My South Beach Journey

New Home

2010-09-20T13:29:00.000-06:00

So, if anyone still comes here, I wanted to let you know I've moved. You can now visit me at my new home: http://dishingwithdev.blogspot.com/. I'm trying to de-compartmentalize my life a bit so I don't disappear on my online friends like I have in the past. Please be sure to update your bookmarks (if you still visit me here!)

Gulp

2010-09-19T22:42:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow's the day. Weigh-in and measurements in the morning.

Food plan for the day (so far):
P1
B: Eggbeaters w/ mushrooms, ham, and lf cheddar
S: Mini cukes, lf string cheese
L: Salad w/ celery, tomato, onion, 1 oz goat cheese, 1/2 c. garbanzo beans, balsamic vinaigrette
S: Bell pepper, 1/4 c. cashews
D: Chicken w/ broccoli (?)
S: ???
E: None, more than likely

Starting Over (Yet Again)

2010-09-15T14:12:00.002-06:00

Huge Sigh. Why can't I figure out the magic solution to keeping the weight off??? Actually, I have - I'm just having trouble with the follow-through. So, I know what to do - I know what foods make me feel good, and which ones make me feel lousy. It's just a matter of "just doing it". So this weekend, I'm gearing up. I'm shopping, I'm cleaning the crap out of my cupboard, and I'm starting over.

I Fell

2008-10-19T08:33:00.002-06:00

Seems I fell off the face of the earth, doesn't it. Well, I've been doing abysmally. Completely fell off the wagon and managed to gain 10 more pounds (I think). Restarted South Beach 2 weeks ago, and so far, so good. I haven't weighed in yet, but will do so tomorrow. Cold weather's coming and I need to fit back into my clothes!!!

As far as exercise, I've been so busy packing that it's really my only form of it right now. I'm moving next week ~ still in the same town, just a different area.

I also started back to school again. So between moving, work, family, school, etc., etc., I'm spread pretty thin right now. But after the move next week, I'm hoping things calm down.

So, just know I am alive and breathing. Will do my best to be a better blogger.

Working Out

2008-08-19T07:47:00.005-06:00

Last night's workout was awesome. I started with 30 minutes elliptical, then did 15 minutes stationary bike, followed up by 30 minutes on the cross-trainer. It went well, considering I hadn't blackened the door of the gym in weeks.

Today, I will be doing the wellness walk at work (if they're doing it ~ kids are out on school break until labor day), then will do some strength training at home.

P1.5 (24 WW Points)
B: Eggs w/ asparagus & lf Italian cheese (3 pts)
S: Red pepper (0 pt)
L: Agave-Lime Grilled Chicken w/ Asian Inspired Broccoli Slaw (7 pts)
S: English Cucumber (1 pt)
D: Grilled Bass w/ Lentil Salad (10 pt)
S: NSA Fudgesicle (0 pt)
E: 30 min walk; 30 min strength training

6 Inches!

2008-08-18T08:13:00.000-06:00

Good morning and Happy Monday! Today's the day ~ I'm heading back to the gym. Game plan is 30 min elliptical, 30 min crosstrainer, and 15 min bike. We'll see how I do.

I did go off-plan a few times last week. First was the fair on Wednesday; Second was my best friend's son's rehearsal dinner (I'm his honorary auntie); and Third, of course, was best friend's son's wedding. Fair food consisted of a corn dog, Indian Taco, a few sips of lemonade, 1/2 of a funnel cake, and a few bites of a teriyaki rice bowl; Rehearsal dinner was pulled pork, coleslaw, beans, frog-eye salad, and cake; Wedding was S&S Meatballs, smoked cocktail weenies, pinwheels, cocktail sandwiches, punch, and chocolate wedding cake ~ then after the wedding a group of us went out for cosmos and white wedding cake.

So yesterday, I went right back on plan and I intend to stay that way, one day at a time.

Took my measurements again last night. The results are as follows:

Chest: 40"
Hips: 41.5"
Belly Button: 41"
Waist: 36.5"
R Arm: 12.5"
R Thigh: 22.5"
R Calf: 14.5"
L Arm: 12.5"
L Thigh: 22.5"
L Calf 15.2"

Which means, I've lost a grand total of 6 inches so far!! Go me!

P1.5 (WW 24 pts)
B: Asparagus & Eggbeaters w/ lf italian cheese (3 pts)
S: Red pepper (0 pt)
L: Salad w/ 4 oz grilled chicken, onion, tomato & 2 T feta dressing (5.5 pts)
S: English cucumber, 14 cashews (5 pts)
D: 4 oz Agave-Lime grilled chicken, 2 cups broccoli (6 pts)
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 75 min cardio ~ gym

Food Coma

2008-08-14T07:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I wasn't as good at the fair last night as I had planned on being. I wasn't completely horrible, but I didn't just have my corndog I allowed for. I had a few sips of my mom's lemonade, an Indian taco, 1/2 of a funnel cake, a bite of a fried snickers (curiosity got the best of me), and a bite of a fried oreo (verdict is fried snickers are better). Oh wait. And a few bites of Baby J's terriyaki rice bowl.

Today I'm in a food coma. Oh, and I forgot to take my meds with me to the fair so I didn't take them until after 11pm last night. So, am feeling very sleepy.

Plan for today:
P1 (WW 24)
B: Broccoli & Cheddar Eggs (4 pts)
S: Red peppers (0 pt)
L: Salad w/ Pico de Galo, 4 oz chicken breast, 1 T caesar dressing, 1 T lf lime vinaigrette (8 pts)
S: English Cucumber (1 pt) (also have 14 cashews on reserve in case I'm really hungry ~ 4 pts)
D: ???
S: 2 SF Lifesaver popsicles ~ (1 pt)
E: 60 min Zumba (-4 pt)

Today's Update ~ 8/13/08

2008-08-13T07:58:00.000-06:00

I woke up with a headache this morning. I hate it when that happens! I'm being proactive though and am drinking my water (and my caffeine ~ it's a habit I refuse to break!!) and I did pop a few aleve so hopefully it'll be gone soon.

We're going to the fair tonight. I have not yet decided if I'm going to have a corndog or not. I eat a corndog maybe once a year and it's during the fair. My othe junk that I like to eat are funnelcakes (had one in Idaho, so I don't need another one), and lemonade (will just take a sip of Mom's). We'll see. I don't know. I'm being skimpy on my WW points today to allow for it, but I've seen great movement on the scale so far this week, so I may decide to completely skip it this year in order to stay OP.

Plan for today:
P1 (WW 24)
B: Cheddar & Broccoli Eggbeaters (4 pts)
S: Red peppers (0 pt)
L: Salad w/ 1 oz goat cheese, onion, lf balsamic vinaigrette (4.5 pts)
S: English Cucumber (1 pt)
D: Corndog (maybe??) (11 pt)
S: ???
E: None, walking around the fair (-2 pt)

Fresh Start

2008-08-11T08:08:00.001-06:00

Well, I did it. I changed my ticker. I thought I was up about 20 pounds and I was right. But thinking it and facing the reality of it are two different things. I saw the 188 on the scale this morning and my heart plummeted. I was down to 164 in April. I've definitely gone in the wrong direction here.

