The treadmill has been getting lots of use so far, at least by me. As a matter of fact, it's been almost my only form of workout.
When we initially set up the treadmill, we discovered that the TV stand we have is too low. Moon was ok, being 6 feet tall, but I could hardly see the TV. Right now I have it moved as far back in the room as possible so I can see. Works, but it's kind of in the way.
So we ordered a new TV stand, which I picked up last Saturday. It requires assembly of course. It's still sitting where we dropped it, in the middle of the only clear space left on the basement floor. That box is just silly heavy.
Last night I was thinking that I'd really like to do my Pilates-Yoga blend DVD, as a change of pace. I crouched down and tried to slide to box further back, but it wouldn't budge. I just ended up pushing myself across the basement floor. Tonight I think I'm going to take my mat & DVD up to the living room. There's not a lot of space in our living room, but there is enough room for pilates.
Moon has yet to use the treadmill. He is blaming that on his lack of sneakers. So I have this little scheme in my head where I convince him to go out for breakfast on Saturday morning, and then we can buy his sneakers (not that I would trick him - I'd lay out the whole plan and count on the lure of yummy breakfast to convince him). Both places I want to go are in the same mall complex, very convenient. Debating on whether I need new sneakers....Not sure.
Normally I sleep really well, but last night I had a hard time falling asleep for some reason. Waking up was hard this morning. Looking forward to sleep tonight.
----------------------
Daily Record
----------------------
Weight: 143.3
BF: Yogurt, strawberries, raspberries
Snack: 12 almonds
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Supper: Spaghetti Bolognese & Salad
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Reasons To Lose Weight - #4
Bringing Sexy Back
Recently while reviewing some pictures I’d downloaded from my camera I came across one that Moon must have taken. It wasn’t a picture of me, but I was there in the background, turned at an angle speaking to someone. I saw the picture and I thought “Holy Cow! How does my husband still love me?” Obviously that’s not fair to either one of us. My husband loves me for me, not for how much I weigh.
On top of that, it was an unflattering camera angle. It happens.
But, the truth is, it does bother me that I am no longer the skinny little thing that I was when Moon and & I first met. I don’t exactly feel sexy these days. I miss skinny JavaChick. I know I will probably never be quite that small again, but I can certainly be smaller than I am now.
This also reminded me that many weight loss programs encourage you to take progress pictures. This is something I have never bothered with, I guess I never saw the point. But now it occurs to me that knowing I will be taking pictures might provide that extra motivation needed to keep me on track.
-------------------------
Daily Record
--------------------------
Weight: 143.8
BF: Grain Shop High Fibre Crisp cereal w/milk, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry with brown rice
Snach: yogurt & berries
Supper: PC curry sauce w/chicken, cauliflower & bell pepper, PC Garlic Naan
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I am weak.
That's right. I caved. Hanging head in shame. It went something like this...
Get home from work. Want chocolate. Need chocolate. Argue with self. No, I do not need chocolate, I need supper. Throw leftovers in microwave to heat up, the faster I can eat real food, the better off I will be.
Start eating and realize that I was actually quite hungry. Then realize that I was so focussed on getting food fast, I forgot to make the salad. Oh well. Finish off my leftovers.
Start puttering around, cleaning up the kitchen, etc. Decide that I still want chocolate and I don't care, I'm just going to eat it anyway. So there.
A little bit of chocolate would have been ok, but unfortunately it was more than a little bit. I was turbo-snarfing the stuff. I should have made the salad, or at least had some raw veggies to munch on - there is a bag of cauliflower in the fridge, all chopped up and ready to go. But let's face it, put chocolate and cauliflower side by side and what are you going to choose?
The only thing I did right last night was to make my way downstairs to the treadmill (stuffing chocolate in my face as I went) and I did an extra long walk. I know that won't make up for the chocolate binge, but at least it was something.
I am done though. I am not doing that tonight. There is no good reason for it, and every reason not to. I hereby declare today to be a chocolate-free day in JavaChick Land.
----------------------------
Daily Record
----------------------------
Weight: 144.0
BF: 1/2 grapefruit, High Fibre Crisp cereal w/2% milk, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: yogurt w/raspberries & blueberries
Supper: ??? ~ not sure yet
Get home from work. Want chocolate. Need chocolate. Argue with self. No, I do not need chocolate, I need supper. Throw leftovers in microwave to heat up, the faster I can eat real food, the better off I will be.
Start eating and realize that I was actually quite hungry. Then realize that I was so focussed on getting food fast, I forgot to make the salad. Oh well. Finish off my leftovers.
Start puttering around, cleaning up the kitchen, etc. Decide that I still want chocolate and I don't care, I'm just going to eat it anyway. So there.
A little bit of chocolate would have been ok, but unfortunately it was more than a little bit. I was turbo-snarfing the stuff. I should have made the salad, or at least had some raw veggies to munch on - there is a bag of cauliflower in the fridge, all chopped up and ready to go. But let's face it, put chocolate and cauliflower side by side and what are you going to choose?
The only thing I did right last night was to make my way downstairs to the treadmill (stuffing chocolate in my face as I went) and I did an extra long walk. I know that won't make up for the chocolate binge, but at least it was something.
I am done though. I am not doing that tonight. There is no good reason for it, and every reason not to. I hereby declare today to be a chocolate-free day in JavaChick Land.
----------------------------
Daily Record
----------------------------
Weight: 144.0
BF: 1/2 grapefruit, High Fibre Crisp cereal w/2% milk, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: yogurt w/raspberries & blueberries
Supper: ??? ~ not sure yet
Monday, January 28, 2008
Recipe: Chickpea Curry with Brown Rice
Since Christy asked in the comments, I thought I'd throw this up here. I don't actually have a recipe for this, it was based on a recipe called Chickpeas Cooked in Tea (Dhabay kay chanai) from Madhur Jaffrey's Quick and Easy Indian Cooking. I adjusted for what I had on hand. So, this is what I think I remember doing...
Chickpea Curry with Brown Rice
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 or 2 carrots, chopped (depending on size)
1/2 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger (to taste, I like lots)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
salt, cinnamon, turmeric (I don't think I measured, large pinch?)
1 lg can diced tomatoes
1 carton chicken or vegetable stock (900 ml tetra pack)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 cup brown rice
handful chopped cilantro
Heat a little oil in large pot (or use cooking spray, whatever you fancy). Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 15 seconds or so. Add onion, bell pepper, carrots and ginger and saute until vegetables start to soften. Add the remaining spices and chickpeas, and stir around for a few seconds more. Add tomatoes, broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Add rice and simmer over low heat until rice is cooked. Stir in cilantro and remove from heat.
The original recipe does not have the broth & the rice, it did have 2 cans of chickpeas rather than one. I added the broth & rice because it's easier than cooking rice separately. Also, I only had 1 can of chickpeas in the cupboard. I added the cinnamon & turmeric because they are common curry spices, but I'm sure you could get by without them.
Chickpea Curry with Brown Rice
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 or 2 carrots, chopped (depending on size)
1/2 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger (to taste, I like lots)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
salt, cinnamon, turmeric (I don't think I measured, large pinch?)
