Fat Girl Thin Girl Fit Girl

Sore Sore Sore

2009-12-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

My right calf muscle has been hurting all day. Not badly, but bad enough that I am noticeably favoring it while I walk. I had an insane day at work today, so I didn't have any time to think about it. After work today I dutifully headed to the gym for my scheduled 60 minutes of cardio cross training, and after about 2 minutes on the step mill I knew something wasn't right. This pain felt like more then just soreness. I wavered for a few minutes and then gave in, I collected my things and headed home. I know I did the right thing, and resting my strained muscle is the best thing I could do for myself right now, but I can't help but feel naughty for skipping my workout.

On the plus side, I did avoid the chocolate chip cookies and brownies a coworker brought in to work, stuck to my food plan and I am about to go meet up with friends for pup trivia... my favorite night of the week!!!

Breakfast:

Banana Oatmeal - 3 points

Lunch:

Veggies - 0 points

Sandwich - 2 points

Snack:

Apple - 1 point

Dinner:

Leftover chili - 4 points

Spaghetti Squash - 1.5 points

Cauliflower- 0 points

Dessert:

Sipping hot chocolate right now - 1 point

I saved points to have a beer or two at pup trivia, and I will use whatever leftover points I have when I get back.

Total Points Used (so far) - 12.5

Ap's earned - 0 :(

I'll feel that tomorrow!

2009-12-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

I did not want to go to my team in training work out tonight. I was tired and cranky, and just didn't want to go, but I went, pushed myself really hard, and now aside from the crampy feeling in my calf, I feel great. Tonight we sprinted 10 1/4 mile laps with 1 minute of rest in between each lap. We were supposed to work to keep our la time the same for all 10 laps, and I did pretty well, my lap times varied between 1:46 and 1:52, but I think I pushed myself a little too hard... I'm sure I will be feeling it tomorrow.

Today was another good food day. I stuck to my plan and made a yummy dinner even though I felt too tired to stand up after my workout. Being busy at work really helps keep my mind of the holiday goodies!

Breakfast:

Yogurt, kashi go lean cereal, and a tsp of sliced almonds and a tsp of dried cranberries - 3 points

Lunch:

Veggie Burger - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Clementines - 1 point

Kashi bar on my way to training - 2 points

Dinner:

Ground turkey with diced onion, and water chestnuts, garlic, ginger, cilantro hoisin sauce and spices - 6 points (think chinese lettuce wraps)

1 cup white rice - 4 points

Broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

Hot chocolate - 1 point

2 points of ice cream

Total points used 21

Total AP's earned 3

I was abducted by aliens!

2009-12-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

I’m sorry for the lack of posting over the weekend, I had every intention of doing so, but I got so caught up in family and friends and fun I just forgot about it. I did pretty well over the weekend, enjoying myself without overdoing it, and getting in lots of exercise. I came home on Saturday afternoon and have been more or less out of control since then. I have no idea why or how to explain it to you or myself, but I got home on Saturday to an empty house and found about 1/4 of a leftover pumpkin cheesecake in the fridge. Without getting too graphic, lets just say that cheesecake and I had a nice quiet evening alone together.

Sunday I woke up determined to make a fresh start. I went for a hike, had a healthy breakfast and lunch and then things spiraled out of control. I had chips, candy, beer and it embarrasses me to even remember this, but I found myself at the fridge eating chocolate fudge sauce out of a jar with a spoon. *blush* Monday, I woke up with new resolve, packed myself a healthy lunch, and I totally had a plan. I got to work and found a HUGE basket of Mrs. Fields cookies in the kitchen, a gift from a vendor. I held out for a total of 30 minutes and then jumped in with both feet. I lost count by the end of the day, but I would say I ate somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 – 8 cookies and a few pieces of fudge. When I got home, instead of making a sensible dinner like a good weight watcher, I let Tom talk me into making his favorite pasta, penne with Italian sausage in a vodka cream sauce with garlic bread… all topped off with an its it for dessert *double blush*

Today I am 100% back to normal. I woke up, packed my lunch, and didn’t even think twice about the cookies and boxes of chocolates in the kitchen. I drank a lot of water, went to the gym after work, made a healthy dinner and even had a few points to spare for dessert. It was almost like the last 3 days never happened. The only logical conclusion I can come to is I was abducted by aliens and they were controlling my body. But seriously, things have been a little tense at home over the past few days, and I switched to a new kind of birth control so my hormones have been a little out of whack. I am not going to dwell too much on it, forgive myself and move on. I am going to remember this experience as the Holiday food gifts trickle into the office. I have no business indulging in mediocre cookies and chocolates, they are just not worth the calories and the heartache they cause.

Breakfast:

Yogurt and Cereal – 2 points

Lunch:

Veggies – 0 points

Progresso Light soup – 2.5 points

Snack:

2 Clementines – 1 point

a very small handful of caramel corn - 2.5 points

Dinner:

Turkey Chili - 10 points

broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

Hot chocolate - 1 point

Pumpkin ice cream - 2 points

Total points used 21

Total AP's earned 4

Here is to another good day tomorrow!

Smarty Pants

2009-11-24T22:09:00.000-08:00

I woke up super hungry this morning, surprise surprise, I did 60 minutes of cardio at the gym last night and then didn’t eat all my points, what did I think was going to happen… smarty pants.

Today was an average day, work was pretty slow because it is a Holiday week, so that left me with plenty of time to dream about the chocolate basket. I even perused the candy available a few times, but didn’t find anything worth the points. It will all be there tomorrow if I really do want it. I decided to treat myself to sushi out with the girls today, I brought my lunch, but sometimes a veggie burger just isn’t gonna cut it. It was fun, and super yummy, it has been a while since I had sushi and I forgot how much I love it. But at then end of the meal, the check came and I remembered why I don’t go out to lunch very often, the sushi was fantastic, but $18 for one person for lunch seems a little excessive.

Tonight was my second TNT track workout, and I had no interest in going, but I have not missed a workout yet, and I’m not about to start now. I went, I ran, I froze my booty off, and I’m glad I did, I always feel better after a workout. Tonight we ran 2 miles to warm up, then did a 2 mile timed run and lots of core work. My 2 mile time was 18:45, I can't wait to do it again in a few months and see how far I have come!

Breakfast:

Yogurt and Puffins – 2 points

Snack:

Apple – 1 point

Lunch:
Miso soup – 2 points
Vegetarian dragon roll – 6 points

Dinner:
Low calorie thai curry shrimp wrap – 10 points

Total Points Used 21

Total AP's earned 3

The good with the bad

2009-11-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

I did pretty well all weekend, I had a plan, I was focused and I stuck to the program, but last night I totally fell off the wagon. After surviving shopping for bridesmaid dresses, and lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, I totally blew it at the party at out house. I just plain ate too much, for no reason at all (the food really wasn’t that good), I just didn’t even try to moderate myself and ended up eating WAY to much and feeling like crap. At the end of the night I had a headache and a killer tummy ache. I just hope I can remember that feeling and avoid it going into the thanksgiving weekend. I tried to point everything I ate, and came up with an estimate of 60 points but I really wasn’t keeping track of what I was eating. I think my estimates are high, so hopefully that makes up for the things I am forgetting. I think I came out pretty close, but slightly over my flex points and my ap’s which I NEVER use. I’m sure I will have a gain tomorrow, but the damage wont be permanent if I get RIGHT back on track, and really stay focused over thanksgiving. I am not so worried about the Thanksgiving meal itself, that only happens once a year, I plan on using portion control and moderation, but allowing myself to enjoy everything. But I am worried about Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With all those leftovers around it is soooo easy to find myself back at the fridge over and over again.

Today I didn’t feel much like eating until about 3 pm.

Breakfast:

1 cup grapes around 10am – 1 point

Lunch:
Progresso light southwestern veggie soup – 1.5 points

Snack:

Carrots/bell pepper – 0 points

½ cup plain yogurt & puffins - 2 points

A few more grapes - 1 point. Grapes are now on my do not buy list. I can't be trusted to eat just one cup, they are so sweet and yummy I can't seem to moderate myself!

Dinner:

spaghetti squash with a "meat" sauce and parmesan cheese - 4.5 I have been meaning to try spaghetti squash for pasta replacement for a while now... it was a little strange, but yummy, WAY less points then a much smaller serving of pasta.
Broccoli – 0 points

Dessert:

2 servings ice cream – 4 point

Total Points Used – 14
Total AP’s earned – 4

I know this is FAR too few points, but I am not limiting myself, I just have little interest in eating! I will be back to normal tomorrow.

Del 1, banana bread 0

2009-11-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made 2 kinds of cookie dough, mini cupcakes, carrot pecan bread, and chocolate chip banana bread for a party we are having on Sunday. I was doing so many things at once, I forgot to put the baking powder in the banana bread, the bread therefore came out of the oven like a brick. It was nothing I would ever serve at a party... and while deciding what to do with it, more out of curiosity then anything else I tried a slice. Now, it was dense, but still warm and bananaey, with mini chocolate chips... I instantly knew I was in trouble. I stood there looking at the brick like loaf of bread for a few minutes and I could see my evening stretching out in front of me. I would have a piece and then another... I would put it away then go back for another, then maybe once or twice more before bed, and I would end up with a sugar headache and pissed off at myself. I decided to take control of the situation, and threw the whole loaf in the sink and stuffed it down the garbage disposal. I fought the banana bread and won!!!!

Breakfast:

Fruit salad - 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Apple - 1 point

Pineapple - 1 point

Dinner:

Pulled pork sandwich - 8 points

Cauliflower - 0 points

Coleslaw - 0 points

a few bites of cookie dough - 2 points

banana bread and 1/2 of a mini cupcake - 5 points

Total points used: 21

A day off from working out today.

so sore!

2009-11-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

Man my abs are sore today, and I love it! Today was an ok day, but I am a little disappointed with myself for using a few flex points just a few minutes ago on some CRACKers I didn't even really want. Oh well, no big deal... I did manage to have only one beer at pub trivia, that is a success for sure!

Breakfast:

oatmeal and fruit - 3 points

Lunch:

Today's catered lunch was a challenge, they served potato salad, corn bread, pork ribs, pork sausages, bbq chicken, grilled veggies, baked beans and apple pie. I ate a about 2 oz of chicken breast with bbq sauce - 3 points, veggies that had olive oil on them for sure - 2 points, and about 1/2 cup baked beans - 5 points

Snack:

fiber one yogurt, and about 10 puffins - 1 point

Dinner:

veggie burger with lettuce, mustard, and relish on a sandwich thin - 3 points

raw carrots/cucumber/bell pepper - 0 points

Beer - 3 points

Dessert:

crackers - 3 points

1 cup pineapple - 1 point

Total points used 24 :(

Total aps earned 3 :)

14 hours of meetings down... 7 to go!

2009-11-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight was my first official Team in Training track workout. We did some running, then a LOT of core work which is great, because I totally slack on that kind of thing on my own. The workouts are great, and the training is great, I have already learned a lot, but I am having a hard time finding my niche with the group. The team is a little cliquy with a lot of last seasons team back again, they already know each other and are not easy to talk to. Most of the new team mates joined with a friend, so I am feeling a little lonely out there. I know as I get to know people it will get easier, and I need to get over my social awkwardness and just start chatting with people, but I am not naturally god at that. I need to change me attitude, and see this as an opportunity to work on my group social skills, and feel more comfortable just putting myself out there.

Breakfast:

Same as yesterday, oatmeal and fruit - 3 points

Lunch:

approximately 3 oz chicken breast - 3 points

catchatorie sauce on the chicken - 3 points (total estimate, but I feel like I am probably rounding up)

Salad no cheese, didn't eat the croutons, no dressing - 0 points

2 bites of penne pasta -1 point (it wasn't good, so I skipped it)

Snack:

Fiber one yogurt - 1 point

Veggies - 0 points

Dinner:

3 oz pulled pork - 6 points

BBQ sauce - 1 point

sandwich thin - 1 point

Coleslaw with apple cider vinegar - 0 points

salad with pineapple salsa - 1 point

3 tortilla chips - 1 points

Dessert:

1 cup fresh pineapple - 1 point

Total points used 22

Total Ap's ? I think I ran about 2 miles doing sprints, and LOTS of core work.. maybe 3 points?

7 hours of meetings down, 14 hours to go!

2009-11-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

Today was long... very very long. I sat through 7 hours of meetings, went for a 3 mile run had dinner with my dad, drinks with friends, and went to a movie with Tom. I keep waiting for the day I will be able to catch up, but right now I just have to much going on.

I feel I did pretty well with food today considering the options avalable to me, and I compensated for a much higher point lunch with a lower point dinner, so it all works out in the end.

Breakfast:

oatmeal - 2 points

Fruit - 1 point

Lunch:

it was a huge spread of mexican food, chips, tacos, almost everything smothered in cheese, so all things considered I think I did pretty well.

salsa - 0 points

1/3 cup spanish rice - 2 points

1/2 cup pinto beans - 2 points

verde pork about 1 oz - 3 points

1/2 a chicken enchilada - 3 points (I ate about 1/2 of the chicken out of the inside, no tortilla, no cheese)

It was amazing to see how people loaded up their plates, went back for seconds, covered everything with an extra layer of cheese, and finished it all off with a huge piece of carrot cake!

Snack:

veggies - 0 points

wasabi peas - 2 points

bite of pasta salad - 1 point

Dinner:

Same salad as last night, with 3oz chicken - 5 points

Total Points Used: 21

Total AP's: 4

What a Weekend!

2009-11-16T20:26:00.001-08:00

I am exhausted! This weekend was fantastic, I shopped till I dropped, cleaned the house, made a 3 tiered cake, ran 5 miles, went to a black tie event, cooked for, hosted, and cleaned up after a party for 65 people.... and now I feel like I need to sleep for 2 or 3 days to recover. But it was all worth it. The whole weekend went even better then I could have hoped. The fundraiser dinner was a blast, the cake I made turned out not only adorable, but delicious, and the party went off without a hitch.

my sexy black dress fit considerably better then when I bought it 3 weeks ago. Bad picture I know, but you get the idea :)

The cake!

The spread

Couldn't have done any of it without help from my friends

So Cute!

Moving the cake back to the kitchen to cut and serve.... I really thought he was going to drop it!

I ate and drank to much, but not excessively so, and I don't regret a thing. I am 100% back on track today, and this weekend will not cause any long term damage. I must admit though, I was too scared to step on the scale this morning!

This is my first week of marathon training, and I almost skipped out today because I am so tired, but I am so glad I made myself hit the gym. I fell 10000% better after working out. I did about 50 minutes of cardio and a lot of stretching.

Breakfast:

Kashi Oatmeal - 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey sandwich - 2 points

sliced veggies leftover from the party - 0 points

Snack:

apple - 1 point

Dinner:

salad made out of party leftovers. I successfully avoided all the naughty stuff, and made a delicious and healthy salad with spinach, 5oz grilled chicken, diced carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, bean sprouts, and homemade pineapple salsa for dressing. - 7 points

Total Points Used: 12 normally I would never let myself use so few points, but I am full and I ate WAY over my 21 allotted points for the last 2 days, so I'm not worried about it today.

Total Activity Points earned: 4

For the next 3 days I have to go to all day company meetings... yuck! I am most worried about 2 things, 1) the huge pile of work that will no doubt be waiting for me on friday, and 2) the catered breakfast and lunch provided at the meetings. I heard that last year they had healthy options and plenty of fresh fruit, but I am still nervous. I will bring healthy snacks tomorrow, and if the food isn't working for me I will just be the crazy new girl who brings her own lunch to the catered events on wednesday and thursday.

Ok boys and girls, here we go!

2009-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

After cleaning, chopping, mixing and preping all day for the party tomorrow, I am all dolled up and ready to go. My strategy is to moderate the drinking, hold my clutch in my right hand, try to try things only once, and have only one bite and give the rest to Tom. I can do this!!

I had my first team in training run this morning. We did a mellow four miles, we had the choice of running 2, 3 or 4 miles with a hill at the end. At three I was still feeling good so I went ahead with the four. It was a workout, but not too bad.

Today's eating did not go exactly as planned, but was all in all a very heathy day. I used more points then I would have liked, but sometimes things don't go according to plan.

