Strategies for 2010

I went walking on Sunday...it was a rainy miserable day...but what a view of the valley between the Washington border and Idaho...until we reached the dog track...then the scenery was less awesome...but while walking I talked about strategies for 2010. I won't make losing weight a resolution this year...but I do want to work on it. I was 183 in August and now I am close to if not over 200 lbs. I want to get back to that August weight. I had been doing Weight Watchers...and I feel I was pretty successful in doing it. Year one I lost 50 lbs...year two I lost 16 lbs...and now I am just not doing it at all. Starting January 2 I will attend my first WW meeting in several months...and I plan to get back on track. Mostly my goal is to be healthier. I am not sure if I will ever be THIN...in the since of looking glamorous...but as I age...and next year I turn 40...I think I should be more concerned with my body's well being. So...here is my list of strategies

• Meal plan - I can't say enough about this...if you spend Sunday mapping out your week, you are less likely to eat just because. I pour over cookbooks and pick yummy and new recipes to try
• Less processed foods - they just aren't good for me. Even if I am on a diet and should be eating low fat or light foods...even fat free...they really aren't good for me in the long run. I will try to avoid them!
• One day of abandon - I will crave things...and I will write down what I am craving...one day a week I will revisit the list....and have the things I crave. It is my hope that once some time has passed, perhaps I won't crave what I wanted so much
• More activity - I need to think how I will add more activity into my day. I need at least 30 minutes a day...and I need to get over thinking it needs to be 30 consecutive minutes...so I will do 10 minutes at a time or less if needed
• Hiking or snowshoeing - I want to add this in as a regular occurrence. Depending on weather, I want to do a major hike every week as well...at a minimum of 4 miles and more if necessary...and if time allows...at a quick pace so I can burn and tone things!

Well, I think all of this seems reasonable! I am already thinking of what I need to do and how I will do it. The question is am I ready. Obviously my first year of WW was easier for me...I really seemed to stick with it. The second year was a series of ups and downs and it was very hard for me...and frustrating. Now, I can only hope and plan and try to make myself not love food as much!

Baking Cookies

So...every year I bake cookies. This is probably the one time of the year that I make and consume cookies without even thinking about the consequences. All of the other times of the year I think about consequences. I have already felt my waistband tighten. I have sworn I will NOT buy new clothing. Once I can't fit into my clothing...then I will just have to stop eating...

So I made chocolate crinkles, oatmeal craisin chocolate chip, sugar, chocolate chip and I will make buckeyes. I will also say that 90% of the cookies will be shipped to others...to help with their struggle to battle the bulge...actually I end up sending cookies to my unmarried brothers and then some of my friends who have come to enjoy my cookie treat. I don't send many...in fact this year I made a lot of 1/2 batches...and will send enough to sample...rather than stuff I hope this helps.

After this baking...I will go on to candy...my husband requires gluten free...so I will try my hand at making candy! Hopefully we can come up with some new favorites and maybe by next year I will only make the candy that makes the cut!

Happy Holidays!

PS Not too worried about holiday parties this year...but a co-worker brought fudge to work and that was my undoing!

Eating out...

Last night I decided to eat out...and went for the whole thing...appetizer, dinner and dessert. Wine too...I shared a portebello mushroom cap with artichoke and crab cheesy dip with toast, I had a grilled chicken small Caesar salad with dressing on the side...I probably only had 1/3 of the small container of dressing...and then topped the evening off with flourless chocolate cake with a small scoop of ice cream. In and of itself that isn't horrid...but I did power walk for an hour today...and had some wine (my other downfall sometimes). Usually I can stop at 1 or 2 glasses...when I get beyond that it is ridiculous! I wasn't drunk...and by the time I went to bed I couldn't tell I had any...but still!

This weekend I will be eating out again...the thing about eating out is having something you really like that is quality! I haven't done it a lot lately...but I guess when I do I need to learn that I could have had a salad and a glass of wine and that would have been fine, satisfying, and enough.

Next week I am planning my meals...trying to keep things under wraps...and finding things that aren't too bad for me. I am definitely making a type of soup next week...maybe I will make two kinds!

Weekend fun!

So...had many opportunities to eat well this weekend...finished off my chocolate chip cookies today...EEK...and managed to go to Frank's Diner for some yumminess there. I love their breakfast food but had to get their turkey dinner...which is yummy too! I didn't clean my plate...but I was HUNGRY enough to! I walked about 2-3 miles on Friday...and then about 4-5 miles today. If I can keep up the walking I may be able to keep things in check. I guess I have kind of resigned myself to the fact that between now and new years...well not a lot of weight loss will be happening. However, January 1...I plan to attack WW with new fervor...maybe by then I will be sick of the pounds I have gained and ready to get down to serious business. In the meantime I plan to still watch what I eat (even if that is watching me put it in my mouth) and trying to do some exercise to keep things in check!

