I'm making an effort to eat more fruit!

Today's daily tracker:

Breakfast:
Coffee with Splenda and ff cream= 0 pts
1 lite string cheese= 1pt
Low Sugar Quacker Oatmeal= 2 pts
Smoothie= 2 pts (1/2 banana, 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries)

Lunch:
1 cup Turkey Chili= 5pts
1 cup green beans= 0 pts
1 cup canned whole potatoes= 2pts

Snack:
non fat, no whip Mocha= 3pts

Dinner:
Grilled Chicken Breast= 3 pts
1/2 green beans= 0 pts
1/2 sauteed zucchini= 0 pts

Dessert:
2 servings diet soda cake w/ ff cool whip= 4 pts

Total: 22 pts (Daily Target)

Confession time.

I think I've been in denial about my eating habits the last few weeks. I've been sneaking in more food than I should and have gotten lazy about counting EVERY pt that enters my mouth. So, when I weighed in last night at my mom's WW center, I wasn't too surprised to see I'm up 3.6 lbs. Granted, I was wearing jeans (which I never do), I weighed in after I ate, and I'm STILL pms-ing like a mad woman. But, since my mantra is "no more excuses," I can't really fall back on that. I've been over eating my points plain and simple. Not binging, but over eating by 4-5 pts every other day. This is what I did the other times I said WW didn't work. I didn't really do the plan, I made exceptions left and right. Well, DUH! That's why it didn't work. I get so annoyed with people that don't really count every point and then complain they haven't lost. And look what I'm doing... So, here I am. Admitting that I've slipped and ready to get back on board. After all, I'm so close to goal.

A few "holes" in my plan lately:

1. I'm counting my eggs before they hatch. I spend my flex faster than they renew. It's a bit overbaord. I'm a huge advocate of using your flex to curb your cravings. They are there to allow you the things you want. But, I do think I've started a habit of devouring flex in one or two days and then trying to reign myself in the rest of the week (desperately awaiting for my flex to renew). My goal is to hold on to my flex as long as possible. And only dip into them if I have a special event. I have more than enough choices and daily points to treat myself.

2. I'm letting myself get too hungry. I'm not eating enough protein. I've been eating a lot of those WW muffins lately. And while they're great and only 3 pts- they aren't very filling. If I had lite string cheese (1 pt) and some fruit I'd be more satisfied and stay fuller longer. So I need to get more protein in and make healthier choices.

3. EAT MORE FRUIT! I'm awful at this. I can get my veggies in, no problem. It's fruit. I tend to want to horde my points for treats and not spend them on nutritious foods lately. I need fruit. They're full of antioxidents. I need them. (Notice I'm trying to talk myself into this-LOL). One thing I love is a smoothie. I can add 1/2 a banana and 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries, and 1/2 cup skim milk and be satisfied for 3 pts. I'm not sure why I don't. So, in an effort to form a new habit, I'm going to start planning new breakfasts. No more carby, fluffy stuff. Whole foods. Smoothies, string cheese, nuts... That's my new goal.

Hell, if I can run 3 miles, I can form a new breakfast habit! LOL

********update********

I've decided to post my daily tracker to keep me honest. Here's what I ate yesterday:
Breakfast:
WW Muffin= 3 pts
Tall, non-fat, no whip Mocha= 3pts

Lunch:
6 inch Turkey Sub with lite mayo=6 pts

Snack:
1 cup fresh raspberries=1pt

Dinner:
1 cup turkey chili= 5 pts
1 toasted Flat-Out flatbread= 1pts

Went to Pool hall with sis:
3 Michelob Ultras= 6 pts

Total=27 pts (dipped 5 into flex)


So- there you have it. I'm at the mercy of all of you to keep me accountable. Well, and myself. :)

Hola from Raleigh, NC. I haven't had a chance to blog since I got here. We're doing well. Kids are in heaven as "Ju Ju" is spoiling them beyond belief.

On the WW front, I'm doing really well for being out of my own environment. My mom and step dad are doing WW too, so that makes it much easier. It's funny because I've been teaching my mom all the "secret" foods I make that are low in points. She didn't know there were WW products at her local Super Target. I went out on my own to stock up on some WW friends foods and she was so excited the WW's made muffins. lol

I did go over by 3 pts today. We were out all day and I think I got home and just wanted to stuff my mouth. I made my staple 2 pt pizza and had a little WW cake. I was still hungry so I made ANOTHER pizza and ate ANOTHER little cake. EEEEK! But I suppose my "binge" could have been worse. I won't sweat 3 pts.