1 lg can diced tomatoes
1 carton chicken or vegetable stock (900 ml tetra pack)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 cup brown rice
handful chopped cilantro
Heat a little oil in large pot (or use cooking spray, whatever you fancy). Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 15 seconds or so. Add onion, bell pepper, carrots and ginger and saute until vegetables start to soften. Add the remaining spices and chickpeas, and stir around for a few seconds more. Add tomatoes, broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Add rice and simmer over low heat until rice is cooked. Stir in cilantro and remove from heat.
The original recipe does not have the broth & the rice, it did have 2 cans of chickpeas rather than one. I added the broth & rice because it's easier than cooking rice separately. Also, I only had 1 can of chickpeas in the cupboard. I added the cinnamon & turmeric because they are common curry spices, but I'm sure you could get by without them.
Ugh.
That's how I feel today. Ugh.
I have to admit that I was not making healthy food choices for most of the weekend. In addition to the usual weekend stuff - laundry, grocery shopping, trying to find a bit of time to relax, I was also doing some work from home. Which I sorta resent, I have to admit. And when I wasn't working, I felt a bit guilty that I was taking time to do other things, instead of just parking my butt behind the laptop all weekend. So I was feeling a little stressed and kinda worn out, and food was not exactly at the top of my priority list.
I get busy like that and I tend to think "I'll worry about eating later." When I'm on my own, that sometimes works out ok. But when Moon is around it tends to lead to bad things like Kraft Dinner and Wendy's. What happens is, he comes along and says "What's for lunch?" and I say "I don't know, I haven't thought about it, what time is it?" Then he's hungry and I'm too absorbed in other things to make an effort and Presto! There's a dish of Kraft Dinner.
I didn't feel the slightest bit hungry this morning, but I forced myself to eat some breakfast anyway. Now I'm at work and I'm cold and I'm cranky, and just taking a few minutes to quickly type up this entry. Hopefully the crankiness will wear off soon.
-------------------------------
Daily Record
-------------------------------
Weight: 143.6
BF: 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, coffee w/cream
Snack: 9 almonds
Lunch: Chick pea curry w/brown rice
Snack: Yogurt w/raspberries & blueberries
Supper: Chicken Fajitas (leftover from last night)
I have to admit that I was not making healthy food choices for most of the weekend. In addition to the usual weekend stuff - laundry, grocery shopping, trying to find a bit of time to relax, I was also doing some work from home. Which I sorta resent, I have to admit. And when I wasn't working, I felt a bit guilty that I was taking time to do other things, instead of just parking my butt behind the laptop all weekend. So I was feeling a little stressed and kinda worn out, and food was not exactly at the top of my priority list.
I get busy like that and I tend to think "I'll worry about eating later." When I'm on my own, that sometimes works out ok. But when Moon is around it tends to lead to bad things like Kraft Dinner and Wendy's. What happens is, he comes along and says "What's for lunch?" and I say "I don't know, I haven't thought about it, what time is it?" Then he's hungry and I'm too absorbed in other things to make an effort and Presto! There's a dish of Kraft Dinner.
I didn't feel the slightest bit hungry this morning, but I forced myself to eat some breakfast anyway. Now I'm at work and I'm cold and I'm cranky, and just taking a few minutes to quickly type up this entry. Hopefully the crankiness will wear off soon.
-------------------------------
Daily Record
-------------------------------
Weight: 143.6
BF: 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, coffee w/cream
Snack: 9 almonds
Lunch: Chick pea curry w/brown rice
Snack: Yogurt w/raspberries & blueberries
Supper: Chicken Fajitas (leftover from last night)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Weigh-in #4
Weight: 142.9 lbs
So I am up 0.4 pounds this week.
It's disappointing, especially since I felt like I was having such a good week. I was eating properly, working out, doing all the things I want to do, and I gain. But, I also know that showing a gain one week does not necessarily mean anything. Overall, I still feel like I'm doing the right things to be healthy.
I did not use all my Flex Points this week. That wasn't deliberate. I planned out my meals and I knew I had room if I felt like I needed something extra, but I wasn't hungry. Whether that made a difference, I don't know. We'll have to wait and see what next week brings.
So I am up 0.4 pounds this week.
It's disappointing, especially since I felt like I was having such a good week. I was eating properly, working out, doing all the things I want to do, and I gain. But, I also know that showing a gain one week does not necessarily mean anything. Overall, I still feel like I'm doing the right things to be healthy.
I did not use all my Flex Points this week. That wasn't deliberate. I planned out my meals and I knew I had room if I felt like I needed something extra, but I wasn't hungry. Whether that made a difference, I don't know. We'll have to wait and see what next week brings.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Fabulous Felines - Wildcat Edition
JavaChick is too busy to think today. In her stead, the Fabulous Felines have agreed to make another appearance.
Stopping to smell the flowers
Do you feel like you are being watched?
Stopping to smell the flowers
Do you feel like you are being watched?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Reasons To Lose Weight - #3
It’s weighing on my mind. It’s always there, hovering. Will I see a loss at this week’s weigh-in? How long will this take? What if I plateau again, and get discouraged again. How can I change up my diet, my workouts, to get results? Anytime there is a social engagement coming up, I am preoccupied wondering: What can I wear that I won't feel fat in?
I’m so impatient. Realistically, I know it takes time, but I want the weight to be gone now! I feel like I’m wishing my life away, each week impatient for weigh-in day so I can advance the ticker, reduce the number of pounds left to lose, adjust my countdown.
It’s like that Quaker commercial, where the women are walking around with a scale dragging from their ankle. It’s a burden I could do without.
After 3 weeks of seeing the numbers on the scale steadily drop, this week those numbers are suddenly increasing again, even though I have been eating properly and working out. I know that ups and downs happen, even when you are doing the right things, but it does wear one down eventually.
Daily Details
I was tired last night, and by the time we finished supper and cleaned up it was getting late, so I did a short workout (30 mins on the treadmill and 35 push-ups for the challenge). Then I had a shower and went to bed. Didn't eat anything extra. Drank all my water yesterday.
Scale was up this morning. This is starting to get to me...up 3 days in a row, and today was a big increase. Grr! At least the weather has finally warmed up a bit.
---------------------
Daily Record
---------------------
Weight: 143.9
BF: Toasted WW Raisin Bread w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: yogurt w/strawberries & raspberries
Supper: Kickin' Chicken (ESBM recipe), rice, veggies
I’m so impatient. Realistically, I know it takes time, but I want the weight to be gone now! I feel like I’m wishing my life away, each week impatient for weigh-in day so I can advance the ticker, reduce the number of pounds left to lose, adjust my countdown.
It’s like that Quaker commercial, where the women are walking around with a scale dragging from their ankle. It’s a burden I could do without.
After 3 weeks of seeing the numbers on the scale steadily drop, this week those numbers are suddenly increasing again, even though I have been eating properly and working out. I know that ups and downs happen, even when you are doing the right things, but it does wear one down eventually.
