Sunday, December 30, 2007

Well we went to our neighbor's for dinner and I ended up eating more points than I wanted. Well, I actually ended up drinking more points than I wanted. She made this amazing drink from vodka and lemons that sit and stir in their juices for a week. It was so good. She called it Lemon Chello. Divine. But point costly. And then she had some icecream that was chocolatey heaven. I ended up usuing 18 flexies. :( But, that's ok. I have a plan. I still have 12 left for our party. My plan is to stick with veggies and water the entire day. Then indulge in my point friendly appetizers and drinks. I had to stop myself from being so damn dramatic. Like I'm going to die if I can't gorge myself! I have to laugh at myself sometimes.

I'm going to eat sensibly and have a few drinks. I'm definitely not getting drunk. I'm getting too old for that. I swear, if I have two glasses of wine I'll have a hang over. My body has changed a lot this past year. I'm in better shape than I've ever been, but I cannot hold my alcohol well. I'm on a three drink limit. :)

Our friend is brining over "rockstar" for the xbox. I'm looking forward to that! And our friends from NYC are in town and coming over too and I'm really looking forward to hanging with them some more. We hadn't seen then in 3 years until we went there to visit. We forgot how much we laugh when we're together!

Today is treadmill day. Ed has a stomach bug and I won't be able to get away for a run so I'll wait until the kids go to bed and then run. Tomorrow I'll try and get an outdoor run if Ed's up for watching the kids.

Here's my tracker so far:

WW muffin: 3 pt
mocha: 3 pt

Flat out quesadillla: 4 pts

Planning on whole wheat pizza tonight. I think once slice is 6 or 7 pts.
Salad with ff italian: 0 pts

And then maybe a Smart one's: 3 pts

Total: 20 pts
Hoping to earn 3 APs...

Saturday, December 29, 2007

It's a couple days before our annual New Year's Eve party. I'm making three different appetizers. All WW recipes and all reasonably low in points. I'm making stuffed mushrooms, sweet and sour meatballs, deviled eggs and chocolate covered strawberries. All made with healthier ingredients. My goal was to avoid my trigger foods: Bready, chippy, dippy cheesy stuff. All of those lead to overeating. My other goal was to make "wholer" foods without a ton of processed junk in them. I'd like to save the bulk of my flexies on drinks! That's not to say I'm going to get hammered, but that I want to spend them on my favorite point costly alcoholic beverage: White Russian! I'm going to make it with ff half&half, but it will still be about 5 pts per drink. Sooooo worth it!

We're watching my BFF's dog for them while they're out of town. He's a lab/golden retreiver mix and his name is Arthur. I'm going to go on a 5 miler today and take him with me. I don't know what to do with a dog that can actually tolerate running. (No offfense Annie, but pugs can't really take the running) I'm looking forward to that. Then we're going over to a neighbor's house for some spicy chile!

Here's my tracker:

1 slice Light bread with 1 tbsp Naturally More peanut butter: 2.5 pts
Mocha: 3 pts

Spaghetti squash and zucchini "lasagna": 2 pts
clementine: 0 pts

Spicy Chile: 10 pts (estimating)
Crackers: 2 pts

Total: 19 pts
AP's earned: 4 pts
Points Used: 15 pts.
5 left to play with

30 flex left for tomorrow night!!!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Ok, can I just say that I love squash!?? I made Roni's Spaghetti and Zucchini Squash "Lasagna" tonight and I'm telling you, it's so good! No pasta involved at all. Just squash, tomato sauce, mozzerella, fat free ricotta and little bit of parmesean. And it's only 2 pts per serving! In addition, I had an acron squash that I needed to use so I just cooked it and ate one half. It was so yummy and 0 pts! Very filling.

I just thought I'd share because it's rare that I like low point foods and I like this.