Food coma...

So yesterday I ate a lot...shockingly I managed to stay away from the sick feeling...but this morning I am actually not really even hungry for breakfast. And...I was worried and stressed...so I ate. Maybe my emotions DO have something to do with my eating. I had breakfast...which was chocolate chip cookies....lunch was a turkey sandwich and a bowl of soup....dinner was two slices of veggie pizza...three glasses of wine, more chocolate chip cookies...and a box of Amy's Pizza Snacks...EEK! Things went downhill quickly! I was in bed by 11pm...and felt fine...but knew I crossed the line when I ate the pizza snacks...usually I am good about eating a serving...but ate the whole box! UGH! Today I will try and do better!

Turkey Soup

I am FINALLY making the turkey soup today...of course I have NO MEAT to put in it...I bought something on Monday but checked it today and it said use or freeze by 12/1/09 and it looked grey and disgusting! So...I still need meat. But in the crock pot I put park of the turkey stock, three red potatoes diced with skins on, two carrots, celery, some seasonings (rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic)...and later I will add a roast chicken from Safeway I guess...I will probably eat this for the rest of the week...

I did cave and get a pizza last night...but a 10 inch, I ate half...and it was veggie...so, not too bad!

Sunday snacking...

Today I have been pretty good...banana, tea and sausage for breakfast...then went on a hike. Lots of uphill...so I feel like I burned a lot! Home to have a turkey sandwich and dressing with gravy...not tons, just a little...and a leafy green salad with tomatoes on it. Of course about 4 hours later I had ANOTHER turkey sandwich with carrot sticks and dip...now I plan to have a brownie with ice cream...and then call it a day. Well, there may be some hot chocolate in my future as well! I am making Turkey stock for a soup to eat this week...the turkey carcass with as much of the meat cut off as possible in a pot with carrots, onion, garlic, peppercorns, salt, celery and then covered with cold water...brought to a boil and then simmered for 6-8 hours. Tonight it will go into the fridge, tomorrow I will scrape off the fat and add some veggies, potatoes and meat and have a soup to eat most of the week!

Food Food Food...

Yes, this is all about Food! I know when you are thinking of or trying to lose weight, food is the LAST thing you should talk about. But this is the struggle we all face.

Thanksgiving day...we got up and had waffles and bacon for breakfast, I only had one...with apple butter, tea and 3 slices of bacon...we went on a 4 mile hike...came home and made dinner....Beef Wellington, broccoli and a caprese salad...with wine...not bad at all!

Day after Thanksgiving...caprese quiche with gluten free crust...tea...we only ate a second meal that day...turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and wine...crab dip for snack and DDR to work it all off! Also hauled in stuff from the garage and decorated for the holidays!

Today...I had leftovers for breakfast...who knows where the rest of the day will take me. I do plan a hike for tomorrow...and then Monday, I need to crack down and eat better! I will have leftovers...but I think in reasonable portions...I can make it work. The turkey will be the best for me!

Happy Turkey Day...and hopefully you have been more successful than I!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Enjoy the holiday with friends and family! I will be fortunate enough to spend Thanksgiving with my husband and my sister! I am soooo happy! We are having Beef Wellington for Thanksgiving and turkey the day after! So...plenty of food! My husband is doing the Beef Wellington...and so it is a secret what else he is serving with it....and I will make the turkey...can't wait to have leftovers! I know there are plenty of figure friendly things I can do with them...wonder if I will choose that or not! Anyway, don't get tooo stuffed and enjoy the day!

Doctor Weigh In 195!!!

Okay, I weigh 195...I will bet you are all thinking I am just sitting around stuffing my face...and watching the pounds grow...not true! EEK! I need to get this under control! Can't type more, arms have been injected with steriods...UGH! But, the pain is getting to me!

Wonder what I weigh?

Today I got up EARLY...and thought? How bad is it? Haven't weighed in for awhile...and have been contemplating making the rest of 2009 a loss and start new and improved in 2010. But...I just can't be over 200 lbs again! So...I need to know. I haven't been eating poorly...but I am not eating the best either. This week I made another YUMMY WW meal...a ravioli bake that is YUMMY, full of spinach! So...nothing too terribly bad has happened YET...although with the next couple of days and a wild schedule...well, anything can happen! I do hit a doctor's office tomorrow AM...so there will be a weight taken then! I guess it will tell me what is going on! I haven't decided if I am going to a WW meeting on Saturday morning! I want to, and yet I don't want to! I will be walking this weekend...and that is always a good thing!

Should I confess?

