Change

"Only I can change my life, no one can do it for me"
~Carol Burnett

Some quotes I think need an explanation, other quotes I think speak for themselves, and this one just happens to be one that speaks for itself. Enjoy it.

My day has been good. I've been freezing my butt off all day though. Here in Michigan it has been freezing rain/raining for the past couple days, and everything is a mess. Yesterday morning I pulled out of the garage and went to brake and wait for the garage door to go down, and my truck actually slid down the driveway, it was kinda funny. So needless to say, it's been a skating rink. I just wish we'd get some snow for Christmas. I love white Christmases.

I'm anxious to get home from work today to see how Chase handled himself for his first day all by himself. I'm lucky I have a laundry room that is rather large and I can shut off from the rest of the house, so I locked him in there with his litterbox and food for today, and I'm hoping all went well...fingers are crossed, ha ha.

Eating has been good. I'm kinda lucky because there hasn't been too much temptation at work lately, usually that's one of the places that is hardest for me. I was worried about the holiday season, and with the exception of a few vendors who have dropped off the devil (also known as mixed nuts), I haven't had too many options to be bad, and I haven't strayed from plan at all...go me.

I have some more holiday baking this weekend (I know, I said I was done!), but I forgot I have the annual cookie bake with mom (and now my brother fiance), and then next weekend my mom and I are making Hungarian Coffee Cakes, which are a Christmas morning tradition in my house for as long as I can remember. So still not done, the good thing is, after all this baking, I think I will be baked out for awhile.

I'm trying to get my mom to join weight watchers after the first of the year. She's always been overweight, except for one time, which I truly believe she became anorexic awhile back, and of course she became sickly skinny. She tells me she would love too, but she thinks she can do it "without counting the points". So I know thats an excuse, but I'm not going to let her blow me off, I would love to see her lose a bit of weight come the new year, but she has to want to do it.

Tonight I'm going to get the gym for #6 or 18 workouts for the month, and believe it or not, I am kinda looking forward to it. My workouts are short and to the point, and I think that is why I like them so much, I can be in and out of the gym in like 25 minutes. That's great for me, as time is always crunched anyways.

Nothing else new and exciting. menu will be updated below later.

Morning
144 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
8 oz carrot(s)	1
Taco Soup	4
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
10 oz cauliflower	0.5
Tuna Salad - Quick-added food	3
Bread - Quick-added food	1
LaTortilla Wrap - Quick-added food	0
2 3/4 oz potato(es), baked	1
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
1 medium apple(s)	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22

Long Term Goals

You must have long term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures.

Charles C. Noble

I think this pretty much sums up why we all pick goal weights. Because that is something that above all else we want to achieve, and it makes us overcome those short term failures that we all experience. Who hasn't eaten a box of chocolates, indulged to much at a wedding or ate too many cookies while baking (me? never!)?. But when we have our hearts set on that final goal weight, we pick ourselves up off the ground, dust ourselves off, and hop back on the weight loss wagon. But if we didn't have a long term goal, what would be the point of getting back on? So just remember that, that next time you fall off the wagon (even if it runs you over!), get back on, and ride it close to your goal, because we will all eventually get there!

Today has been a good day so far. We have these adorable little kittens at work, and I have just absolutely fallen in love with one of them. Of course I'm allergic, and I don't need another animal, but I just love him. I could careless about the other ones, but this one, he's my buddy. I'm trying to get them to keep him as a work cat, so I don't have to take him home...but I might be forced to adopt him lol...forced, They have me at gunpoint I'll tell ya.

It feels really good feeling like I have control again. For awhile there, I just didn't feel like I did, and of course a few gains showed that. But I finally feel "back to normal". But I suppose this is a good time of year to get back to normal, because I could potentially gain alot of weight not having any control this time of year.

Also, I'm going back to the gym, and that feels good. Last night I went for the 3rd time of 18. So I'm doing well. I was kinda bummed when I got there the treadmills were all full (and it's not even the new year yet), so I had to start on the elliptical and then move to the treadmill when one came free. It makes me wonder how it will be after the new year though, and that bums me out, because I like the gym, its just small.

Tonight I am having Taco Soup for dinner...one of my Weight Watcher Favs. Also going out to get the rest of what I need to finish baking cookies this weekend. I have alot of them to do yet, but I am looking forward to getting them done.