I'm restarting today, still combining WW and SB. I need to relearn portion sizes and really figure out why it is that I'm eating what I'm eating. It's just mindless and I'm not controlling it.

Something else I did was I took my measurements! Yay me, because this is something I haven't ever really done. I've always focused on the numbers on the scale.

Chest: 40"
Hips: 44"
Belly Button: 41"
Waist: 37"
R Arm: 12.5"
R Thigh: 23.25"
R Calf: 15.5"
L Arm: 12.75"
L Thigh: 23"
L Calf 16"

P1 (WW target 24 pts)
B: Broccoli & Cheddar Eggs (4 pts)
S: Red peppers (0 pt)
L: Salad w/ lettuce, red onion, tomato, 1 oz goat cheese, 4 oz chicken breast, 2 T balsamic vinaigrette (9.5 pts)
S: English Cucumber (1 pt)
D: ??? Maybe fish and broccoli???
S: ???
E: None, unless I can squeeze a little in while Baby J takes her nap tonight.
(I've also got some snacks on reserve in case I'm really hungry between meals today ~ 14 cashews (4 pts), Cheese Stick (2 pts)

Personal Accountability

2008-08-10T18:36:00.001-06:00

I admit it. I've been doing horribly. I haven't been tracking, I haven't been watching what I eat, I haven't been exercising, I just haven't been making good choices all the way around.

Tomorrow's a fresh start. I'll weigh-in, although I'm fairly certain I've probably gained 20 points since my lowest weight in April. I haven't changed by weight loss ticker, I haven't accounted for my higher weight; maybe because if I didn't acknowledge it, it would go away and it wouldn't really exist. But, truth is, it does and I need to hold myself accountable.

I need to monitor what I'm doing. I need to rid my house of my trigger foods, and I need to start fresh. I feel lousy. I can feel the changes in my body and my clothes don't fit the way they should. And I'm not buying larger clothes. I refuse to.

Combining SB and WW

2008-07-21T08:38:00.000-06:00

Today, I'm going to start a new program ~ combining SB and WW. I just need some accountability and I don't have that right now. I always do well started fresh with a new system, so I'll be doing the point thing for awhile, but also using the tools that I've learned with SB. I've gotten very relaxed on my intake of things such as nuts, oils, fats, etc., and I need to be more disciplined.

Day 1 in Week	Target	24
Food	Points	Count
Oatmeal w/ SF Syrup	-3.5	20.5
Salad w/ 2 T Feta, red onion, grape tomatoes, 1 T Newman's RF Sesame Ginger Dressing	-2.5	18
Buttermilk Salad	-3	15
1 Red Pepper	0	15
3 Baby Cucumbers	0	15
14 Cashews	-4	11
1 Serving Kraft Snackable Cubes w/ 2% Milk	-2	9
60 Min Elliptical	3	12
15 Min Stationary Bike	1	13
Total:	15
Overall A great day! I feel Fabulous!

Hundred Pushups

2008-06-24T16:06:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking of trying this. I have no upper body strength whatsoever. It might help.

http://hundredpushups.com/

Restarting and Regrouping

2008-06-24T07:47:00.003-06:00

First off, I've been blogging more over at my Blog to Lose page ~ so if you don't see me here, you'll more than likely see me there :-) If you haven't joined blogtolose.com yet, please do!! Roni has built an excellent, supportive community there. No matter what healthy eating plan you choose to do, I'm sure you can find someone doing the same thing, or at least similar.

Well, Day 1 went by without a hitch. I'm on to day 2. So far, so good :-) I plan on going back to the gym tonight for at least an hour of cardio and I may even add in strength training ~ we'll see. I like doing my strength training at home more, but I will add the resistance machines in every once and awhile. I should correct myself. I like doing my legs at the gym ~ but I hate the arm machines. I'd rather use my hand weights (I alternate between 3lb, 5lb, and 10lb).

I got my newsletter by Jillian Michael this morning and wow ~ God must have known I needed it. It's all about emotional eating. As I read the article, I got excited. Essentially, it's 2 questions you should ask yourself before you eat: 1) Are you hungry; and 2) Are you depressed or anxious? I may experiment and actually journal on these questions before I eat. We'll see. I eat every 3 hours or so, so that may be entirely too much journaling. I suppose I could just update the original blog post as I go.

P1

B: Eggbeaters w/ broccoli & lf cheese
S: Red peppers
L: Salad w/ red peppers, red onion, grilled pork & s&s dressing
S: Cucumber & 1/4 c. soynuts
D: Tuna salad w/ sf pickles, red onion, lettuce, tomato
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 60 min gym (elliptical, bike, crosstrainer)

Conflicted

2008-05-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

Not much to report today. Mom is coming for a visit. Which brings to mind a question ~ why is it when Mom visits, I feel like I have to choose between her or going to the gym. Truthfully, she'd be fine if I went to the gym and then came to the house afterwards ~ but I really wrestle with myself on where it is I need to be. But, I do need to recommit to my exercising and am actually debating on whether or not to go back to my 7-day stretches again. (4 cardio; 3 strength) versus the 4-5 days I do now. I'm conflicted ~ I just don't know.

P1:
B: Eggbeaters w/ LF Mexican Cheese Blend
S: Red pepper
L: Salad w/ edamame, onion, tomato, lf mozzarella, garlic, basil, tarragon chicken, lemon vinaigrette
S: English cucumber, 1/4 c. cashews
D: ??? Eating at my sister's
S: Sugar-free jello
E: I hope so

Returning to the Gym

2008-05-15T15:18:00.003-06:00

I'm going to the gym tonight. I need to. I keep thinking I'll get it in at home, and for the past 3 nights I just haven't been able to. So, it's to the gym directly after work to get it in.

Luckily, my contact testers are in so I can swing by and pop those in my eyes before I go. Although, that being said, I think I've gotten my eye doctor a bit paranoid because I've been allergic to the last 3 sets of testers he's given me. Turns out, they're made with silicone, which evidently I'm sensitive to. Darn. There goes my boob job (ha ha). So, he wants me to test my old kind that I've never had a reaction to just to be sure that nothing's changed with them as well.

Oh, and if anyone's interested ~ I'm posting about my trip to Savannah on my book blog.

P1:
B: Eggbeaters w/ LF Mexican Cheese Blend
S: Red peppers
L: Salad w/ edamame, grilled chicken, onion, tomatoes, lf mozzarella, and RF balsamic vinaigrette
S: 1/4 c. cashews, english cucumber
D: Grilled salmon w/ broccoli
S: NSA Jello
E: 75 min gym (elliptical; cross trainer; stationary bike)

Restarting P1

2008-05-12T11:52:00.001-06:00

I am restarting on P1 today and will more than likely do the full 2 weeks before going back to P2. I was on a long vacation and indulged quite a bit, not to mention the week prior and after coming home where I was still mentally on vacation as well. My pants are tighter, but I refuse to weigh myself yet. Mom gained 7 pounds on vacation, so I'm sure I'm roughly there if not higher.

