I know its Thursday not Wednesday. You were probably all thinking (all two of you), "where is the new post? What amazing successes/challenges were faced this week?"
To be honest, this was not a good week...BUT I'm OK with that. There are weeks in our lives that are, for whatever reason, more challenging than others. This was one of those weeks. I've faced challenges this week that were bigger and scarier than almost any other challenge I've ever faced and I am PROUD of the way I handled it. I didn't dive into food (in fact, being upset has the opposite affect on me. I feel slightly sick so I don't eat), but I also didn't count points or worry about what I was eating. Points and worry are for the other 51 weeks of the year.
My weight loss efforts might have suffered a bit, but as with all challenges in life, the key to success is getting up one more time than you fall down.
I'm afraid that I can't even lay out how badly my weight loss efforts suffered as I don't currently have a scale. It is on my list, though, so hopefully next week I will have some numbers ready :)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Week 5 weigh in
I really hate it when you weigh yourself early in the week and discover that you've lost a ton of weight but by the time you weigh in, you're back up. I'm not really complaining. Overall, it was a loss this week, and you can't complain about a loss...its just...it was such a bigger loss last Friday...oh well.
Perhaps the pizza and beer did me in. Probably. Note to self: eat less pizza - drink less beer.
Once again, I was really good 5 days this last week. Then there was the pizza and beer debacle (but what else was I supposed to do during a Dr. Who marathon?). The other day I went over was really not my fault in any way. Some friends had us over for dinner and managed to cook the most amazing, low-calorie food. Apparently, eating A LOT amazing low-calorie food isn't so good for weight loss (but still probably better than eating A LOT of pizza and beer).
Last Week: 189.2 pounds
This Week: 188.4 pounds
Weeks Loss: -0.8 pounds
Total Loss: -2.1 pounds
Gawd. That number looks so pathetically small. I mean, if I were going to the meetings, I wouldn't even have gotten an award yet (and practically EVERYONE gets that stupid 5 pound award).
Maybe I should make it my goal to not go over AT ALL this week. Can I do it?
Perhaps the pizza and beer did me in. Probably. Note to self: eat less pizza - drink less beer.
Once again, I was really good 5 days this last week. Then there was the pizza and beer debacle (but what else was I supposed to do during a Dr. Who marathon?). The other day I went over was really not my fault in any way. Some friends had us over for dinner and managed to cook the most amazing, low-calorie food. Apparently, eating A LOT amazing low-calorie food isn't so good for weight loss (but still probably better than eating A LOT of pizza and beer).
Last Week: 189.2 pounds
This Week: 188.4 pounds
Weeks Loss: -0.8 pounds
Total Loss: -2.1 pounds
Gawd. That number looks so pathetically small. I mean, if I were going to the meetings, I wouldn't even have gotten an award yet (and practically EVERYONE gets that stupid 5 pound award).
Maybe I should make it my goal to not go over AT ALL this week. Can I do it?
Saturday, September 18, 2010
New Recipe
I wanted to take a moment to selfishly post this recipe that my (sorta) sister, Amy, just posted on her blog. I say "selfishly" because I am only posting it so that I don't forget it, but if it inspires some you readers out there to try it as well then maybe its not entirely selfish.
Salad ingredients:
- Fresh spinach (chopped)
- A lot of fresh basil (whole & chopped)
- Grilled salmon (left overs, in this case)
- Onions
- Feta cheese
- Sea salt & pepper
- Newman's Own Olive oil & vinegar dressing
Now, seeing as how I don't think that there is anything more delicious than salmon and avocado, I will probably add half an avocado to my salad which will add an extra 4 points (t0tally worth it). I'm not sure what the nutritional information is on the dressing so I don't actually know how many points the salad is, but I plan on making it as soon as possible.
If anyone out there tries it, let me know what you think.
Update:
I just made this recipe for lunch and it was delicious! I changed a few things because I am a firm believer in using what you have on hand when cooking. Here is what I did.
- salmon (covered in a salmon rub of garlic, brown sugar, rosemary, and lemon)
- spinach
- red onion
- avocado
- feta
- dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 TB soy sauce
- juice of 1 lemon (I used the lemon that I placed on top of the salmon after it was done cooking)
- rosemary
- sesame seeds
- sliced almonds
To make the dressing, I put everything in a sauce pan and heated it all together for about 5 minutes.
