Well, it's Friday which is good for MANY reasons, but especially great because I weighed-in this morning. I was invited out to dinner tonight with family who is still in town, and since we always do trivia at our Mexican place on Thursdays, that meant eating out twice in a row before weighing in which I'm never too happy about. So, in an effort to prevent myself from skipping out tomorrow on WW because of sodium retention, etc. I made myself go this morning. I still hope to go for the meeting tomorrow but I won't need to weigh myself.
I lost 2.4 pounds!! Since I didn't weigh last week, that's essentially 1.2 each week. That puts me at a total of 14.4 pounds lost thus far. Also, I reached my 5% weight loss goal at WW. I think that was around 13 pounds so I've surpassed it. Feeling pretty good about things and am enjoying this journey so far. I am allowing myself to enjoy foods that I've always loved, but I'm being more conscious of those things and what I eat the remainder of the day. I am enjoying exploring new recipes and ordering new things out that I wouldn't have otherwise thought to do. I am even enjoying the gym, which admittedly has become more challenging as of late, but I still enjoy the feeling when I leave and the confidence it gives me.
I will update more over the weekend, but just wanted to share my excitement!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
No Weigh-in This Week
Sorry for my lack of updates! It has been a CRAZZZZY week and weekend. I blame it on work. :-P I had a really rough 5 days at work (that should have only been 3 days) but instead it took my entire weekend, too. I had to stay up until 4am Friday night working, which resulted in my not going to WW for weighing myself or the meeting. Boo. :-( It was my first missed weigh-in. I promise it wasn't because I had gained, though, because my scale actually looked quite promising. So, I am hoping to keep it off this week and have a good weigh-in on this coming Saturday.
I also have family in town from CT so it has been one thing after another, busy busy busy. Daniel and I barely got a chance to look at each other this weekend. Oh, but we did get away four 5 year anniversary for a few hours. We went up to the mountains to Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery (the location of our wedding reception) to enjoy a very special lunch. I treated myself to a glass of wine, and enjoyed full-fat EVERYTHING. But I must say, I didn't overindulge. I enjoyed my food tremendously but I did not eat everything like I normally would have. For example, the pizza I ordered, I only ate 3 slices (it was personal pan - very small). The old me would have eaten every last morsel of it. So, I've made improvements!
I was up until 2am last night typing, so I missed my Monday Aqua Fit class, but that's okay. I've decided I'm going to the gym tomorrow which is not normally a gym day for me, so I will make up for it then. I'm considering starting up some new classes to push myself, so I may do that tomorrow.
Also, I've got some good meals planned this week. Thanksgiving Meatloaf is back on the menu, whole wheat pasta with chicken and broccoli, my favorite WW Chimichangas (got enough for 2 batches so I could have a few for lunches this week), salad with goat cheese and steak, and one other I'm forgetting.......
That's my update for now!
I also have family in town from CT so it has been one thing after another, busy busy busy. Daniel and I barely got a chance to look at each other this weekend. Oh, but we did get away four 5 year anniversary for a few hours. We went up to the mountains to Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery (the location of our wedding reception) to enjoy a very special lunch. I treated myself to a glass of wine, and enjoyed full-fat EVERYTHING. But I must say, I didn't overindulge. I enjoyed my food tremendously but I did not eat everything like I normally would have. For example, the pizza I ordered, I only ate 3 slices (it was personal pan - very small). The old me would have eaten every last morsel of it. So, I've made improvements!
I was up until 2am last night typing, so I missed my Monday Aqua Fit class, but that's okay. I've decided I'm going to the gym tomorrow which is not normally a gym day for me, so I will make up for it then. I'm considering starting up some new classes to push myself, so I may do that tomorrow.
Also, I've got some good meals planned this week. Thanksgiving Meatloaf is back on the menu, whole wheat pasta with chicken and broccoli, my favorite WW Chimichangas (got enough for 2 batches so I could have a few for lunches this week), salad with goat cheese and steak, and one other I'm forgetting.......
That's my update for now!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Recipes for This Week
As promised, I am letting you all know what recipes are on the menu for this week. I generally do a weekly shopping spree on Sundays and get everything I need to make a week's worth of recipes. I only buy 5 meals, usually, because I know we tend to go out to eat twice during the week, and then it's back to shopping again on Sunday. Here's what we have planned:
You brown the fresh garlic for a few seconds in olive oil spray, then add the ground turkey. Season with S&P and let the turkey brown for a good 8 minutes or so, cooking out the moisture. Then add the entire can of tomato paste and coat the turkey, and let brown for a few minutes. Then add water (I used a large drink cup out of my cabinet) and let it simmer on low.
