It's No Secret...

And I realized that more than usual this weekend. Staying busy, and keeping my mind occupied is a sure fire way to keep my eating and activity in check. Boredom is a killer for me - I just eat to fill time way too often. I have not done enough cardio activity, but the work on the suite in my house has allowed many trips up and down stairs!!!

I feel good. And it's amazing what you can tolerate, handle, appreciate and contemplate when you are feeling good. It opens up many doors that would often remained sealed shut when you are emotionally unavailable!!!

Here's to a great week, more posting and a renewed commitment to doing what's best for ME!!!

A couple of recipes..

I've had a few people request some low point/healthy recipes, so here's a couple. For some more, check out my old site!

Sweet n Sour Chicken (not my recipe, but a delicious and quick meal the kids will love!)

3 chicken breasts
1 cup ketchup
1 can diet Coke

Place chicken in a non stick skillet. Add diet Coke and ketchup, mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce to med-low heat. Cook until chicken is cooked, and sauce thickens. (30 mins, depending on thickness of chicken)

Serve with 1/2 cup brown rice and veggie or salad, and you have a very filling and yummy 6 point supper! Even my very fussy daughter loves this one!


Winter Comfort - Miso Soup

Easy - just make sure you have the ingredients on hand!

1 block firm or extra firm tofu
2 boxes fat free, reduced sodium chicken stock
1 tbsp miso paste (soybean paste - check the asian foods isle)
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1/2 tbsp soy sauce

Heat chicken stock in large sauce pan, bring to a boil then reduce to medium heat.
Add miso paste and soy sauce. Be careful NOT to bring soup to a boil after you add the miso.
Add mushrooms
10 minutes before serving, add tofu.
1 minutes before serving, add green onions.

Served with an egg-white salad sandwich for a meal, or on it's own for a lighter lunch, this 2 point soup (for 1.5 cups!) is one of my winter favourites... but does have me craving sushi!


Egg-white Salad Sandwich
6 eggs, hard boiled, yolks removed (or add 1 or 2, but be sure to add 2 points for each yolk you add)
1/4 cup ff miracle whip
1/4 tsp mustard (dijon, if you like it)
salt & pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese, loose - not packed

Shred egg whites with a grater, into a medium bowl.
Add green onions and cheese, toss gently.
Add miracle whip, mustard, salt & pepper. Stir.

Serve on 2 slices of whole wheat weight watcher's bread (toasted). Makes 2 good sized servings (if no yolks) With ww WW bread, total points per NO YOLK serving: 2 Seriously. The total for this is 3 points, plus 2 slices of bread for 1 point!

I'll be sure to post some more easy and tasty ideas.

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

Consumed instead of consuming.... I like it!

So here's my new weight loss tip: Find a book you love!

I know I'm the last person in the world to discover Twilight, but I'm bitten: hook, line and sinker... I've spent 2 very late nights to race through the book. I just finished, but think I will begin again to absorb some of the details I sailed through to get to the next part.

I'm a book junkie. I love to read so much, but often put it aside because of the absorbing nature it has. I can turn off the tv in a heartbeat, but putting down a good book is like amputating a limb. I always wished I could be a writer, but never felt inspired to write anything worth, well...writing!

So Edward is a new character in my life - one I will hold with me for a while. My mom was actually concerned I was obsessing a little too much (still worried I'm some kind of vulnerable creature, waiting to get scooped up by some villainous cougar chaser!) which I found funny, considering I was expounding on why a character like Edward was so easy to 'fall in love with'. I get it. It's the "I love you more than the pain that grips me" syndrome.

Explanation: Many girls (too many girls...) want to find a man whose fatal flaw is ONLY fixable by their love. My mom sees this as immature, I see it as a need to be loved. So much, that the only proof of said love is to abandon something so potent and strangling (like an addiction, some wicked rebellion, or, oh say the need to suck human blood...) This need, this concept that we can find someone who would love us MORE than whatever it is that obsesses said boy... Silly, yes. Unrealistic - most definitely. But we all know of a story where it has happened: "I couldn't have done it without her" "Her love got me through it" "All I kept thinking about was how much I loved her..." and the stories go on. Mostly in the movies, but it does happen. And those of us who always envisioned such unfettered, un-relinquishing love... we keep hoping.

