Last week's weight: 172.6
This week's weight: 172.2
Difference: -0.4
Total weight lost since January 2010: 99.6
The past couple of weeks have been one big whirlwind. I've been working anywhere from 10 to 13 hours a day, which means I haven't exercised or kept track of what I've eaten. So I'm surprised I lost again this week.
I've noticed during the past 2 1/2 years, though, that often the most stressful times are when I do lose weight. Maybe that's because I just don't have time to eat. And I think I'm finally making smarter choices without really thinking about it.
That said, my moments of weakness are still there. After yesterday's weigh-in, I vowed to at least return to logging everything I eat/drink through the Weight Watchers online system. It didn't go so well. I get 26 points a day, but I ate/drank the equivalent of 51 points yesterday. Yes, that's very bad.
I had a lot of emotional reasons for yesterday's overeating. But I don't believe in excuses. So I'm going to try to put it behind me and move on. Maybe I'll do better today. And then even better tomorrow. That's all I can hope for.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Recipe: Cherry-almond brownies
I've been craving brownies for a couple of weeks, so I decided to experiment in the kitchen today. They aren't exactly health food, but these brownies are lower in fat and include a few healthy ingredients. The biggest problem is that it's supposed to make 24 brownies. I might cut them into 24 squares, but something tells I won't be able to eat just one.
Ingredients
1 box store-bought brownie mix (I used the Food Lion dark chocolate brand.)
4 egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water
1 cup chopped fresh cherries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup mini marshmallows
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix brownie mix, egg whites, applesauce and water by hand in a large bowl. Coat 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Pour mix evenly into pan. Sprinkle cherries on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly firm but still moist on top. Sprinkle almonds and marshmallows on top. Continue baking for 5-10 minutes until brownies are firm in the middle. Let cool. Then cut into 24 squares.
Ingredients
1 box store-bought brownie mix (I used the Food Lion dark chocolate brand.)
4 egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water
1 cup chopped fresh cherries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup mini marshmallows
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix brownie mix, egg whites, applesauce and water by hand in a large bowl. Coat 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Pour mix evenly into pan. Sprinkle cherries on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly firm but still moist on top. Sprinkle almonds and marshmallows on top. Continue baking for 5-10 minutes until brownies are firm in the middle. Let cool. Then cut into 24 squares.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: Surviving the great outdoors
Last week's weight: I didn't weigh in because I was on vacation. My weight the week before was 171.6.
This week's weight: 172.6
Difference: +1
Total weight lost since January 2010: 99.2 pounds
A few days before heading to Virginia for a five-day vacation at the river with my mom and stepdad, I blogged about being prepared to gain. On my previous vacation to Asheville, I gained nearly 5 pounds. I knew I didn't want to stress too much about what I ate or drank while in Virginia, so I set my mind on the 5-pound number.
I expected to gain that much. I ate s'mores (twice) and ice cream (twice) and all sorts of other foods I don't usually eat. I drank more alcohol than normal. But I also drank a lot of water and ate a lot of fruit and vegetables. Combine that with not eating heaping amounts of the bad foods and somehow I managed to gain only 1 pound.
I'm in disbelief. But, once again, happy to realize that I can indulge from time to time without completing losing control. While I still stress about food more than I probably should, I'm more hopeful than ever that I can maintain the progress I've made.
Speaking of progress, my trip to Virginia fits into that category in a different way. As many of you know, my journey isn't just about losing weight. It's about finding happiness and self-confidence and being more adventurous.
My Fourth of July vacation felt a little like being in the movie "The Great Outdoors." My mom and stepdad own a camper in a campground along the Rappahannock River. The camper is small, but it has a giant screened-in porch, which even has air conditioning. It's a good thing because that's where I had to sleep. This was actually my second time visiting, but last year's trip is kind of a blur because it was right after my dad died.
Anyway, most people would probably say I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type. That's odd because I grew up boating, fishing and always being around the water. While I may have spent a lot more time outside as a kid, I've always liked the comforts of home. I like my stuff and I'm definitely a creature of habit.