Speaking of sweating...

I ran 2.5 miles yesterday on my mom's treadmill. Today I walked 20 mins, did the bike 10 mins and lifted weights. I have a feeling there's something wacky with the treadmill because it was hard and I felt like I was running much faster than what it registered as. I think it's stuck on a slight incline too. Maybe it's all in my head, but it was hard!! I want to run outside, but it's really cold here (suppose to be 19 degrees tomorrow). My mom's neighborhood is so flat, it would be perfect. We'll see...

Today my mom, my sister and I went shopping. I actually tried on bathing suits and wasn't depressed afterwards! lol I didn't buy one because I wanted to get to goal before I buy it. That should happen in the next 8 weeks or so. Anyway, it was fun shopping without that nagging "ick" feeling about my body. Sure, I wish my tummy were tighter and flatter, but ya know what? My ass looks damn good in the jeans I bought and that makes me happy!

Monday I'm going with my mom to her WW meeting. She happens to weigh in on Mondays too. I'm desperately waiting for my Flex to renew (also happening on Monday). I want to splurge a bit while I'm here. I'm really craving a brownie Sunday. Waiting for my "lady friend" to rear her ugly head so that I can get passed all these cravings!

Will report back after weigh in. Wish me luck!

Well, the kids and I woke up sick Sunday morning. We're all snotty and coughy. No good. I've been popping Vit C like no one's business. I opted not to run yesterday because I didn't want to compromise my immune system. It's Monday and I'm feeling better, but not sure I'm up for running. I'll probably resume my early morning runs tomorrow.

I made a really yummy, low point dinner last night. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna. I got the recipe off Roni's site (www.weightwatchen.com). Only 2 pts per serving and excellent! If you want a great low point meal, go to her site under "recipes" and check it out.

Today I actually have a weigh in! I have no idea what to expect. I feel like I've slighly gained or maintained. I don't know if I'm gaining muscle from running and weights or what. But my scale doesn't want to go below 146. We'll see. It's also close to my monthly friend, so that could explain some water retention. I've certainly had the munchies lately. :) I tell you what- these last 10 lbs to goal are really hard.

Thursday I'm flying to my mom's house with both kids. Should be fun. She has a treadmill, so I can run there or visit her local YMCA. I'll be there for a week. I'm not too worried about staying OP. My mom finally (after I've been trying to convince her) joined WW's and started meetings. So eating shouldn't be too challenging. But I know better than to let my guard down, so I'll need to plan. I'll miss yet another meeting next Monday due to being out of town. How does life get so busy?

**********update**********

I weighed in and I'm down 1.6 lbs!!! I'm at 144.8lbs. Holy cow! This means I'm less than 10 lbs from goal. *deep breathes, deep breathes*

Happy Saturday to all! My amazing husband let me sleep in until 9:30am this morning and I cannot tell you how great I feel. My poor son was up and down during the night with a stuffy nose, so I was pretty tired. Sleeping until 9:30am felt like sleeping til' noon. Does that make me old?

Ed played football the first half of the day and then we did the "kid swap" for the second half while I ran errands. Our neighbors became grandparents to a sweet litttle girl and I wanted to get her something cute. To Old Navy it is!! They had such a tremendous sale that I got the baby some stuff and my little girl some stuff. All for under $20. Pretty cool.

We're having some good friends over for dinner tonight. I'm making filet mignon, baked potatos and salad. It's a meat and potatos kinda night. Luckily it's 4pm and I still have 12 pts left. So I may just have to put some butter on my potato tonight! lol

I realized I haven't "reported" any weigh ins. That's because every freaking holiday falls on my weigh in days lately and my center is closed. Xmas, New Year's Day, MLK day.... And because I'm strapped for time and I love my leader, I just wait for the next weigh in. My scale this morning said 147. My last weigh in at my WW center had me at 146.8. So, we'll see. I'll weigh in on Monday.

Today I took a rest day from running and then I'm running with a friend tomorrow. She wants me to run a 5K with her in Feb and we're going to run that course tomorrow. I've been feeling a little under the weather today (sinus stuff) so I hope it doesn't affect my run. Wish me luck!

Well, got up and ran 2 miles this morning. I really, really, REALLY didn't want to get out of bed. Fischer crawled in bed with us around 6:45am and all I wanted to do was snuggle with him and sleep. At 6:55am Ed says: "Aren't you going?" And I replied: "I don't wanna!!!!" He then told me to get my butt out the door. This is why I love him. He's good for me.