Other than that, nothing too exciting in my life. I hope everyone is having a healthy, happy and "in control" day. Menu Updated below:

Morning
122 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
White Chili - Quick-added food	4
1 medium apple(s)	1
3/4 cup Crunch Cereal	2
1/2 cup Fiber One	0
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
Subtotal	8
Evening
6 1/4 oz broccoli	0
Taco Soup - Quick-added food	4
1 item Country White Bagel	1
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Peppermint Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Tired Tuesday

The last couple days for me Weight Watchers wise have been great. I did run into some incidents with my baking on Saturday, but I felt a renewed sense of motivation on Sunday and I've been OP since. So today is going to me third day OP. Sunday's are usually pretty hard for me too, because my mom has dinner at her house, I'm always tempted by seconds (which I of course indulged in a week ago sunday, but managed this week to just have ONE bowl of chili), plus she always has junk food around...I mean always. And she has open bowls of mixed nuts laying around...anyone who has followed my blog for sometime knows that I have some issues with nuts. No problem avoiding them, but once I start, it's like a non-stop cliff dive. So on Sunday, she had dinner at home, and I went over, had one bowl of chili, and one whole wheat roll, and that was it! Didn't touch the nuts or any other of the junk food...go me!

Seems as though lately, on sunday when I mess up, I'm less likely to stick so close to plan the rest of the week. So with sunday starting off good, I think that helps.

Tonight I have a haircut over at my mom's right after work, which I admit will be tough because once again, I will be tempted by all that good stuff. But I'm tell you guys so I prevail. I'm always better when I let someone in on my intentions.

I have a ton of holiday baking to do yet, I have chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and peppermint flavored sugar cookies left to make. Plus Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, Peanut Butter Fudge and Cookie Dough Truffles. All sounds good doesn't it? Imagine trying to keep your fingers out of it while your baking it! But I've been doing good since saturday's "incident".

So for the cookie trays for work I decided to go with Snickerdoodles (a family fav), Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, No Bake Cookies and Sugar Cookies. Plus I'm putting some of the candies on everyones plates; Cookies and Cream Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge, Choco PB balls and Cookie Dough Truffles. How does that sound?

Other than that, I'm just feeling really energized about WW's in general, I have a renewed sense of motivation, and I'm excited. It's been awhile since I've been excited and felt in control. Plus I've gotten to the gym the last couple days. go me!

Anyways, thats it for now, I'll update with a menu later. *UPDATED*

Morning
114 oz water	0
1 medium apple(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Tangy Pork Chops - Quick-added food	4
1 medium pear(s)	1
Subtotal	5
Evening
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
10 oz cooked cauliflower	0.5
3/4 cup Crunch Cereal	2
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
1/2 cup Fiber One	0
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
White Chili	4
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
Subtotal	12
Snacks
WW Ice Cream Cup - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	2
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Noelle, I'll email you the turkey enchilada recipe!

Have a healthy and happy day everyone!

I'm still alive

Even though I am pretty sure after yesterday I should be in a sugar induced coma. But my birthday turned out great this year, and I enjoyed it, so that is all that matters.

It's amazing how one day of eating junk can make you appreciate the way you feel when your eating well. I haven't had a doughnut in over a year, and while it's was sooo great, boy did it do a number on my system.

But back on track today.

My friend Kathy, reminded us the other day that we need to get back to the basics of weight watchers. I think we all follow it so closely at first, and then gradually get away from the basics of it, stop measuring, because we all know what 6 ounces of apple looks like right? Then we are surprised that the plan doesn't work as well for us as it did in the beginning. No wonder it doesn't right?

So, for the next 20 days (until Thanksgiving, I feel thats a good period of time), I am going completely back to the basics. Measuring, and trying my best to get the 8 good health guidelines in, before indulging in the treat stuff.

For those of you on weight watchers, and to help myself review, here are the good health guidelines

1. Eat at least five servings of fruits/vegetables a day. Serving is one half cup.
2.Get at least two servings of dairy a day. A Serving is one cup.
3.Drink at least 48 ounces of water day.
4. Make sure you get enough protein. One or two servings a day.
5. Have two teaspoons of healthy oil a day.
6. Take a multi-vitamin daily.
7. Choose whole grains whenever possible.
8. Limit added sugar and alcohol.

I know myself, I need to focus on the dairy and the oil. Seems as though I never get the oil in, and the dairy I'm always a little shy of two full cups. I am really focusing on these the next 20 days. Which ones do you guys have problems with?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I will post weigh in on Sunday morning, although I know it won't be good, between b-day food yesterday and it already being my TOM week.

