foot is still swollen and I cant just yank the shoe on. Then I drive. When I get to my destination, shoe comes off, boot goes on, get out of car, grab crutches and go....... then the process goes over again when I am done in the store -- I also cant push a shopping cart very well.
This is going to be a long few months.....AGAIN!

On a different note, I decided that I needed to somehow make some more money and for a while didn't know what I was going to do. I have now figured that out!!
I am now an Independent EcoAdvisor for OnlyGreen. OnlyGreen sells environmentally friendly products including beauty & health products, baby care, household products, clothing & accessories, paper & plastic alternatives etc. and I am selling these products.

If you are interested check out the Spring Summer Catalogue: http://www.onlygreen.com/media/files/Catalog_SpringSummer09.pdf

And if you would like to purchase any products you can do so through me:
http://www.ea.onlygreen.com/nikishagrant
nikishagrantridley@hotmail.com

Anxious

2009-06-10T15:16:00.002-04:00

That is how I am feeling.....
Just about the wedding and everything happening. It's coming so fast. If doesn't feel like that long ago I got engaged, but that was 18 months ago!

Just trying to tie up some loose strings, but so far so good.

As for the leg....
I had my Doctor's appointment for my leg. This Friday will mark week 18 wince the break and I am still hobbling around on crutches.
My doctor informed me that it will be at LEAST 2 more months again that I have to use the crutches and I cannot weight bare more than 50% on my broken leg.
UGGGH this healing process is soooooo slow. Different doctors keep asking me if I am a smoker or if I live with a smoker because it can slow down the bone healing process. The answer to both is NO.

The doctor has given me permission to walk down the aisle with a cane, so I am happy about that. Less likely to get my dress all dirty and easier to get down the aisle. It's pretty short so I think I will be good.

What sucks is that I have this stupid boot on ALL SUMMER!!!! It is going to get sweaty and stinky and I wont be able to do a lot of the activity that I was planning on doing this summer. I wanted to ride my bike to work, I wanted to go for hikes with John, so I guess I will have to wait another year for that.

WW
Like I said before I haven't really been following it, but just trying to maintain. I had a bad week eating wise last week (or maybe it was 2 weeks ago) where I had KFC, McDonald's, Dairy Queen and I think Burger King all in the same week. SOOOOOOO not good for me! This week I have been much better in watching what I eat. As long as I don't gain I am happy. Once the wedding is done I am going to focus more on my points again. There is just so much in my brain right now that points have been pushed on the back burner. That will change soon!

An Apology

2009-06-07T20:37:00.002-04:00

To everyone who reads my blog.

I was feeling lousy for a while and not myself, and really didn't feel like announcing anything about my life to the world.
Things are a lot better.

I have also been pretty busy. I get married in 20 days, so I am trying to finalise things with all of the vendors and what not. Also last week we booked our honeymoon!!!!!

John and I are SOOOOOO excited!!! we are going on a Western Caribbean cruise with Carnival from July 11-18. We visit Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Cayman Cayman Island, and Cozumel Mexico.

As for the weight thing, I was actually just trying to maintain. I cant afford to have my dress altered some more (as I was just getting it hemmed) and I fit into it perfect. Once the wedding happens I will be back to full on weight loss mode.

I will try more to post. I think many of my posts will be more wedding related for the next 3 weeks, so hope you don't mind :)

sigh

2009-05-14T13:55:00.002-04:00

So I am sitting here at work....bored out of my mind and hungry!!
All I want to do is get a poutine and chips and sit in front of the TV and eat them!!!!!
I know not the best choices, but that's kind of how I feel right now. I am not sure. I don't feel unhappy or anything, but I just feel Blah........

I think because I cant actually do my intended job at work that its really getting to me now. I cant really carry acid samples down the hall with crutches...that is just asking for trouble. Work now just seems like a place to go, not a place to do something.

**sigh**

2009-05-12T08:55:00.002-04:00

So I did alright yesterday. Tracked everything. Ate half of a Cinnamon bun that I didn't plan on eating (man I wish these weren't in the house), but I tracked it.

Today I hope will be much better.
I have no idea what I am going to make for dinner. This is where difficulty comes in. If John doesn't pull something for me to cook for dinner, I end up having something that's not so good, only because the deep freeze is in the basement and it is hard to carry frozen meat up the stairs with crutches....... *sigh*

On another note, I have started to put some weight on my leg (very little) and use it a bit. The doctor didn't tell me I could, but the physiotherapists have looked at my xrays and MRI and said that my bones wont heal if they aren't used; I guess that could explain why I have had pretty much NO healing at all. I still use my crutches and only put a little weight on. I am afraid to do too much because I don't want to mess anything else up, especially before the wedding.

I was supposed to see my doctor today about my leg, a monthly check up. 3 weeks ago I get a letter saying that today's appointment was cancelled and that I will be contacted to be reschedule. I have yet to be contacted, and I called yesterday and was told that they haven't made new appointments yet for my doctor.
Where is my doctor?? Is he on vacation or something?? couldn't he have figured this out before making appointments?? who knows really.... I was just hoping to have 2 appointments before my wedding, now it looks like only one.

My weekend!

2009-05-11T10:09:00.002-04:00

So my weekend....meh!

Things didn't get much better after my chip binge. I didn't continue to go crazy, but I didn't count ANYTHING.

Friday night...I ate 2/3 of a frozen pizza to myself.
Saturday night... Swiss chalet. I ordered the white meat, but I ate the skin and ordered fries instead of a salad.

WI Saturday morning wasn't horrible. I gained 0.5lb. I think the majority of that may have been water retention due to the sodium packed things I have eaten in the last few days.

Today I am back on track!
--------

I have realised this weekend that I think my body is under more stress than my brain thought. The ankle of my broken leg has been sore
I am in A LOT of pain most days because my hip is inflamed from walking on crutches
The big toe of my broken leg now has a fungal infection from the air cast
Planning my wedding (which is in 47 days)

Now I haven't felt very stressed mentally, but my body is telling me I am.
I get cold sores, and have for 20 years. They usually come if I am getting sick, or if I am stressed, and I only ever get them on my lip.
I woke up Saturday morning with my chin covered in them...about 6 of them.
UGH!!!

I think the combination of pain and the medications I am taking, then trying to have a normal life when I cannot walk and have to rely on others are causing my body to freak out.

To add to it John's nan was rushed to the hospital in my city from another (about 45 mins away) because of a massive heart attack and she needed surgery right away.

I need some time off!

UGH!!

2009-05-08T08:37:00.002-04:00

In the last 2 days I have eaten 2 bags of chips. No, not the personal size bags, the big bags.
WHY??? For no apparent reason. Just because I had a craving and over did it.
I don't even want to know how many points that was.
I WI tomorrow morning, so I will just put it past me and start a new week

but i do feel pretty UGH! because of it.

Do little dance.....

2009-05-02T11:24:00.002-04:00

.... Make a little love, get down tonight!

Ok well at least do a little dance, for me :)
Since recommiting to counting points all I have done is STS or gain weight. I was getting very frustrated.
Today I WI and lost 2.7lb!!! YAY ME!!!

This week the only change I did was that I didnt eat any of my flex points (until some last night). I think I may try that again since I am not being active.

As for my food today:
B
1 egg scrambled (2)
1 slice whole grain bread w jam (4)
1/2 cup chocolate milk & 1/2 cup 1% milk (2.5)

S
fruit smoothie (vanilla yogurt, banana, frozen berries, milk) (5)
orange (1)

L
breaded frozen fish fillet (3)
salad w tomato, mushrooms, cheese and renees light caesar dressing (3)

D
TBD; possibly homemade pizza on pita bread (6)

S- Frozen Yogurt (2)

Points Used: 28.5
Points Left: 2.5

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD!!!

2009-04-30T20:47:00.002-04:00

My mom went grocery shopping for me and I am sooooo happy!
I can now get really serious about my weight loss now. I have been without vegetables for about 3 weeks and without fruit for about a week and it has been hard to figure out what to eat. I have stayed within my points, but my choices were not always the greatest.

Some of the foods I got:
apples, oranges, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, whole grain bread, chicken breasts, low fat lunch meat, tuna, cereal plus some other things.

Today's food kinda sucked until dinner which was very yummy!!!
Boneless skinless chicken breast, seasoned and grilled on the George Foreman, fried rice with mushrooms and green onions, and carrots.

Tomorrow's Plan
b- Special K cereal with 1% milk & banana (6)
s- yogurt (1)
l- grilled chicken on a WW bun w tomato and low fat mayo, green apple, diet Pepsi (8)
s- orange (1)
d- TBD: having a mother daughter night, so we may get Thai food...I have 16pts left to use, plus 30WPA
------------------------

I was thinking today about how far I actually HAVE come.
Although I have gained some of my weight back, I still have some success. I do not eat anywhere near as bad or as much as I used to. I don't get as winded doing things as I used to either.

Back in 2005 we had a heat wave, and John and I did not want to turn the stove on because it was so hot. We ate out waaaaaaaayyyy more than we should have. Probably no less than 3 times per week.
Also one horrible thing I used to do when I was bored was drive to some fast food restaurant and get a burger. I would do this in between lunch and dinner. I wasn't necessarily hungry. I just was bored and fast food was the first thing on my mind. This was such a horrible thing that I am glad I stopped doing. I didn't need the extra meal, let alone one that was so full of fat.
BLECH!!!

I think I can honestly say that WW has saved me from a horrible existence!!

Pleased!

2009-04-28T14:29:00.002-04:00

So I am very happy with how my day went yesterday.
I have made a list of all of the groceries I want, along with the healthy meals I am going to make with them. I feel like I did when I joined WW 3 years ago (almost exactally), just excited to be eating healthier and losing weight!

My mom is going to go to the store for me, and get me the foods I need. I feel so deprived as I havent had ANY vegetables in my house for at least 2 weeks. My dinners are just lacking.

Yesterday's Food

B- Life cereal w 1% milk
L- Tuna Sandwich on whole wheat, astro fruit yogurt
S- Chips
D- lean breaded pork chops, homemade fries
S- frozen yogurt
32pts + 1 flex

The chips were not planned, but I tracked then and made them work in my day. As you can see my meals are severly lacking some produce!!

Today's Food

B- Life cereal w 1% milk
L- Tuna Sandwich on whole wheat
S- French Vanilla Cap + raspberry donut
*this was supposed to be a steeped tea and 2 timbits. They were out of timbits and I caved.
S- Granny smith apple
D- Steak & sweet potato

So far this leaves me with 6 points left. I think I may also have a yogurt before dinner, which still leaves me with 5

I will work on this!!

Have a great Tuesday

Sigh

2009-04-27T12:58:00.002-04:00

Another week has gone by and more weight has been put on. It is really frustrating. I cant afford to put on any more weight.....really I cant. If I keep gaining, then my wedding dress will no loger fit and I will have to buy a new one.

I have always eaten my WPA and lost weight, but since I am rarely moving, I think I am going to try to not eat any of them (or very little) . I am pretty sure that this will help. I will test it out for a couple weeks and see how itworks for me.

Another thing I HAVE to start getting back to is drinking water. This should also help me.

Lets hope this week is better than the last has been.

-----------------------------
On a positive note, John and I met with the photographer for our wedding. Things are really coming together and I am very very pleased! RSVP's have been rolling in and people still have 4 weeks to send them.
We have received money from his parents to help pay for the vendors (besides the hall/dinner).

I will have to walk down the aisle with crutches or a cane....so I will have to make ideas on how to decorate them. So far that is the only snag to my wedding, so I will be ok if it is the only one.

Well....It's Monday

2009-04-20T17:46:00.002-04:00

And I am actually feeling pretty good.....(except the hip pain...that is still present)

I decided that because I am not going to be able to do much activity with my broken leg, and the other issues that has brought about I need to focus more on what I am eating. I decided to suck it up and rejoin WW Online. I don't really have the money, but it helps me become more accountable for what I am doing; and I missed the recipe builder.

I already tracked today (including the dinner I haven't eaten yet) and it leaves me with 2 points left for the day. I think I will treat myself to some fat free frozen yogurt. MMMM!!

I tracked for Saturday and Sunday. I didn't do as well those days as I wanted, but I tracked, and still have most of my WPA, I just didn't make the best choices (Pizza....mmmm)
-------

Right now I am working at lab in a university and I enjoy my job and love the people I work with, but I think I a ready for something new. My contract with this job ends in October (unless my employer gets more money for me) and I cant wait until I have no job to find a new job. Also where I work is where I did my placement for school and is my first real job since graduating. I think I am ready to move on to something different.

The issue I have is that where I live, there are no jobs available. I look every couple days but there's nothing. If I were to move to a bigger city like Toronto or Ottawa I would have trouble finding a job, but here not so much.

I am not going o let this get me down as I have just under 6 months to find one, but I just don't want to be unemployed (or work somewhere for minimum wage)

Going the Wrong Way

2009-04-18T13:21:00.002-04:00

well things seem to be going the wrong direction for me.
I haven't lost any weight since recommitting myself. I am not going to freak out yet, but I'm kind of displeased.
When I started on March 13 I weighed 248.3 and I now weigh 250.0
I know it's not a lot, and I am happy that since I cannot walk that I am pretty much maintaining my weight, but maintenance is not what I want.

I will have to pay tighter attention to what I am eating because that seems to be the only thing that will help me right now.

TODAY I start being more strict with my food!!!
-------
Another thing going the wrong way is the healing of my leg. Well not really the wrong way, but definitely at a stand still.

I was originally told that I would be able to walk on my wedding day (which is 70 days from today). I went to the doctor on Thursday and it looks like I may not be able to walk by then. At my appointment I was told that it will be at least 2 months before I will be able to start using my leg. My xrays show that there hasn't been very much healing of the bones, as they look almost the same as they did back in February when I broke it.