Here's my daily tracker:

2 slices low sodium bacon: 2 pts
mocha: 3 pts

Chick-fil-A Southwest Chargrilled Chicken Salad: 4 pt
Tortilla strips: 2 pts
FF Honey Mustard: 2 pts

Coke: 3 pts

Pizza Quesadilla: 2 pts

Squash "Lasagna" : 2 pts
1/2 Acorn Squash: 0 pts

Total: 20 pts!

My Flex renew tomorrow and I can have a full week back under control! I was 143.5 this morning and I'm hoping that I can get back to under 142 before I weigh in on Monday. We'll see....
So, turns out my upset stomach was actually a stomach bug and I had it all day yesterday too. It wasn't that bad. My body does not prefer throwing up, but instead fancy's the river flow down south. I was actually grateful. I had stuffed myself so bad Christmas night that I needed a cleaning out. :) The scale said 143.5 this morning.

I feel like I've been given a second chance to get back in the 130's sooner than later!

I had every intention of going to the 6am Heat class today, but last night I had such a hard time falling asleep. I didn't get to bed until 12:30am and decided to instead go to the 4:30pm Sculpt class today instead. I like sculpt, but I always feel obligated to do cardio before or after it because it's pure strength. I think I might go at 3:30 and get some treadmill action in. That'll run me roughly 3 APs.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Hope everyone had a warm, peaceful, lovely Christmas! Our Christmas Eve dinner was a hit. Everyone loved the pork loin and I felt so proud that I cooked it. It was tender, sweet and delicious! I ate sensibly and even had dessert. I don't think my body is used to so much sugar though because I had a killer headache that night. :( The next day I basically grazed all day. We had two "dinners" to go to and with two kids in tow, there wasn't much time to sit and eat a ton. I think the real "eating" happened after we got the kids to bed and sat down to watch a couple episodes of Heroes. :) (We started watching season one during our NYC trip and we finished it last night) Anyhoo, we had so many leftovers and were so tired and just wanted comfort food. That was the point that I ate too much. But, my body signaled me and I got a really bad upset stomach the rest of the night and had a hard time leaving the bathroom. I know, TMI, but that's what happened. I woke up this morning thinking maybe the "cleaning out" was a blessing in disquise. Ha ha

I'm eager to get back into my gym routine. I ran 3 miles on Christmas Eve and I tell you what- a week off and your muscles forget. I was so sore the next day! I haven't been sore from a run (unless it's over 5 miles) in a year. I miss my Heat classes too. But I know I'm going to DIE during the first one back. But that's ok. I need it. I need to burn, burn, burn calories. I'm still determined to get that full day at the spa if I get to 135 lbs!

I'm going to start back meetings. They are my one thing I haven't been doing that I really, really need. I love my leader and I miss the people at my meetings and I'm going back. Monday nights! (Hear that Ed?? So you got the kids on Monday nights!) My sweet husband reads my blog too. :)

My new fitness goal is to focus on my tummy. It's the one thing I can't seem to tone and it's driving me mad. Gaining 65 lbs with both pregnancies and having chunky babies (one 9 lbs and one 8 lbs 7oz) has just destoryed the skin on my stomach. I've actually considered a tummy tuck, but I"m not quite sure I'm done having kids, so instead I'll focus on a less risky and less expensive method. My OB felt my abs at my annual last month and said I have really toned abs, but the skin is not going to go back. I tend to carry any extra weight on my tummy, so the only thing that's going to really make it any flatter is cardio. Zapping any extra fat underneath the surface. So, that's what I'm visualizing when I do cardio now. GET THAT TUMMY FLAT!