P1

B: Eggbeaters w/ LF Cheddar
S: Red peppers
L: Salad w/ edamame, grilled chicken, onion, tomatoes, lf mozzarella, and RF balsamic vinaigrette
S: 1/4 c. cashews, english cucumber
D: Grilled pork w/ broccoli
S: None
E: None ~ watching the girls

Au revoir, for now

2008-04-20T11:29:00.000-06:00

My time's pretty limited over the next few days, so I may or not get a chance to post anything else before we leave on Wednesday. I'll be checking blogs, but more than likely won't be posting anything before I leave. So, au revoir for now and I'll be sure to post when I get back on May 2.

Bottomless Pit, Part 2

2008-04-11T14:11:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I still feel hungry all the time. Now I'm crampy which means that hopefully TOM will make it's appearance and I'll be done with this mindless eating. Must.stop.now.

Bottomless Pit

2008-04-06T16:45:00.002-06:00

That's exactly how I feel today ~ like I can't get full. I'm thinking of making dinner a little early just so I can stuff something into this bottomless pit of mine. I haven't cheated, but I feel like I've been grazing all day. BUT, I did get my workout in ~ 50 minutes of circuit training.

Zumba! ~ Opinion

2008-03-29T09:39:00.006-06:00

The new Zumba DVDs are okay, but I like the older ones I have much better. The workouts are much more fun on the older version. The new ones are far too commercialized. Everyone is wearing Zumba gear and there is too much time spent listening to funky zumba music in between dances.

Truthfully, I've watched more than I've worked out to this. So far, I've done the Toning Workout with the Zumba toning sticks (they are virtually weightless). It was okay. 45 minutes and I sweated some. The abs workout was *meh* ~ but I really wasn't much in the mood for it, so I'll try it again before I completely say whether I liked it or not.

In the meantime, I'm anxiously waiting for The Biggest Loser workouts and the Jillian Michaels toning DVDs I ordered.

Today's Workout

2008-03-25T21:43:00.002-06:00

I went back to the gym and did 45 minutes elliptical and 15 minutes bike today. I came home and started the Zumba Abs workout, but I just wasn't into it. I was hungry and so went and made dinner instead (broiled asparagus and cod fillets). I'm not sure about the rest of my week. Mom's in town starting tomorrow, so I'm hoping at the very least to be able to squeeze in at least 30 minutes each day.

Speaking of Mom, she's still calling everyday. Whether to run her menu by me, or to tell me what she's cooking, or to ask me how I cook something. It's cute. Really. But it's everyday. Then today she told me she didn't eat lunch. So she got the lecture about skipping meals. I think it went in one ear and out the other. Ah well. I'll repeat myself tomorrow.

Sister wants to join the gym with me ~ she and kiddo will be signing up next month. I doubt we'll be able to workout much together because of our schedules, but hey if she wants me there, I'll make it happen.

Finally, a friend at work said she thought I needed to be nominated for the People magazine weight loss spread that they do every year. I wish I could, but I don't have any true before shots. The one I have posted on my blog isn't even a "true" photo. I was probably about 30 pounds heavier than that photo when I started last year. I still don't like to have my picture taken, but I'm getting better.

Recent Splurge

2008-03-24T15:28:00.008-06:00

I've splurged again. Not on clothes this time, but on exercise dvds and equipment. This is it. No more. I need to save my money for groceries. Oh, and bills. Besides which, I need something new to try exercise wise. I don't want to get in a rut with my current workouts.

First and foremost. Look what came in the mail today. The newest version of Zumba Fitness! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about this. Of course, it would come in on a day when I have the kiddos so won't be exercising. But....there's an inner drive in me that is tempted to do the 20-minute express workout when I get home tonight. At 10pm. I'm telling you, if you're not familiar with zumba, go to www.zumbafitness.com right now and check it out.

Next, I got Biggest Loser Power Sculpt. I'm new to the whole Biggest Loser craze. I've never watched it before this season, but once I started watching, I became hooked. So, what's not to love about the workouts. I'm hoping they really inspire and motivate me. And since I got Power Sculpt, I got Cardio Max too.

Finally, I got The Complete Workout by Jillian Michaels. Frontside and Backside. It says it's for beginners, but I don't know. From what I've read, and what I've been told the only reason it's labeled that way is because she goes through each movement with you, explaining why and what you're hoping to accomplish. I'm not exercise beginner, but I still like to know what and why I'm doing something.

Friends are laughing at me now, but in a good way. I'm being accused of being addicted to exercise. I really don't know what they're talking about (I say facetiously).

Goals

2008-03-22T22:12:00.005-06:00

My goals this week will be:

#1: To quit mindlessly snacking on nuts. Limit my portion to the 1/4 cup allowed per day instead of the 1/4 cup PLUS the few here and the few there that I tend to grab. The calories add up!!!

#2: To finish cleaning out my dresser drawers. Must organize and get rid of the larger sizes. (done!)

edited to add:
#3: Do not try to makeup for a week's worth of exercise within two days! It does not work and now everytime I move I squeal like a pig ~ I mean, a little girl! (ow, ow, ow).

Today's Workout

2008-03-22T11:26:00.003-06:00

Today's workout was 45 minutes Fat Burning Fusion with Ellen Barrett. This is a great one too! I've got quite a few recipes to post and I'm debating on whether to do a blog with just recipes, or if it really even matters. I'm still deciding.

I was supposed to go out to lunch with some friends, but we got snow last night and we don't think we can all meet downtown, eat, and have them get back to work within an hour. Luckily, I've got some backups. I've got leftover Asian Cucumbers I can eat, I've got a sweet potato I need to cook up, I've got tons of salad ~~ I just need to decide what I want.

What Was I Thinking????

2008-03-21T13:45:00.009-06:00

Okay, so I've been bad exercise-wise this week. I have all sorts of excuses, but quite honestly, I just didn't feel like it. Which offsets my whole mental health. I just feel so much better when I do it. I know this ~ and I really feel better when I do it after I didn't feel like it. So today, I tried to make up for lost time. 2 workouts. And my whole body is screaming, "What Was I Thinking????"

First workout: Slow-Robics with Ellen Barrett. I love this workout. I DVR'd it from All Star Workouts on FitTV and work it into my schedule at least a few times a month. Slow-Robics is essentially endurance cardio combined with sculpting. I love it normally can really feel it the next day. Especially in my legs.

Second workout: Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom by Minna Lessig. A little back story. I tried this workout once before ~ but all I had were light weights and this workout is supposed to alternate between heavy weights and light weights. It was okay but I didn't think I'd gotten the full workout since I didn't have the different weights to vary with. So I splurged and bought some new weights. 10 lbs, 5 lbs, and 3 lbs and then I tried this workout again. Oh. My. Heck. I kept thinking to myself "What Was I Thinking???" Having the heavier weights really made all the difference. I have a feeling I'm really gonna feel this one in the morning ~ especially in my arms.