Put everything in a giant bowl and tossed the dressing on top.
So good.
Salad ingredients:- Fresh spinach (chopped)
- A lot of fresh basil (whole & chopped)
- Grilled salmon (left overs, in this case)
- Onions
- Feta cheese
- Sea salt & pepper
- Newman's Own Olive oil & vinegar dressing
Now, seeing as how I don't think that there is anything more delicious than salmon and avocado, I will probably add half an avocado to my salad which will add an extra 4 points (t0tally worth it). I'm not sure what the nutritional information is on the dressing so I don't actually know how many points the salad is, but I plan on making it as soon as possible.
If anyone out there tries it, let me know what you think.
Update:
I just made this recipe for lunch and it was delicious! I changed a few things because I am a firm believer in using what you have on hand when cooking. Here is what I did.
- salmon (covered in a salmon rub of garlic, brown sugar, rosemary, and lemon)
- spinach
- red onion
- avocado
- feta
- dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 TB soy sauce
- juice of 1 lemon (I used the lemon that I placed on top of the salmon after it was done cooking)
- rosemary
- sesame seeds
- sliced almonds
To make the dressing, I put everything in a sauce pan and heated it all together for about 5 minutes.
Put everything in a giant bowl and tossed the dressing on top.
So good.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Week 4 weigh in
On the plus side, I stayed in my points on 5 out of the 7 days! This is a marked improvement which leads me to think that I might aim for 6 days this next week.
On the down side, the days I went over, I really went over. I went out to eat at this amazing place called Cool Water Fusion - the foodie inside me was doing the happy food dance for days after. Its probably some of the best food that I've had in almost 8 months. Needless to say I didn't worry so much about how many calories I was ingesting as I did about the amazing flavors dancing in my mouth. The real killer, though, was probably the 20 or so mint cookies I consumed following the meal. I get into the mind set of "Oh well, I've already blown it, I might as well go all the way!" Not the best attitude for optimal weight loss. The meal itself probably wasn't so bad, but the cookies definitely were.
After that night, I had trouble getting back on the horse, so I went over the next day as well. Grrr.
Despite these two massive overages, I managed to lose weight this week. Which, ironically, was even more frustrating. I want there to be a rhyme and reason for weight loss and weight gain. If I do "x", I will lose "y" pounds. According to my formula, I did "z", so I should have GAINED "w" pounds. The fact that this did not happen is actually quite depressing. I feel like I have no control over this process at all.
Weight Watchers always says that you need a reward when you reach a goal. They also say it should not be food, but lets face it. There is a reason I'm in the condition I'm in. I LOVE food. I'm thinking I will give myself the reward of eating out at Cool Water Fusion once I reach my 180 pound goal. This might keep me motivated to stay in my points ALL week. Fingers crossed.
I think I'm heading to the fair this afternoon. I'll be bringing my own snacks as a deep fried corndog would probably NOT help me reach my goal of getting to go to Cool Water Fusion anytime soon :)
Old Weight: 191.2 pounds
New Weight: 189.2 pounds
Loss: -2 pounds
Total loss: -1.3 pounds
Current Goal: 180 pounds
Weight left to lose to current goal: 9.2 pounds
On the down side, the days I went over, I really went over. I went out to eat at this amazing place called Cool Water Fusion - the foodie inside me was doing the happy food dance for days after. Its probably some of the best food that I've had in almost 8 months. Needless to say I didn't worry so much about how many calories I was ingesting as I did about the amazing flavors dancing in my mouth. The real killer, though, was probably the 20 or so mint cookies I consumed following the meal. I get into the mind set of "Oh well, I've already blown it, I might as well go all the way!" Not the best attitude for optimal weight loss. The meal itself probably wasn't so bad, but the cookies definitely were.
After that night, I had trouble getting back on the horse, so I went over the next day as well. Grrr.
Despite these two massive overages, I managed to lose weight this week. Which, ironically, was even more frustrating. I want there to be a rhyme and reason for weight loss and weight gain. If I do "x", I will lose "y" pounds. According to my formula, I did "z", so I should have GAINED "w" pounds. The fact that this did not happen is actually quite depressing. I feel like I have no control over this process at all.
Weight Watchers always says that you need a reward when you reach a goal. They also say it should not be food, but lets face it. There is a reason I'm in the condition I'm in. I LOVE food. I'm thinking I will give myself the reward of eating out at Cool Water Fusion once I reach my 180 pound goal. This might keep me motivated to stay in my points ALL week. Fingers crossed.
