Menu 5/31/07

Today went well food wise, once again didn't touch the 100 calorie hostess or weight watcher cakes. I did finally break down and have a philly swirl pop because I could :)

I averaged about 64 calories a point again today, and I ate 22 of my 22 points, no WPA used. No real activity points today, although after work Duke and I did go over to Scotts place and go swimming. They have a 2.5 acre pond, and I threw a stick for quite sometime for Duke, and then Scott and I got in an swam around with Duke, it was fun, and it was active, I'm sure I burned some calories, but I'm not going to consider that activity points.

I have tomorrow off work, yay! I'm hoping to get alot of running around done, and maybe a nice long walk!

Hope everyone has had a great day! Here's the menu!

Morning
2 cup black coffee	0
104 oz water	0
6pc Dentyne Ice	0.5
Subtotal	0.5
Midday
Taco Skillet Supper	4
3 oz carrot(s)	0
3 oz peach(es)	0.5
6 oz apple(s)	1
7 oz peeled sliced cucumber	0
6 oz strawberries	0.5
Subtotal	6
Evening
7 1/2 oz cooked cauliflower	0.5
Egg Salad	5
1/2 cup Original Baked Beans	2
2 Slices Light Whole Wheat Bread	1
6 oz Peach Yogurt	1
1 cup Kashi Go Lean Cereal	2
Subtotal	11.5
Snacks
1/2 cup Quaker Quick Oats Cereal	2
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
1 Philly Swirl Pop	0
Subtotal	4
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Menu 5/30/07

Another good day, I once again tracked calories, and averaged about 66 calories a point again today, which is good. I walked for 30 minutes (about 1.7 miles), and used half of the activity point I earned, haha. So here's the menu.

Morning
20 oz black coffee	0
104 oz water	0
Subtotal	0
Midday
Pepperoni Pizza Chili	4
6 oz carrot(s)	0.5
6 oz apple(s)	1
7 oz peeled sliced cucumber	0
5 3/4 oz strawberries	0.5
Subtotal	6
Evening
7 oz cooked cauliflower	0
4 1/2 oz cooked orange roughy	2.5
peanut topping	2
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
4 1/8 oz potato, baked	2
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Cottage Cheese	2
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
1/2 cup Fiber One	0
Subtotal	10
Snacks
2 slice Wasa Multi Grain Crackers	1
1 Tbsp Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese	1
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
1/2 cup Lemon sugar free pudding	1
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
Subtotal	6.5
Food POINTS values total used	22.5
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
30 min walking, leisure	1
Activity POINTS values earned	1

Had to Share

I've been doing the WOMAN Challenge for now. But today I found a new site, Walk Around the World. Which, is a pretty cool site, it essientally lets you log the distances that you walk, something fun nonetheless. Amanda was talking about Gmaps the other day on her blog the other day, and with GMaps, this will be extremely easy to know how long your walking/running for. So something kind of fun to do, can you walk around the world? I'm going to try!

A Hot and Steamy Day

Well today is going to be one of those crazy Michigan days, it's suppose to be 90 and steamy hot. I don't really like days like this to tell you the truth, unlike most people (especially in Michigan) I usually can't wait for fall, I love the cooler weather. Now don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily like the cold either but I love the spring and fall, when the weather is perfect for jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. I actually like winter better than I like summer....I hate being hot.

On that note, does anyone else notice that since they've lost weight they are cold all the time? I swear it's 75 outside right now, and I'm still wearing my hooded sweatshirt, and I probably will most of the day, yes, even with it being 85-90, it doesn't help I sit under an A/C Vent at work, and my desk is cold in the summer and in the winter! But where I really notice it is at home. I have a two story home, and my bedroom would always be warm because the ac doesn't circulate as well up there, and last year, if it wasn't 75 or under in my room, I would be hot and cranky at night, but last night, it was 78 in my room and I slept like a baby, and I slept with more covers than normal also. It just amazes me that only being 15lbs down, I notice that much of a difference in the way my body heats up and cools down.

I'm doing a pretty good job of staying positive this week about weight loss and weight watchers. It's been hard though. When you see the scale backsliding, all while working hard at it, it does get frustrating. I was expecting a gain the first week, and even the second week (my normal TOM gain), but last week threw me through a loop, I wasn't expecting a gain. Although, I have to admit, I was proud of myself, and the way that I handled it. Don't get me wrong, I got down, and depressed about it, but I didn't just say "Well screw it, this isn't working for me anymore, I tried", instead I sat down, looked at what I've been eating for the last couple weeks, and tried to determine what the problem was. I'm pretty sure I figured the problems out, and hopefully, this week I will see a loss. I really need too.

On another Weight Watchers note, it never ceases to amaze me that by making a few changes in a recipe, and only actually eating one portion of it, how you can cook and eat just about anything. I've tried and loved some great recipes, and they are all healthy to boot. I think it's probably why I couldn't or wouldn't stick with any other diet, because I felt like I could eat normal food. Weight Watchers has definitely taught me that, that you can have anything in moderation.

Alright enough of my babbling, but I hope everyone has a healthy and happy day and I will post a menu again tonight ;) I am hoping to get out for a walk tonight, but I might be too darn busy too, we'll see!