Daily Details
I was tired last night, and by the time we finished supper and cleaned up it was getting late, so I did a short workout (30 mins on the treadmill and 35 push-ups for the challenge). Then I had a shower and went to bed. Didn't eat anything extra. Drank all my water yesterday.
Scale was up this morning. This is starting to get to me...up 3 days in a row, and today was a big increase. Grr! At least the weather has finally warmed up a bit.
---------------------
Daily Record
---------------------
Weight: 143.9
BF: Toasted WW Raisin Bread w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: yogurt w/strawberries & raspberries
Supper: Kickin' Chicken (ESBM recipe), rice, veggies
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
January Blahs
Ok, it's still silly-cold outside. It is supposed to warm up enough to snow. Then maybe get a little warmer so it can rain. Then it is supposed to get cold again. Ah, winter! The best thing I can say about it is that it really makes me appreciate the other 3 seasons of the year.
I am feeling like I'm going in to hibernation mode a bit. There are friends that I would like to get in touch with, just to say hi, exchange news etc. It would be nice to get together with some folks for an evening of company. But I can't seem to put in the effort.
However, the days are starting to get longer and I know winter won't last forever.
Yesterday was an OK Weight Watcher-ing day. I have to confess that I did deviate from my planned meals/snacks, and I had a can of Coke and a handful of dark chocolate M&M's. But it's all counted and I still have Flex Points left, so it's not a disaster.
Exercise-wise I kicked butt. (Do ya'll mind if I say Kicked Ass? Probably not. I think it's my mother's voice in my head, still telling me to watch my language after all these years). I did my Burn & Firm Pilates DVD with 4 lb weights (45 minutes), then I did some extra upper body work with heavier weights, plus 35 full push-ups, then 20 minutes walking on the treadmill (I just can't seem to stay away from the thing).
Re: the push-ups - a poster on the weightwatchers.ca message board that I check in with every day issued a challenge to do 210 push-ups this week - that's 30 a day. So I thought: why not? I ended up doing 35 (15 + 10 +10) which makes me feel kinda proud.
Scale was up a bit again this morning, I'm hoping it is just as a result of not enough water yesterday plus the strength training.
P.S. - Thank-you so much to Erin at Our Wicked Weighs for choosing me as the Featured Loser for the week. I am truly honored that you would think of me.
-----------------------
Daily Record
-----------------------
Weight: 142.7 lb
BF: Whole Wheat Raisin toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: Yogurt w/strawberries & raspberries, 12 almonds
Supper: salad, pizza on whole wheat pita
I am feeling like I'm going in to hibernation mode a bit. There are friends that I would like to get in touch with, just to say hi, exchange news etc. It would be nice to get together with some folks for an evening of company. But I can't seem to put in the effort.
However, the days are starting to get longer and I know winter won't last forever.
Yesterday was an OK Weight Watcher-ing day. I have to confess that I did deviate from my planned meals/snacks, and I had a can of Coke and a handful of dark chocolate M&M's. But it's all counted and I still have Flex Points left, so it's not a disaster.
Exercise-wise I kicked butt. (Do ya'll mind if I say Kicked Ass? Probably not. I think it's my mother's voice in my head, still telling me to watch my language after all these years). I did my Burn & Firm Pilates DVD with 4 lb weights (45 minutes), then I did some extra upper body work with heavier weights, plus 35 full push-ups, then 20 minutes walking on the treadmill (I just can't seem to stay away from the thing).
Re: the push-ups - a poster on the weightwatchers.ca message board that I check in with every day issued a challenge to do 210 push-ups this week - that's 30 a day. So I thought: why not? I ended up doing 35 (15 + 10 +10) which makes me feel kinda proud.
Scale was up a bit again this morning, I'm hoping it is just as a result of not enough water yesterday plus the strength training.
P.S. - Thank-you so much to Erin at Our Wicked Weighs for choosing me as the Featured Loser for the week. I am truly honored that you would think of me.
-----------------------
Daily Record
-----------------------
Weight: 142.7 lb
BF: Whole Wheat Raisin toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: Yogurt w/strawberries & raspberries, 12 almonds
Supper: salad, pizza on whole wheat pita
Monday, January 21, 2008
It's a cold one, folks...
High of -16 C here today, with wind chill in the - 30's. Moon dropped me off in front of work, so I wasn't outside for long, but it was long enough to feel how cold it was and to be glad I didn't have to walk far.
I feel like I did quite well this weekend. A couple of small treats, but overall I ate healthy meals & snacks in proper portions. Have leftovers for supper tonight, which makes for an easy day. Got in my workouts, so as long as I can get in 3 evening workouts between now and Friday, I'm good.
Toward the end of last week it was starting to get hard. I was feeling that urge to scrounge around the house, searching for chocolate (not like it would really be too hard to find in my house). And yesterday while I was on the treadmill I was having popcorn cravings - for real popcorn, made in a pot on the stove, with melted butter and salt. But, for now I am hanging tough.
Sometimes it feels like it's all or nothing with me. I either stick to the program and ban treats, or I fall completely off the wagon. Sometimes I can manage to have small treats, but I find I have to watch it because it seems like the more I have the more I want...which leads to that whole falling off the wagon thing. It's a delicate balance.
So, while I did have a couple of small treats on the weekend, for the rest of the week I want to stick to my meal plans.
-------------------
Daily Record
-------------------
Weight: 142.5
BF: WW Raisin toast w/PB, Coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: Jerry Spring Rolls (Crazy Plates recipe) and Ma Po Tofu w/Jasmine Rice.
I feel like I did quite well this weekend. A couple of small treats, but overall I ate healthy meals & snacks in proper portions. Have leftovers for supper tonight, which makes for an easy day. Got in my workouts, so as long as I can get in 3 evening workouts between now and Friday, I'm good.
Toward the end of last week it was starting to get hard. I was feeling that urge to scrounge around the house, searching for chocolate (not like it would really be too hard to find in my house). And yesterday while I was on the treadmill I was having popcorn cravings - for real popcorn, made in a pot on the stove, with melted butter and salt. But, for now I am hanging tough.
Sometimes it feels like it's all or nothing with me. I either stick to the program and ban treats, or I fall completely off the wagon. Sometimes I can manage to have small treats, but I find I have to watch it because it seems like the more I have the more I want...which leads to that whole falling off the wagon thing. It's a delicate balance.
So, while I did have a couple of small treats on the weekend, for the rest of the week I want to stick to my meal plans.
-------------------
Daily Record
-------------------
Weight: 142.5
BF: WW Raisin toast w/PB, Coffee w/cream
Lunch: Chickpea curry w/brown rice
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: Jerry Spring Rolls (Crazy Plates recipe) and Ma Po Tofu w/Jasmine Rice.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
I'm here!
I often don't get around to posting on weekends, seems like I spend the weekends running around like a crazy person. I was going to have some fun and post some pictures, but for some reason things don't seem to be working right.
So, instead I will just say that my weekend has been going well. Got on the treadmill last night and then did some yoga. Today I did my Iron Yoga DVD, so hopefully all that yoga has washed away the stress from last week. Eating has also been good today, I've actually tracked all my points.
That's it for today folks. Hope you all have a great weekend.