I think I'm heading to the fair this afternoon. I'll be bringing my own snacks as a deep fried corndog would probably NOT help me reach my goal of getting to go to Cool Water Fusion anytime soon :)
Old Weight: 191.2 pounds
New Weight: 189.2 pounds
Loss: -2 pounds
Total loss: -1.3 pounds
Current Goal: 180 pounds
Weight left to lose to current goal: 9.2 pounds
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Week 3 weigh in
To say that I got off track this week would be like saying that my daughter effortlessly transitioned from diapers to undies (we've been working on it for two years and she still won't go in the potty regularly - we must be doing something wrong). Sure, we can focus on the things I did wrong: I didn't track my points everyday. I ate out a bunch. I snacked without tracking. Blah. Blah. Blah. Blah. We could focus on all that stuff, but no one ever climbed a mountain by being negative. At least I don't think they did. It seams to me to be the sort of sport where positivity would be important - otherwise you'd turn around as soon as you started to get winded. Yes, I am digressing. On purpose.
Lets focus on what I did right. I "weighed in" this morning. Do you have any idea how difficult that is when you know that you have gained weight? I briefly entertained the option of never stepping on a scale again, deleting this blog, and hiding in a hole for the rest of my life. Who are we kidding - no one lost weight doing that. I tracked my points...sometimes. Yea me.
OK, here goes.
Last week: 188.3 pounds
This week: 191.2 pounds
Gain: 2.9 pounds
That sucks. I wonder if that is ever going to work. If I'm ever going to get rid of this belly. The problem is, I don't know what else to try.
Lets focus on what I did right. I "weighed in" this morning. Do you have any idea how difficult that is when you know that you have gained weight? I briefly entertained the option of never stepping on a scale again, deleting this blog, and hiding in a hole for the rest of my life. Who are we kidding - no one lost weight doing that. I tracked my points...sometimes. Yea me.
OK, here goes.
Last week: 188.3 pounds
This week: 191.2 pounds
Gain: 2.9 pounds
That sucks. I wonder if that is ever going to work. If I'm ever going to get rid of this belly. The problem is, I don't know what else to try.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Week 2 weigh in
Well...I did better this week. I swear there were at least two days that I stayed within my points. Maybe even three. Not great. I know. But better.
I did start to exercise this week. Adam, Ilya, and I have been walking to the park about a half a mile from our house after dinner. Then, while Ilya and Adam play on the playground, I've been running and walking (mostly walking) around the half mile park. Its really nice to have some alone time where I can just listen to my music and focus on me. Plus, I love the way I feel when I am done. Hopefully, my shin splints and sore ankle won't get much worse so that I can continue this ritual.
I did track all my food, and - surprise - I went over my points every day that I ate out. Guess I should eat out less :( I'm also thinking that a sugar detox is in my future....but I'll worry about that later.
Last week: 188.4 pounds
This week: 188.3 pounds
Week's loss: -0.1 pounds
Total loss: -2.2 pounds
So, its not exactly a stellar loss, but I'll take it considering I literally ate my weight in pizza yesterday plus it was my dad's birthday so I might have had a slice of pie. Or two. Who's counting? Back on track today, and next week is going to be grand!
I did start to exercise this week. Adam, Ilya, and I have been walking to the park about a half a mile from our house after dinner. Then, while Ilya and Adam play on the playground, I've been running and walking (mostly walking) around the half mile park. Its really nice to have some alone time where I can just listen to my music and focus on me. Plus, I love the way I feel when I am done. Hopefully, my shin splints and sore ankle won't get much worse so that I can continue this ritual.
I did track all my food, and - surprise - I went over my points every day that I ate out. Guess I should eat out less :( I'm also thinking that a sugar detox is in my future....but I'll worry about that later.
Last week: 188.4 pounds
This week: 188.3 pounds
Week's loss: -0.1 pounds
Total loss: -2.2 pounds
So, its not exactly a stellar loss, but I'll take it considering I literally ate my weight in pizza yesterday plus it was my dad's birthday so I might have had a slice of pie. Or two. Who's counting? Back on track today, and next week is going to be grand!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Week 1 weigh in
To say that this week was difficult would be an understatement. I managed to go over my points EVERY SINGLE DAY! Every single day. Even the first day. Needless to say, I'm not feeling very optimistic about this weigh-in. I was actually feeling pretty down about the whole thing until I talked to my saint (otherwise known as Adam, my husband) who pointed out that it is impossible to simple change all of my habits overnight. Its OK that I am going over points because at least I'm trying to do something different. I love that guy. And he's right.