Kate

Menu 5/29/07

Well I think I did well today, I didn't eat ANY Philly Swirl Bars, nor did I eat any 100 calorie packs, or weight watchers snack bars. I think I managed to stay pretty clean today, and within points range. I actually tracked calories today also just to see how things were turning out, and I can see how the licks, bites and nibbles of things add up, and then on top of that how 100 calorie packs and weight watchers snacks add up to more calories. So hopefully this will help. I averaged about 66 calories a point, and stayed at my 22 points. No activity points today though :(

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Morning
2 cup black coffee	0
136 oz water	0
Subtotal	0
Midday
Taco Skillet Supper	4
3 oz nectarine(s)	0.5
5 oz strawberries	0
1 1/2 oz carrot(s)	0
6 oz apple(s)	1
Subtotal	5.5
Evening
1 cup Go Lean Cereal	2
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
6 1/2 oz cooked cauliflower	0
Pepperoni Pizza Chili	5
Garlic Bread stick	1
1/2 cup canned yellow corn	1
Subtotal	10
Snacks
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
1/2 cup Quick Oats Cereal	2
2 slices WASA Multi Grain Crispbread Crackers	1
1 Tbsp Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese	1
1 SF FF Pistachio Pudding from mix	1
Subtotal	6.5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

5/28/07 Menu

Ok, back to posting my menus so you guys can keep me honest!

Monday, May 28, 2007

Morning
1/2 cup Go Lean Cereal	0.5
6 oz Raspberry Yogurt	1
2 cup black coffee	0
Subtotal	1.5
Midday
1/2 cup Kashi Crunch Cereal	1
6 oz carrot(s)	0.5
14 oz cucumber(s)	0.5
5 oz strawberries	0
1 3/4 cups Kix	2
Subtotal	4
Evening
1/2 cup canned yellow corn	1
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Small Curd Cottage Cheese	2
Grilled Parmesan Orange Roughy	5
Cheesy Potatoes 1 bite	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
1/2 cup Sugar-Free Strawberry Kiwi Jell-o	0
2 Tbsp Free Whipped Topping	0
3 kernels shelled pistachio nuts	0
zero point foods	1
Slurpee	1
100 calorie hostess pack	1
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
1/2 cup No Sugar Fat-Free Vanilla Bean Ice Cream	1
1/2 Tbsp chocolate syrup	0.5
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
1/4 package Pistachio from mix	1
5 1/8 oz pear(s)	1
Subtotal	10
Food POINTS values total used	24.5
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
0 min Gardening - Activity I created	4
Activity POINTS values earned	4

The Long Weekend

I love weekends like this weekend, when Monday is actually Tuesday, and before you know it, it's another weekend! I guess my post about Tuesday's being not special is kinda off with this week right? I mean Tuesday rocks this week!

It rained here a lot of the weekend, which a lot of people are bitching about, but to me, that was ok, there was stuff I needed to get done INSIDE the house, instead of outside. We've had like 4 or 5 gorgeous weekends in a row, and I've done nothing but play outside, avoiding all the inside work. So needless to say, I went like cleaning and organizing crazy this weekend, which was much needed. But everything looks soooo nice. Although I never did get around to cleaning windows, which I told myself I would do the next time it rained, yet here I sit, another weekend past, and the windows are still avoided, lol.

BUT, it was gorgeous yesterday, and I finally got the last of my infamous garden planted. I love spending time out there screwing around, maybe it's just cause there is no one to bother me, and since my parents are out in the country, it's so quiet. I was surprised yesterday when I got over there, my onions are already shooting up, and some of my tomato plants are already getting baby tomatoes on them. It's going to be fun to watch the garden grow now that it's all planted. I just have to water and weed now.

I seriously think I've narrowed down the couple reason I've gained weight the last weigh ins. It was seriously baffling me, because I was staying within my points range, and I was eating activity points. So here it is. I think there are two main reasons.

The first reason, I don't think I've been eating very "clean" the last couple weeks. You know, instead of cutting up and apple, or a peach, I've been grabbing 2 or 3 weight watchers snack cakes a day. Plus, I've been eating 2 or 3 o point Philly Swirl pops, just because I can. So now? I'm eating one snack cake or hostess cupcake pack a day (if that), I'm really going to try and limit it to less than that, maybe every other day. Also, I'm limiting the Philly Swirl pops (I'm seriously addicted to these). I'm going to have no more than one per day, and like snack cakes, I'm totally going to limit the intake. I'm thinking maybe allowing myself one on the days I don't have the snack cakes. Cleaning up my eating again really should help boost me weight loss again.

Second reason, I think I was starving myself. I had a weigh in at the beginning of May of 147.8, and that took me down to 21 points a day. I stayed at the 21 points a day even after I went back over 150lbs, where I should have been in the 22 points a day range. Also, I've been working my ass off in the garden, and around the house and I've only been eating around half of the activity points. So, where does that lead? It leads my body into starvation mode, and I'm not losing. How am I going to fix this? I'm eating more. I bumped my points back up to 22 points a day on Saturday, and any activity points I'm getting, I'm trying to eat at least half. So hopefully it helps.

Although on that note, I seriously think I will cry if I don't lose weight this week. It's getting very frustrating seeing myself backslide and gain weight, especially since I've been staying within my points range (although not making the best choices I now realize). Even if I lose .2lbs this week, I'll be happy, I just need a loss to keep myself motivated. I updated my weight loss tracker to show my weight watchers goal, instead of my ultimate goal again, it was less depressing that way ( I know it's only a 3lb difference, but still!).

Anyone else realize that after awhile your eating choices get bad and you need to clean back up your eating?

Alright everyone have a healthy, and happy day!

Weigh In

Eh, once again, not good. Gained .8lbs. At least it's a small gain, but I'm getting frustrated, very frustrated. I've been hanging out at 21 points because of my one weigh in of 147.8 at the beginning of May, but today, I went back up to 22 points a day because I've been in the 150's. Maybe thats the problem. I don't know. I really need to figure it out though, because I'm getting very frustated. Following the plan to a t and tracking everything and still not losing....grrr.

TGIF

Happy Friday Everyone.

Well, I made the mistake of stepping on the scale this morning "just to check" and I was up. Needless to say, I'm a bit down. Actual weigh in isn't until tomorrow, so now I'm just hoping that I maintain tomorrow instead of show a gain. So Frustrating! I've had like almost 40 activity point this week with all the planting and gardening I've been doing, and I still have lost. I'm so frustrated.