I am kind of frustrated about it and was stressing about it for a couple days. I had already accepted the fact that I would at least be requiring a cane to walk down the aisle. I had plans to decorate the cane, and have no trouble walking down that aisle. Now I may need crutches which I don't really want.

I am trying to stay positive about everything and I am still hoping that a cane is what I will be using. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

Post Easter

2009-04-15T15:21:00.002-04:00

So for Easter John and I went to visit his family in Peterborough. Things went OK but I could have done a WHOLE lot better!!

I don't know what it is but every time I am visiting his family I think it is an excuse to eat. I don't have much self control. I did OK on some of the days that I was there, but it was after I realised that the first few days were not so hot.

When it came to my meals I never overate. My portions were normal size and seconds were not existent. My issue came to the goodies. I may have mentioned it in a previous post, but my FMIL loves to bake. If there is an event, there are baked goods.

The day we got there she had white coconut macaroons made...YUMMY!! i couldn't keep my hands off. Later that day she made Buttermilk Potato Doughnuts.
*these may sound odd but they are SOOOO good. The dough is made with mashed potatoes among the other normal baking ingredients.
These doughnuts are deep fried and then dipped in sugar. Not healthy but really good.

The next day was John's dad's birthday, which included birthday cake....and more (like 4-5) doughnuts.

The next day was Sunday.... EASTER!! And on top of dinner what did I have?.... A slice of pumpkin pie with whipping cream. She also made lemon meringue and cherry pie. Easter dinner is when I realised that I need to slow down and pay more attention to what I am eating.

We were in ptbo for 2 more days and I had in that time 1 more small slice of pie and 1 doughnut so a lot better.
-------
On Saturday I was in Loblaws with John and his mom to get the birthday cake for his dad. We were on our way to the cash registers and what happens?????? My right crutch (that supports my broken right leg) finds some water on the floor and down I go! I land on my foot of the broken leg, and then on the floor, knocking down potted plants with me!!! UGH!
So pain.....Yes
activity....No because walking around with my leg hanging was hurting, and was much better for me to sit on the couch with my leg propped up.

I go to the doctors tomorrow to make sure I didn't cause more damage. I am not in a lot of pain so I think I may have just irritated it more than anything. I do have 2 metal plates and 21 screws so I think they held me in place pretty well.

Well that was my Easter....hope you all had a great and healthy one!

horrible reminder

2009-04-09T22:48:00.003-04:00

I decided that it was time for a rude awakening, and a horrible reminder. I thought I needed to put up these picture to remine me of where I started and where I dont want to return.

These pictures were taken on my 22nd birthday (March 2006). I was at my highest weight of 274lb and I wasn't very happy. I decided on May of that year it ws time to change my life

Weight: 274 size: 20-22

Current weight: 248.8 size: 16-18

Easter's a coming

2009-04-09T08:10:00.004-04:00

So Easter is on it's way and it is going to be DIFFICULT!! this is where my restraint is going to have to kick it into high gear.

John (fiance) and I are going to his parents house tomorrow morning.
Friday's dinner is to celebrate our birthday's (Mine was March 22 and His April 3) and his mom is cooking a roast. This means gravy, buttery potatoes, and carrots dripping with butter.
Sunday dinner is turkey dinner. Sooooo very similar to Friday.
She wants to bake a birthday cake.
John wants her to make homemade donuts
She will probably be making a pie (she makes minimum 8 pies for Xmas)
and then on top of it all, she will be giving us chocolates, I know it

PORTION CONTROL will be my best friend this week!!!

I will be trying my best to get online; here and on ww.ca to be accountable for everything I do and eat. I cant afford to gain any more weight right now!!

I WILL be successful
I WONT overeat

but I am scared

Canadian Living Recipes

2009-04-07T20:33:00.007-04:00

So today things went ok for me. Just finished eating dinner which was realllly yummy, but I havent done any activity today EEK!!
I have been looking through some of my Canadian Living magazines writing down some recipes that sound really yummy. I am excited to go to the store and get things I need. Two of them sound extra yummy so I thought I would share: Peanut Chicken Pitas and Chai Spiced Baked Oatmeal.

Peanut Chicken Pitas
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp canola oil
¼ tsp salt and pepper
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp minced gingerroot
1 tsp sesame oil
1 minced clove garlic
2 ribs celery, diced
2 green onions, diced
1 carrot, grated
½ cup snow peas, blanced and quarted crosswise
4 pita bread halved, or flour tortillas

Brush chicken with oil; sprinkle salt and pepper. Roast on baking sheet in 400F oven until juices run clear when chicken is pierced, 20-25 minutes. Let cool; cut into cubes *make ahead and refrigerate for up to 6 hours
In large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, ginger, sesame oil and garlic until smooth. Stir in chicken, celery, green onions, carrot and snow peas
Divide among pitas

Makes 4 servings
per serving: 418 cal, 28g pro, 15g fat (2g sat fat), 44g carb, 4g fibre, 42mg chol, 989mg sodium
(9POINTS)

Chai Spiced Baked Oatmeal
1 ½ cups large flake rolled oats
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ ground ginger and cardamom
¼ tsp salt
pinch ground cloves and pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup toasted almonds
1 cup blueberries

In a bowl, stir together oats, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, salt, cloves and pepper; pour in milk and 1 ½ cups water, blending well. Scrape into greased 8inch square glass baking dish
Bake in 350F oven, stirring once, until liquid is absorbed and oats are softened, about 50 minutes. Serve with almonds and blueberries to sprinkle over top.
*make ahead: let cool. Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve warm

Makes 4-6 servings
per each of 6 servings: 269cal, 10g pro, 11g fat (2g sat fat), 35g carb, 5g fibre, 7mg chol, 137mg sodium.
(5POINTS)

So the points aren't the lowest, but may work for people like me who have a lot each day (31) or if you want to use some flex. There are also ways that you can alter these recipes to make them even healtier (use WW wraps instead of pita for example)

Food for today...
Breakfast: 6
Tim Hortons Cinnamon Bagel with very little butter (6)
Steeped Tea (0)

Lunch: 7
Oven Roast Pork Tenderloin (5)
Rice (2)

Snack: 8
2 homemade muffins (8)

Dinner: 12
Tomato Soup (3)
Grilled Cheese (7)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Points Used: 33
Points Left: -2

Liquids: IIIIII
Fruit/Veggies: I
Milk: III
Oil:
Protein: I
Multi Vitamin: I
Whole Grains:

2009-04-07T08:07:00.004-04:00

So yesterday went pretty good.
I said in the morning what I was going to eat and i tried to follow that plan, but I slipped a little

What I said I would eat:

2 slices ww toast w PB&J
1 cup milk
100cal snack
chili
1 can diet coke
roast pork tenderloin with carrots and rice
1 cup milk

Points Used:27
Points Left:4

What I did eat:

2 slices ww toast w PB&J
1 cup milk
100cal snack
chili (1/2 of what I brought)
1 can diet coke
1 medium french vanilla cappuccino
roast pork tenderloin with peas and rice
1 can diet coke
1 muffin that tastes like donuts (yes that's the title of it, DF made them)

Points Used: 32
Points Left: -1

So points wise I didn't do too bad.....but when you take a look at what I ate I really didn't do that good. I need to get to the grocery store because I am really lacking on the fruits and vegetables. Also as you can see, I did not have one glass of water. I know that with WW we now liquids, but I wanted at least half my liquids to be water.

Today I hope to do better......again I will be lacking on the fruit/veggie side because I don't have any at home and cant get to the store in my condition :(

Activity......????

YES i did some activity! While dinner was cooking I decided that I can be a little more productive than just sitting on my ass in front of the TV.
I was able to do 50 crunches, then 20 crunches + bicycle kicks, then 20 push ups and then I worked with my hand weights.
I plan to do it again tonight.

Being Accountable!!

2009-04-06T11:17:00.003-04:00

So I have been thinking to myself that I needed a way to be accountable for what I do on this journey. I didn't feel like just writing here was enough, because really i could just not write it; it is my blog.

On the WW.ca boards I am part of a group which is called Curvy Cuties. All of us are those who have at least 80 (i believe this is the number) pounds to lose. Today it has been decided that because we ALL seem to have a hard time with sticking to what we say we are going to do we will have a challenge: Curvy Cuties Beach Blast Challenge.

For this challenge we have a goal weight to achieve by June 21 (first day of summer). Because I cannot move very easily I have made this weight 12lb. That is just over 1lb/week.

Also what we are going to do is tell everyone what are plans for the day are food and activity wise, and the next day report to all how well we did.

I think this will help me because MANY MANY MANY times I have said I am going to do something or eat something and things just don't go that way. The couch calls my name and I become a lump on the couch. Now I have people to report to every day, and I will be very embarrassed if i tell them that all i did was lay on the couch every night. LOL

Sucks!! but I am working on it

2009-04-03T18:23:00.004-04:00

So I WI this morning and i had a gain :P
I now weigh 248.8 which is a gain of 0.5lb. TOM started yesterday so this may be the reason. I am not going to let it bother me yet. I will see what happens at y next weekend as that will make more sense in the end.

I worked out yesterday, which was a big change. Its amazing on how little i have to do right now to get tired and build up a sweat. I didn't do very much: used the hand weights doing different types of lifts and boxing punches; but wow i was tired after. I will just have to make sure I keep up with it.

Food I am still having trouble with. I just dont have the motivation to cook!! when i do get myself some food I am trying my best to make sure what I am eating is healthy, and I am watching portion sizes, but i really just dont want to cook. It just takes so much energy and strength to stand in the kitchen to cook on one leg, that i just dont want to so it. Also all of the frozen meat in the house is in the freezer in the basement; 16 stairs. It is really hard for me to go up and down these stairs with the crutches, let alone with a frozen hunk of meat. I am not sure what I can do to stop feeling this way....but at least I am not sabotaging myself because of it.

I am hungry now and I have no idea what I am going to eat. eek

Slacking....no more

2009-04-01T14:34:00.003-04:00

So i have really been slacking when it comes to my blog. I love writing in it but I seem to forget or put it off. I need to get my act together.

Well this last week has been some ups and downs I guess you can put it.
Monday I had my doctors appointment about my leg. I was really hoping that he would tell me i can start putting a little pressure on it, or that I can take the air cast off while I sleep.....NOPE!!! Nothing has changed and I still have to put zero pressure on it for another 6 weeks which is when my next appointment is :(

Because of this I am still limited to the amount of activity I can do, but I am going to do as much upper body as I can; without my arms feeling like they are going to fall off, since I use them to walk.

I decided that I needed to get my act in gear for real. I am trying to get my motivation up and its been hard. You read my blogs and i seem to say each time that I am going to get back to it and then I don't. I am hoping I can change this this time. On Saturday past it was 13 weeks until my wedding. I decided that I am going to lose 13lb by then. That is only 1lb a week and I think with the right foods alone i should be able to do this. I need to make sure that I fit into my dress because at this point I cannot afford a new one.

I WILL work out to the best of my ability
I WILL make healthy food choices
I WILL not give up
I WILL lose 13lb

wish me luck everyone :)

It it's not one thing, it's another

2009-03-19T09:18:00.003-04:00

I wrote this on WW board today

So as many of you may already know, I broke my leg 6 weeks ago. I am in an air cast an not very mobile. I was off WW for a bit and decided recently to get back on track.I started tracking again and making good choices.
The next step was I was going to start doing some working out, mainly upper body since lower doesnt move much....well that plan has gone down the pooper for a while!!!

I started having some hip pain a couple of weeks ago. No big deal, it would be there for about 30 mins and be gone. This monday after work i noticed that it was getting bad. Getting harder to walk with the crutches and even while sitting when I would try to reposition myself I would get a shooting pain through my hip and butt. So no activity monday like i had planned

Went to bed, had a horrible sleep, and couldnt even get out of bed the next morning. So no movement really at all tuesday.

Yesterday same thing, so I went to the doctor. She figures because I have been using crutches for so long and my right leg is up in the air all the time that my hip is out of placement and causing muscle pains and pinched nerves.I am now taking medication that makes me drowsy to help with pain and inflammation.

I cant get up easily to be active. I cant get my own food... Its just so discouraging!I just want to be able to walk again!!!!

sorry for the long post...just wanted to get som frustration out.

This whole broken leg thing is just getting tiring and a pain in the but. I cant go where I want, do what I want because I am pretty much stuck in my house. My mom can drive me, but really I dont want to ask her to drive me everywhere, plus she has a broken arm and she needs rest as well.....

UGGHH!!!!

I need to get active so I can fit into my dress...i dont want to have to buy a new one.

First WI in a while

2009-03-14T13:43:00.002-04:00

So with the whole broken leg thing I haven't been able to hop onto a scale.
I weighed myself last night and I wasn't too surprised with the result.
I weighed in at 248.3.

So in 2 months I gained just under 4lb, but 5 of those weeks I have been sitting or laying down most of the day doing nothing. I can totally accept this weight gain and I am actually happy with it. I just didn't want to be over 250.

I started tracking again on Wednesday and I am noticing that I am having difficulties. Its just that I am not used to it, and having troubles making some foods. I can only stand for so long, since 248lb is a lot of weight to put on one foot. I am trying my best and I think after a few weeks I will get back into the flow.

I am ready to go!!!

I'M BACK

2009-03-11T14:03:00.002-04:00

well sorta....

It's neem just about 5 weeks since I broke my leg and I think I am ready to start tracking again. I am more able to make my own food now and not in any pain so I think this is a good time!! :)

I am not sure if I am going to WI much since i have the aircast on but we will see. I may be able to pull it off! :)

Also I am not able to work out so much. I can do upper body stuff with the hand weights, as well as crunches so I will do that to get at least a little bit of activity in.