So, instead I will just say that my weekend has been going well. Got on the treadmill last night and then did some yoga. Today I did my Iron Yoga DVD, so hopefully all that yoga has washed away the stress from last week. Eating has also been good today, I've actually tracked all my points.
That's it for today folks. Hope you all have a great weekend.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday - Weigh In Day
Weigh In: 142.5 (-1.1 lb)
Week in Review
So I’m up from yesterday’s weigh-in, but still down overall for the week. So that’s good.
Food
Last weekend, again, not so good with the tracking. I seem to have a hard time with tracking points on the weekend – mainly because I can’t be bothered to take the time to sit down and do it, or to plan out meals. Like it takes such a long time. But, I’ve been doing well during the week.
I’m not really feeling like I’m doing Weight Watchers, truth be told. I am basically planning out my meals/snacks and sticking to them. I keep additional snack options in mind in case I might need them. I do enter it all into the tracker, but at this point it is more of a verification than anything. But I do think the points program is still helping me; I think I need that upper limit. I enter in my planned meals, see that I’m where I should be for the day and I know not to eat anything that is not on the plan. So far, so good.
Exercise
As I’ve mentioned, I have switched to evening workouts for a while. I suspect that I will eventually go back to getting up early in the mornings, but I’m feeling like I need a break from that right now. This seems to be resulting in a good news/bad news scenario...Good news: My exercise sessions have been longer because I don’t feel rushed like I do in the mornings. Bad news: Sometimes other things get in the way. But, if we’re gonna be realistic...it’s not like I’ve never missed a workout because I decided to sleep in either. So, hopefully it will even out.
For this week, I got in hour long sessions on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Wednesday night, my exercise was pre-empted by having to do some overtime work from home. Same thing happened last night. Not happy about it, but there it is.
Plan for the coming week
Basically...Repeat last week, but hopefully without overtime to disrupt my exercise sessions. And more immediately, try to have meal plans in mind for the weekend and stick to them.
Other
And finally, if you didn’t see my Fabulous Felines post from earlier in the week, do scroll down and check it out. They are just so purr-ty, they can’t help but make you smile!
Week in Review
So I’m up from yesterday’s weigh-in, but still down overall for the week. So that’s good.
Food
Last weekend, again, not so good with the tracking. I seem to have a hard time with tracking points on the weekend – mainly because I can’t be bothered to take the time to sit down and do it, or to plan out meals. Like it takes such a long time. But, I’ve been doing well during the week.
I’m not really feeling like I’m doing Weight Watchers, truth be told. I am basically planning out my meals/snacks and sticking to them. I keep additional snack options in mind in case I might need them. I do enter it all into the tracker, but at this point it is more of a verification than anything. But I do think the points program is still helping me; I think I need that upper limit. I enter in my planned meals, see that I’m where I should be for the day and I know not to eat anything that is not on the plan. So far, so good.
Exercise
As I’ve mentioned, I have switched to evening workouts for a while. I suspect that I will eventually go back to getting up early in the mornings, but I’m feeling like I need a break from that right now. This seems to be resulting in a good news/bad news scenario...Good news: My exercise sessions have been longer because I don’t feel rushed like I do in the mornings. Bad news: Sometimes other things get in the way. But, if we’re gonna be realistic...it’s not like I’ve never missed a workout because I decided to sleep in either. So, hopefully it will even out.
For this week, I got in hour long sessions on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Wednesday night, my exercise was pre-empted by having to do some overtime work from home. Same thing happened last night. Not happy about it, but there it is.
Plan for the coming week
Basically...Repeat last week, but hopefully without overtime to disrupt my exercise sessions. And more immediately, try to have meal plans in mind for the weekend and stick to them.
Other
And finally, if you didn’t see my Fabulous Felines post from earlier in the week, do scroll down and check it out. They are just so purr-ty, they can’t help but make you smile!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
What's your sign?
I just discovered recently that Ellen Barret, my favourite exercise DVD instructor of all time, has co-authored a book called Zodiaction. I was curious when I saw this title; what could the signs of the Zodiac have to do with fitness?
I looked it up on amazon, and found that indeed is what it’s all about – how your astrological sign relates to your personal fitness program. Personally, I don’t believe in astrology or horoscopes. I think they can be fun, entertaining, but I’ve never thought they really mean anything. So I was pretty much ready to dismiss this too.
Then, as I continued to skim the description, I saw that one of the discussion points was:
Why a Taurus will get good mileadge out of a treadmill
I have to admit; that peaked my interest. I am a Taurus, and here I’ve been going on for the past week and a half about my love for the treadmill. I did belong to a gym for a few years, and I used other equipment; I think I pretty much tried out all of the cardio options that were available at my gym. I always came back to the treadmill.
For me, there is something therapeutic about walking. I love to walk outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and scenery. And the treadmill does it for me just as well. Even without a TV to watch, I can walk and let my thoughts wander. It’s great when I have something on my mind – walking really seems to help me sort through things.
So now I am even more curious. What do Ellen Barrett and her co-author Barrie Dolnick have to say about me and my treadmill? I’m not sure that I want to buy the book, but I admit, I’d like to know the answer to that question.
Here's the complete list in case you want to check out your sign:
• The top-three foods Aries should stock up on
• Why a Taurus will get good mileage out of a treadmill
• Why Gemini should steer clear of candy
• Why Cancer should stick to noncompetitive workout buddies
• What makes Leo queen of the gym
• What type of massage will send Virgo straight to heaven
• How Libra can achieve inner peace
• The peak hours for Scorpio to exercise
• Why Sagittarius’s legs are her most important feature
• Why Capricorn is a cardio all-star
• What kind of personal trainer makes Aquarius jump for joy
• Why Pisces prefers swimming and self-defense
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Daily Record
------------------
Weight: 142.3
BF: Multi-Grain Cheerios w/2% milk, coffee w/cream
Lunch: leftover spaghetti
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: Chicken Skewers & Brazillian Black Bean Soup (Moosewood recipe)
I looked it up on amazon, and found that indeed is what it’s all about – how your astrological sign relates to your personal fitness program. Personally, I don’t believe in astrology or horoscopes. I think they can be fun, entertaining, but I’ve never thought they really mean anything. So I was pretty much ready to dismiss this too.
Then, as I continued to skim the description, I saw that one of the discussion points was:
Why a Taurus will get good mileadge out of a treadmill
I have to admit; that peaked my interest. I am a Taurus, and here I’ve been going on for the past week and a half about my love for the treadmill. I did belong to a gym for a few years, and I used other equipment; I think I pretty much tried out all of the cardio options that were available at my gym. I always came back to the treadmill.
For me, there is something therapeutic about walking. I love to walk outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and scenery. And the treadmill does it for me just as well. Even without a TV to watch, I can walk and let my thoughts wander. It’s great when I have something on my mind – walking really seems to help me sort through things.
So now I am even more curious. What do Ellen Barrett and her co-author Barrie Dolnick have to say about me and my treadmill? I’m not sure that I want to buy the book, but I admit, I’d like to know the answer to that question.