Breakfast:

1 post run clementine - .5 points

pumpkin oatmeal at home - 2 points

I ate snacked on pineapple pretty much all day while doing food prep. It wasn't planed, but not such a bad thing to snack on considering the amount of junk food in this house right now. I estimate that I ate about 2 cups throughout the course of the day for 2 points

Lunch:

Salad with grilled chicken, pickled onions and tomatoes no dressing - I estimate lunch to be 5 points for the chicken thigh

1 awkmak crackers - .5

Total points used 10

total ap's earned 4

That leaves me with 11 regular points, 4 activity points and flex to get through tonight and tomorrow. I know I can do this!

Too much work!

2009-11-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the delay... I had the post all ready but forgot to push publish last night!

Sometimes I think it is all just too much work. All the planning, weighing, counting, tracking, cooking, and obtaining is tiring. Sometimes I think being overweight would be easier, and a lot m ore fun! But then I remember that I was overweight, I know what it is like to not even consider the calorie, fat, fiber ratio of every item I put in my mouth, and it wasn’t any fun either. I was often tired, I didn’t feel comfortable in my clothing or even my own skin. I felt socially awkward and awfully sorry for myself most of the time. I didn’t participate in much physical activity at all, and shopping for clothing was torture. In a word, I was unhappy. When I think logically about it, I know I am much happier and healthier now, but this morning I was having a bad case of self pity. A nice brisk run in the early morning was just what I needed to clear my head. I went from thinking, “why can’t I be one of those people who can just eat whatever they want, or at least one of those people who isn’t really that into food…” to thinking about how fortunate I am to be young and healthy. It is amazing what a little exercise can do for ya.

After that change in mind set I was determined to be on my best behavior today. I brought my soup, which was actually pretty tasty, and stuck to the plan of eating one serving and staying out of the conference room. I ate the soup and nothing else for lunch which means I am in good shape for pup trivia out to dinner tonight.

Breakfast:

Banana oatmeal – 3 points

Lunch:

Soup – 3 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:

Dinner:

Taco salad - 10 points

Beer-3 points

Dessert:

Sugar Free Pudding cup - 1 point

Total Points Used: 20
Activity earned – 3

P.S.
Point update:
last night after posting my banana peanut butter toast I had one serving of reduced fat wheat thins for 3 points bringing my daily total to 20

Point update

2009-11-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

I finally decided to eat 4 more points and call it a night. I roamed around the kitchen looking for a snack that sounded good, and finally settled on a sandwich thin toasted with 2 tbs of better n peanut butter and 1/3 of a banana sliced on top, for 4 points. Believe it or not, I have never had this before... until recently I was 100% anti banana, but I am growing and learning... and you know what? I think the king was onto something!

8 points left... what's a girl to do?

2009-11-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have been so worried about this weekend, I completely forgot about tomorrows food trap. My work is having a harvest potluck aka an excuse to show off your most decadent dessert recipe. I originally signed up for a dessert, then though it pained me to do it, changed to veggies and hummus, and then after everyone complained that not enough people were bringing entrees, I decided on a soup. I am going to bring a vegan (for our resident vegan) mushroom and barley soup. The recipe made about 4 quarts total (16 cups) using the recipe builder I worked out that 1/8 the recipe or 2 cups is 3 points. It will be a nice warm lunch and a break from my usual turkey sandwich. As of now, my plan is to stick to my soup and avoid the other entrees and desserts like the plague. We will set up a buffet in the conference room, so if I manage to get in there, serve myself soup, and get out of there I should be ok. I will also bring my usual snacks to help keep me on track. Saving points for this weekend is more important to me then indulging here at work tomorrow!

Today I went to the gym in the morning, and for a 20 minute run/walk with my co workers in the evening. Sticking to my food plan felt easy with my normal breakfast lunch and snacks, and a tasty and healthy dinner. It is now about 9 pm and I have 8 points left... and for once in my life I can't think of a single thing I feel like eating. Not ice cream or cookies, chips or pretzels, I don't want cheese or crackers, or fruit or cereal, and I really don't know what to do about it. In general I like to use all my points, and over the last few days I have been coming up a point or two short every day, but I don't want to eat just for the sake of eating... and I don't want to eat 8 points worth of crap, what's a girl to do?

Breakfast:

Kashi and yogurt – 2 points

Lunch:

Veggies – 0 points
Turkey Sandwich – 2 points

Snack:

Apple – 1 point

Dinner:

Honey balsamic chicken thigh with marinade - 4 points (it was a very small thigh, I weighed it)

5 oz cooked white rice - 3 points

Brussels sprouts & broccoli - 1 points

Total Points Used: 13

Total AP's earned 3

2009-11-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

I am worried about this weekend. I have a lot of food centered events happening, and I am worried that I will allow myself to fall off the wagon when I have been doing so well. On Saturday night I am going to a black tie dinner fundraiser for Tom’s work. If it is similar to last years event there will be an open bar and all kinds of fattening o’rderves circulating all night. My plan is to eat a very low calorie dinner with lots of veggies before we go, avoid the alcohol, and have a few samples of the food. I am going to try to focus on the people and having fun rather then the food.

On Sunday we are hosting an engagement party for some friends. They are getting married in Hawaii next year, so the party is Hawaiian themed. I made sure there are going to be plenty of healthy food options such as veggies and hummus, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, and asian style coleslaw. There will also be plenty of naughty options such as chips and dip, French bread and dip, a cheese plate, lots of alcohol options, and a three tiered red velvet wedding style cake made by yours truly.

You would l think that Satruday would be the more challenging evening, but I am much more worried about Sunday. I have a history of over indulging at my own parties, but now is my opportunity to buck the trend. I need to remember that I have complete control over both situations, no one is going to force me to eat or not eat, and it is 100% up to me how I handle the events. It is so easy to make excuses and allow myself to fall off the wagon. How many times have I allowed myself to just give in and not only over indulge, but eat enerything in sight half way thorough a food centered weekend? I am determined to do a better job this time. I can have a few treats, but just because it is going to be difficult is no excuse. I will feel soooo much better on Sunday night, physically and mentally if I can successfully navigate through the weekend. I can do this, I know I can!

I am excited about both events. Saturday night I get to wear my sexy little black dress and show off all my hard work over the last few weeks, and Sunday I am honestly most excited about the cake. I love love love to bake, but don’t let myself indulge very often for obvious reasons. For the party I am going all out, I have never made a tiered cake before and I am so excited to give it a try! I will of course keep you updated with photos as I go.

Today was a totally average day. I was really tired this morning, so allowed myself to sleep in, but I did go for an hour long walk on my lunch break so at least I got some exercise in.

Breakfast:

Kashi oatmeal – 2 points

Snack:

Fiber one yogurt – 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich – 2 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:

Apple – 1 point

a few baked cheese puffs - 1 point

Dinner:

Pub dinner (thank you sarah)

mashed potatoes - 5 points

sausage - 3 points

onions and carrots sauteed in beer - 2 points

steamed cabbage - 0 points

asparagus - 0 points

Dessert:

A few crackers - 1 point

Pumpkin ice cream - 2 points

Total Points Used - 20

No ap's today, but my body needed a day off

why can't everyday be the weekend?

2009-11-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh the weekend. It was busy and relaxing and boring and crazy all at the same time, don’t you just love the weekends? I was totally on track with food, allowing myself to dip into my flex points only a little, and only when I really really wanted to. I ran Saturday (4 miles) and Sunday (5 miles), and I feel myself getting stronger all the time! On Saturday I went to the kick off party for Team in Training, it was overwhelming and exciting and scary and fun. I am a little scared after looking at the training schedule, but I am trying to trust in the training program. This may be my first marathon, but Team in Training has done this a few times before. My first coached run is coming up on Saturday… and we will see how it goes.

Here is a montage of my weekend eats, several things like the pho I had for dinner on Saturday night, and the yellow curry shrimp wrap I had for dinner last night

.

This morning I got myself up and to the gym before work, and I am so glad I did! I feel my body getting stronger all the time.

Breakfast:

Kashi & Yogurt – 2 points

Lunch:

Veggie burger with mustard, lettuce and tomato – 2 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:

Apple – 1 point

Dinner;

Chicken and butternut squash tagine – 7 points
Whole wheat couscous with pine nuts – 5 points

Dessert:

weight watchers bar - 2 points

Total Points Used - 20

total Ap's earned - 3

I hope you all had healthy and happy weekends

A good day

2009-11-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Today was a very long, very hard, very good day. I got up at 5 and went to the gym. I did about 30 minutes on the eliptical and 15 on the step mill. It was HARD today, I was huffing and puffing and sweating much more then normal. About 10 minutes into my workout, I dropped (threw) my iphone, and cracked the screen. Honestly I had this coming, I have dropped this phone more times then I can count. It is a miracle it has survived this long! But it was a bummer way to start the day. I got to work, and my computer somehow picked up a virus, so I spent about an hour... maybe two dealing with that. Again, not really that big of a deal, just not a good technology day for me.

Now onto the good news... the CEO of my company asked me to sit in on a meeting with 3 of the company owners and a colleague to talk about a new business partnership. It was a great opportunity to get to know the owners, and to show them what I know about sustainability, and green business practices. I felt like I contributed a lot to the meeting, and really proved that I am under employed in my current position. They invited me to lunch after the meeting, and while I was nervous about trying to order something healthy at a Thai restaurant, I was excited to chit chat with them. I chose the red curry with chicken and brown rice, and I ate about half. It probably wasn't the lowest point thing on the menu, but it was really yummy!!

When I got back from lunch, I realized just how much work I needed to get done before the end of the day, and had to work my booty off to get everything done. After work I went for a quick run/walk with some coworkers. Most of them are just getting started running, so we run 2 minutes, walk one, and the running is at a slower pace then my usual trot, but we did a good 3.5 miles, and my heart rate was up!

I opted to eat at home for a quick, low point dinner, and now I'm off to Pub trivia night where I will allow myself one beer to celebrate, and enjoy myself.

Breakfast:

Cereal and Greek

Lunch:

approx 1 cup Thai red curry - 12 points

2/3 of a cup of brown rice - 2.5 points

Dinner:

Mushroom sausage - 3 points

Broccoli & Cauliflower - 0 points

Dessert:

Beer - 3 points

Total points used- 22.5

Flex Points Used- 1.5

Total AP's earned - 5

I just don't have it in me

2009-11-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

I don't have a post in me tonight.

Know that I had a totally on track food day, and even sat eye to eye with a basket of tortilla chips and cheesy chorizo queso dip for about 2 hours, and managed to have just one taste. I made time for exercise, planned a run with some coworkers for tomorrow, and I am once again back in my skinny jeans!

I am sorry for the lack of post, but I'm exhausted and it's time for bed!

Not what I expected

2009-11-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Today did not turn out the way I thought it would. I got up early and I went on my ride along, we had a breakfast meeting and then walked a job site and took soil samples to see if we could figure out why all the trees were dying in a subdivision. It was really fun and hands on, and great to get out of the office and see what goes on in the field.

When we got back to the office around noon, my manager unexpectedly gave me the afternoon off. I was thrilled because I was exhausted, and I could go home and eat lunch! I took a nap, then a quick 3 mile run, and went back to work to meet up with my book club. My day felt really fragmented and strange, almost like two separate days, but it was interesting and fun, and I made good food choices... what more can a girl ask for!

Breakfast:

steel cut oats with raisins. I didn't eat the whole serving, which was probably about 2 cups, I'm estimating that I ate 4 points worth of oatmeal.

Snack:

Apple - 1 point

Lunch:

Tuna on a toasted sandwich thin with wasabi mustard, celery and relish - 2 points

carrots - 0 points

Dinner:

Eaten at my book club, this is totally and estimate, but I think it is roughly correct.

I ate 1.5 small corn tortillas - 3 points

I'm guessing about 3 oz extra lean ground turkey breast taco filling - 2 points

about 1/3 cup vegetarian taco "meat" filling - 2 points

less then a serving of baked tortilla chips - 2 points

1/2 cup refried beans - 3 points

taco seasoning - 1 point

salsa/tomatoes/onions - 0 points

Dessert:

I am craving something sweet, so I think I will have a 1 point root beer float... yumm

I avoided the rice, cheese, avocado, wine, cheese rolls, bread and spinach dip, regular tortilla chips, cookies, and halloween candy! I had a great time and didn't fell like I was missing out on anything.

Total Points Used: 21

Ap's earned - 3

Start the week off right

2009-11-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

I got up and went to the gym this morning. I really didn't want to get out of my warm and cozy bed, but I am so glad I did. I felt great all day, and I know I got the week off to a great start! Today I was so busy at work I didn't even think about food! I ate breakfast around 9:30, and around 3 realized I had missed lunch and ate my sandwich. I love days like that, too busy to be hungry!

I got my first email from my team in training coach today. We are having a kick off party on Saturday to get to know everyone. I am so excited to get started!

Tomorrow is going to be a challenge, I am going on a ride along at work, and I have a book club meeting after work. That means I will be eating breakfast lunch and dinner out! My plan is to make the best choices I possibly can, and give myself permission to use a few flex points... thats what they are there for right?

Breakfast:

Kashi Cereal and Greek - 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Dinner:

Chicken Pho - 15 points

Total Points Used - 19, I may eat a dessert for another 2 points but my tummy is a little upset so I might just go to bed!

Lazy Sunday Morning

2009-11-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

I did not feel like getting out of bed this morning. I wasn't exactly sleeping, just relaxing and thinking about my gigantic to do list for today, and this week. I love that I have nothing much planned for today, and can hopefully tackle a big chunk of my list.

In retrospect Halloween was a success. The day started off with a healthy, but much higher point breakfast then usual, so I compensated with a light lunch and only one snack. We went to a friends birthday/Halloween party, but we arrived late and most of the food had been eaten and cleaned up. I was hungry, and found myself eating tortilla chips a few to many times throughout the evening. I drank 2 beers, 2 small bites of chocolate cake, and I also had about 5 M&M's.

On our way home we stopped for a late dinner. I was annoyed at myself for eating so many chips, and very nearly ordered something naughty. Instead I ordered a grilled portobello burger and a salad instead of fries. My food was delicious and this morning I can feel good about my decisions. I had saved my flex points for Halloween, and even though I was not planning to use them on tortilla chips, I had the points to spend.

Breakfast:

Jamba light strawberry nirvana smoothie - 2 points

Jamba brown sugar oatmeal - 4 points

Lunch:

Tofu noodles with steamed veggies, soy sauce, and syracha - 2 points

Snack:

Apple -1 point

Dinner:

Beer - 5.5

tortilla chips - 8

5 M&M's - 1

candy corn - 1

Cake - 3

Portobello burger - 8

Total Points used - 35.5

Flex points used - 14.5

Breakfast today:

Kashi Go Lean cereal 39g - 1 point

1/2 cup greek - 1 point

black coffee - 0 points

Figaro and I enjoyed a nice breakfast in the sun on the deck this morning

ok, now to tackle the to-do list.

first on the list... a run on this beautiful day!

Eat when you're hungry... what a novel concept

2009-10-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Just when I had pretty much given up on my job, things have started to get interesting. I had decided I was stuck in administrative hell where every day was going to bring the sam boring projects... and all the sudden I have more interesting projects then I can keep track of. It is a really nice change, and goes a long way towards keeping my mind off the candy basket. Instead of thinking about food and what I am going to eat next all day long, my brain is busy doing other things; eventually I get hungry enough and I stop to eat. What a novel concept, eat when you're hungry, but don't spend the whole day thinking about food.

After work I went for a run with some coworkers. It was a really fun and healthy way to do something social. So often my social events revolve around food or drinks, it was a nice change! There were many different fitness levels among us, so we ran walked about 3 miles. It was not as intensive as my solo runs, but a good workout all the same.

Breakfast:

Kashi oatmeal and 1/2 banana - 3 points

Lunch:

Veggie burger on a sandwich thin with lettuce and franks red hot sauce - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Kashi dark chocolate and coconut bar - 2 points

Dinner:

I have not 100% decided yet, but I'm thinking honey balsalmic chicken breasts with mashed potatoes, green beans and broccoli. But that will probably change... I hear Tom making plans to go out with friends in the other room... I will let you know how it goes.