Ugh

2008-03-19T20:25:00.002-06:00

Ugh. Went out for dinner for sister's birthday. I was bad. Not horrible, but bad. Had jumbo prawns with Isralean couscous, which wasn't bad at all. But then I had dessert. Chocolate Bundt Cake soaked with Kahlua and topped with a small scoop of coffee ice cream. Then I had coffee with Turbinado sugar and a splash of cream.

Now, I'm drinking water like a fool in the hopes of flushing some of my sinful dinner away. I should exercise, but it's already 8:30 and I need to get my food prepped for tomorrow.

Thank God birthdays are only once a year. Except in my family. My sister, my niece, and I all have birthdays within 4 weeks of each other. So there's 3 sinful dinners out. Then Mom and her boyfriend always take us out for a full-family birthday dinner. Once down, 3 to go. Oh, and then there's vacation too. Ugh.

My Progress So Far

2008-03-15T18:16:00.005-06:00

7/26/03:

12/20/06:

4/22/07:

7/08/07:

Today, 3/15/08:

Retail Therapy

2008-03-09T10:30:00.003-06:00

I went on a power shopping trip yesterday. I had to. I cleaned out my closet (well, technically I'm still in the process of it) and I have virtually barely anything that fits me anymore. And with skirt/dress season coming up around the corner, it's time. I started out at Ross with the intention of looking for boots and pants. Yeah. Not so much. I left with about 6 new shirts (all under $40.00, I might add).

Next stop was Dillards. They have an addition 30% off of the 75% off of clearance sale going on right now. I bought a skirt, some clogs, a nice pair of boots, 2 dresses, a shirt, and a bra ~ all for $125.00 (I gulp when I say that, but really ~ the boots alone were originally $139.00 and I got them for under $30.00!!!!).

I'm not usually a splurger. Really, I'm not. You're talking to the girl who hates to shop ~ because I hate to try things on. I hate looking in the mirror. Or maybe I should say I used to hate it? It's not so bad now. I can actually look in the mirror and see what I look good in. That's a milestone for me, because normally I pick myself apart. I see things that aren't there ~ or I exaggerate what's actually there. I'm working on it. I still see things, but not as badly as I used to.

Anyway, it was quite a treat to splurge on myself ~ size 10 and size 12. Woo-hoo!

Goals

2008-03-02T20:00:00.008-07:00

My goals for this week are:

Exercise:
3/3 ~ 90 min gym (done!)
3/4 ~ ~~60 min Boot Camp Class~~ (none, sick)
3/5 ~ ~~None~~ (45 min Fat Burning Fusion)
3/6 ~ ~~45 min Fat Burning Fusion w/ Ellen Barrett~~ (60 min Minna Lessig)
3/7 ~ 60 min gym (done!)
3/8 ~ ~~60 min Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom w/ Minna Lessig~~ (does shopping count? I worked up a sweat AND increased my heart rate ~ especially when I realized how much damage I'd done to my budget!!!)
3/9 ~ ~~60 min Zumba~~ (eeeeek!!! I cleaned my fridge and finished cleaning out my closet instead)

Compliments:
Accept a compliment by simply stating "Thank you." No "ifs, buts, or howevers". (Ummmmmmm, I did okay on this. Maybe. Somewhat. Kind of. Okay, I failed miserably. I'll try it again next week and see if I'm in a better place.)

It's Not All About the Numbers

2008-03-02T08:56:00.005-07:00

I have a confession to make. I'm a chronic scale junkie. I weigh myself everyday, first thing in the morning right after I use the bathroom. Normally, it keeps me on track. I understand weight fluctuations, so seeing the scale fluctuate a few pounds here or there doesn't really bother me normally. But this week, it's got me shaking my head and I do find myself getting frustrated. I just don't get it.

I'm attempting to think about goals for this next week and I've thought about not stepping on the scale at all, other than my Monday morning weigh-in (which I consider my "official" weigh-in). But I'm still on the fence ~ I'm not sure I could stay off for a whole week. And I don't want to set myself up to fail. But on the other hand, I've been so frustrated with the numbers lately that maybe a week of not seeing them and not wondering would do me good. See what I mean about being on the fence?

I know my journey isn't all about the numbers on the scale. In hindsight, I really wish I had taken measurements when I first started this journey. I wish I'd allowed people to take my picture because then I'd have visuals. But that's the thing with shame. I felt such shame at how I looked I didn't want any reminders. And the thing that saddens me the most is Kiddo because she and I have such an exceptional relationship, I know she just wanted pictures of someone she loved. But I robbed her of that.

I saw someone yesterday that I hadn't seen in months. She was smiling and so happy when she hugged me and said, "Look at you! You're so skinny!" Now, normally I'd say "Thank you, but......" (pick your ending here)..."I still have a lot to lose", "I'm nowhere near where I want to be", but, but, but, but, but. Last night, I simply said "Thank you." That's something I'm working on.

My Mom calls my almost everyday to tell me how proud she is of the journey I'm on. She's so proud, in fact, that she's started her own journey and now calls me for guidance just about as much as calls me to tell me how proud she is. My sister brags to everyone we know about how well I'm doing. She's thought about doing this journey as well, but right now she's focusing on quitting smoking ~ then there's the fact that she manages a Chinese Restaurant and she's just not sure how well she'd do with all the smells, etc. I can understand that. If I'm surrounded by foods that I choose not to have but that I really want, I'd tend to get crabby. At least in the beginning. I'm not sure it would bother me now.

Then there's the fact that I now can shop anywhere for my clothes ~ not just the plus sections. Or the fact that I've had to clean out my closet twice now because my clothes are just too big. Or the fact that there were four coats my mom gave me 2 or 3 years ago that I've never been able to fit into. They fit now. Or the outfits that Mom gave me about the same time she gave me the coats. Most of them fit now. There are still a few I want to be able to get into, but for the most part they all fit.

My point, I guess, is that those are things I should be focusing on. Not the numbers on the scale. But that's another journey. I'm getting there.

South Beach is not a Fad

2008-02-27T12:43:00.011-07:00

It just hit me. I'm literally half my size. When I first started South Beach in January 2007, I was 234.5 pounds and wore size 24/26 pants. I'm now 168.5 pounds and wear size 10/12. That's amazing to me.

Earlier today, I was perusing thatsfit.com and stumbled across an article about the 25 Worst Fad Diets Ever. (you can read it here) Guess what diet was listed at #8? The South Beach Diet. I saw that and I saw red. So I clicked on the link to read the full-length article which sited sources as to why that particular diet was listed. A lot of them are no-brainers ~ I mean, what exactly is the tapeworm diet, anyway? It certainly doesn't sound like anything I would ever want to try. And I'm totally against any diet that advises you to drink your meals instead of learning healthy eating habits. But, my curiosity got the better of me and I just had to find out why the South Beach Diet was lumped in with the rest of the "fad" diets. So, I clicked on the dreaded link and was routed to Dr. Jay Fuhrman's site who (big surprise) is marketing his own diet plan ~ the Eat to Live program.