Here's the complete list in case you want to check out your sign:
• The top-three foods Aries should stock up on
• Why a Taurus will get good mileage out of a treadmill
• Why Gemini should steer clear of candy
• Why Cancer should stick to noncompetitive workout buddies
• What makes Leo queen of the gym
• What type of massage will send Virgo straight to heaven
• How Libra can achieve inner peace
• The peak hours for Scorpio to exercise
• Why Sagittarius’s legs are her most important feature
• Why Capricorn is a cardio all-star
• What kind of personal trainer makes Aquarius jump for joy
• Why Pisces prefers swimming and self-defense
------------------
Daily Record
------------------
Weight: 142.3
BF: Multi-Grain Cheerios w/2% milk, coffee w/cream
Lunch: leftover spaghetti
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: Chicken Skewers & Brazillian Black Bean Soup (Moosewood recipe)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Reasons to lose weight - #2
This is not a new struggle for me, obviously. I keep at it for health reasons, but also – let’s be honest here – vanity plays a part. I don’t like how I look. I don’t like being chubby. So, I keep coming back to the struggle.
Despite what I have just said, during this struggle I sometimes – often even – find myself thinking: but if I lose weight, my clothes won’t fit anymore and I like my clothes. How crazy is that? Yeah, I like my clothes...but let’s face it, I like new clothes as well. I tend to buy new clothes every season (in addition to liking clothes, I also like to shop). Eventually clothes wear out, go out of style, etc. So as much as I like these clothes, it’s not like I am going to wear them forever.
I don’t know if that “but I like my clothes” refrain is an excuse not to try harder. Or something to console myself with because I feel I’m going to fail anyway, but at least I can cheer myself with the fact that I have nice clothes to wear. Regardless, this stops now. Instead, I will remind myself:
1. It will take time to lose weight, so I can enjoy wearing my beloved clothes until then.
2. When I lose weight, it will be fun to shop for smaller sizes.
So that’s it. No more shopping. I certainly don’t need new clothes – I have lots to wear. I will make full use of what I have, until such time as a) they no longer fit me because I have become so slim, or b) I have legitimately worn them out and I have nothing to wear.
-----------------------
Daily Record
-----------------------
Weight: 143
BF: toasted WW Raisin Bread w/PB, coffee w/Cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: ??
Despite what I have just said, during this struggle I sometimes – often even – find myself thinking: but if I lose weight, my clothes won’t fit anymore and I like my clothes. How crazy is that? Yeah, I like my clothes...but let’s face it, I like new clothes as well. I tend to buy new clothes every season (in addition to liking clothes, I also like to shop). Eventually clothes wear out, go out of style, etc. So as much as I like these clothes, it’s not like I am going to wear them forever.
I don’t know if that “but I like my clothes” refrain is an excuse not to try harder. Or something to console myself with because I feel I’m going to fail anyway, but at least I can cheer myself with the fact that I have nice clothes to wear. Regardless, this stops now. Instead, I will remind myself:
1. It will take time to lose weight, so I can enjoy wearing my beloved clothes until then.
2. When I lose weight, it will be fun to shop for smaller sizes.
So that’s it. No more shopping. I certainly don’t need new clothes – I have lots to wear. I will make full use of what I have, until such time as a) they no longer fit me because I have become so slim, or b) I have legitimately worn them out and I have nothing to wear.
-----------------------
Daily Record
-----------------------
Weight: 143
BF: toasted WW Raisin Bread w/PB, coffee w/Cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: ??
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Snowy Tuesday
Started out as quite a snowy day. Actually, the snow started yesterday in the afternoon and things were getting messy by the time we left work. There was a heavy snowfall warning overnight, and we did indeed get a pile of the white stuff dumped on us. Though certainly not the largest snow fall we've had this winter. It was still snowing this morning, but by late morning the sun was out.
Did my workout last night after supper. Would have preferred before supper, but Moon was starved and wanted to eat. So I ended up adding a post-workout snack to my day yesterday, but it was still a good day. Did 40 mins with weights and then 20 mins on the treadmill. Hopefully tonight will be another cardio session.
Moved my ticker to the top of the page; used to be at the bottom, but I thought it might be more motivational if it was at the top where I could actually see it.
------------------
Daily Record
------------------
Weight: 143 (- 0.6)
BF: Toasted WW Raisin Bread w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: Chicken Strips & Fries, raw veggies
Post-Workout snack: Multi-Grain Cheerios w/2% milk
Did my workout last night after supper. Would have preferred before supper, but Moon was starved and wanted to eat. So I ended up adding a post-workout snack to my day yesterday, but it was still a good day. Did 40 mins with weights and then 20 mins on the treadmill. Hopefully tonight will be another cardio session.
Moved my ticker to the top of the page; used to be at the bottom, but I thought it might be more motivational if it was at the top where I could actually see it.
------------------
Daily Record
------------------
Weight: 143 (- 0.6)
BF: Toasted WW Raisin Bread w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: Chicken Strips & Fries, raw veggies
Post-Workout snack: Multi-Grain Cheerios w/2% milk
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Fabulous Felines
We now take a break from our regularly scheduled obsessing about weight loss to introduce the fabulous felines, Fred and George. JavaChick loves them to pieces, spoils them rotten and shares her dinner with them whenever they wish.
The treadmill has landed
The treadmill arrived on Saturday morning, and what a fun time the delivery guys had getting it into the basement. They just do not design houses with large-object delivery in mind. Which doesn't make sense, as most people do at least have a couch.
We had errands to run, shopping to do on Saturday so the treadmill had to wait until Sunday morning. It turned out to be fairly easy to put together (though it's a good thing I have lifted a weight or two in my workout history, as the base was pretty darn heavy and we had to lift it out of the box). The cats were quite enchanted with the giant box the treadmill came in, so they provided entertainment while we were assembling the thing.
Moon and I both gave it a short spin, to try it out (still trying to convince Moon that he needs to buy sneakers) and then I had to get on with other things. But, it was in the back of my mind all day and I did hop on in the late afternoon/early evening and spent an hour on it. I put the TV on and I found the time went very fast; I could have stayed on longer except it was getting late and I had to finish getting supper and so on. But for whatever reason, I do enjoy using a treadmill very much and hopefully it will get lots of use.
----------------------------
Daily Record: 143.2 (-0.4)
BF: Toasted WW Raisin Bread (made myself) w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Sagrati's Greek Fest Wrap
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: Thai One On (Thai Shrimp Soup, ESBM) & 1 egg roll
Post workout snack: MultiGrain Cheerios w/2% milk
We had errands to run, shopping to do on Saturday so the treadmill had to wait until Sunday morning. It turned out to be fairly easy to put together (though it's a good thing I have lifted a weight or two in my workout history, as the base was pretty darn heavy and we had to lift it out of the box). The cats were quite enchanted with the giant box the treadmill came in, so they provided entertainment while we were assembling the thing.
Moon and I both gave it a short spin, to try it out (still trying to convince Moon that he needs to buy sneakers) and then I had to get on with other things. But, it was in the back of my mind all day and I did hop on in the late afternoon/early evening and spent an hour on it. I put the TV on and I found the time went very fast; I could have stayed on longer except it was getting late and I had to finish getting supper and so on. But for whatever reason, I do enjoy using a treadmill very much and hopefully it will get lots of use.