I have had a great week, and I am going to do my best to use that momentum to get me through this Halloween weekend. I do not need to over indulge in anything, halloween type candy is available to me every day of the week.

Run a marathon... who, me?

2009-10-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

I can’t hardly believe it, but I signed up to run a marathon!!! I can’t believe it, but about a month ago I got a pamphlet in the mail from Team in Training, an organization that trains you for a half marathon, marathon or triathlon in exchange for fundraising for the Leukemia Lymphoma society. I was planning to sign up for the half marathon, but the person I spoke with on the phone convinced me that if I stick with the training schedule I will have no trouble with the full. I’m not so sure, but he also said I have until January to change my mind.

I signed up because I am looking for something to keep me excited and motivated about exercise through the winter. And honestly since I got out of school, I’m a little bored; I am not used to having so much free time on my hands. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, and having a new healthy goal to focus on. Sometimes I get so caught up in the number on the scale, I forget that while looking great in that little black dress is nice, the real goal is to live a healthier and happier life. Running a marathon is something I never ever thought I would be able to accomplish, or even thought I might want to try to accomplish. In the last few months I have been way to focused on being the thin girl, it is time to remember the ultimate goal is to be a fit girl!

On that note, I am determined to get my but out of bed to workout in the mornings. When I workout in the afternoon it is a struggle to get myself to the gym, I feel really low energy while I’m working out and all evening afterwards. I have tried eating snack just before and just after working out, but it doesn’t seem to help. When I work out in the mornings, it is a struggle to get out of bed, but I feel great at the gym and totally energized for the rest of the day. Simply stated PM workout = feel like crap, AM workout = feel fantastic. I am making a commitment to myself to work out in the mornings… that will go a long ways to helping me become the fit girl of my dreams.

Breakfast:

Kashi go lean honey cinnamon oatmeal with ½ a banana sliced. – 3 points.
So yummy! I was getting a little tired of my usual, and this is the perfect breakfast for those cool fall mornings. I already have plans to embellish with pumpkin or berries.

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich – 2 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:

Hershey’s kiss – 1 point
Apple – 1 point

Dinner

amazing pasta with all kinds of veggies - 11 points

Dessert:

Banana Bread- 3 points

Total points used – 21
Total AP’s earned

Going through the motions

2009-10-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I bought a fantastic little black dress for a black tie dinner I am going to on November 14th. The dress is a size 6, and fits me well enough to wear tomorrow, but I would like to loose a pound or two before the party so it looks even better. This short term mini goal, not of loosing a specific amount of weight, but just staying 100% on plan and getting in as much exercise as possible might be exactly what I need right now.

For the last few weeks I feel like I have just been going through the motions of weight watchers without the true mental commitment to staying on plan. As a result, I have allowed several social situations totally derail me and I have been seriously slacking on the exercise. That is no longer the case. I am 100% committed to staying on plan and getting in my exercise, and I am doing my best to set myself up for success. I brought my gym clothes with me to work today allowing me to go straight to the gym, so there would be no silly excuses about being tired or needing to do the laundry when I got home from work. Also, I made plans with some coworkers to go for a run on Friday after work.

I will not use Halloween as an excuse to fall off the plan! Tempting Halloween style candy is available to me everyday at work and is therefore absolutely no excuse at all for overindulging. I will save my flex points and allow myself a treat, but I will not over do it and I will not cave in and buy any candy to have on hand in case we get tricker treaters.

Breakfast:

Puffins and Greek – 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey sandwich – 2 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:

Apple – 1 point
Yogurt- 2 points

Dinner:

Taco Salad - 11 points

Dessert:

Weight watchers bar - 2 points

Total Points Used: 21
Total Activity Points Earned: 4

134 points oh my!

2009-10-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I was complaining to my sister about how difficult it is sometimes to be around Tom and his bad eating habits. Most of the time I don’t let it get to me, but every once in a while the fact that he is in the process of eating an entire bag of chips or pretzels or a carton of ice cream causes me to over indulge. He is very supportive of my weight loss efforts, but really just has no idea how fattening much of the food he consumes is, and how lucky he is to be able to eat that way and not weigh twice as much as he does.

Anyway, I was explaining to my sis just how much he eats on a daily basis, and we decided to point it all out. We chose the previous Friday as a typical day, and we had to estimate a lot, and I wasn’t sure what he had for lunch, but this is a rough estimate of his daily food intake.

Breakfast:
Large mocha – 1.5 cups 1% milk, 2 TBS chocolate syrup, 2 tsp sugar – (he sometimes has 2 or 3 of these!)
Breakfast burrito from the coffee shop
Flour tortilla
2 eggs
¼ cup breakfast potatoes
1 slice bacon
1 tsp butter
Tomatoes/onion

Lunch:
Super chicken burrito
Extra large flower tortilla
1 cup spanish rice
1 cup pinto beans
1 cup grilled chicken
Sour cream –
Guacamole
Cheese

Chips and Salsa –

Large coke -

Dinner:
¾ of a medium pepperoni pizza –
Coke-

After dinner:
4 beers –
The remaining ¼ of a pizza
¼ of a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips

Dessert:
It’s it ice cream sandwich –

We did this on Saturday, and I don’t have the exact points for each meal… but I remember the total was a whopping 134!!! I must admit that this is probably a little higher then his average, because usually he eats what I cook for dinner, often a larger portion, but certainly less calories then a medium pizza. So assuming this day was 25% higher then average, he it still eating roughly 100 points a day… 5X the calories that I eat!!! This was a fantastic exercise for me, because now I know that I need to educate him a little more, for his own understanding and health, and so he can be more supportive of my lifestyle choices.

I would also like to add that Tom commutes to work, and almost everywhere else by bike and in his spare time rides his bike up mountins I wouldn’t want to walk up. He is not exactly slender, but one of the fittest people I know.

Breakfast:
Puffins and greek – 2 points

Lunch:
TurkeySandwich– 2 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:
Apple – 1 point
4 baked lays chips – 1 point

Dinner:
Grilled Chicken Pho – 15 points

Sorry no pictures today, I forgot my phone!

Apple Hill

2009-10-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

I’m sorry I did not post over the weekend, every once in a while I just need to take a few days off from posting. My weekend was good, super busy and full of friends, family and social events. My success with sticking to weight watchers was mixed, I did great on Friday and Saturday sticking to the plan through difficult social situations and using portion control and force of will to keep on track.

Sunday was another story. I went with Tom’s family to an area called Apple Hill, an agricultural region of about 50 small apple farms. During the apple harvest season they open the farms to the public, have craft fairs, and a plethora of apple products for sale. It was an absolutely beautiful fall day, and a perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday. I started off strong, skipping the apple cider doughnuts and sticking to sampling the many varieties of apples, but by the second farm I had pretty much thrown in the towel.

Throughout the course of the day I sampled apple cider doughnuts, apple fritters, apple turnovers, apple berry tarts, a carmel apple, and apple cider. I did not eat every much of each thing, but all those bites add up to I don’t even know how many points, and to top it all off I had 2 pieces of pizza and salad for dinner. I know exactly what happened, the invitation was last minute, I did not have a plan or time to mentally prepare myself for the plethora of apple baked goods which were around every corner. On the plus side I had a fantastic weekend, and I am 100% back on track today.

Breakfast:

Puffins and Greek – 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich – 2 Points

Veggies – 0 points

Snack:

94% ff popcorn - 4 cups -1 point

Clementines - 1 point

Dinner:

Portobello Mushroom sausage - 3 points

Cauliflower - 0 points

Yam- 5.5 points

Dessert:

1 cup fiber one cereal - 3 points

1/2 cup 1% milk - 1 point

I went for a 3 mile walk today on my lunch break. Not exactly great cardio, but better then nothing.

Total points used 20

Tired!

2009-10-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted, so this will be quick. Work was non stop today, and then I had to go straight to another meeting, I just got home, ate some leftovers for a quick dinner, and I hope to be asleep in 10 minutes or less. I went to lunch with some coworkers, and I was very worried about what I was going to order, I ended up feeling pretty good about my choices. All in all a good food day, but no time for exercise.

Breakfast:

Cereal & Greek - 2 points

Lunch:

Veggie burger - 3 points (estimate)

1/2 a hamburger bun - 1.5 points

salad no dressing - 0 points

1 french fry - .5 points

Snack:

WW yogurt - 1 point

Veggies - 0 points

Dinner:

1 cracker with goat cheese - 2 points

Leftover chili - 7 points

Zucchini - 0 points

Total points used - 17

2009-10-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Weight watchers makes me a better cook. During brief stints of being "not on plan" I tend to become lazy, relying on fattening foods to make up for a lack of creativity in the kitchen, or all to often relying on eating out. When I am in the weight watchers groove, I plan my dinners in advance, looking for inspiration in cookbooks and online. I pride myself on being able to make almost any recipe weight watcher friendly while retaining the flavor. While I am "on" I much prefer to eat in because that way I can account for everything I am consuming without the guessing games eating out always brings.

Tonight's dinner is a chicken, mushroom, and rice casserole. The original recipe called for butter, full fat sour cream and heavy cream for the casserole base, I used a non stick skillet and olive oil spray, for browning the chicken thighs, and used nonfat greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and sour cream. I decreased the amount of chicken, and increased the amount of mushrooms, and used the same amount of rice, chicken broth, and sherry. The result was a fantastic casserole, full of flavor not fat, prefect for a fall evening.

2 large boneless skinless chicken thighs

1/2 yellow or white onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 pound mushrooms, chopped

2 tbs dry sherry

1/2 cup fat free chicken broth

1/2 cup rice

1 tsp salt

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 375

Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes, and season with salt and pepper

heat a medium nonstick pan to medium high

spray with olive oil spray or 1 tsp olive oil

brown chicken in two batches, 1-2 minutes per side. Chicken will not be fully cooked

move chicken from pan, to casserole dish

add onion to pan, suttee 3-4 minutes

add the garlic suttee another 30 seconds.

place onion and garlic mixture in casserole dish

dry suttee mushrooms until brown, 4-5 minutes, add to casserole dish

Use the sherry to de-glaze the pan, reduce by half

add the chicken broth, and remove pan from heat

add the yogurt, spices, and salt, mix to combine

add 1/2 cup white rice to the casserole, and the broth/yogurt mixture

Bake for 40 minutes at 375

Makes 3 servings at 11 points each... yumm

Breakfast:

Puffins and greek - 2 points

Snack:

3 clementines - 1 point

Lunch:

Veggie burger with mustard, lettuce and tomato on a sandwich thin - 3 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Weight Watchers yogurt - 1 point

Dinner

Cauliflower - 0 points

Broccoli - 0 points

Chicken casserole - 11 points

Dessert:

TBD.... maybe peanut butter toast, maybe an ice cream bar, but I will make sure it is 3 points!

Total Points Used 21 (including a 3 point dessert)

No exercise today, but I will make time tomorrow!

Working hard for the money

2009-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

I don’t hate my job, but I wouldn’t say I love it either. Most of the people I work with are great, and I do feel very lucky to have a job during these tough economic times, but my job is friggin boring. I really don’t have enough work to keep me busy all day every day and it makes me crazy. I much prefer to be busy, even doing things that I am not necessarily interested in, then to sit at my desk and try to look busy all day. The bordem stretches the day on and on for what seems like forever, and I find my mind wondering to the snacks in the kitchen.

I never thought this was going to be a forever job, and I guess the good news is I am super motivated to figure out where I want to go to graduate school and make it happen ASAP. I see graduate school as my way out of what I consider to be a completely meaningless job, now the hard part is figuring out exactly what I want to study, where I want to go, and which test I need to take to get in!

For today I need to focus on what I do have control over which is making good food choices, and making a comitment to exercise. Today I had the food under control, but the exercise was a battle. I was planning to go for a hike with a friend after work. She canceled on me, and I used that as an excuse to relax and read a book for about 2 hours instead of getting in some exercise. Around 7 I came across a blog post from Nic at the last twenty http://the-last-twenty.blogspot.com/ which was exactly what I needed to hear. Her post reminded me that there really are no excuses. After reading her post I decided that the fact that it was almost 7 and I was hungry for dinner was no excuse for not going to the gym, and I got my rear in gear. I was pretty hungry, so I didn't stay long, I did 40 minutes of cardio, and about 20 minutes of weight machines, but today just getting there was a victory.

Breakfast:

The usual greek yogurt and puffins - 2 points

Snack:

Clementines - 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Apple

Dinner:

Maple glazed acorn squash - 3 points

Honey balsalmic chicken thigh - 6 points

Artichoke - 0 points

Ok, so I had a lot of points left today, and I didn't use all my points yesterday so I went a little overboard on dessert, but it was oh so tasty and I had points to spare today.

Dessert

Low fat whole wheat banana bread that has been hiding in my freezer since before Oregon, warmed in the microwave - 3 points

1/2 cup Dryers free vanilla ice cream - 1 point

1 tbs pumpkin butter - 1 point

Total points used - 20

Total AP's earned 3?

Back to the Grind

2009-10-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

Getting up and going to work this morning was so friggin hard. You would think that after a week off I would feel relaxed and rested, but instead I feel like I have been run over by a truck. I think I had three cups of coffee this morning, and I still felt like I could put my head down on my desk and fall asleep in about 2 seconds.

Maybe the coffee was decaf and I didn't know it! :)

Yesterday, Tom went off on an all day bike ride. For once I didn't mind a bit, I was looking forward to some alone time. I spent the day catching up on some work, grocery shopping, and I even managed to drag myself to the gym. I did fairly well staying on plan, but I did have a burrito for dinner which I’m not sure how to count.

Yesterday Snack:

3 small clementines – 1 point

Yesterday Lunch:

Turkey Panini with laughing cow light and a very small amount of roasted red pepper – 4 points

Cucumber – 0 points
Cauliflower – 0 points

Yesterday Dinner:

Beer – 3 points
Grilled chicken burrito with rice, pinto beans, and chicken, I didn’t eat the tortilla, but I ate most of the filling. I don’t exactly know how to point it, but there was probably about 4 points of rice, 2-3 points of beans, and 4-5 points worth of chicken, so I think I did pretty well.

Today at work I successfully avoided the Halloween candy, and the homemade cranberry bread, and even went to for a run after work. I was still feeling exhausted so I didn’t push myself very hard, but I need to get back into the routine of exercising!

Breakfast:

Puffins and greek – 2 points

Snack:

Clementines – 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey sandwich – 2 points

Carrots/cucmber/bell pepper – 0 points

Snack:

Apple - 1 point

Dinner:

Turkey chili – 7 points

Corn Bread - 4 points

Broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

Free Ice cream with 1 tbs pumpkin butter - 2 points

8 pretzels - 1 point

Total Points Used: 20

Activity Points Earned 3 or 4? I'm not sure how long or far I ran.

Home Sweet Home

2009-10-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

We had a long but fun drive home yesterday. We decided to take the scenic route instead of the freeway, and took a road marked forest route 19 around the back side of Mt. Shasta. After about 2 miles the road turned to dirt, and we slowly bounced along for about another 50 miles through pine forests. We discovered the road is primarily a logging access road, and whole areas of the forest were clear cut and empty. It was surreal to be driving along through pristine forest and then come across huge areas where all signs of life had been removed. The road did offer some beautiful views of the backside of Mt. Shasta and it left us feeling very brave and adventurous.

50 miles of dirt road...

Mt. Shasta

We passed through the Town of McCloud, a very small, very cute old mining town. We stopped for lunch and rode our bikes around town to explore. The rest of the drive was rather uneventful, we took the main freeway so it was pretty much 300 miles of fast food restruants and billboards.

McCloud

I had a fantastic time eating and drinking all kinds of fattening food this last week, but now I feel fat and a little bloated. Today is the day to get back on track, not tomorrow or the next day or even next week. I cannot let the fact that I undoubdly gained a few pounds over vacation let me spiral out of control and gain a few more pounds. Today is the day!

It was great to wake up in my own bed this morning, but now I have to face the realities of being home. I need to do laundry, go grocery shoppng, and generally get organized to go to work tomorrow... yuck.

Breakfast:
1/2 cup yogurt
27 g puffins - 2 points

I did not fall once!

2009-10-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Pre ride, enjoying the view on the way out to the trail.

