Goodbye April! Hello May!

"Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing
harmful can enter except by your promotion."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remember that quote above when we are thinking about eating something or going on a binge, or even thinking about blaming someone else for our bad eating!

So a little wrap up of April and the goals I set, and onto some goals for May.

Weight Loss '08 by month

January: Lost 5.2 pounds
February: Gained .2 pounds
March: Lost 1.8 pounds
April: Lost 3.6 pounds

I think overall, the last 4 months have been good. February was rough, I had a bridal shower and a bachelorette party, and I probably had a day or two that didn't go so well, but overall it looks good, and I've lost 10.4lbs. That's awesome!

As for April, I said it was going to be my month to shine, and I really think it was. I set a goal to lose 3 lbs, and I lost 3.6lbs! So I did good there.

I set a goal to get to the gym 12 times. This didn't happen. I ended up sick with the plague and it require two weeks off from the gym. I did still manage to get to the gym 8 times, which I think is pretty good.

So the goals for May you ask?

I would like to (I am almost scared to say this!) reach goal! That means 3.2lbs. It's not that far fetched. My average loss over the past 4 months has been 2.6lbs a month. So I will just have to kick it up a notch. I'm working harder at my workouts lately, and I've been getting activity in on off days as well. So Weight Goal is to lose 3.2lbs.

Activity Goals? I am going to try to make it to the gym 12 times. PLUS I am going to try to go on at least 2 bike rides (which does mean getting that flat fixed on the bike), go rollerblading twice and hiking twice. I am also going to attempt to walk Duke everyday that the weather permits and I am not at the gym (hiking can count as these walks since he does go with me).

I am also going to try to be better about my Bites Licks and Tastes of things. I've been doing better with it, but I want to do even better this month.

Alright so there we have it, some ambitious goals for the month of May! I can hit them, I know I can!

Everything is going good on this end. I'm staying OP, and getting my 8 GHG's in. I'm finding I'm doing ok with the 21 points. I think it's more of a mind game than anything else, but it seems like it does the same to you guys, so that is very encouraging, I know I'm not the only one!

I've gotten a walk in monday, gym on tuesday (2.8 miles, 350 calories in 30 minutes), and I'm planning to get out and take Duke on a walk tonight. So lots of activity, but it's a good thing! I'm not eating activity points either.

Tonight is the night I always "peek" at the scale, so we will see how that goes.

Other than that, not much planned. Tonight a lot of running around to do then the Tigers play at 7:05p and American Idol at 9p. Busy Busy!

Hope everyone is having great days, and staying OP!

Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows
with the ability to say no to oneself.

-- Abraham Joshua Heschel 1907-1972

Thanks for all the nice compliments and encouraging comments on my last post. It felt great to see the 140's yesterday on the scale. Very good. And to have it where I am below 5 pounds to goal, that's even cooler!

But I have admit, I'm almost skeptical. I haven't seen two really good losses like that in a row....I don't know if I honestly ever have. So what gives now? I know I've cleaned up my eating, and I'm working out, and I did have a couple good weeks, but I don't know. I almost feel like my body will have a rebound gain next week just to piss me off. Hard not to be skeptical. Plus as I've said before, this is right about the point my body started fighting back last time, and refusing to go below 150lbs, I was losing and gaining the same 2 or 3lbs time and time again, and I got frustrated. So I guess I'm just leary! Nonetheless, my goal for this week is to lose the .8 pounds that will put me at my next goal...20lbs lost!

I had a wonderful weekend though on that note! I locked myself in the house with air on, so my allergies were pretty good. But I got alot accomplished. In fact last night by the time I sat down last night, I was absolutely exhausted. I painted, I cleaned, I baked (Ironically, I baked dog treats for Duke, which he loved...and it keeps me skinny!) and went out to dinner and movie with the ex-roomie. We went to see Baby Momma, completely hilarious if your looking for something to make you chuckle!

Yesterday was a good OP day, I did eat some activity points (which I normally try to do on Sunday), but did good. Even avoided the nuts at my moms house when I went for dinner...So NSV there. Today has been a good OP Day, and I intend to keep it that way.

I do have to say though, only having 21 points a day is kind of a mind game I think. Really what is one point? It's nothing. But I swear it's like "oh my god, how am I ever going to live on only 21 points a day". I'm sure once I get adjusted it will be nothing, but it's completely all in my head, I know that. Does anyone else find that?