On a high note though, I took a half day off work yesterday, and I got alot of my vegetables planted. It's amazing how long it takes to get everything into shape. I mean I've been working at this for like over a week now, whew. I've never been so tired and sore in my life. I honestly think I will have enough veggies to feed a small country. Veggies are good though right?

Scott is going south dirt biking for the weekend, but he leaves late tonight, so I am going to get to see him this evening. He wants to go see Spiderman 3 at the IMAX theater, so I think we're going to do that. Maybe we'll go out to eat also. Plus he wants me to make him some CD's for the road trip, so I'm going to do that also. It's so funny, because he's so not cultured that to him the IMAX, dinner out, and someone making CD's for him is going to be like cultural overload, but the funny thing is, he asked to do it all! So maybe he's coming around. It was part of the problem last time, he didn't like to do much normal stuff, his idea of a night out was sitting around a pond drinking beer, which is ok once in awhile, but definitely not all the time.

This weekend for me, I'm doing alot of work around the house. Helping my older brother stain a deck tomorrow, planting more veggies, and then just hanging out. I think Sunday I'm going to take a complete day off. It's suppose to rain, so I think I'm going to hang out, watch movies and take it easy, haven't done that now in quite some time. What's everyone's plans for the weekend?

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Happy Hump Day

Well good morning everyone!

It's suppose to be downright hot today, which I'm not really looking forward too. I'm the type of person who enjoys the 55-65 degree weather the most. I love being able to be outside working in just a sweatshirt or a t-shirt and jeans and not be hot or cold. That's my type of weather. Today is suppose to be 88 and tomorrow 87...yuck. Guess the air will be coming on tonight.

Kind of had a NSV this morning though. I decided, being it was going to be so hot, I would wear my shorts to work, the same shorts I haven't worn in a year. Well last year, they were tight, not like uncomfortable tight, but tight (which probably meant they fit how they were suppose to, but thats not how I wear my clothes haha). Well this morning they fit great! They fit the way I would normally wear them, and that's great, because even when I bought them almost two years ago, they didn't fit like that! You have to love things like that, it makes the whole journey worth while.

I'm exhausted today, last night I went over and played in my garden and got all my onions planted. I have no idea how many will grow, but I planted somewhere around 40. My luck is either all or none will grow, haha. So I got those planted, came home, took a shower, made dinner, and then Scott called and I went over there til about 11. When I got there, he was dirty from baling hay, and walking around without a shirt on...yum!

Last night for dinner, I made cheese bread, and it was really good, and only 1 point! I took a one point whole wheat light hot dog bun and split it into half, and then I sprayed with Pam, sprinkled with basil, oregano, minced garlic and garlic powder, and then put 1/8 cup of part skim mozzarella on it.....it was soooo good. Cheese Bread is one of the things I miss since I've been on WW's.

Tonight, I think I am going to take it easy and sit on my arse. I've worked my butt off everyday since last Saturday, and I need a rest. No Activity Points tonight, haha.

I am going to try to take some pictures of the garden once I get everything planted if there is people who'd like to see them, I will post.

Until then have a healthy and happy day!

What is so Special about Tuesdays?

The answer to that question is, there is nothing special about Tuesday's at all. It's kinda like the middle child that is ignored. Poor Tuesdays, they are just the day after Monday, and before "hump day".

It's going to be a gorgeous Tuesday around here, its suppose to be like 82 and sunny, that's awesome! I just wish I wasn't stuck at work!

I've been working alot of my garden trying to get it into shape for the season. My garden is over at my parents house (roughly about 6 miles from my house) and I managed to get over there last night. I ran the tiller through it three times, and it's finally getting worked up pretty good. But boy was I tired from doing it. My garden is huge. Most people start with a small little garden, and "try it out", not me, I have a garden that is probably 35-40 feet long, by 10-15 feet wide. It's huge. I have peppers, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries, I think that is it. And I have A LOT of peppers, because with being on Weight Watchers, I eat a lot of darn peppers, so I figured I would grow them, and then chop them up and freeze them. It will be a lot cheaper than buying them all winter long at the grocery store. Colored Peppers are so EXPENSIVE! I don't know how much anything is actually going to yield, being it's my first season, I'm not expecting much, but it will be an adventure.

I love gardening though, it's been getting me activity points, and getting my off my arse, so that's a good thing. The more I'm not sitting in the house thinking about food, the more I'm not eating, so yay for gardening!

Still keeping my fingers crossed for a good loss this week, it's gonna be hard to stay on track if I don't at least see a small loss. I looked the other day, and I am the same weight now as I was a month ago, how disappointing.

Things with Scott are continuing to go well. I talked to him last night and he wanted me to come help him and his family bale hay tonight after work. I think I'm going to pass. I know with my allergies I would probably be miserable after a night of doing that (although it would be great activity points i'm sure!). Plus, I've never baled hay before, I'm sure his parents would just laugh at me, and I'd probably end up getting eaten by some machine, lol. That's one thing I really love about Scott (besides the fact that he's way hot, and got the most gorgeous blue eyes), he's busy. He's very busy. Before I would always have a guy waiting on me, cause I was busy, but Scott is always busy too, so I never feel bad.

Anyone have any big plans for the holiday weekend?

Alright everyone, have a Happy and Healthy Tuesday!

The Weekend Wrap Up

First of all, thank you to all of you who left kind words of encouragement after I aired my frustrations last week, and on Saturday due to weigh gain, etc, I really appreciate it, and it helps more than you know. I knew I should expect to gain being it was pre-TOM week, I ALWAYS gain, usually I gain like 1 to 2 pounds during this time, I guess I should have been ecstatic that it was only .6, but after a gain last week also, I got frustrated. But I've been on plan all weekend, and I had alot of physical activity, so I'm praying for an awesome loss this week, I really need it to boost the motivation again!

