The week before last was not the best I've had in my weighloss journey. I ended up not feeling well and lost some of my focus. I also was feeling kind of bad that I had not lost much weight. So, I committed to re-focusing on my excersize routine and staying positive. Sure enough...it payed off! I lost 3.8 lbs this week! It feels great to see such results from my hard work! It also is also very motivating!
I am happy to report that only 2 months into this journey I am 2/3 of the way to my goal!! To be honest I wasn't sure that I would be able to lose any weight, let alone 30 lbs! But, I knew that I had to set a goal and 30lbs in 6 months felt do-able. Now, I can almost see the finish line and it's so exciting!! It really helps to have support and encouragement from my family and friends. Love them!
How about you? How are you doing on your weight loss journey? Are you staying focused or do you need some motivation?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Staying Positive
This past week was not very successful for me. I have been extremely tired all week. I just had no energy. I managed to stay within my allotted points, and I still worked out 5 out of 7 days, but my heart just was not in it. I ended up with a head cold or sinus infection Friday evening, so I'm not sure if I was just working on getting sick this week or if I was just burnt out.
Saturday, my husband I went out for our Valentines date. Our plan was to go out to dinner and to the movies. I knew it was a special treat so I wanted to enjoy myself, but to be honest I really struggled with myself. It was the first time since I started this journey that I have "gone off" my diet. Not that I didn't want to eat all the yummy food, I was just afraid of over doing it. I finally convinced myself that it was okay to partake, just in moderation!
So, I guess even though I feel I didn't have as successful a week as I wanted, I need to remember to stay positive. I did lose 0.7lbs despite my lack of commitment or ambition. A dear friend reminded me that this is not a 'lose weight quick' thing...it's a life style change. It is okay to eat things that aren't neccessaryily on my "list" just as long as I truly and fully enjoy them...in moderation of course!
This week I do plan to up my game. I intend to get my work out done first thing in the morning (instead of just eventually like I did last week) and add 10 minutes to my routine. I am also going to continue counting my points and drinking my 64 oz of water. And last but not least, I am going to stay positive.
How was your week and what do you plan to do different this week?
Saturday, my husband I went out for our Valentines date. Our plan was to go out to dinner and to the movies. I knew it was a special treat so I wanted to enjoy myself, but to be honest I really struggled with myself. It was the first time since I started this journey that I have "gone off" my diet. Not that I didn't want to eat all the yummy food, I was just afraid of over doing it. I finally convinced myself that it was okay to partake, just in moderation!
So, I guess even though I feel I didn't have as successful a week as I wanted, I need to remember to stay positive. I did lose 0.7lbs despite my lack of commitment or ambition. A dear friend reminded me that this is not a 'lose weight quick' thing...it's a life style change. It is okay to eat things that aren't neccessaryily on my "list" just as long as I truly and fully enjoy them...in moderation of course!
This week I do plan to up my game. I intend to get my work out done first thing in the morning (instead of just eventually like I did last week) and add 10 minutes to my routine. I am also going to continue counting my points and drinking my 64 oz of water. And last but not least, I am going to stay positive.
How was your week and what do you plan to do different this week?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Putting Your Favorite Recipe On A Diet
I think one of the hardest parts of going on a diet is not being able to enjoy some of your favorite recipes because they are not figure friendly. But the truth is with a little creative thinking you can easily make any (or most) recipe fit for your diet plan.
Andy and I have come to love a special recipe shared by our dear friend, Hannah. She served this up to us a few years ago when we made our first visit to her Traverse City home and we have savored it ever since. It has become our Christmas morning breakfast tradition, but we enjoy it for an evening meal once in awhile as well.
I just couldn't stand the thought of not being able to enjoy this delicious recipe again for awhile, so I figured out which ingredients I could slim down. It really wasn't all that hard. The best part is it taste exactly the same....still YUMMY!!