Hit the gym yesterday, will walk Duke tonight, and hit the gym tomorrow again.

Alright! Well that is all I have for today! But have healthy, happy and OP days!

Hello 140's!

Well I weighed in this morning to see a loss of 2.6 pounds! I did expect a loss, but wasn't expecting that big of one! So I was way way excited! This means I lose a daily point, so I'm sure it will be a struggle this week adjusting to that. My next small goal is only .8 pounds away, which will be 20 pounds lost total. Very excited to reach that!

Anyways, great start to the day! Good Weigh In, Went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2.8 miles, 350 calories, and the minute I stepped off the treadmill the power went out...talk about good timing! Plus my Wings and My Tigers won last night! If the Pistons and the Tigers can win tonight we'll be doing real good!

Anyways, I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

"There are no shortcuts to life's greatest achievements"
~Anonymous

Happy Thursday Everyone! I don't know about you guys, But I am very happy it's Thursday, and anxiously awaiting the weekend!

My allergies have remained terrible all week, and according to the good ol' pollen cast, I don't think they are going to be clearing up anytime soon....not fun!

But I've been doing well and staying on plan well. Last night I nibbled a bit more than I would have liked, but it was all on veggies, so I don't see that being a problem, plus I used a couple points as "nibble points". So I think I am good. Plus I made it to the gym Sunday, Tuesday and will tonight. And I walked the dog on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Plus I've been painting, that has to be some activity points right? And I'm not eating them :)

I'm feeling skinny, and my scale told me good things when I snuck a peak last night, so that is encouraging!

No big plans here for the weekend. The weather is suppose to turn rainy, so I will probably get some stuff done in the house. Grocery Shopping, Finish Painting, get some stuff listed on Ebay, cleaning, you know all that fun stuff! What do you guys have planned for the weekend?

Anyways, back to work I go, but I hope everyone is having healthy, happy and OP days!

If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it!

-- Jonathan Winters

I think we have all heard this quote before, and it seemed fitting for the day after the perfect day challenge. I think we were swimming out to the darn boat yesterday! I know I haven't quite made it to goal, but I'm trying, I'm trying hard. I want to get there.

When I initially started on Weight Watchers, It was kinda on a whim with the roommate. We were sitting there and I was like hey, you wanna go on Weight Watchers and see if we can lose some weight? She said sure, so off we went. My first real attempt at ever losing some weight. At first I set a goal of 10lbs. Then it became 15lbs, then 20lbs and then 25 and 28. I just kept going up, what I thought I needed to lose. It's funny to look back on it. I never thought I would be as happy as I am with the weight where I am. Not to say that I am completely happy, but where I am at I feel healthy and fit, which is great. I can't wait to drop the last 5 to 8lbs and see how I feel then, I think I finally set a goal weight which will be right for me. And if I feel I need to lose more at that time, I can always evaluate the situation. Never know, I might feel 145 will be perfect and decide not to go down to my personal goal of 142.

The Perfect Day seemed to give me a renewed sense of motivation. I wasn't really lacking, but I needed a "pick me up" and that definately helped.

I've done well OP all days this week, today not being a exception. I hit the gym Sunday, and walked the dog, and also walked the dog yesterday. Tonight I am going to hit the gym, even though, quite honestly I don't feel like it. My allergies are kicking my butt and I would rather go home and melt into the the couch and be lazy...but I won't.

Anyways, that's about all I have for now...I know nothing terribly exciting. But I hope you all are staying OP and having wonderful days!

Perfect Day Wrap up

Well my perfect Day went off well!

I had 4 half servings of dairy
I had 1 serving of protein
I had 2 teaspoons of healthy oil
I had well over 5 servings of fruit and veggies
I had 112 ounces of water
I walked the dog for 20 minutes
And I tracked everything!

The nibbles and licks have been my downfall as of lately, and I'll admit, it wasn't a perfect day, but it was near perfect on that aspect. I did snag a few extra noodles/veggies from dinner while putting it away, and maybe a few extra carrots, but other than that I didn't nibble anything, and that's awesome!

So here is to another perfect day!

I'll make a real update later ;)

My Perfect Day Post

Well, I told everyone yesterday that I would be participating in the One Perfect Day Challenge that Ms. Kathy is hosting. So here are the guidelines I will be adhearing to:

My Plan will be WW Flex Plan (same as always!)