As far as this weekend, I worked my arse off. Lets start with Friday. I was suppose to go out with Scott, but work had put me in a bad mood, and my allergies we're kicking, so I just called him and told him I wasn't feeling well and would have to cancel, he was fine with it. So, I just kinda puttered around the house the rest of the night. Had English Muffin Pizzas for dinner, and did some running around.

Saturday, I had weigh in, sat around and pouted for awhile about it being bad (hey! at least I'm honest, haha) and then decided to tackle the task of edging my lawn. Like 4 hours later, I was finally done with my lawn, and boy was I bushed. I didn't sit down though, because I knew if I did, I wouldn't get back up, so I did some running around, ran to Walmart, Lowe's and old navy. Then I came home and took a shower, made dinner and headed over to one of my girlfriends houses to watch the movie, "Because I said So". Great movie, I'm sure you would love it! I didn't get home until like 230, and I was bushed at 330p, so needless to say I was out cold the minute I hit the pillow.

Sunday, started off with my mom abruptly waking me, I wasn't happy lol. I honestly don't even know what she wanted now that I think about it, haha. But I ended up heading over to my parents place about 1130, and spent the day there. We went to Outback as a family, and then I worked on my garden a bit. I got my strawberries planted yesterday, and went throught the rest of the garden with a tiller. I have to go back over there tonight and go back through it again. I think I am going to try to get most of my veggies planted this week and coming weekend. It's finally going to be warm, and stay that way from the looks of it.

Other than that, not much to report. I stayed on plan all weekend, and tried to make sure I ate my activity points. I was below 150 for like a week, and it dropped me to 21 points, well when I gained, I never bothered to retake the quiz and go back up to 22 points, so I am making sure I'm eating at least some activity points I have because I don't want my body to go into starvation mode.

Also, I bought several varieties of the Weight Watchers snack cakes, and the chocolate and the new caramel ones are awesome. If you guys like the hostess 100 calorie packs, these are so much better!

Ok, Ok, I've babbled enough, so back to work I go. But have a healthy and happy day!

Weigh In

Ugh! I'm getting frustrated, I never should have taken the weekend off a couple of weekends ago, it always throws my body through a loop. I gained .6 this week, I was expecting maybe a small lose or a maintain being that it's a "TOM gain week". But I was OP all week so I was hopeful, I guess that's the good thing about WW's today starts a new week, and I can try for a great loss next week!

Thank God it's Thursday!

The last couple days at work have been so incredibly busy, I haven't had the chance to update nearly as much as I like. I guess I should probably get in the habit of sitting down at night (and not on company time!) to update, but naw, that's no fun!

As far as Weight Watchers goes, things have been going good. For some reason I've been getting a little down about it though, and a little discouraged. I haven't jumped Off Plan, or anything like that, I guess I'm just getting "bored" with it. I'm running out of new foods to buy and try, recipes (finally, after 5 months) are getting to be the same old thing. I guess maybe it just roots from the fact that I'm pretty happy where I'm at weight-wise. My clothes feel good again, and I'm not too skinny, but I feel healthy and happy. But, at the same time, at the beginning of my weight loss journey I set a goal, and I want to reach that. So I don't know, I guess just feeling kinda frustrated. I'm sure it will pass. Anyone else get like this ever?

Things with Scott are going well still. I am beginning to remember some of the stuff that I didn't like in the fall when we dated, but it's hard. He's such as sweet guy, so thoughtful and so hardworking. Which is like the opposite of my ex. One thing I did like about Scott, even when we dated before, he was busy. He's a busy guy, and he's always doing something, and he has to make time for me, which is nice. I don't like a guy who is sitting around waiting for me to call, because I like my own time, and to do my own thing. But on the bad side, one, he likes to party. Not like go to the bar party, but have beers with his buddies alot. Myself, I'm not a partier, not in the least bit. I really prefer a night in watching tv to a night or going out. I like cross stitching and watching movies....Boring I know. And the only other gripe I have, is relationship wise you can just tell he hasn't had alot of girlfriends. He's younger than me (he is 23, I'm 25) and you can just tell he hasn't. He's kind of immature when it comes to the relationship aspect, which is different for me, since Jason was 29, and I dated him for 2.5 years. Ugh, maybe I'm just in a funk in general, seems all I've done is complain! Sorry about that.

This weekend I intend to get my garden planted, and hopefully work on my landscaping a little more. It should be fun! I can't wait to get my vegetables planted, and start watching them grow. I've never grown veggies before, but being on WW's I eat so many now, I thought I would give it a heck of a try. I want to chop all the peppers and onions I get so that I can use them throughout the winter, cheaper, and fresher veggies...year round!

As far as the Woman Challenge goes, I'm only doing the individual one (I'm not on a team). I've been slacking this week (the cooler weather and being busy, excuses, excuses). Luckily it started on Mother's Day, and all day I was helping my mom plant flowers and everything, so I could count that as "activity", and I did, and it actually met my activity goal for the week (of 30 minutes per day, 210 minutes for the week). I'm going to try to get a walk in tonight, and I'm going to try to get a walk in on Friday night also.

Alright, have a healthy and happy day bloggers. Update again soon!

A Busy Weekend!

Sorry I didn't post at all this weekend, it was so incredibly busy! Which is great.

Friday night, Scott came over and we watched a movie til late. Nothing spectacular, but it was fun, and he's such a "farm boy" he's not seen like any movies, so anything I pick is new to him. He seems to enjoy the funny ones, so we watched Old School and he thought it was pretty good.