While trying to motivate myself, I found an app for my android phone called wwdiary. Its awesome and free (although I recommend donating if you find it as useful as I do). It has been wonderful at helping me track my food and activity points.
Here are the numbers:
Last weeks weight: 190.5 pounds
This weeks weight: 188.4 pounds
Difference: -2.1 pounds
Yea...Except that I might have weighed myself with all my clothes on at the end of the day last week. And, I might have weighted myself at the beginning of the day in my PJs this week...I might have...
Regardless, the point remains that I lost 2.1 pounds! Yea me! I'm only 8.4 pounds away from my 180 pound goal.
While trying to motivate myself, I found an app for my android phone called wwdiary. Its awesome and free (although I recommend donating if you find it as useful as I do). It has been wonderful at helping me track my food and activity points.
Here are the numbers:
Last weeks weight: 190.5 pounds
This weeks weight: 188.4 pounds
Difference: -2.1 pounds
Yea...Except that I might have weighed myself with all my clothes on at the end of the day last week. And, I might have weighted myself at the beginning of the day in my PJs this week...I might have...
Regardless, the point remains that I lost 2.1 pounds! Yea me! I'm only 8.4 pounds away from my 180 pound goal.
Friday, August 20, 2010
food for today
coffee x 2 = 0
apple = 1
strawberry crepes = 10
french toast = 7
crackers and cheese = 6
cereal = 6
chocolate chips = 4
quinoa salad = 5
popcorn = 4
total: 43 points
Not my best day
apple = 1
strawberry crepes = 10
french toast = 7
crackers and cheese = 6
cereal = 6
chocolate chips = 4
quinoa salad = 5
popcorn = 4
total: 43 points
Not my best day
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Food for today
Coffee x 3 = 0 points
goldfish = 2 points
yogurt + strawberries = 1 point
raspberries = 1 points
tuna salad = 10 points
sweet potato fries = 2 points
peanut butter cups = 9 points
cereal = 4 points
total = 29 points
goldfish = 2 points
yogurt + strawberries = 1 point
raspberries = 1 points
tuna salad = 10 points
sweet potato fries = 2 points
peanut butter cups = 9 points
cereal = 4 points
total = 29 points
A New Start
I returned from my journey around the world only to discover 20 extra pounds that I don't remember bringing with me. Ignoring the problem does not seem to be making it go away so I am prepared to try more drastic measures: Weight Watchers.
Just writing those words makes me want to cry. The memory of counting points and weighing and measuring every bite I take sends a shudder up my spine - BUT - I do believe that it is an effective way of losing weight. If you stick with it. And don't lose faith. Easy to say at the beginning.
My husband thinks that eating vegan is healthy - SO, because I like a challenge - I will be starting weight watchers and going vegan all at the same time. yea...
I will be chronicling my daily food intake here (boring, I know).
Starting Weight: 190.5 pounds
First goal: 180 pounds
Final goal: 145 pounds
Today's Food:
Coffee x 5 (don't judge) with cream: 5 points
big bagel with cream cheese: 12 points
small bagel with cream cheese: 8 points
crackers with cheese: 5 points
goldfish crackers: 4 points
potato and broccoli salad: 6 points
2 homemade peanut butter cups: 8 points
Total points: 48 points!!!
Obviously, I didn't decide to do this "lifestyle" change until AFTER dinner and the two peanut butter cups. Its a starting point. I'm giving myself a pass for today but I am going to make my week Wednesday to Wednesday.
Just writing those words makes me want to cry. The memory of counting points and weighing and measuring every bite I take sends a shudder up my spine - BUT - I do believe that it is an effective way of losing weight. If you stick with it. And don't lose faith. Easy to say at the beginning.
My husband thinks that eating vegan is healthy - SO, because I like a challenge - I will be starting weight watchers and going vegan all at the same time. yea...
I will be chronicling my daily food intake here (boring, I know).