Now, I don't know anything about Dr. Fuhrman's plan. Nor do I want to. For the simple reason that he markets his plan at the expense of others. Without properly researching the very subject he's opposing. His arguments about the South Beach Diet just aren't true. A few examples:

One of the most dangerous diets ever designed. Two words: My ass.

You are told to move from a carbohydrate-restricted, high-protein phase back to a less restricted phase, but when you start to regain your weight (as you will inevitably do), you are instructed to go back to the more restricted phase again. Actually, you are told not to do this. As far as regaining weight, as with any eating plan if you don't stick to your healthy habits, you do run the risk of gaining it back. The key word here is "diet" which is temporary.

Many are aware that ketogenic diets are dangerous if maintained long-term, but if done for a short-time on and off, as recommended in the South Beach plan, you lose weight, regain it, lose weight and regain it (i.e. yo-yo your weight), which is even more dangerous to your heart and your health. Well, South Beach isn't a ketogenic diet. South Beach is a good carb, good fat diet which I'm sure any registered dietician worth their salt would agree with. As far as good carbs, well, there are all kinds and I eat them all. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc. There is nothing ketogenic about it. Good fats ~ how about olive oil?

After I read what Dr. Fuhrman had to say about South Beach, I went on to read more about what he had to say about Weight Watchers. Now, I used to do Weight Watchers ~ about 4 or 5 years ago, and I did pretty well on it. I lost 40 pounds, but then I stalled. And stalled. And stalled. And I take responsibility for it. It wasn't the eating plan, it was me. I totally know that. But I did end up gaining the weight back and then when I finally had reached the highest weight I'd ever been in my life, that's when I decided to rededicate myself to healthy eating. And I chose South Beach. Not because there's anything wrong with Weight Watchers at all. Just for me and my level of personal responsibility, the South Beach plan works better for where I'm at. (Although, there are times I really miss my Luna Bar and Yoplait yogurt breakfasts).

Getting back to the post on Weight Watchers. I'm going to list my thoughts on a few of Dr. Fuhrman's points.

Involves calorie counting and portion control. Most people do not keep the weight off permanently with this type of diet. It's been awhile since I did WW, but I don't remember counting calories. I remember calculating for points ~ which made sense. If I remember correctly, it had something to do with the number of calories and the number of fiber equalled the point value. And since when is portion control a bad thing? A lot of us are in the boat of having to lose weight because we didn't know about portion control. Or emotional eating. How many of use were told when we were children "You can't leave the table until you've cleaned your plate."? Or how many of us are prone to bulging when stressed/depressed/anxious, etc., etc. And don't get me started on the "most people" crap. I've already talked about this in my points above.

Reduces both calorie and nutrient levels simultaneously, reduces disease resistance, making you more likely to get the chronic diseases that afflict Americans today like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer (all which result in a premature death). Interesting. So relearning bad eating habits and substituting healthier alternatives to the more fat-ladden snacks we've grabbed in the past can lead to premature death? I think my personal physician may have something contrary to say about that.

I'm not even going to bother posting the points that Dr. Fuhrman wants to make about his plan. Because, while I read it, I could have been reading about South Beach, or Weight Watchers, or any other number of plans out there. I guess what I'm trying to say in my rather rambling and convuluted way is that we're all in this together. Whether it be South Beach or Weight Watchers or any other plan, I along with countless others are on a journey of self-discovery, of becoming healthy, of becoming fit, of wanting to live longer, of wanting to fit into the skinny jeans, of wanting to just feel better, of wanting to look in the mirror and liking what looks back. It's a common goal, whatever the journey.

Frustrating

2008-02-25T20:24:00.005-07:00

I had every intention of going to the gym tonight to do elliptical and bike. I even got to the gym and walked around twice. Not one machine to be had. Not one. It's so frustrating that I pay a monthly membership fee and then can barely use it. So, I went home and did 40 minutes of Pilates instead. At least I didn't let it completely wreck my evening ~ I still got in some exercise. I'll try the gym again tomorrow and see what happens.

I guess in hindsight it's okay. I donated blood today and they did say no strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. But really, how strenuous is the elliptical really?? :-)

My Goals this Week

2008-02-25T12:57:00.012-07:00

Goal #1:
To exercise at least 5 hours this week (300 minutes to go!).
2/25 ~ 40 minutes Pilates (260 minutes to go!)
2/26 ~ None (260 minutes to go!)
2/27 ~ 60 minutes Cardio; 30 minutes strength training(170 minutes to go!)
2/28 ~ None (170 minutes to go!)
2/29 ~ 60 minutes Cardio (110 minutes to go!)
3/1 ~ 60 minutes Walking (50 minutes to go!)
3/2 ~ 40 minutes Sweatin' with the Oldies; 20 minutes Pilates (Goal achieved!)

Goal #2:
To drink 1/2 of my body weight in water ounces everyday (84.75 oz).
2/25 ~ 135.2 oz
2/26 ~ 135.2 oz
2/27 ~ 202.8 oz
2/28 ~ 135.2 oz
2/29 ~ 135.2 oz
3/1 ~ 135.2 oz
3/2 ~135.2 oz (Goal achieved!)

Light & Easy Chicken and Veggies

2008-02-23T12:02:00.008-07:00

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
Garlic cloves, minced (to taste ~ I used 1 per breast half)
onion powder, to taste
salt & pepper to taste
1 large red onion
1 red pepper
2 small yellow squash
fresh basil, to taste
fresh chives, to taste
olive oil or non-stick spray, for spritzing

Preheat oven to 325F.

Cut a slit into each chicken piece. Add garlic into each slit (I used 1 clove per breast half). Sprinkle onion powder, salt, & pepper to taste. Spray frying pan with just enough olive oil to coat, or use non-stick spray. Brown each side of the chicken (approx 2-3 minutes per side).

In a 9x13 pan, spray with nonstick spray or drizzle with olive oil. Cut onions, peppers, and squash into large pieces. Sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste. Add a fresh basil chifinade (I used approximately 6 leaves). Place the chicken on top of the veggies. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 40-45 minutes until veggies are to desired tenderness. Sprinkle with fresh cut chives and serve.

Serves 6.

I'm Stuck

2008-02-23T07:46:00.002-07:00

For the past few weigh-ins, I've been stuck at the same weight. I need to re-evaluate what I'm doing. I know I need to up the exercise. I believe my eating is okay, but I may have to look at what I'm putting into my body to be sure it's as good for me as I think it is.

My goal for next week is to exercise at least 5 times for the week, a minimum of 60 minutes per workout. I can do it. I used to workout everyday. I just need to get back to the habit.

NSV #8 and Today

2008-02-21T10:04:00.003-07:00

I got a double-take and a "My God, you look great!" today. This is on top of the 4 people who stopped by to comment on my weightloss yesterday. Woo-hoo!

P2
B: Baked Oatmeal w/ SF Maple Syrup
S: Red Peppers
L: Salad w/ artichoke, asparagus, edamame, green onion, tomatoes, lf mozzarella, tuna, garlic, basil, & lf balsamic vinaigrette
S: Red grapefruit & 1/4 c. cashews
D: Grilled chicken w/ portabella mushrooms
S: NSA Fudgesicle (if wanted)
E: Doubtful, mom's in town

Go Me!