I feel good about this. I have felt so out of the loop for a while....so its a good time to get back to it. I am afraid that I gained weight and wont fit into my wedding dress anymore and I cant let that happen!!!

2 weeks

2009-02-21T18:43:00.002-05:00

So it has been 2 weeks since I broke my leg and things are doing ok.
I have been walking around the house with either my crutches or my walker the whole time not being able to use my right leg at all. The only time i have left the house was to go to my post op appointment.

At my appointment I had my cast removed and the staples taken out (about 50) and I am now in a walking boot. The downside is that for at leat 4 more weeks I am not allowed to use my leg :(
I even have to sleep with the boot on which can be very uncomfortable.

I just hope every heals properly.

The harderst thing about it all is that i just want to get up and go. Even when there is no where to go I like knowing that if I wanted to I could just go. My fiance doesnt drive so he cant even take me anywhere to get out of the house. Kinda sucks.

I have saved some money since I havent gone anywhere to spend it lol

Absolutely Bored

2009-02-11T20:04:00.003-05:00

So laying here on my back for the 6th day in a row I have decided that I am absolutely bored. I am really beginning to hate not being able to get up and move freely whenever I want. Right now I get out of bed just to pee and then back in I go.

In a way I am kind of glad that I am stuck in bed because I am a bored eater and if I had easy access to the fridge I would be eating like CRAZY!!!!

What really sucks about this whole injury is that the week that I hurt myself I finally got my mind set in the weight loss mode and I was really starting to get strict about working out. I wanted to make sure that I fit into my wedding dress in June. I only hope that I do not gain too much weight while lying here because it is going to be VERY hard to lose it when I am using a walker to get around.

ugh!! i just feel like i am going to go crazy here and I am stuck in my room for another week!
I am planning on taking one day and moving to the living room for one day but it is really hard to go down and then back up 15 stairs.

ok now i feel like i am rambling......i will most likely write again 2morrow :)

Taking a break from WW

2009-02-10T14:26:00.002-05:00

So I am taking a break from WW for a while.
I am going to still try to make healthy choices on what I eat, but i don't think right now I have the energy to think about points and counting....

Why???.....

Friday morning I slipped on some ice and shattered my tibia and fibula. I probably have like 8 breaks total in one leg. I have 2 metal plates and at least 20 screws in it.
Right now I am bed ridden so I cannot make my own meals, or even get to the kitchen right now. THe only way I can get around is with my walker or crutches right now and it will be this way for at least 3 months.

I want to take most of my focus and put it on healing and getting better before I think about how many points my peanut butter and jelly sandwich is!!\

if people are interested here are a couple pics of my incisions.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=214540&l=d856d&id=555650720

Biggest Loser Workout - Weightloss Yoga

2009-01-23T19:19:00.002-05:00

So I just finished doing this new DVD I just got and I can say that I loved it. It was really hard for me at first but I think I will get better as I get stronger. I have never had very much upper body strength so this should help. Along with my other 2 Biggest Loser DVD's this should be a great workout for me! It will help me get 20lb off by the time I get married ♥☺

Bad Week Went Well

2009-01-22T19:10:00.002-05:00

So i didn't have suck a good week last week, eating wise.
I guess I couldn't say no to eating out.
Within one week I had Wendy's, Harvey's, Swiss Chalet and Pizza. Not good choices

Things went well at my WI though on Monday. I lost 0.7lb!! yay me!
I do have a feeling that it will catch up with me at my next WI so I gotta kick myself back into gear.

I bought the Biggest Loser Workout - Yoga and it just arrived today. I now have 3 different videos to workout too plus my DDR so I should get bored. I just have to get more strict with myself. Tomorrow I am going to try my yoga and I am actually kinda excited about it. I have never tried yoga, and I wanted something different!! I am going to try and work hard this weekend!!

Its been a million years.....

2009-01-15T17:42:00.003-05:00

Since I have posted. I am now committed again to blogging and posting on WW.ca

So how have things been going for me?
Well December was pretty busy and things were going alright. I wasn't really losing much weight but I wasn't gaining either. I was tracking everything.
I had my WI on December 22 and I decided that day that my goal was to stay the same over Christmas.

Over Christmas I didn't track the whole time, but I had planned that. I watched everything I ate; made sure I didn't over due my portions and tried to make smarter decisions. I also tried to make sure that I was keeping active.

My first WI after Christmas holidays was January 5th and I ended up losing 1 lb. That just made my day and a great way to start the year.

Well since then things haven't been great. They haven't been horrible, but just not great.
DF had his wisdom teeth out so he isn't eating real meals so that leaves me to make dinner to one. Most of the time I just ended up finding whatever to eat, and we all know that means trouble. I also haven't been working out, like at all. I also missed this weeks WI. So I need to get back into it.

Today I have started tracking and watching what I eat more closely, and I am starting to work out again so I am back on track.

2008-12-12T09:14:00.002-05:00

So it has been a while since I have posted anything here....i need to make myself write more often.

So whats new with me......
I have changed my WI days from Thursday evening to Mondays at lunch....EEK!!!
The reason I am doing this is that there is a WW @work offered here, and a woman that I work with attends them, so I thought I would join her.
The weigh ins and meetings are fit within the hour (12-1) and we bring our lunches to eat during the meeting. So it works for me.

So last week I WI on Thursday at 247.0
Monday that just passed I WI at 245.5 yay me!!

I know it was only 4 days, and i was a little iffy about it. Last night I hopped on my scale at about the time that I would have WI at the meetings and I weighed the same as I did on Monday. My scale weighs me pretty much the same as the meeting one so I was happy to accept the 1.5 loss from Monday a true loss. I was also quite happy that from Monday - Thursday I weighed the same since Tuesday afternoon we had our department holiday lunch, and Wednesday I have KFC. I did track everything I ate, and the holiday lunch was a buffet and I only went up once. I am quite happy with my progress.

I haven't been able to get any activity in about 2 weeks.
I got sick 2 weekends ago to the point where I could barely function.
By Monday I was OK and got 1 hour of DDR in....then I hurt my back wrapping presents.
Felt better by Friday and did 30 minutes Biggest Loser DVD.
Saturday fell down the stairs while carrying laundry and injured my tailbone. This made it extremely uncomfortable to sit, walk, lay down....well pretty much any movement.
It is now Friday and its better, but it still hurts to sit and squat.
I really want to get more activity in, but its really hard when you are injured.

Momentum Plan

2008-12-04T14:03:00.004-05:00

So the new WW plan has arrived (online), and I think i like it. No big changes but some good ones. Below is some info from WW that are different with this new program that wasnt part of the old. This is not how it was written on the site, i just copied some if the info.

The Momentum™ plan is built on a proven method for weight-loss success: burn more calories than you take in. Weight Watchers will guide you towards wise food choices, choices that will help you stay satisfied. And you’ll learn to be aware of those choices by tracking the foods you eat.
The plan centers around four basic concepts that help you choose wisely
The POINTS® System
Filling Foods
The Good Health Guidelines
The weekly POINTS Allowance

FILLING FOODS
Not all POINTS values are equal. Filling Foods keep you satisfied even as you’re taking in fewer calories, so you can lose weight. They’re great sources of protein or other elements that fill you up and keep you satisfied. Using your POINTS ® values on foods from the Filling Foods List will help you stay full throughout the day.

What are Filling Foods?
People tend to eat the same volume of food each day— by filling their stomachs with food, they avoid feelings of hunger. Some foods — Filling Foods — help keep you full longer, and fill you up on fewer calories. By incorporating Filling Foods into your meals, you’ll learn to stretch your POINTS values and make better choices.
Why eat Filling Foods?
Knowing the POINTS values of foods will help you make smart choices. Sometimes, though, foods have low POINTS values, but lack staying power. Five jelly beans, for example, have a POINTS value of 1. But how effectively will jelly beans keep you feeling satisfied? Before long, you may need another snack, for more POINTS values. On the other hand, one slice of low-fat or fat-free cheese has 1 POINTS value, and is a Filling Food. This means you probably will be satisfied for longer.
Filling Foods, on the other hand, keep hunger at bay longer. They’re great sources of protein; or they’re packed with water and fibre— elements that fill you up and keep you satisfied. Choose foods from the Filling Foods List in the Plan Manager and you’ll stay more satisfied throughout the day.

The Simply Filling Technique
Because tracking is not a fit for everybody, we also have the Simply Filling technique. You can eat as much as you want from the Filling Foods List – as long as you remain aware of your hunger levels and choose wisely.

***THIS BELOW IS WHAT REPLACED CORE
Tracking Alternatives
If tracking is just not working for you, the MomentumTM plan offers an alternative: The Simply Filling technique. This allows you to eat certain foods without tracking. As long as you stay aware of your hunger signals, you won’t be in danger of overeating.

Another way to keep track: Simply Filling
Tracking is our preferred way of maintaining control, but some people just aren’t wired for it.So we have another technique: Simply Filling. Simply Filling requires that you give up some flexibility in your choices and requests, and that you rely more on listening to your body’s signals — those signals are how you’ll maintain control. In exchange, you don’t have to track POINTS® values.

How Simply Filling works
The Simply Filling technique will work to help you lose weight, because the science behind Filling Foods – they’re usually filled with protein, fiber, and water — will prevent you from overeating. It’s like being accountable to your body’s signals, instead of to your POINTS Tracker. And if you don’t like it, you can always switch back to tracking.

***THIS BELOW IS ANOTHER FEATURE TO WHAT WAS THE FLEX PLAN
SetPOINTS Values
Eating away from home can make estimating portion sizes a challenge. That’s why Weight Watchers has established a SetPOINTS value for certain foods. Instead of estimating portions to track POINTS values, you can simplify by eating whatever portion seems reasonable, and tracking the appropriate SetPOINTS value instead.

Foods with SetPOINTS values
Foods with SetPOINTS values are Filling Foods that are generally high in water and fiber. Since they fill you up faster, you can be confident that you won’t overeat them. As long as you listen to your body’s hunger signals and maintain awareness, you will be fine.

How SetPOINTS values work
At any meal, eat one of the SetPOINTS values foods — however much feels like a sensible portion to you. Stay mindful of your hunger signals. Stop eating when you feel satisfied. When you track the POINTS value of that food, use the SetPOINTS value, no matter how big your portion ends up being. Continue following the plan as usual, using your weekly POINTS Allowance and swapping activity POINTS values for food as you see fit.

The rules:

Meet your daily POINTS Target
Continue using your weekly POINTS Allowance and swapping activity POINTS values as you normally do.
Assign the SetPOINTS values to only one food within a category (So, if you’re eating surf and turf with lean steak and shrimp, count the SetPOINTS value twice.)
Count SetPOINTS values per meal, without extending portions into other meals. (So, if you have lean steak for both lunch and dinner, count the SetPOINTS value twice.)
Consciously assess signals as you eat. Eat what feels like a normal portion to you, but avoid eating so much that you feel stuffed.

Swapping activity POINTS values for food
You can swap the activity POINTS values you earn for extra food POINTS values_for times you need an extra treat. You may lose more weight if you don’t use them, but using them doesn’t eliminate your potential to lose weight. The only rule is that swapped activity POINTS values must be used within the week that you earned them
weightwatchers.ca

The Filling Foods list and the Core foods list are very similar, but not identical. For example, condiments and healthy oils are not on the filling foods list.
So besides this, the program has pretty much stayed the same. Flex people still track like they always have. Core people still have a list of food that they eat for free.

I think I will enjoy these changes.

NEW WW PLAN RELEASED ONLINE

2008-12-04T09:04:00.002-05:00

So the new momentum plan was released online yesterday. A little early so many people are confused.....but it looks good to me!

thats all :)

TV is the Devil!

2008-11-28T15:30:00.005-05:00

So I didn't go WI last night when I probably should have. Instead I cleaned the kitchen, made a healthy dinner and worked out for 30 minutes.
I think that because I did something to help in the weight loss that it was OK for me to miss the meeting. At least that's what I am telling myself. I have only missed 2 meetings so far in 12 weeks, but one of them was because I was taking care of my mom who had surgery.

Although I did not go in for an official WI, I did weigh myself at home. I know it is pretty accurate because I always weigh myself at home before I go to meetings and the the most t has ever been off is 0.2lb.

Anyways....I WI at home and i was up +0.2lb. That I can handle. TOM had arrived, and the large amounts of sodium and the lack of water could have been the reason. Either way it was a gain and I have moved on from it.

I realized last night that TV is the devil....yup the devil!!!
I usually get home at about 420pm and take the dog for a walk, then have a small snack. After that its just about 500pm and Judge Judy is on. It's like she just sucks me in and makes me watch her!! Well last night it wasn't on (Football was on), and there is nothing else on at that time, so that is when I worked out. I almost always choose TV over working out....and I need to stop doing that. I need to train myself to not even turn the TV on when I get home, and leave it off until I get a workout it. It's only 30 minutes of my life without TV and you think it would be easy. I think I will add that to my December goals.....NO TV until workout is complete!

So my goals for December (which are also on the WW.ca board)

DETERMINED IN DECEMBER

30 min of activity @least 4days/week

plan all meals @least 4days/week

track everyday

eat 5 fruit/veggie a day

STS @ Jan2 WI

No TV until workout complete

ACK!

2008-11-27T17:03:00.002-05:00

So this week has been pretty interesting. I havent been following the plan as I should be, or even vowed I would do. I keep saying that I have the motivation and that I am finally going to lose weight and be determined....but I am just not.

Yesterday I ate an entire bag of cheesies.
Last night TOM arrived ;(
Tonight I am supposed to WI and I am not going.

I dont know what I need give me that push. I had 2 bad months in a row, that didnt seem to do it. I have had a great month this month, and I feel pretty much the same.