Okay, I may or may not have just made pumpkin white chocolate chip bars...I had some pumpkin in the fridge and thought cookies sounded good. After a search of the Internet...I decided to take a Paula Dean recipe and alter it...this is what I came up with

1 cup (or so) of canned pumpkin
2 eggs
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup veggie oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pampered chef cinnamon plus And it may have been a little more than that
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 bag white chocolate chips

Mix ingredients, put in 350 oven in a greased 8x8 pan...25-30 minutes depending...

The batter was YUM...the apartment smells YUM...I wonder if they will turn out?

Chicken Pot Pie YUM!

So...this is one of those foods that I ADORE...I never thought I would! Turns out Robin Miller of the Food Network has the BEST recipe for it as far as I am concerned! Today I am making it. It is the perfect day for it...cold, snowy, and comfort food is definitely the way to go! I have made some adjustments to her recipe...but I have found it to be delicious and figure friendly! I make it in my Le Creuset soup pot...and it turns out FABULOUS...

Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic chopped (My addition)
4 boneless chicken breast halves cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes, about 4 cups (only 2 cups goes in, you can use the rest for another recipe later in the week)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons dried thyme (I add about 2 tsp and add sage as well)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped (I use one for flavor, but I am not a fan!
4 medium red potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes (I use 2 red and 2 of another kind)
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (I use diced)
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine (I use 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I add about 2 tsp)
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
9-inch refrigerated pie crust
1 egg, lightly beaten (I don't do)

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-proof stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and saute 2 minutes. Add chicken and saute 5 to 7 minutes, until browned on all sides. Remove 1/2 the cooked chicken for later in the week, cover and refrigerate.
In a small bowl, combine flour, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add flour mixture to the chicken and stir to coat. Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken broth, wine, and Dijon mustard and mix well. Bring mixture to a boil. Cook until vegetables are tender.

If you have a LE CREUSET that is large enough...I cook it in the pot and then put the crust over the top!

Transfer stew to a clean 2-quart casserole dish and stir in corn.
Place pie crust on top of casserole and pinch around the edges to seal the crust to the dish. Brush the top with beaten egg and prick the surface 1 or 2 times with a sharp knife or fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Place casserole dish on baking sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes, until crust is golden.

What a week!

So...most of this week hasn't been TOO bad...but I couldn't bring myself to get up this morning to weigh in. I guess I know I have gained...and I don't need a scale to tell me that. I know I should go...so it doesn't get too out of hand...but to be honest, I think I have lost that drive that was getting me the success with losing weight. Don't get me wrong...I don't want to be fat...but I think I need to find that passion again. Right now there are so many other things going on in my life...I feel that weight loss is taking a back burner for now. I definitely want to do WW...and I definitely want to lose weight. But...I think that after nearly 3 years of doing it, I am burnt out. I know what to make, I know to make new meals, I know that I need to exercise regularly...basically I know the tools, I just don't have the drive I once had that will monitor and control what I eat. Now...today I am making a list of things to get at the grocery...AND I am planning a meal list. But that is only part of it. I need to find time FOR MYSELF, that is concerned about MY WELLBEING...or I won't be able to do this successfully!

Weekend of Food...

Okay, so I left on Friday...most of last week had been pretty good! Friday I left so early...and then started eating at 6am...it made for a day of eating!! I was fairly good on Friday...egg mcmuffin and coke for breakfast...and then water...lots of water...and a 3 Musketeer for snack...got to Lynn's and we headed out for Red Mill Burgers...SOOOOOO yummy...I was really quite good...I shared a bacon cheeseburger with Lynn, and also ate a few fries (didn't get a whole order) and less than half of the peanut butter chocolate shake...so far nothing too terribly off...then we drove around in the rain...had a dinner of cheese, salmon, caprese salad, bread, crackers, apples, pears, grapes and wine. So far...nothing too horrific...

Saturday we got up and had smoothies for breakfast...yogurt, frozen berries, honey and banana...also pretty healthy...for lunch we went to Pike where I shared half a Beecher mac and cheese with my sister and a small cheesecake (half only)...and ate an apple, drank LOTS of water.

Dinner was my downfall...we went to Metropolitan Grill...best steak in Seattle...and I had a salad, bread, and a steak with blue cheese and garlic mashed potatoes...with wine...also managed to have a lemon drop martini before dinner...and tried a chocolate cherry cordial something...we headed to the Dahlia Lounge afterward for dessert and drinks...an espresso, pear tart, and some late harvest Riesling...

Yep...LOTS of eating.

Sunday morning woke up bright and early to make my sister her fave, red velvet cake...and proceeded to eat a slice of that and left over steak for breakfast...had a coke in the car...and then had a steak dinner with wine, baked potato, salad and ice cream for dessert on the way back. I managed to never get so ill I couldn't function. But I recognize this was all maybe a little overboard. Now...I have Thanksgiving around the corner...and my husband left me with cheesy polenta and chicken pesto...YUM!