2008-02-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I went to the gym with one goal ~ to do 75 minutes on the elliptical. I did it! And then 15 minutes on the bike. Go me!!!

NSV #4-#7

2008-02-19T13:58:00.003-07:00

Had a coworker stop by my office today and said, "You've lost a lot of weight". (Emphasis on a lot!) He said I looked really good and congratulated me on a good job.

Also, I've inspired my mom. She started on South Beach yesterday and now phones me at least 2-3 times a day ~ can I have this, can I have that, how do you do this, how do you do that......Well, you get the idea. I love you, Mom :-)

I bought 2 pairs of size 10 Levi's yesterday. Woo-hoo!!!

I've got definition in my arms. Me. The girl who can see herself the worst distorted way imaginable. I've got definition in my arms!

Even though I Didn't Want To........

2008-02-17T19:22:00.001-07:00

I exercised. 50 minutes of Zen Pilates Sculpt with Ellen Barrett. I chose this one because I thought I remembered it as being "easy". Not so. I think I worked just about every muscle I have.

Sushi or Not Sushi ~ That is the Question

2008-02-16T19:44:00.007-07:00

Today, I splurged a bit (and isn't it sad that going out for sushi in my mind is considered "cheating") ~ anyway, white rice instead of brown and 1/2 of a terriyaki chicken salad. Not a bad splurge by any means, but tonight on the way home I had that little voice inside of saying, "Well you cheated already today ~ what's one more thing?" I came thisclose to stopping by The Mustard Seed and buying some pot stickers. Instead, I went to Albertsons and loaded up on veggies. Zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms, and bell peppers. I came home and made a stir fry. Isn't it pretty???

Dev's Alternative to Cheating Stir Fry:

(The measurements are pretty close to accurate. One of these days I'll learn to measure and write things down)

1 yellow squash

1 zucchini

8 oz package mushrooms

1 yellow pepper

1 orange pepper

1/2 red pepper

1 small red onion

1 package of baby bok choy

8 oz sugar snap peas

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp freshly ground ginger

2-3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth

dash of red pepper flakes

arrowroot

mist of olive oil

Cut the chicken breast into one inch cubes. Mist a non-stick cooking surface with olive oil or nonstick spary. Brown the chicken until cooked through. Remove from pan.

Cut the vegetables so that they are all approximately the same size. Place them in the same pan that was used to fry the chicken. Cook just until tender (mine took between 5-7 minutes). Remove the vegetables and set aside.

In the same pan as was used previously, place chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer just long enough for the spices to blend. In a separate cup, mix approximately 2 tsp arrowroot powder with just enough water so that it stirs easily with a spoon. Stirring the broth mixture, add the arrowroot slowly until the sauce reaches a thicker consistency (to your liking).

Add vegetables and chicken back to pan and stir to coat. Makes 4 generous servings.

Today

2008-02-11T09:35:00.003-07:00

P2

B: Baked Oatmeal
S: Red Peppers
L: Gyro Salad
S: Applesauce w/ 1/4 cup cashews
D: Tofu & Veggies
S: None
E: None

Must

2008-02-09T08:55:00.001-07:00

I must get out of this chair and go do Pilates. It's just 30 minutes. I can do it. Although, I would so much just like to lounge and drink my coffee ~ I just don't have the time for that luxury today. I have to leave in 2 hours to go sit with my girls, so this is the only time I'll have today to get my exercise in. It's only 30 minutes. I can do it.

NSV #3

2008-02-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

NSV: My outfit today. My dress is a size 10 and my jacket is a size 12!!!!

Today

2008-02-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

B: Baked Oatmeal
S: Red peppers
L: Chicken Chili
S: Grapple w/ 1/4 c. peanuts
D: Portabella Panini (from Ellie Krieger's new cookbook)
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 40 min Pilates

Playlist

2008-02-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight was an hour on the elliptical and 15 minutes on the bike ~ I know it seems repetitive, but right now I'm doing the gym maybe twice a week, and the rest of my workouts at home. I thought I'd post my playlist in case anybody was interested:

8th World Wonder ~ Kimberly Locke
500 Miles ~ Proclaimers
Bad Reputation ~ Joan Jett
Ballroom Blitz ~ The Sweet
Bitch ~ Meredith Brooks
Boomerang ~ Cirrus
Bring Me to Life ~ Evanessance
Can I Go Nowhere With You ~ Joel Plaskett
Closer to Fine ~ Indigo Girls
Come on Eileen ~ Dexy's Midnight Runners
Cotton Eyed Joe ~ Rednex
Do You Wanna Touch Me ~ Joan Jett
Don't Be Stupid ~ Shania Twain
Don't Cha ~ Pussycat Dolls
Elevation ~ U2
Everytime We Touch ~ Cascada
Funkytown ~ Lipps Inc
Get Ur Freak On ~ Missy Elliott
Golddigger ~ Kanye West
Hair of the Dog ~ Guns 'n Roses
Head over Heels ~ The GoGos
Heart Shaped Box ~ Nirvana
Heaven ~ Live
Here in Your Arms ~ HelloGoodbye
Here it Goes Again ~ Ok Go
Hey Mama ~ Black Eyed Peas
Higher Ground ~ Red Hot Chili Peppers
Hot, Hot, Hot ~ Buster Poindexter
I Alone ~ Live
I Run for Life ~ Melissa Etheridge
I Want Candy ~ Bow Wow Wow
I'm the Only One ~ Melissa Etheridge
Into the Ocean ~ Blue October
Invincible ~ Pat Benetar
Lady Marmelade ~ Christina Agulara, Missy Elliott, Little Kim, Pink
Laughlin Boy ~ Tracy Grammer, Mary Chapin Carpenter
Leaving Town ~ Dexter Freebish
Love Stinks ~ J Giles Band
Nth Degree ~ Morningwood
Numb Encore ~ Jay-Z, Linkin Park
One Two Step ~ Ciara w/ Missy Elliott
Rockafeller Skank ~ Fat Boy Slim
Ron de Replay (Hey Mr. DJ) ~ Rhianna
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy ~ Big & Rich
She Talks to Angels ~ Black Crowes
Should I Stay or Should I Go ~ The Clash
Solsbury Hill ~ Peter Gabriel
Strength of a Woman ~ Shaggy
Such Great Heights ~ The Postal Service
Take Me Out ~ Franz Ferdinand
Teenage Wasteland ~ The Who
Temperature ~ Sean Paul
Thunderstruck ~ AC/DC
TNT ~ AC/DC
Turn Up the Radio ~ Autograph
Under Pressure ~ David Bowie
Unwritten ~ Natasha Bedingfield
We are All Made of Stars ~ Moby
We Belong ~ Pat Benatar
We Got the Beat ~ The GoGos
We Live ~ Superchick
Welcome to the Black Parade ~ My Chemical Romance
Where are We Running ~ Lenny Kravitz
You Set Me Free ~ Michelle Branch

My Journey

2008-02-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2005 ~ weight 216 lbs:
Today's the day. I'm shopping today and tomorrow will be starting South Beach. I've spent a lifetime dieting/not-dieting, succeeding, gaining what I'd lost back, plus an extra 10-20 pounds. Now I find myself at 36 and over 100 pounds overweight. I can say "I don't know how it happened", but that's not true. So, today's the day. Tomorrow I'm starting a new path. I lost 40 pounds, gave up this way of eating June 6, 2006 and gained it all back, plus about 20 pounds extra.

