Meeting Topic: Losing Motivation and Tracking

I had a good weigh-in, sorta, I lost 1.4 lbs for a new grand total of 25.2 in 12 weeks. Not bad- but I want more and I find that I am less "into" it. I haven't tracked in weeks, I am not figuring out my points and "guesstimating", no longer measuring- because I think I know... but guess what Friday's meeting was all about what I am doing (or not doing) right now.

I have lost my "honeymoon" period with Weight Watchers, I have become casual about it and that is not what is best for me right now, I still have 50.6 pounds to lose to achieve my goal. This is a time to be methodical and meticulous. I can not be "half-assed" about doing this. I am comparing it to the new boyfriend crush of my youth, remember the boy you first fell in love with and you couldn't stop thinking about him or doodling Mrs. John Smith on your notebook? That is what I need to get back- and even like in any intimate relationship, sometimes you have to fake it 'til you make it- right? WW is my new commitment- to me.. I need to do this because I am "in love" with me. Soo....

This week (and weekend) I have and will continue to track and write down all my points because, I want to get there- to my weight loss goals, and that is more important that what I want right now. This is a habit that will continue to help me and I must do it. Yes, it is tedious and seems like a big 'ol pain in the butt, however it really does help.

#2 I need to keep a more regular exercise routine, some weeks I do great 4+ workouts per week, but this week ( and others) a big fat 0 workouts... This needs to be a lifestyle change, and I am committing to at least 3 workouts a week with at least 2 more 2-3 mile walks. I have the time- and I will fake the motivation until I make it..

Here is how I came to this "plan"(using the WW sheet that I got at my meeting)

1. Imagining myself having already at goal weight and asking myself, Where am I? What I am doing?, wearing? seeing?

2.Think about how good I'll feel when I achieve my goal. Asking myself what does success feel like? How great do I feel?

3.Keeping those good feelings close- thinking like a thin and healthy me, eating like the thin, healthy me, exercising like a thin, healthy me

Tomorrow is Monday, June 1 and the motivational calendar asks me "What is my winning outcome for the summer? Have you written it down? I am figuring that out today and will write it down tomorrow... Join me.. write your next post about what your winning outcome for the summer is- write it, share it and live it..
Have a great Sunday!!!!

Picnic's gone WILD.... 2

I really didn't elaborate yesterday on what I intended to discuss. The Memorial Day Picnic's and the slew of food that accompanies them. Let see, at the several picnics I was at this weekend the following (incomplete) list of food was available, the regular picnic foods, plus banana pudding, carrot cake, fudge, brownies on crack, cheese dip, wing dip, Reuben dip, fruit (which was awesome) but there was a huge bowl of some kind of crazy good gooey dip beside it that I would have rather eaten with a spoon than on my fruit, boneless wings, chips and of course... DIP, strawberry pie, apple pie, cheese and meat platter, ... I could go on and on.


It was amazing to walk into these party/picnic's, I felt like a kids in a candy store... It was all available and not only available, to some, it was rude not to try EVERYTHING!! I took a watermelon, veggie tray, homemade salsa, baked tortilla chips and cupcakes for the kids to each picnic... I thought I was prepared. Enjoy the friends and family not the food, I kept telling myself. I will eat watermelon and veggies before anything else- then I will be full. One look at the first spread and I completely lost my mind- I mean like for real lost my mind.


I casually gravitated towards the fruit, knowing this was a good choice and as I placed strawberries, grapes and pineapple on a small plate I noticed the fruit dip... Well I started with a tiny little dab on my plate and after one taste it was over. From the fruit I went to the dips.. I had some of each. I then decided that instead of a hamburger or hot dog I would have shrimp cocktail- good choice.. but the shrimp cocktail was next to the honey BBQ boneless wings and fried chicken... Lost my mind again. I am not even going into the dessert table because I think you get the idea and I am already embarrassed telling this much.