Okay, I love food. I love good food...the question is, how can I enjoy good food, without overdoing it...and still keep losing weight?

Checking in...

So, this week has been going pretty well. Sunday was shot because I tried Boston's Pizza for the first time...and ate a WHOLE individual sized one! But, I have added some form of exercise in all week...eating my meals and snacks. Doing pretty good. Of course I am not sure if I will weigh in or not on Saturday...if I could find a place in Seattle close by, I will weigh in just so I know what I am working with!

This week we have had some FABULOUS meals...tasted good and low points. Chicken and potatoes Monday, chicken tortilla soup Tuesday, and spaghetti squash with pesto cream sauce on Wednesday...the rest of the week will be leftovers for sure!

Hope everyone else is having a great week too!

I Love Crockpots

My Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law asked what we wanted for our anniversary...or Christmas one year...and I told Tim I wanted a new crockpot. When I first moved to WA...I didn't bring my old one...one less thing to tote and I wanted a new one with a carrier and all of that. They were surprised and as a joke added in a crock pot recipe book...and really couldn't believe I wanted one. I was SOOOOO happy we got the one I wanted. I began going through the crockpot recipes to see what I would make. As soon as we made the first recipe out of the book, we called them and thanked them. They were pleased we were pleased...but found it to be an odd request. I told them that the crockpot saves a lot of time and effort, when you aren't home to cook! Of course you can use them for parties and dips...but I use mine to make meals!

This week...Monday night (tonight) it was chicken, potatoes, carrots and onions in the crockpot, in at 9am and ate a little after 6pm. Meal was complete and YUMMY!

Tuesday night - Chicken Tortilla soup...I will put the ingredients in when I get home from work at 2pm and at 6pm when we are ready to eat dinner...soup will be done and ready to eat.

So fun, so easy and I have tons of great recipes...and yes, even figure friendly ones.

Just want to plug the crockpot!

Have a great evening!

Weigh in Saturday 192.8

Okay, down nearly a pound according to the WW scale! I am excited...but know that the work is hard. I won't be weighing in this next week as I head to Seattle for some birthday celebrations...which will make things difficult! I hope to keep on track. I am starting to think of some ways that I can keep on track but yet still enjoy the birthday celebration! Smaller portions for sure! Maybe snacking so I don't get so hungry...and I can enjoy without all of the drinking..limit my alcohol intake! I would like to try and weigh in while I am in Seattle so I can keep myself reminded of what I am doing...I will have to see if there is a weigh in place nearby. I am sure there will be!

This weekend my husband is home...so I am definitely eating differently. I did tell him we would plan our meals while he is here...try and make some good food that we will both enjoy and I can still lose weight! We had chili last night...today we made a WW frittata for brunch...it was delicious! We planned meals through Thursday I believe...should be a good week leading up to my weekend in Seattle!

I do need to add exercise into my days. Yesterday I did a lot of cleaning, lifting, loading and vacuuming...so a lot of work/exercise. Today I may not be as lucky. But I plan to ask Tim to walk with me this week...just a half hour per night...so we can get a little movement in!

I have a gym membership that I haven't used since April :( I need to cut that out...I hate going to the gym unless it involves classes...and all of the classes fall while I am at work or school...so I may switch to DVDs at home...I can do it...I just need to want it bad enough. So, this week I plan to end the gym membership. I can always rejoin when the time is right!

Okay...hope your weekend was great...and Halloween was fun!

Really? Arthritis?

Okay, today I found out that I have arthritis...really? at 39 yrs old. UGH! Anyway, I hope it won't get me down...but it does explain the pain I have been experiencing...

I am having a few Halloween treats this week...so far, 1 pkg chocolate peeps, 1 small pkg reg peeps, one chocolate caramel pumpkin...and some mini 3 musketeers...but I think I am keeping it under control. The real test will be tomorrow!

Potato soup is STILL YUMMY! I am enjoying it...and I think I successfully made it through today, my long weird schedule day...without too many slip ups and mess ups! Weigh in at the doctor had me down a pound from weigh in Saturday.

Me=0 McDonald's=1

Okay...hauling stuff, stressed to the max...I caved and had a quarter pounder with cheese and a coke...now to go and work it off! I need to walk the walk of shame...now I am craving chocolate. Must not give in....

Pumpkin Whip

So..I mixed a 15 oz can of pumpkin with an 8oz container of cool whip free and added some cinnamon and allspice...topped it with some rediwhip...REALLY YUMMY, 2 point snack as long as you don't go nuts on the rediwhip...and if you are CRAVING some pumpkin pie...this does a pretty good job of helping out!

Enjoy!