So visiting my parents was somewhat of an adventure. The shower was smaller than a phone booth and the water didn't work right the first day, so I don't even think I got the soap out of my hair. Yuck! I own mixing bowls bigger than the toilet. (Too much information?) I had to sleep on a lumpy futon on the porch. It was weird thinking that people might be able to see me walking around in my pajamas. Oh, and there's no oven. The porch has a stovetop, but you have to turn off the air conditioning to use it. So we grilled a lot. Yeah, I know I'd never make it if I really had to camp ... in a tent.
All that said, I had a delightfully relaxing few days. It might not have been fancy, but it was fun. On one of our boat rides, we were surrounded by dolphins near the Chesapeake Bay. They were beautiful. I barely thought about, much less talked about, work the entire time. That alone is a major sign of progress in my life. I've finally become the kind of person who completely trusts the people who work for me, which means I don't have to worry while on vacation.
The real lesson I've learned in the past few weeks is that I know how to manage stress without gaining weight. Sure, I still eat to sooth my emotions occasionally. But I don't do it all the time. In fact, most of the time when something's bothering me, I'm now able to put it aside and refocus on something positive. That's the kind of life I want to lead.
This week's weight: 172.6
Difference: +1
Total weight lost since January 2010: 99.2 pounds
A few days before heading to Virginia for a five-day vacation at the river with my mom and stepdad, I blogged about being prepared to gain. On my previous vacation to Asheville, I gained nearly 5 pounds. I knew I didn't want to stress too much about what I ate or drank while in Virginia, so I set my mind on the 5-pound number.
I expected to gain that much. I ate s'mores (twice) and ice cream (twice) and all sorts of other foods I don't usually eat. I drank more alcohol than normal. But I also drank a lot of water and ate a lot of fruit and vegetables. Combine that with not eating heaping amounts of the bad foods and somehow I managed to gain only 1 pound.
I'm in disbelief. But, once again, happy to realize that I can indulge from time to time without completing losing control. While I still stress about food more than I probably should, I'm more hopeful than ever that I can maintain the progress I've made.
Speaking of progress, my trip to Virginia fits into that category in a different way. As many of you know, my journey isn't just about losing weight. It's about finding happiness and self-confidence and being more adventurous.
My Fourth of July vacation felt a little like being in the movie "The Great Outdoors." My mom and stepdad own a camper in a campground along the Rappahannock River. The camper is small, but it has a giant screened-in porch, which even has air conditioning. It's a good thing because that's where I had to sleep. This was actually my second time visiting, but last year's trip is kind of a blur because it was right after my dad died.
Anyway, most people would probably say I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type. That's odd because I grew up boating, fishing and always being around the water. While I may have spent a lot more time outside as a kid, I've always liked the comforts of home. I like my stuff and I'm definitely a creature of habit.
So visiting my parents was somewhat of an adventure. The shower was smaller than a phone booth and the water didn't work right the first day, so I don't even think I got the soap out of my hair. Yuck! I own mixing bowls bigger than the toilet. (Too much information?) I had to sleep on a lumpy futon on the porch. It was weird thinking that people might be able to see me walking around in my pajamas. Oh, and there's no oven. The porch has a stovetop, but you have to turn off the air conditioning to use it. So we grilled a lot. Yeah, I know I'd never make it if I really had to camp ... in a tent.
All that said, I had a delightfully relaxing few days. It might not have been fancy, but it was fun. On one of our boat rides, we were surrounded by dolphins near the Chesapeake Bay. They were beautiful. I barely thought about, much less talked about, work the entire time. That alone is a major sign of progress in my life. I've finally become the kind of person who completely trusts the people who work for me, which means I don't have to worry while on vacation.
The real lesson I've learned in the past few weeks is that I know how to manage stress without gaining weight. Sure, I still eat to sooth my emotions occasionally. But I don't do it all the time. In fact, most of the time when something's bothering me, I'm now able to put it aside and refocus on something positive. That's the kind of life I want to lead.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: Right where I want to be
Last week's weight: 173.2
This week's weight: 171.6
Difference: -1.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 100.2
I was disappointed with last week's weigh-in and now I'm pleasantly surprised this week. That just goes to show, once again, that I am on a journey for life and I shouldn't get too upset from week to week.