1. Stay at my 22 points for the day
2. Track, Track, Track- no bites and nibbles (that's been my downfall lately!)
3. Follow the 8 GHG's
- 5 servings of fruits/vegetables
- 2 servings of dairy (or 4 half servings) - 2- 1/2 servings so far
- 2 teaspoons healthy oil - 2 servings done!
- 1 serving of protein
- at least 8 glasses of water - 96 ounces consumed-Done!
- Whole grains when possible.
- low level activity for at least 20 minutes.


Alright, so there is the guidelines, I will update a couple times during the day to "check in".

As of now, 10:00 a:

I have had one teaspoon of canola oil in my oatmeal this morning, and a 4 oz (half serving) cottage cheese.

I've also had 32 ounces of water, and I'm starting on my second 32 ounce bottle.

Plus, I made cookies yesterday, and they are laying on the lunchroom table, and normally I would have nibbled a few times, but I haven't today! Yay!

As of 12:45p:

For lunch I had a Quiche Wrap (1 point of Quiche, 0 point Latortilla factory wrap, 1 point for 1 teaspoon of canola oil) and a Sargento Light String Cheese (1 point- half dairy serving).

Starting my next 32 ounce bottle of water.

Alright that's it for now, update again soon!

Weigh In

Well I weighed in this morning and lost 2.6lbs, I'm very happy with that. Unfortunately I missed my 10% by one tenth of a pound...bummer! But at least I know I will get there next week. Next week I could see those infamous 140's I keep hearing about, and thats very exciting. I did see them a couple times late last summer, but I was never able to stay there. Where I am at now was where I stayed. So it's a new ball game now...and only 5lbs to go! woo hoo!

This morning I got to the gym, and even though I was only going to do the 27 minutes of interval training again, since it had been so hard on thursday, I decided I was feeling good, and I would try putting another interval in there, so I did 29 minutes. Sure it was hard, but it felt good!

My friend Kathy is having a One Perfect Day challenge that will be going on tomorrow, and I will be participating. I know we all get to the point where we are "working our programs to our advantage" So getting back on track and getting back motivated starts with just one perfect day! We can do it, join in!

Anyways off to do the plethora of chores that I have today, but enjoy your Sundays everyone!

Habit

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
therefore, is not an act, but a habit"
~Aristotle

I almost forgot to about it! I just passed my one year blogging anniversary! Happy Anniversary to my blog! When I started this little thing, I never once imagined that there would be such a great bunch of people who I would find via my blog. I don't know what I would do with your encouragement and well wishes, thanks!

That being said, I think the above quote is a great motivational quote. And very true. If we are repeatedly sitting on our butts, eating, watching tv, not following our plans, that will be our habits, and therefore, we will be overweight. But when we are truly out there to change ourselves, our way of eating and increase our activity level and things like that, after awhile, they will become our habits. And we will look like our habits! We will be healthy, fit and happy! But I know how hard some old habits are to break, I think we all struggle with those on a regular basis, and I think we all have a few old "habits" that will never be broken. But just remember, keep on plan, keep doing what your doing, and they will become habits, good habits!

I'm doing well, and staying OP. I am also doing really good about limiting by licks/bites of things, and trying to count for them when I do, so I would say that is an improvement. I'm really motivated to see a good loss this week. I feel thinner (even though with my 2.8lb gain last week, my clothes never felt different, which led me to believe it was mostly water retention), but my clothes seem loose, so I'll take that. Just keeping my fingers crossed.

Now on activity I have been doing really well this week. I hit the gym on Sunday, Tuesday and plan to tonight...and maybe tomorrow, although not sure on that yet. And I've walked the dog Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. So I've had a good amount of activity this week, especially since I've been pretty much laid up for the two weeks prior.

The cold is doing well, it's almost all gone I think. It still is lingering a little bit, but should be completely out of my system soon! yes!

This morning I tried my oatmeal without any sweetener at all in it. It wasn't bad, but I don't think it's how I would want to eat it every morning. So I think I have decided I will just start using a teaspoon of regular sugar in it. It will keep the points the same (I checked, it doesn't add terrible amount of calories), and in my opinion a small amount of the real stuff is better than the fake, least my body will recognize what it is.

My morning oatmeal, I've been doing a little different variation this week, and it's yummy. I've been using my standard quick oats, with a 1/4 teaspoon of apple pie spice, some sweetener and about 1/3 of a cup of unsweetened applesauce. Taste's just like Apple Pie, and very good! You should try it!