Ahhh the bike ride, I'm happy I did it. Riding the trail along the McKenzie river was some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Around every bend in the trail there was something new and even more spectacular to look at. It was so beautiful it felt unreal, like someone pulled down the river trail backdrop for us to ride along.

I dropped Tom off at the top, drove the 30 miles to the end of the trail head, and started on my way. At first I was loving it, the gently rolling trail snaking through the forest, then it started to get more challenging with rocks and steep sections, maneuvering around and between trees. Riding alone allowed me to get off my bike and walk any section I didn't like the looks of, or just plain didn't feel like riding. At first I stopped a lot, but as the ride progressed I found myself stopping less and less. Tom and I ran into each other about 12 miles in, and I turned around and rode back the way I came. It was fun to ride the trail I had just ridden again feeling a little more confident, and riding with Tom pushed me to ride a little faster and a little harder. I walked only one really rocky section on the way back!

While riding I did a lot of thinking about mountain biking and many other things, and I decided that I have made mountain biking way to complicated. I have made it about my relationship with Tom, and it dosen't have to be that way. Tom and I will work it out, me liking mountain biking or not does not need to be part of that conversation. His mountain biking does, because it is a little excessive and I am starting to resent that it is getting in the way of us spending time together. My decision to mountain bike should be based on if I want to ride or not.

As of this morning, I am thinking about where I can ride at home that will help me build stamina and confidence for the future. If I decide to keep riding here and there and I am enjoying it, great. If I get home and the bike sits in the garage all winter because I don't feel like riding it, that is ok too.

I'm really glad I decided to ride yesterday, if I had stayed home, or acted as a shuttle service for Tom, I would have felt left out. It would have soured the whole vacation. Instead I feel like I succedded at something that was a physical and mental challange. There were a few close calls, but I didn't fall once!

Post ride, tired but happy :)

Feeling much better about things

2009-10-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun and relaxing day. We got a slow start in the morning, then did a beautiful 6 mile hike up to a waterfall. I could feel the tension and stress of the previous day melt away while I was hiking. The problems are still there, but I now feel like I will get through them one way or another. I always forget how much better I feel after a little exercise; somehow it relaxes my brain long enough for me to get a little perspective on the situation and calm down.

Today we are going out to breakfast with some distant relatives of Tom's, then going to the McKenzie River trail, which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The trail follows the McKenzie River for 27 miles as it weaves along through lava rock and old growth forests. It is a famous mountain biking destination, but I wont hold that against the trail. Usually people get shuttled to the top of the trail and ride one way. It is now the off season, so they are not running many shuttles, and I am going to drive Tom to the top, then drive to the bottom, and either hike or bike from the bottom.

Now I know what you are thinking, why would anyone voluntarily get on a mountain bike after all the pain and suffering she just went through? Well, there are a few reasons, but most importantly, I honestly want to. Riding alone is very different. I feel absolutely no pressure to go fast, or try to ride things that are in anyway challenging. If I am riding alone, I can walk the whole thing, or stop and sit down every 10 minutes. I can even head back to the truck, lock up my bike and go for a hike. It is compleatly on my terms, and therefore much less daunting.

Yesterday, I did a lot of research about the trail, and even watched several videos of people riding, and the bottom 15 miles all looks totally ridable. This might actually a perfect solution, Tom gets to ride the top technical "fun" part, and I get to see some of the beauty of the trail so I don't feel left out, and we each save the $100 that it costs to hire someone to shuttle us out there. If I hate riding today, I will admitt to myslef that mountain biking is not for me, through in the towel and sell my bike, and Tom and I will just have to figure it out. I am determined to have a positive attutude no matter what happens. Wish me luck!

here is a video of me looking at the falls... I had no idea Tom was taking it!

Warning... the following is a long emotional rant about mountain biking, and my relationship problems, proceed with caution

2009-10-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a major melt down. Love is not a strong enough word for how Tom feels about mountain biking, he lives, eats, sleeps, and breaths it. When he is not mountain biking, he is thinking about his last ride, planning his next ride, or rubbing one of his many bikes with a soft cloth. I have tried and tried to get into it because it is his ablolute favorite thing in the entire world, and I have always tried to be supportive, and go out of my way to make sure that he gets as much riding time as possible. I have tried and tried to get into it because it is his life is so much about mountain biking, if I don't ride I feel like I am left out of the thing that makes him who he is.

I am not good at mountain biking. There is no if ands or buts about it. I generally consider myself a pretty coordinated person, and I love hiking, running and all things outdoors, but mountain biking and I don't get along. I fall on the uphills I fall on the downhills I fall on the flat sections, I fall going through puddles, I fall at stoplights going to the trailhead to start my ride, I fall in straightaways, I fall going through turns, and I especially fall over rocks and the "technical" sections which are supposed to be the most fun. to sum it up, I fall.

This being said, there are times when I make it a few miles without falling and I can feel the freedom and joy of being one with the bike. Here and there I catch glimpses of why people love it so much - and then I fall. I have been riding on and off for about 2 years, I get into in for a while and then I have a fall that scares me and I avoid it. eventually, I start feeling lonely and left out of my boyfriends life, and I try again. It is a vicious cycle that has caused me a lot of physical and emotional pain over the last few years.

I feel no pressure directly from Tom to ride, the pressure comes from myself. I have convinced myself that I cannot be his girlfriend in the way I want to be if I am not a mountain biker. He thinks I'm crazy, but he is not the one left out every weekend when he goes off for an all day ride. We have talked about it many times, and he says we will find something else to do together, but we (especially him), are incredibly busy, and that never happens. I must admit I do enable him to behave this way because I know how much he loves riding and I never, ever want to prevent him from doing what he loves most in the world.

So anyway, yesterday we go on a beautiful ride along the Deschutes River, the guys at the bike shop we went to spent 15 minutes telling us it would be a perfect mellow ride for a cold and rainy afternoon, and went on and on about how it was beautiful, but so easy even a child could do it. We get going, and I am doing ok, but even in the fun sections I can't wait for the ride to be over. I keep telling myself, "ok, this is an out and back,and it is kinda late in the day, so we will be out here for another 2 or 3 hours tops... I can handle that" Then of course I fall. Not a bad one, just a few scrapes and a bruise, but my attitude towards the whole ride goes from bad to worse. I struggle through a little longer, all the while thinking about how much I hate the whole situation. I catch up to Tom, declare, "I hate mountain biking" and toss my bike down. I then cry and cry and cry, spill everything I have just said to you, and generally behave like a spoiled child who didn't get her way. We take the short route back to the truck, Tom drops me off at home, and goes out on anoter ride. I sit on the couch and cry and cry and have been on the verge of tears since then.

I have never wanted to like something so badly, and just not been into it. I think that is really the most difficult part about all this, I really really want to love it. My best friend and my boyfriend can't get enough, and I love everything about it except the actual riding part. I have spent hours and hours and thousands of dollars trying to love it and I just don't. I have never tried so hard at anything and failed so miserably.

Tom and I did some serious talking last night, but the problem is there really isn't a good solution. We can try to do things together other then mountain biking, which might happen for a few weeks, but we will get busy, and I will stop pushing so hard for time together, and we will fall back into old patterns. I can't really blame him, he is not trying to leave me out, he just loves mountain biking more then anything, and because of that can't understand what my problem is. I also don't think he understands why it is such an emotional subject for me, to him it is simple. If I don't like riding I shouldn't ride. I wish it was that simple for me, but it is intertwined in the way I feel about our relationship, and my worth as a person. The way I see it, I can get used to being left behind and left out, which doesn't really appeal to me, or I can keep plugging away at mountain biking and hopefully someday I will develop enough skills to make it through half a ride without falling, or feeling like I am not good enough, or Tom and I can break up. I feel like I am stuck between a rock, hard place, and a really sad place, and honestly none of those solutions feels like a something I can live with.

Believe it or not, we are still having a good time and enjoying our vacation. Last night we walked around town, enjoying the sights and sounds of a new place. Today we are going on a hike, and tonight we are going to the pub cinema, one of my absolute favorite things about Oregon.

I'm sorry about the relationship rant. I know that isn't what this blog is about, but I needed to get it all out. Thank you for listening.

If only it would stop raining

2009-10-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

We are having a fantastic time... the only problem is this was supposed to be a mountain bike trip... and it wont stop raining long enough for us to even think about going on a ride. It is the really cold, almost snow kind of rain that us bay area people almost never see. The kind of rain that makes me want to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book and hide. The good news is, I am reading a good book, and I love snuggling up on the sofa!

My healthy eating plan went right out the window immediately. Don't get me wrong, I am not going completely off the deep end, but I'm on vacation and right now, having fun and not thinking too much about it is more important to me then counting points. I will loose the few pounds I gain when we get home... I always do. I am for the most art trying to make good choices and eat smaller portions, but yesterday I had pancakes for breakfast, a sandwich with real cheese and mayo for lunch and a chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries for dinner ( I was about to order a salad instead of fries... but then I saw the sweet potato option. I love sweet potato fries!). I also ate an apple, several clementines, as snacks in the car, and handfuls of baby carrots instead of chips with lunch.

We are off to the bakery for breakfast, and then grocery shopping so we can eat here at our vacation rental instead of going out to every meal. Preparing some of my own meals will help keep me in line. Here are a few pictures, honestly it has been too wet to take any outside pictures, but Bend is an adorable town, I could totally see myself living here.

The bikes we (and by we, I mean Tom) had to carry up three flights of stairs to our hotel room at 2am when we finally got to Ashland on Monday night.

Breakfast at a dinner in Ashland... why are my pancakes wearing a hat?

We were driving along minding our own business... when what happened, but SNOW! It snowed so much they closed the road to Crater lake, so we not only didn't get to see the lake, but had to go out of our way to get around the road closures!

mmmm lunch! can you see the mayo and cheese?

the kitchen of our rental... it is perfect for us!

Today my goal is to buy ingredients for healthy meals, and to take better pictures!

IT DOES MATTER!!!

2009-10-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a little get together at a coworkers house. I planned out my day and budgeted 7 points for the get together and then 9 points for a veggie burger and side salad at pub trivia. I felt confident all day, and then at my coworkers house I lost all my will power. First I decided there was plenty of fantastic food: bread, many kinds of cheese, wine, olives spanakopita, spinach dip, salame, avocado, guacamole, chicken, and plenty of other things. After seeing the quantity and variety of food, I decided I would eat a little more, and make it my dinner. Then unfortunately it was a slippery slope to totally overeating including a big bowl of ice cream at the end of the night.

Lying in bed last night, I thought to myself, I am going to overeat on vacation anyway, and Saturday is Biketoberfest, a beer tasting fundraiser Tom has been planning for months, so what does it matter if I go off plan now or on Saturday? I started thinking about all the junk food I was going to eat today, starting with a bagel and cream cheese, out to lunch with coworkers and then on and on from there.

Luckily, I woke up this morning feeling completely different about the situation. It does matter what I eat today and what choices I make everyday and at every meal. Every time I decide to eat or not eat something, it is an opportunity to make the right decision to reach my healthy eating goals. Every meal and every snack does matter, if I can keep that mindset then I will be able to make good decisions most of the time, and be able to reach my goal of maintaining over vacation. If I let myself fall into the, I have already messed up therefore I might eat everything in sight, I will undoubtedly eat my way though Oregon and gain weight over vacation. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

Oh the irony, while I was typing this… a coworker brought in bagels and cream cheese for the whole office… my dream breakfast from last night. I have yogurt and cereal, there are many many more opportunities in my life to eat bagels and cream cheese. I don’t need to eat them this morning.

Vacation Worries

2009-10-07T23:22:00.001-07:00

On Monday, Tom, a good friend and I are going to Bend Oregon for a week. I am so excited for a vacation… and not only that but a road trip. I am one of those freakish people that would, under most circumstances, rater drive then fly. This preference does not come from a fear of flying or loathing of the hassle of airports, but a love of the open road. I love the hours spent looking out the window at passing scenery and motorists, I love not knowing what is over the next hill or around the next bend in the road. I love the conversations about nothing and everything that seem to happen spontaneously while driving. I even love battling over control of the ipod and the stretches of contemplative silence that are bound to occur.

I can’t wait to explore Bend, and the surrounding countryside. The trip is very loosely planned, which suites my taste exactly… we can play everything by ear. The only firm plans are that we are going to hike and mountain bike, and explore the town. The only part of the vacation I am not looking forward to is the break from my food routine. I do best when I have enough control of the situation to make a plan and stick to it. As you know, I eat almost exactly the same breakfast and lunch everyday, leaving me more freedom for dinner. For whatever reason this works for me. I am worried about eating out significantly more then I am used to, and letting myself fall into the, “it’s ok to eat whatever I want because I am on vacation” mindset. I will want to indulge more then usual, and that is fine, but vacation is not an excuse to eat anything and everything in sight.

My goal is to maintain my weight over my vacation week. I will weigh myself on Saturday morning (Saturday is a beer tasting event Tom has been planning for months, and I want to get a starting weight before the event). If I can manage through good choices, portion control, personal restraint, and lots of outdoor activities, to maintain my weight I will be thrilled! I am already planning healthy snacks for the road trip, and I think I am going to bring my laptop so I can blog about my experiences. Blogging really does help hold me accountable, and help me sort through my thoughts and feelings and stay on track!

Today was a normal day. I has feeling a little congested this morning after my return to dairy with ice cream and mac and cheese yesterday, so I decided to hold off on the yogurt for a few more days.

Breakfast:

Puffins – 1 point

Pear – 1 point

Lunch:

Apple – 1 point
Progresso Italian meatball soup – 2.5
Carrots – 0 points

Snack:

2 saltine crackers- .5 points
Carrots – 0 points

5 aw-mak crackers - 2 points

Dinner:

Sweet potato - 5 points

Sausage - 3 points

Broccoli - 0 points

Artichoke - 0 points

a few bites of Tom's mashed potatoes - 1 point

Dessert:

Light banana bread - 3 points

Dryers free ice cream - 1 point

I will post my banana bread recipe one of these days... so easy and so yummy!

difficult day... with a happy ending

2009-10-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a challenge. I wasn't particularly hungry, upset, stressed or tired, the mental states that often trigger over eating for me, but I thought about food all day long. I managed to get through the work day ok, and though I ate more little sneaky bites of things then I would have liked (those points really do add up... and I hate using flex points on this early in the week), the evening went ok as well.

Tonight I made dinner for a good friend who has had some serious health problems over the last year. He just had his final surgery, and is able to eat again after having his jaw wired shut for 3 of the last 6 months. He is trying hard to put on some weight, and get healthy again. Food is love, and therefore I offered to make him one of his favorite meals... home made mac and cheese with cookies and cream ice cream for dessert. Talk about a gut buster, but tonight was about him, not my dietary needs. I planned ahead, pointed everything out first, and did petty well all things considered, but did dip into my flex points a bit.

Breakfast:

cinnamon puffins -1 point

pear - 1 point

Lunch:

Veggies - 0 points

light Soup - 1.5 points

1 cup pineapple - 1 point

A few yogurt covered raisins - 1.5 point

Snack:

the last of the bean salad - 1 point

small piece of bread - 1 point

A few little pieces of cheese while cooking - 1 point

bite of ice cream (ok... maybe two bites)- 2 points

Dinner:

Chicken sausage - 3 points

green beans - 0 points

broccoli - 0 points

1/3 of a serving of mac and cheese - 5 points

Dessert:

1/4 cup cookies and cream ice cream - 5 points

total points used: 24

Wow... now that I total it all up it really doesn't seem that bad. I ate homemade full fat mac & cheese and ice cream, and through portion control made it work for weight watchers. Maybe today was a success after all!

Toot my own horn

2009-10-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

I am back in my size 4 jeans. I would like them to be a little looser, but it feels great to be back in my skinny jeans, and I am once again headed in the right direction! I can still feel the extra birthday weight on me, and can’t wait to get back into the 130’s, that is when I start feeling legitimately thin!