The run was a lot less slugglish than my last run. That was nice. During my treadmill runs I like to watch the news to catch up on everything I'm completely unaware of. This time I traded CNN for Mtv. I know...shameful. But I have to say, watching Beyonce can really make a girl pick up her pace! lol It was a change...

Tonight my friend Karyn and I are going to take a yoga class at the Y. Our sweet husbands are going to order pizza for the kids and feed them while we have some yoga time. I'm excited about that. I love group yoga and I love Karyn! :P I took a class when I was pregnant with Amelia and it was theraputic. Much different than doing a dvd.

Today's agenda includes a Farmer's Market trip for some fresh produce. We're out and I'm sick of crappy produce from our local grocers. Plus, Ed loves the hummus they make at the Farmer's Market. So cheap, yet so amazingly fresh! Fischer is at school, so as soon as Amelia wakes up from her morning nap- we're off!

I plan to do another run between now and Sunday. Preferably at the trail I went to last weekend. It was so peaceful. Depends on the weather.

Happy Weekend to all! Remember: if you cheat, you're only cheating yourself. Stay OP and get thin! :)

Ran 2.5 miles this morning. It was a very sluggish run. I really wanted to do 3 miles, but I felt so heavy. I finally put it together that my "lady business" is due next week. That would explain my sluggishness. PMS is just the bomb yo!

Anyway, feeling good. I've made up my mind to set a mileage goal each week. I'm going to start with 10 miles a week. I figure that's reasonable since I'm able to do 2 pretty easily and working into 3 miles for some run. I can break it up however I want. One of my running buddies pointed out that I can also break up my runs in one day too. So if I can only do 2 miles in the morning- I can always run another mile later that day with the kids in the stroller or something. Good point.

Today has been good so far. Hit the gym, took Fischer to school, stopped by Target and now I'm showered and dressed (all before 1pm! LOL). I have to leave here in 20 mins to pick him back up. Why does time pass so quickly like that?? Tonight I have some last minute plans to see a band with my friend. Camera Obscura. Love them. Way excited about seeing them.

Well, today was Snack Fest 2007. I dipped into my Flex by 16 pts!!! But, I didn't break plan, I just can't eat like that every day this week. My day seemed thrown off when I pulled into the YMCA this morning, only to find out it was closed. MLK day. Totally forgot the Y would be closed. So, there ya have it. :)

So, I decided to do a 5K a little earlier than I had planned. Since I'm capable of running 3 miles (not very fast, mind you) I decided to push it up to Feb. My friend asked me to run a 5K with her, so I thought: what the heck! So that's what I'm doing Feb 10th. :)

I have to say, I'm liking my "inner athlete" these days.

I've had a bad run the last few days. It all started Friday when I set my alarm to wake up early to run at the gym. It malfunctioned to a low buzz, which I did not hear. (I promise) Then I got two last minute invites to go have some drinks with friends Friday and Saturday night. Friday night I had no points left and then I had 2 drinks (4pts) AND a veggie burger (roughly 5 pts). Then Saturday I had 7 pts left to spend and had 4 drinks (6 pts) and a steak salad. Luckily it was with a horseraddish vinegarette that was sparse, so I'm guessing it was 6 pts. So the tally is 12 pts over this week. I haven't done that in a while. In addition to going over, I didn't make it to the gym to run in 2 days because I was so tired from being out late. Vicious cycle. I think alcohol impairs my ability to stay OP. lol

But, today is a new day. No sense in getting down about my mishaps. I will say that in the past I probably would have made poorer choices. I definitely would have gone for the fries or nachos. But I stuck to lower point items. So that's a plus, if any.

I'm breaking the cycle of no gym visits today by going to the gym! Ed let me sleep in today until 10:30 today. I needed it after last night's "girl fest." I feel rested and ready to do 3 miles today. :)

This week I'm gonna get back to my roots. Time to start reigning myself in and prioritize stayong on plan again. While, I've had losses, I think I've treaded into dangerous territory with some old habits. Impulsive eating and drinking. Needs to stop. So, there it is. My confession. I'm counting on all of you to hold me accountable, okay? !! I can take it, I've got my "big girl" panties on and ready for someone to tell it like it is. :P


*******updated********

I went to a trail near me and ran 3 miles! It was really, really hard. I walked for 60 seconds once to give myself a break. But other than that, I ran. YAH!!