Stay healthy!

Happy Saturday!

Last night, I had so much fun. My friend and I took her little one (who is three) to Greenfield Village, where they have a special Halloween thing. It was a chilly night, and a bit crowded for my taste, but just a ton of fun. The path's were all lit with Hand carved Pumpkins, and the kids got to trick or treat at different stations and got some goodies. Plus I got some Activity Points for all the walking!

The scale has been happy the last couple days, and I'm really hoping it stays that way, because it will be a great loss this week.

I've done ok on the food front this week. Not great, but I have counted everything I've eaten, and I still have flex points left, so thats good right?

I had the pleasure of trying some Edys Pumpkin Ice Cream last night, and it was so yummy. Hard to eat just one serving that is for sure!

Other than that, no serious plans for the weekend, but I'm sure I will come up with something exciting to do and post about on monday.

Hope you all have a health and happy weekend!

Getting older has it's perks

So the other day, when I rejoined weight watchers, I decided to put in the big age of 26, because well, I was now closer to 26 than I was to 25, so I might as well suck it up and update it now (B-day is Nov 1). Well my old weight range was 131 to 151. I was always on the high side, even when I felt great at 150!. But now being the big 2-6, that weight range is 131 to 158lbs. They must assume your metabolism slows at 26, and its alright to be heavier. So my goal of 145 is directly in the middle of my new given weight range, so I feel even better about it!

Things have been going good weight watchers wise. I haven't had any freak out incidents, I think my munching might be under control, but I'm sure I'll have to face it again sooner or later, its my nature!

The scale showed this morning I was down over three pounds from my last weigh in, hopefully I can keep them off for weigh in day. That would be awesome!

I've had several good meals this week, I will have to post some recipes when I get time, I'm sure you will enjoy them.

I promised myself if I behaved all week, I could have apple cider and a homemade doughnut from the apple orchard this weekend, and so far I've behaved. There is this small apple orchard not far from me, tucked back on a dirt road, that not many people know about. Ever since we were kids, apple cider and doughnuts from there have been tradition. Perhaps a tradition I indulged in too much. I would often find myself eating several of their yummy freshly handmade doughnuts (in plain, blueberry, pumpkin or apple flavor) in one sitting. I've avoided them this year, even though I go get my apples there, and they smell so good. So saturday morning, I am going to go, and buy one doughnut (which kind I haven't decided!) and enjoy it. I figure it really can't be any worse than a Tim Horton's doughnut, and that's what I have flexies for!

Alright, now that I've probably made you guys all hungry from cider and doughnuts (My job here is finished...just kidding), I'm going to get back to work. Have a great healthy and happy day my friends!

An Update

Well this will probably be a pretty quick update, as I seem to actually be busy, what a novel idea!

Date #2 did not go as well as date number 1 for a variety of reasons. But the first and foremost being I seem to be the one doing all the talking (and really, I'm anti-social, so this poses a problem), then he doesn't seem to ask many questions about me, which gets kinda boring trying to come up with stuff to ask him. Also, he seems to be telling me the same things over and over again, so it makes me wonder if he can't remember what girl he told them to, and which one he didn't. So it leaves me at whether or not to go out with him again, which I'm leaning towards no, but I haven't decided yet.

As far as Weight Watchers is going, I'm doing well. I haven't been feeling up to par, but I've still been eating my points. I'm excited to weigh in on Monday and possibly see a loss (although TOM will be making his appearance, and we know how well that goes over!).

I had Pan Fried Fish Last night for dinner, and it was ok, but nothing spectacular. Tonight I am having pasta filled (stuffed) peppers. It's a new recipe, and if it goes well, I'll post it.

Other than that, nothing to new and exciting, just waiting for fall to actually arrive around here, it's been so mild for october!

Anyways, hope you all are having a healthy and happy day!

A New Look

Well I decided to go with a new look for the blog..plus I think it kinda looks fall like, and I love fall! So, here's the new look. Plus I put a shiny new ticker up top for my goal right now. 8 pounds in 9 weeks. I think I can do it.

So far the first couple days back on plan have went off without a hitch. Used a flex point last night, but I wasn't upset about it, I was hungry, and that's what they are there for.