It is amazing that I could possibly feel fat in a size 4. For my entire adult, and even as an adolescent, life I dreamed of being a size 8, or even a size 10. Here I am in a size 4, and feeling fat. I have a tendency to become obsessed with the number on the scale; you will notice I have not been regularly posting my weight. That is not to hide anything from you, but to try to curb the sometimes (mostly) obsessive compulsive behavior I tend to fall into. I often cannot see past the relatively small short term gain, to the long term 70 pound loss I have maintained for over a year now. Would l like to loose those last 18 pounds? Of course, but I need to remember not to beat myself up over the little ups and downs over the last year and focus on the fantastic success of maintaining my 70 pound loss. So I am going to take this opportunity to toot my own horn. Congratulations to me for having the courage and strength to make huge lifestyle changes and loose 70 pounds to become a healthier and happier person!

Breakfast:

30g puffins cereal – 1 point

Lunch:

Veggies – 0 points

Sandwich – 2 points

Snack:
1 cup pineapple – 1 point

Dinner:

grilled chicken pho – 15 points (full disclosure.. this is not the pho I ate... but it looked like that kinda)

Dessert:

1 oreo cookie - 2 points

snacking - 1 point

Total points used: 22

Couldn't be happier

2009-10-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

I managed to get through all of my events yesterday using only 25 points (that is only 4 flex points)! At the tailgate party I positioned myself away from the food, and didn't even start eating or drinking until we had been there for almost an hour. Then, while the food was being grilled, I snacked on veggies and drank a light beer. For lunch I had a veggie burger on a sandwich thin with mustard, relish, and ketchup - 3 points. I also had a serving of black bean salad - 1 point. After lunch I had another light beer (4.5 points total for beer), 3 sun chips and 1/2 a small piece of french bread. Dessert was a bite of Tom's cupcake, and 1/3 of a very small cookie - 3 points. I didn't bring any cash into the actual baseball game, so I wouldn't be tempted to buy any snacks.

I didn't take many photos, but here is a picture of my tasty lunch!

We got home from the game at about 4, and had an hour before heading into the city. I took a quick nap, and then ate about 1/4 of a cucumber, and 1/3 of a bell pepper as a snack, and another 1 point veggie burger, because it had been defrosted at the game, and I wanted to be sure not to be hungry at the start of film night.

At the movie, I chewed gum to keep from snacking on popcorn, and avoided the candy all together. I had one small piece of very thin crust cheese pizza for 5.5 points, then about 4 cups of popcorn for 3 points. On the way home, I had 5 red vines for 2 points.

Total points used - 25

I feel great about planning ahead, I need to do that more often!

Thanks you for all your support, there was a moment where I was considering diving into the box of crispy cream doughnuts, and didn't because I didn't want to let all of you down!

Good Morning!

2009-10-03T09:35:00.001-07:00

I am posting this morning to give myself a little pep talk for today.

Dear Self:

Making healthy choices will be a challenge today. There is no denying that a tailgate party, a baseball game, and a film night in the city will test your healthy eating resolve, but you can do it! Weight Watchers is a plan that allows some indulgences, so go have fun with your friends, enjoy yourself, but remember that you will be so much happier if you choose your treats sparingly and navigate through the day without saying, F*%$ it, and eating everything in sight. BBQ's, and the delicious food that will no doubt be there, are not a once in a lifetime experience. In fact, they seem to be pretty common in your life. There are many many more opportunities to eat cookies and cupcakes and chips and all that stuff... this is not your last chance, don't eat like it is.

Today is going to be a long day, so keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum. It will help ensure you make good choices, and at 5 pm when you have to go to film night and work until 11, you will be happy you didn't drink to excess.

Go have fun, enjoy your treats, and remember you have complete control over the situation. You have planned ahead, and brought healthy options for yourself, there is no excuse for making the wrong choices.

You can do it!!!

Breakfast:

1 cup pineapple

30 g Trader Joe's high fiber cereal - 1 point

Wish me luck friends!!!

Bad day for photos, good day for food

2009-10-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

I did not take a single photo of what I ate today. I left my phone in the car at work, and tonight I didn't even thing about it. I will count today as a success because I used only 4 flex points when I easily could have polished off the whole lot before tomorrows tailgate BBQ birthday party which I have been saving up for all week.

Breakfast and lunch were totally normal, but after work I got to cooking for the bbq. I made a very low calorie black bean salad to bring along as a side dish, and some very high calorie chocolate cupcakes and my all time favorite peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for the birthday boy. I managed not to eat any dough, batter or frosting during the entire baking process! In the middle of it all, some friends came over and brought a bottle of wine with them. I had a small glass, which was delicious and was totally satisfying! We then went to dinner at my favorite Puerto Rican restaurant. When we got home, I rewarded myself for not eating anything while baking by having a cookie for dessert. I feel great about being able to eat just one cookie, and now I am no longer thinking about them. In the past, I would not allow myself to eat any... and spent the rest of the night obsessing!

Breakfast:

Cinnamon Puffins - 1 point

1 cup pineapple - 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Apple - 1 point

Snack:

94% ff Popcorn - 2 points

Dinner:

small glass of red wine - 2 points

Vegetarian combo plate - 1 cup rice, 3/4 cup beans, salad, and plantains - 13 points

Dessert:

My favorite cookie in the whole world - 2 points

Total points used: 24

Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I have the Baseball game tailgate BBQ during the day, and then we are heading straight to a film night where I will have to eat a meal out, and battle the popcorn and candy for the last time this season. My plan is to bring veggie burgers to the BBQ, and stick to, baby carrots, and the black bean salad I am bringing. I will allow myself to have either a cupcake or a cookie, but not both, and one other treat item. I can decide tomorrow if that is going to be another side dish, or a few chips or crackers, but I will limit myself to two treats. My dinner plans are a little more up in the air. I will do my best to make good choices and stay away from the popcorn and candy by reminding myself of the treats eaten earlier in the day. Wish me luck... I am going to need it!

Success!!!

2009-10-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

I stuck to my plan and ate a veggie burger with no cheese, I estimate (rounding up) that to be 6 points, with a side salad with the dressing on the side. The salad came with blue cheese and candied walnuts, which I did my best to eat around, and there was a big pile of nuts and cheese left on my plate. I counted the salad as 3 points. I also had 1.5 beers for 4 points.

When we got home and I totaled up my daily points, I still had 3 remaining. For dessert I had a sandwich thin with Better n Peanut butter for 3 points.

Another delicious and healthy day!

2009-10-01T18:42:00.001-07:00

Today I let some minor personal stuff ruin at least half my day. I'm pretty sure I had a visible storm cloud hanging over my head. Determined to shake it, I went for a 3 mile walk on my lunch break, and arrived back at work feeling fantastic. It is amazing what a little exercise and sunshine can do for a girl!

Tonight I am going to a pub trivia night at a really fun English style pub with a very limited menu. Almost everything is fried, full of grease or smothered in cheese. The only thing even close to weight watchers friendly is the garden burger with no cheese and a side salad instead of fries. I am proud of myself for checking out the menu online and going in with a plan. I will let you know how it goes.

Breakfast:

Cinnamon puffins - 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

1 cup grapes - 1 point

Raw veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Another cup of grapes - 1 point

Broccoli - 0 points

That leaves me with 16 points for dinner, if I stick to the plan I should be just fine!

2009-09-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone in my office is on a diet of some kind. Everyone is always reading nutrition information and counting calories and trying to loose 10 or 20 pounds. I often see these same people eating handfuls of candy as a snack, bagels with peanut butter for breakfast, various baked goods, unhealthy lunches and HUGE portion sizes. I have been thinking about why I have had such a hard time sticking to weight watchers since starting this job. I think it is not so much the constant stream of unhealthy food that is the problem, I am used to that at home. I think it is the attitude I often observe, the “I am on a “diet” and I am going to eat 10 fun sized chocolate bars, and start over again tomorrow” that gets me. Knowing that other people are cheating justifies giving into cravings at work which it is a slippery slope to going off plan. I need to remember that weight watchers is not a diet on which I can choose to be on or off, it is a way of life. Nothing is off limits, and I can eat anything I want, just not everyday. If I want to have a chocolate treat at work, fine. But stop at one and count it! Working with people that choose to be on or off their diets does not give me license to eat anything and everything I want. I have made a lifestyle change to loose 70 pounds and incorporate healthy eating into my life, what others do or don’t do does not give me permission to go back to my old habits.

On that note, I had another good day, sticking to the plan without thinking too much about it.

Breakfast:

banana oatmeal - 3 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Mango Salad - 1 Point

Snack:

veggies - 0 points

grapes - 1 point

Peach - 1 point

Dinner:

Chili - 6 points

Corn bread - 4 points

asparagus and artichoke - 0 points

a few pretzels - 1 point

Dessert:

apple - 1 point

Total points used: 20

Just sick enough

2009-09-29T22:55:00.001-07:00

I am feeling just sick enough to not want to do anything, but not sick enough to justify lying around the house. I spent the half hour between 6:30 and 7 deciding not to go to work, then changing my mind, and then changing it again. I did end up going to work, and felt ok, but everything seemed to take a lot more mental energy today. It didn’t help that the main server at work is down, so we are all running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to figure out how to get our jobs done without access to any of our archived documents and templates. Fun fun fun.

I am trying to avoid dairy until I kick this cold, and I almost don’t know what to eat without my yogurt for breakfast and snack. It is amazing that something I didn’t even like a few months ago has become such am important part of my diet!

Breakfast:

Cinnamon puffins – 1 point

Snack:

Apple – 1 point

Lunch:

Progresso chicken noodle soup – 2.5 points
Veggies – 0 point

Snack:

handful of popcorn and mini candy bar - 1 point

Dinner:

Turkey and black bean chili – 6 points
Corn bread – 4 points

Dessert:

Orange - 1 point

Total points used: 16.5 (I'm sick and not feeling very much like eating)

house guests, trail building & BBQ's

2009-09-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend was really fun, and for the most part a successful weight watchers weekend. Tom had been planning a volunteer trail work day for months, and on Saturday 40 volunteers, 3 park rangers, the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) trail crew went out to a neglected stretch of trail and got to work. We had to hike about 1.5 miles in, and then I spent the next 2 hours digging a ditch to divert water off the trail and into a creek to eliminate a big muddy patch. It was hard, but satisfying work, and my whole upper body is still sore from the digging. After we completed our section, we hiked back to the trail head, and had a much deserved BBQ. I was starving from all the hard work, and did eat a few chips and crackers which I could have skipped, and I had one beer, but for the most part I stuck to diet coke, veggies, watermelon, and a veggie burger.

The IMBA trail crew stayed with us over the weekend, they were interesting, fun, and the best house guests you could ask for. I’m actually a little sad they left this morning because we were having such a good time! But I will be glad to get back to our normal eating routine, there were a lot of events revolving around food and beer while they were here, including margaritas, chips and guac on Saturday night. When will I learn that “just one margarita” also means a basket of tortilla chips once my judgment has been clouded by the alcohol?

Sunday morning I woke up feeling like maybe I was coming down with a cold, so I had a mellow day. I slept in until about 10, did some laundry and the grocery shopping, and took a nap. I just wasn’t feeling very hungry, I had an apple and a serving of cinnamon puffins for breakfast (2 points), and my favorite green mango salad for lunch (1 point). In the afternoon my Mom came over and we went to Home Depot and picked out some new plants for my yard. Since graduating, I have a little more time on my hands, and I’m looking forward to being able to do some work in the garden.

In the evening, we went to a farewell BBQ for our IMBA friends, and I once again found it easy to make healthy choices. I had a small helping of jicama and cabbage slaw (no mayo, maybe a little olive oil 2 points), about a 1/2 cup serving of a quinoa salad (4 points), a 3 point (I snuck a peek at the nutrition info on the package) chicken sausage (no bun), some raw veggies, about 5 potato chips (1 point), and 1 very small chocolate chip cookie (2 points). When we got home, I made watermelon sorbet with mini chocolate chips for seeds (2 points). It turned out more like slushy then sorbet, but it was really tasty! To top it all off, I also had one section of a Toblorone bar for 2 points to round out my day at 19 points.

Today was just another Monday, I am still feeling a little under the weather, so I am going to hold off on exercising, even though I am itching to get out there and run!

Breakfast:

Puffins and greek – 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich – 2 points
Veggies – 0 points

Snack:
Mango Salad – 1 point
Weight Watchers yogurt – 1 point

1 cup watermelon - 1point

Dinner:

Turkey taco salad- 10 points

Dessert:

Watermelon sorbet - 2 points

Total points used: 19

2009-09-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

The writing workshop was good. It was a lot to take in, and very longs days, but all in all I think it was worth the time. As far as food goes, I tried to make healthy choices such as a fat free yogurt and an apple for breakfast from the breakfast buffet, and grilled fish tacos hold the guac, sour cream and rice, but there was a lot of eating out and, and some indulgences. Right across the street from the hotel, there was a See’s Candy outlet store… I didn’t even know there was such a thing, and hope to never come across one again, they gave out way more free samples then the regular stores! We did get in a quick 30 minute workout at the hotel gym yesterday morning, and while my workout was not particularly strenuous, I felt much better after making the time to exercise. The best thing about the workshop was getting to know two of my coworkers better. We had a great time hanging out in the hotel room chatting and laughing, they are some of the funniest people I have ever met!

A few weeks ago I decided to take a more relaxed approached to weight watchers, I think I took myself a little too seriously, and have not been strict enough with myself. I need to remember that while I am going to maintain for a while once I reach 134, I am still in weight loss mode until I get there. I am determined to get back on track and stay that way. We are going on vacation for the week a week starting on October 12 (only 2 weeks away…I can’t wait!), and I would like to feel a little more comfortable in my jeans by then. Additionally, if I have two solid weeks of being on plan it will be easier for me to make good choices while on vacation.

I have a challenging weekend coming up with a BBQ tomorrow, but I am determined to have a great time and stick to my daily point allowance. I need to remember the BBQ is about spending time with the people there, not the food.

Breakfast:

Yogurt & cinnamon puffins – 3 points

Lunch:

Sandwich and carrots – 2 points

Snack:
Apple – 1 point

Dinner:

Veggie burger on a sandwich thin - 2 points

Can of chicken noodle soup - 6 points

Piece of bread - 2 points

Dessert:

yogurt - 2 points

crackers 1 point

Total points used: 19

I am still here

2009-09-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

I left the power cable for my laptop at work over the weekend. At first I felt like a lost puppy without my computer for 2 whole days... but by then end of the day on Sunday I didn't even miss it, and decided to take an additional day off from computing, just to see if I could. I could, and I did. It was a nice change to come home from work after spending all day on the computer, and not even think about turning on my laptop. It is not something I plan on making a habit of, but it was a nice break all the same.

On to the weight watching, I could have been better over the weekend, but I also could have been a lot worse. It really came down to the fact that at the time, I wanted to eat and drink socially more then I wanted to loose weight this week. I decided just to go with it, everyday I would start out with my usual yogurt & cereal, egg beaters or oatmeal, a healthy lunch with lots of veggies, and then things would fall apart around dinner time, and I would find myself eating pot stickers, drinking cocktails or eating ice cream. Oh well, what's done is done. I'm am not going to worry about it, I am back on track now, and headed in the right direction!

Breakfast:

Cinnamon puffins & greek - 2 points

Snack:

Nectarine - 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Yogurt - 2 points

Dinner:

2 oz whole wheat pasta - 4 points

Sauce made with 1/2 cup tomato sauce, sauteed eggplant, bell peppers, garlic, chard, zucchini, soy ground "beef" and 1 diced fresh tomato and 5g grated parm- 6 points

Cauliflower - 0 points

Dessert:

1/2 cup Bryers free vanilla ice cream with 1 tsp ovaltine sprinkled on top - 2 points

Total points used: 19

I got in some good workouts over the weekend, and was planning on a trip to the gym today, but I just didn't feel like it. Instead I took a nap on the couch with the cat :)

The next two days are going to be a major challenge, I am going to a writing workshop with two coworkers, we are staying over night, and there will be at least four meals eaten out, and probably cocktails. I am going to bring some healthy snacks, and I know if I put my mind to it, I will be just fine!

Snacking Happens

2009-09-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

I was so busy at work today, I didn't even have time to eat. Around 3:30, I wolfed down my sandwich between projects. The day went by in a flash, but I felt like my eating got all off schedule, and ended up using a few flex points snacking on crackers just because they were there.