Starting Weight: 190.5 pounds
First goal: 180 pounds
Final goal: 145 pounds
Today's Food:
Coffee x 5 (don't judge) with cream: 5 points
big bagel with cream cheese: 12 points
small bagel with cream cheese: 8 points
crackers with cheese: 5 points
goldfish crackers: 4 points
potato and broccoli salad: 6 points
2 homemade peanut butter cups: 8 points
Total points: 48 points!!!
Obviously, I didn't decide to do this "lifestyle" change until AFTER dinner and the two peanut butter cups. Its a starting point. I'm giving myself a pass for today but I am going to make my week Wednesday to Wednesday.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Vegan and Lovin' It
I must say, aside for a few days of absolutely CRAVING meat, I am quite happy with my new diet. I weighed myself this morning and ...
Beginning Weight: 177
Current Weight: 173.8
That's -3.2 pounds. Go me.
By far, the most difficult part has been to give up sugar, and - to be completely honest - I haven't been very good about it. I have, however, completely cut out all food that are primarily sugar (cookies, cake, candy...) which was incredibility difficult, but every day it get easier.
My next step is to cut out all foods that have sugar in them. Oh God, I just know I'm going to turn into one of those annoying dinner guests who asks about all the ingredients in every dish - luckily I'm not getting very many dinner invitations these days (or not so lucky depending on your point of view).
To survive this transition period of no sugar, I am allowing myself to eat whatever else I want (as long as it is within my vegan guidelines). Even if I'm full. Just to satisfy that sugar craving. I think its working, but I'll keep you updated.
I've been cooking the most delicious vegan recipes in the world from a cookbook called "The conscious chef" which I got as a Christmas present. Adam wants me to take pictures and post them on my blog, but that really does seam like a lot of work. Maybe if I'm feeling REALLY motivated. The recipes take FOREVER to make (at least compared to my normal 15 minutes or less rule), but they are so so worth it. For the first time in my life, I am looking forward to leftovers. I can't wait to cook for my friends in Germany - although I am a little worried about being able to find the ingredients that I need.
Beginning Weight: 177
Current Weight: 173.8
That's -3.2 pounds. Go me.
By far, the most difficult part has been to give up sugar, and - to be completely honest - I haven't been very good about it. I have, however, completely cut out all food that are primarily sugar (cookies, cake, candy...) which was incredibility difficult, but every day it get easier.
My next step is to cut out all foods that have sugar in them. Oh God, I just know I'm going to turn into one of those annoying dinner guests who asks about all the ingredients in every dish - luckily I'm not getting very many dinner invitations these days (or not so lucky depending on your point of view).
To survive this transition period of no sugar, I am allowing myself to eat whatever else I want (as long as it is within my vegan guidelines). Even if I'm full. Just to satisfy that sugar craving. I think its working, but I'll keep you updated.
I've been cooking the most delicious vegan recipes in the world from a cookbook called "The conscious chef" which I got as a Christmas present. Adam wants me to take pictures and post them on my blog, but that really does seam like a lot of work. Maybe if I'm feeling REALLY motivated. The recipes take FOREVER to make (at least compared to my normal 15 minutes or less rule), but they are so so worth it. For the first time in my life, I am looking forward to leftovers. I can't wait to cook for my friends in Germany - although I am a little worried about being able to find the ingredients that I need.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Its the Little Things
When I was in 12th grade, I took part in a "Far Eastern Thought Class." The purpose of this class was to explore eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Hinduism. I had a wonderful teacher who believed in the value of "doing" over "reading," so one day, he challenged all his students (all 7 of us) to take a vow of silence for the entire day.
I was determined to remain silent the entire day. My friends mocked me and offered me great treasures if I would just say one tiny word, yet I remained silent. My other teachers rolled their eyes at me and demanded that I speak, yet I remained silent. My siblings taunted me and withheld treates unless I asked for them, yet I remained silent. I remained silent the entire day except for one moment: I quickly walked through a door and accidentally knocked over a younger student. "Oh, I'm so sorry," I said without thinking.
My point is, if I decide to do something, I will pursue that goal to the ends of the earth, but it is the little things that are so ingrained in me that mess me up.
You are probably wondering why I am ranting about my high school days in the midst of my vegan experiment. I have been so good about not eating any meat or dairy until the plane ride home today. The flight attendant asked what I wanted to drink, and without even thinking about it I asked for coffee with cream and sugar. CREAM and sugar! I didn't realize my mistake until after I had drunk the entire cup. Oh well. At least I didn't eat the cheese crackers. Go me!