January 12, 2007 ~ weight 234.5 lbs:
I had a bunch of health problems last year, so my attitude took a deep nosedive south. I've come to accept everything, so I'm feeling better about it, most days. Of course, when I took the nosedive, I also gave myself permission to go completely off the wagon ~ which only succeeded in causing me to nosedive even further south. It's a viscous cycle. I lost 60 pounds by October 2007, and then "maintained " through the holidays. I gained 12 pounds.

January 2, 2008 ~ weight 188.5 lbs:
I'm restarting today ~ I've pretty much been maintaining the past few months, give or take a few pounds ~ My pants still fit, so that's a good sign. Haven't been on the scale though, and won't until I've finished up P1 again. Although, I do have a dr. appointment today. Who was the brainiac who scheduled a dr appt right after the most fattening holidays ever invented??? Oh right, that was me :-) Anyway, I'm going shopping tonight and restocking my fridge. I'm looking forward to getting rid of my excess baggage this year. Have lost 15 pounds to date and am continuing on this journey. It's slow progress, but I'm planning on persevering this time.

Today

2008-02-06T07:56:00.001-07:00

B: Baked Oatmeal
S: Red peppers
L: Salad (Greens & Spinach) w/ mushrooms, green onions, tomatoes, red peppers, grilled chicken, sweet & sour dressing
S: Banana w/ NPB
D: Grilled chicken w/ broccoli
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 60 min Gym

My Workout

2008-02-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I did an hour of elliptical, 15 minutes bike, and some strength training for my legs. As I was working out, I realized I had not changed up the songs on my playlist for almost a year. I need some new tunes! If anyone reads this, what tunes would you recommend? What works for you?

Today

2008-02-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

B: Baked Oatmeal
S: Red peppers
L: Salad (Greens & Spinach) w/ mushrooms, green onions, tomatoes, red peppers, grilled chicken, sweet & sour dressing
S: Grapple & 1/4 c. cashews
D: Grilled chicken w/ broccoli
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 60 min Zumba

Today

2008-02-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

B: Baked Oatmeal
S: Red peppers
L: Salad w/ edamame, lf mozzarella, turkey pepperoni, garlic, basil, green onion, balsamic vinaigrette
S: Banana w/ NPB
D: Grilled chicken w/ broccoli
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 60 min gym

Today

2008-02-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

B: Greek yogurt w/ Agave Nectar & Cashews
S: Red peppers
L: Unsure ~ boss is taking me out for lunch today to celebrate my anniversary w/ the company. She said it'd definitely be a place with great salads because she knows I'm into that sort of thing
S: Applesauce & Black Bean Brownie
D: Chicken Caesar Salad
S: None
E: None (helping gimpy kiddo babysit)

Three NSVs (aka Yay, Me!)

2008-01-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

I went to the gym tonight ~ even though I didn't want to. To be honest, I'd planned on it but by the end of the day I just didn't want to go. But I dressed out and went anyway. 60 minutes on the ellipitical; 15 minutes on the bike.

I had an orientation with a prior employee today ~ she'd only left 6 months ago, so that would have been the last time she saw me. She didn't recognize me. (That's a good thing!)

I have a pair of pants I bought in December ~ they're supposed to be fitted, a little snug in the butt ~ and they looked great. They're too big now. I can still wear them, but they're no longer fitted.

Today

2008-01-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

B: Eggbeaters w/ spinach, garlic, and feta cheese
S: Red peppers
L: Salad (Greens & Spinach) w/ mushrooms, green onions, tomatoes, red peppers, grilled chicken, sweet & sour dressing
S: Apple & Black Bean Brownie
D: Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Peppers & Onions
S: NSA Fudgesicle (if wanted)
E: 60 min gym

Today

2008-01-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

B: Eggbeaters w/ spinach, garlic, and feta cheese
S: Red peppers
L: Chicken Chili
S: Applesauce & Black Bean Brownie
D: Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Peppers & Onions
S: NSA Fudgesicle (if wanted)

Today

2008-01-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

P2

B: Eggbeaters w/ spinach, garlic, and feta cheese
S: Red peppers
L: Chicken Chili
S: Banana
D: Chicken Chili (more than likely ~ mom's in town and I think I just need to sneak in something quick and easy)
S: NSA Fudgesicle (if wanted)
E: ??? (I hope to squeeze some in somewhere ~ Mom's in town and it depends on what time I get home)

Exercise

2008-01-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well, my exercise is probably going to be nonexistent this week. Tonight, I might be able to squeeze in 1/2 hour; Mom's in town Tue-Thur ~ so maybe will squeeze in 1/2 hour both days, but am not sure at this point; Thursday I should be able to do a regular workout; Friday I'm helping my niece babysit (due to her taking a spill and wrecking her knee ~ I'll be her pair of legs, which is the only way she'd be able to babysit); Saturday and Sunday I should be able to do a regular workout. Sheesh, Life sure does get in the way of good intentions sometimes.

Today

2008-01-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

P2

B: Eggbeaters w/ spinach, garlic, and feta cheese
S: Red peppers
L: Chinese Chicken Salad (leftovers of Apricot-Ginger Chicken & Sweet-and-Sour Dressing)
S: Banana
D: Chicken Chili
S: NSA Fudgesicle (if wanted)
E: ??? (I hope to squeeze some in somewhere ~ I have the girls tonight, but should be able to squeeze at least 30 min in when I get home)

Note to Self

2008-01-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

In the future, do not skip lunch. Whether intentional or not, this is a bad, bad move. Especially when you go grocery shopping and then stop by your sister's chinese restaurant to drop off some supplies. The buffet is not a good idea. It is not your friend. Even when you think you make good choices, you don't. You're not in control of what ingredients are in the food.

That being said, you should still be okay. You didn't eat much so forgive yourself. But don't do it again. You'll feel better about it. I promise.

Tonight's Workout

2008-01-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

I left work early today and went to the gym at 3:30pm ~ and (yeah!!!) I got an elliptical machine! I did 60 minutes on the elliptical and then 15 minutes on the stationary bike. It felt great!

Contest!

2008-01-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

NSV #2

2008-01-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well, NSV #2 since I started this blog. I fit into my size 12 jeans this morning! Woo-hoo. AND there is another jacket I've been dying to wear that hasn't even fit me ~ it fits me now :-) I only wish it didn't have the built in shoulder pads.