Breakfast:

1.2 cup yogurt, 30g cinnamon puffins - 2 points

Snack:

Apple - 1 point

Lunch:

Tuna sandwich - 2 points

veggies - 0 points

Home from work snack:

When I got home from work I was in the mood for something chip like, after searching the kitchen, I found these rice chips, they were just what the doctor ordered

1 serving bbq rice chips - 2 points

Dinner:

Chicken and Veggie stir fry - 6 points

1 cup rice - 4 points

Dessert:

A few small bites of regular coffee ice cream - 2 point

Bryers ice cream - 3 points

A few crackers - 2 points

Total Points Used: 24

Total flex points used: 3

Total AP's earned: 3

Tom and I got into a silly fight, we made up, but I still have my cranky pants on.

3 hour meeting... oh my!!

2009-09-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

My work dinner thing got canceled, so that made the decision really easy for me! I planned to take a day off from working out, and Tom invited me to go with him to a friends house for a beer and some bike talk. I skipped the beer, but had a nice relaxing evening hanging with some friends. Work was tough today, I had a 3 hour meeting this afternoon, I planned my eating around it, but was not expecting there to be a basket of candy there… I should have expected it with all the sweets at my work, but I didn’t. I decided I would have a small piece of candy after the break, but I totally forgot about it, and left the meeting without having any. All I needed to do was give myself permission to have a piece, and then it became a non issue. It was not really about the candy, it was about feeling like I wasn’t allowed to have it. I actually went back and had a piece after the meeting as a reward for not obsessing about it for the entire meeting.

Breakfast:

Cereal and 1/2 cup yogurt – 2 points

Snack:

Veggies – 0 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich with more lettuce then meat… or bread for that matter, I love the crunchy iceberg on sandwiches – 2 points

Snack:

Apple – 1 point

popcorn - 1 point

whoppers 1 point

Dinner:

Taco Salad mmmm my favorite - 11 points

Dessert:

3/4 cup free ice cream - 3 points

Total Points Used: 21

Goal for tomorrow: get in a work out!!!

Just another day

2009-09-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Today we had almost no food in the house, I had been putting off grocery shopping for far too long. Yesterday I made a flexible meal plan, and grocery list. There is no denying that I eat, and shop so much better with a meal plan and shopping list. There is less waste and less stress about how I am going to make dinner out of the miscellaneous items in the fridge. Recently, I feel like I have been eating more or less the same 10 things, so I am going to make more of an effort to sit down with my cookbooks on Sunday and come up with a more creative meal plan. The fall weather is causing me to crave soups, stews and comfort food!

Meal plan and grocery list

We ended up going out to dinner tonight, but I still managed to get the grocery shopping done, and get in a 2.5 mile run. It is amazing what a difference a day makes. Yesterday every step of my run was a challenge, today I felt strong and light and happy while running. I wonder what caused the difference?

Breakfast:

1/3 cup fat free plain yogurt, 30g flax plus cereal &1 tsp maple syrup – 2 points

coffee - 1 point (I used half and half today)

Snack:
Carrots – 0 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich – 2 points

Snack:

Yoplait light – 2 points

A few hanfulls of popcorn - 1 point

Home from work snack:

Veggies and salsa - .5 (for the peach salsa)

Dinner:

Eaten at our favorite brewery where it is possible to be very good, or very very bad. Tonight I opted for very good.
Grilled protobello burger with goat cheese and olive spread with a side salad – 9 points
1/2 a beer - 1.5 points
I even managed to not eat Any of Tom’s french fries J

Dessert:

Weight Watchers cookie and cream bar - 2 points

Total points used 21

Ap's earned 3

I am torn, tomorrow night the girls from my office are going to dinner. I want to go to be social and get to know everyone a little better outside of work, but it is about a 20 mile drive north of my work, and I live about 15 miles south, and I am trying to save money and social occasions revolving around food can sometimes be difficult, especially this week when I am determined to use every point wisely. I am willing to make it my spurge night, and spend some flex points on dinner, but I just don’t know if I am willing to drive that far, and spend the money. What to do, what to do?

Easy as Pie

2009-09-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Another remarkably easy day. I suppose I am once again in the honeymoon period, excited about the prospects of loosing weight and seeing all my meals through rose colored glasses. I know that just as with love, the honeymoon will end, and I will once again feel restricted by weight watchers, but I am determined to enjoy this while it lasts! I have been doing a lot of thinking about what exactly how to move forward from here. Obviously what I am currently doing is not working in the long term, so as per the suggestion of Friend of the Bear, I am going to try to reach my plateau weight of 134 pounds, and consider that a success and major milestone, and work at maintaining that weight for 3 months. After 3 months of maintenance I will switch back to weight loss mode, and try to loose those last 10 pounds. What do ya'll think about that idea?

Breakfast:

Greek & Natures Miracle flax plus flakes - 2 points

Prepared in Tupperware to take to work, but I wasn't paying attention and added the flakes into the yogurt. As I cannot stand soggy flakes, I ate an early breakfast this morning.

Snack:

I was just not hungry today, I was busy at work, and just didn't really think about food. I ate this pear mostly because it came from my tree and I couldn't stand for it to go to waste I don't even really like pears!

Pear - 1 point

Lunch:

Eaten around 2, a can progresso light vegetable and barley soup - 1.5 points

Carrots - 0 points

Snack:

When leaving work at 5, I finally got hungry. I ate a pre-run snack of yoplait light yogurt - 2 points

Dinner:

2 1/3 oz grilled chicken thigh - 3.5 points

Mashed potatoes - 4 points

Cauliflower, eggplant & green beans - 1 point

Dessert:

1/2 cup dryers free chocolate cookies and cream ice cream - 2 points

I was going to call it a night, but thinking back to yesterdays post about moderation, I decided I could find something in this house for 4 points that sounded appetizing. After considering several options, I settled on a piece of toast with better n peanut butter and honey for 4 points. It was delicious!

I also managed to get out for a run. I went for my standard street run which is about 3 miles... usually once I get going I feel pretty good, but today every single step was a challenge. My tummy didn't feel right, and I just felt sluggish. Maybe it is those extra pounds I am lugging around! I felt much better when I was done, I love the post work out endorphins!!!

Total Points Used 21

Total AP's earned 4

one day down... the rest of my life to go!

2009-09-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today I felt like my old self. I ate healthy, I went to the gym, I didn't eat just because I happened to find myself in the kitchen with nothing pressing to attend to, and it was relatively effortless. The ease at which I seem to have settled into my old routine leaves me thinking WTF?!? What exactly got into me that I was not only "off" plan, but eating ice cream at noon, just because I felt like it.

I am not dwelling on this to punish myself, but to try to learn from my mistakes. I am concerned that recently I have developed a nasty little habit of being hard core on weight watchers, loosing weight quickly, and then when there is a lull in my weight loss, usually around 134 pounds, I get frustrated and go hard core off weight watchers. This behavior is new... and rather alarming. I am going to try to address this by being not as hard core on weigh watchers, for example forcing myself to use all my points everyday, and most of my flex points every week. Hopefully this more moderate approach will result in slow but steady weight loss, without the 2 week bender when I reach the 134 pound mark. I will of course keep you posted as to the results and all the bumps along the way. And I have one favor to ask of you my dear virtual friends, if you see me getting a little too militant with the weight watching and pointing remind me of the birthday bender of 2009.

Breakfast:

Cinnamon & Vanilla Oatmeal - 3 points

Lunch:

Tuna Sandwich - 4 points

Zucchini - 0 points

Snack:

Carrots - 0 points

Dinner:

Whole wheat pasta with cauliflower, zucchini, eggplant, chicken apple sausage and tomato sauce - 10 points

This pasta was seriously the best thing I have eaten in days and days. I honestly think I am a much more creative cook while on weight watchers.

Dessert:

Yoplait Light - 2 points

Total points used: 17 ( I know, I know... already not keeping my word)

Total Activity earned - 40 minutes of cardio at the gym, 3 points

My birthday gift to myself.... a 6 pound gain, oh how I wish it came with a gift receipt

2009-09-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have been too busy stuffing myself with food to post on my blog. A terrible excuse, I know, but it is true. I usually post in the evening just before bed, and for the past week or so I have been guiltily shoveling ice cream into my mouth instead posting. I'm not sure what caused me to fall off the wagon this time.

I went camping over labor day weekend, and I must admit there was quite a bit of primarily carbohydrate based foods, and of course the obligatory smores. There was also quite bit of hiking and mountain biking, so I feel like the physical activity probably mostly offset the increased calories. The real trouble began on Tuesday, my birthday, and the birthday eating has not stopped since, and honestly I feel like crap! I feel fat and bloated and I am constantly either on a sugar high or crash, and long for the blood sugar stability of weight watchers!

I have been telling myself all week I will start over again tomorrow, but no more. I am starting right now!!! Never mind the bagel and cream cheese I had for breakfast or the macaroni and cheese I had for lunch, I can choose to focus on my energy on the fantastic 3 mile run i went on today, eat a healthy dinner, and start over again from this moment!!!

Gone camping... I'll be back Monday night. My phone won't let me post!

2009-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you, I did not eat another brownie!!!

2009-09-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

I did not eat another brownie, or the peanut butter filled pretzels or the candy, I stuck to my food plan while at work and felt pretty good about it. It honestly would not have been possible for me to resist those goodies without your support, so thank you! Today was the first time I really felt the community aspect of blogging, my post was intended to formalize the thoughts bouncing around in my head, and as an added bonus I got support I needed when I needed it most! I am exhausted, so I am going to keep this brief.

Breakfast:

Cereal and greek yogurt - 2 points

Snack:

Brownie - 5 points

Lunch:

Sandwich - 2 points

Mango salad - 1 point

Veggies - 0 points

Dinner:

about 2 cups of green papaya salad with shrimp - 6 points

1.5 beers - 4 points

A few french fries - 2 points

an oreo cookie - 2 points

Today was not my best, but all in all I ate pretty healthy, persevered over the brownies, sat in front of a box of oreos and only ate one, even after a beer, and got in lots of veggies! I also managed to come home slightly tipsy, walk right through the kitchen without having a bite of anything... a victory in and of its self!

Total Points Used 24

Goal for Tomorrow:

Workout!!!

The Difference Between a Fat Person and a Thin Person

2009-09-02T10:35:00.001-07:00

I am posting to try to talk myself out of eating another brownie. It is a coworker’s birthday, and someone brought in delicious fudgy brownies. I tried to resist… held out for 2 hours, and then gave in and had a small brownie. I made the decision that it was worth using the points, and enjoyed every chocolaty bite. I am totally fine with the decision to spend my points that way, but now 20 minutes later, my heart racing from the sugar, all I can think about is the plate of brownies a few short steps from my desk, and the peanut butter filled pretzels someone brought in to share lurking in the kitchen. Another brownie will not make me feel better, in fact it will make the sugar high worse, and I will be angry with myself for blowing all my points on food I don’t really want before noon.

I can do this, my will is stronger then the desire to eat chocolate. I think that one of the fundamental difference between the thin person I want to be and the fat person I used to be. The fat girl would continue the sugar high all day, using a coworker’s birthday as an excuse to eat brownies, pretzels and candy. The thin girl I want to be enjoyed her brownie, and will continue with her planned healthy day. The mostly thin, but in between fat and thin girl that I am right now is having a difficult time making the right decision. It is 100% up to me to make the healthy decision, and act like the thin person I am working on becoming. I can do this!

So so hungry

2009-09-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

I was hungry all day today. Food was never far from my mind, and not because I was tired or stressed, I was just plain hungry. I tried to compensate by eating lots of veggies and avoiding the chocolate basket at work, but I couldn't stop thinking about food all day. Towards the end of the day I started getting a craving for margaritas and tortilla chips, and I knew all I needed to do way say the word and Tom would be all over that idea. Instead I called my lovely sister, who seems to have endless patience to talk about my weight watchers craziness. I acknowledged that I was legitimately hungry, had some yogurt and then went for a fantastic run. Some days are easy, and some days I fight against my cravings every minute, today was one of those days.

Breakfast:

Banana Oatmeal - 3 points

Snack:

Nectarine - 1 point

Lunch:

Big crunchy salad - 1 point

Small serving of leftover lasagna - 3 points

Snack:

Fiber one bar - 2 points

1/2 cup greek yogurt- 1 point

A few crackers - .5 points

Dinner:

2.5 oz grilled chicken thigh - 3.5

asparagus - 0 points

1/2 cup brown rice - 2 points

mango coleslaw - 1 point (1/4 of this amount)

Dessert:

Skinny Cow - 2 points

Total points used - 21

I am proud of my run today, not only did I not want to go, but I ran about 3 miles, of very steep uphill trail. A trail I have ridden on my bike many times, and am always in awe of runners I see powering their way up. Today I was one of those runners!!! I ran the whole thing in about 45 minutes for 5 activity points!

Food Hangover

2009-08-31T20:37:00.001-07:00

I had a good weekend, and did pretty well with the food staying within my points on Friday and Saturday... but Sunday was a different story. It was my Dad's birthday party, I made a very delicious, but pointy cake, and my sister made a delicious and relatively low point meal. The food and company was fantastic, I had a great time and could have done very well, but as I just ate way too much of everything... especially cake :)!! I had 32 flex points, 20 activity points, and my daily points so I think technically I probably did ok, but ate to excess and I did not like the way it made me feel. This morning I awoke feeling crappy. I was tired, lethargic, and just didn't feel well all day. Around 3 today I realized I had a major food hangover. My body was processing all the extra sugar and fat I don't normally eat and it did not feel good.

I tried to eat very simply, and drink lots of water, and I'm feeling better already.

Breakfast:

Natures Miracle flax plus & Greek yogurt - 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

Yoplait light yogurt - 2 points

Dinner:

overcooked broccoli and zucchini - 0 points

vegetarian lasagna - 9 points

I am planning on having a small dessert of some kind, probably light ice cream. I am not using all my points today, but considering the quantity of food I ate, and that I didn't exercise I think it will be ok. :)

I am looking forward to feeling better and getting in a workout tomorrow.

Today was a challenge!

2009-08-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to eat all day long today, not because I was hungry... just because I was board and feeling snacky. All day long the candy basket at work was calling my name, and then when I got home it was Tom's chips and crackers lurking above the fridge that were tempting me. I did engage in some snacking... but I think I more or less accurately counted everything, and accommodated the snacking into my daily points. The real success for me today was not letting the fact that I was tired, and it was hot and muggy be an excuse for getting out there an exercising. I went on about an hour and a half mountain bike ride.

Breakfast:

Van's 97% ff waffle w/ 1/3 cup greek, 30g of blueberries and 2 tsp maple syrup - 3 points

Lunch:

Tofu "pasta" with tomato sauce - 3 points, super yummy lunch!!!

weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

chocolate - 1 point

veggies - 0 points

Snack:

a few special k crackers, a few baked cheese puffs, and a tiny bot of cereal - 3 points

Dinner:

chicken roasted red pepper and corn sausage - 2 points

sweet potato fries 8oz before cooking - 3 points

zucchini - 0 points

cauliflower - 0 points

Dessert:

a few sneaks of cake batter from the cake I baked for my dad's bday - 3

free chocolate cookies and cream ice cream - 2 points

Planning is good!

2009-08-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

This week I made a dinner meal plan. On Monday I planned out what we were going to have for dinner each night, then I went to the grocery store and purchased all the necessary ingredients, and then miracle of all miracles, I stuck to the plan! I feel like we had a better variety of healthy food, with less waste then usual. Monday was taco salad, Tuesday was chicken parm, Wednesday was chicken and mashed potatoes, and tonight was spicy turkey sausage risotto. Each meal included a hefty serving of veggies, and left me feeling more satisfied and full for fewer points then any restaurant meal ever could. My goal for next week is to once again make and stick to a meal plan!

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

small peach - .5

about 3 cups of 94% fat free microwave popcorn - .5

a handful of cereal and about 4 special k crackers when I got home from work - 1 point

Dinner:

Tomato and Turkey Italian sausage risotto - 11 points

Cauliflower - 0 points

Broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

Peach Brulee - 3 points

Total points used 21

Total AP's earned 0!!!

I skipped working out today. I feel a little guilty, but I have worked out the last 4 days in a row, and I just didn't feel like it today. I suppose I felt that way for a reason, my body probably needed a break! I'm going to go tomorrow after work for sure!