SO yes, I probably ate (and drank) 50+ points but guess what. I am OK- I may have gained a little but it is already gone and I am back to what I have done for the last 11 weeks. Stay on plan (as much as possible). That is the best thing about WW, it's OK to have a holiday (or 2) but you go back to normal and you are still OK- 1 (or 2 )days does not "ruin" your past or future success, it's just a day, and sometimes a much needed day. I have decided that the next holiday I am still going to be prepared but I am giving myself permission to really enjoy the day, the friends and family and the FOOD.


By the way, it just so happened that this recipe came in my email today- I love carrot cake and had some over the weekend, but next time I am taking this because I will still satisfy my craving but not go over the top... Check it out- looks fabulous and 2 points each!!!

HG's 14-Carat Cupcakes
Cake Superior!

Carrot cake rules. It's thick, sweet, delicious and slathered in cream cheese frosting. Mmmmmm! But since the nutritional stats on the average carrot cake are pretty horrendous, we decided to create our own guilt-free version. We made ours as cupcakes, 'cuz cupcakes are cute, fun, and, best of all, portion-controlled (it's too easy to cut yourself sliver after sliver with a full cake). But if you want, you can easily whip up a classic cake with this recipe -- just add 10 minutes to the cooking time. Here it is now...

Ingredients:
For cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots, roughly chopped if shreds are long


1 cup (1/4th of box) Pillsbury Moist Supreme Reduced Sugar Cake Mix, Classic Yellow


3/4 cup whole-wheat flour


3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin


2/3 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


2/3 cup canned crushed pineapple in juice (not drained)


2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)


1/4 cup raisins (not packed)


2 tbsp. brown sugar (not packed)


1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice


1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon


1 tsp. baking powder


For frosting:


4 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened


1/3 cup Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt (or another thick, plain fat-free yogurt)


1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)


1/2 tsp. vanilla extract


Directions:


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine all dry cupcake ingredients except for the carrots and raisins (in other words -- cake mix, flour, Splenda, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and baking powder). Mix well and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, egg substitute, and 1/4 cup water until blended. Add the contents of the medium bowl to the large bowl. Using a wire whisk or fork, blend until just mixed. Then, stir in the carrots, pineapple, and raisins. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute cake mixture among the cups, and place in the oven to cook for 20 - 25 minutes (until a toothpick poked into the center of one comes out clean). While the cupcakes cook, combine all the frosting ingredients in a small bowl. Using a whisk or fork, blend until smooth. Place frosting in the fridge to chill. Once cupcakes are fully cooked, remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool completely. Then plate cupcakes, and spread frosting evenly over tops. Refrigerate until frosting has set and you're ready to serve. Enjoy!!! MAKES 12 SERVINGS



Serving Size: 1 frosted cupcake Calories: 130 Fat: 1g Sodium: 205mg Carbs: 26g Fiber: 2.5g Sugars: 10g Protein: 5g POINTS® value 2*

Picnic's gone WILD....

Well first off I wanted to share that I lost 1.6 lbs to officially make my 10% goal-- YEAH ME!!! I was very proud of myself and meeting that goal gave me a lot more confidence in seeing my end goal.

Prom 2009

I had a crazy busy weekend/week. My daughter's prom was this weekend and it took a lot of time making sure she was "complete". We got the dress, shoes, jewelry several months ago- but it is all the last minute details, like the perfect shade of lipstick etc... Anyhow she looked beautiful and had a great time. Each year I tell myself that the next year will be more organized, but somehow there are always last minute things. She will be a senior next year, so I am going to start organizing now- LOL!

Then the picnic's began... CRAZY.. I tried to stick to the fruit and veggies, but man there was so food.. and it all looked great, but I just sampled and did well. If I hadn't drank any alcohol it would have been a success but it was a holiday... that lasted for 3 days.. right. Now by no means am I a drunk or did I even become drunk, they were all day affairs... boy do those drink points add up quick. Look like I gained less than a pound and I am guessing it will fall off quick! I hope..


I am really looking forward to my weigh in this week because I am feeling very empowered by losing that 10%. I know I will be successful and that is a great feeling.