I was determined to remain silent the entire day. My friends mocked me and offered me great treasures if I would just say one tiny word, yet I remained silent. My other teachers rolled their eyes at me and demanded that I speak, yet I remained silent. My siblings taunted me and withheld treates unless I asked for them, yet I remained silent. I remained silent the entire day except for one moment: I quickly walked through a door and accidentally knocked over a younger student. "Oh, I'm so sorry," I said without thinking.
My point is, if I decide to do something, I will pursue that goal to the ends of the earth, but it is the little things that are so ingrained in me that mess me up.
You are probably wondering why I am ranting about my high school days in the midst of my vegan experiment. I have been so good about not eating any meat or dairy until the plane ride home today. The flight attendant asked what I wanted to drink, and without even thinking about it I asked for coffee with cream and sugar. CREAM and sugar! I didn't realize my mistake until after I had drunk the entire cup. Oh well. At least I didn't eat the cheese crackers. Go me!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
going vegan
I am now on day 3 of veganism (I'm not sure that that is a word, but if it isn't, it should be), and it is going great. Giving up meat and dairy is not hard at all for me. I was basically doing that anyway living with Adam. The sugar has been a little more tough, although I have been cutting down the amount of sugar I eat daily. Today, I had one piece of chocolate and half a cup of chocolate soy ice cream. Not too bad for someone who would rather eat sugar than anything else in the world.
I started reading a cookbook called "The Kind Diet" while visiting with the family and discovered that it is exactly what I am doing. I need to get my hands on a copy as I hop on a plane tomorrow and have only read a few pages of the book.
I started reading a cookbook called "The Kind Diet" while visiting with the family and discovered that it is exactly what I am doing. I need to get my hands on a copy as I hop on a plane tomorrow and have only read a few pages of the book.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Trying a new approach
It is time for me to admit defeat. I am not in a place where I am capable of following the Weight Watchers plan. No matter how I try it, I always end up feeling deprived in some way (which I know is not supposed to happen). I HATE counting points and fretting about every choice. I'll be really good for a few days then go way overboard and eat everything in sight. It will then take me weeks of overeating before I try to be good again because I know that I am going to be depriving myself.
This is NOT working for me.
So, I am trying a new approach. After watching several documentaries including "food inc" most recently, I have decided to become a vegan...sort of. I have always been concerned about the impact eating animals has on our planet, and I used to be a vegetarian for this very reason. The only reason I started eating meat again was because my body was craving it during my pregnancy. I am no longer pregnant, and I don't even like meat that much, so no more meat. Except fish. But only fish that has been harvested in a sustainable manner. Adam doesn't eat dairy so giving up dairy is not really a big deal for me. Eggs, on the other hand, are a necessity in our family. I am committed to buying only organic free range eggs so I'm OK with this choice.
To sum up: I am giving up all meat except sustainable seafood and all animal products except eggs...and honey. I am also going to try to give up sugar (AGGGG). I eat WAY too much sugar and this is probably the root cause of my weight issues at present.
I am going to try this for one month and reevaluate. If at the end of a month, I like the changes that I'm feeling, I will continue. If I don't, I won't. I am starting now, but I will probably reevaluate at the end of January just because it is easier.
Day 1: December 29th, 2009
Weight: 177.2
I just weighed my self for the first time in over a month, and I can't believe how much I've gained! This is a new beginning. I don't really have much of a choice - I've got to do something.
This is NOT working for me.
So, I am trying a new approach. After watching several documentaries including "food inc" most recently, I have decided to become a vegan...sort of. I have always been concerned about the impact eating animals has on our planet, and I used to be a vegetarian for this very reason. The only reason I started eating meat again was because my body was craving it during my pregnancy. I am no longer pregnant, and I don't even like meat that much, so no more meat. Except fish. But only fish that has been harvested in a sustainable manner. Adam doesn't eat dairy so giving up dairy is not really a big deal for me. Eggs, on the other hand, are a necessity in our family. I am committed to buying only organic free range eggs so I'm OK with this choice.
To sum up: I am giving up all meat except sustainable seafood and all animal products except eggs...and honey. I am also going to try to give up sugar (AGGGG). I eat WAY too much sugar and this is probably the root cause of my weight issues at present.
I am going to try this for one month and reevaluate. If at the end of a month, I like the changes that I'm feeling, I will continue. If I don't, I won't. I am starting now, but I will probably reevaluate at the end of January just because it is easier.
