On the Weigh Down!

Our little group had a great week this week! We lost 12.4 pounds between the 5 of us! Nicole and Darla had awesome losses, 4+ & 3+ pounds respectively! But even better than that was the realization that through4 tough weeks (with small losses and even some gains through Christmas) we didn't quit.

I was so proud to see the small changes... the transformations. They're on track, and together we will all reach the goals we've set - and learn new, healthier habits in the process!

I'm almost done my 4th book in the Twilight series. I've managed to stay on top of everything but my blog and the laundry... though my house is starting to show some signs of neglect! I've loved the no eating at bedtime, and the books are key. I have a plethora of books to continue, though I can't imagine ANY being as riveting as this one. Sigh... it will be a true test of my will when I'm done!

Here's my fuel for today:
B1: cereal, banana, ff milk (3) YELLOW
B2: pear, grapefruit (2) PINK
L1: granola, berries, yogurt (4) BLUE
L2: bagel, ff cream cheese, carrots, curves bar (4) ORANGE
D: chickpea curry, chapati (7) RED, GREEN

15 mins aerobic, 100 crunches, 25 push ups, 30 squats/lunges

A New Years Like No Others!

I am the queen of resolutions. Seriously - ask anyone who knows me. I am in a constant state of renovation, inside and out. Many of my resolutions fail, many only partially succeed. But the reason I keep making them, like 1 good shot on a golf course, is because ONCE in a while... I make them stick.

Over the years, my resolutions looked similar. Lose weight. Exercise more. Spend less. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Most of these never made it through to February.

However, this New Years will mark:

• 12 years since I resolved to NEVER let a person destroy my inner confidence again
• 10 years since I resolved to make my daughter the centre of my life
• 3 years since I resolved to quit smoking
• 2 years since I resolved to eat healthier
• 1 year since I resolved to maintain my goal weight

And this year, I have many areas from which to draw my resolution(s) from. But what I do know is, my resolutions will be a reflection of truly building the woman I was meant to be. Not the reflection of someone else's goals and desires (or lack thereof), not projecting some image of who I think others think I should be... my resolutions this year will be my gift to myself for surviving and thriving during what has been my biggest hurdle - my biggest burden - ever placed in my path. It's my reward for growing stronger instead of becoming weak.

Foodwise, Christmas has posed some interesting challenges. I have worked hard over the last 2 years to be able to enjoy myself, but I am finding very little joy in feeling gross from over eating (only 2 times, really) or from eating the junk. I am realizing, albeit slowly and somewhat painfully, that most of it just isn't worth it. But those wolves - those howling pangs of the past - constantly lurk at my door. "Awww that looks so yummy" "A few won't hurt" "Better eat them now, before they're gone"... I've got to start howling back.

Peace and joy to you during this blessed season. And my next post will greet you with the fresh new perspective of 2009!

Ok, ready to go.

So many of my family and friends who read this know why I took such a long hiatus. Some may not. My husband, of a mere 3 years, decided to call it quits. Though not shocking (our life was not the least complicated I've ever seen) I was indeed in shock. My emotions, along with my weight, have been up and down.

Fear, anger, sadness... all reflected in my eating habits. I dropped 10 pounds in a week, and went up and down for the last 3 months.

But here I am, back in my hometown with people who love us, in our new house (I'll post some pictures) and ready for the road that is ahead.

I have started a small weight loss support group for some friends and family that were ready to begin their own journey. There are 5 of us, and in total, we've lost more than 30 pounds in 3 weeks. We are pretty much ROCKIN' it out!

Emma & I are good. We will be great in no time. Maybe less than no time...

Another Year Older - and defintely wiser!

So my birthday came and went - with much fun, food and craziness to be had! After a wonderful party on Saturday night with both siblings (that's never happened!) and some great friends; a laugh-a-minute shower for my sister in law on Sunday; and a family supper and football fest later that day - well the food and drink were a-flowin'!

I feel like I did not go super crazy - though did enjoy myself thoroughly! I didn't drink a silly amount, but did try to drink lots of water, and fill myself with fruits and veggies before diving into the delicious dishes my husband & I prepared for the weekend.

I did pretty well.