Today's agenda involves getting my pug Annie to the Vet. Her nails are ridiculously long and one snagged on the carpet and ripped part the way off. Poor thing. My kids are traveled out so we're going hang out at home and just take it easy. I thought about going to the gym today, but there are no classes I want to take. Only a Step class and I suck at step and end up laughing at myself the whole time because I can't get the moves right. So, I think today I'll get on my treadmill and do an uphill walk. Probably 3 miles. :)

Sunday, December 23, 2007

We are back from our NYC trip and I loved every minute of it! I knew counting points would not be successful for me so, instead I decided to eat mindfully and stop when I was full. That method worked really well. I got to eat everything I wanted while in New York: Eggplant Parmesean in Little Italy, Best Burger in the World at the famous Corner Bistro, eggs with potatos and toast at the breakfast place next door to our hotel....you name it! There was a Starbucks next to our hotel and across the street! In fact our friend said there were roughly 230 Starbucks in New York City alone. Holy cow. It's like I died and went to heaven! Needless to say, I got a mocha everyday. :)

I also got in a ton of AP's because we walked everywhere. One day I believe we walked 30 blocks! I have no clue how many miles that is, but I could tell my appetite was in high gear. I was burning some serious calories walking and trying not to freeze. It was so cold. I remember reading somewhere that being cold actually causes your body to burn calories at a faster pace. So, I had a couple things going for me.

I will say the last night there I binged! I had 3 White Russians (heavy cream with vodka and kahlua). There were divine, but costly (calories). Then I had a ginormous Italian dinner with bread and pasta. I felt 6 months pregnant by the time we left. I did not stop when I was full for that meal! But it was worth it. It was my last night in NYC and we were living it up. When we arrived back in North Carolina (where my mom lives and where my kiddos were all week) I expected have gained 10 lbs alone from my Italian explosion the night before. Luckily the scale had me at 148 lbs. Which was about where I expected. I promptly got back to counting points and as of today (4 day post NYC) I'm 144 lbs. So, I'm back in my groove!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we're hosting dinner with Ed's family. I'm making Baked Brie for an appetizer and a roasted Pork Loin and my new favorite side dish: cauliflower risotto for dinner. Ed's mom and sister are bringing some extra side dishes and dessert. My plan is to earn some APs (I have to check with the Y to see if my HEAT class is still on in the morning) and use my daily points and flex points wisely. I've figured out that my pitfall is not eating typical "no no" foods, but grazing on them all day long. My game plan is to fix one plate of food and one plate of dessert. And that's it. I plan on completely ingnoring the Brie because I know it's a trigger for me.

I'd like to experiment this year and turn my attention away from food and onto the people I love. For as long as I remember, Holidays have always been about food. Always. It's in my DNA. But I'm trying to take baby steps in a new direction. When I feel the urge to go back for seconds, I'm going to go sit on the floor with my kids and play. Or talk to family. Or play games! I can eat every day of my life. There's no reason to treat Holiday food like it's my last meal.

Holiday mantra:

"This is not my last meal."


My tracker for today:

Grande Mocha: 4 pts
Cinnamon Swirl cake: 3 pts (small piece)

1 cup Homemade Veggie Soup: 1 pt
1 roll: 1 pt

Sliced apple: 1 pt
Chocolate yogurt Dip: 0 pts (1/4 cup Fage 0% yogurt, 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa, little bit almond extract, artificial sweetner packet)

Willy's chicken salad: 7 pts
1/2 mocha: 1.5 pts

More cake: 4 pts

Total: 22.5 pts
Flex Used: 2.5 pts
APs Used: 1 pt (cleaning like crazy- sweeping, moping, etc)

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Quick post, as I'm scrambling to get out of town.....

I've been very OP and writing down everything this week and it feels so good. I didn't make it to my Heat class yesterday due to a flat tire on my car, but I got a sculpting class. I have 18 Flexies left to last me through Thursday. TOday we're driving to my mom's house in NC, dropping the kids off and flying out Thursday to NYC for our 7th wedding anniversary!!!! I cannot even tell you how excited I am. Really. I cannot wait to be in a hotel room, sleeping in and ordering coffee and *gasp* reading a good book! My Flexies renew the day after I get there, so my plan is to be strict on myself until Friday. Then I can spend my flexies on something yummy. And I also plan on earning some APs in Central Park!!!