Saturday morning I got up and weighed in. Not good. I was expected a gain this week for two reasons, one, I showed such a loss last weekend, and I always gain after a big loss. And two, I was not OP last weekend, so I was expecting a bit of a gain from that. Well, I gained 3.6 pounds. Now, I know I couldn't have possible eaten enough to gain all that, so I'm just not going to sweat it, and pray for a good loss next week. I'm feeling good, and that's all that matters! It did put me back over the 150 mark, which would technically raise my points up for 21 back to 22. But I think I am just going to leave them at 21.

Saturday during the day I worked outside around the house, and did some running around, I don't think I sat down all day. And Saturday Night I went to a bonfire that Scott had out at his place, which was fun.

Sunday, I got up early (after being out late, ugh!) and went to church with my parents. Then I came home, planted a tree, and then went over to my parents. Helped my dad cook chicken for lunch, and then helped my mom plant the perennials my brothers and I got her for Mother's Day. Also helped her transplant a few other ones, and I actually took some of the lily we transplanted home with me. I also took a section of trumpet vine that I am going to see if I can get going at my house. So then I went home, and planted everything that I got from her. And my neighbor brought over a few baby hostas for me too, so I planted those. Needless to say, I don't think I even came in the house til after 730 or 8, and didn't even sit down til after that, I'm whooped. Had to come back to work to rest ;)

As far as WW's goes, I had a good weekend. Yesterday for lunch I actually marinated about 13 pounds of chicken for my family, and helped my dad cook it all. And they loved it! They've never had real good marinated chicken, and it was healthy for me, so that was great. I did eat alot of pineapple, and I only counted a point for it. You know why? One, I didn't count any activity points for yesterday, even though I was on my feet all day, digging, planting, etc. Also, it was totally the best choice I could've made. My parents house is full of bad food chips, nuts, cakes, cookies, I made the best choice possible, so I won't penalize myself for that. No one got fat eating fruits and veggies right?

Other than that, it looks to be another busy busy week, and I'm pushing for a great weigh in this week! The WOMAN Challenge started yesterday, but I just didn't get out for a walk, I'm going to tonight though!

Alright have a healthy and happy day everyone! I'm going to try to post some new recipes later in the week!

TGIF!

I am always glad when a weekend comes around, but this week, I'm exceptionally glad. I've been battling allergies all week, and it's been a tough week at work, so I'm looking forward to sleeping in, and lounging around a bit this week. Not looking forward to weigh in though, haha, but that is my own darn fault, hopefully it won't be as bad as I think it will be.

No real plans this weekend, perhaps I'll get to see Scott one evening, which will be nice. Other than that, some gardening, and maybe some cross stitching, and of course mother's day festivities on Sunday. I've been working on this cross stitch for my parents anniversary (which was on Thursday, I'm behind, I know). It's of two Precious Moment sitting on a tree stump, it is just adorable, although I'm running late with it, hence, they didn't get it for their anniversary, I told them I had an anniversary present for them, but it would be a couple months. What a bad daughter.

I hacked up my finger last night with a knife. Let me back up here. I bought a new set of knives are a present to myself for 15lb weight loss goal. Well I bought a really nice expensive set, J.A. Henckels Professional "S" Series, I purchased them on ebay for about 1/3 of retail price...go me! Nothing like nice knives, but, when your used to dull crappy ones, watch out! This is the second time I've sliced my hands up in a week. The first time was just a small cut, this time, I took a hunk out of my thumb....ouch! My mom said she's repossessing the knives, lol. One would think I've never cooked the way my hands look. But in all seriousness, if you want a nice set of knives, and you don't mind spending the money, get this set they are awesome. And if you've never had nice knives, god it makes cooking easier. I forgot how much I missed nice knives.

I haven't decided what my "20 pound" present is going to be, I should though, because hopefully I will hit it next week. I really want a new food processor, but it's expensive, and I think I need to hold off on it. Perhaps a Pedicure? I've never had one!

Alright girls, have a healthy and happy weekend!

Happy Thursday!

Sorry it's been a couple days since I updated. I've been fighting a miserable bout with allergies, and I've had a terrible sinus headache since Sunday, needless to say, at least I'm feeling at least a little better today, I ran the AC last night (much to my disgust!) and I think it helped, so I plan to do the same thing tonight.

As far as the weight loss goes, I think everything is going good. I'm not overly looking forward to Weigh In on Saturday, since I know I didn't eat good this weekend, but at least I'm expecting it, and I can trace it back to what I did wrong. It shouldn't put me above 150 again though, which is good. But I've been on track all week, and besides allergy problems, I'm feeling good.

I'm planning on planting all my vegetables this weekend. I've never gardened before this year, but I'm giving it a heck of a shot. I want to freeze my own peppers and onions for use in recipes throughout the winter, that way I have farm-fresh produce in the winter, instead of overpaying for the crap I get at Kroger. It ticked me off enough this winter to pay $4.99 for a red pepper that I decided I would grow mine own, haha. Once I get everything planted I will have to post some pictures. For a first time gardener, I have a hell of a garden planned.

On the dating front, things with Scott seem to be going well, and I've kinda let the other guys fall at the wayside. I'd like to give Scott a full-fledged shot this time, since I didn't last time, I don't want anything distracting me. We watched a movie last night, and that's very different for him. He's a farm boy, most of the time we hang out, it's him working on something outside and me either helping him, or just sitting there chatting. He's not the "sit and watch tv" type. But it was pouring here last night, so he didn't have a choice. He didn't even know how to work the DVD player, it was really cute. He's so simple. So simply not like my ex either, which is good thing. I'll keep you married ones updated, we're suppose to go out this weekend.

Other than that, nothing really new to report. I posted a new picture in my profile, it's of me this past weekend. I don't typically take good pictures, but for once I thought it was good. I need to find a few comparison photos, so I can see if you guys can tell the difference between 170lbs Kate and 147lb Kate, sometimes I can't!

Alright have a great Thursday!