No Pictures

2009-08-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for not posting yesterday, I forgot my phone at home yesterday, but had my digital camera with me, so I took photos of what I ate the old fashioned way... with a camera! When it came time to post it was late and I was tired, and I got really frustrated because I couldn't find a card reader to download the pictures. I was acting like a child... all cranky because I couldn't find what I was looking for, and decided I would do Tom, and myself a favor and just go to bed. It is interesting how much my emotions are influenced by my physical state, hunger and tiredness especially I have to be careful of, they can turn me into a child, and make eating that bag of chips or pint of ice cream seem like a good idea. Luckily, yesterday I was just cranky and then went to bed with out posting. :)

Yesterday breakfast:

Natures Miracle Flax plus flakes and greek - 2 points

Snack:

Veggies - o points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

Home from work snack:

Pudding cup - 1 point

Special K crackers - 3 points (I weighed out a 2 point serving, but then ate several more out of the box)

Dinner:

Grilled chicken breast (6oz measured raw) - 4 points

Mashed potatoes, made with 1% milk, and greek yogurt - 3 points

Asparagus - 0 points

grilled eggplant with bruschetta topping - 1 point

Dessert:

double serving of bryers free chocolate cookies and cream ice cream - 4 points

Total Points Used: 20

Total AP's earned 3 (quick trip to the gym)

I got up early to post today, and as a result had time to make myself a hot breakfast. I am going to try to get up a little earlier from now on it is very relaxing to have a few minutes to myself in the morning!

Breakfast:

Banana oatmeal - 3 points

I feel like I ate too much food!

2009-08-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have eaten too much food today, but I keep adding the points with the same result. 22, one over my daily allowance, but pretty good none the less. Today was another good day, I stayed on plan, and went for a great mountain bike ride with a friend. While I am not obsessed with mountain biking the way Tom is, I do love the workout aspect of it, it is a great way to get outside and get a great strength and cardio workout in one. According to my heart rate monitor I burned 847 calories today on my 90 minute ride, how else can you get that kind of workout in 90 minutes?

Breakfast:

Van's low fat frozen waffle - 1 point

2 tsp maple syrup - .5

3/4 cup strawberries - .5

greek yogurt - 1 point

Snack:

Veggies - 0 points

Lunch:

Veggie burger with tomato, lettuce, and mustard on a sandwich thin - 2 points

Snack:

ww yogurt - 1 point

Vita muffin - 1 point

I was really hungry when I got home from work, and about to go on a ride so I decided another snack was necessary. I had a cheese stick for 2 points and several special k crackers for another 2 points

Dinner:

Chicken & eggplant parmesan on whole wheat pasta with mozzarella cheese & sauce - 11 points

artichoke - 0 points

green beans - 0 points

Dessert:

Out of points, and very full from dinner, so I had a diet root beer over ice

Total points used: 22

Total Ap's earned 9!!!!!

Today was a good day

2009-08-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I stuck to my food plan, was very busy at work, which left me with very little time to think about what I was going to eat next. I made a meal plan for the week, I went to the gym, I made a delicious and healthy dinner and I am going to make it to bed before midnight!

Breakfast:

I decided I better take a break from puffins so I don't burn out on them and bought another type of Barbara's brand cereal, shredded spoonfuls. They are tasty, but are much heavier then the puffins, so an oz is a much smaller serving. Not worth a point in my book... can I interest anyone in a slightly used box of Barbara's shredded spoonfuls?

Yogurt and shredded spoonfuls - 2 points

Lunch:

We were out of lunch meat, and I was running late this morning so I grabbed a can of progresso light zesty south western chicken soup. It was ok, and a nice change of pace from my turkey sandwich, I may add a soup day into my lunch routine for variety.

Soup - 3 points

Snack:

Veggies, eaten throughout the day - 0 points

3ish cups 94% ff popcorn - 1 point

A few bites of bryers free chocolate cookies and cream ice cream when I was unloading the groceries... just to make sure it was good - 1 point

Dinner:

Delicious taco salad - 11 points (sorry there is no picture, my phone was upstairs, my food was getting cold... I had to make a difficult choice)

Dessert:

3/4 cup chocolate cookies and cream ice cream - 3 points

Total points used: 21

Activity earned: 3

My goal for tomorrow is for it to go as well as today!

Ikea and I have a love-hate relationship

2009-08-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Ikea and spent at least 3 hours wandering around trying to make the right decision about everything... and trying to ignore the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting in my direction all day long! I really love most of what I bought, and setting up all the stuff was exciting, but I am exhausted and feel like if I have to make one more decision about anything my head might explode! I did well with food today, but unfortunately I ran out of time and had to cancel my bike ride :(

Breakfast:

Banana Oatmeal - 3 points

Pre Ikea Snack:

Light cheese Stick - 1 point

Lunch:

Veggie burger on a sandwich thin with light cheese - 3 points

Grilled veggies - 1 point

Snack:

Snacking - 1 point

Dinner:

Coleslaw - 0 points

Yellow curry wrap - 10 points

Dessert:

Skinny Cow ice cream Sandwich - 2 points

Total Points Used 21

I need to make exercise a priority this week! my goal is to work out at least 4 days this week!

I know I promised!

2009-08-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

I fell asleep on the couch last night, I know it is no excuse, but it is true! Sorry for not posting! Yesterday was a success! I went on my first small mountain bike ride on my new bike! It was a really quick one for about 450 calories. On our way home, we ran into some friends and Tom really wanted to get margaritas. Being the best girlfriend in the whole world, I said, "sure, why not... It is Friday night after all" and ordered myself a diet coke. My downfall was the chips and salsa. By this time it was about 8 pm and I had not eaten much since lunch, so I was STARVING. I avoided the first basket, then hit the second basket pretty hard. I have no idea how many chips I ate, but I did try to stick to the broken up chip pieces to get more miliage out of what I was eating. I estimate I ate about 30 chips! When we got home I really wasn't hungry, but figured my body needed some real food. I had a veggie burger for protein, and some broccoli for veggies, I was full, satisfied and even had an extra point leftover to have 1/2 an ice cream sandwich! I success if I do say so myself!

Breakfast:

Cereal and Greek - 2 points

Lunch

Sandwich - 2 points

Yogurt - 2 points

Necterine - 1 point

Veggies - 0 points

Snack:

mini mojo bar for energy before my bike ride - 2 points

Dinner:

30 tortilla chips - 8 points

Salsa/ guac - 2 points

Veggie burger - 1 point

Broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

1/2 Ice cream sando - 1 point

Wish me luck today, I have to have lunch at the cheesecake factory!

TGIF

2009-08-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have to get back into the habit of posting before bed. I have many excuses, I have been really busy, and I still feel like I am playing catch up from the houseguests, but really those are just excuses, I have not made the time for it. On the plus side, I have been eating healthy, and yesterday I got my new mountain bike, so I have no excuse not to get out there and get some exercise! One of my favorite things about mountain biking is that it is a fantastic cardio workout. On my standard 1.5 hour ride I burn an average of 850 calories! This week I am focused on getting my house back together and eating healthy again, next week I need to focus on adding back in regular exercise. I am going on my first bike ride tonight after work, and I will make the time to post my meals tonight. I promise you have not been missing anything exciting, I have been eating the usual for breakfast and lunch, and only slight variations for dinner. That is another project for next week, come up with some variations for breakfast and lunch that I can bring to the office.

All I can say is TGIF!!!

What a difference a few days makes

2009-08-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

I feel 100% back on track. I have been eating healthy food, exercising (well yesterday anyway), but most importantly my mental state has shifted. Once again I feel like weight watchers is a livable guide to healthy eating and weight loss. It is amazing how much better my body feels when I stick to the program!

Breakfast:

puffins and greek - 2 points

Snack:

carrots, cucumber & tomatoes - 0 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Yoplait Light yogurt - 2 points

Snack:

Strawberries - 1 point

4 yogurt dipped pretzels - 2 points

1/2 of a small cookie - 1 point

Dinner:

Salad with goat cheese, beats, toasted pine nuts, and a olive oil & balsamic dressing - 7 points

Roasted red pepper and corn chicken sausage - 2 points

broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

Skinny cow mint ice cream sandwich - 2 points

Total Points Used: 21

No activity points earned, but I did all the laundry, got rid of the millions of boxes and reorganized the kitchen which greatly lowered my stress levels!

Looking forward, not back

2009-08-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have had an indulgent weekend. I have no excuse except I really just didn’t want to think about weight watchers anymore. I was feeling stressed about any number of things, and I ate many many more points then I am allowed, mostly on things like chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels, fantastic organic ice cream, Chinese food, and alcohol. I did not track, and I have without a doubt gained weight, but I did focus on portion control. While I could have done MUCH better, I also could have done a lot worse.

I was mostly back on track yesterday, but did share a very good quality bottle of wine with our departing houseguests, but today I’m back on track for real! I went through the fridge last night and got rid of all the houseguests fattening leftovers, and I put the peanut butter up on the very top kitchen shelf, the shelf that requires getting the step ladder out of the garage! Tonight I am going grocery shopping on my way home from work, without fear of my expensive food getting eaten by 8 year olds and their baby sitters, and then I am going on a hike with a friend.

Exercise is the one area where I feel like I really let myself down. Fattening weekends happen sometimes, and I know from experience that if I can make time for exercise, not only am I offsetting some of the extra calories I am consuming, but just making the time to exercise keeps my healthy eating goals at the forefront of my mind. I cannot change the past, but what I can do is focus on making healthy choices today!

Note to Self

2009-08-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Self,
Get you act together, you know that 137 to 134 pounds is a total plateau weight range, you have been there before. Sure it is frustrating to be doing all the right stuff and not loosing weight instantly, but you also know from experience that eating everything in site is not the answer. I guarantee that continuing this behavior will break the plateau, but in the wrong direction! Fluctuating between 134 and 137 is a hell of a lot better then being 140 or even the, gasp it hurts me even to type this number even though it is obviously a sodium and alcohol inflated weight, of 144 pounds that was on the scale this morning. One night of chips, guacamole, and margaritas is no big deal, you should have had one drink, and eaten many less tortilla chips, but if was tasty and fun, but there is no excuse for last night. You ate well all day, had a healthy dinner, and then what happened? Skipped working out for no good reason, and did you need to eat those leftovers? They were not even very good, and the cookie? And the heath bar crunch ice cream… did that really make you feel any better? And don’t even tell me hunger is what motivated you to have the peanut butter toast at midnight… and I saw that handful of chocolate covered almonds after that. Did you like the way all that food made you feel sick and bloated? Do you like how you still feel 12 hours later? Yeah, I didn't think so!

I’m not telling you this because I am angry at you, I just need to be straight with you so you admit to yourself the ridiculousness of your behavior. A few nights of overeating is no big deal, it will not matter in the grand scheme of things, but the behavior pattern is not good, and if this continues you know what will happen. Get it back together and keep it that way! You are off to a good start today with a run and a healthy breakfast, stick to your food plan, enjoy pho with your friend and you will be satisfied and fine! Keep it up through the weekend, I know you have a party to go to tomorrow, and are working the beer booth at the car show on Sunday. Undoubtedly it will be a challenge, but how many BBQ's and parties have you successfully navigated over the years? It is possible, you have done it before, you can do it again! It is 100% up to you to stay on plan, get in exercise, and I guarantee those pounds will come right off! You can do it, I know you can. There is still plenty of time to reach your vacation goal of 130 pounds, just look back at how far you have come!

Monday done, T minus 4 days till the weekend!

2009-08-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

I did not sleep well last night. It was hot and I couldn't quiet my brain last night, I kept making lists of things I need to do or buy or think about, and my tummy was upset from all the ice cream and peanut butter. I actually got up before the alarm, and got out on a quick run to clear my head and start the day off right. I did feel fantastic, but I was running late and starving all morning long. I ran about 3.3 miles with an 8.2 minute mile, which is much much faster then I have ever run before. At least all the working out is increasing my fitness if I'm not loosing any weight.

Breakfast:

27 g puffins

10 g fiber cereal

4 strawberries - 2 points

I ate both my snacks in the morning because I was starving... but considering the run I guess it makes sense

Snack:

1 cup pineapple - 1 point

1 weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Carrots - 0 points

Snack:

Chocolate - 1 point

I went grocery shopping after work and was starving when I got home. I did pretty well, sticking mostly to carrots, but I also had a few strawberries, 2 tortilla chips, and a chocolate covered almond for 2 points

Dinner:

veggie burger on a sandwich thin with grilled red onion, slice of tomato, grilled red pepper, lettuce mustard and ketchup - 4 points

corn on the cob - 1 point

Grilled veggies - 1 point

homemade green mango salad - 1 point

Dessert:

mint skinny cow ice cream sandwich - 2 points

I have used 19 points so far today, and I think I will have a 2 point yogurt because I feel like I have been overestimating and rounding up all day today, and I am trying to avoid the lathergic tired feeling I sometimes get when I workout and don't eat enough.

Where did the weekend go?

2009-08-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Monday, and it is time to start all over again. I didn't get the laundry or the grocery shopping done, I didn't start my new book, but I did eat healthy food, and got in a 5 mile run on Saturday morning, and a 6 mile hike today. The scale is holding steady at 136 ponds, and I guess I don't have a choice but to go with it. The only other option is to eat everything in site, and I have tried that before... a few times now, and it never ever results in weight loss!

Mid post, for no good reason at all I just got up and ate probably about a cup of full fat chocolate cookies and cream ice cream. I have no idea why, I didn't even really want it! I wanted a bite of something chocolate, one bite turned into many, and when I was done, to top it all off I ate a spoonful of peanut butter (thank you Sarah for the peanut butter conversation the other day). I am baffled... I honestly have no idea what to make of what just happened... and now I have a tummy ache! I still have not exceeded my weekly points, and what's done is done, but I am interested to see what happens on the scale tomorrow morning.

I was going to post my meals for the weekend, but it seems silly now, and honestly my tummy hurts and I want to go to bed!

Break me off a piece of that kit-kat bar!

2009-08-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the emails and comments, I think I just needed a good nights sleep and the perspective that a new day brings. What I was trying to convey yesterday is that while I know with certainity that the fact that I weighed 134.5 one day and 136 the next without any obvious reason, has little to nothing to do with the my actual weight. I am no fatter today then I was yesterday, but the fact that there was a somewhat dramatic difference in my weight without any good reason brings out my crazy obsessive compulsive, all or nothing dieter behavior that has cause me to fall off the wagon in the past. It is not the scale or the number that is the problem it is fighting against the internal crazy that is the problem. So, to combat my internal point obsessed dieter, I made myself eat an entire kit kat bar today... I needed to remind myself that weight watchers is as much about splurging now and then as it is about tracking and measuring, I can eat candy, it is not against the rules, and one candy bar is not going to make me fat. And, you know what, I think it may have worked. :)

Breakfast:

over easy egg on a sandwich thin w/ hot sauce - 3 points

Lunch:

very small peach - .5 point

sandwich - 2 points

carrots - 0 points

Snack:

weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

1 hersheys kiss - .5 points

Dinner:

delicious whole wheat pasta salad with zucchini, chard, roasted red pepper and corn sausage, tomatoes, bell pepper and balsalmic vinegar - 9 points

1/3 of a cucumber - 0 points

1/2 cup broccoli - 0 points

Dessert:

Kit-Kat - 5 points

total points used: 21

total AP's earned: 3

goal for tomorrow, get my booty up and out for a run before work!

WTF 136?

2009-08-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

I did not post yesterday because I was tired, and I forgot my cell phone, so there were no pictures anyway, but by no means did I have a bad food day yesterday. I ate a bigger then average lunch, which I estimated around 11 points, but compensated with a very light dinner, stayed within my points and managed to get in a quick workout. This morning, I got up, weighed myself as usual, and I was back up to 136 pounds... why!?! I can't blame it on sodium, or that time of the month, and even though I know I am not really any fatter then I was yesterday, just seeing that number on the scale makes me feel that way!

