Last week's weight: 175
This week's weight: 173.4
Difference: -1.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98.4
I had hoped to reach 100 pounds lost this week and I came pretty close. My progress is slow at this point, but I'm not surprised. As I've noted before, I'm allowing myself more indulgences. This week included real dessert (not lowfat) and wine on three days and not as much exercise as I should have done.
Not much else to say this week. I'm just going to keep plugging along toward my goal.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
My dress dilemma
I'm going to an event tonight that requires me to wear a nice dress and now I'm stuck trying to decide between two different ones.
I borrowed the blue dress from a friend. I almost wouldn't even try it on because I kept insisting that it looked much too small for me. Luckily, she's a good friend and she convinced me to take it home and just try it. I couldn't believe how good it looked when I put it on last night. Royal blue is the perfect color for me. The black dress is one I already own and have worn before. It's cute, shiny and comfortable.
My issue with the blue dress is that it's much more revealing and form-fitting than I'm used to (and it would require some undergarments that I don't currently own). If I wear this dress, I feel like I'd definitely be saying, "Wow. Look at me! I've lost almost 100 pounds and I look good." While that may be true, just thinking about it is causing me anxiety. I've written many times before that I have issues when it comes to thinking about people looking at me. On the other hand, wearing this dress would be a huge step in my journey. It would be a good opportunity for me to look in the mirror and see how much I've changed in the past two years. But the black dress has it's pluses as well. I feel confident wearing it and I'd probably be much more comfortable in it.
Of course, there's a third option. I could just go shopping today and buy a new dress.
I borrowed the blue dress from a friend. I almost wouldn't even try it on because I kept insisting that it looked much too small for me. Luckily, she's a good friend and she convinced me to take it home and just try it. I couldn't believe how good it looked when I put it on last night. Royal blue is the perfect color for me. The black dress is one I already own and have worn before. It's cute, shiny and comfortable.
Of course, there's a third option. I could just go shopping today and buy a new dress.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: Honesty's the best policy
Last week's weight: 173.8
This week's weight: 175
Difference: +1.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 96.8
The scale at work varied drastically from the one at home this week. I was tempted to use the number from home (173.6), but I decided that while the Biggest Loser contest is still going on at the office, I should probably be honest and go with the number on the work scale.
So I gained this week. If I'm being really honest with myself, the scale at work might be more accurate. I barely exercised this week and I didn't track my Weight Watchers points, which meant I went over every day. Between the beer, frozen yogurt, pizza and pasta, I'm not surprised I gained a little. I had a tremendous loss last week, so it's not surprising that I couldn't maintain that level.
This week's weigh-in, however, all but assures that I won't hit the 100-pounds-lost mark by April 1. I'm disappointed, but I'm also going to try not to be too hard on myself. I'm pretty close to wearing a size 12 in everything (and I only buy new clothes when it is something in a 12 that fits).
I've said all along that this is about making a change for the rest of my life. For me, that means eating pizza, pasta, cake ... sometimes. I will never be the type of person who can skip meals or never eat anything "bad." I love to eat and I'm proud that over the course of the past two years I've developed habits that aren't so restrictive. I know I could lose more weight quickly if I cut out sugar, carbs, fat and alcohol. But I like to eat all of those things. I think I will have long-term success because I allow myself to eat those foods ... just in moderation.
And because of that, I will likely continue to lose a little, gain a little, lose a little, gain a little. As long as the long-term chart shows me losing, I'm happy.
This week's weight: 175
Difference: +1.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 96.8
The scale at work varied drastically from the one at home this week. I was tempted to use the number from home (173.6), but I decided that while the Biggest Loser contest is still going on at the office, I should probably be honest and go with the number on the work scale.
So I gained this week. If I'm being really honest with myself, the scale at work might be more accurate. I barely exercised this week and I didn't track my Weight Watchers points, which meant I went over every day. Between the beer, frozen yogurt, pizza and pasta, I'm not surprised I gained a little. I had a tremendous loss last week, so it's not surprising that I couldn't maintain that level.
This week's weigh-in, however, all but assures that I won't hit the 100-pounds-lost mark by April 1. I'm disappointed, but I'm also going to try not to be too hard on myself. I'm pretty close to wearing a size 12 in everything (and I only buy new clothes when it is something in a 12 that fits).