Kate

A tired Tuesday

Well just wanted to give an update. Thanks to all of you who wished me a safe drive, it's always appreciated. I did in fact have a safe drive, long but safe nonetheless. It was about 2.5 hours each way, I managed to get home about 1030 or 11 last night, and I'm whooped this morning. But it was worth it because my girlfriend was happy to see me, and appreciated it, and really that is all that matters.

I had a NSV of sorts. Even though I was on the road (in an unexpected trip even!), I managed to stay completely on plan. I packed snacks and dinner before I left the house yesterday evening, and ate dinner in the car before I went into the funeral home. So my first tracked day on 21 points went great. I think the key to being great on WW's is planning. Plan, Plan, Plan. As long as your plan your meals, you can stay within a points range, even being on the road ;)

I also talked to the ex last night for about 45 minutes, which really is a lot for me, I'm not a phone person at all ( I like to think it's because I'm on the phone all day and sick of it when I get off work). The conversation went well. Let me tell you a little about this guy, and our history.

My long term ex (Jason) and I broke up in July of last year, because he "needed time" (aka, time to go date this bitch girl that was trying to break us up). Well around Labor Day, my one good girlfriend asked me if I would be interested in going out with Scott, whose family I had known for years, and I knew of him. I said sure why not, it was time to get into the dating scene again. So we went out, and we had a great time and started seeing eachother. He was a very simple guy, something I'm not used too. He lives on a farm with his family, they still butcher thier own meat, etc, you get the idea. Our first date we went to Applebee's, and he'd never been there, I was just baffled, haha. Well he was so polite, and so hard working, and so simple (opposite of my ex in every way). I can go on and on about how good of a guy he was, but I'll spare ya.

Well in early September, Jason came crawling back (as I knew he would) but I rejected the plea to get back with him, because I was seeing Scott. Well Jason never gave up, and we would talk through Instant Messenger and Text, but I still didn't give into him wanting to get back together. Then Scott and I took a trip up north in the fall to see the colors and ride four wheelers. The trip was a disaster, and I had a miserable time. And when I got back, Jason was trying to get back into my life still, my grandfather passed away, and just in general it was a bad time. Needless to say I pushed Scott off to the side, and let Jason back into my life.

Well Jason and I did this he wanted to get back together, and I didn't thing for like 6 months, and finally I said It was over for good, and we haven't really spoken since.

So, lately, I had been feeling like I didn't give Scott a fair chance, one bad weekend and I checked out. It was cause Jason was yanking at me to get back together, and my grandfather passed away, and a variety of other things. I felt bad because I really just stopped talking to him, and never gave him a reason. Well then he called, and we hung out, and we've been talking. So regardless, I don't know if he's interested, or just interested in being friends, but regardless, I feel lucky to have the second chance to have him in my life.

Alright did I write a book, or did I write a book?

Another gorgeous day here, I need to get fertilizer on my lawn tonight because it's suppose to rain tonight and tomorrow. So that's the goal for tonight!

Alright, have a happy and healthy day bloggers!

Kate

A Case of the Mondays

Good Morning Everyone!

This weekend was fantastic. It was gorgeous once again, and I got a lot accomplished, seen friends, just in general had a great weekend. Plus I had a good weigh in to boot, so that helped start things off in the right direction. But Saturday and Sunday I did not track points. I think I definitely could've eaten worse than I did, but it wasn't a good weekend weight watchers wise. I wouldn't be surprised if I see a gain this week, but at least I'm prepared for it, and when it's there, I know the reason.

It's amazing when I'm Off Weight Watchers for a weekend, or a day, or whatever, how my body craves good food and water again by the end of the day. Last Night, as I was cutting up the vegetables for my lunch, my body was just screaming for water and veggies. It's amazing to me, how used to good eating my body as gotten, which is great. But it truthfully just makes me realize how bad I was eating before, and what it was doing to my body. It's alright to do it once in awhile (this weekend won't kill me) but wow, I just don't want to let my body get used to eating like that again. I feel like crap today, and I know it's cause I ate crap over the weekend.

On another note. I used to have such problems with indigestion pre-WW's, and I always blamed it on the the fact that it was inherited (my grandmother gets it terrible!). Well since I've been on WW's I have not had one problem with indigestion, it's amazing what eating right, and eating correct portions can do for you. But one day back to eating not even as bad as I used to, it reared it's ugly head again, I don't miss it, not at all.

I had the date this weekend, and it went ok, I don't think the guy is really my type, and I don't think I will go out with him again. The date lasted about an hour, and we grabbed lunch. He really wasn't my type, and then on top of that, I felt like I was grasping for things to talk about. So needless to say, he's nice enough, I just don't think it's going to work out.

On a high note (I don't remember if I mentioned this or not), An ex of mine from about 8 months ago called out of the blue, and I went over to hang out with him yesterday. He really is such a great guy....and totally hot (and doesn't even know it! The best kind!). He's very sweet. I don't know if I will be lucky enough to get a second chance at something I blindly threw away, but I'll keep you guys posted.

I have about a 6 hour drive tonight, and it's gonna suck. One of my best friends in the world grandfather passed away over the weekend, and his viewing is tonight, in a city about 3 hours away. So I'm driving there to go the viewing, and then driving back. I can't physically take the whole day off work tomorrow for the funeral, so this is the only way to go about it. Plus, I'm pretty sure my ex is going to be at the funeral (she was his friend, and her and I got close during the 2.5 year we were together). So it's better this way. Just going to have to pack lots of snack, since my eating schedule will be all off. I'm a very scheduled person, I like routine, lol.

Alright well have a healthy and happy day everyone!

Kate

A Great Weigh In!

So after the catastrophe last weekend, this weekend went great. My body typically does this, gain one week, lose alot the next. So this week, I lost 4.2lbs! I was so excited. This put me back under my 10% goal, and into the 140's where I haven't been since High School...YES! Of course, I did get yelled at by online tracker, haha. I'm only .4 away from my 20lbs! Yes! Low side of this? I lost a point, so now I only have 21, yuck!