And in the meantime, get swept away by heart-gripping and enticing reads like Twilight.

Oh, and it looks like I'm in for a good week if I can keep the weekend in check!

Here's what I ate today:

B1: cereal, berries, ff milk (4)
B2: almonds (2)
L1: taco salad, potato crisps (7)
Sn: granola bar, banana (3)
D: low fat chicken strips & low fat french fries: (6)
Sn: popcorn (6)

AP:1 (15 minutes of BL cardio)
Used 4 WPA

Quick Post... Then bed

Ack! Biggest Loser night... Is that a valid excuse for such a late bedtime?

Struggling with hunger and the scale this week. Not over my daily + WPA, but feel like I'm not doing well. The scale is saying "up" but I know I've done ok. 15+ minutes of exercise every day, no bad choices... PMS?

Well, here's to getting closer to being in control!

I will post a fab tofu recipe tomorrow... SMACK DADDY!

Here was my fuel today:

B: cereal, berries, ff milk (4pts)
L1: egg salad, bread, mushroom soup (5pts)
L2: granola bar, fruit & dip (4pts)
D: left over parma chameleon, salad, popsicle (6pts)
SN: dark chocolate, granola, yogurt, berries (6pts)
25 pts (23 + 2 flex) - still have 6 flex points left!!!

AP: 20 mins of abs & muscle work

Mondays aren't so bad...

I was actually happy it was Monday when I woke up. I did not have a very good weekend - and I'm not welshing on my positivity resolution: Had to go into Regina to take my sister and niece to the airport. That wasn't fun in itself, but then it was also Emma's first time back since we left. She struggled, which made it hard for me too. Ate a lot for supper, and regretted it. Roads were terrifying on the way home - even saw an SUV roll into the ditch. Scary.

Yesterday was not much better emotionally (a little PMS, I think...) until my mom and dad came for a working visit (my pops changed an outlet for my daughter's new flat screen tv). It was wonderful. My mom and I are extremely close, and working out our new proximity has not been easy. Boundaries are fickle things. But we had a great conversation to acknowledge it, and we both agreed how important our closeness was. And she lifted my spirits very successfully.

On track today - and meeting with a travel agent to discuss our Vegas options!!!

Food-wise, here's my fuel:

B1: peaches in water (1pt)
B2: 2 WW toast, pb, egg (5pts)
L1: dirty rice (4pts)
L2: veggies & dip (1pt)
S: taco salad, skinny cow (9pts)
Sn: popcorn (2pts)

Activity: 30 mins Wii, shoveling snow for 15 mins

Testing Plan A...

Oi. Less than 10 days in, and I'm already testing my first resolution. Positivity is very natural to me in so many areas, but in the ones I struggle.... Oi...

So let's focus on the positive:

• Dar & I are getting closer to making solid plans for a March trip to VEGAS! We're still deciding where to stay, but we're super stoked to make this trip (a true statement to our independence!) together.
• I had a good eating day. A little too much snacking because supper was so late, but well under control.
• Good bedtime last night - and on track for a decent bedtime tonight.
• Lots of work done today.
• Had fun shopping with Andrea & Racquelle. And I spent the least out of all of us!
  

Ok, so it was a pretty good day.

Here's what I ate today:

B1: ww bagel, egg, egg white (4pts)
B2: almonds, granola bar (3pts)
L1: carrots, cukes dip (1pt)
L2: Dirty rice (3pts), peanuts (3pts) rice krispie square (2pts)
S: lf french fries, gravy (5) wine (3)
Total: 27 (4 fp used)

Activity: 10 mins of stretches, 15 mild cardio

Part 2 of A

Well, I had a great day today. I felt like not doing much of anything, but ended up getting a whole lot of work done! I love it when that happens! Then, for the business' year end party, we went to a Celtic pub, Bobby's Place, for supper and drinks. So much fun! Great company, lively conversation, and wonderful food. (We'll get to that again at the end...!)