Need to blog to stay OP

Well I was a little discouraged last week and have really not been on program at all- actually when I got to 40 points on Saturday (evening at least) I quit counting until yesterday. So back on and now this AM woke up and had my monthly visit from my Aunt.. ya know the one who gives you cramps. Well I knew I shouldn't but I did... weigh myself that is. And somehow, someway I have lost another pound- I am guessing the weight loss gods are smiling on me-- IDK but I will take it and push on again today.
I am thinking something grilled for dinner.. Salmon? Chicken? I will figure something out.
I already took the little dog, to the groomer and have to go and find a few last minute things for my daughter. Her prom is this weekend and she still needs something for her hair and some other items. I am gonna take a bag of Smart Pop popcorn with me- that is my all time favorite snack- love the cranberry almond- I know I could eat this everyday and never get tired of it.

Which brings me to the point that I think mixing up your food a little helps with weight loss. I have noticed that on weeks I eat the same food (at least Breakfast and Lunch) I lose less, when I add more variety I lose more. I wonder is that just me or is it like that for everyone.

Well I will be posting again soon. I do better when I blog- I wonder if I write twice a day if I would lose more weight??? I know- I am reaching but I will take any help I can get. Have a great day.

Weight Loss Goal Close- but no Cigar.....

I have procrastinated writing today because I did not meet my 10% goal, I did lose 2.2 pounds- which is SUPER- but .4 pounds short of the never ending quest- so it seems. I wanted so badly to say I was there. I love feeling like I am accountable to you... I know that you are checking in and pulling for me - just like I am for you.
If you would have told me 6 months ago I would write a blog I would have said you are crazy. I can't believe how much I enjoy this and reading comments and just knowing how many others just like me are reaching out to help and support each other. If you stop to really think about it, the blogging community is quite amazing.
In other areas we have a super busy day tomorrow, the neighborhood garage sale, my daughter's soccer game and her best friend's dance recital (I consider her another one of mine- she is the best friend to my daughter and they are together 24/7 for almost 2 years, plus she is a GREAT girl!)
The garage sale... so I have ungrown many of my clothes- YAY!! but am going to donate them- I don't think I want to publicize my before size just yet. Maybe in 3 more months- but not quite yet... It's weird how I would care what complete strangers would think, let alone my neighbors if they browsed by.. but I do. So it is settled- DONATE ALL FAT CLOTHES THAT ARE TOO BIG FOR ME!!!
I haven't been hungry today- which is really weird for me on weigh in day- I usually feel like indulging in something not so healthy. I went to lunch with my hubby at Longhorns and had the best grilled chicken strawberry salad. It had tons of mandarin oranges, grapes, and strawberries, a grilled split chicken breast (boneless, skinless) a little cheese and crunchy sweet pecans all topped with the most amazing raspberry vinaigrette. They toss the greens in the dressing and it was not much dressing on it at all- I think all the fruit flavors would be missed if it was over loaded- but it was really great- definitely put it on your to try list. I guess it satisfied me because I haven't been hungry yet- but like I learned to day at my meeting- you must fuel your body to keep the metabolism going- if not you won't burn as much.. so I need to go make dinner- nothing planned yet- please feel free to leave suggestions or links of any great dinners. I think I am going to check a couple other blogs... some of the BEST meal ideas- and everyone I have tried has been wonderful.
Have a great Friday- and I will be posting my 10% achievement next Friday!!!!

How I "DO" Weight Watchers- Drink my Water and eat plenty of Fiber (Fiber ONE)

Tomorrow is my 10 week weigh in. I am 2.6 pounds from my 10% and am really REALLY hoping that it happens. I am feeling fairly confident and I am going to tell you why. Having never been involved with WW before I started out obsessed, following every single detail and journaling EVERYTHING!! Which put me off to a great start. I still absolutely believe that journaling is the single most important thing you can do, but I have also discovered based on my journals what works for me and what doesn't.