Today is rather gloomy up here, but we are finally getting relief from the summer like weather in September (about time!). Its only 64 right now, and I think it's suppose to be about that the rest of the day, with rain. I like the rain, I just wish I would happen on days where I could spend them curled up on the couch, because truly that's what I want to do right now!

I had Dijon Crusted Fish last night for dinner, and that was totally good (I had it before), and tonight I have a meal in the crockpot, which is sweet and sour curry chicken stew. It smelled really good, and if it is, I will definitely post the recipe for you guys to try.

Other than that, not much new, same old stuff. Back to work I go. Hope you all are having a great day!

I'm baaaack!

So I rejoined weight watchers yesterday, and I'm going strong! I was up a few pounds when I finally got on the scale yesterday, but I'm not sweating it. In the two months I was off of weight watchers I gained about 1.5 pounds. Well I'm back for now, and my goals is to take off another 8 pounds in the 9 weeks before the start of the holiday season. As we all know the darn holiday season can be tricky.

Yesterday went off without a hitch, and today has been fine too. Tonight I am having Dijon Crusted Fish for dinner. I'm still sticking with the Abs Diet Core Foods, and their eating 6 times a day plan, which seems to be working out good thus far. I've set my new weigh in day to Monday's, I figure it will give me incentive to behave on weekends more, I mean who wants to have a bad weekend, when you have worked all week to be so good!

On another note, I'm so excited fall TV is back in full swing. Last night was Prison Break (I love that show!), and tonight is House. What is everyone else's favorite fall shows?

I hope everyone is having a great healthy and happy day. I promise to get your blogs soon! Work is slowing up for the time being...FINALLY!

And Day One Went well

First day back on WW's went off without a hitch. It was weird measuring everything again, amazing how routine it was, and now just one month without doing it, it's totally weird feeling again. But had a good day and stayed OP.

Of course, the scale was up this morning (after a good day OP, go figure!), so I'm assuming it's a couple days of my munching catching up with me. But, at least I put a stop to it, and jumped back on that wagon before I gained 10lbs that I would have to lose all over again!

I still haven't decided whether I'm in loss or maintenance mode, haha. Yesterday I ate 2 points over my loss daily points target. Thinking I might revisit the loss mode until I get back to the lower end of the range I set for myself, and then I'll go from there. When I set out to "maintain" I set my range as 147-153, and this morning I weighed in at 152.2. So I'm gonna shoot for the lower end of that range again (150 was where my body was comfortable!). I still would ultimately (eventually) like to get to 137. When that will be, I don't know. But I'm not really in a rush anymore ha ha.

Anyways, thats it for today. I hope everyone is having a healthy, happy and productive day!

Well I'm Back.

Well I decided last night, after a night of being totally munchie (gotta love this time of year, it's like I'm a squirrel stocking up for winter), that I would go back on Weight Watchers this morning. I haven't really gained any weight, but if I don't take care of the munching that I'm letting take over, I will gain weight, and that, I don't want. So back on the wagon today.

Truth be told, I know it sounds crazy, but I kind of miss the structure of weight watchers now that I wasn't on it for about a month. I crave routine in my daily life, and weight watchers definitely gave me that. So I'm back today! First Weigh In back will be on Friday.

I'm trying to decide if I just want to maintain currently or go back into loss mode. I'm thinking loss mode, but I will decide eventually, I guess it would be nice to try to get closer to where I ultimately would like to be.

Anyways, that's the life changing event for today! I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy day!

Weight Memory

So this is a topic that I keep meaning to touch on, but never seem to remember. Weight Memory. We've all heard about it before. But what do you guys think?

I never really believed that your body had a memory of weights which you were at for an extended period of time previously (some articles I've read have said this can happen if you were at a weight for over a year). But recently, with my weight loss, I've hit the weight which I was in High School. I was at this weight throughout High School, and even my first couple years of college. My body was comfortable here, I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted, and with a little activity, my weight never moved from the 150 mark. I was happy with that.

When everyone was talking about this weight memory, I was thinking what a bunch of hoopla, if I want to lose weight, I can. Cutting calories, upping activity, I'll lose weight. And I did. I did it successfully. I have lost almost 20 pounds now. But, I seem to be stuck. I think it's beyond a plateau. I think my body is happy here. I think 150 is where is was meant to be. And now I'm thinking that is due to the "weight memory". I was at this weight for so long, my body is like "hey! I really liked being here before, I think we're gonna hang out here!". Never believed it was possible, now I do.