7.8lbs to WW goal
10.8 to personal goal

Alright, well I'm off for the weekend, and back on track on Monday, I will see you all then!

Menu 5/4/07

I really thinking posting my menu holds me accountable for what I'm eating, which is good, even if you guys could careless, in my head you do, so, I'm better for it.

Tonight I had my treat which I deduced to be 7 points. I brought home the cup with me, and actually measured how much it held (yes, I am a dork) and it was a cup. So It was a layer of chocolate italian ice, a layer of mint soft serve ice cream, another layer of italian ice, and then a dollop of ice cream. I used Dairy Queen NI for Soft Serve and added a point for flavoring, and found chocolate italian ice to be 60/0/0 for 1/2 cup. So overall I counted 7 points, and I think it was a good estimate. What a yummy treat!

Here's the menu. Weigh In report tomorrow, then I'm off from counting till Monday. See ya'll then.

Morning
2 cup black coffee	0
32 oz water	0
2pc gum (.1pt)	0
Subtotal	0
Midday
Stir Fry - Quick-added food	4
32 oz water	0
2pc Gum (.1)	0
Subtotal	4
Evening
1/2 cup Crunch Cereal	1
6 oz Strawberry Yogurt	1
9 1/4 oz cooked whole-wheat spaghetti	6
spaghetti - Quick-added food	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
6 oz carrot(s)	0.5
3/4 cups Kix	1
32 oz water	0
4 oz apple(s)	0.5
IceScapes - Quick-added food	7
Subtotal	9
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity

A Gorgeous Friday!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Today has been generally good, I've had a decent day sales wise ( I work in Business to Business Sales) and it's gorgeous outside, so how can things be bad?

I have a massage tonight. I'm so looking forward to it. I found a place in Ann Arbor that gives cheap massages. Cheap you say? Why would anyone want a cheap massage? Well let me tell you. There is a school for massage therapists in Ann Arbor, and they have a student clinic that allows you to get a table massage for dirt cheap because they need people for their students to practice on. So I signed up for one, $30 for an hour. I mean hell, I'd pay someone who wasn't a trained professional $30 for an hour. Needless to say it should help me de-stress a bit.

Tonight the roommate and I are going to this place called IceScapes also. They actually have Italian Ices there, and you can get Italian Ices mixed with like tons of flavors of soft serve ice cream. So we decided to leave some extra points so we could go there tonight. I'm thinking 6 or 7 points for a small one should be more than enough, what do you guys think?

Other than that. Looking forward to my weekend, it should be fun and relaxing. I have a couple trees I really need to plant at my house, but I don't know that I feel like digging huge holes in my yard this weekend, is that so bad?

On the WW's front everything is going good. I've stayed within my points everyday, I didn't use any flex, and I even got some activity points by walking a couple nights. Weigh In is tomorrow, and I'm expecting a loss, my clothes are damn near falling off me now. I'm going to go insane if I finally get below that 150 mark. Haven't been there since High School. Report on the Weigh In in the morning!

Alright everyone, have a healthy and happy weekend.

Toodles,
Kate

Menu 5/3/07

Today I did well, it's working I think to have less points left over at night to snack, 4 is good, although It's usually been about 6 left after dinner, which is still a step in the right direction. I guess I will slowly get there. Stayed within my points today. No activity points today though, oh well!

Target:22 Points used: 22

Morning
Dentyne Ice 2 Pc (0.1pts)	0
2 cup black coffee	0
32 oz water	0
Subtotal	0
Midday
Leftover Stir Fry - Quick-added food	2
2 1/2 oz cooked white rice	1.5
6 oz carrot(s)	0.5
32 oz water	0
Subtotal	4
Evening
6 oz cooked cauliflower	0
1/2 cup Crunch Cereal	1
6 oz Raspberry Yogurt	1
1 item Carrot Cake	1
Bundle Burger - Quick-added food	7
Subtotal	10
Snacks
5 oz strawberries	0
32 oz water	0
1/2 cup Cheerios	1
4 oz apple(s)	0.5
3 1/2 oz pear(s)	0.5
Breyers Fat Free Ice Cream - Quick-added food	3
1 Tbsp chocolate syrup	1
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
Miscellaneous Fruit - Quick-added food	0.5
Subtotal	8
Food POINTS values total used	22

A Quality Post

It's finally getting gorgeous around here. Nothing like Spring in Michigan. I love the change of the seasons in Michigan, I don't know that I could ever live somewhere where I didn't have them, I think I would get bored. I guess it's the reason I have so many hobbies, have to have one for everyone season, if not two three or four!

On the Weight Loss front, everything seems to get going good. I've been staying within my points, and I've been getting in some AP's too, which is sure to help. I want to come up with a light weight lifting/Ab's routine, maybe I will get a chance to plan that today at work. I didn't see a loss last week on the scale, but I'm pretty sure (keeping fingers crossed) I will see a decent one this week. My pants are definitely getting huge, so even if I'm not losing pounds, I'm losing inches, and I'm feeling better to boot, so I guess that all that matters right?

This weekend will be a hard weekend for WW's though, I'm just going to try to do my best. I have a wedding, and a date, and a friend in town, so I'm going to be crazy busy. I'm not going to even try to track my points, I'm just going to do the best I can, and get back on program on Monday. I think Weight Watchers had taught me great portion control, and I know that anything isn't bad in moderation, so we will see how that will work out this weekend.