What I have figured out is:

1) I can't eat the same number of points everyday and be as successful as when I mix it up with the same net result. Example, Friday is my weigh in day- 10 AM. After weigh in I will still watch, but go out for lunch, maybe dinner and give myself some extra points. Right now I get 26 points per day. On Friday's I consume 35-40. On Saturday I use 28-33 depending on what I did on Friday, the more I use on Friday the less I use Saturday.

Then Sunday comes- this is my big back into the program day and I religiously my 26 points. Monday & Tuesday- 23 points

Wednesday and Thursday- 21 points

Now obviously if you receive fewer points than I do it would be unhealthy to cut back that much, but you could work on the same principal with the points you have. It is simply what is most effective for me- well I think because this is the first week I have tried it- but I really feel like a bigger loss is coming.

2)I consume 35+ grams of dietary fiber a day (usually 35-40). I did some research and found that at the University of Kiel in Germany, the Department of Human Nutrition and Food Science found that for every gram of fiber we eat, we eliminate 7 calories. Based on this average, if you consume 35 grams of fiber each day, you will eliminate 245 calories daily. At that rate, you will eliminate 7,595 calories in one month (245 x 31 days). That equals 2.17 lbs. each month or 26.04 pounds each year simply by increasing your fiber intake. I believe it because it is working for me not to mention keeping me feeling satisfied.

Now you can not get that much just from eating your veggies. I am a huge fan and believer in the Fiber One Products. For example the Honey Clusters cereal has 13 grams of fiber- and is a great snack, the bars all have 9 grams , Fiber One yogurt has 5 and a Thomas's light English muffin has 8. That adds up to 35 without even counting fruits, veggies and other grains.

3) Drinking at least 64 oz of water a day - I don't know why I just know it helps. Here's another interesting fact about water... It takes one Calorie to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius. Let's figure out exactly what you're burning when you drink a 16-ounce (0.5 liter) glass of ice water:

The temperature of ice water can be estimated at zero degrees Celsius.
Body temperature can be estimated at 37 degrees Celsius.
It takes 1 calorie to raise 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius.
There are 473.18 grams in 16 fluid ounces of water. So in the case of a 16-ounce glass of ice water, your body must raise the temperature of 473.18 grams of water from zero to 37 degrees C. In doing so, your body burns 17,508 calories. But that's calories with a little "c." Your body only burns 17.5 Calories, and in the grand scheme of a 2,000-Calorie diet, that 17.5 isn't very significant.

But let's say you adhere to the "eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day". In 64 ounces of water, there are 1,892.72 grams. So to warm up all that water in the course of a day, your body burns 70,030 calories, or 70 Calories. And over time, that 70 Calories a day adds up.

I have some other things that I think help me more- but I am still working on them. The ones here are ones I am sure are working and 2 of them have scientific proof they help. I know this is not for everyone but I wanted to share what I have figured out is best for me. Wish me luck -- I hope I am celebrating my 10% tomorrow!!!!

Biggest Loser Finale and Supreme Pizza Pocket

Well it is over the hump day. I must say I was slightly disappointed by the Biggest Loser last night. I loved this season but I was really pulling for Tara. She had such a great attitude. I was also disappointed because Helen is the one who cost Tara $10,000 in the half marathon by eating the donut. Where's the karma in that?

I also got the feeling that Mike and Ron thought they were going to win both prizes and I guess how could they not- they did fabulous jobs

Jerry???? How did that man do that? No more excuses for me, if he can, so can I. I have wondered though how is it they lose so much so fast. The show is 18 weeks and then they get 4 weeks at home - right? In 22 weeks almost everyone lost over 100 pounds- crazy - I need Bob or Jillian to come and live with me for a while. I do feel more motivated after seeing their CRAZY GREAT results.

Here is what I had for lunch- super yummy and from the Hungry Girl website- which I adore and couldn't live without- Love that site! For 4 points this is a great "bang for your buck", it really tastes like at least.. ummm.. 10 or 12 points.