Part 2 of A... includes:
Eating: Back to the Core principles, with an emphasis on real food. Less packaged, more cooking. I want to rediscover my love for being in the kitchen, while ensuring the health and vitality of my body and mind.

Reading: I will read much, much more. And I will read everything.

Sleep: No later than 11pm bedtime - no exceptions. 1-2 am is just not cutting it.

Fitness: 15 - 20 minutes a day - no exceptions! This will be hard for me, but very worth it.

I think that pretty much covers it...

What I ate today:

B1: shredded w&b, bberries & ff milk (4pts)
B2: ww bagel, egg + egg whites, ff cheese slice (4pts)
L1: carrots & tomatoes w/dip (1pt)
L2: almonds, granola bar (5pts)
S: 1/2 big salad, 1 pc fried fish, handful fries, mushroom caps (3) buffalo wings (3) 2 pints beer (34pts) Yuppers. But, I planned for it... and that was the last crazy of the season!

ACT: 15 mins body blast, plus I moved every chance I got today!!!

Action Plan "A"

Also known as the work in progress. This will be the most comprehensive and detailed plan, so I wanted to start working on it. I'm going to outline 3 areas at a time:

Finances:
I want to stick to my budget, and spend my money on things that bring true happiness: memories, good health, togetherness and growth. This covers the basics like shelter/transportation, includes some room for fun like trips, games, movies etc. and possibly a gym membership/activities. It won't include needless "thing" shopping. That's never brought any more than a slight, and short term, excitement.

People:
I have several people in my life that build me up. People who are in it for the long haul, understand me and want to see me succeed. I'd like to add to that by finding a group or organization that I find some commonalities with, and can continue to add positivity to my life. I'm thinking of my weight loss group, for sure, and adding maybe a walking club or something?

Thoughts:
I will find the positive in everything. Being mindful of all aspects, but focusing on the good things - even if they're hard to find.

That's step 1 of Plan A!

Here's my food for the day:
B1: banana
B2: apple, peanut butter, almonds
L1: carrots, tomatoes, ff dip, 1 small piece of peanut brittle - little slip!!!
L2:pickled egg, tomato soup, creamcicle
S: stirfry (chicken & lots of veggies)

Activity: strength and 15 mins body blast

Drum Roll Please...

So here they are - my New Years Resolutions! Not that I think you're all waiting eagerly... I just really need to get them out there, so I can have a starting point!

1. Positive only, please. I am going to fill my life with positivity - including thoughts, actions, eating, people, activities, etc. I have a basic plan, and I'll likely be working it out here.
2. Less obsessing. I've been told this is a slight issue for me. Facebook makes this worse, but it's difficult to walk away from it completely. I have to manage my obsessiveness myself.
3. More faith. I am not entirely sure what this is going to mean - but I know it's not whatever I've been doing.

So there you have it. I have a lot to work on - and I need to start making a realistic plan to get going.

I hope you have your resolutions ready to rock oh-nine!!!

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...

Good things.

This is love.

Arden in her new Riders gear from Auntie J!

Tick tock

The minutes are just crawling by right now. Food is the last thing on my mind, but it somehow permeates every thought - only it's a negative thought. The thought of food right now repulses me until I can't function one more second without it... then I eat without abandon. Never too much right now, because the nervousness of my stomach can't take it.

I'll write a book one day that says "How to Lose 10 pounds and 1 husband in 8 days"...

Good to see my sense of humour returning. That has to be a good sign. Of something...

Readers... Friends... Pray for us...

Jacki

Wow.

Won't be posting for a while. Eating less important than sanity right now.

Pick me up.

I love when little things can be a big pick me up! With the new fall routine shaping itself up, and all the changes happening to my baby and in our lives, I was feeling a little veclempt. I even cried a little when registering Emma for hip-hop dance classes (a new thing for me... perhaps I'll go on about that sometime soon). I am looking forward to this weekend, I think we should have some fun - possibly the lake with Ken's auntie Julie & family on Saturday, then the Labour Day game with my family on Sunday. But I was having trouble sparking up for it.

