Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 49

Well, I guess I enjoyed Christmas a little too much. I realized this week how regimented my life really is. I get up at the same time every day and eat meals/snacks at the same time. But last Wednesday evening, my daughters came home with dozens of homemade cookies and cupcakes in hand. So the next 5 days were off my normal routine. That is, however, no excuse...but I did enjoy Christmas in all it's splendor. I received some wonderful gifts and enjoyed a few (okay, maybe more than a few) treats.

But, the girls have gone back home and life is almost back to normal. My husband is off this week; we are still going to the gym, but later than usual.

This week's weight loss was a gain..as I expected

+2.4 lbs.

But...I got new pants...and they are size 8...so that 2.4 lb gain can't take away the delight of fitting into a size 8!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 48

This week's weight loss

1.4 lbs for a total of 66.2 lbs gone.

I got another '5 pound star' today!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 47

Another good week..

This week's weight loss:

-1.0 lb for a total of 64.8!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 46

Wow...the "diet gods" were on my side this week. I'm not sure how this happened, but I'm not going to question it.

This week's weight loss:

3.6 lbs GONE!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 45

Finally hit my next goal...yipee!!!

This week's weight loss:

1.8 lbs GONE!! For a total of 60.2 lbs floating in space

considering last week was Thanksgiving I consider that a great victory.

(also bought some new clothes on Black Friday. It was supposed to be a Christmas shopping day...and it was... one for them... two for me!!)

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 44

This week was better.... not great...but better!

This week's weight loss:

0.6 lbs gone

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 43

Not a good week...well, I guess in the grand scheme of things it wasn't the end of the world. But no real explanation for this one. As they say "it is what it is"...

This week's loss was a slight gain.

+0.4 lbs.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 42

So far....so good. I've kept myself focused on my goal... chopping off one pound at a time. To be honest, I can't believe it sometimes. I'm not sure who this person is ... is it really ME??

This week's weight loss:

1.2 for a total of 58.2.

getting closer to my next goal of 60 lbs.

I repeat this to myself every day... "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels"!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 41

I can't believe how quickly Wednesdays roll around. I've set a goal for November and hoping it's 'do-able'. I'm hoping to hit 60 lbs gone by Thanksgiving...that gives me 3 weeks from today... we'll see!!

Anyway...

This week's weight loss

-1.0 lb for a total of 57.

I bought some new 'motivation' pants...size 10...whodathunk I'd ever wear size 10 pants! I can zip them, button them and still breathe...but they are too snug to wear right now...but soon...very soon they'll be mine to wear!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 40

Another week gone...with good results!

This week's weight loss:

-1.0 for a total of 56 lbs ...

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 39

Another week has come and gone. Weight loss has been slower lately, but I'm not discouraged. I figure my body is probably 'readjusting'...

This week's weight loss:

0.4 lbs for a total of 55 lbs.

My next goal is to hit 60 lbs by Thanksgiving. I think I can do it...

oh, I bought some new clothes last weekend at JC Penny's. It's getting cold here and since I have no winter clothes, I really needed some long sleeve shirts and a sweater.. The size that I fit into now almost knocked me over...PETITE MEDIUM. I never thought the word PETITE would be in my vocabulary never mind my closet! They fit so nicely, the sleeve length is perfect and the overal fit it amazing. I wear a PETITE MEDIUM!!! wow....

Getting 'fit-er"

On Saturdays my husband and I skip the gym. We need a day to sleep in and rest. I still try to get in a little exercise, so I climbed on the treadmill for what I expected to be my usual 30 minute walk. But, for kicks, I decided to see how long I could jog on the treadmill...and was shocked when I was able to do 25 minutes of actual jogging at a 4.0 speed. I was able to do 20 minutes yesterday (Sunday) and I certainly feel it in my legs this morning. But, it's a good feeling.

I feel stronger every day. I tried for years to tell myself I didn't need exercise...I was wrong...

I'm hoping that by next spring I can run 5K race. That's going to be my new goal. Whodathunkit???

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 38

Gosh, this week just flew by...

This week's weight loss:

1 lb. for a total of 54.6

I'm fitting into all my size 12 pants comfortably, and my shirts are all MEDIUMs. Life is good!...next goal...size 10 jeans!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 37

I had to weigh in on Wednesday this week. I'm going to be away on Friday... so even though it was only 5 days since my last weigh-in, I still had a loss. Not great...but a loss nonetheless! I'll take any loss I can get!

this week's weight loss:

0.8 for a total of 53.6 lost

I'm now wearing size 12 jeans!!