On the dating front, I have a date on Saturday with Nic. I'm looking forward to it. On another note, a ex randomly called me last night. The funny things was I had been thinking about him lately, and my roommate and I actually talked about him last night. Scott was a great guy, who was a little rough around the edges. And when I say rough around the edges, I mean his idea of taking me to a nice dinner when we went up north for the weekend was going to the gas station for sandwiches. I am one of the most low-maintenance women you will ever meet, but this guy was pushing it, haha. Well needless to say, at the same time, my long term ex (we were together for 2.5years) was trying to push his way back into my life, and my grandpa had just died, so needless to say I don't think I gave the guy a fair shot. I don't honestly know what he wanted, but we chatted about 15-20 minutes, and then left it at that. So we'll see if it was just a check in call or more. Just confused. Have I mentioned how much I hate dating?

Tonight I have my little (I'm involved in the Big Brothers Big Sister's program) and I think I am going to take him out to dinner like I normally do, and then take him to get something for his mom for mother's day. I thought it would be nice to take him and have him pick out a card and maybe a candle or something small that she might like. I'm sure that she never gets any thanks for being a mom, it is a thankless job.

Anyways, that's it for today, I hope everyone has a healthy and happy day! Happy Blogging!

Menu 5/2/07

Well I did well. I got out and walked for 55 minutes when I got home. It was nice, plus activity points to boot. I didn't eat but a .5 of an activity point though. I hate it when I just end up with a .5 point left, what the heck is a half point that I feel like eating lol. So I had a WW Carrot Cake. Love them! And worth that extra .5 point.

Here's the menu. I was done eating by 9, and I only had 4 points after dinner left, go me!

Morning
2 cup black coffee	0
Subtotal	0
Midday
3 oz cooked egg noodles	2
Stir Fry Leftovers - Quick-added food	2
6 oz carrot(s)	0.5
Subtotal	4.5
Evening
8 3/4 oz cooked cauliflower	0.5
Beef Stew - Quick-added food	4
1/2 cup Original Baked Beans	2
4 1/4 oz cooked white rice	2.5
Subtotal	9
Snacks
4 oz apple(s)	0.5
3/4 cups Kix	1
1/2 cup Crunch Cereal	1
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
Hostess 100 Calorie Pack - Quick-added food	1
2 Tbsp Free Whipped Topping	0
1/4 package Banana Pudding, Prepared with Skim Milk	1
1 1/2 oz pear(s)	0.5
1/2 cup Quick Oats Cereal	2
1 item Carrot Cake	1
Subtotal	9
Food POINTS values total used	22.5
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
55 min walking, leisure	2
Activity POINTS values earned	2

Going well..

Well the new eating plan is going well. So far, here's my menu for today:

L:
3 oz Egg Noodles (2)
Chicken Stir Fry (2)

S: Carrots (.5)
Kix (1)
Apple (.5)

Snack at 530- 2 points

Dinner 8-10 points

Snacks 4-6 points

Other than that, nothing really new and exciting today. It's gorgeous out, and I think I'll take Duke for a walk. Work was crazy today, so hopefully I'll have more time to catch you with ya'll tomorrow. For all of you who commented, thanks so much!

Eh

Eh, I just realized I forgot to count my cauliflower that I ate at dinner last night! I'm bummed, because that means I went over a point, and I wouldn't have eaten the extra point had I known. So I'm not going to go back and count it, but bums me out still, I'm so good about counting EVERYTHING. Guess none of us got fat eating steamed cauliflower though, right?

It went well!

So my first night. Accomplished.

Menu ended as:

530p: Kashi and Yogurt (2)

730p: (8.5pts)

Chicken Fajita Stir Fry (4)
Egg Noodles (3.5)
Weight Watchers Carrot Cake (1)

Snack: (5.5)
English Muffin w/Preserves (1.5)
Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae (4)

Today 22 pts used, daily target 22.

Day 2 tomorrow.

Oh yah, and I managed to stop eating about 10 after 9, yay!

May Begins!

Well today I've been trying to abide by one of my new goals with Weight Watchers. I am trying to eat more during the day, and at meals, and less snacks. I should just say less snacks in the evening. I think I'll be fine. We'll see how the first night goes though. I am only going to leave myself 4 points after dinner, which some people are like only 4 points, that's all I ever eat at night. But not me folks, there was times after dinner I would have 8-10 points left. So tonight will be an adventure. I think I will be fine though. So far, this is what I've eaten:

Lunch (1:00p)

Tuna Salad: 2pts
2 Slices Whole Wheat Bread: 2pts
Carrots: .5pts
Strawberries: 0 pts

Snack (3p): Apple .5pts
Snack (330p): Kix 1 pt
Snack (4p): Other half of carrots from Lunch 0
Snack (430p): Cantaloupe 1pt

Snack @ 530 is probably going to be yogurt and Kashi, as a hold over til dinner.

Dinner @ 7:00p - Chicken Stir Fry with Sides, 8-10pts

Snacks 4-6pts

Welcome May!

Well It's May! I love May!

I've never "set goals" for myself since I've been doing the Weight Loss thing, but I think I want to for May.

Weight as of May 1, 2007: 152.0lbs

Goals:

1. Lose 4 lbs this month! My weight loss has slowed now that I've taken off 15lbs, so I think this is a great, and easily doable goal! My weight loss has average about 1.2 lbs per week, so this is under that. So... 148lbs by June 1st.

2. Get out and do something active every day the weather permits. Even if this just taking Duke for a walk around the block, just get moving, the WOMAN Challenge should go hand in hand with this!

3. Eat less at night. Hasn't affected my weight loss yet, but I eat A LOT after dinner, I need to get that in check so it's easier to maintain later one.

4. Eat larger meals and fewer snacks. Kinda goes hand in hand with # 3!

5. Personal Goal: Go on a date with at least one guy, I normally wouldn't. They always say to give everyone a shot, so I am going to go on a date with someone who I normally wouldn't. Maybe it will work out!

Alright those are the goals for May! Ready-Set-Go.