I am trying a couple different things to try to help me be and stay motivated so maybe December will be my month. I have been planning my meals a few days in advanced, so it makes it harder to stray from the program. I have also printed a calender from Ashley's blog to help me stay active for the next 5 weeks. I think if I can visualize the activity I want to do, and the progress I have done, it will make me want to do more.

If this doesnt work then I dont know.
I find it easy to talk to others to try to help them get their motivation but cant seem to talk to myself.

OK....DECEMBER IS MY MONTH!!!!
I have to do this for myself, I cant keep living the way I am.

Change to the Program

2008-11-21T13:43:00.003-05:00

For those of you who may not have heard yet, but the WW program is changing the week of December 7. So like many other people I have been curious and VERY impatient, so I have tried to hunt down some information ahead of time. My leader told me that it is the biggest change since the introduction of Core, so I needed to know.

This is what I have found:
The Momentum Plan
This seems very much like core as it focuses on certain foods, and the foods are those that will fulfil your hunger needs and keep you satisfied. The food list will be different than core though.

This is a cookbook that I found on Amazon. On the front cover there is a pink label that says that it has Points and Momentum plan recipes.

I am hoping this is something I can try. I have never tried Core as there are so many things that I don't like to eat that are core foods, that I would have a hard time surviving off of my 35 flex points. I also want to add that I am not saying that this is 100% what the program changes will be, but this is some info I have found and thought I should pass it on.

Weigh In

2008-11-21T11:17:00.004-05:00

Well I am glad to announce that I lost weight this week!!!! YAY ME!
I lost another 1.8lb.
Not only am I finally losing weight after 2 months of pretty much nothing....but this is the lowest I have been since re-joining WW. So i am definitely happy right now.

I just have to keep up with it this week, because last week I did have a few moments of weakness and I don't want it to catch up with me at my next weigh in.

-------

For those of you that may remember, a couple months ago I was talking about having symptoms of being tired and cold all the time, among other things. Well I went to the doctor to get blood tests done to check my thyroid and hemoglobin levels, to which my doctor added other things like cholesterol and blood sugar.

The good news is that nothing is wrong with me and I am in great health. I love knowing that even though I am overweight, I have always been a very healthy person and there has never been any concerns about my health mentioned to me ever, not even that my weight will badly affect me.

The bad news is that nothing is wrong with me. I have no idea why I am feeling the way I do but I am. The doctor was just as confused as I am. He suggested that my constant fatigue may actually mean that I need to be more active, so I am working on that.

Here is to losing more weight!! :)
Have a great weekend!

Why do I do this to myself

2008-11-14T11:06:00.002-05:00

So yup, last week was great as I lost 2.4lb...........this week not so good.
I STS. I know many people say "don't worry its better than a gain" except I cannot accept that.
If i had put the effort forward and got the sts then OK, but that is not really how it happened. I didn't put the effort in, ate things should have, pretty sure I went over points some days (I really don't know since I didn't track every day).

The week I lost the 2.4 I didn't stay for the meeting (mom had surgery and I had to care for her), but I wish that I did. I think it may have kept me a little more motivated this last week. The meeting last night has got me thinking more and my determination is up and I WILL do better this week!!!!

On another note, a couple months ago I posted about some symptoms I have been having and that I made a doctors appointment to get checked to see what may be causing it. Tuesday I went in for some blood work where they are checking my thyroid and hemoglobin. Since they are already removing the blood from me, they are testing a few other things like my cholesterol (and other things I cant remember). I kind of that feeling like "i hope nothings wrong" because I don't want to have something wrong with me, but on the other hand I want something to be wrong with me that is fixable, otherwise I have these symptoms and nothing I can do about it. I get the results on Wednesday.

Last........I keep sitting here and wondering what the new changes are going to be on the WW program. My leader and the receptionist last night were saying that this is the biggest change in a long time....hmmmm.
The receptionist was saying that she felt so weird, because she is telling new people how the program works, knowing that what she is saying is going to change in a matter of a couple weeks. As long as it doesn't give me more points to eat (like it did on the last change 2 years ago) then I think I am OK with that.

Thursday WI

2008-11-07T10:54:00.003-05:00

So as I sit here, eating my apple.......
I would like to announce that I lost 2.4lb this week!!!! YAY ME!!!

I guess having goals really helps!! I didnt actually acheive all of them, but who cares?!?! I put the effort in and tried and came out with a great result.

Results
activity 4 days/week: 2/7
Drink 2L water/day: 4/7
Lose 8lb: 2.4/8
Track everything every day: 7/7
Leave 5FP each week: 15 left

So far so good I think. I know I have some areas that I need to work on, but that is what this week is for. I am just glad to get out of the rut of October. That month is almost embarrasing. Really, you dont put the effort in, you dont get the results.

NovGoals

2008-11-04T11:16:00.003-05:00

So here is today's update:

*track everything, everyday- I tracked all of my food yesterday!!
*Drink 2L H2O every day- I didn't get all 2L, but did get 1.5 which is the amount recommended by WW
*30 minutes of activity at least 4 days/week- Did 30 minutes of my Cardio video
*Leave 5FP at the end of each week- My week started Friday, and so far I have 24 FP left
*Lose 8lb- First November WI is this thursday night

So I have already realized that there is a little kink in my plans! I planned on getting 30 minutes of activity at least 4 days/week. Today and tomorrow would have been days 3 & 4. My mom is having surgery today, so I have to take car of her tonight since she is not allowed to get up. I am not sure I can do my video, especially at her house as I will most likely be interrupted. I think I am just going to have to improvise and find a way to get something in.
I was planning on doing my power sculpt video, so what I think I may do is bring my weights over there and do some easy things. As long as I'm moving right???
-------------------------------------------------
Tuesday's Meals

Breakfast- 2 slices WW toast w peanut butter, 1 cup 1% milk (5)
Snack- Triscuits (1)
Lunch- Michelinas, fruit cup, rice pudding (9)
Snack- Pear (1)
Dinner- TBD (12)
Snack- Hot Chocolate, WW 1pt PB bar (3)

WI - 30/10/2008

2008-11-03T08:34:00.007-05:00

So my WI last week was worse that I thought! :(
I ended up gaining 1.8lb and am now at 251.8 (yuck)
In 4 weeks, I have WI 3 times and each has been a gain......soooooo not good and I don't know why I am doing this to myself!

I have made some goals for November, and I am going to try to check in here every day and be honest with how I am doing with them!

Goals For November
*track everything, everyday
*Drink 2L H2O every day
*30 minutes of activity at least 4 days/week
*Leave 5FP at the end of each week
*Lose 8lb

If I work hard at it, I could actually achieve all of these goals; even the 8lb loss.

So far this week (week starting Friday) I have tracked everything and Friday I went bowling, so I got some activity in! My plan for the rest of the week activity is:
Mon- Cardio Max video 30 min
Tues- Power Sculpt video 40 min
Wed- DDR 30-60 min
Thurs- Nothing (WI day)

I have also decided that even though I am now back in the 250's and should be eating 32pts again, I am not going to. I am going to stick with the 31 since I have now gotten myself used to eating that much.
-----------------------------------------

Monday's Meals

Breakfast- Fibre 1 Honey Clusters w milk (4)
Snack- Slim Fast Snack Bar (3)
Lunch- Turkey Sandwich, grapes, rice pudding, cinnamon twists (7)
Snack- Pear (1)
Dinner- TBD (12)
Snack- frozen yogurt, hot chocolate (4)

Feeling Iffy

2008-10-29T21:19:00.004-04:00

So my WI is tomorrow and I am not feeling so hot about it. I have re commited to tracking and have tried to be more active this week, But today i did not do so well on the food thing. Not only did I have a piece of cake, but I also had a donut from Timmy's....UGH!! I guess I will just have to move on. I am determined to lose this weight!!!! No matter what, next weeks WI is going to be uch much much better!!!!!!!

Wednesday's Meals

Breakfast: Fibre 1 Honey CLusters w 1% milk (4)
Snack: Slim fast snack bar, Cake (10)
Lunch: *leftovers* Campbells Fiesta Chicken Casserole (8)
Snack: Tim Hortons Steeped Tea & Donut (6)
Dinner: Beef Stew w Bread (9)

Activity: 45 minute DDR (+6)

Total: 31 YAY Me!! I thought I went over! Good thing I got off my butt and got active.

Tuesday's Meal

2008-10-28T10:39:00.005-04:00

Breakfast: Fruit Smoothie (5) **This has 4 servings of fruit/veggies**
Snack: SlimFast Muffin Snack Bar (3)
Lunch: Pork Sandwich, Cheesy Popcorn, Apple (7)
Snack: WW Peanut Butter Mini Bar (1)
Dinner: Campbells Fiesta Chicken Casserole (8)
Snack: Dill Pickle Chips (6)

Phew!

2008-10-27T09:16:00.004-04:00

It's amazing how quickly out of shape you can get.
This saturday I worked out and I was in pain during it and out of breath quickly. When I was working out more regularly, it was gettting to be no problem to get the 30 minutes in, but man it was hard this time. It was kinda of a wake up call telling me that I need to keep up with the activity, or its gonna nip me in the butt! I need to get back into at least 4 days a week of 30 minute activity. I think that is the last hurdle I need to re-cross to get this weighloss back to going in the right direction

Besides that, this weekend was pretty good. Went to a friends birthday, ate some junk, tracked it and moved on. Cleaned the house with John; its nice actually seeing him at home when I get off work.

Monday's Meals

Breakfast: Oatmeal (3)
Snack: Tim Hortons Steeped tea & pumpkin donut (6)
Lunch: Pork sandwich, carrots, rice pudding, tricuits (11)
Snack: Rice cake w PB & V8 fusion (4)
Dinner: TBD (7 points left)

Activity: Biggest Loser Power Sculpt

Thanksgiving Kills You!

2008-10-24T14:07:00.004-04:00

SO i have been reading many peoples blogs, and posts in forums and I have noticed that Thanksgiving just ruins weight loss for people. Its like people fall off the wagon during the holiday, and they struggle and fight to get back on it for weeks to follow. I admit I am one of these people.

Confession:
The last Day that I tracked everything was Wednesday October 8.

Horrible I know!!! It was the day before WI day, and the WI before thanksgiving and from there it was downhill. I fell off the wagon as it was going down a bumpy hill and I just rolled down, not being able to get back on.

I really hate that I can lose motivation so easily. I don't have any fears or feelings that I cannot succeed, because I know I can. I think I just get bored with things easily then I just stop trying. I like things to be set and structured, and I cant get this weight loss progress to be like that. If things are not scheduled, I will find a way to not do them.

I also have a hard time with talking myself into doing things. If I can find the smallest reason why not to workout, I cant seem to talk myself into doing it. That small thought of laziness will prevail!

I really just have to make this more of a priority than I have been. I had a goal of 15lb to lose by Halloween, it is now Oct 24 and I have lost 2. The end of the year is in less than 2 months and I wanted to lose 30 by then. That's 3lb a week!!!! I need to get back into this!

Today I have started tracking again, and I am planning on working out as well. This is a priority and a necessity to my health!

Today's Food

Breakfast
Fiber 1 Honey clusters cereal w 1% milk

Lunch
1 cup Campbells Healthy Request Soup
Raw Carrots
Banana Bread
Rice Pudding

Snack
1 Rice cake w peanut butter
1 cup apple juice

Dinner
Breaded pork tenderloin chops
Fried potaotes (oil)
carrots
1 cup milk

Snack
1 Slice lemon diet pop cake
1/2 frozen yogurt

Total: 31 + 2 flex

Not related to WW but......TAG!!

2008-10-17T15:00:00.006-04:00

So I was tagged by Jordanna and I have to post 6 things interesting about myself. Well I can think of 4 right now so I will put those and when I think if more I will add.

1) I am half Jamaican. My dad was born and raised in Jamaica and came to Canada in his late teens.

2) I am messy organized person. Yes sounds odd so here is why. My Cd's, DVDs and many other things need to be in order by alphabet or date and I get really annoyed when they are moved. I also make lists for everything. I have post-its all over my desk with lists, books with lists, I just need things written down and organized. I am messy because I just am. My desk is messy, my house is messy, I have always been messy.

3) I wear woman's 12W shoes and Payless is my best friend. Yes I am a giant.

4) I hate chocolate ice cream, shakes, fudge, syrup and cake. No I do not just dislike them, I HATE them.

*ADD*
5) I love buying new gadgets/electronics. If I wasn't so broke I would own more. John & I each own a laptop, plus a desktop and we each have an MP3 Player. There are only two of us and we own 3 TVs (plus a 4Th which is at my moms) and 2 DVD Players. We have a Nintendo Game cube and Wii, PlayStation 1&2, and if we could afford it we would have an XBOX360. We have 2 digital cameras and I right now want a GPS and a video camera (good thing we are getting married in 8 months)

so I am TAGGING the following people:
Defying Gravity (water nymph)
Carolyn
Heather
Abbey
Natasha
Krista
anyone else who wants to join

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-10-10T09:20:00.002-04:00

So I know the wish is a little early but I may not be online for a few days so I might as well send wishes now.Have a Happy Turkey Day!!!

So my weigh in was last night. Wasn't too good but not enough for me to get upset. It was a 0.4lb gain. I have been mixing up each week how I use my flex points to see how it affects my weight loss and what I have come up with is that I need to use them each day throughout the week, and not use them all up for one or 2 big dinners. I never use the same amount of flex on the days that i do use them, so pretty much its like each day I need to use a different amount of points. Mix it up so my body doesn't get used to what I am doing.

My plan was to lose 30lb by the end of the year, and 10 lb by last nights WI. Well I still have 28lb to go. These next 2.5 months I am going to have to work a lot harder than I have been. I need to get off my ass and move more often!!! I am going to Peterborough Monday-Wednesday to visit John's family, so I have to make sure that each day that I am there I do something active. I am bringing my DDR so I have that, plus I think I will go for some walks.

again I hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving....and don't overdo it on the stuffing!!! (that will be my challenge)

So what's wrong with me now....