----------------------------
Daily Record: 143.2 (-0.4)
BF: Toasted WW Raisin Bread (made myself) w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Sagrati's Greek Fest Wrap
Snack: Yogurt & Berries
Supper: Thai One On (Thai Shrimp Soup, ESBM) & 1 egg roll
Post workout snack: MultiGrain Cheerios w/2% milk
Friday, January 11, 2008
It's Friday!
Friday is weigh-in day, something I often look forward to with mixed feelings. Ever hopeful, often with a certain amount of dread. Today was ok:
143.6 (- 0.9lb)
I will not lie, I had hoped to see the scale go down a bit more than that, but it is still a move in the right direction.
Now would be a good time to evaluate the past week, so here goes:
~ last weekend was not so great; some out of control munching going on there
~ Monday to Thursday I planned my meals and I followed my plans
~ exercise was definitely lacking this week. I think I am having a hard time getting back in to the morning exercise routine because, truthfully, I resent it. I am not a morning person. Waking up is hard. Waking up earlier is excruciating. But I have to accept that for now, this is my reality; I just have to bite the bullet and do it.
Goals for the coming week:
~ allow myself some treats on the weekend, but exercise a bit more control
~ keep on following those meal plans
~ get in more exercise sessions
Treadmill should arrive tomorrow, excited!
George the cat seems absolutely fine, so I guess whatever his problem was on Wednesday, it's over now.
---------------------------
Daily Record
---------------------------
BF: toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: Chicken Pad Thai from Thai Hut.
143.6 (- 0.9lb)
I will not lie, I had hoped to see the scale go down a bit more than that, but it is still a move in the right direction.
Now would be a good time to evaluate the past week, so here goes:
~ last weekend was not so great; some out of control munching going on there
~ Monday to Thursday I planned my meals and I followed my plans
~ exercise was definitely lacking this week. I think I am having a hard time getting back in to the morning exercise routine because, truthfully, I resent it. I am not a morning person. Waking up is hard. Waking up earlier is excruciating. But I have to accept that for now, this is my reality; I just have to bite the bullet and do it.
Goals for the coming week:
~ allow myself some treats on the weekend, but exercise a bit more control
~ keep on following those meal plans
~ get in more exercise sessions
Treadmill should arrive tomorrow, excited!
George the cat seems absolutely fine, so I guess whatever his problem was on Wednesday, it's over now.
---------------------------
Daily Record
---------------------------
BF: toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: Chicken Pad Thai from Thai Hut.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
I love my cats. Really. I do.
So, the plan yesterday was to go home after work and do a workout. I was able to do that Tuesday, no reason it shouldn't work on Wednesday.
Then, we ended up being an hour late leaving work.
Got home to discover that one of the cats, George, had thrown up on the hallway floor twice. Noticed he was getting ready to do it again on the carpet in the spare room. Managed to grab him in time to move him to the hall, hardwood being easier to clean than carpet. Go in to the spare room to find that he has already thrown up twice on the carpet anyway.
So I set about cleaning and scrubbing. Master bedroom was fine. Check basement and find another mess to clean up. Find another one in the living room by the unpleasant method of stepping in it.
By the time all that was done, I barely had energy to make supper. Didn't even clean up the kitchen after supper, so I have that to look forward to when I get home today.
Thinking I'd better make sure to get in a workout today, I set the alarm for early wake up time and went off to bed at my usual time of 10:15 PM.
Normally, I fall asleep quite easily. Not last night. I tossed and turned. My legs were twitchy. My feet were itchy. I could feel something under my leg, digging in my knee. Kept trying to brush it away with my hand and finding nothing. Serious Princess and the Pea syndrome. I tossed and I turned some more.
Needless to say, I did not make it out of bed to exercise this morning.
George seems to be fine. I kept an eye on him last night and he was eating, drinking and behaving normally. Because I really do love my cats and I don't want them to be sick.
Yeah. So. It was just one of those days.
------------------------------------------
Daily Record
------------------------------------------
Weight: : 143.7 lbs
BF: Toast w/PB. Coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Beans & Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: PC Indian Butter Chicken sauce w/chicken, cauliflower, bell peppers. PC Garlic Naan
Then, we ended up being an hour late leaving work.
Got home to discover that one of the cats, George, had thrown up on the hallway floor twice. Noticed he was getting ready to do it again on the carpet in the spare room. Managed to grab him in time to move him to the hall, hardwood being easier to clean than carpet. Go in to the spare room to find that he has already thrown up twice on the carpet anyway.
So I set about cleaning and scrubbing. Master bedroom was fine. Check basement and find another mess to clean up. Find another one in the living room by the unpleasant method of stepping in it.
By the time all that was done, I barely had energy to make supper. Didn't even clean up the kitchen after supper, so I have that to look forward to when I get home today.
Thinking I'd better make sure to get in a workout today, I set the alarm for early wake up time and went off to bed at my usual time of 10:15 PM.
Normally, I fall asleep quite easily. Not last night. I tossed and turned. My legs were twitchy. My feet were itchy. I could feel something under my leg, digging in my knee. Kept trying to brush it away with my hand and finding nothing. Serious Princess and the Pea syndrome. I tossed and I turned some more.
Needless to say, I did not make it out of bed to exercise this morning.
George seems to be fine. I kept an eye on him last night and he was eating, drinking and behaving normally. Because I really do love my cats and I don't want them to be sick.
Yeah. So. It was just one of those days.
------------------------------------------
Daily Record
------------------------------------------
Weight: : 143.7 lbs
BF: Toast w/PB. Coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Beans & Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: PC Indian Butter Chicken sauce w/chicken, cauliflower, bell peppers. PC Garlic Naan
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Reasons to lose Weight - #1
This morning, I find myself asking: if not now, then when?
I'm wearing a pair of pants this morning that are normally quite comfortable, if not a teensy bit loose. Today, I wouldn't call them tight...but they are definitely snug. No room to grow there, that's for sure.
It has been normal for me to bounce up and down a bit - normally between 130 & 136...but over the past year I have definitely gone beyond that. Can't believe I have found myself at 145 lbs. So it's time to do something before it gets any worse. It's only going to get harder as time goes on. I certainly don't want to gain more.
The time is definitely now.
Daily details...
Count down to treadmill...3 days! Kind of excited.
Weather is still warm; 7 degrees on the way in to work this morning! I only wore 2 layers of clothing to work today and I'm actually comfortable. I know it won't last, but for now I am loving it!
Knew it was bound to happen - scale bounced up a bit this morning, but I am still down from last Friday.
---------------------
Daily Record
---------------------
Weight: 144.2
BF: Toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: ???
I'm wearing a pair of pants this morning that are normally quite comfortable, if not a teensy bit loose. Today, I wouldn't call them tight...but they are definitely snug. No room to grow there, that's for sure.
It has been normal for me to bounce up and down a bit - normally between 130 & 136...but over the past year I have definitely gone beyond that. Can't believe I have found myself at 145 lbs. So it's time to do something before it gets any worse. It's only going to get harder as time goes on. I certainly don't want to gain more.