Potato Soup...SUCCESS!

I LOVE soup...it is a great thing to eat on a diet...and it is filling and warm! I made Julia Child's potato soup and I was amazed at how good it was...with only potatoes, water, leeks, onions and salt I thought this doesn't compare to my chicken broth, potatoes, cheese, sour cream and bacon with chives soup...WILL IT? And it did, surprisingly light and full of flavor...I can make a grilled cheese for about 3 pts...maybe 4...with Sara Lee's 45 cal bread, Brummel and brown and some .4 oz Muenster. It is pretty good!

As for my weight loss this week...well, I have had GREAT intentions this week. So far Sunday is my only day I went COMPLETELY off the deep end...and even then it wasn't that bad...I think it was a 40 point day and I should be eating 26 or 27 points a day! Last night I caved...I have this unknown desire to melt parm cheese in the microwave on a small plate and eat it...and I just couldn't resist finishing off the bag of cheese. Apparently I CAN NOT have that in my apartment anymore!

Well, today will be nuts...like any nutty day the meal times aren't so black and white...I started my day off with a egg sandwich...so it should be good until lunch...and then I need to make sure I SNACK!! and eat dinner at a reasonable time!

I can't poach an egg...

Well, I got up this morning to attempt Julia Child's poached eggs...she says I need FRESH eggs. I am positive I can't get THOSE at the grocery store...so I did them sunny side up instead...and they were perfection! High atop a ciabatta roll with some Muenster and Canadian bacon (American style) I had a slightly healthier and more figure friendly version of the eggs Benedict I love so much! That should hold me until Lunch!

Last night I made the most INCREDIBLE WW recipe! It was shepherd's pie...I used ground turkey instead of chicken, as the recipe called for...I also substituted some peas and carrots for the carrots...but added the spinach, corn, onion, thyme and sage (another of my alterations). It was a healthy portion and filling at 6 points per serving! I was in 7th heaven! This could easily be made vegetarian...or with beef or lamb...it was really good. I paired it with a glass of Pinot Gris...so good!

Today I tackle Julia's potato soup! I can't wait and it couldn't be a better day for it!

UGH!!!!

So, I weighed in today...I am topping off at 193.6 WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?????? I know, you are probably thinking I am stuffing my face with big macs and soda...fries and crap and then saying why am I fat? Truth be told...I know I haven't been eating the best...but I haven't started eating with abandon! I was sick this week...but I spent the weekend eating too well...and drinking. Maybe wine isn't the best to drink when trying to diet...well, one glass, NOT 4. Part of me wants to just eat whatever I want...the other part of me says the madness HAS to stop here! I know I haven't been eating what I should ALL of the time...just sometimes...and I know that I NEED to add exercise into my daily routine or NOTHING is going to happen!! I remember when I was excited to be UNDER 190...now I am well on my way to 195 or 200 EEEK this needs to stop. My weigher told me to track every bite...weigh and measure EVERYTHING....and show my tracker at next week's weigh in. So, I will. We reviewed the healthy guidelines today...if I can just work on getting those into my day...I am sure I won't have much room for anything else. So, my plan is to get in my daily servings of the healthy guidelines...

• 5 servings of fruits and veggies
• 2 servings of dairy
• 6 glasses of liquids (water being the best choice)
• 2 tsp of healthy oil
• 1-2 servings of lean protein
• 1 vitamin per day
• choose whole grains whenever possible
• 30 minutes a day of activity
• limit sugar and alcohol

So...here I go...starting my week off like this...of course I should also mention this is the weekend I plan to start cooking out of Mastering the Art of French Cooking with my first recipes being potato soup and cream of mushroom...I will do some substitution for sure!! And, I am starting off the Egg chapter as well!!

Sick...

Well, I will say that one way to lose weight is to be sick. I haven't eaten much of anything these past three days....and I am sure that will reflect on the scale Saturday morning. Of course I didn't always eat the best things for me. Being out of town then returning...and not feeling like being among the living can make eating a challenge. There wasn't much in the apartment to eat! I survived. At least I think I have. I have felt better today...plan to take an exam tonight. But, return to work tomorrow. Not much food to prepare or eat...but plan to get back on track this weekend. And...I will weigh in Saturday am!

Weigh In Day...didn't go.