2008-10-07T08:02:00.005-04:00

So lately I have been having all of these things "wrong" with me in the last couple of months so finally I made an appointment with my doctor.

I have been cold all summer, since about June. When everyone else is wearing t-shirts and shorts/skirts, I am here in long pants and a sweater. And its like I can never get warm.

I have always had troubles adjusting to temperature, but not as extreme as it has been this summer. I am always either colder, or hotter than everyone else, and a slight change in temperature really hits me and I am shivering or sweating, but nothing like it has been. My hands don't always feel cold, but my core does.

I have been extremely tired. It doesn't seem to matter how much I sleep, it just doesn't seem like enough. Saturday night I go to bed around midnight, and get up at about 830am. By 10-1030 I am exhausted and fall asleep on the couch and just couldn't get myself up until 130pm (only because the phone rang and I had to take john to work). I feel like I could sleep most of the day away.

I am weak. I am not sure if this is tied into the feeling tired all the time, but lately I have felt really week. My arms and legs just feel like they cannot function properly and my body just doesn't have the energy to move. Feeling weak all of the time is a very odd feeling and I don't particularly enjoy it.

So I booked a doctor's appointment and am getting tested for hypothyroidism and anemia. I was told before in the past that I have slight anemia, when I was going to have jaw surgery, so I was put on iron pills prior to the surgery. I was told that I didn't have to take iron after that, but it was just because I would have blood loss during the surgery and they want to make sure I was oxygenated enough. My friend has hypothyroidism and she was the one who suggested I get tested for that as well.

So I looked up the symptoms for both anemia and hypothyroidism and I do have symptoms of both (all I will list are the symptoms I have, not all possible symptoms)

Anemia
fatigue
chest pain (I have had chest pain for years and it appears randomly)
weakness
pale skin
heavy menstrual periods
*I have had these symptoms for a long time, and since I was told I had slight anemia when I was 15 these make sense*

Hypothyroidism
fatigue
weakness
dry rough skin
cold intolerance
thin brittle nails
weight gain (I noticed that the last 20-25lb I gained came on a lot faster than normal although my eating habits didn't change, and all of my weight gain has come back to my mid section only)

I hope that nothing is wrong with me in the end but to be safe I am going to get checked. What really sucks is that my doctor is booked up for a month so I cannot go see him until November 10. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

YIPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!

2008-10-02T19:14:00.003-04:00

So as you can tell from the post title, I am happy.

I had my WI tonight and I am down 2.4 lb. I am so happy, especially after last week and how upset I was. So not only did I have a great WI, I now have to eat 31 points a day instead of 32. First time I am happy that I can eat less food! LOL

October has started off great! ☺☺☺

ps.... Jordanna I am slowly catching up!

Thursday's Plan

2008-10-02T08:48:00.003-04:00

I really need to buy fruit and veggies. I didn't realize how low I was so today is not a very good OP day :( I also left my oatmeal at home so I went to Timmy's for breakfast.

Breakfast: 10
Cinnamon Raisin Bagel w Butter (6)
8oz French Vanilla Cappacinno (4)

Snack: 2
Nature Valley Fibre Source Bar (2)

Lunch: 12
Turkey Meatball Sandwich (9)
Baked Tostitos w Salsa (2)
Apple (1)

Snack: 2
Plain Rice cake w Peanut Butter

Dinner: 10
BBQ pork chop (5)
1 potato (2)
cooked carrots (1)
1 cup milk (2)

Points used: 32 + 4 Flex

Water: 1.5L
Activity: 30 minute walk

New Month....New Start

2008-10-01T08:42:00.003-04:00

OK....

Now that I am done feeling crappy about my loss, and re-evaluating everything, I am going to act like like I am starting over.

I lost no weight in September and it made me really frustrated with myself and my progress. I decided yesterday to just suck it up and start again. I am starting October like nothing had happened last month. September didn't exist. I weigh in tomorrow, but I will not let this one bother me if it is not good because I know i wasn't 100% this last week. I am going to be 100% this month and on.

Now for my challenge with Jordanna. I have 2 weigh ins before October 10th where I was aiming to lose 10lb. I do not see myself reaching this goal, but I am still going to work hard and try. I am still going to try to lose 30lb by the end of the year which is about 2.3 lb per week. It is a high goal but I am going to try.

October Goals

minimum of 150 minutes of activity a week (that's about 30 minutes 5 days a week)
drink minimum 6 glasses H2O a day
track every single thing I eat
do NOT eat out more than once a week
No evening snacks unless planned
Plan my meals out ahead of time

Losing Motivation???

2008-09-26T08:19:00.006-04:00

So I have been thinking that was unconsciously losing motivation, if that makes any sense. I am always talking positively about how I am going to lose weight, and that I am going to do it and I am going to succeed, but then I seem to not put the full work in.

I started noticing this after I weighed in last night. I said to myself "I am going to have a good number, I worked hard this week, I did more activity, I ate my flex if I felt hungry, I journalled everything, this will be good". It wasn't so good.

Don't get me wrong, I did lose and I am glad that it was something, but I was kind of expecting more. I lost 0.6lb. I thought back and realised that maybe I am not putting as much effort in as I thought I was putting in.

So I have decided that for October, I am going to work harder at this. I am going to do a minimum of 30 minutes of activity EVERY DAY!!!! Even if it is just a walk, it will be done. I am going to put in a better effort at following all 8 healthy guidelines, especially since this is where i struggle the most and in more than one area.

I CAN and WILL do this!!!

**ADD: I just realised that for the month of September I have not lost any weight. That is horrible and makes me even more angry with myself. It shows me even more that I need to get my act together**

Tueday's Plan

2008-09-23T10:49:00.003-04:00

Breakfast: 3
3/4 cup apple cinnamon cheerios (2)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)

Snack: 2
Chips Ahoy Thinsations (2)

Lunch: 7
1 cup tomato soup (made with milk) (3)
1 cup grapes (1)
goldfish crackers (2)
Turkey Pepperette (1)

Snack: 3
Slim fast Muffin snack bar (3)

Dinner: 10
Banana Pancakes (8)
no sugar added syrup (2)

Dessert: 4
Vanilla frozen yogurt (2)
Crumbled All bran bar (2)

Points Used: 29
Points Left: 3

Activity: 60 minutes DDR (4)

My First Meeting

2008-09-19T07:58:00.005-04:00

Well I went back to meetings last night and it went pretty good I think!

First off, my weight. I gained, technically, but It doesn't bother me this week and this is why.
I used to weigh in Friday mornings, first thing, after I went to the bathroom. This time I weighed in late afternoon on a Thursday, and gained 1.8lb. I have read many posts/blogs where people freak out when they WI and they have a gain and it is not their WI day, I have decided to test something out.

Last week I weighed 250.2lb. I got on the scale at my meeting at 430pm and weighed 252. When I got home around 630, I still weighed 252. This morning when I got on the scale at 615 (which would normally be my WI day) I was 250.2lb.....which is a STS compared to last week.

This really shows that you your weight really can fluctuate from day to day. In less than 12 hours I had lost 1.8lb. Last night I didn't even do any exercise. I ate chips and watched TV. Goes to show you that you need to wait for your WI to get an accurate result.

So I am going to take my 1.8lb gain (which is most likely going to make Jordanna beat me to the first 10lb loss) because I want my WI to be accurate each week. Since I am going to be weighing in at meetings from now on, I am not going to try to cheat myself and the program.

Now for the meeting.
The meeting went pretty good. It was a very small group to what I am used to (only about 10 people).
The meeting was about Positive thinking and talking. Pretty much just that we need to catch ourselves when we are talking negative about our weight loss and turn it into something positive.

Like when you are down on yourself because you only lost 0.5 this week. That is still 0.5 pounds gone from your body. If you were to lose 0.5lb a week for a year that's 26lb gone! It doesn't matter how fast you lose it, just that you are :)

We were told to try to turn out negative thoughts around and turn them into something positive.

Next weeks meeting is about Dancing it off, which I like since I use Dance Dance revolution to help with my weight loss.

I really think that going to the meetings are going to help me a lot. I can be competetive from time to time and I think that part of me comes out when I go to meetings. It's like I want to prove to them that I can lose the weight and do it weekly.
I have a friend of mine that is going to join me at meetings starting next week. She had done WW before and lost 50lb. She never got her lifetime (even though se was a couple pounds away) because with University and money she couldnt keep going, and now she is slowly putting weight back on. I am really happy that she is going to do this with me!!

Thursday's Meals

2008-09-18T08:12:00.006-04:00

Thursday's Meals

Breakfast: 3
Apple Cinnamon Cheerioes w milk (3)

Lunch: 12
egg (oil) & bagel sandwich (6)
2 turkey pepperettes (2)
grapes (1)
yogurt (1)
100 cal Ah Caramel! (2)

Dinner: TBD

Points used: 15
Points remaining: 17

Tomorrow is the day.....

2008-09-17T15:17:00.003-04:00

..................... I go back to meetings.

So last week I was thinking about joining meetings again. I have been doing great on my own, but the first time I did WW I did awesome. I think I need to be with others doing it, actually seeing others going through the same things I am, face to face. So I bought the 16 week membership!!!

I am actually excited to go. The weigh in starts at 430pm, it is about a 15 minute walk from my work, and I am done work at 4pm. It all just works out.

I will still be recording my success from when I re-committed. Even though WW will have a different 10% and what not I will still celebrate my overall success from when I started in July. It the end I am trying to reach the same goal, whether I get the recognition or not ☺

Boston Pizza

2008-09-17T08:25:00.009-04:00

So last night I went out for dinner and did pretty good!!!! John and I went out with a couple friends of ours to Boston Pizza. Before we went I looked up the NI and decided on a couple dinners that would be ok to eat points wise for what I had left.

I ate the Chipotle Chicken Caesar Wrap with a garden salad. This was really good and was 12 points. Next time I go I will get the Thai Chicken Wrap which is 9 points.

I love when restaurants have their nutritional information available to the public. It makes going out so much easier.
---------------------------------

Wednesday's Food

Breakfast: 6
Smoothie (3)
WW bagel w jam (3)

Lunch: 13
BBQ Pork (4)
Roast potatoes and carrots (3)
grapes (1)
crispers (2)
granola bar (3)

Snack: 2
100 calorie ah! caramel (2)

Dinner: 12
Meatball wrap w cheese (10)
broccoli (0)
1 glass milk (2)

Dessert: 2
Frozen yogurt (2)

Points Used: 32 + 3AP
Points remaining: 0

Food....thats it

2008-09-15T14:02:00.008-04:00

Monday's Meals

Breakfast: 6
Weight Watchers bagel w PB (4)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 2
Fiber One bar (2)

Lunch: 9
Pancakes w no sugar added syrup (4)
Rice pudding (2)
Green apple (1)
goldfish crackers (2)

Snack: 3
Slimfast Bar (3)

Dinner: 10
BBQ pork chop (6)
Roasted carrots & potatoes w oil (4)

Dessert: 4
Snack cakes (4)

Points used: 32 + 2 flex
Points remaining: 0

Friday Weigh In

2008-09-12T08:27:00.017-04:00

So today I weighed in and lost another 1.2lb (yay me). It seems low since last week I had a small gain but there is a logical reason to why its low. I WI in the morning so I get up, go to the bathroom and then WI in what I slept in. Usually that is just a tshirt and underwear. Today I WI after I got dressed.

The only reason why I did this is because I am going to start going to meetings soon, and I really don't think they would enjoy it if I walked in wearing just my panties LOL. So I thought I might as well start now weighing in with my clothes on so it's not a big shock when I go in and be shocked with a gain due to clothes.

That's about it for today! at least for now....

--------------------------------------------

Friday's Food

Breakfast:6

Smoothie (4)

(1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup ff vanilla yogurt, 1 banana, few frozen berries, 1packet splenda)

2 slice ww Toast with homemade jam (2)

Lunch: 16

1 whole wheat wrap w 2oz chicken breast (4)

salsa & mayo (1)

2oz sweet potato fries (2)

20g goldfish crackers (2)

Sugar Free Jello Rice Pudding (2)

Sweet & Salty Peanut bar (3)

Ketchup (0)

1cup juice (2)

Dinner: TBD

Points Used:22

Points Remaining: 10

Thursday's Food

2008-09-11T08:24:00.007-04:00

Thurdays food

Breakfast: 5.5
1 cup 1% milk (2)
1/2 green apple (0.5)
WW bagel with homemade jam (3)

Lunch: 12.5
1/2 cup white rice (2)
1 sticky chicky (3) - ESBM
20g goldfish crackers (2)
1/2 green apple (0.5)
Slim fast muffin bar (3)
yogurt with frozen raspberries (2)

Snack: 2
Thinsations (2)

Dinner: 8
40z chicken (4)
Whole wheat wrap (2)
sweet potato fries (2)

Dessert: 2
Frozen yogurt/sorbet (1 each)

Points used: 30
Points remaining: 2

Happy Hump Day..... Meetings?

2008-09-10T14:12:00.003-04:00

Today is going pretty darn good!!!

I used my laptop lunch box today and I really like it!
It comes with a 12oz water bottle, and already today I have drank 32oz (4 cups so far). I am going to fill it one more time before I go home from work.
I wasnt 100% sure if the compartments in the lunch box would hold enough, but they definitely do. You can put enough in them so that you have just enough food for the day; not too much and not to less.