I got spoiled. Lovely presents from friends and family (including an inside & out car wash, replica LV purse & spa treatment from hubby; adorable "mom" book, dark chocolate and a gc to Suzy Shier from Emma; Indian cook book from Justin; cute tank, matching earings & flip flops from my sis et al; 2 bottles of wine from my bro et al; a beautiful vase from Dar; Lots of partylite candles from Nic; a gift card from Jacquie & Darrell; Marguerita pop set from Cheryl & Scott; cash and wine from my inlaws; ESBM and cash from my folks)... well yeah. Spoiled about sums it up!

And I spoiled myself. For my birthday, I finally got the tattoo I've been dreaming of since the first week I started Weight Watchers more than a year and a half ago! It's the chinese symbol for Achievement, protected by 2 dragons: A great reminder to not give up on all the hard work I've done. Each cherry blossom is representing my family: Emma, Ken, Mom, Dad, Nathan, Arden, Andrea & Sonam. It's the stereotypical "tramp stamp" location on my lower back - something I NEVER would have gotten when I was heavy. It's also a great motivation to tone up more so I can show it off!!!

Thanks Miss B for the reminder. So hard to take the time for me to get this done... *Hugs*!

Day 2 And Feeling Great

Attitude should be a class taught in highschool. It influences people more than any other single (controlable) force. Seeing things in their most positive light is ALWAYS going to render a more successful outcome. I know this, and yet it's still a struggle some days!

But, I had a very good day yesterday. Not perfect, but a big improvement of late. I am craving sugar again, and that's only because I've allowed it a lot in the last couple of weeks. Emma & I are on the healthy band wagon together, and it's amazing how feeling good about yourself allows you to make the healthiest decisions a lot more consistently!

Summer is remarkably hard with the constant call of ice cream, cold drinks, deck food (aka Munchies). I don't want to avoid them all - but instead fall back on my tried and true method of smart portion control, and of course added activity. Which I did yesterday! Still need more work there, for sure. Not to mention my post-supper snacking. I'm ok past 8:00, but an hour after supper I start rummaging for sweet stuff. Have to find ways to combat that. Any suggestions?

So today I have a plan, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Day 2
B1: banana with FF pudding dip (2)
B2: cereal, berries, raisins, milk (5)
L1: tomato soup, toast w/cheese whiz (low fat) (4)
L2: grapefruit, cukes (1)
D: tofu stirfry (5)
SN: skinny cow bar, cereal (5)

AP: brisk walk (20 mins), trampoline (20 mins), crunches (75)

OUCH!

Ok. That hurt. I have been consistently hovering around the 159-162 mark for 3 months, occasionally creeping higher after food-filled weekends. But after what was by far NOT an overly bad weekend, the scale jumped to over 170 last night! I almost cried. That was 6 pounds gained in 3 days. In retrospect, there was a lot of salt, quite a bit of booze, and not a lot of water or veggies.

So back to the drawing board. This morning, I was back to just over 167, but I am DETERMINED to maintain under 163. That's where I'm happy.

I have been SUPER lax on the working out front. I've spent tons of time on the trampoline, but I have to keep mixing it up, for sure.

Here's to going back to the beginning.... yet again!


Day 1 Menu & Plan

B1: banana, pineapple FF pudding dip (2)
B2: WW ww bagel, 2 tbsp FF c. cheese, egg, 1 toast (6)
L1: Miso soup (3)
L2: salad & veggies (1)
D: BBQ Terriyaki Chicken, wild, brown & white rice, brocolli (7)
S: Cereal (3)

AP: 20 minute brisk walk, 30 mins on trampoline, crunches (75), arm weights

Sheepishly poking my head back in...

So how's this for ridiculous:

I haven't posted for more than 6 weeks.
I missed my June weigh in
I have been to the gym twice in 4 weeks
I have made bread a way-too-big part of my diet

The good news is I'm still in my normal range for weight. The bad news is my energy is way down.

The good news is I am still very conscientious of it. The bad news I haven't written in my journal or posted for way too long.

The renovations are done - we just have yard work and the garage to complete. I should have more time to focus on my health. We purchased a trampoline today that will be my main source of activity for the next 4 months for sure - so I have NO excuses not to get in a great cardio & core workout!