So today should have been weigh in...I haven't gone to weigh in for two weeks...last weekend I was out of town...so that is why. I am here this weekend but prepping for a trip. I set my alarm, but when it went off, I shut it off. I think I have been pretty good this week...but I just couldn't face the scale. I am also SUPER PARANOID about getting the H1N1 or flu...I was sneezed on Wednesday...going into big groups of people is starting to worry me. Yes, I know I work with the public...but I have bathrooms to go and wash...lysol to spray and I can control it a little easier than sitting RIGHT NEXT TO someone. Sounds like a lame excuse right? Well I will DEFINITELY be weighing in the next two weekends...home and all...plus I am curious to see how I am doing. I plan to be good this weekend in spite of the fact that I am headed to Seattle to celebrate my sister's 25th....she turns in November...but I have a surprise cooked up for her this weekend. I have one big meal that will be a challenge...and I may just go ahead and enjoy it. The rest of the weekend I need to stay focused and keep good. I am taking snacks with me in the car...yep another road trip! And today I plan to eat within my points! Well, I really must pack and get to work! More about how this all went when I return!

What Happened after my LONG DAY!

Well, so yesterday was my long day...I struggle with long days because I want to eat ALL DAY, so this is what I ended up having...
banana
tea with splenda
grape juice
tea with honey
tuna salad sandwich with cheese
grilled cheese with tomato soup
100 cal oreo cakesters
hot chocolate with marshmallows
wheat thins
grape juice
water

So not too bad...I was pretty hungry when I got home from work...but I managed to curb the urge to eat a lot by drinking the hot chocolate. Today is an odd schedule...which is another challenge I have...I get up on Thursdays...I work 12-3pm, have class from 4-5:50 and 6-9:40pm so eating is definitely a challenge. Often I get up later than normal on Thursdays...so if I eat breakfast I am hardly ready for lunch before I leave for work. Then...I am hungry when I get off work, but don't really have the time to prepare and eat something before class. Often I pack snacks...but am tempted by cookies, candy and pop at school. There are healthier options...but I have those at home! So...it is definitely a day I struggle with. It is 9:26am and I haven't had anything yet...I plan on some bananas and grapes for sure...and probably some tea...and then a tuna sandwich before work. I plan to pack snacks to grab on my way out the door...so we will see how it goes!

Long Day Challenge

I am not sure about the rest of you...but if my day starts too early...I find myself eating more! I rose at 6am (two hours before I would normally rise) and of course didn't really want to eat. I did have a banana...because I knew I would be going somewhere that would have DONUTS! I am fortunate to only be tempted by a select few....today I stayed at least 5 feet from the box at all times and managed to get in and out without eating ANY! But, today will be rough! I work 11:30am-8pm. Often I take a break at 3pm or sometimes 4:30pm...if I eat breakfast at 8am, I usually snack about 10am, eat lunch between 12-1pm, then eat dinner about 6pm...with a snack about 3pm...and then I can have something before bed...about 8:30pm or so...that is a normal day...but for a day like today...I got up at 6am and ate a banana...I have had tea... will have more tea...it is 10:30am and I am deciding between lunch and breakfast...I will eat again at 4:30pm and then when I get home from work at 8pm I will want to eat again. I will spend most of the day hungry. Thankfully I have placed grapes and cheese sticks at work...for snacks. But...all day I will be tempted with wanting to eat more.

Yesterday I did pretty good...tea in the AM with some honey nut cheerios...tomato soup and crackers for lunch along with an applesauce. My snack was water, crackers and mini oreo cakes (100 cal pack). More tea...and then a beef pot pie for dinner and hot chocolate with marshmallows for night snack...pretty good right?

I am very curious about weigh in this week...I haven't weighed for two weeks...I had at least TWO meals that were BAD! And if I maintain, I will be okay...if I lose, I will be okay...if I gain, I think I will cry...and then proceed to eat some crap...I really need to find a better way to deal with the guilt of doing poorly at weight loss...often I am my own worst enemy!

My last week and TRAVEL...

So last week I think I did pretty good. I had a couple days that could have been better...but I can't dwell on that! Of course I didn't weigh in...I was out of town TRAVELING...I think to anyone who is struggling with weight loss or trying to lose weight, TRAVEL is just hard. It is harder to control what/when you eat. It is harder to say no...you want road food! Fast food is pretty decent with choices, salads and all...but when you are on the road you want junk! At least I do. I am not sure how the weekend went. I packed food for the road, carrots, hummus, apples, a 100 cal coke, mini musketeers, cheese sticks, etc. But Friday I had chocolate milk and a banana...ate a Jr whopper with cheese and cheesy tots with a HUGE coke at lunch. Still reeling from that I ate a pack of ho hos...and then walked a mile uphill...Multnomath Falls...great trail...and the whole time I was moaning about my ridiculous fast food intake! That night I had a steak dinner...it was YUMMY. Saturday I was more reasonable...with a hot chocolate and banana for breakfast, a baked potato smothered in mushrooms for lunch, but dinner...well let's just say it was the one I went to bed feeling a little ill. Yesterday I did pretty good. I tried to pack snacks...and try not to eat WAY off track. But the reality of the situation is that it is MONDAY...I am back at home, and I need to get back on track! I am not sure what I will have today. I need to hit the grocery store. I do know I am going out to eat tonight! So I will need to plan my day accordingly!