So I have been thinking about it for a couple days, and I am thinking about maybe going to meetings after work on Thrusdays. The meeting will be about a 10minute walk from where I work, and then I can bus home (or even walk on nice days). Right now WW is offering no registration fee, and if i commit to 16 weeks, I can go for about 11$ a week. I haven't made my final decision yet, but I am leaning towards doing it. My online membership is paid up until October 28th and the deal WW has has to be used before October 25th (which would be the 23rd) so it would work out nicely.

-----------------------------------------

Hump Day Food

Breakfast: 4
3/4 cup apple cinnamon cheerios (2)
1/2 cup milk (1)
1/2 banana (1)

Lunch: 13
Spaghetti w ground turkey sauce (6)
1/2 yogurt w frozen fruit (2)
8 crispy minis (1)
Caramel Slim fast snack bar (3)
Carrots w 1 tbsp dip (1)

Snack: 1
Green Apple (1)

Dinner: 10
4oz chicken breast (4)
Whole Wheat Tortilla (2)
Salsa (0)
1/2 cup rice (2)
1 cup milk (2)

Dessert: 2
1/4 cup Orange sorbet (1)
1/4 cup Vanilla frozen yogurt (1)

Points Used: 30
Points Remaining: 2

Water: 48oz (32 done)
Activity: 30 minute video

Goal Rewards!!

2008-09-09T13:38:00.002-04:00

I have decided that I need to reward myself for goals that I have reached!!! I am not sure what the Specific goals will be, or what my gifts to myself will be, but I am definitely going to reward myself. I think it will help me strive to achieve.

Time to think now I guess...

Another day.....

2008-09-09T08:21:00.004-04:00

So after my small gain and my lack of activity... AGAIN, I have gotten myself back on track. I have pre planned my meals for the entire week (except for a couple dinners that I need to figure out). It makes life so much easier. I plan my entire day except I try leave myself 2-3 points for mistakes, or so I can add a little snack in the middle if I am hungry. By the end of the day I do end up using those points, for dessert, or larger portion for dinner.

My laptop lunch box came yesterday.....except of course I wasnt there to get it. John was sleeping so he didn't hear it come to the door, so it is sitting at the post office right now. I really should send things to work since I know someone will be here. I am really excited to start using this lunch box. Since I have some better lunches planned, I am using many mis-matched containers that I have to kind of squeeze in my current lunch bag some how. I hope this lunch bag makes my life that little bit easier :)
-------------------------------------------

Tuesday's Food

Breakfast: 7
2 slices WW bread w 1 tbsp Peanut butter & banana (5)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack:1
Green Apple (1)

Lunch: 11
Turkey Tacos w 0.5oz cheese (7) - i forgot my salsa :(
carrots & dip (2)
Sugar Free Jello Rice Pudding (2)

Snack: 2
Fiber One Bar (2)

Dinner: 8
Tongue Thai's (ESBM turkey burger) w mango salsa (8)

Dessert: 6
Orange banana milkshake (4)
Pudding (2)

Points Used:32 + 3FP
Points Remaining: 0
Activity: No Activity
Water: 2L

ESBM Review

2008-09-05T14:46:00.004-04:00

Hi all. This is just going to be a quick little review of some of the recipes I have made from Eat Shrink and Be Merry so far.

Sticky Chicky
Very very easy to make. You literally throw everything into a bowl, mix, and pour over the chicken. I didn't use the bbq sauce it suggested as I did not have that flavour, but you can use any flavour you want, even change it up each time you make it.
The only problem I had with this recipe is that its huge. It makes 8 servings (2 chicken thighs per serving). Next time I will half the recipe and cook it in a smaller dish.
I made this with some rice and steamed broccoli

Tongue Thai'd
These were the best turkey burgers I have ever had!!!! Well I think they are the only turkey burgers I have ever had, but they were really good. The thai flavour with the turkey was amazing.
I did not have all of the ingredients that were listed so I had to improvise. I did not have any peanut sauce, so I mixed some peanut butter with olive oil. Because of this I did not have enough sauce to baste the burgers so it all went into the actual patty mixture.
The recipe says to make 6 burgers. Because they don't shrink when you cook them (because there is pretty much no fat in the meat) I think you could get away with making the burgers smaller and maybe doing 8 or more.
I ate 2 of these burgers. One I only put a litte bbq sauce on top, the other i put mango salsa on it which compliments the mean nicely.

One Loaf to Love
Another good and easy meal. The flavour that this meat was is wonderful. There is a lot of different things added to this meal to give it great flavour. I had to modify this slightly as I did not have fresh parsley, so I added 1/2 the amount of dried.
The only issue I had with this was that it was too moist, kind of a little mushy. This very well could have been my fault as I forgot to add the egg (oops!). I also did not cut up the onions small enough so they were not cooked fully through. I will definitely make this again and make sure I do it properly.

Friday's WI

2008-09-05T10:00:00.003-04:00

Well it's friday and I think Jordanna has got me this week. LOL
I am up 0.2lb, but honestly, it doesn't bother me. Not only is TOM here, I didn't stay OP during my extra long weekend.

This week I am going to do a hell of a lot better. I need to get back into being active every single day! Today I am doing my cardio video after I take my dog for a long walk (well as long as he will go as he's little and can't always walk far).

I'm actually getting excited for my lunch box!!!! I got a conformation email last night saying that it was shipped. I wish I ordered it a day earlier though as it will probably not make it to me today, and it's the weekend tomorrow.
---------------------------------------

Friday's Food

Breakfast: 6
1 cup 1% milk (2)
2 slice WW toast w PB&J (4)

Snack: 2
Fiber One bar (2)

Lunch: 7
Leftovers
All you kneed is Loaf - ESBM (6)
1/2 cup Boiled potatoes (1)
1/2 cup Cooked Carrots (0)

Snack: 3
Thinsations (2)
yogurt (1)

Dinner: TBD
I really don't feel like cooking tonight so I may get take out....or see whats lurking in the freezer.

Points Used: 18
Points Remaining: 14

Laptop Lunch

2008-09-04T09:48:00.003-04:00

After reading Jordanna's blog I realised that I need a better lunch system. I have a lunch bag but its kind of bulky, and I have to find containers that fit properly in it.

Jordanna has the Mr. Bento which is what I was looking to get, but the shipping to get it here is too expensive. She suggested to me the Laptop Lunch Box and I purchased it today :) I am hoping that this will help me with my lunch choices and organization.

This is the exact one that I ordered.

This lunch box is BPA free which is a good thing since BPA found in plastics has been shown to be not so good for our health. I also work for the School of Environmental Studies at a University, and they are very big on recyclables and reusable items so now I will fit right in. I hope it arrives in soon.
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Thursday's Meals

Breakfast: 5.5
1/2 cup cinnamon Life cereal (1.5)
1/2 cup milk (1)
Raspberry Smoothie (3)

Snack: 3
Kashi Granola Bar (3)

Lunch: 10
Thai Turkey Burger on Whole weat bun (8) - ESBM
Mango Salsa (0)
apple (1)
Source Dessert Yogurt (1)

Snack: 2
Fat Free Tapioca Pudding (2)

Dinner: 7
Meatloaf (4) - ESBM
boiled potato (2)
cooked carrots (1)

Points Used:27.5
Points Remaining: 4.5

Extra Long Weekend

2008-09-03T08:51:00.008-04:00

So this weekend was 4 days for me as I took Tuesday off as well. It went....well.....blah!!
I didn't do very well at all. At first I was trying to eat good, but I never tracked a thing. I haven't tracked since Friday and it is now Wednesday (EEEEK!).
I did not ride my bike and I did not work out.

John and I went to Sandbanks yesterday (it's a beach for those of you who may not know), and it was WONDERFUL!!!!! Because it was the first day of school, the beach was pretty much empty and I loved it. The weather was great! It wasn't too hot, there was a nice breeze, the water was a perfect temperature. John and I did play Frisbee on the beach and in the water so I did get a small amount of activity there, and I finished it off with pizza. I know it wasn't the best choice, but who wants to cook after a day at the beach? Right? RIGHT????...... well at least that's the excuse I'm using.

So I have 2 days before I weigh in and I have to get my act together, quickly. I was doing so well the last couple weeks and I don't want its to go to waste. I am back to tracking and back to eating right. I also have to beat Jordanna at this weight loss :)
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Wednesday's Food

Breakfast: 3
Fruit Smoothie(3)
(1/2 cup strawberry banana yogurt, 1/2 cup 1% milk, 1 cup frozen raspberries)

Snack: 4
Fiber One Bar
Green Apple

Lunch: 5
Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal(2)
Carrots(0)
Broccoli(0)
Blue Menu Ranch Dressing(2)
Yogurt(1)

Dinner: 18
I want to make turkey burgers but that would mean going to the store after work.
2 Turkey Burgers w Mango Salsa (16)
Juice (2)

Points Used: 31
Points Remaining: 1

GAME ON!!

2008-08-29T16:30:00.003-04:00

Jordanna and I decided that to keep ourselves motivated for the next 4 months, we are going to make this weightloss into a fun competition.

We each want to lose 30lb by christmas so we decided that we will do this 10lb at a time. Who ever reaches each 10lb first gets bragging rights :) and at the end the winner will get a prize (have yet to decide what it will be).

I think this will be really fun and keep me really motivated!

I guess its Ontario vs Alberta.............. GAME ON!!

Friday's Food

2008-08-29T14:52:00.003-04:00

So I am not sure how many points dinner is going to be as its Thai/Cambodian food....so I may be using some flex :)

Breakfast: 6
1 cup Kashi Honey Puff Cereal (2)
1 Banana (2)
1 cup Milk (2)

Lunch: 6
WW Bagel (2)
Tuna w mayo (2)
25g mini rice cakes (2)

Snack: 2
Green apple (1)
Yogurt (1)

This leaves 18 points for dinner and possibly something for dessert :)

Made my First Mini Goal!

2008-08-29T08:14:00.003-04:00

So I weighed in today and I have made my first mini goal!!! YAY! I had set a goal at the beginning of this month to lose 5lb by labour day. Today was my last WI before labour day and not only did I lose 2.1lb, I have passed the 5lb goal I made. I lost 6.1lb this month!!! On top of that, I re-joined WW 8 weeks ago and I have lost my first 10lb :)

To keep myself on track I think I am going to set some more mini goals. Right now I already have a goal to lose 30 by xmas (have 20lb to go), so I think I will set the goal of 15lb by Hallowe'en. This should keep me on track for Christmas.

Planning Ahead

2008-08-27T08:53:00.004-04:00

I have noticed that in the past, when I planned my meals ahead of time, I did a much better job staying OP. Yesterday I tried to plan the next 3 days of meals. It really makes everything much easier when you know ahread of time what you are "allowed" to eat. Writing everything down ahead of time makes it harder to snack. :)

This is what I have so far:

Wednesday's Meals

Breakfast: 7
Quaker instant oatmeal (3)
Banana (2)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 2
Fibre Source Bar (2)

Lunch: 4
Tuna sanwich on WW bread (2)
raw carrots and borccoli (0)
2 tbsp blue menu ranch dressing (2)

Snack: 1
Yogurt (1)

2nd Lunch: 4
2 slice WW bread & homemade jam (2)
1 cup juice (2)

Dinner: 12
3 oz Oven roast (5)
1 cup boiled potatoes (2)
1 cup cooked carrots (1)
gravy (4)

Dessert:2
1/2 cup vanilla frozen yogurt (2)

Total Points:32

Thursday's Meals

Breakfast: 6.5
1 slice WW bread (0.5)
1 tbsp peanut butter (2)
banana (2)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 3
Kashi Granola bar (3)

Lunch: 2
Tuna sandwich with WW bread (2)
**fruit or veggie of some sort**

Snack: 7
yogurt (1)
Tim Hortons steeped Tea w milk (1)
Honey Dipped donut (5)

Dinner: 10
2 WW wraps (2)
4oz Chicken breast (4)
tomato and salsa (0)
1/2 cup rice (2)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Dessert: 2
1/2 cup frozen yogurt (2)

Total Points: 30.5

Friday's Meals

Breakfast: 6
1 cup cereal (3)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)
banana (2)

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich with WW bread (2)
Apple (1)

Dinner
TBD

Falling of the Wagon hurts!

2008-08-26T10:01:00.006-04:00

So I have been slacking when it comes to posting the last few days.

Friday didn't go so well. It started out great, lost 1.5 lb, my "treat" for lunch was a salad from the chip truck....It was going pretty good. The problem was when I went home.

I am a boredom eater. I always have been. If I am home alone and have nothing to do, I find myself in the kitchen. That is where I was on Friday night. I visited the kitchen numerous times looking for something to eat. I open the fridge, i open the cupboards. I don't always grab food as nothing really appeals to me, but many times I do. I ate peanuts and cashews, had a piece of cake, had a small chocolate bar, had some pop, dinner was hamburger helper.......It was not a good night... and I wasn't even hungry. Once I finally clued in what I was doing and what I had already eaten, I grabbed a glass of milk and went to bed early.

I did not track on friday. I started to but I didnt officially put it in my tracker. Saturday and SUnday wasn't much better. I ate better than Friday, but I didn't track a thing.

Monday I got back on track 100%. I went for an hour bike ride with John. I tracked everything I ate (even the peanuts). I didnt go over my points, and I didnt use any flex (just AP). I am going to assume that I do not have much FP left so I will use a few here and there if I need them but I kind of blew it on Friday.

So payday can't come any slower it seems. I really need groceries as I am out of fruit again :( I also want to make some recipes from ESBM, but I need to buy some things to do that. I HATE getting paid once a month.