Today

2008-01-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

B: Cottage cheese w/ V8
S: Red peppers
L: Goat Cheese, Herb and White Bean Salad
S: 1/4 c. peanuts; 1/2 c. applesauce
D: Black & Bleu Salad
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 60 min gym

Today

2008-01-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

B: Steel-cut oats w/ 1% milk and coffee
S: Red peppers
L: Goat Cheese, Herb and White Bean Salad
S: 1/4 c. mixed nuts
D: Lentil soup (last day of leftovers ~ woo-hoo!)
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 30 min strength training

Team Building

2008-01-23T16:24:00.001-07:00

Did two hours of team building at work today. This consisted of.............bowling. What a great day. I got some exercise in AND got paid for it :-)

Today

2008-01-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

P2

B: Steel-cut oats w/ 1% milk and coffee
S: Red peppers
L: Lentil soup
S: 1/4 c. cashews
D: Indian Tuna w/ Salad
S: NSA Fudgescile
E: 45 min WATP; 15 min strength training

Roni's Quick Sweet & Tangy Salmon

2008-01-22T19:32:00.001-07:00

I had Roni's Quick Sweet & Tangy Salmon for dinner tonight and it was delicious! I had it with a side salad w/ portabello vinaigrette & steamed broccoli. I'll definitely be making this again.

Today

2008-01-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

P2

B: Steel-cut oats w/ 1% milk and coffee
S: Red peppers
L: Goat Cheese, Herb and White Bean Salad
S: 1/4 c. mixed nuts
D: Roni's Quick Sweet & Tangy Salmon
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 60 min Richard Simmons (Broadway Sweat)

NSV

2008-01-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have a coat that my mom gave me a few years ago that I was never able to fit into. I held onto it with the intention that one day, it would fit. Well, this morning..........it fit and I wore it to work. A great way to start my day.

Today

2008-01-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

P2

B: Steel-cut oats w/ 1% milk and coffee (of course!)
S: Red peppers
L: Lentil soup
S: Greek yogurt w/ agave & cashews
D: Tofu & Veggies (special ordered from the chinese restaurant my sister manages)
S: None
E: None ~ watching my girls (my nieces)

Contest!

2008-01-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Check out Roni’s new contest! I can win a Nutritional Smart Scale from Eat Smart and so can you! Click here for details!

My Butt Hurts

2008-01-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

...not that this is significant in anyway, but I simply bring this up because I am getting ready to exercise (that's 2 days in a row ~ I'm slowly getting on the bandwagon!). If you have not tried Slow Robics w/ Ellen Barrett, do it ~ she's on All Star Workouts on FitTV and I believe she also may have some DVD's out there being sold separately. I love her!

Today's workout is Zumba ~ if you haven't tried it, you don't know what you're missing. It's so much fun. You can get more information at www.zumba.com or www.zumbafitness.com.

Off to dance.

Today

2008-01-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

P1

B: Ham roll-ups
S: None
L: Goat Cheese, Herb and White Bean Salad
S: 1/4 c. cashews
D: Lentil soup
S: Jello whip
E: 30 min Zumba; 15 min shoveling snow (it about killed my back, so I'm counting it!); 10 min abs

So Not Happy

2008-01-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

So, got done watching the kiddos tonight and stopped by the store for milk and green apples so I could make Apples & Cinnamon Oatmeal tomorrow. I pay the cashier and drive home ~ get inside and go to put my groceries away and..................no apples. Dammit. So, I go back out to the garage thinking maybe they dropped out of the bag and are in the car somewhere. No go. I don't have them. It's snowing like crazy and I'm not going back out there. It's $1.50, otherwise I'd probably call Albertsons and complain. I guess I'll make just plain old oatmeal w/ cinnamon and splenda. Although, I do have some unsweetened applesauce ~ but I like the chunks. Ah well ~ I've vented and feel somewhat pacified for now.

Ham Roll-Ups

2008-01-19T11:11:00.002-07:00

2 thin slices of lean ham
1 wedge of laughing cow cheese
2 green onions

Spread 1/2 wedge of cheese on each slice of ham ~ place a green onion in the center and roll it up. Great between meal snack.

Today

2008-01-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

P1

B: 3 eggs w/ jalapeno tabasco
S: Red peppers
L: Lentil soup
S: Ham roll-ups
D: Lentil soup
S: NSA Fudgesicle
E: 50-min Slow-robics w/ Ellen Barrett

10 lbs

2008-01-18T21:16:00.001-07:00

10 pounds are gone since I rededicated on January 2. Which, if I'm honest, is what I gained from my "break" during the holidays. But 'tis okay. I expected it. My goal is to lose another 8.5 pounds before my next doctor's appointment March 5; and then another 10 pounds before vacation on April 23. I think I can do it. Jeez, I better now since I have it in writing.With that said, I've got to get better at going to the gym. I just hate the New Year's rush and fighting to even get a machine. If I don't get an elliptical, I'll usually do something else, but my heart just isn't in it. Then, of course, there are always other things that come up. Monday, for example, I was all set to go ~ had to my bag packed and everything; then my sister called and needed a ride home (hubby had been working on her car and was now stuck at home with all 4 kids). Well, I ended up bagging the gym for dinner at my sister's and by the time I got home, I didn't want to do aerobics. Tuesday was Walmart and Costco day so hadn't planned on anything. Tonight should have been gym night, but Mom's in town so will go bumming around with her instead. Tomorrow, dinner at my sister's. Friday. Okay, Friday's a go. I can make that happen. Saturday and Sunday should be free and clear also. Then the week starts all over again. See how easily it comes to avoid? So, I need to get better.And yay, next week I can start having carbs again. It's a sad, sad thing when the only thing you're really excited about is a bowl of oatmeal.So, where are my fellow dieters out in blogland? How are things going for you? What's keeping you motivated?

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I've discovered a few new favorite tv shows. FitTv and Discovery Health are some of my new must-see-tv stations. The National Body Challenge on Discovery Health is awesome. I love it. I also really like Healthy Decadence on FitTv even if Devin Alexander is a tad annoying ~ she's got some good ideas.

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I'm still on the fence about The Biggest Loser. I've never watched it before, but decided to tune in this season for some motivation and maybe some tips. Yeah, not so much. A lot of yelling, a lot of pushing limits, and I'm thinking to myself "this is supposed to be motivating?" I'd probably tell them none-too-politely to kiss off and just up and leave. I'm sorry, but yelling at me does not motivate me to do anything except to yell back. Then there's the whole how-healthy-can-this-really-be factor. The overabundance of excercise and the huge amounts of weight loss within a week's time just doesn't seem healthy to me. How are they going to continue those habits when they leave the house? Are they going to be able to maintain/continue losses? Are they learning to lead a healthy lifestyle? What about a support system? The questions keep coming...... Last night's episode, though, was better than last week's so I'll tune in for another week. I just can't stop myself.

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Today's Menu:

P1
B: 3 eggs w/ 1 slice 2% American cheese
S: Red peppers
L: Salad w/ edamame, turkey pepperoni, green onion, garlic, basil, lf mozzarella, lf balsamic vinaigrette
S: 1/4 c. cashews
D: Blackened mahi-mahi w/ lemon dill sauce & broccoli
S: 2 NSA Fudgesicles
E: None ~ must get better at this.