Then today I went to lunch with an old work friend I haven't seen in years. It was so great to be able to relay positive news in my life (she knew me when things weren't so rosy!) She is one of those "bounce back" girls - she always lands on her feet. Strong and brave, and very confident in her abilities. It was so nice to be able to relate with her in a "Damn, I feel good!" kind of way!

I feel great.

B1: Banana & coffee (1)
B2: toast, peanut butter & jam (3)
L1: side salad & dynamite rolls (8)
L2: left over stirfry (4)
D: pitza (pita pizza) (4)
SN: ??? have 3-5 pts...

AP: Hmmmm. not too much... but I'll make up for it tomorrow!

Crash and burn. Sort of.

So I knew that last night's celebration of my father's birthday would NOT be point friendly. But, the plans were to hang out at the park, so I thought at least I could work off some calories! Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, so we ordered in. And it was Chinese.

And to make matters worse, I thought I would curb my crazy hunger before supper by snacking on a handful of dried fruit. The package I bought had the best NI I'd seen, and a handful would only by3 points. Except that I mindlessly ate the whole bag. 11 points. HOLY CRAP BATMAN!

So I had a 40 point day yesterday, with no activity. AWESOME.

So obviously my plan is to get back on track big time today!

B1: banana with 1 tsp pb (2)
B2: heritage flakes cereal, blueberries & ff milk (3)
L1: pork sandwich (if there's pork left) (4)
L2: salad, grapefruit (1)
D: tofu stirfry? I have to shop, so we'll see. (8)
SN: popcorn (2)

AP: GETTIN MY BUTT TO THE GYM! And walking Emma to & from school!

The key to emotional eating...

I don't know if I necessarily HAVE the key... but I am certainly learning how to spot it more. I had planned a great breakfast of left over roasted potatoes and eggs in a scramble for this morning... but after returning from dropping Emm off at her new school to start grade 5, I found myself craving carbs. My comfort food...

So I settled by skipping the egg, just going for egg white, and having one WW slice of toast with PB & jam. And, more importantly, I listened to the real hunger versus the emotional one. Now to just get through the rest of my day waiting to hear how things went for her today!!!!

Here's my plan:

B1: banana (1)
B2: potato & egg white scramble, toast pb & sf jam (5)
L1: open faced pork sandwich, salad
L2: grapefruit, watermelon, cuke
D: YIKES out at burger cabin. NO FRIES, JACKI....

AP: Stress, a quick walk and some possible action at the park tonite.

Back to life, back to reality

Had a wonderfulllllll holiday. Put on a couple of more pounds, so a little more damage control. I'm looking forward to routine and self discipline again!

No excuses, just hard work and staying true to my goals. And lots of fab clothes I want to fit in!

Here's my plan for today: (23 pts)

B1: toast, pb, 2 eggs, watermelon (9)
B2: coffee & dark chocolate (wasn't part of the plan, but I'm adding it now...) (1)
L1: garden tomatoes & cucumbers, grapefruit (1)
L2: salad w/ginger soy dressing, toast with mw & tomatoes (3)
D: teriyaki salmon skewers, new potatoes, green beens? (6)
SN: cereal & ff milk (3)

AP: trampoline, gym for 30 mins, walk with Ken?

It's all behind me now.

Until Christmas, I now have no other "major" events to worry about! Kenny & I enjoyed our pre-anniversary celebrations on the weekend. Being kidless, we were able to enjoy all (and I do mean ALL) our favourite foods we miss when we're with kids. I completely over ate, and enjoyed the foods we don't ever eat. And now, I'm good for a long while!

I had a great day yesterday, and felt great this morning (despite the serious lack of sleep. Thanks to my little chicken, Emma!)

Here's my plan for today:
B1: Banana, coffee (1)
B2: multi grain bread, pb, jam, egg (6)
L1: salmon salad (3)
L2: movie popcorn, diet coke (5)
D: corn on the cob, smokies, fresh tomatoes & cucumbers from the garden! (5)

AP: If none from walking to the movie, then I'll go to the gym tonite.