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Tuesdays Meals

Breakfast: 3
3/4 cup Cinnamon Life Cereal (2)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)

Snack: 2
Fibre Source Bar (2)

Lunch: 6
Smartones Chicken Parmesan (6)

Snack: 7
Source Dessert Yogurt (1)
Tim Hortons Steeped Tea w milk (1)
Honey Dipped Donut (5)

Late Lunch: 4
2 Slice WW toast with Homemade Jam (2)
Fruit Juice (2)

Dinner: 13.5
3 oz Beef Oven Roast (5)
1 1/2 cup boiled potatoes (3.5)
1 cup cooked carrots (1)
gravy (4)

Points Used: 32 + 3.5 AP

Activity: 30min cardio video - 5AP
Water: 2L

Today's WI

2008-08-22T10:26:00.006-04:00

Well WW's wouldn't be nice if it was true??

On another note..... I am happy to say that I am down 1.5lb this week *YAY ME!*. I have noticed that the more weight I lose, the more I want to work to lose more :)

I am now 1lb away from the goal I set for Labour day (5lb) and 2 lb away from losing my first 10lb since re-starting! It is such a great feeling.

I bought the cook book Eat Shrink and Be Merry on Tuesday, and so far I am loving what I am seeing in it. The food all sounds good and there isn't any weird ingredients. I have already gone through the book and wrote next to each recipe what the points for it is. I am really excited to make new foods, as I am getting pretty bored with what I have been making.

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Friday's Foods

Breakfast: 5
WW bagel with homemade jam (3)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 2
Fibre Source Bar (2)

Lunch: 10
Garden/Pasta Salad w mustard vinaigrette dressing (from chip truck) (10) - lets just say 10 to be safe lol

Snack: 2
100 cal Chips ahoy

Dinner
TBD

I Want to Lose Weight

2008-08-21T14:41:00.009-04:00

so...........

-I can go up a flight of stairs without becoming winded
-I can shop for clothes without having to go to the plus size section
-I will no longer have back and knee pains
-I can feel comfortable in my clothes
-I don't feel like I'm the fattest girl in the room
-I will me a more fit and healthy person
-I can walk without my thighs rubbing together
-I can wear a bathing suit with confidence
-The risk of diabetes and heart problems is decreased
-I can sit in a lawn chair and not have to worry about if I am going to fall through or not
-I can sit on the couch and not feel like I have to cover my stomach with a blanket or pillow
-I can do any physical activity with ease
-When the time comes, I will have a healthy pregnancy
-I don't have to worry about if my belly is sticking out
-I will look amazing on my wedding day
-I will be happy with who I am not only on the inside, but on the outside as well
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Thursday's Meals

Breatkfast: 5
WW bagel with Homemade jam (3)
1 cup 1% milk (1)

Snack: 2
Fibre Source Bar (2)

Lunch: 7
2oz Chicken thighs (3)
1 cup boiled potatoes (2)
1/2cup cooked carrots (0)
100 calorie Aero (2)

Snack: 5
Apple (1)
yogurt (1)
Gold Fish crackers (3)

Dinner: 7
Lean Turkey Sausage (3)
1 egg (2)
2 slice WW toast (1)
Ketchup (1)

Dessert: 5
Frozen Yogurt (2)
Cake (3)

Total Points Used: 31
Points Left: 1
Water: 2L 1L done
Activity: Strength training video + DDR (possible 8AP) Did 40 min video for 4AP

Does Anyone want to give me money?

2008-08-20T11:12:00.004-04:00

So I was thinking about the activity that I do now and I am thinking that it will eventually get pretty boring. What I really want is to get a gym membership at the Y. I loved the Y membership I had before (when it was part of my college tuition) and I would love to go back there. My problem is that I can't afford it. It's about $40 a month, which doesn't sounds too bad to most people, but on top of the WW fees and that I am trying to save for a wedding that is 10 months away, $40 is a big deal.
so.............................
Anyone want to give me money????

I think after the wedding I will definitely get a gym membership, but it just seems so far away.

Besides that I have kicked myself in the butt to get back to being active. I went for a 3.5km bike ride last night with John (doesn't seem very far but my knees were hurting) so I got 2 AP for that. I am definitely doing my cardio video tonight and maybe some DDR as well which will get me at least 7 if I do both :)
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Wednesday's Meals

Breakfast: 5
1 cup 1% milk (2)
1 WW bagel w homemade strawberry jam (3)

Snack: 2
Nature Valley Fibre Source Bar (2)

Lunch: 7
Smartones Chicken and Broccoli Rigatoni (6)
Source Dessert Yogurt (1)

Snack: 1
Green Apple

Dinner: 10
2 Chicken Thighs (3.5)
Boiled potatoes (3.5)
Carrots (1)
1 cup 1% milk

Dessert: 5
Cake and vanilla frozen yogurt (5)

Points Used: 30
Points left:2

AP: 30 minute cardio video = 5
Water: 2L

Tuesday's Food

2008-08-19T13:55:00.005-04:00

Breakfast: 3
3/4 cup Cinnamon Life cereal (2)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)

Snack: 3
Kashi Peanut Peanut Butter granola bar (3)

Lunch: 9
Smartones Ziti Marinara (6)
Caesar salad - light (2)
Source dessert yogurt (1)

Snack:4
Green Applle (1)
30g Goldfish crackers (3)

Dinner:7
Homemade pizza (5)
1 cup 1% milk (2)
Carrots (0)

Snack: 2
1/2 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

Total Used: 28
Total Remaining: 4
Hmmmm well not so good on the food planning. I was going to have more like a 10pt dinner instead of a 5.

Water 2L - 1L done
Activity - 30 min cardio video
**I rode my bike for 20 minutes = 2AP
** I hope to still get a video in, but it may be strength training and not cardio

not much to say today :)

2008-08-18T14:07:00.006-04:00

Monday's Meals

Breakfast: 4
2 frozen Waffles (3)
3 Tbsp E.D. Smith No sugar added syrup (1)

Snack: 1
Apple (1)

Lunch: 10.5
Breakfast casserole (8.5)
100 cal Kit Kat (2)

Snack: 3
30g Goldfish Crackers (3)

Dinner: 8.5
Homemade pizza on pita bread (4.5)
Salad + dressing (2)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 2
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream (3)

Total: 30
Remaining: 2

AP - 0
Water - 1L

Finally!!!

2008-08-15T10:48:00.002-04:00

"Finally it has happened to me
Right in front of my face
My feelin's can't describe it
Finally it has happened to me
Right in front of my face
And I just cannot hide it......"

A little CeCe Peniston for you people.

I am very happy to say that I have FINALLY lost some weight. After last weeks STS and the week before with a gain, its about time!!
I am very happy. This actually has helped my motivation, and I need to keep working hard!
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Friday's Food

Breakfast: 6
2 frozen Waffles (3)
3tbsp E.D. Smith No sugar Added syrup (1)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 2
1 Fiber One Bar (american) (2)

Lunch: 6
Smartones Turkey & Potatoes (4)
1 can Diet Pepsi (0)
100 cal Coffe Crisp (2)

Snack: 3
3 Slices homemade banana bread (3)

Dinner:
TBD

Total Points Used: 17
Points Remaining: 15

i know i do not have any fruit or veggies listed. I need to go grocery shopping tonight

Fruits & Veggies

2008-08-14T08:50:00.007-04:00

So I have noticed that the one thing that I NEVER get enough of (besides water) is my fruits and veggies. I am lucky to get enve 2 servings a day. It is actually kind of frusterating because I just don't like them. I want to like them, but I just dont.

Every night for dinner (when I have them in the house) I either have cooked carrots or broccoli. I don't like other vegetables and after a while I get really sick of these so I dont eat any (as you can see from last nights dinner).

I really don't know why I don't like them. Every few months or years I will try a vegetable that I didn't like in the past, but still no luck.

There are so many dishes that I see and would love to try as they look and smell good but those darn veggies.

It's not always just taste either, its texture. The feel of some vegetables in my mouth give me the willies (lol). Onions for example; I put these in my cooking. I either have to cut them in very large pieces so they are easy to pick out, or so tiny that when the are cooked they are almost disolved. If i feel an onion in my mouth it creeps me out. (I know I am an odd one).

So there is my vent about vegetables. Things I would love to love, but i seem to love to hate!
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Thursday's Meal Plan

Breakfast 5.5
2 frozen waffles (3)
2 tbsp E.D. Smith No sugar added syrup (0.5)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack 1
Green Apple (1)

Lunch (13.5)
4oz Chicken legs (floured before cooking) w BBQ sauce (8.5)
1/2 Mexican rice Sidekick (3)
Diet caffiene free pop (0)
100 cal Aero Bar (2)

Snack (3)
3 Slice homemade banana bread (3)
Large Tim Hortons Steeped Tea W sweetener & Milk (0.5)

Dinner (10)
2 Lean Turkey Grill'ems (5)
1/2 cup Sidekicks pasta (4)
BBQ Sauce (1)

Points Used: 32 + 1FP
Points Left: 0
AP earned: 0
Water: 5 cups

A New Day

2008-08-13T08:51:00.008-04:00

Well I haven't blogged in a few days, and I think it was that I just got off track a little and lost a little motivation. I still have been eating properly and stay OP, I just have dont little to no activity. I think everyone has these phases of no motivation, and probably more than once. I cannot let this get to me otherwise I will revert to how I was and gain back the remaining amount of weight I previously lost.

Watching my younger sister (22yo) has helped me not fall totally off the wagon. She has gained some weight in the last year, and she is doing WW as well. She is doing great with counting her points and especially with her working out. I can really learn from her. Watching her be happy with what she is doing and what she is accomplishing has made it easier for me to say to myself
"Today is a new day, and today I will work hard at making myself a better me!!"

This whole weight loss is for me. It is for my health and my happiness. Today I well get back to the program 110%.

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Today's Meal Plan

Breakfast: 3
3/4 cup cinnamon life cereal (2)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)

snack 3.5
3 Slice banana Bread (3)
Tim Hortons Steeped Tea w milk & sweetener (0.5)

Lunch: 6
Smartones Chicken Parmigiana (6)
Diet Pepsi (0)

Snack: 2
100 cal Kit Kat

Dinner: 11.5
4oz Chicken legs (flour coated before cooking) w BBQ sauce (8.5)
1/2 Mexican rice sidekick (3)

Snack: 2
Ghirardelli Chocolate (2)

Points used: 28
Points left: 4 (oops!)

Activity: Cleaning the house 2AP
Water: 1L
*all red was added afterwards or edited

Monday's Meal Plan

2008-08-10T16:27:00.004-04:00

7am Breakfast: 3pts
1 cup Kashi Honey Puff Cereal (2)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)

10am Snack: 1pt
Green Apple (1)

12pm Lunch: 5.5pts
2 slices WW bread (1)
3 Slices chicken Bacon (2.5)
1 packet ketchup (0)
1 cup raw carrots (0)
2 tbsp Blue Menu Ranch Dressing (2)
1 can diet Pepsi

2:30 pm Snack: 3.5
3 slice homemade banana bread (3)
Large Steeped Tea w milk & sweetener (0.5)

4:30 Snack:
TBD

8pm Dinner: 9
1 cup homemade Chili (2)
2 slice regular white bread (3)
1 tbsp reduced calorie margarine (2)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Points Used: 22
Points Left: 10

Sunday's Meal Plan

2008-08-10T09:59:00.005-04:00

Today's Meals

Breakfast: 10
1 egg (2)
4 slice chicken bacon (5)
2 slice WW toast (1)
1 cup 1% milk (2)

Snack: 1
Green Apple (1)

Lunch: 13
Burger King Jr Whopper no Mayo + Fries (13)
Diet Coke

Snack: 0

Dinner: 11
4 oz Breaded pork tenderloin (5.5)
1/4 cup applesauce (1)
2 tsp oil (2.5)
1/2 cup Mashed Potatoes (2)
Broccoli (0)

Points Used: 32 + 3FP

Meal Plans

2008-08-09T08:53:00.009-04:00

I think I am going to try to plan my meals out more before hand. I have noticed that when my meals are already planned, I am less likely to stray away and "cheat".

I haven't been up very long yet today so my meals aren't fully planned out but here it goes:

Breakfast: 4
1cup Kashi Honey Puff Cereal (2)
1/2 cup 1% milk (1)
1 cup grapes (1)

Snack:1
Green Apple (1)

Lunch: 7.5
Grilled cheese sandwich with partly skimmed mozza cheese (6.5)
Ketchup (1)
Diet Pepsi (0)

Snack: 13
Small DQ Blizzard (13)

Dinner: 11.5
4.5oz Oven roast chicken breast (4)
1 cup Oven roasted potatoes with olive oil and seasoning (2)
1 cup cooked carrots (1)
1 cup 1% milk (2)
2 tsp olive oil (2.5)

Snack:2
2 slices banana bread (2)

Points Allowed:32
Points Used: 32 + 7AP

20 minutes cardio + 10 minutes warmup/cooldown - 4AP
ADD** I got in a few more AP after dinner so I didnt have to use any FP today

20 minute free weight strength training + 10 minute warmup cooldown - 3AP

guess i planned my meal out pretty good in 5 minutes! :)

Weigh In

2008-08-08T16:18:00.004-04:00

Well this weeks WI sucked again. I didn't gain any weight, but I didn't lose any either. It's kind of a kick in the a$$. I worked harder this week and don't really have anything to show for it.

So this week I will have to:
~Work out more often and for longer periods
~Drink more water (this is so hard for me)
~Eat less junk (I really wish I liked vegetables)
~Use less FPs (I think this could be whats hurting me as I have 32pts a day as it is)

I can't let this discourage me and I have to keep at it.
I am going to a BBQ in a few hours so I guess this will be a big test...it's going to be hard not to use many or any FPs tonight :(

I am now going to go work out!

Pictures....horrible pictures

2008-08-08T13:50:00.006-04:00

So it's time to get honest. Here are some VERY recent pictures of myself which really make me want to work harder at this weight loss!