What is your travel challenge? How do you deal with it? Any tips for me?

How did I do?

I forgot to mention that my best intentions on Sunday...failed miserably! UGH! So I had my low point breakfast...drank water...and had a baked potato with turkey and cheese for lunch...shared a berry cobbler with two other people (served in a small ramekin) and had some lemonade. I did get a chocolate truffle...got home and decided on popcorn and wine for dinner...all perfectly fine, right? Next thing I know I have made myself this microwaved cheese thing...with a tortilla, just ate some cheese...and then a little bowl of marshmallows and chocolate chips...UGH! I did do some walking yesterday, does that count? What is wrong with me sometimes? Anyway, this is how it all happens...best of intentions...and then all of it goes right out the window...but I woke up today determined to not let it get me down.

Oh, almost forgot, made some YUMMY WW cupcakes with a cake mix and pumpkin...really really good!

Chili Today!

It is a perfect time for chili! I love chili...and can eat it all week if I need to/want to. My recipe is there is no recipe. For this batch today...I browned a pound of ground beef (15% FAT)with some purple onion, and added garlic garlic, onion onion and some Northwest Fire seasoning. To that, in a crockpot I added one red pepper, one large fresh tomato, some leftover grape tomatoes, a zucchini, 6 cloves of garlic, a can of low sodium black beans, two cans of fire roasted tomatoes with garlic, Wahoo Chili Seasoning, and some Red Hot sauce...and I cooked it on low for 9 hours. YUM! Once in the bowl I added a 1/4 cup 2% sharp cheddar and a tbsp of light sour cream. Could not have tasted better. Every time I make chili I do something a little different...you need to have tomatoes, beans and garlic...but aside from that it is best made to taste. It can be vegetarian, vegan, use turkey instead or you can add a combination of meat. I have found it to be one of my favorite low point meals that really satisfies. Of course I ate some dessert pears and added a glass of syrah...but basically that was it! YUMMY! Now I have enough for me to eat all week long. I recommend this for fall or winter days when you need something comforting!

Weigh in Day...and a promise to myself

So Saturday I weighed in and I was 191 lbs. EEK, how is that even possible???? Of course I already knew that...if you check my first post, that is what I weighed at the doctors. So...no big surprise I guess. I thought, cool, no more gain since Sept. 24th at the docs...so that is a good thing! But...I had been down to 183 a mere 8 lbs from my goal on April 14th of this year....I gained and got back down to 183 on June 27th....and then went up from there, with the most drastic happening between August 15th and Oct 3rd. But...as the person who weighed me said in Weight Watchers...think of this as the FIRST day of your weight loss...track and read over book one...remember what it was like for it to be the first time...not dwell on what has happened. She couldn't be more right! So...I stayed for the meeting which was about emotional eating...and then went home resolved to do better.

Saturday was the last day I would be able to attend the Liberty Lake Farmer's Market...so I got a pain au chocolat, a fresh mushroom pizza, fruits and veggies for my story time kids...and a couple pot pies. The pain au chocolat I shared at work, as I also shared the pizza...okay, not the best for Weight Watchers. But I decided that Saturday would be my day to be a little less stringent...but the rest of the week I need to be SPOT ON!! I finished out Saturday pretty well...I tracked my food, every bite! I won't bore you with details...

Today...I am having a banana, tea, and yogurt for breakfast. I do plan to eat out for lunch...but tonight I plan to eat in and eat healthy! So I hope to stay in my points for today! No extras! I am also shopping for clothes...which may be depressing because the size that I was going into may not fit as well...UGH! But I resolve not to backslide and because of that fact, eat more! Not today! I will let you know how that goes!

So I promise to keep on track...track my every bite...make sure I get 20 minutes of some sort of exercise per day this week and see how it all works out! Wish me luck!

Lee Denim Day

Today for Breast Cancer Awareness my co-workers and I wore jeans and pink...I plan to donate money to the cause in our names. I know there are a lot of people out there who have been touched in some way by Breast Cancer...so, get your checkups! Hug those you love...and let's try to do something to make a difference!

October 1st

I didn't list my food yesterday...and I really don't think I could accurately recall what I ate down to the last bite...I do know that it included some awesome Wheat thins...white cheddar flavored, and a piece of candy...some bread and hummus...but really I can't get through the whole day. I promise to do better all day today...of course I started the morning with hot chocolate and an egg mcmuffin...the good news is I ate this at 7:45am and now...nearly 10:30am I am NOT HUNGRY...of course I need to eat soon...because the day only gets nuttier from here. This is an example of a day where eating and my schedule are COMPLETELY out of whack! I work 12-3pm, turn around and go to class from 4-5:50pm and then 6-9:40pm. I can either plan my snacks or am at the mercy of what I can find between home and school...last week I did well with planning and packing. I plan to do the same today...hummus and pita, carrots, and an apple...hopefully the instructor won't talk about Mc Donald's like she did Tuesday...I was CRAVING McDonald's after the lecture...but managed to go home and have something at home. Regardless, it is days like today that make things challenging! Do you have any tips for me?