I've said all along that this is about making a change for the rest of my life. For me, that means eating pizza, pasta, cake ... sometimes. I will never be the type of person who can skip meals or never eat anything "bad." I love to eat and I'm proud that over the course of the past two years I've developed habits that aren't so restrictive. I know I could lose more weight quickly if I cut out sugar, carbs, fat and alcohol. But I like to eat all of those things. I think I will have long-term success because I allow myself to eat those foods ... just in moderation.
And because of that, I will likely continue to lose a little, gain a little, lose a little, gain a little. As long as the long-term chart shows me losing, I'm happy.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: Catching up
Last week's weight: 177.4
This week's weight: 173.8
Difference: -3.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98 pounds
I tried hard this week, but I did have a few slips last weekend (including a half a bag of Cheez Doodles). So I was somewhat surprised at the huge loss. I've decided this week is just my body catching up from the past few weeks when I gained two pounds one week and pretty much stayed the same last week.
If you recall, I set a goal at the beginning of the year of losing 10 pounds by April 1, which would put me at a total of 100 pounds lost. I'm so close. With two weeks to go, I don't know if I'll make it. But I'm proud that I'm still making progress. And, as I said last week, I'm even happier that I'm noticing a difference in how my clothes fit ... or don't fit.
I think wearing a size 12 for a week has given me renewed strength. For instance, I've been dreaming about pizza for weeks. After such a good week, I was tempted to splurge for dinner tonight and have one delivered. Instead, I bought whole-wheat dough, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and lowfat cheese at the grocery store and made my own. I had one-sixth of the pizza with a side salad. I can't promise I won't have another slice before bed, but that's not too bad considering I might have eaten the entire gooey mess if I'd ordered one from Pizza Hut.
The other good news for the week is that I've switched up my exercise routine. I'm still riding my exercise one or two times a week, but now I'm doing jumping jacks and crunches almost daily. I'm up to 50 jumping jacks and 30 crunches. I think the change of pace is making a difference and I feel like I can see changes in my body shape.
And I've done all of this during an insanely stressful week. I've said it before, though. Sometimes, the crazy weeks are the ones where I lose the most weight. I think that's because I'm so busy with everything else that I don't have time to worry about eating. Yes, I eat when I'm bored. Anyway, I'm getting closer to my goal and I'm doing it in a healthy way that still allows me to eat the foods I love. And that's really all that matters.
This week's weight: 173.8
Difference: -3.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98 pounds
I tried hard this week, but I did have a few slips last weekend (including a half a bag of Cheez Doodles). So I was somewhat surprised at the huge loss. I've decided this week is just my body catching up from the past few weeks when I gained two pounds one week and pretty much stayed the same last week.
If you recall, I set a goal at the beginning of the year of losing 10 pounds by April 1, which would put me at a total of 100 pounds lost. I'm so close. With two weeks to go, I don't know if I'll make it. But I'm proud that I'm still making progress. And, as I said last week, I'm even happier that I'm noticing a difference in how my clothes fit ... or don't fit.
I think wearing a size 12 for a week has given me renewed strength. For instance, I've been dreaming about pizza for weeks. After such a good week, I was tempted to splurge for dinner tonight and have one delivered. Instead, I bought whole-wheat dough, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and lowfat cheese at the grocery store and made my own. I had one-sixth of the pizza with a side salad. I can't promise I won't have another slice before bed, but that's not too bad considering I might have eaten the entire gooey mess if I'd ordered one from Pizza Hut.
The other good news for the week is that I've switched up my exercise routine. I'm still riding my exercise one or two times a week, but now I'm doing jumping jacks and crunches almost daily. I'm up to 50 jumping jacks and 30 crunches. I think the change of pace is making a difference and I feel like I can see changes in my body shape.
And I've done all of this during an insanely stressful week. I've said it before, though. Sometimes, the crazy weeks are the ones where I lose the most weight. I think that's because I'm so busy with everything else that I don't have time to worry about eating. Yes, I eat when I'm bored. Anyway, I'm getting closer to my goal and I'm doing it in a healthy way that still allows me to eat the foods I love. And that's really all that matters.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: How much does the scale matter?
Last week's weight: 177.6
This week's weight: 177.4
Difference: -0.4
Total weight lost since January 2010: 94.4
I was pretty bummed when I weighed in yesterday and I'd barely lost any weight this week. After a two-pound gain last week, I tried really hard this week -- eating well and exercising almost daily. I had a few splurges, including the best carrot cake cupcake ever and Chinese for lunch one day, but I tracked my Weight Watchers points. I used daily points as well as almost all of my weekly points, but none of my activity points. So I think I should have seen more progress on the scale.