For those of you who have been reading, you know I have a couple foods I have issues with, among these are nuts, peanut butter and ice cream. All major problems. Since the roommate has left the house I've done well. Nuts were never kept in the house, so that was never a in home issue. Peanut Butter, I finished up the rest of what was left, and didn't buy anymore. Can't get myself in trouble with it if it's not around right? When I do buy more, I think i will buy the "Jif On the Go" packs. Controlled portion. Then ice cream, I finished the end of the quart I had, and since then I have only been buying the Weight Watcher ice Cream cups. Controlled Portions, and doesn't let me sneak and extra scoop on top...very good! So it's very easy in the house to control myself. Not to say there isn't things to get myself into trouble with, but most of it is healthy, and I can't do too much damage.

So that's me fixing some issues!

Anyways, I'm going to finish up some stuff around here at work, but I hope everyone is having wonderful days!

"The secret of success is the constancy of purpose"
~ Anthony Troloppe

Good afternoon everyone!

Nothing very drastic to report on this end. I've been doing well, and staying OP this week. I've even been trying to control the "tastes" I am taking of things, and account for them when I do. I'm sure I'm not getting everything, but it's been better than the last couple weeks. I'm getting my 8 GHG's in, and I've been getting back to the gym. So overall, I think it's turning into a great OP week.

Getting back to the gym as been HARD! It's not hard getting there, but the workouts have been kicking my butt. I really didn't think I was going to make it through my 27 minute interval workout, but I pushed through it. I have another 27 minute workout scheduled on Thursday, and then I will up to the 30 minutes I was about to start before I got sick. They will just get easier, so it's good. Plus the cold is clearing up more and more each day, so as that disappears, it will ease it up to I have a feeling! I also walked Duke on Tuesday, and plan to tonight. The walks are by all means just leisurely, but still I'm getting out and getting moving, and that's what is important. Plus Duke is enjoying them!

So in my quest to eliminate alot of things that are processed from my diet (which I'm not freak about, but somethings kinda bother me), I am trying to look for an alternative to the Splenda I am using in my oatmeal every morning. I have been reducing it from the tablespoon, to a little less everyday and I honestly don't notice much of a difference, but I am looking into Stevia, since I hear it's all natural. Anyone try this? Opinions?

Other than that, nothing terribly exciting here. I'm really looking forward to weigh in on Sunday as I think it will be good one!

I hope everyone is having good days and staying OP! Have a healthy day bloggers!

A Wish

"A Goal without a plan is just a wish"
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Ahh, back to the motivational quotes, I must be feeling better right?

I'm actually feeling pretty decent today. I do have lingering congestion, and I'm a bit wore out since I slept like crap-ola last night, but I think I am going to make it now. Plus I made it to the gym yesterday...and walked the dog, so I was feeling good about that. I'm going to try to walk Duke when I get home tonight too, and then hit the gym again tomorrow.

The weekend was pretty uneventful for me. I'm still working on painting the dining room, and tonight I am hoping to get at least the beginning coat of primer on it. I'm not really in a hurry to get it done, just want it to look nice when it is. It's nice not to be rushed.

Sunday was a good day eating on plan. I made a cake, and I dipped into the frosting a little, but it was made with sugar free pudding and cool whip, so I don't think I lick or two of a cleaned off spoon is going to cause some serious weight issues for the week. But other than that, I was good, and I stayed on plan.

Today has been good too, and tonight I have having Jambalaya that I am making in the crockpot, and really looking forward to it. If it's as good as it looks I will be sure to post the recipe.

I'm really looking forward to breaking into the 140's for good. I've never been there on this journey. I seen the 140's a bit last summer, but never stayed, my body was revolting, so I was never able to keep it below the 150 mark. Although I do eat way better than I was at that point, and I think it will be key in breaking that barrier. Plus I go to the gym now, I didn't then. So I'm itching to break that point, I know I can do it!

Otherwise, nothing terribly new and exciting here. I'll be catching up on everyone's blogs now! I hope everyone had wonderful (and OP!) weekends, and that it is a great start to the week!

I did it!

I made it to the gym for the first time in 2 weeks, and as I expected, it really kicked my butt, but after a double sickness for two weeks, I suppose it should be expected. I ran 2.3 miles in 25 minutes, and burned 290 calories. Going to try to get back up to my 30 minutes by the end of the week.