Tres...okay Day Three...but I am not going to keep numbering the days

Today was better...although I guess once I list my food I won't feel that way.
Honey Nut Cheerios
Chocolate Milk (with my vitamins)
Spaghetti Squash topped with turkey Italian sausage sauce and some shredded cheese
100 Cal coke
String Cheese (2)
Wheat Thins
Apple
Tuna Melt on 45 cal bread
Pickles
100 cal pringles
hot chocolate with marshmallows

So, I also had water, tea sweetened with splenda...and that is it for today. Not too bad I guess. But I don't feel like I did anything great in the EXERCISE REALM...so this is something I need to add. Of course I walk the dog twice a day...but we don't go far. I am not sure that is going to count! I need to add something in! I LOVE Yoga...but my work schedule is messing that up for me. AND...I loved my water fitness...which was great, but I am so not a morning person and eventually that caught up with me. So...I need to do something...I hope to add that in soon! Any suggestions?

Day Two

Turns out that day one...while interesting, turned out to be a failure as far as eating was concerned...so I resolved this morning that I would do better. So...Honey Nut Cheerios and a small glass of chocolate milk (to wash down the vitamins) for breakfast at 8:30am..followed by a tuna sandwich made with 45 cal bread, light mayo, tuna in water, and some sweet pickles with 100 cal pringles and a WW chocolate chip cookie and half an orange at 12:30pm I find myself in the McDs drive thru getting a MC FLURRY ?!?!??!?! okay, heard it was the last hot day of the year and was craving ice cream...at 6:30pm I am making some spaghetti squash and turkey Italian sausage sauce for the next couple of days...while I eat at 7pm a half an orange, some chicken and a sauce made of light plain yogurt, tomatoes, garlic, onion, lemon juice and cucumbers on a piece of naan...and discover that crystal light mix in lemonade tastes okay with blueberry vodka...what is wrong with me??? I guess I just don't know when to quit. But...I am pretty sure the rest of the night will be okay...with a possible small cup of hot chocolate before bed.

I discussed this with a co-worker today...what is it that makes us want to eat things we know are bad for us...things we know will only cause weight gain....and yet, we still eat them. All the while acknowledging the fact that this will not end well...I have to say I am not a bored eater, a depressed eater, or a fill in the blank eater. I tend to eat when I am hungry or when something sounds good. I do confess that when I do feel good I like to CELEBRATE with food. But I think if I could figure out WHY I eat...I think I could make some progress in the weight loss arena.

Today, weight loss =0, food = 1

Day One - 191.6

Okay...this isn't really day one. I came to a realization about four years ago that I was definitely overweight...and something had to be done. Now...I weigh less...but continue my struggle with losing weight and generally becoming a more healthy human being. I guess I feel like time is against me (I turn 40 next year). My method of weight loss was Weight Watchers...and it has been a success. But, about three months ago I lost interest in losing...and slowly but surely I have gained nearly 10 lbs back. It is alarming how quickly the pounds can creep back on. I guess I am trying to interest myself in losing again. Maybe the blog will help. Maybe a combination of blogging, WW and just being accountable to something will help. At this point I am willing to try anything. So I will post what I looked like BEFORE...and how I look currently. I guess I should also say that I don't plan to hit my optimum BMI...but in fact will still be overweight when I hit my goal of 175lbs.

I started Weight Watchers in May of 2007. I had just moved away from my home of 13 years and was ready for a new start. I knew it would take time...and I felt like I could commit to what it took to lose the weight. I lost 50 lbs in the first year. But over the following year I only lost 14 lbs. And...that is when I started to backslide. It was like watching something outside of the situation...you know you are making poor eating choices...but you can't stop yourself. I am afraid I am slipping back into the I DON'T CARE mode...and I don't want to undo all of the hard work I have done. My starting weight was 247 lbs. Now I weigh a little over 190...and I can remember when I was happy that I had hit 189. In July of this year I weighed 183...the lowest I have weighed in a long time. And, with only 8 lbs left to goal...I felt like I could do it. Now I weigh 7 pounds more...and it is Sept 2nd. I have undone about 6 months of hard work in a matter of a month or two...it is depressing. So...I have decided to start this blog. Who knows if it will help or not. But maybe if I have a place to talk about my weaknesses and strengths I can find what will work for me to keep the weight off for good!