It's not that I don't enjoy the weight I'm at. I'm a heck of a lot healthier and happier than I was 7 months ago when I started weight watchers. I feel thin, I've been told I look good, and some of the issues I was clearly having from overeating have disappeared. But I don't know that I'm ready to switch to maintenance mode. I know that my body is happy here, and I am too, but darn I want to see that goal of 140! I know I'll see it eventually.

But what do you guys think? Is weight memory a myth? Have you guys noticed this in your journey to lose weight? I'd love to hear opinions.

Also, on another note, I will post my Light Zucchini Bread Recipe, as it's to die for, and I've had requests, so expect a post later with that :)

Hope everyone is having a fabulously healthy and happy day!

Weigh In

Gained 1.8lbs. I'm not upset about it cause I normally gain between 1 and 2 this time of month. So I'm okay with it.

This weekend is going to be gorgeous here in Michigan (then the heat will take over next week, yuck!). I'm planning to get in a nice long hike tomorrow with the dog, although I haven't decided where. Also, I think I am going to bake up multiple loaves of zucchini bread to give to people, and also to freeze. I'm going to try a Weight Watchers-friendly loaf with Splenda, Egg Beaters and Applesauce, we'll see how that comes out, if the recipe is good, I'll post it. I'm using my grandmas recipe, which is just the best, yum!

Other than that, no real plans, just some relaxing. I hope everyone has a great, healthy and happy weekend!

It's been awhile...

I don't know why, but I haven't been in much of a "blogging" mood the last couple days, hence my disappearance. Usually when people disappear it's because they've fallen off the wagon or something similar, but fear not, I'm still on plan, totally.

Of course the scale is up a little since it's that time, and the scale is always up, so I'm not really going to sweat it much. This weigh in tomorrow doesn't really count in my eyes, because what I gain is just water weight, not a true gain.

I have eaten a few of my flexies this week, I've been hungry, so I ate them, thats what they are there for right?

I've noticed something as of lately, and I don't know why I just noticed it, because it's been going on for sometime now. I think Weight Watchers has made me very anal retentive. I know this sounds funny, but it's true!

I'm so particular now about when I eat. It's like on the dot with times, and I try to schedule myself around my eating, or make sure that I have food with me when that time comes. My body is programmed, it's hungry at these times, so I must eat. I was also getting really out of control with cutting up and weighing my fruit. Like I would eat exactly 6 ounces of Apple, because that was one point. Luckily, in order to keep sanity, I decided that I would just count fruit as 1 point. If I eat an Apple it's a point, regardless if it's 3 ounces or 7 ounces. No one got fat eating an extra ounce of fruit.

But I've noticed not even just with food, I'm just very systematic about the way I do things now. When I get dinner ready at night, I know what time I have to start everything so dinner is ready about 715 when my roommate gets home from school. I know which things I have to start at which times.

I plan out our meals 6 weeks in advance, and have one large shopping trip which I get everything canned or that can be frozen, and then I have fresh lists for each week.....yes I'm a freak. But you know, with a little bit of organizing, I have healthy meals planned all the time.

Of course there are many other things which leads me to believe Weight Watchers had brought out the touch of obsessive compulsive that I might have always had (I've always been a little crazy about organizing). Does anyone else notice anything like that?

On another note my garden is producing like crazy, I picked 12 cucumbers on Monday, and I've eaten a bunch of them...so yummy! I'm waiting for my tomatoes and peppers to really let go. I'm sure they will after we get some of the rain that seems to be eluding us.

Anwyays, I hope everyone is having a splendid and healthy day, weigh in tomorrow!

Some Things to "Change it up"

First of all, thank you to those of you who commented on my post this morning. It means the world to me to have people out there who understand what I'm going through, and what it feels like. I probably would've thrown in the towel long ago if it wasn't for you guys.

So, I have a couple new ideas for this week to try (I am going to run out sooner or later!).

First, I never eat breakfast, or snacks in the morning. This morning I started. I ate at 830 and 1030 this morning. Surprisingly it didn't seem to make me crazy hungry. Usually when I would eat before lunch I would starve up til lunch. I am hoping this helps kick up my metabolism earlier as suggested by Amanda. Hopefully this helps :)

Also, I'm going to cut back my level of activity this week. Instead of the long Rollerblading sessions I'm just going to walk this week. Instead of 2 Rollerblading sessions, and 3 walks, I'm just going to try to hit three walks.