By today, however, my mood shifted. I recently discovered that all of my spring/summer clothes from last year are too big. That's great ... well, except that buying new clothes every three to six months is really expensive. Oh well. I do love to shop. Despite the lack of progress on the scale, I could tell a big difference when shopping today. For the most part, I could wear a size 12 in everything. Not too long ago, I was wearing 16s and delighted when a 14 fit. To be able to fit into a 12 most of the time now is truly amazing.
Here's the weird part. When I started this journey, I didn't set a specific weight loss goal. Instead, I said I wanted to be a size 12. Honestly, I picked that size because I know people who are a size 12 and they look like a "normal" size. I hate that I think I wasn't a normal size before. I wish I didn't see myself that way. Anyway, I also picked a 12 because I knew that meant being able to walk into any store and fit into the clothes. A lot of 12s are snug, but I'm very close. What baffles me is that along the way I decided I wanted to weigh 150-155 pounds. That means I have 25 pounds to go.
That leaves me wondering whether I should revise my goal or maybe it's just a sign that I shouldn't be too hard on myself when I slip. I don't want to give myself a pass. If I do, I'll end up eating anything and everything I can get my hands on. But I'm going to try not to stress too much about how slow my progress is these days. Long-term, I am still making progress. I think that's all that matters.
This week's weight: 177.4
Difference: -0.4
Total weight lost since January 2010: 94.4
I was pretty bummed when I weighed in yesterday and I'd barely lost any weight this week. After a two-pound gain last week, I tried really hard this week -- eating well and exercising almost daily. I had a few splurges, including the best carrot cake cupcake ever and Chinese for lunch one day, but I tracked my Weight Watchers points. I used daily points as well as almost all of my weekly points, but none of my activity points. So I think I should have seen more progress on the scale.
By today, however, my mood shifted. I recently discovered that all of my spring/summer clothes from last year are too big. That's great ... well, except that buying new clothes every three to six months is really expensive. Oh well. I do love to shop. Despite the lack of progress on the scale, I could tell a big difference when shopping today. For the most part, I could wear a size 12 in everything. Not too long ago, I was wearing 16s and delighted when a 14 fit. To be able to fit into a 12 most of the time now is truly amazing.
Here's the weird part. When I started this journey, I didn't set a specific weight loss goal. Instead, I said I wanted to be a size 12. Honestly, I picked that size because I know people who are a size 12 and they look like a "normal" size. I hate that I think I wasn't a normal size before. I wish I didn't see myself that way. Anyway, I also picked a 12 because I knew that meant being able to walk into any store and fit into the clothes. A lot of 12s are snug, but I'm very close. What baffles me is that along the way I decided I wanted to weigh 150-155 pounds. That means I have 25 pounds to go.
That leaves me wondering whether I should revise my goal or maybe it's just a sign that I shouldn't be too hard on myself when I slip. I don't want to give myself a pass. If I do, I'll end up eating anything and everything I can get my hands on. But I'm going to try not to stress too much about how slow my progress is these days. Long-term, I am still making progress. I think that's all that matters.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Recipes: Italian Night!
I'm watching The Godfather today for the first time, so I decided an Italian inspired menu and a little red wine would be necessary for dinner. Here are the recipes for a main dish and two sides.
Beef stuffed mushrooms
4 large portobello mushrooms (I clean out the gills, but you don't have to.)
2 red peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp. garlic,diced
1/2 lb. ground beef (I used 93% lean.)
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning
1 tbsp. Trader Joe's 21 seasonings (If you don't have this, you can just use salt and pepper.)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese
Place mushrooms on cookie sheet and sprinkle with Trader Joe's seasoning. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, saute onion, red pepper, garlic and ground beef in nonstick pan. Add canned tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Put mushrooms in a baking dish. Cover with ground beef mixture. Top each mushroom with one slice of cheese and bake until cheese is melted. Makes 4 servings.
Mashed 'potatoes'
1 bag frozen cauliflower
2 small yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced.
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 tsp. butter
Splash of nonfat milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil cauliflower, garlic and potatoes until tender. Drain and return to pan. Add butter, milk and salt and pepper. Use a hand masher to mix together. Makes 4 servings.
Roasted veggies
2 zucchini, diced
2 yellow squash, diced
1 tbsp. Trader Joe's 21 Seasonings (Use Italian seasoning, salt and pepper if you don't have this.)
Sprinkle of salt
Cooking spray
Coat a cookie sheet with spray. Add zucchini and squash. Top with seasoning and salt. Bake at 350 degrees until just tender. Makes 4 servings.