Holy Mother of Jesus! This is the worst pic of me ever I think. 9 months pregnant. My friend sent it to me in lieu of my weight loss. Oh man.

I did it! I ran 3 miles! And the weirdest thing is that it wasn't as hard as I expected. ? Maybe it was a mind thing. I set my alarm for 6am sharp (yawn) and after hitting snooze 2 times, I got my butt out of bed and went to the Y. I did 3 miles in roughly 38 mins. Yah! That was a major goal for me. :)

Today will be a fun day. I'm on carpool duty for our preschool group of friends so I gotta get a shower in and get dressed. I plan on getting a nice, hot mocha after I drop the kids off. Thank God there is a Starbucks drive thru right next to the church. Tonight we have dinner plans with some friends. We got a sitter for the kids and I'm chowing tonight! We're going to OK Cafe. (www.OKCafe.com) This is one of my all time favorite places to eat. I already went to their website and decided on my meal. 1 bowl of brunswick stew (5 pts), 1 side of squash souffle (6 pts and totally worth it), 1 side steamed cabbage and a diet coke! I saved my Flex points to splurge tonight. :)

Nothing major to report. Stay OP is MUCH easier when the holidays are over, that's for sure.

Side by side comparison. (I'm addicted to those!)

Down 4.2 lbs! I guess running does pay off huh? It's been awhile since I've posted pics. I'm really noticing a difference in my legs. I have skinny legs again!!!! YAH!

Me at 184 (June 2006) I wish I had take pics of me at my heaviest, but we all know how that goes!


Me this morning weighing in at 146 lbs:

*yawn*

Well, I woke up at the butt crack of dawn (as my friend Tara would say) and went to the Y. Ran 2 miles. The first 10 mins were hard. Then I felt really good and could have gone 2.5 miles, but I was on a time crunch to be home in time for Ed to leave for a meeting so I chickened out. But it's getting easier and easier to run long. I'm going to start a weight training regimen on my off days. Building muscle helps endurance. I need that.

Been OP all week. No exceptions! I bought a pair of size 6 jeans at Old Navy a couple weeks ago. They were snug (too snug) so I've been trying them on the last few days to see if they are wearable yet. I got them on today! For some reason a size 6 at The Gap is almost loose on me, but from Old Navy, they're tight. Who knows? I suppose Old Navy caters to the young crowd, thus making sizes off. Kinda sad now that I think about it... Anyway- glad to reach that little goal.

Fischer is at preschool. Amelia is napping and I'm finallly sitting on my lap top and vegging! I have a friend coming over to hang out. And another friend coming over to drop her little baby off for me to watch so she can have some alone time. I remember doing the same thing when Fischer was a baby. If I got just 1 hour alone I was good for the rest of the day. So I'm reciprocating the favor gladly! It doesn't hurt that the baby is really cute. :)

Plan today is to lay low and get cozy at home. It's raining (though actually quite warm) outside.

My scale this morning said 147.6. That was me buck naked after a shower. LOL Here's to hoping it will be close to that at weigh in on Monday!

Cheers!

Ah......Happy New Year!

Well, I mostly stuck to my New Year plans. There was a little over indulgence New Year's Eve, but I handled it well. Since my Flex renewed Monday- I just started over. It was too confusing trying to transfer what I ate Sunday night and so I just started fresh.

One thing I'm proud of is that I've continued my running plan. I've gotten up to 2 miles and I'm getting more comfortable with it. This morning I woke up at 6:45am and headed to the Y to run. WITHOUT ANY KIDS IN TOW!!!!. I think (as much as it hurts getting up) that that is the best time to do it. It was actually nice getting up and having some "me" time. I did my run and then had some time to spare to go to Starbucks and get a mocha. And it's helped me feel more "awake." Studies show it's really beneficial for your metabolism. An early morning work out boosts your metablolism and keeps it going all day. That's encouraging!

Tomorrow I have the same plan to rise early. :)

I've opted not to weigh in this week. Since my official weigh in day was Monday (New Year's Day) my Weight Watchers facility was closed. So I'm waiting. Especially since I ate a lot Sunday. I just didn't want to be discouraged. But next Monday I'm there and I'm ready to see the results! My scale has me as maintaining so I'm not too worried.

I'm definitely seeing changes in my body. My legs are getting more toned. My jeans are fitting differently. It's really cool to see results in your body, even if your weight lingers a little.

:)