Day 1: December 29th, 2009
Weight: 177.2
I just weighed my self for the first time in over a month, and I can't believe how much I've gained! This is a new beginning. I don't really have much of a choice - I've got to do something.
Friday, October 30, 2009
uninspired
I have got to be the most uninspiring weight loss buddy ever! I feel like I'm on a rowboat on the ocean - I get really excited and inspired to follow weight watchers by the letter and plan ahead and count everything I eat - then I jump to the other end of the spectrum and decide to eat everything in sight because "screw it, it doesn't matter!"
The good news is, you can apparently do this and maintain your weight. Yea.
The bad news is, I end up feeling guilty or disappointed the entire time. Guilty when I overeat, and disappointed when I'm not losing the weight I want.
I drug myself to a meeting today after being off the wagon for the past two weeks and I still haven't had the courage to look at the number. The receptionist was very professional and didn't give anything away, but you can't be off the wagon for two weeks without some sort of gain.
I think I'm going to write up motivational messages and post them around the house. Maybe I can stay on top of the wave for a while.
The good news is, you can apparently do this and maintain your weight. Yea.
The bad news is, I end up feeling guilty or disappointed the entire time. Guilty when I overeat, and disappointed when I'm not losing the weight I want.
I drug myself to a meeting today after being off the wagon for the past two weeks and I still haven't had the courage to look at the number. The receptionist was very professional and didn't give anything away, but you can't be off the wagon for two weeks without some sort of gain.
I think I'm going to write up motivational messages and post them around the house. Maybe I can stay on top of the wave for a while.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Week Reset
Two weeks ago, I sat down with my husband and told him all of my frustrations with this weight loss journey. I felt like no matter what I did, I couldn't stay within my points. Every week, I was going over my points and my lack of weight loss was reflecting that. He helped me realize that I am successful when I am saving my points up for the weekend, rather than eating them on the weekend and trying to live off of my remaining points for the week. The difference is small but important. When I am saving my points up, I don't feel deprived because I know that I have the points there if I need them. When I begin my week on Friday, I tend to eat all my points over the weekend and feel worried that I am not going to have enough food for the rest of the week.
I know it sounds a little silly, but weight loss really is a mind game. So, I now begin my week on Mondays and I have been doing so much better. I haven't gone over points once since I switched over. :)
As I mentioned in my last post, we went a little crazy with the grocery budget earlier this month. To make up for this, I've decided to see if its possible to eat nothing but rice, beans, and $10 worth of other food items for an entire week.
I went to Fred Meyer last night and bought about 1.5 pounds each of organic black beans ($1.27/lb), organic pinto beans ($1.49/lb) and white beans ($1.49). I love buying food in bulk. You save money and packaging. We have plenty of rice in our pantry so I didn't need to buy any more.
Tonight I plan on making a chili served over rice. Using a can of stewed tomatoes ($0.97), a little bit of each bean, and lots of spices, this chili should be really low points (I haven't calculated the exact number yet). I'm also going to throw in some green chili and left over corn and let it cook in the crock pot all afternoon. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Tomorrow, I'm thinking bean burritos, and bean salad on Friday. If my family hasn't completely rebelled over all the rice and bean eating, I'll try to think of some more creative recipes by this weekend.
UPDATE: The chili did not turn out as planned. Whoever let me into a kitchen without a solid recipe in my hand was nuts. I blame my husband. Apparently, a little of this and a little of that produces a big pot of what appears to be bean soup without the flavor. Sigh.
Furthermore, if anyone asks, I did NOT almost burn the kitchen down. But we will have to buy a new pot.
Monday, October 12, 2009
oopsie
OK, so I disappeared for a while - sorry about that. I won't do it again...I promise. I have a new weight loss/exercise buddy. He is one of my very best friends and just knowing that he is reading this helps keep me motivated and honest :)
Not much happened in the time I was away. First I lost .8 pounds (yea), then I stayed the same (boo), but I'm not giving up.
We went a little crazy spending money this month. We have a $75 a week budget for groceries which I tend to think of as a $300 a month budget. Pretty much the same thing, expect when I think of it in monthly terms we tend to buy a lot of groceries at the beginning of the month and have nothing at the end of the month. I know what you are thinking: $75 a week is a lot to spend on groceries, and it is, until you realize what we spend that money on. My husband and I are committed to feeding ourselves and our daughter wholesome, unprocessed, organic food. Now you see why $75 a week is not so much. Some people could spend more than that on organic apples in a week.