I'm also going to try eating half of my activity points. I really seem to think this is stemming from me not eating enough, and working too hard. Because I haven't lost weight since the weather turned. And Since the weather turned, I haven't slowed down. Between gardening, canning, picking fruit, rollerblading, biking, walking and all the other activities I'm constantly on the move...hence I think I'm not eating enough. So I am still going to stay active, but just not quite as much.

Also, I know its nothing I have control over, but TOM will be along this weekend, I'll drop that water weight, and I'm desperately trying to get rid of this cold I've been fighting (and drinking a ton of extra water trying to flush out of my body).

And last but not least, I'm going to continue to eat the awesome foods I have been. I did some research on fruits and veggies and other healthy 1 and 2 point snacks ( I can post this if anyone is interested), and I'm going to incorporate these into my diet. So essentially I'm going to eat a BUNCH of core foods, but be on flex. If that makes sense. Plus I have some totally yummy meals planned for next week!

So there is my plan, I just hope I see a loss next week. I know I'm feeling better, and my clothes are fitting great, I just wish the scale would echo that.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Weigh In Tomorrow.

Well tomorrow is my first Weigh In on my new Weigh In day, so I'm excited, although I'm almost expecting a gain for two reasons. One, I always see a gain two weeks before TOM (just how my body operates!), and well, that's this week, so I probably will see a gain, and two, I ate a lot of strawberries on Saturday, so while it wasn't an unhealthy indulgence, I did eat a lot, , so I would expect a small gain from that. So I'm expecting a gain tomorrow, I just hope it's not too bad.

I get a little frustrated though, I've been fighting hard with saying goodbye to the 150's and hello to the 140's, and a small gain will probably put me back in the 150's, which will be a bummer, but there is always next week right? I'll get a good bit into the 140's eventually.

I received my VitaTops yesterday, and I have to admit, they are pretty darn good, at least the one I tried. My roommate tried the Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip One, and she liked it. I tried the Sugar Free Banana Nut Muffin one, and it was really good! I've had a hankering for Banana Bread lately, and this took care of that. Very good! I'm excited to try the other flavors as well.

Tonight I have a lot of running around to do. I have to get more stuff for my canning that I'm planning to do on Saturday, and I want to get over to the Sporting Goods store and check out some new Rollerblades. The skates that I have, while still good skates are like darn near archaic now, plus they have been well used in the 8-10 years that I've had them, so it's time to buy a new set, and upgrade to something a little better. I've decided that I think I am going to try doing some sort of inline skating marathon or race. I don't know why it's slipped my mind until the last couple days how good of a workout, and how much I enjoy Rollerblading. So I'm going to start doing that more often.

Anyways, Weigh In Report Tomorrow, I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Hot Hot Hot!

That's what it is today outside, just plain ol' hot outside. My little Weather Channel Desktop says 87. Although it's warm, it truthfully doesn't feel that bad, because the humidity is low, and anyone who has ever lived in the upper midwest knows, that we have killer humidity, so the 87 today isn't the same 87 we'll have in August. I also find now that I've lost weight, I don't get affected by the heat nearly as much. I've always hated the summer, I hated being hot. Well now I'm friggin cold all the darn time, so to be warm is awesome, I just don't get affected by it like I used too.

I'm planning on going rollerblading tonight (I think it will be too hot to make the poor dog go on a walk with me). I was surprised as I was checking to see how many activity points I would get for a nice long rollerblading session tonight, at just how many I would get. Who would've known something I loved so much pre-weight loss, was so good for you! So, I plan to go out for about 45 minutes tonight, which figures on the WW's point tracker to be 5 Activity Points, holy smokes.

I think I've deiced for my maintenance phase what I am going to do (I know, good thing I figured it out since I probably have like 12 weeks left right?). I think I am going to use SparkPeople for maintenance phase. It's a good (and Free!) way to track your calories, and I've been using it to track my fitness and like it, so I'm going to give that a shot, and when I'm using that, if I find myself gaining weight back to Weight Watchers (and paying for it!) I'll go. Good incentive to not gain weight. Not gaining weight will be free, haha.

Today has been a good day so far, I've drank lots of water, and I had leftover Chicken Salad Sandwich for Lunch, and tonight Dijon-Crusted Fish! Yum!

Menu posted later on. Hope everyone is having a healthy and happy day!

It's amazing

So today, I decided to break my weight loss down by average per month (I was bored, haha), it's it's amazing how you can see the two months that I took one weekend, and one day off, really very sad actually. Here's how it breaks down.