From Hungry Girl:


HG's Ultimate Supreme Pizza PocketPER SERVING (entire wrap): 220 calories, 5g fat, 1,242mg sodium, 30g carbs, 14g fiber, 5g sugars, 26g protein -- POINTS® value 4* This is the stuff dreams are made of. OK, weird dreams, but still -- a meaty, guilt-free pizza wrap is something to get excited about!

Ingredients:

1 La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Low-Carb/Low-Fat Tortilla, Large (sometimes labeled Smart & Delicious Low Carb High Fiber)

1/3 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup sliced red and green bell peppers

1/4 cup sliced onions

1/4 cup sliced mushrooms

1/4 cup canned tomato sauce w/ Italian seasonings (such as Hunt's Tomatoes Sauce with Basil, Garlic & Oregano)

3 tbsp. frozen sausage-style or ground-beef-style soy crumbles (like Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Recipe Crumbles or Boca Meatless Ground Burger)

5 bite-sized pieces turkey or soy pepperoni (like Hormel Turkey Pepperoni or Yves Meatless Pepperoni)

Directions: Begin by toasting tortilla very slightly (it should still be foldable), either in a toaster oven or a conventional oven set at a high temperature. (This will keep your wrap from getting soggy.) Set aside. In a pan sprayed with nonstick spray, cook peppers and onions over medium-high heat until they begin to brown (about 2 minutes). Add mushrooms, stir, and cook for 1 more minute. Then add soy crumbles, and continue stirring and cooking until veggies are cooked and soy crumbles are thawed and heated (about 1 minute longer). Remove from heat, and set aside. Lay tortilla out on a microwave-safe plate. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the tortilla, staying about 1 inch away from the perimeter. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce, and then top with the pepperoni slices. Heat plate in the microwave for about 30 seconds, until cheese is slightly melted. Place veggie/soy crumble mixture in the center of the tortilla. Then, wrap up the tortilla by first folding in the sides and then rolling it up tightly from the bottom. Enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING

HG Alternative! Can't find the soy crumbles (or simply don't like 'em)? Just double the amount of pepperoni in the recipe -- the stats will be almost the same, and the POINTS® value* won't even change! And remember, you can always save oodles of sodium by using no-salt-added tomato sauce and spicing it up yourself.

Enjoy!!!

Holey Donut Giveaway!! Holy Cow!

Just read this post on another blog.. sounds yummy!!! Nice Blog too....

Go to: http://eatdrinkandbeaware.blogspot.com/
I really really really want to be the winner, but good luck anyhow..

I may have figured it ALL out...

No just kidding but I did just make the best salad dressing I have eaten in a long time. How did you do this? Well first of all I am a bottled salad dressing snob. Very few low cal , low fat bottled dressings taste good. Second I love grilled chicken salads- All of them but eating them out is often a 1000 calorie fiasco. I have been burned too many times thinking - Oh I will eat the salad only later to find out I could have had a burger and fries for less calories and fat.

So I have been experimenting- this one is a winner!!

1 cup salsa
2 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp sugar (use less if you don't like sweet- but I am a red french lover)
S & P to taste

so I blended this in my mini food processor until liquid. It is thick- but I like it that way- if you want it thinner add a little water. I also used my own homemade salsa (which I must say absolutely ROCKS).
I poured the whole thing on 4 cups of lettuce, 1/8 cup finely shredded cheese and the leftover veggies and chicken from yesterday's kabobs... YUMMY
so basically the WHOLE CUP-- has ..... 2 POINTS. I am so tired of dipping my lettuce and barely getting any dressing- I want, .... I need... more dressing.
and I am stuffed, had 5 servings of veggies, 1 lean meat all for........6 points
I really should have taken a picture of this salad- it was beautiful...

Who I am....?

So this whole Weight Watchers, healthy living, exercise, better me thing has made me think about who I am. I know I am a mom to three beautiful children ages 16, 12 , 10. I am a wife to one of the most loyal and loving men on the earth. My friends constantly comment about how "in love" and doting my hubby seems to be. I am a friend to many but only a few do I consider dead body in the trunk kinda friend, you know the friend you would go to if for some tragic reason you had a dead body in the trunk, it is the friend who wouldn't ask questions and would grab her purse and a shovel and say "let's roll". Then I really get stuck... Who am I, How did I end up at this point... not just in weight loss but in life.