You can add the beans (drain and rinse first) to the mixture, or if you're "counting points" like me, you can keep the beans separate and measure those out into your bowl, then measure how much meat you're adding, add some broth (which is "free" in terms of points), then measure the pasta and add to the whole thing. It should be a soupy consistency. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. Makes great leftovers! Great family recipe and so cheap to make.
Looking forward to trying some new things this week out of our new cookbook. I've been in the mood for "breakfast for dinner" so the buckwheat pancakes, I think, will be really tasty. I'll add some light butter and real maple syrup (measured, of course) and savor every delicious moment. :o)
Some things that are going to help me stay on track this week (food-wise) are:
Have a great week everyone!!
- Pasta Fagioli (made with ground turkey instead of ground beef & whole wheat elbow pasta)
- Linguine & Peas with Ricotta Pesto (WW recipe made with spinach linguine and fat free ricotta cheese)
- Salad topped with Steak & Goat Cheese
- Buckwheat Pancakes with Eggs & Canadian Bacon & real Maple Syrup
- Grilled Chicken with Mango-Lime Couscous & Sliced Avocado (couscous is a WW recipe)
You brown the fresh garlic for a few seconds in olive oil spray, then add the ground turkey. Season with S&P and let the turkey brown for a good 8 minutes or so, cooking out the moisture. Then add the entire can of tomato paste and coat the turkey, and let brown for a few minutes. Then add water (I used a large drink cup out of my cabinet) and let it simmer on low.
You can add the beans (drain and rinse first) to the mixture, or if you're "counting points" like me, you can keep the beans separate and measure those out into your bowl, then measure how much meat you're adding, add some broth (which is "free" in terms of points), then measure the pasta and add to the whole thing. It should be a soupy consistency. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. Makes great leftovers! Great family recipe and so cheap to make.
Looking forward to trying some new things this week out of our new cookbook. I've been in the mood for "breakfast for dinner" so the buckwheat pancakes, I think, will be really tasty. I'll add some light butter and real maple syrup (measured, of course) and savor every delicious moment. :o)
Some things that are going to help me stay on track this week (food-wise) are:
- WW Barbeque Crisps - 2 pts per pack
- WW Cinnamon Crisps - 2 pts per pack
- Skinny Cow Chocolate Dreamy Clusters - 4 pts per pack (will probably enjoy half a pack)
- Fresh sliced mango (already sliced from Costco) - YUM! - 0 pts
- Hodgson Mill Multi-Grain Hot Cereal - 4 pts per serving
Have a great week everyone!!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Yay!
I'm happy to report that I made it back to Weight Watchers on my usual day - Saturdays - and sat for the meeting for the first time in 3 weeks! The last 2 weeks, I've gone on Friday morning and just weighed myself, but didn't stay for the meeting. I was glad to be back and enjoyed hearing other people's stories and how they handle different situations in their weight loss journeys.
I am also happy to report that I lost 2.6 this week! I was definitely surprised that I lost so much, but I knew I had lost something. I was expecting closer to a 1 pound loss, but of course will gladly accept the 2.6! Because last week I had gained 0.6, technically I lost 2 pounds this week to even everything out. That makes for a 12 pound loss so far and I couldn't be happier with that!
I hope to continue the weight loss trend over the next few weeks. My (very) short-term goal has been to reach 20 pounds lost by June 8th when I go to Josh Groban's concert here in Georgia (I'm going to three, actually - the other two in North Carolina the same week! SO excited! But if you know me, you already knew that........)
I am not sure if it's feasible to lose another 8 pounds before then, though. That would average about 2 pounds per week to reach that goal. I think it's probably more doable that I'll reach 16-18 pounds lost by then, but I will keep my goal at 20. "Aim for the moon, and you'll at least land on a star..." Something like that, right?
Today at WW, I bought another cookbook. I really enjoyed the last cookbook but I think I've exhausted it and found all my favorite recipes in there already, so it was time to get some new ones to experiment with. Later today or tomorrow morning, I plan to write out our grocery list and get some new meals on the menu for the week. I'll let everyone know what we decide!
I am also happy to report that I lost 2.6 this week! I was definitely surprised that I lost so much, but I knew I had lost something. I was expecting closer to a 1 pound loss, but of course will gladly accept the 2.6! Because last week I had gained 0.6, technically I lost 2 pounds this week to even everything out. That makes for a 12 pound loss so far and I couldn't be happier with that!