Weigh In

Well, I knew I would have a gain this week, and I gained 2.8 pounds. I'm really not upset about it. A normal TOM gain for me is between 1 and 2 pounds and on top of that, I haven't been to the gym in two weeks cause of being sick. And while I was OP last week, I probably could've been a little better with the bites of this and that. And I went out last night had a beer or two. Unfortunately, updated my little small goal tracker as getting back to my 10%, because this put me back over that!

So, I'm not upset, know why I gained, and looking forward to a great week OP and a great loss next week!

Hope you all have great Sundays. I'm going to try to make it to the gym today....hopefully I don't die, lol.

Perseverance

Water continually dropping will wear hard rocks hollow.
Plutarch

I'm so very sorry I've been MIA for so long. I haven't been this down and out over a cold in quite some time. Truth be told, before I started eating better, and before I started being treated by an allergist for my allergies, I was pretty much sick from October to April. So having one of two times where I get the sniffles, or maybe one time when I am down and out isn't so bad.

Turns out that last weeks sinus infection decided to morph it's way into Bronchitis on Sunday, so this week has been battling them both. I'm still congested and I have a bit of a cough left, but I'm beginning to feel human again, and that is totally a plus! Hopefully I can start going to the gym again by the weekend *fingers crossed* I miss it!

Other than that, things have been pretty uneventful, since I'm lacking the energy to do much. I've been slowly working on painting my dining room, but it's moving slow. The weather has been gorgeous, but totally bumming because i really haven't gotten to get out and enjoy it!

BUT! I have been OP with the exception of the little episode on Saturday night. I've been doing good OP, getting my 8GHG's in, and that stuff. I know I won't see a loss this week cause of TOM, but looking forward to weigh in on the 20th, because I know I will probably see a nice sized one! yay!

I'm bummed tonight is the Idol special thing, I wanted to see who they were going to boot off tonight! I'm pulling for the David's (Cook and the young kid).

On BL, I'm pulling for Ali to win, I know alot of people are pulling for the big guy (whose name is escaping me right now!). Either of them would be good, I just don't want to see Kelly, and definately not Mark!

Alright other than that, nothing exciting. Just wanted to update and say I AM alive! I am on plan! and I am STARTING to get better!

Stay healthy bloggers!

Weigh In..

Well, it went better than I thought. I lost 1.2 pounds this week. It almost feels undeserved really, being that I've been laid up sick all week and haven't hit the gym, then my little incident yesterday. But I will take it and move on. The good news is, that hits my next goal, of 10%! Thats pretty exciting. Next weeks TOM, so I will see a gain, bah. Nothing we can do about that right?

This cold/everlasting disease I've been dealing with I *think* is finally starting to break up a little today, which of course means I look like a mess, nose running and I can't keep from coughing...aren't you guys glad your not here? LOL. Anyways, hopefully by mid week it might be broke up enough to start going to the gym again, I miss the gym.

Do you any of you guys use Abdominal Exercise Videos? I was thinking about trying one out, maybe on my days off from running to start getting the tummy in shape for bikini season!

Anyways, I hope you all have great Sundays!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly..

The Good. I'm still alive...just barely. I seriously don't know who put a spell on me...but they must not like me much. On a high note its freaking gorgeous outside. The Bad...I can't enjoy it, except from the couch...at least the screen door is open...

The Ugly. I was doing really good on plan til this afternoon and then just something happened, and somewhere in my mind, I thought since I didn't feel good it was ok to eat and eat...and eat. I guess the only good thing is there isn't much I keep in the house that I can get in trouble with...and the peanut butter is now gone...and I don't think I will be buying more. So now there really isn't much I can get in trouble with. On a high note, I didn't grab the ice cream container and just sit and eat out of it. Thats an improvement.

The Bad (cont), tomorrow is weigh in. After all week on plan, and an eat fest today, I'll probably be up. Bah, that's what I get.

Let you guys know how that goes.

I'm still here...

Unfortunately sinus infection morphed into bronchitis, so looks like I might be out of commission a bit longer. Luckily....still OP.

And in case you haven't heard about Kim's awesome weight loss this week, mosey on over and congratulate her!

and the verdict is...

A sinus infection, at least they are giving me antibiotics and in a couple of days I should be feeling alive again. Until then....still OP, and hanging in there...hope you guys are too.