I feel good about my maintenance - but need to worry about those last stubborn little pounds!!!

Day 2

Well I had a pretty good day yesterday! I am seeing the areas where I need to focus on (the little bites here and there are sneaking up on me) I counted everything I ate yesterday (which I don't HAVE to do, but I find the accountability good for me) and ended up with a net points of 24 (including using 3 APs) I went over because I had sunflower seeds at Emma's game last night, and a bowl of cereal, oh yeah, and 4 bites of Emma's blizzard....

So night time snacking has to be monitored as well.

Here's my plan for today: (Flex) CORE

B1: banana, coffee (1pt) CORE
B2: diced potatoes, egg whites, green onions, turkey bacon (3 pts) 1 PT CORE
L1: asparagus, fruit cocktail in water (1 pt) CORE
L2: black bean dip, carrots, cukes, 1 pita (4 pts) 2 PTS CORE
D: taco salad (6 pts) 1 PT for cheese CORE
SN: popcorn (2 pts) CORE; shredded wheat n bran, ff milk, blueberries (3 pts) CORE

Activity: 20 minute fast walk (1AP); softball (1AP)

I'm hoping my determination and positive outlook today will hold me through a very busy schedule, keeping me on plan!!!

Don't get lost in the busy.

Aye. Great advice - if you remember to use it! Ken & I were feeling so out of it last night. We're tired, we're stressed, we're over-extended. We have NO free nights until May 29th. This is NO lie! Between ball executive meetings, choir, hockey, ball games and miscellaneous activities - we are booked until May 29th! (And now poker on May 31st too!)

I'm not complaining. I LOVE being busy. Many of the activities are social in nature, and I do enjoy that. But what I don't like is my health being neglected. I have not been able to make it to the gym for almost 3 weeks. I am going to move mountains to get there today, in between picking Justin up, dropping him off at home, and returning 45 minutes later to get Emma.

So anyone who is reading this: DO NOT let your health slide. YOU ARE IMPORTANT! And so totally worth the extra effort to ensure you feel fabulous for many years to come!

Super Supper

I made this last night, just throwing stuff in... and man, were they TASTY! VE is the line of Epicure Selection spices - and I credit them for the extra burst of flavour! Totally core, or less than 3 pts for a good sized burger!

1 lb ex. lean ground beef
1 lb ex. lean ground turkey
1/3 cup quick rolled oats, crumbled
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tsp wortishire (sp) sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tsp olive oil
SPICES (measures are approximate!)
VE Chili garlic sea salt (1/4 tsp)
VE Herb and garlic sea salt (1/4 tsp)
VE French Onion dip (1 tsp)
VE Sundried tomato dip (1 tsp)
garlic powder (1 tsp)
Lemon Juice (1/2 tbsp)
1 tsp garlic salt
1 pkg of onion soup mix
Combine all together well, and form into approximately 8 med-large patties.

Deadly on the grill!!! Let me tell you, my family went crazy. (Even my fuss-puss kids!) Kenny thought there was bacon in them! They were fairly juicy (for extra lean burgers) and very, very yummy.

Serve with a slice of Fat Free swiss, and sauteed mushrooms & onions... well, I didn't miss the bun, that's for sure!

Emotional Triggers?

I've always maintained that I don't have a lot of emotional triggers to eat. Boredom was really my only excuse - oh and the wicked PMS! But lately, I've noticed times where I used to eat out of anger, sadness and lethargy are being replaced by a desire to be active. I've been eating crazily the last 2 weeks (spurned by Easter, and extended by PMS) but there's been no emotional attachment to it. Purely choice and lack of control. But the way it made me feel allowed me to STOP! and choose an activity yesterday (going to the gym) to make me feel better, instead of using my emotionally blackmailing tool of rationalization. "Well, since I ate like a pig and feel gross, I might as well have this chocolate now while I'm at it" is really translating into: "I'm not worth the effort to pull myself out of this rut. Keep eating, since it's anesthetizing your feelings of self-revile."

Wow. Who wants to feel like THAT? I certainly don't, but it's not that easy to snap out of I see. So a little more reprogramming is necessary to keep me on the right path. But a big HOORAY for a little enlightenment!