After gaining nearly 5 pounds during my vacation to Asheville, I set a goal of getting back to the 100 pounds lost mark before heading out for another vacation on July 4. And I did it! There's something about being at that point that makes me feel better about letting go while on vacation.
Of course, I'm still going to try to make smart choices, but I'm also not going to worry about eating s'mores over a camp fire or having a few beers. I'll probably gain 5 pounds again. So what? This is how I imagine the rest of my life being ... gain a few pounds, lose a few pounds.
To reach my ultimate goal, I want to lose 20 more pounds. But I'm realistic about how long that might take because my goal is to do it while enjoying my life. A year? Two years? Does it really matter how long it takes? I'm a size 12, which is the smallest I've been since the seventh grade. I eat healthier and I exercise more than I ever have in my life. And I feel good.
So I think I'm right where I want to be ... for now.
This week's weight: 171.6
Difference: -1.6
Total weight lost since January 2010: 100.2
I was disappointed with last week's weigh-in and now I'm pleasantly surprised this week. That just goes to show, once again, that I am on a journey for life and I shouldn't get too upset from week to week.
After gaining nearly 5 pounds during my vacation to Asheville, I set a goal of getting back to the 100 pounds lost mark before heading out for another vacation on July 4. And I did it! There's something about being at that point that makes me feel better about letting go while on vacation.
Of course, I'm still going to try to make smart choices, but I'm also not going to worry about eating s'mores over a camp fire or having a few beers. I'll probably gain 5 pounds again. So what? This is how I imagine the rest of my life being ... gain a few pounds, lose a few pounds.
To reach my ultimate goal, I want to lose 20 more pounds. But I'm realistic about how long that might take because my goal is to do it while enjoying my life. A year? Two years? Does it really matter how long it takes? I'm a size 12, which is the smallest I've been since the seventh grade. I eat healthier and I exercise more than I ever have in my life. And I feel good.
So I think I'm right where I want to be ... for now.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: Disappointed
Last week's weight: 173.4
This week's weight: 173.2
Difference: -0.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98.6
I tried really hard this week, so I expected to see a better result on the scale when I weighed-in yesterday. I was diligent about tracking my Weight Watchers points and I exercised six out of seven days. In fact, I barely went over my daily points allotment and I earned far more activity points than I used. Why didn't the scale reward my efforts?
Feeling frustrated, I went a little overboard yesterday -- using 18 of my weekly points in one day. I didn't even eat anything worth it (well, except two mini cupcakes). Instead, I wasted those valuable points on snacking simply because I was disappointed with the number on the scale.
As usual, I feel bad about it today. So I've spent the morning searching recipes and making a plan for the weekend that should keep me from repeating yesterday's mistakes. But it won't be easy. All I can seem to think about our foods that aren't good for me.
This week's weight: 173.2
Difference: -0.2
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98.6
I tried really hard this week, so I expected to see a better result on the scale when I weighed-in yesterday. I was diligent about tracking my Weight Watchers points and I exercised six out of seven days. In fact, I barely went over my daily points allotment and I earned far more activity points than I used. Why didn't the scale reward my efforts?
Feeling frustrated, I went a little overboard yesterday -- using 18 of my weekly points in one day. I didn't even eat anything worth it (well, except two mini cupcakes). Instead, I wasted those valuable points on snacking simply because I was disappointed with the number on the scale.
As usual, I feel bad about it today. So I've spent the morning searching recipes and making a plan for the weekend that should keep me from repeating yesterday's mistakes. But it won't be easy. All I can seem to think about our foods that aren't good for me.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: The right direction
Last week's weight: 175.8
This week's weight: 173.4
Difference: -2.4
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98.4
After two weeks of gaining, I was thrilled with this morning's weigh-in. I'm not back to where I was, but at least I'm headed in the right direction.