I hope to continue the weight loss trend over the next few weeks. My (very) short-term goal has been to reach 20 pounds lost by June 8th when I go to Josh Groban's concert here in Georgia (I'm going to three, actually - the other two in North Carolina the same week! SO excited! But if you know me, you already knew that........)
I am not sure if it's feasible to lose another 8 pounds before then, though. That would average about 2 pounds per week to reach that goal. I think it's probably more doable that I'll reach 16-18 pounds lost by then, but I will keep my goal at 20. "Aim for the moon, and you'll at least land on a star..." Something like that, right?
Today at WW, I bought another cookbook. I really enjoyed the last cookbook but I think I've exhausted it and found all my favorite recipes in there already, so it was time to get some new ones to experiment with. Later today or tomorrow morning, I plan to write out our grocery list and get some new meals on the menu for the week. I'll let everyone know what we decide!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday Tidbits
Hard to believe it's only Tuesday! Well, this week has been going nicely in terms of diet and exercise. I made it to the gym yesterday morning for Aqua Fit. I've been on point with my eating, writing everything down and being very good about eating all my points. I've also been snacking more which I think helps at meal time, and I've tried to have early dinners (around 5-6) so I'm not eating a major meal just before bed.
I can't say how it's affecting the scale at this point, but it feels good to be back on track and following the plan 100%. Tomorrow I plan to go to the gym around 10:00 to work on the machines. I have boarding clients coming to my house at 9:00 to drop off their dogs for the week, which messes up my Aqua Fit time, but that's cool, I'll make do doing something else!
Last night we made Chimichangas for the third or fourth time and I never get sick of them. I even had one leftover for lunch today and it was very good filling. Added some extra cheese, sour cream, and salsa - perfect 10 point lunch.
Tonight for dinner we made Slaw-Topped Pork Sandwiches with baked sweet potatoes. VERY good -- definitely recommend trying that one out. You make it with Canadian bacon instead of pork roast, which made it a fast dinner and very lean. Really enjoyed it!
Fingers crossed for weight loss this week!!!
I can't say how it's affecting the scale at this point, but it feels good to be back on track and following the plan 100%. Tomorrow I plan to go to the gym around 10:00 to work on the machines. I have boarding clients coming to my house at 9:00 to drop off their dogs for the week, which messes up my Aqua Fit time, but that's cool, I'll make do doing something else!
Last night we made Chimichangas for the third or fourth time and I never get sick of them. I even had one leftover for lunch today and it was very good filling. Added some extra cheese, sour cream, and salsa - perfect 10 point lunch.
Tonight for dinner we made Slaw-Topped Pork Sandwiches with baked sweet potatoes. VERY good -- definitely recommend trying that one out. You make it with Canadian bacon instead of pork roast, which made it a fast dinner and very lean. Really enjoyed it!
Fingers crossed for weight loss this week!!!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
This Week's Plan
Hello again. :o) Just wanted to get myself mentally organized for the week with my plan for getting back on the wagon.
For breakfast this week, I'm going to get back to my Greek yogurt. I took a break from it last week and well, obviously didn't have good results. This week I'm going to try adding some cocoa powder, Splenda, and raspberries. We bought a huge thing of raspberries from Costco and they are delish. It will be a very low point breakfast, but filling. Looking forward to that tomorrow morning.
For dinners this week, we will be having:
Tonight we made whole wheat spaghetti with seared broccoli & sliced chicken. Add a drizzle (okay, 2 teaspoons....) of olive oil to each portion and some grated Parmesan cheese. It was very good, as usual. One of our go-to pasta recipes. The whole dinner, including pasta (1 cup), chicken (3 oz), broccoli, olive oil, and cheese was 11 points.
I also have No Pudge Brownies currently baking in the oven, so I can get my chocolate fix during the week as needed. ;o) I was going to make a snack tonight to have ready for the week, but hubby couldn't find it at the store. Apparently, Kroger didn't have Kale in any form or fashion. I need to get a bag of pre-packaged Kale and what you do is lay it out on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil (or olive oil spray), Kosher salt, pepper, and you bake it until they're crisp like "chips." You can snack on them all day long for ZERO points (if you use the spray) or if you used the oil and ate everything in one sitting (not likely) it would be 2 points for everything. So, looks like I'll need to make a Publix run.
Tomorrow morning I'll be getting back to Aqua Fit. I will go tomorrow, Wednesday, and then work the machines on Friday. I hope to increase my calories burned on Friday to 300 because last week it was 250. So far, increasing by 50 calories each week on Fridays has been doable.