Today was a bit of a challenge because even though logically it makes no sense, an irrational part of myself wanted to give it all up and order a philly cheese steak sandwich with some of the girls in the office. I was feeling really tired, skipped my workout, did ok at dinner, then did a whirlwind tour of the kitchen and ate a bite of ice cream, a tiny piece of cookie and a chocolate covered almond. I'm not sure what my deal is today!

Breakfast:

Puffins and Greek - 2 points

Snack:

Carrots - 0 points

Lunch:

Snadwich - 2 points

grapes - 1 point

a few veggies - 0 points

Snack:

weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

Dinner:

mmm sushi my favorite

Miso soup - 1 point

Salad (they brought them because the sushi was taking so long, I didn't eat much) - 1 point

spicy tuna rolls - 6 points

6 small hamachi and green onion rolls- 2.5 points

5 pieces sweet potato roll 4.5 points

bite of chocolate ice cream - 1 point

chocolate covered almond - 1 point

bite of cookie - 1 point

Total points used - 25

Total AP's earned 0!!!

Tomorrow I need to prioritize eating more fruit and veggies, and getting in a workout! I may avoid the scale for a few days... I can feel the obsessive irrational weight loss nut threatening to rear her ugly head, and that usually leads to me giving up on myself and eating cake and chips and bread and ice cream in vast quantities! It may be better if I can hold off weighing myself until my official weigh in day on tuesday.

134.5!!

2009-08-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

This morning I weighed 134.5 pounds, that is the lowest I have been in my adult life. I briefly weighed 134.5 about a year ago, but have never been lower. I am excited and super motivated to keep up the exercise and the eating healthy, and get to my goal. I am less then 10 pounds away, I can do this.

I'm sorry, I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I am trying to stay motivated, and remind myself just how close I am!

I am concerned about lunch tomorrow. I am eating peruvian food with a coworker, I have never tried peruvian food, and I'm curious, but because I have no experience with it, I have no idea what to order. I'll give it my best shot, and have a light dinner.

Snack:

Weight Watchers yogurt - 1 point

Lunch:

Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, 1 oz chicken breast, and a mustard vinegrette. - 2 points

Snack:

a very small bite of zucchini pie a coworker was handing out... think pie crust filled with cheese, butter, onions, and zucchini - 1 point

Carrots - 0 points

1 tiny 3 muskateers bar - 1 point

Home from work snack:

3 tortilla chips - 1 point

Dinner:

Portobello burger with 1 oz goat cheese, grilled bell pepper, grilled red onion, tomato, lettuce & mustard - 6 points

Grilled veggies - 2 points

Corn on the Cob - 1 point

Dessert

1/2 cup greek yogurt

50 g blueberries

10 g brown sugar - 2 points

2 chocolate covered almonds - 1 point

Total points used: 20

Total AP's earned 4

There are pictures, but my phone is in my car which is way too far away... sorry I'm being a lazy blogger tonight.

strange day

2009-08-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry no post yesterday, it ended up being a busy and fun day, and when we got home I made strawberry cupcakes with our youngest house guest, and then was too tired to post. We had a great time, and it was exactly what I needed to get out of town for the day. I was very proud of myself for making it through a "date" day and staying within my points. I did use 7 flex points for a cupcake, but it was totally worth it!

Lunch:

Grilled veggie sandwich w/ pesto mayo on the side (not eaten) - 5 points

beer - 3 points

2 french fries - 1 point

Snack:

1/2 a beer from a different brewery - 2 points

Dinner:

grilled chicken breast - 4 points

oil to keep chicken from sticking to the grill - 1 point

LOTS of grilled veggies - 1 point

Dessert:

strawberry cupcake - 7 points

Total points: 26

Today was a rather strange day, I thought I forgot my cell phone, so there were no food pictures. I had a normal breakfast, but around lunchtime I started feeling really sick. I thought I was going to throw up several times, and actually left work at 1. When I got home I took a nap for a few hours, then woke up feeling fine, and went to a family dinner at my parents house, where I got in a great run, and had a fantastic dinner. My tummy is still feeling a little funny, but not exactly sick anymore.

Breakfast:

cereal, greek & strawberries - 3 points

Lunch:

2.5 ak-mak crackers - 1.5 points

1/2 cup blueberries - .5 points

Yoplait yogurt - 2 points

a few carrots - 0 points

Dinner:

snacking before dinner on cereal etc - 2 points

sweet potato fries - 3 points

grilled chicken - 3 points

2 bites orzo salad - 1 point

1 cup beets - 1 point

veggies - 1 point

Dessert:

a few honey roasted peanuts, a tiny square of dark chocolate, and a small hand full of cereal - 3 points

Total points used: 21

Total AP earned: 4

Hopefully I will be back to normal tomorrow!

2009-08-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

I was hungry all day yesterday, I think it might have something to do with running 5 miles before breakfast. I worked with it, drank a lot of water and ended up only going over by a few points, and that was because I had a sweet craving that could not be ignored around 11:30.

Midmorning snack:

Orange - 1 point

Lunch:

coleslaw - 0 points

Turkey Sandwich - 2 points

Afternoon snack:

Weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

Dinner:

Turkey sandwich on wheat bread with mustard, lettuce tomatoes and pickles from a deli - 6 points, according to the recipe builder, assuming they used about 1/4 pound of turkey (I did remove some from the sandwich)

2 servings BBQ rice crisps - 5 points These were actually pretty good, 2 points for a serving which is about 35 crisps. I was very worried about eating 2 servings out of a 4 serving bag, that can be danger for me, but I roughly counted as I ate, and this morning I weighed what was left in the bag to double check, and I actually ate 3/8 of an ounce less then 2 servings!

1 cup carrots - 0 points

a few (4?) of Tom's chips - 2 points

a bite of Tom's cupcake - 1 point

a bite of Tom's pizza - 1 point

an extra point in case I missed anything - 1 point

Dessert:

2/3 of a blue bunny ice cream sandwich - 2 points

Total points used 24

Total AP's earned 5

I was a little bummed that I dipped into my flex points because I have a super fun date day planned with Tom today, and I was trying to be good. But it was only 3 points, and really not that big of a deal all things considered.

I'm not sure what I am going to eat for breakfast this morning... maybe cereal, maybe oatmeal, something filling and in the neighborhood of 3 points.

Today we are going on an adventure, I'm excited! I'll fill ya'll in tonight.

Beautiful day in the neighborhood!

2009-08-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

I got up at my usual 6:30 this morning, but on Saturday's I don't have to be at work until 10, so I had plenty of time to catch up on my blog reading in bed, go for a 5 mile run, have a leisurely breakfast, and still get to work on time. My run was fantastic, I felt strong and fit, and totally back in the groove. I ran 5.2 miles in 45 minutes, for 5 AP points.

I have been trying not to think too much about the number on the scale, so I have not been writing about it, but the number has been steadily decreasing. As of this morning I weigh 135.0, well on my way to my September goal of 130, and only 10 pounds away from my final goal weight. I have been 135 pounds a few times before, but I have never seen the scale dip below that number, and I'm motivated and excited to see that number drop! This is it folks, I' really going to do it this time!

Breakfast:

Banana Oatmeal - 3 points

I spent the whole run home thinking about this oatmeal, and it was every bit as delicious as I was hoping for.

good recovery!

2009-07-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

Instead of beating myself up about my afternoon binge, I went on a great 5 mile hike with a friend. It was beautiful, fun, and a great workout with a significant elevation change. I arrived home around 9:30 feeling relaxed, happy and HUNGRY.

Looking back at the photos of the food I ate today makes me realize that overall it was a very healthy day. I got in more then 5 servings of veggies, lots of water, one serving of dairy, whole grains, and 2 servings of fruit. Instead of focusing on the 4 points worth of empty calories, I should be focusing on the 16 points worth of healthy, delicious food that will help me loose weight and be a healthier person. Note to self: STAY POSITIVE, no one meal, or even one week of meals made you fat!

Breakfast:

27 g cinnamon puffins eaten at work - 1 point

1 orange - 1 point

Lunch:

Huge salad, so yummy and so filling - 2 points

lettuce

broccoli (no bugs, I checked)

cauliflower

green beans

cucumber

bell pepper

hummus

1 slice sliced turkey breast

mustard vinaigrette

Snack:

1 cup pineapple - 1 point

1 light and fit yogurt - 2 points

Afternoon binge:

mini bag popcorn - 2 points

a few pickle slices - 0 points

1 chocolate covered almond

1 corn chip

a small amount of a chocolate chip cookie - 2 points

Dinner:

1 cup brown rice - 4 points

zucchini - 0 points

green beans - 0 points

Veggie burger on a sandwich thin with tomato, mustard and lettuce - 4 points

Dessert:

mango and cream bar from TJ's - 1 point

Total points used - 20

3 hour, 5 mile hike, maybe 4 ap points?

I should be proud of myself, I had a healthy day, I made time for exercise, and even my binge was on low calorie food, I just of easily could have eaten an entire bag of chips or box of cookies... popcorn was a wise decision!

Bingeing behavior

2009-07-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what came over me, I got home from work with plan to get changed and go for a hike with a friend, and then have a mellow night at home. I walked through the kitchen, ate a chocolate covered almond, then a tiny bit of chocolate chip cookie, then 1 tortilla chip, then a few dill pickle slices (strange, I know but I was going for zero points), finally I broke down, gave into the behavior, and made myself a mini bag of 94% ff popcorn. honestly I had difficulty waiting the 1 minute 45 seconds it took to cook, then stood in the kitchen and ate it so fast I didn't even taste it. My tummy is now full and feels a little funny, and I honestly don't know what came over me. I figure the whole thing cost me about 4 points, and I was able to satisfy my craving with the relatively harmless bag of popcorn, but it is the behavior that I am worried about. Why did I do it? I ate normally today, and honestly wasn't really hungry, it was the feeling of eating I wanted... not the food. Very strange indeed!

I have to get changed to meet my friend for a hike, I'll do a regular post later. No pictures now because my phone is down in the kitchen, and apparently I cannot be trusted around food at the moment.

Cranky

2009-07-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have my cranky pants on tonight in a bad way. Nothing is really wrong, in fact a lot of things are great, it may be that I'm just tired, or it may be that it is that time of the month, but I am just feeling generally cranky about everything today. I will spare you my negativity and just get on to the food. :)

Breakfast:

27 g puffins

10g fiber cereal

1 peach - 2 points

Lunch:

pineapple - 1 point

turkey sandwich - 2 points

veggies - 0 points

a tiny butterfinger candy -1 point

Dinner:

sushi, my favorite!

2 pieces california roll - 1.5 points

3 pieces nigiri - 2 points

4 pieces vegetable tempura roll - 2.5

6 pieces spicy tuna roll - 5

Dessert:

some pineapple, I'll round up even though it was less then a cup - 1 point

1 chocolate covered almond - 1 point

yoplait light yogurt - 2 points

Total Points Used - 21

On the plus side I did make time for the gym, earning 5 activity points, and I have a hike planned for after work tomorrow for a change of pace.

Wednesday... really? what happened to monday and tuesday?

2009-07-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

This week is flying by, my days are a whirlwind of healthy eating, social outings and exercise, if only it could always be this easy! I seem to be in the ww groove, going strong and feeling content and satisfied with my 20 points. My greatest success today was getting myself to the gym. I really did not want to go, and almost every minute of working out was a challenge, but I made myself do 30 minutes on the eliptical, 15 minutes on the stair climber, and 20 minutes at a very SLOW jog (like I could have been walking) on the treadmill. I'm glad went, and I feel great now!

Breakfast:

Same as yesterday... even the same picture!

27 g puffins

10 g fiber cereal

3 strawberries - 2 points

Snack:

Sliced nectarine - 1 point

Lunch:

Huge salad - 2 points

3 cups lettuce

1/2 cup tomatoes

1/3 cup raw cauliflower

1/3 small cucumber

1/3 bell pepper

1 slice of turkey breast

1 tbs hummus

1 tbs lime juice

there was broccoli, but after taking a closer look I realized there were several little dead bugs in the broccoli head. I picked them out and ate the salad anyway.

Dinner:

out at the brew pub with my sis and friends

chicken skewer appetizer with the peanut sauce on the side

Chicken breast - 4 points

white rice - 5 points

1 Cup vegan veggie soup - 2 points

Dessert

1 cup pineapple - 1 point

1 yoplait light boston cream pie yogurt - 2 points.

Total points used - 20

Total activity points earned - 5

just another day

2009-07-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing especially remarkable about yesterday, I worked, I ate, I went to dinner with a friend. I made myself take a day off from the gym because my legs were still really sore.

Breakfast:

27 g puffins

10 g fiber cereal

1/4 cup greek

3 strawberries - 2 points

Lunch:

Turkey Sando - 2 points

Carrots - 0 points

Peach - 1 point

Snack:

LOTS of tea - 0 points

HUGE diet coke - 0 points

3 tortilla chips at work - 1 point

Dinner:

Chicken Pho - 15 points

Total 21

Goal for today: exercise!

Why I Love Weight Watchers

2009-07-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight's dinner was a reminder of why Weight Watchers works for me. WW works for me because with a little planning and creativity I can eat fantastic food, and lots of it! I got home from the gym around 8:30, I was hungry and tired and had no plan whatsoever for dinner. After a little rummaging in the fridge, I made a tofu burger (just grilled extra firm tofu) on a sandwich thin with grilled red pepper, heirloom tomatoes, herbed goat cheese, and lettuce. (6 points) We also had corn on the cob (1 point), grilled zucchini and asparagus (0 points), and sweet potato oven fries (4 points). There was way too much food, and everything was fantastic, truly a summer feast!

I have a good friend who is really struggling with her weight. She and I used to be about the same; best friends, sharing clothing and complaining about being overweight, but not rally doing anything about it. About 3, or is it 4 years ago, we started weight watchers together, we both had success loosing around 30 pounds each, and we both quit around the same time. We both gained back some of the weight, I decided to go back to ww and she decided to pursue other weight loss plans, and unfortunately we have gone in very different directions. I have lost as of today, 75 pounds, and she has unfortunately gained back all of the weight she lost and then some.

We are still BFF's, but I would be lying if I said the difference in our weights had not placed a strain on our relationship. The point of this story is, she is now doing the South Beach diet, and while I have read the book and even tried the diet with some success 5 or 6 years ago, watching her do the initial no carb 2 weeks makes me so appreciative of the freedom and flexibility ww has to offer. I know it isn't for everyone, and South Beach and ww follow much of the same principles, they just get there in different ways, but it reminds me that I take for granted how easy and practical the ww flex system really is. THANK YOU Weight Watchers!!

I will of course continue to be as supportive and positive for my friend. I know just how hard it is to loose the weight, but I also know it is possible!

2009-07-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

playing catch up

2009-07-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

It was a busy Sunday. I worked in the morning, visited with my parents, went for a run, grocery shopped, went to a BBQ, and went to bed! All in all it was a very successful food day, but I was in such a hurry no almost no photos were taken.

Breakfast:

Puffins and TJ's fiber cereal with 1/4 cup 1% milk and 1/2 of a peach sliced on top - 3 points

Lunch:

My mother has an amazing garden, and my entire lunch was picked and consumed while meandering through the garden. I had about a cup of blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, about 5 raw string beans, several cherry tomatoes, some sugar snap peas, and 1/2 an apple (not from the garden, but only because they are not in season) - 3 points

Dinner (BBQ):

An indian spiced veggie burger on a bun - 5 points

A tiny serving of potato salad, pesto pasta salad, and quinoa salad - 5 points (total estimate, but it was a very small amount)

3 tortilla chips, a small bite of quesadilla, and a bite of a corn muffin - 4 points

a few sips of Tom's margarita - 1 point

a small serving of homemade peach cobbler - 5 points?

Dessert:

On my way through the kitchen about 1- pistachio nuts jumped into my mouth - 1 point

Total point used 27

Activity points earned 3

Today I have been running about 15 minutes behind schedule all day. I was late to work, late to go to lunch, I left work late, and I am behind schedule to go to the gym, but that is just the way it goes sometime.

Breakfast:

Banana oatmeal - 3 points No picture because when I was done cooking the oatmeal I looked at the clock and realized I should have left the house 10 minutes earlier.

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich on 100 cal sandwich thins - 2 points

1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points

Work Snack:

weight watchers yogurt - 1 point

Home Snack:

Peach - 1 point