The time is definitely now.
Daily details...
Count down to treadmill...3 days! Kind of excited.
Weather is still warm; 7 degrees on the way in to work this morning! I only wore 2 layers of clothing to work today and I'm actually comfortable. I know it won't last, but for now I am loving it!
Knew it was bound to happen - scale bounced up a bit this morning, but I am still down from last Friday.
---------------------
Daily Record
---------------------
Weight: 144.2
BF: Toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: ???
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Count down to treadmill...4 days!
Four days until treadmill is delivered (Saturday).
And the warming trend continues - the temperature is staying above 0, the snow is melting. My deck furniture is finally snow free - this time I will get it inside before it gets buried in snow again. And I'm still working on convincing Moon that he should get something to cover that brand new BBQ he was so happy to get last summer.
Scale is still making me happy - 143.7 this morning. I know that the consistent decline in numbers is because I have gone from holiday eating to normal eating, and the rate of loss will slow down. But I don't care! For now it's making me happy.
Had an excellent day yesterday - adhered to my meal plan and avoided treats for a change. Treats are good...just not as many as I've been having lately!
Couldn't convince myself to get up to exercise this morning, but I did a workout as soon as I got home from work today. Just about to finish making supper and eat. So I am close to staying on plan for two days in a row. Imagine that.
------------------
Daily Record
------------------
Weight: 143.7
BF: Toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: Spaghetti Bolognese
And the warming trend continues - the temperature is staying above 0, the snow is melting. My deck furniture is finally snow free - this time I will get it inside before it gets buried in snow again. And I'm still working on convincing Moon that he should get something to cover that brand new BBQ he was so happy to get last summer.
Scale is still making me happy - 143.7 this morning. I know that the consistent decline in numbers is because I have gone from holiday eating to normal eating, and the rate of loss will slow down. But I don't care! For now it's making me happy.
Had an excellent day yesterday - adhered to my meal plan and avoided treats for a change. Treats are good...just not as many as I've been having lately!
Couldn't convince myself to get up to exercise this morning, but I did a workout as soon as I got home from work today. Just about to finish making supper and eat. So I am close to staying on plan for two days in a row. Imagine that.
------------------
Daily Record
------------------
Weight: 143.7
BF: Toast w/PB, coffee w/cream
Lunch: Mexican White Bean & Brown Rice Casserole
Snack: Yogurt & berries
Supper: Spaghetti Bolognese
Monday, January 7, 2008
First Monday of 2008!
Heh. I am liking this new scale with it's teeny increments. Started out last week at 145.1, then 144.5, this morning 144.2. Of course, it's bound to bounce back up at some point - suppose I won't be as tickled about it then? We'll see.
Dragged my butt out of bed for a workout this morning. Just a half hour - decided to easy myself into it. Moon thinks I should switch to working out in the evening so I won't be so tired from getting up early, but then I'm afraid I will end up being lazy and not doing it. May move to a combo. Again, we'll see.
Trying a new recipe for supper tonight. It's a weight watchers recipe and I have to admit that WW recipes I have tried in the past have not thrilled me. But this one looked like it should be tasty, and I should be able to spice it up if it seems too bland. That makes another "we'll see". I'm on a roll today.
The weather has been getting progressively warmer since the weekend. Love it, love it, love it! We're actually above 0 folks. Quite a difference from the -20/-29 wind chill days last week. The snow is melting, making quite a mess. But I don't care. It's warm!
Ha. 4 degress is warm? Well, after -29 it is.
-----------------------------
Daily Record
-----------------------------
Weight: 144.2
BF: 1 slice WW toast w/PB. Coffee w/cream.
Lunch: 6 almonds, leftover pad thai (Crazy Plates recipe)
Snack: yogurt w/berries, cofee w/cream
Supper: Chicken Tikka Masala w/Basmati Rice
Dragged my butt out of bed for a workout this morning. Just a half hour - decided to easy myself into it. Moon thinks I should switch to working out in the evening so I won't be so tired from getting up early, but then I'm afraid I will end up being lazy and not doing it. May move to a combo. Again, we'll see.
Trying a new recipe for supper tonight. It's a weight watchers recipe and I have to admit that WW recipes I have tried in the past have not thrilled me. But this one looked like it should be tasty, and I should be able to spice it up if it seems too bland. That makes another "we'll see". I'm on a roll today.
The weather has been getting progressively warmer since the weekend. Love it, love it, love it! We're actually above 0 folks. Quite a difference from the -20/-29 wind chill days last week. The snow is melting, making quite a mess. But I don't care. It's warm!
Ha. 4 degress is warm? Well, after -29 it is.
-----------------------------
Daily Record
-----------------------------
Weight: 144.2
BF: 1 slice WW toast w/PB. Coffee w/cream.
Lunch: 6 almonds, leftover pad thai (Crazy Plates recipe)
Snack: yogurt w/berries, cofee w/cream
Supper: Chicken Tikka Masala w/Basmati Rice
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Bought a treadmill!
I've been wanting a treadmill for a long time, but we kept putting it off. Always something else to spend money on. But this weekend, we finally did it. It will be delivered next Saturday. Then we just have to figure out how to put it together. Should be fun. Moon even said that he would probably use it. Okay, I'll believe it when I see it, but I'm hoping. We'll have to buy him some sneakers first anyway.
Other than that, not much going on this weekend. Cooking, cleaning, laundry. Some how I never seem to run out of that kind of stuff - I never finish. Gets frustrating.
Back to work tomorrow, and actually have a full work week to look forward to. Ugh. In our freezing cold office. Ugh. I accept that I have to work for a living, but it would be nice if I could actually be comfortable at work. Is that so much to ask?
Eating has not been great this weekend. I know, I know. I just climb back on the wagon and already I'm getting slack. This week I will do better.
Other than that, not much going on this weekend. Cooking, cleaning, laundry. Some how I never seem to run out of that kind of stuff - I never finish. Gets frustrating.
Back to work tomorrow, and actually have a full work week to look forward to. Ugh. In our freezing cold office. Ugh. I accept that I have to work for a living, but it would be nice if I could actually be comfortable at work. Is that so much to ask?
Eating has not been great this weekend. I know, I know. I just climb back on the wagon and already I'm getting slack. This week I will do better.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Starting all over again: The Best Laid Plans...
I seem to need a plan. I need a meal plan. I need lists of foods to eat and to avoid. I need strategies for coping. I need some method of tracking, some method of accountability. Basically, I need some direction.
I have tried a few different things. A few years back I actually had some success with the old Weight Watchers plan - where you counted servings of different food groups. I was quite motivated at the time. I remember sitting on my end of the couch, resolutely ignoring the popcorn that my darling husband (then boyfriend) was munching on his end of the couch. I can picture myself now, almost physically leaning away from the smell of the popcorn.
I used fitday for a long time. Then had brief flings with sparkpeople and calorie-count. They are all useful tools.
For a while I was really tracking, paying attention to calories on exercise days vs. non-exercise days, using a formula that I found on Hussman Fitness (an excellent no-nonsense resource by the way).