4 large portobello mushrooms (I clean out the gills, but you don't have to.)
2 red peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp. garlic,diced
1/2 lb. ground beef (I used 93% lean.)
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning
1 tbsp. Trader Joe's 21 seasonings (If you don't have this, you can just use salt and pepper.)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese
Place mushrooms on cookie sheet and sprinkle with Trader Joe's seasoning. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, saute onion, red pepper, garlic and ground beef in nonstick pan. Add canned tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Put mushrooms in a baking dish. Cover with ground beef mixture. Top each mushroom with one slice of cheese and bake until cheese is melted. Makes 4 servings.
Mashed 'potatoes'
1 bag frozen cauliflower
2 small yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced.
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 tsp. butter
Splash of nonfat milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil cauliflower, garlic and potatoes until tender. Drain and return to pan. Add butter, milk and salt and pepper. Use a hand masher to mix together. Makes 4 servings.
Roasted veggies
2 zucchini, diced
2 yellow squash, diced
1 tbsp. Trader Joe's 21 Seasonings (Use Italian seasoning, salt and pepper if you don't have this.)
Sprinkle of salt
Cooking spray
Coat a cookie sheet with spray. Add zucchini and squash. Top with seasoning and salt. Bake at 350 degrees until just tender. Makes 4 servings.
Weekly weigh-in: I needed a break
Last week's weight: 175.6
This week's weight: 177.6
Difference: +2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 94.2
A week ago, I gave myself permission to basically eat/drink whatever I wanted for a night. I overindulged but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't recover. But then I allowed myself to splurge the next day. On the third day, I vowed to get back on track. It didn't work. Instead, I scarfed down half a pizza. I ate the rest of the pizza the next night.
I realized I simply needed a break. Keeping track of everything I eat/drink is mentally exhausting. I spend hours each week planning meals and snacks. While dealing with lots of stress lately, I just couldn't do it. Of course, the stress also made me want to eat unhealthy foods. Being out of town Wednesday and Thursday and having all of my meals prepared for me also didn't help.
Anyway, I needed a break so I took one. I didn't eat the worst foods possible, but I definitely ate/drank more than normal and didn't worry too much about carbs and fat content. I had decided to skip this week's weigh-in on Friday. I didn't need the scale reminding me of how far down the wrong path I'd gone. By Friday morning, though, I'd convinced myself that there was nothing wrong with a break as long as I resumed my healthy habits with the start of the new week (which is Friday for my weight-loss purposes).
I also decided that weighing in is an essential part of holding myself accountable. When I finally got on the scale, I was pleasantly surprised. I honestly expected to have gained more than two pounds. So I'm glad I weighed-in. And so far, I'm back to tracking my Weight Watchers points and cooking for myself, which usually means eating right.
What I hope to take away from this past week is that I will face obstacles for the rest of my life. There will be times when I want to eat foods I don't normally eat. And that's OK ... as long as I don't make a habit of it.
This week's weight: 177.6
Difference: +2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 94.2
A week ago, I gave myself permission to basically eat/drink whatever I wanted for a night. I overindulged but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't recover. But then I allowed myself to splurge the next day. On the third day, I vowed to get back on track. It didn't work. Instead, I scarfed down half a pizza. I ate the rest of the pizza the next night.
I realized I simply needed a break. Keeping track of everything I eat/drink is mentally exhausting. I spend hours each week planning meals and snacks. While dealing with lots of stress lately, I just couldn't do it. Of course, the stress also made me want to eat unhealthy foods. Being out of town Wednesday and Thursday and having all of my meals prepared for me also didn't help.
Anyway, I needed a break so I took one. I didn't eat the worst foods possible, but I definitely ate/drank more than normal and didn't worry too much about carbs and fat content. I had decided to skip this week's weigh-in on Friday. I didn't need the scale reminding me of how far down the wrong path I'd gone. By Friday morning, though, I'd convinced myself that there was nothing wrong with a break as long as I resumed my healthy habits with the start of the new week (which is Friday for my weight-loss purposes).
I also decided that weighing in is an essential part of holding myself accountable. When I finally got on the scale, I was pleasantly surprised. I honestly expected to have gained more than two pounds. So I'm glad I weighed-in. And so far, I'm back to tracking my Weight Watchers points and cooking for myself, which usually means eating right.
What I hope to take away from this past week is that I will face obstacles for the rest of my life. There will be times when I want to eat foods I don't normally eat. And that's OK ... as long as I don't make a habit of it.
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