Canada's Wonderland July 2008

Visiting In-laws July 2008

August 257.5 pounds

August 257.5 pounds
(this is an outfit I would usually wear only if I had a sweater to wear overtop)

These pictures are a real wakeup call that I need to work hard and continue to fight with my weight..... and WIN!

I will be taking pictures of my self each month. I probably will not post them all, but I will post many

Video Review

2008-08-06T10:36:00.004-04:00

So I have tried both my Cardio Max and my Power Sculpt Videos and here is what I think so far.

I have tried both of these videos, where I did a warm up, Level 1 workout and a cool down. It will take some time before I try Level 2 and 3.

Both videos give you the choice of customizing your own work out or using an already prepared one.
In customize you can choose to have or not have the warm up and cool down as well as any of the levels. So you can start right into Level one, then level 3, then the cool down if you wish (for example)
In the already prepared one, it is set up that you do the first one for the first 2 weeks; this consists of warm up, Level 1 and cool down. The second is for weeks 3&4 and here Level 2 workout is added after level 1. The 3rd is for weeks 5&6 and here all 3 levels are included in the workout. Then there is a maintenance workout.

Cardio Max
I quite enjoyed this because it was not the typical cardio work out. I was expecting it to be like many other videos where you are moving all over the room. During the work out you do not stop moving what so ever, and your heart rate is up, but you don't feel like you are dancing all over the place or that you have some choreography to figure out. The workout consists of many squats, lunges and jumping as well as other movements.

Bob is the instructor of the Level 1 and he is very good at talking to you and telling you to keep moving no matter what. He even tells you that if you can do a move, then don't, but just keep moving. I have read many reviews that complain that the trainers do not do the workout with you so it is harder to learn. The moves in this video are so easy to pick up, you do not need to follow the instructor. He does go to the others working out and uses them to show you how you should be doing the moves. One of the members is also doing to workout with modified moves for those who may not be able to do all of the moves (eg. push ups on your knees)

Another complaint I heard about the video is that everyone is not in sync, and are not doing the moves all at the same time. I actually enjoyed this because it is more real life. These are other over weight people trying to exercise and in real life not everyone is going to be doing it in sync. I actually enjoyed the fact that I was able to at least keep up with one other member.

Bob does both the warm up and the cool down. The warm up moves are very similar to those that you will do in the work out. The cool down is more yoga type moves (which you see bob do on the show)

After doing this video the first time, I did have pain the next day. I think the more I do it the less pain I will have. My muscles just aren't used to moving. I do suggest that if you have knee problems that you take it easy as my sorest part were my knees (those darn squats!)

Power Sculpt
First off I would like to note that for this video you should have hand weights (but I did not use any but will in the future) and if you do not have carpeted floors you should also get a mat as some exercises require you to lay down.

Power Sculpt is filled with a lot of simple moves to help build up your muscles and a great add on to Cardio Max. In this video level one is instructed by Jillian. The work out consists of very easy moves to pick up but you can definitely feel your muscles working. Like the other one, the instructors don't do all the moves with you but does show you how to do them properly using the members of the workout. Jillian even throws things out there in the middle of the workout to keep you going properly like "remember to breath, many people forget to breath doing this" or "relax your neck, let your head fall". Although they don't seem important, they really are in ensuring you are working out properly.

The only downside I would say to this video (and it is probably the same in the other, I have yet to find out) is that Jillian does kind of make fun of the people who are doing the moves wrong. This may bother some people. Because I watch the show, it was not a shock and kind of expected.

All in all i would have to say these videos are AWESOME and i would recommend them to anyone!! I am beyond happy that I had purchased theses and I find them well worth it! I bought them for $10.99 each from Amazon.ca, so for 22$ who can really complain?

Weekend Update

2008-08-03T17:05:00.003-04:00

So this weekend has been pretty uneventful so far :( John works weekends, so we can't really go anywhere. We are planniny on going to see Dark Night tomorrow so I am happy about that.

Friday I had my weigh in, and as expected I had gained a pound. I knew it was coming so I wasn't disappointed. I had eaten within my points, but a lot of it wasnt the best choices in the world and I ate very little fruits and veggies. I have gotten myself back on track though!

I received my Biggest Loser work out videos on Friday and immediately tried out the Cardio Max. WOW did it ever kick my but. The activities were not difficult, but my body was so not used to all that movement! Even though i was sore afterwards I felt pretty good that I actually finished it. Yesterday I was going to do the Power Sculpt video, by I was very very sore from the day before. I think for now I will do the videos every other day until my body loosens up and feels better, then after that I will do them every day alternating between videos.

Well I am off to go do a work out now :)

Workout Videos

2008-07-31T11:10:00.009-04:00

Since there has been so much rain here in Kingston, which makes it hard to bike and rollerblade, I needed some sort of activity to do indoors. I have my DDR, but I wont want to do that everyday, especially when winter comes and all of my activity will be indoors.
I decided to by a couple workout videos.
I am a fan of the show "The Biggest Loser" so I looked up some of those videos and decided on 2 of them.

The Biggest Loser: Power Sculpt and The Biggest Loser: Cardio Max. These are the 3rd and 4th installement of the Biggest Loser workout videos.

I purchased them today for about 20$ for both from Amazon.ca. Part of the reason I decided on these videos was because the people on the video with whom you work out with are regular overweight people; contestents from the show :) They filmed these videos during the time in the house while airing the show, so these people are going to have the same difficulties as me, because they are also overweight. The videos also have 3 levels of difficulty to choose from along with a warm up and a cool down.

I am really excited to try these videos out. I have never used an excersize video before, so I think it will be fun.......HARD but fun :) now i just have to buy a couple hand weights.

Dance Dance Revolution

2008-07-29T08:31:00.004-04:00

All I can say about this game is that it's AWESOME!!!!
Not only is it fun to play, it is a definate work out.

I had brought this game on our trip to Peterborough on the weekend and everyone love it. People were trying to beat their own scores, people were trying to beat other people, it was a blast!

Last night I used it for only 30 minutes, but man was it tough. Previously I was only using the beginner and basic stages, which were a workout, but pretty low or moderate. Last night I attempted the more difficut stages and boy is that a workout! Not only was I sweating and out of breath, but my muscles became sore. I loved it! I was able to earn 6AP using it.

For those of you that are not familiar with DDR, watch this.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6JzcqALklRs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uysU7cTgk5c&feature=related

Pretty much the point of the game is arrows are moving up on the screen. When they line up at the top you have to step on the corresponding arrow at the right time. The more accurate you are on steping on the arrows at the correct time, the more points you get. The more you step on correctly in a row (combo) the more points you get.

Friday's Weigh In

2008-07-26T09:58:00.002-04:00

So I did weigh in last night and was happy that I STS. I was expecting a gain as I did not do so well last week, so staying the same is wonderful!!!! I jus thave to keep on it and make sure I have a better week this week :)

Weekend Away.....

2008-07-25T11:47:00.003-04:00

Well today I kicked my but back into gear and got back OP. Ever since I went to Canada's Wonderland on Saturday I just haven't been able to get myself focused. I have none absolutely NO activity since it has rained every day this week, and I just lost all motivation. My portions weren't what they should have been, and I was definitely snacking on food that wasn't mine (John has his own snacks).

So today is a new day!!! I weigh in today after work, so since i haven't been OP I will be OK if I have a small gain (like 1 pound). More than that I think I will become more disappointed in myself.

So tonight John and I are driving to Peterborough to visit my future in laws. We haven't seen them in a while so I guess its time. I have a hard time staying OP when i visit, so this will be a big test. My Future MIL always cooks good meals, and seems to have some sort of baked good waiting on the counter every week (this woman cooks 8 pies for thanksgiving). It will be hard to resist!!! I will just have to make sure to drink lots and lots of water!!! His family know that I am trying to lose weight, and aren't the kind of people who will try to push food on me so I know I don't have to deal with pressure from others. I just have to use my own will power.

Everyone have a great weekend!!

PS. I will post my weight loss later today/tonight.

Recipe's

2008-07-24T11:47:00.009-04:00

John seems to always want to bake or eat baked goods, so I decided it was time to hunt down some recipes I want to try. I have not tried any of these yet but I will post them for others. :)

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
1 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup quick rolled oats
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 large banana (mashed)
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375F.
Combine Yogurt, milk, oats, vanilla, egg and banana. Set aside for 5 minutes
In a separate bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Add chocolate chips.
Bake 15-18 minutes. Makes 36 Muffins @ 1pt

*** I put this into the recipe builder on WW with 1% milk. It is still 1pt. For 24 muffins it is also 1 pt and 12 muffins 2 pts.***

No Crust Pumpkin Pie
1 can(15oz) pumpkin
1 can(12oz) evaporated milk
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flower
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp grated orange peal

Topping:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup quick rolled oats
1 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 350F.
Make topping by mixing the topping ingredients (this may be easiest to do by hand)
Place all of remaining ingredients in blender or food processor and blend. Pour into 10inch pie pan.
Sprinkle the Topping on top.
Bake 50-55 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes. Refrigerate 4 hours.
8 servings @ 3pts

Banana Bread
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 egg whites
1 cup banana (mashed)
1/4 cup apple sauce

Preheat oven to 350F
Lightly grease 8"x4" loaf pan
Stir together dry ingredients
Add egg, banana and apple sauce
bake 50-55 minutes. 12 servings@ 2pt

I have not inserted any of these recipes into the recipe builder @ WW. I am currently not a WW online member so I cannot do so. If anyone sees any discrepancies with the points values let me know. Thanks and Happy Eating :)

*** I have now put these recipes in the recipe builder @WW and the points listed are correct***

Goals

2008-07-23T11:52:00.005-04:00

I have decided that I need to make goals for myself. This could be where I failed last time. If I don't have a goal to try to achieve, I will not achieve anything.

For August I have given myself a few goals:

Track EVERYTHING no matter if it is good food or bad
Drink at least 2L (8cups) of water every day
Become more active - ride my bike more often
Lose 6-10lb by my September WI
ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE AND HAVE FUN!!!!!

Although August has not arrived, I will start this TODAY! No time like the present.

Pretty Successful Weekend

2008-07-22T11:12:00.003-04:00

John and I along with a couple of friends decided that we were going to go to Canada's Wonderland this past saturday, so right off the bat I knew I was in for trouble.

On friday I weighed in and lost another 3 lb (yay me). I was pretty excited as I don't think I did that well during the week. I guess the new bike John bought me has been paying off!!!!

Well at Canada's Wonderland I didn't do so well when it came to healthy choices. We ate burgers and fries, dairy queen, and a monsterous funnel cake with ice cream and strawberries (that was coated in a sugary syrup). Then at the Hotel we had swiss chalet and I ate a bunch of chips.

Came home on sunday and to my surprise, I had only gained a pound!!! I guess hours upon hours of walking really helped me. When my Friday weigh in comes, and I still have this 1lb gain I will still be pretty happy with myself. I am back OP and ready for another week :)

I also wanted to add for anyone who is interested, I have placed a points counter on the bottom of my blog. :)

Some Pictures

2008-07-16T11:44:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures that I have available right now. I hope to put more up soon including those from highschool up until i was at my heaviest, then work my way down as i get smaller :)

Me and John (my fiance) at my Highschool Formal 2003. Here I weighed about 220 lb.

This was me at my heaviest; 274lb. This was around February the year I joined WW the first time.
Christmas 2006. My mom and I had lost 52lb (I was 222). We both received our 50lb magnet (yes it was a magnet before) on the same night.
This is me currently; 261.5lb. This is a picture from our engagement shoot. I hope to be thinner for our wedding photos next year.

First Post Ever

2008-07-16T11:01:00.002-04:00

I have never written, or planned on ever writing a blog. I never saw a reason to. I have now given myself that reason: Weight Loss.

I have always had a weight problem, but it was never a huge issue. Of course it bothered me from time to time, but growing up it didn't seem to be a big issue with myself or others. I was always athletic, playing sports almost every day while in highschool. I used to walk everywhere. When you can't drive, what is left is walking.

The problem really began in my last year of Highschool (grade 13, 18 years old). That was the year that I decided that I didnt want to play sports anymore (big mistake) and that same year I got my own car. When you have the freedom to drive, you don't really want towalk anymore. I started driving to school (it took longer to drive than too walk) and I would go out for lunch almost every day.

In highschool I weighed about 180lbs (15-17years old athletic). By the time I was about 19 years old I weighed 220lb. Even then I didn't really look at my weight as a problem. I had just started a relationship (to whom I am marrying next year), just starting University, everything was great! No one ever believed me when I told them how much I weighed. They would always guess so much less; so I believed it.

Fast forward 3 years later (2006), I get my new driver's license photo taken (March), and a few weeks after that I get the card and OHH MY GOD!!! I couldnt believe what I looked like in my photo. I had just turned 22 and the drivers license I was using was from when I was 17 (and athletic). I couldn't beleive that in 5 years that my face got that large. I had ballooned to 274lb. I couldn't beleive I let myself get that large. Pictures are very honest!

On May 4 2006 I joined WW with my mom and friend and I was amazed on how easy the program was. My first weight in I lost 7lb. In 6 months I lost 52lbs and was at the weight I was when I started dating my fiance. Things were going good and I thought I could do it alone. Gradually my portions started getting larger and larger and I began finding myself at fast food restaurtants and ordering fries instead of a salad. It's now 2008 and I found myself sitting at 261.5lb. I had gained it all back again!!!!!!!! I just sat there and thought "What am I doing to myself?!?!"

I have commited myself to WW once again!! I am doing it myself, no meetings but with the help of the WW community message boards. I have completed one week successfully losing 2lb, and I will continue to struggle through this but hopefully with much success. I am doing this to look good im my wedding dress next year, I am doing this to not have to wear plus size clothes, I am doing this so I am not winded going up a flight of stairs and I am doing this for my overall health!!!!!