I enjoy writing, knitting, cooking and baking and I THINK I am good at all of them, but they are not who I am. I feel that when I look back I never envisioned my life this way- I saw a trendy girl with a high powered job and a wardrobe of designer shoes... Now that may seem sad but it is quite the contrary... I am very happy, content and feel I have been blessed in many ways but I still don't know what my true passions are. I find that this journey has caused me to look deeper and longer and to question myself more. I really think that is as much of the weight loss journey as getting food and exercise right. I am glad to be here, right now in this moment and can't wait to see what the next hour, day, month and year bring to me.

Did any of you have these introspective moments in your weight loss journey's. What helped you find who you are (or I guess what your passions are). Let me know... comment below.....

BUBBA KEG! GREAT WAY TO GET DAILY WATER!

LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BUBBA KEG!!!!
Want a great secret on how to keep track and make sure you get enough water each day? The 52 oz Bubba Keg! It keeps cold stuff cold for 12 hours - even in 90 degree weather- I take mine to the pool each day and it never gets warm. I fill it up in the morning and stick a straw in and sip all day. When it is gone I know I have had 52 oz of water. I usually have to refill mine about 3 in the afternoon because I like drinking water... but either way I know I am getting enough.
I was having a hard time keeping track and for 2 weeks don't think I got in all my water and it made a big difference in my weight loss. Adding the water really keeps me on track. Plus for every 8 oz you drink of ice cold water you burn 7 calories. So fill up your Bubba Keg and now you have burned at least 60 calories just by doing what you are supposed to do anyway. Big time saver--- THANKS BUBBA!
Please post your comments on what you think about the Bubba Keg!

Gas.....too much Fiber

OK- so I have been out of my fiber one products for about a week. There is so much going on that I never made it to the store other than essentials for the kids and always forgot my stuff- of course. Well there is a great sale at Target on all fiber one products. I got 6 boxes of cereal, 8 boxes of chewy bars, 8 four packs of yogurt and 2 boxes of "pop tarts", also 2 boxes of smart pop popcorn and 8 boxes of Nabisco 100 cal packs--- all for.... drum roll.... $3.00 (well I actually paid $33 but got $30 in target gift cards- lots of great coupons for all of these products)

So I ate a fiber bar on the way home, then a yogurt this afternoon, a 1 pack of popcorn- (I was hungry - I missed lunch and only had an apple for breakfast) I then decided that I really wanted another fiber bar about 5pm- Apparently you need to start back on fiber one slowly-

We went to the movies and - yes- through the entire movie- I don't think anyone heard and thank god it wasn't the smelly kind- SO embarrassing. These were not lady like passing of gas- I am talking full on Homer Simpson type- 5 to 10 second loud farts! I was horrified- Thank goodness the movie was really loud- my husband never even glanced my way.

When the movie was over I was afraid to look at the seat for fear I had left a hole and a small child may fall through and end up in China. Well there was no hole- must be industrial strength material. Then when I came home I finally went- thank goodness I drink a lot of water- swear that there was actual fizzing in the toilet from the extreme amount of gas... lesson learned ease back onto fiber gradually not 6 or 8 grams a day to a whopping 30+... please heed this warning especially if you are planning to go out of your house- I do not want anyone to ever suffer the horror of my mistake.

Only lost .2 pounds today- but better than gaining- going fro the 10% next week- about 2.6 pounds- wish me luck - I will be getting plenty of fiber.....

BTW--- all the snacks are not for me - my 3 kids all pack there lunch and love 100 cal packs and fiber bars, also I have to take soccer snack in the AM- just didn't want you to imagine me gorging myself to death on all of these yummy snacks!!! (not that I haven't thought about it - LOL)

When you fall off.....