Jan: -4.6lbs (1.1 average)
Feb: -4.6lbs (1.1 average)
March: -5.8 (1.1 average)
April: -.4 (took one day off!)
May: +.8 (took one weekend off!)
June: -3.2 so far

I guess I won't be taking off anymore days or weekends off, I did not realize the affect on my overall weight loss....holy smokes.

A Weight Loss Post.

I'm kinda in a funk this morning, and I'm not sure why. I'm not really in a bad mood, or down or anything, just kinda "zoned out", which isn't a good place to be when your in customer service/sales and have to be at the top of your game. I will snap out of it in due time I suppose.

So as I creep closer to my goal, and the weight loss I have left shrinks, I begin to think about maintenance, and losing those last few pounds. I will admit, my weight loss has slowed since the 15-lb mark, I think my body is at a weight in which it's comfortable at, so it will be harder to lose from here on out, but I'm optimistic that I can get to goal.

Does anyone else feel that they are pretty happy with where they are, but still wants to get to goal because at the beginning that is where they wanted to be? Honestly my goal, when I set out on Weight Watchers was, in the end, to not feel fat. At the time, I felt overweight, and frumpy, and now that I've lost almost 18lbs, I feel great. I think I look good, my jeans look good, people tell me I look good, so I can say that truthfully, I'm happy where I'm at. I could stop now, and be completely happy, but, I'm not going too. When I set out on this journey, I picked a number, a number that I've always wanted to be at, so I will make it there, in due time.

I'm trying to decide when I get to maintenance if I just want to count calories, or I want to stick with paying for Weight Watchers. I've been counting calories lately anyways to keep myself in check points-wise (as I was tending to eat way too many 100 calorie 1 point snacks), so it wouldn't really be that different, I just wouldn't have the actual points tracker. I'm definitely going to renew my weight watchers account when it comes due at the beginning of July, and that will give me until October to decide what I really want to do. Hopefully by October I've been in maintenance for quite some time (hey! I'm hoping at least!). What is your guys take on this?

Otherwise, everything is going good. I didn't get out for a walk last night, hopefully I'll have time tonight, but I might not before it gets dark (and for safety reasons I don't walk after dark), but I'm going to try. My first weigh in on my new day is on Friday Morning. I'm not really looking forward to it, because I don't think it will be that good this week, but we shall see!

Until next time, have a healthy and happy day everyone!

The Weekend in Review

I had an awesome weekend! Busy Busy, but awesome nonetheless!

Friday night, I had a ton of running around to do, so I ran over to my parents, checked on my garden, and then ran around getting stuff ready for my canning adventures on Saturday. Needless to say, by the time I got home, it was like 930, and I was bushed.

Saturday, I got up early (well early for me on a Saturday), which was about 730. The Dog and I took a nice walk around the neighborhood (about 4 miles), and then I ran to Kroger to get a few last things I needed for my strawberry stuff, and then got home, and the roomie got home and we went pickin'. My goal was to pick 25-30lbs, Well I like crazy overpicked, and ended up coming home with about 50lbs. So I made extra stuff, I made Low Sugar Jam, No Sugar Jam, Regular Jam, Preserves and then 2 batches of Strawberries in Syrup. I have lots of Jam now, although I plan to do more this weekend. I want to whip out several more batches of Low Sugar Jam, because that is what I will primarily be using, the other stuff is more for gifts and special occasions. So I finally finished that up around 9 or 930, and then just relaxed the rest of the evening.

Sunday, I managed to stay busy too. I got up early again went on a five mile bike ride, and finished one stray batch of preserves, got laundry done, cleaned the hot tub out, and then went over and worked in the garden. Came home, took the dog on a walk, Made dinner, finished laundry and then relaxed (which I still didn't manage to sit down til almost 8!). So I was utterly exhausted, I needed to come back to work this morning to rest! haha.

I think I decided to switch my weigh in Day to Friday Mornings. Seems as though I'm always running around a lot Friday Nights, and my dinners and snacking doesn't happen til late on Friday night, so I think it effects my weigh in on Saturday Mornings a bit. So I moved it to Friday Mornings now. We'll see how it goes.

So the Mileage Report for my June Goals is as follows:

This Week: 10 miles (combo of walking and cycling!)
June Total: 14 miles

Other than that, not much new and exciting. I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy day. Menu Later!