All of those things worked for a while. But eventually I reached a breaking point. I would get frustrated and discouraged, tired of the whole thing. I felt like I didn't even know what to eat any more or how much. More calories, less calories. High-intensity exercise, low intensity, intervals. More strength training, less strength training. Argh.
It seems like it shouldn't be so difficult. It should be common sense. I find that in the media it is often made to sound easy - eat less, exercise more and the pounds will come off. Yet I would feel like I was working my butt off, and getting nowhere.
I still don't have an answer.
I know the theory of eat less, move more should work. But it seems like I must be missing something, because my efforts have not translated into results.
Now, obviously I haven't been making much of an effort over the past month or so. Particularly in the past 2 weeks, the weight loss attempts fell by the way-side. But I am back, picking it up to try again. What will make it different this time? What will be the winning strategy?
I am going to give Weight Watchers another go. If nothing else, the support on the message boards is wonderful. I will try to get really serious with it. I really want to put emphasis on eating healthfully, eating real foods, nutritious foods, and cutting out the junk. Really I should be able to do this without Weight Watchers. There is a little voice somewhere in a corner of my brain saying maybe I would even be better off doing it without Weight Watchers. But I am going to give it a try and see how it goes.
Now, at the moment there are still quite a few "treats" left in the house. Not the best environment for a serious weight loss effort. But I will hide them away, try to ignore them as best I can. Try to fill myself up on good foods so I feel full and don't need treats. Once I get grocery shopping this weekend and restock on healthy foods, it should be easier.
Today is my official Weigh-In/Points Reset day in WW Online. So, here I go. For the gazillionth time: starting all over again.
Current weight: 144.5
Goal weight: 120
Short term goal: 129 lb by April 29th
I have tried a few different things. A few years back I actually had some success with the old Weight Watchers plan - where you counted servings of different food groups. I was quite motivated at the time. I remember sitting on my end of the couch, resolutely ignoring the popcorn that my darling husband (then boyfriend) was munching on his end of the couch. I can picture myself now, almost physically leaning away from the smell of the popcorn.
I used fitday for a long time. Then had brief flings with sparkpeople and calorie-count. They are all useful tools.
For a while I was really tracking, paying attention to calories on exercise days vs. non-exercise days, using a formula that I found on Hussman Fitness (an excellent no-nonsense resource by the way).
All of those things worked for a while. But eventually I reached a breaking point. I would get frustrated and discouraged, tired of the whole thing. I felt like I didn't even know what to eat any more or how much. More calories, less calories. High-intensity exercise, low intensity, intervals. More strength training, less strength training. Argh.
It seems like it shouldn't be so difficult. It should be common sense. I find that in the media it is often made to sound easy - eat less, exercise more and the pounds will come off. Yet I would feel like I was working my butt off, and getting nowhere.
I still don't have an answer.
I know the theory of eat less, move more should work. But it seems like I must be missing something, because my efforts have not translated into results.
Now, obviously I haven't been making much of an effort over the past month or so. Particularly in the past 2 weeks, the weight loss attempts fell by the way-side. But I am back, picking it up to try again. What will make it different this time? What will be the winning strategy?
I am going to give Weight Watchers another go. If nothing else, the support on the message boards is wonderful. I will try to get really serious with it. I really want to put emphasis on eating healthfully, eating real foods, nutritious foods, and cutting out the junk. Really I should be able to do this without Weight Watchers. There is a little voice somewhere in a corner of my brain saying maybe I would even be better off doing it without Weight Watchers. But I am going to give it a try and see how it goes.
Now, at the moment there are still quite a few "treats" left in the house. Not the best environment for a serious weight loss effort. But I will hide them away, try to ignore them as best I can. Try to fill myself up on good foods so I feel full and don't need treats. Once I get grocery shopping this weekend and restock on healthy foods, it should be easier.
Today is my official Weigh-In/Points Reset day in WW Online. So, here I go. For the gazillionth time: starting all over again.
Current weight: 144.5
Goal weight: 120
Short term goal: 129 lb by April 29th
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Happy New Year!
And Happy 6th Wedding Anniversary to me and my darling hubby! Our anniversary is on New Year's Eve, and we had a lovely evening.
We had a lovely holiday all around, but now it is back to work and back to Weight Watcher-ing...5 pounds heavier than when I started out in September! Not good, but I feel motivated to stop the insanity.
I have to say - I did not feel ready to go back to work today, but I do feel ready to start eating healthy again. I can only stand so much indulgence. I'm really hoping I can get Moon on board as well, but we shall see.
And now, to provide some inspiration as I get going:
Bad foods that are actually great for your waist!
I think there is a lot of common sense in that article, and some useful things to keep in mind. I also feel a little vindicated!
* I'm not really a fan of red meat, but when we do have it, we always go for lean. Neither one of us enjoys chewing on fat, so steaks are always sirloin, and I always buy extra lean ground sirloin.
* I never like the "diet" versions of ice cream or cheese (with the exception of that Ben & Jerry's chocolate brownie frozen yogurt). Actually, I'm not that big a fan of ice cream (again, except for Ben & Jerry's). But I do like cheese, and I like my cheese to be full-fat, thank-you very much. Yogurt too. The low fat stuff always tasts like there is something missing. I'd much rather have a small serving of the real thing.
* If we're having pizza, it's usually made at home on whole wheat pita bread. Because it's easy to do, less greasy, and when you load it with peppers, onions and olives, and a good tomato sauce, it is very yummy.
So...this is my strategy for weight loss, and what I would like to adopt as my eating plan for life - eat real food that is healthy and tasty, in the correct portions. That almost sounds easy...
We had a lovely holiday all around, but now it is back to work and back to Weight Watcher-ing...5 pounds heavier than when I started out in September! Not good, but I feel motivated to stop the insanity.
I have to say - I did not feel ready to go back to work today, but I do feel ready to start eating healthy again. I can only stand so much indulgence. I'm really hoping I can get Moon on board as well, but we shall see.
And now, to provide some inspiration as I get going:
Bad foods that are actually great for your waist!
I think there is a lot of common sense in that article, and some useful things to keep in mind. I also feel a little vindicated!
* I'm not really a fan of red meat, but when we do have it, we always go for lean. Neither one of us enjoys chewing on fat, so steaks are always sirloin, and I always buy extra lean ground sirloin.
* I never like the "diet" versions of ice cream or cheese (with the exception of that Ben & Jerry's chocolate brownie frozen yogurt). Actually, I'm not that big a fan of ice cream (again, except for Ben & Jerry's). But I do like cheese, and I like my cheese to be full-fat, thank-you very much. Yogurt too. The low fat stuff always tasts like there is something missing. I'd much rather have a small serving of the real thing.
* If we're having pizza, it's usually made at home on whole wheat pita bread. Because it's easy to do, less greasy, and when you load it with peppers, onions and olives, and a good tomato sauce, it is very yummy.
So...this is my strategy for weight loss, and what I would like to adopt as my eating plan for life - eat real food that is healthy and tasty, in the correct portions. That almost sounds easy...
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