One of my biggest fears is that I won't be able to maintain my weight loss ... for the rest of my life. I'm trying to be reasonable about gaining a few pounds here and there, especially when I'm on vacation or celebrating special occasions. But I'm really happy to see that I can lose those pounds.
This week has been particularly difficult. For some reason, I've wanted to snack a lot. I've tried to stick to healthy snacks, though, so I think that helped with the weight loss. I also exercised a lot this week, and that always makes a difference.
My goal right now is to lose at least two more pounds before the Fourth of July, which is when I'll be on vacation again. I won't feel as guilty about splurging if I go into it having lost 100 pounds. I'm also getting my head wrapped around the fact that I'm a size 12 and as long as that doesn't change, I shouldn't worry too much about a few pounds.
This week's weight: 173.4
Difference: -2.4
Total weight lost since January 2010: 98.4
After two weeks of gaining, I was thrilled with this morning's weigh-in. I'm not back to where I was, but at least I'm headed in the right direction.
One of my biggest fears is that I won't be able to maintain my weight loss ... for the rest of my life. I'm trying to be reasonable about gaining a few pounds here and there, especially when I'm on vacation or celebrating special occasions. But I'm really happy to see that I can lose those pounds.
This week has been particularly difficult. For some reason, I've wanted to snack a lot. I've tried to stick to healthy snacks, though, so I think that helped with the weight loss. I also exercised a lot this week, and that always makes a difference.
My goal right now is to lose at least two more pounds before the Fourth of July, which is when I'll be on vacation again. I won't feel as guilty about splurging if I go into it having lost 100 pounds. I'm also getting my head wrapped around the fact that I'm a size 12 and as long as that doesn't change, I shouldn't worry too much about a few pounds.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Weekly weigh-in: Back to basics
Last week's weight: 171
This week's weight: 175.8
Difference: +4.8
Total weight lost since January 2010: 96
As I expected, letting myself eat and drink pretty much whatever I wanted while on vacation in Asheville showed up on the scale. I gave myself 5 pounds grace and apparently I needed it. And don't forget I gained a pound the week before. That means I'm up almost 6 pounds in two weeks. Yikes.
I am slightly panicked, but I'm encouraged that between Walmart and Harris Teeter I spent $100 today and bought nothing but foods that are good for me. I have three different recipes I'm trying tomorrow -- mini egg white frittatas, lowfat moussaka and stir-fry chicken and veggies. That should keep me busy tomorrow and it should ensure that I stay on track this week.
Planning ahead is going to be extremely important this week because I'm working nights. I'm a little worried that the vending machine (or even fast food) will get the better of me. I'm going to try to resist. The good part about working nights is that I am much more likely to exercise before work.
So I'm going to try not to let a couple of bad weeks (especially since vacation was so worth it) bother me. I just need to do the right thing for the next few weeks and I'll be back where I was in no time ... by July 4, I hope, since I'll be taking another vacation then.
This week's weight: 175.8
Difference: +4.8
Total weight lost since January 2010: 96
As I expected, letting myself eat and drink pretty much whatever I wanted while on vacation in Asheville showed up on the scale. I gave myself 5 pounds grace and apparently I needed it. And don't forget I gained a pound the week before. That means I'm up almost 6 pounds in two weeks. Yikes.
I am slightly panicked, but I'm encouraged that between Walmart and Harris Teeter I spent $100 today and bought nothing but foods that are good for me. I have three different recipes I'm trying tomorrow -- mini egg white frittatas, lowfat moussaka and stir-fry chicken and veggies. That should keep me busy tomorrow and it should ensure that I stay on track this week.
Planning ahead is going to be extremely important this week because I'm working nights. I'm a little worried that the vending machine (or even fast food) will get the better of me. I'm going to try to resist. The good part about working nights is that I am much more likely to exercise before work.
So I'm going to try not to let a couple of bad weeks (especially since vacation was so worth it) bother me. I just need to do the right thing for the next few weeks and I'll be back where I was in no time ... by July 4, I hope, since I'll be taking another vacation then.
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