I'm planning on taking my computer, but I don't know if I'll be updating my blog or not. If I do, I'll try and post some pics!!!

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Having a nice weekend here... Had a few obstacles that I managed to stay within a reasonable amount of points. Shocking...I know. We had Ed's parents over tongiht (did I mention how much I love my in laws?) and we had Thai food. Between 4 adults we split 2 Pad Thai, 2 basil rolls (cut in half), potsickers and coconut chicken soup. It was the perfect amount and there were no leftovers and no one was bloated and aching when they were done.

My mother in law was so sweet. Today is our 7th wedding anniversary (although we aren't celebrating until next week in NYC!!). So my MIL brought Extreme Moose Tracks icecream to have something decadent to eat. At first I was like: GREAT! But instead of eating it all and just saying "screw it," I measured out 1/2 cup (5 pts) and enjoyed that amount. I put it in a coffee cup and felt totally satisfied. But really, who couldn't be with moose tracks? I only dipped 3 pts into my flex and I feel good. I'm trying to save them for traveling. Then the night after we get in NYC, they renew. So, I've got a good plan..

I earned AP's every weekday this week. Yesterday I went to a body sculpting class that I expected to be sort of easy and it totally kicked my ass. My triceps are so sore! But I love working my muscles. I got out of the shower the other day and flexed. I know, totally embarassing and teenage boyish, but I have to say I have good arms! Today I just chilled. Tomorrow I'd like to run. It's been a while since I went outdoors with my ipod and just ran. I think maybe Thanksgiving was the last day I did that. My popular form of fitness has been group exercise at the Y. Which seems to get me more winded, sweaty and out of breath than a 5 mile run. Now my runs have more of a yoga effect on me. I get to be alone and just zone out. It's kinda cool.

Here's my tracker for today:

Breakfast:
Vita Muffin 1 pts
Mocha 3 pts

Lunch:
Chicken Salad 7 pts

Dinner:
1/2 cup Pad Thai 3.5 pts
1/2 Basil Roll 2 pts

Dessert:
1 almond wafer: 2 pts
1/2 cup Extreme Moose Tracks icecream 5 pts

Total: 23 pts
3 Flex Used

23 Flex left for the week

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Well, I set my alarm for 5:45am and went to my Heat class. It wasn't that bad! It appears that other people actually get up before dawn and function too! In fact, it was the most crowded Heat class I've been to. She worked us hard. She knows me by name now because I stalk her and go to all her classes. Her name is Laura and she used to be in the Air Force. When she told me that, it all made sense. "So that's why all your classes are like bootcamp!" She said she felt sorry for me because I've been to all her Heat classes this week and she knows I'm exhausted. :) Not really...I'm just trying to burn this tummy off. Part of me is wondering if the tummy ain't coming off without surgery though....ugh. My babies just loved lots of space when they were in there!

I'm plotting out my meals for the day because apparently flying by the seat of my pants is not helping. :) The "checks" are what I've already eaten before posting this.

Point Plan for today:

Work out:
Heat class: +4 pts (check)
12 oz water (check)

Breakfast:
8 oz water
Mocha: 3 pts (check)
Vita Muffin: 1 pt (check)
Banana: 2 pts (check)

Lunch:
12 oz water
2 pt pizza on Flat Out flatbread: 2 pts
Salad w/ dressing: 2 pts

Snack:
12 oz water
apple: 1 pt

Dinner:
Burrito chicken salad, minus the sour cream and guacamoli (estimation) 7 pts
8 oz water

Dessert:
WW icecream cone: 2 pts

It's almost 8am and no one is up yet in my house. I made a fire and I'm sitting down with my Starbuck's mocha on my laptop. The Christmas tree is lit and I've got a quiche in the oven for Ed and the kids. Man, I've got it together! Does this mean I should get up every day at 5:45am???? No.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

I was feeling good, feeling fit, feeling healthy and then I stepped on the scale......148.4 lbs!!! What the hell??? I did not expect that at all. Or did I? I've been halfway tracking lately because I haven't been to a meeting in a while and I ran out of Quick Trackers. That's the only thing I can think of. That and maybe miscalculating points here or there.