Get back on...
I started Weight Watchers like I do everything else in my life- I had to be perfect. Well I have come to find out that it is exactly the reason WW works for people like me- there is wiggle room so even when you feel like you go off plan you are still within the WW plan guidelines- loving my 35 extra points!

I started out every other diet trying to ride a hot blooded stallion and jumping 4 foot jumps when I didn't even know how to ride- so I was thrown many times. I have finally learned my lesson and have climbed on an old pony that can teach me how to ride- the subtle In's and outs that will make me succeed and stay on. There are times that I still am trying too much at once and loose my balance but I am still holding on and holding on is a beautiful thing even when it may not look or feel as picturesque as I once imagined it being. It is better because it is how I have held on and not been thrown to the ground in 9 weeks!

I was bummed today - I really wanted to try the Smart Food popcorn at Target- but it is on sale and they were sold out- so I will buy some next week. Can't wait.. Friday is my weigh in and I feel confident this week. I am not sure what the scale will show but it won't matter because I feel grounded and successful in the many changes I am making.

What changes you ask. Well first of all I eat 5 fruits and/or veggies every day- up from maybe 1 a day before WW. I consume 30- 40 grams of dietary fiber each day up from almost none. I get at least (and usually more) 90 minutes of exercise each week.. These are huge changes that are making me live a much healthier life and I LOVE MY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!!!!

Inspiration from the most unexpected places

I have found so much inspiration in the kind words of fellow bloggers. Others just like me, somewhere on the journey to a personal best. I am committed to being a healthy me and have decided for the next several days to photograph and post everything I eat-- A great idea and a way to journal I had not thought about... I love it!
I love to read so many of stories of daily life while losing weight. I didn't realize how "normal" the feelings are that I experience. I have always felt weak willed and that I can't do as well as others- until I realized that most of us all go through this.
I believe that blogging may be one of the keys to my success in this journey- and WW of course which is what has given me the tools to get this far. I am on board and am hoping all of us have an amazing month- week by week, day by day inspiring and commiserating with hope for a better day tomorrow!

Messing Up and sabatoging my goal

Last night we had friends over for a cook out. I had an extra 18 points for the day after dinner and drinks, and that's OK but this morning I started repeating my past mistakes. I woke up hungry and started to grab anything. First was 1/2 slice of cold pizza then a brownie. I stopped, knowing that this is not how I am going to make my weekly goal. I decided instead of continuing to eat empty calories I would eat a bowl of fiber one, skim milk and 1/2 cup of blueberries. I feel much better. and satisfied.
Now I have eaten half of my daily points before noon. It will be a difficult day but I am going to stick to my points today- I see many vegetables in my future.
I think that sometimes I am giving up on myself and don't know why. I know that I want to do this and feel great when I eat healthy and do well on plan, but still I cheat. The thing about Cheating is it only hurts me- my goals, my future, my life. I think that it will take many months to always try and keep up my good habits. I am certain I will do this but I must look at everything I ingest as if it is benefiting me and my goals.
I think this is why it is so hard for so many people to achieve weight loss - it is hard and I must do this for me- because I want a healthy body that will be active for a very long time.
I know I am not alone.. so please share your advice on how to stay motivated and continue even when you have had more than you should....

I feel like I lost 100 pounds!!!

OK- so it's not 100 (yet) but I have lost 20 pounds in 8 weeks and have eaten anything I wanted. Just in moderation. I have gone to Italian, steakhouse, Mexican and Japanese restaurants. I have eaten ice cream and cake. BUT
I have eaten way more fruits and veggies and a lot of grilled chicken. I have even had a personal sized whole wheat veggies pizza every week. I have exercised some- not as consistently as I should and not a t all this past week, but I am moving more.
I know that 20 pounds is not a huge amount of weight- but it is 10 pounds every 4 weeks and if I look at it that way I can lose 100 pounds by Jan 1st- and not make the New Year's Resolution to lose weight!! I actually only have to lose 80 to be in my healthy weight range- but I am going for the gold!
Super great day- nothing is as motivating as success!