That's the plan!
For breakfast this week, I'm going to get back to my Greek yogurt. I took a break from it last week and well, obviously didn't have good results. This week I'm going to try adding some cocoa powder, Splenda, and raspberries. We bought a huge thing of raspberries from Costco and they are delish. It will be a very low point breakfast, but filling. Looking forward to that tomorrow morning.
For dinners this week, we will be having:
- WW Chimichangas (this recipe has been one we've repeated several times. We never get sick of it and it's SO easy and quick to make)
- Slaw-topped "Pulled" Pork Sandwiches with Sweet Potatoes (this is a WW recipe we've never tried - I will let you know how it goes. Sounded yummy with the warm weather here.
- Turkey Burgers with Salad (burgers topped with avocado slices & pico de gallo)
- Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (may add a salad or some broccoli as a side - but the mashed potatoes give us veggies & starch in one!)
Tonight we made whole wheat spaghetti with seared broccoli & sliced chicken. Add a drizzle (okay, 2 teaspoons....) of olive oil to each portion and some grated Parmesan cheese. It was very good, as usual. One of our go-to pasta recipes. The whole dinner, including pasta (1 cup), chicken (3 oz), broccoli, olive oil, and cheese was 11 points.
I also have No Pudge Brownies currently baking in the oven, so I can get my chocolate fix during the week as needed. ;o) I was going to make a snack tonight to have ready for the week, but hubby couldn't find it at the store. Apparently, Kroger didn't have Kale in any form or fashion. I need to get a bag of pre-packaged Kale and what you do is lay it out on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil (or olive oil spray), Kosher salt, pepper, and you bake it until they're crisp like "chips." You can snack on them all day long for ZERO points (if you use the spray) or if you used the oil and ate everything in one sitting (not likely) it would be 2 points for everything. So, looks like I'll need to make a Publix run.
Tomorrow morning I'll be getting back to Aqua Fit. I will go tomorrow, Wednesday, and then work the machines on Friday. I hope to increase my calories burned on Friday to 300 because last week it was 250. So far, increasing by 50 calories each week on Fridays has been doable.
That's the plan!
Back on Track...
Well, I had a not-so-good week. On Friday I woke up, got on the scale, and saw the lowest number on my home scale than I've seen yet. So, I was super excited thinking I was down at least a pound or two and decided to run over to Weight Watchers and weigh-in before I even ate breakfast. I knew I would be super busy on Saturday because of my friend's baby shower that I was hosting, and I had a hundred things to do. When I got to WW, the scale I normally weigh on had no WW staff person behind it, so I had to get in line for a different scale. Much to my dismay, it said I had GAINED 0.6 lbs!!! I was so upset.
Admittedly, I didn't have the best week this week. I didn't do badly by any means, but I was less strict on writing my points down. I'm actually pretty sure I had several days where I was WAY under my points, like still had 5-6 points left to eat, but didn't. I don't think this is good for weight loss because it's almost like your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto everything. I didn't feel hungry and I wasn't depriving myself, but for some reason, just didn't eat all the points.
I also didn't make it to the gym but ONE day because I was so busy prepping for the shower and, of course, still working my full time job. I had to eat out a few times because I was on the go so much, and I made wise decision and counted my points, but I think there's only so much eating out you can do and still lose weight. Plus, the sodium doesn't help at all....
So. I am BACK on track and eager to be so. I am making a healthy grocery list and want to be on my game all week. I'm going to be back to the gym all three times like normal, and I look forward to being back down the 0.6 I gained, and hopefully more.
Admittedly, I didn't have the best week this week. I didn't do badly by any means, but I was less strict on writing my points down. I'm actually pretty sure I had several days where I was WAY under my points, like still had 5-6 points left to eat, but didn't. I don't think this is good for weight loss because it's almost like your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto everything. I didn't feel hungry and I wasn't depriving myself, but for some reason, just didn't eat all the points.
I also didn't make it to the gym but ONE day because I was so busy prepping for the shower and, of course, still working my full time job. I had to eat out a few times because I was on the go so much, and I made wise decision and counted my points, but I think there's only so much eating out you can do and still lose weight. Plus, the sodium doesn't help at all....
So. I am BACK on track and eager to be so. I am making a healthy grocery list and want to be on my game all week. I'm going to be back to the gym all three times like normal, and I look forward to being back down the 0.6 I gained, and hopefully more.
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