Here is the orginal recipe/my new version (in red)
Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
1 (5oz) bag of seasoned croutons
1/2 bag of FAT FREE croutons
1 lb ground breakfast sausage
1/2 lb ground TURKEY breakfast sausage
2 1/4 cups milk
2 1/4 cups FAT FREE milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup EGG SUBSTITUTE (equal to 4 eggs)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5) can condensed LOW FAT cream of mushroom soup
1 (10oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach (thawed & squeezed dry)
Same
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 bag (1 3/4 cups) of FAT FREE shredded cheddar cheese
Spread croutons on bottom of greased 13x9 in baking dish. Crumble sausage into skillet and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain of any drippings. Spread over croutons. Whisk milk and egg (substitute) in large bowl until blended. Stir in soup, spinach, and cheese. Pour over sausage and croutons. Refrigerate over night. Preheat oven to 325*. Bake 50-55 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top. ENJOY!
Makes 10 servings
Equals 3 WW points/serving!
Anyone have any favorite recipes that aren't suitable for your weight loss plan? Go ahead, give it a try...put that recipe on a diet!
Andy and I have come to love a special recipe shared by our dear friend, Hannah. She served this up to us a few years ago when we made our first visit to her Traverse City home and we have savored it ever since. It has become our Christmas morning breakfast tradition, but we enjoy it for an evening meal once in awhile as well.
I just couldn't stand the thought of not being able to enjoy this delicious recipe again for awhile, so I figured out which ingredients I could slim down. It really wasn't all that hard. The best part is it taste exactly the same....still YUMMY!!
Here is the orginal recipe/my new version (in red)
Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
1 (5oz) bag of seasoned croutons
1/2 bag of FAT FREE croutons
1 lb ground breakfast sausage
1/2 lb ground TURKEY breakfast sausage
2 1/4 cups milk
2 1/4 cups FAT FREE milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup EGG SUBSTITUTE (equal to 4 eggs)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5) can condensed LOW FAT cream of mushroom soup
1 (10oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach (thawed & squeezed dry)
Same
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 bag (1 3/4 cups) of FAT FREE shredded cheddar cheese
Spread croutons on bottom of greased 13x9 in baking dish. Crumble sausage into skillet and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain of any drippings. Spread over croutons. Whisk milk and egg (substitute) in large bowl until blended. Stir in soup, spinach, and cheese. Pour over sausage and croutons. Refrigerate over night. Preheat oven to 325*. Bake 50-55 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top. ENJOY!
Makes 10 servings
Equals 3 WW points/serving!
Anyone have any favorite recipes that aren't suitable for your weight loss plan? Go ahead, give it a try...put that recipe on a diet!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
One Month
Today marks one month since I began my weight loss journey. Although I have started diets many, many times, I have never stuck with any of them and have never been as successful as I have this time. I have also never continued an exercise routine for this long. Out of 31 days I have only missed one day and that was only because I chose to take a break, not because I was being lazy.
So, what makes this time different?
I think there are a number of things that make this journey different for me. First, I decided that I just wasn't going to allow myself to fail this time. I know how I was feeling about myself, and how I wanted to feel. That is my motivation. I am in this heart and soul!
Second, I made a plan. I decided how I wanted to go about losing weight and I chose to follow the WW Points program. I also figured out which foods would be healthier for me, but also satisfy my needs so I wouldn't feel like I was being deprived. Lastly, I set up a "safe zone" with foods that are only for me away from the kids snacks and treats. That way I am not as easily tempted.
Third, I set myself a reasonable goal. I know that it is going to take time to lose this weight. I didn't gain it in a day, I'm not going to lose it in a day. I knew that if I set a goal that is near impossible to reach I would stress out and fail. So, instead I gave myself plenty of time, and if I reach my goal before then, great!
And last, but not least, I think what has really made a difference for me this time is having a wonderful support system. I have never had that before. Knowing that I have some great friends to keep me in check is really encouraging.
So, what makes this time different?
I think there are a number of things that make this journey different for me. First, I decided that I just wasn't going to allow myself to fail this time. I know how I was feeling about myself, and how I wanted to feel. That is my motivation. I am in this heart and soul!