So I guess I need to get my butt to a meeting and load op on trackers. This puts me behind where I thought I was. I was 144 lbs just a couple days ago! Maybe that night of cookie eating caught up with me. Maybe it took a few days for it to "show." At any rate, what's done is done. Now I need to focus forward and make smart decisions. My points renew Friday, so I need to stay at 20 pts per day until then. That basically means I need to stay under 20 pt tomorrow. :) I can do that.

I've decided to take a Heat class tomorrow at 6AM!!!!! I don't know what's gotten into me, but I've found I do better when I work out in the beginning of the day than at the end. And Fischer has a dental appt tomorrow mid morning and then I have a client meeting in the evening. 6AM it is.... The hardest part is when the alarm goes off. Once I'm up, I'm good. I just gotta get up. I earn 4 APs each time, so it's worth it.

I'm going to right down everything that goes into my mouth this next week! I've put so much effort in preparing meals, that I've forgotton to really track the bites and portions.

I'll update my tracker tomorrow!

Here's my tracker for today:

Breakfast:
Mocha: 3 pts
Muffin: 3 pts

Lunch:
1/2 Baked Potato: 1.5 pts
Broccoli Soup: 3 pts
Roll: 1 pt
Salad w/ dressing: 2 pts

Snack:
Handful (and then some) of Annie's bunnies (like Goldfish): 3 pts

Dinner:
1 cup Wild Rice Salad: 1 pt
Sweet potato fries: 3 pts
Roll: 1 pt
Another Roll (I love bread): 1 pt

Total: 22.5

See- 2 pts over and here I thought I was under with room for dessert. ? I will start tracking again! :)

Monday, December 03, 2007

Is it Monday already?

Well last week was good. I benefited so much from all the food I had prepared for the week. We ate every last bit of food I had prepared and even had some to freeze in individual containers quick meal options. I'm just impressed by all the salad I ate. Making up individual salads really does make it easier to eat. Normally I would have had wilted romaine hanging out in the fridge until I took pity on it and threw it away.

The scale reflects my week of healhty eating. Yesterday morning it read 144.6lbs! And that's after a night of cookie eating (with my flexies ofcourse).

So, I went to the grocery and did it all again last night. Bought fresh veggies, fruits and grains to make another week of meals. Last night I made 2 Tomato-Basil Quiches and one big batch of Wild Rice with celery, onion, red pepper and mushrooms (1 cup=1 pt!). I cut up all the fruit, salads, etc and put them in easy grab individual containers. Today I'm making Creamed Broccoli Soup, Pasta with Feta and Roasted Veggies and a side dish of marinated Yellow Squash with Shallots. I can freeze the soup and we'll eat the Pasta today.

I have my Heat (aka Hell) in 2 hours. *deep breaths*

*****Update*******

Went to my Heat class. Killed me of course, but in a good way. Had another day of cooking! I even had time to whip up some Cranberry-Peanut Butter Cookies. 1 pt a cookie! Unfortunately I had 5 of them.

Here's my tracker:

mocha: 3 pts
muffin: 3 pts
grapes: 1pts
Cauliflower risotto, wild rice, roll: 7 pts
Heat class: + 4 pts
mocha: 3 pts ( I know, another)
5 cookies: 5 pts
broccoli soup:2 pts
roll: 1 pt
pasta/roasted veggies: 4 pt

= -5 pts (used 5 Flex)

I'm finding that if I get the kids outside during that 4-6pm window, I do much better on the eating front. That's my stress time and I stress eat if we're trapped inside. I took them to a park and we ran around and played. :)
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