We are part of "community supported agriculture" from a local, organic farm in our area. Every two weeks we receive a box of local, organic veggies. Each box sets up back $40, so that's $80 a month gone. Then there is the egg issue. Our daughter eats about 6 eggs every day, and because we are committed to organic food and each dozen eggs costs $4, that can add up really quickly.
Anyway, I digress. My point is that I have to be very careful with my budgeting in order to buy all these organic veggies and still have money left for things like protein and carbs :)
One thing I've discovered is incredibly helpful is planing out my meals for the week. One of my favorite little weight watchers sayings is: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Its catchy, cute, and true. When I plan my meals for the week not only to I spend less money, but I eat more at home, and eat healthier.
Not much happened in the time I was away. First I lost .8 pounds (yea), then I stayed the same (boo), but I'm not giving up.
We went a little crazy spending money this month. We have a $75 a week budget for groceries which I tend to think of as a $300 a month budget. Pretty much the same thing, expect when I think of it in monthly terms we tend to buy a lot of groceries at the beginning of the month and have nothing at the end of the month. I know what you are thinking: $75 a week is a lot to spend on groceries, and it is, until you realize what we spend that money on. My husband and I are committed to feeding ourselves and our daughter wholesome, unprocessed, organic food. Now you see why $75 a week is not so much. Some people could spend more than that on organic apples in a week.
We are part of "community supported agriculture" from a local, organic farm in our area. Every two weeks we receive a box of local, organic veggies. Each box sets up back $40, so that's $80 a month gone. Then there is the egg issue. Our daughter eats about 6 eggs every day, and because we are committed to organic food and each dozen eggs costs $4, that can add up really quickly.
Anyway, I digress. My point is that I have to be very careful with my budgeting in order to buy all these organic veggies and still have money left for things like protein and carbs :)
One thing I've discovered is incredibly helpful is planing out my meals for the week. One of my favorite little weight watchers sayings is: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Its catchy, cute, and true. When I plan my meals for the week not only to I spend less money, but I eat more at home, and eat healthier.
Friday, September 25, 2009
I don't know if I can do this
I am tired.
I am tired of watching everything that goes into my mouth, and writing it down (which I usually don't do) and counting the points (which I've been doing even less). I am tired of feeling guilty every time I leave a restaurant because I find it impossible to count exactly how many points I've eaten, and if I try, I spend my entire (previously enjoyable) meal doing mental math.
I want this to be easier. I want to just agree to go to these meetings every week and lose weight. Sounds like a fair deal to me. I'm paying my money. I'm going to the meetings. Its everything else that I'm having a hard time with.
I just want to quit!
Then think about how awful it feels to be overweight - the health problems, the low self-esteem, the lace of energy - and realize that I don't really have a choice. As much as I hate counting every calorie that I consume, I hate feeling fat even more.
So, I will go to weigh-in today - even though it is not going to be pretty - and I will vow once again to start over.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday's Weigh-In
Aye, yesterday's weigh-in number is a little misleadin'. Sometimes I think about weight loss like a bankin' system. You can make deposits towards future weight loss and withdraws against future weight loss.
Let me explain: If I have a verily bad week, but lose weight anyway, Me think o' it as a withdraw. I'm fairly certain that the followin' week will be not as successful. It works the other way as well.
I weigh in on Friday's at 12:15, and bein' the neurotic person that I am, I ne'er eat lunch before I go t' Ww because I don't want that weight added t' my mighty. Yesterday, I ate lunch before I went. I call this a deposit.
I didn't gain or lose anythin' this week, but...I made a deposit for next week.
Aye, me parrot concurs.
Let me explain: If I have a verily bad week, but lose weight anyway, Me think o' it as a withdraw. I'm fairly certain that the followin' week will be not as successful. It works the other way as well.
I weigh in on Friday's at 12:15, and bein' the neurotic person that I am, I ne'er eat lunch before I go t' Ww because I don't want that weight added t' my mighty. Yesterday, I ate lunch before I went. I call this a deposit.
I didn't gain or lose anythin' this week, but...I made a deposit for next week.
Aye, me parrot concurs.
PS. Today is talk like a pirate day, in case you didn't notice :)
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