Second, I made a plan. I decided how I wanted to go about losing weight and I chose to follow the WW Points program. I also figured out which foods would be healthier for me, but also satisfy my needs so I wouldn't feel like I was being deprived. Lastly, I set up a "safe zone" with foods that are only for me away from the kids snacks and treats. That way I am not as easily tempted.
Third, I set myself a reasonable goal. I know that it is going to take time to lose this weight. I didn't gain it in a day, I'm not going to lose it in a day. I knew that if I set a goal that is near impossible to reach I would stress out and fail. So, instead I gave myself plenty of time, and if I reach my goal before then, great!
And last, but not least, I think what has really made a difference for me this time is having a wonderful support system. I have never had that before. Knowing that I have some great friends to keep me in check is really encouraging.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Goodbye Fat Pants!
It's official...I am down one pant size!! This morning I reached in the closet and pulled out my well worn "fat" pants. Hanging next to them were a pair of pants that I have been holding onto and haven't worn in well over 2 years. I wasn't going to try them on because I had them on a few weeks ago and they were still too tight, but then I thought maybe...just maybe.
First one leg in, then the other, up over the hips...here goes, can I button them? I'm in! And I didn't have to stuff myself into them...and I can even still breath while I'm sitting down!
Victory!!
It feels amazing to finally be out of my "fat" pants. When I started this journey I basically had to stuff myself into my pants with my stomach bulging over...can we say muffin top? YUCK! I probably should have been in a size larger but I refused to buy them! I have worked so hard these last 30 days and it is paying off!! This small victory is really encouraging and is just the motivation that I need to continue in the right direction.
First one leg in, then the other, up over the hips...here goes, can I button them? I'm in! And I didn't have to stuff myself into them...and I can even still breath while I'm sitting down!
Victory!!
It feels amazing to finally be out of my "fat" pants. When I started this journey I basically had to stuff myself into my pants with my stomach bulging over...can we say muffin top? YUCK! I probably should have been in a size larger but I refused to buy them! I have worked so hard these last 30 days and it is paying off!! This small victory is really encouraging and is just the motivation that I need to continue in the right direction.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Surviving the Weekend
After a month of hard work I wasn't sure I was going to survive this weekend without going off my diet. First, without thinking I promised my daughter that we would go to Pizza Hut so they could use their reading rewards. As she happily bounded off to tell her brother and sister I realized what I just committed myself to. So, I decided to do a little research via the internet only to find out that Pizza Hut is my enemy! Fortunately, the plans fell through so I got out of that one.
Second, this weekend was the first time I had been anywhere else besides my mom's house who is also on WW and makes meals for us accordingly. We spent the afternoon at my mother-in-laws house and she lovingly made her famous potato soup. I fretted about it for quite a bit trying to decide if I was just going to be polite and eat a small portion, which I know I could have, but at the same time, I have been staying on track so well and I am almost afraid to eat things that aren't on what I call my "safe" list! I ended up packing my own meal thinking that I would decide what to do when the time came. Yet again, fortunately for me, my sis-in-law just started WW and brought her own meal which made it much easier for me to make the right choice! All in all I had a great weekend! I was even able to stay under my allotted points and lose another 1/4lb in just two days...the two days I was sure were doomed for failure!
What do you do to survive the weekend?
Second, this weekend was the first time I had been anywhere else besides my mom's house who is also on WW and makes meals for us accordingly. We spent the afternoon at my mother-in-laws house and she lovingly made her famous potato soup. I fretted about it for quite a bit trying to decide if I was just going to be polite and eat a small portion, which I know I could have, but at the same time, I have been staying on track so well and I am almost afraid to eat things that aren't on what I call my "safe" list! I ended up packing my own meal thinking that I would decide what to do when the time came. Yet again, fortunately for me, my sis-in-law just started WW and brought her own meal which made it much easier for me to make the right choice! All in all I had a great weekend! I was even able to stay under my allotted points and lose another 1/4lb in just two days...the two days I was sure were doomed for failure!
What do you do to survive the weekend?
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