Weight Watcher Friday - Week 36

Another week has come and gone. The weather is getting cooler in the northeast. I had to buy a heavy lined, hooded sweatshirt and some fleece pants to wear in the morning when I walk my dog... it's brisk at 6:30 AM!

Today's weight loss:

-1.8 lbs for a total of 52.8

Weight Watcher Friday - Week 35

I hit a milestone goal today... and life is good!

This week's weight loss:

1.2 lbs for a total of 51 lbs lost for ever!

and if anyone finds it, please don't tell 'it' where I live!

Weight Watcher Friday - Week 34

Weight Watcher Friday doesn't sound as good as Weight Watcher Wednesday, but I'll be getting weighed in on Fridays for a while. That day works better for me.

I came soooo close this week, but missed by a hair. So next week, we'll call out the marching band, jugglers, clowns and balloons for a big celebration!

This week's weight loss:

1.2 lbs for a total of 49.8

Me...

Photo on the left was taken in March, when I had already lost about 10 lbs. The photo on the right was taken this past Saturday.... In my size 14 jeans...as opposed to my black, 18/20 stretch, elastic waist pants.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 33

errr...rather Weight Watcher FRIDAY! (I couldn't make the meeting on Wednesday...first time I've missed but it was unavoidable).

GREAT big surprise today. I knew I had stayed "OP" as they say..."on program"...and continued my trips to the gym, but didn't expect this big a loss. Makes up for the slight gain last week. (AND, last Friday, I helped my daughter bake over 200 cupcakes for her co-workers wedding. Limited myself to one very small cupcake)

This week's loss:

3.8 lbs for a total of 48.6 lbs lost.

New recipe

I tried a new recipe this week. Brownie mix with a can of black beans! Sounds like a strange combination, doesn't it? The recipe calls for 1 box mix and 1 can of black beans. I drained and rinsed the beans and put them back into the can and filled with water. I pulverized them in my food processor and added them to the brownie mix. That's all...2 ingredients. I baked them in a 13x9" pan for the time indicated on the box.

I cut them into small pieces and served them at a family picnic last week. I wanted to see if anyone could tell what was in them and wanted more opinions other than mine and Mr. Wizard's.

The kids loved them...they ate them so fast they didn't realize they weren't your average 'brownie'!! The consistency is strange...almost 'rubbery'. Most adults admitted they were good and would eat them. Mr. Wizard did not like them at all nor did my sisters' husbands. The women in the group agreed that they would eat them this way...though there is an odd consistency.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 32

I'm late posting my results for this week. It's been a crazy busy week...and I wasn't happy with the results of my weigh in. I can honestly say that I don't know how I gained weight this week except that my body might be 'readjusting' to this stuff called "healthy eating". I worked out as much as every other week...but I'm not discouraged...I've come too far for that.

This week's loss is a gain... 0.4 lbs. gained.

Reward for 45 lbs lost

Okay, so, I don't hesitate to get that reward as soon as I earn it. I feel like a 5 year old sometimes cuz I can't wait to get the next gift card!

I decided on Macy's after I went this weekend and found some really nice sweaters and shirts that I'd love. (I will buy a few for winter since I have NO winter clothes...remember, I gave it all away in March/April plus it would be too big now. YIPEE!)

I even bought some smaller T-shirts that I will be able to wear next summer. I love end of season clearance sales. Beautiful T-shirts for $4.99...how could I pass that up??

Actually...I bought 2 T-shirts in medium for next summer. When I got home I tried them on and realized they fit perfectly. They must be a "big" medium...but who cares...they are still MEDIUM! So, when I went back and bought 3 more shirts for next year in SMALL... I figure if...oops...no WHEN I lose the rest of my weight, ..35 lbs more...I should easily fit into these T-shirts. I had always dreamed of being a "medium"...can't even imagine fitting into something that says "SMALL"!!! Life is good!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 31

I'm making progress!!! Celebrate with me...

This week's weight loss:

1.8 lbs for a total of 45.2 lbs gone!!

New foods I've discovered

I discovered some new "weight watcher friendly" foods that I thought I'd pass along.

Fiber One yogurt...it's a smaller container than other yogurts, but it's a ZERO point food! I use them in my smoothies every day, thus making my smoothie only 2 points instead of the 3 they used to be. (that leaves an extra point for another treat!).

I discoverd Crisps by accident! They are dehydrated fugi apples. Each package is 39 calories, with no fat and a few grams of fiber. It's another ZERO point snack! I like them because I throw one package in my purse if I'm going out for the day and might need a quick snack. I found them at Wal-mart in the same area as raisins and dried fruit.

Since I gave up drinking diet sodas, I've had to rely on flavored water because plain water is boring! I've done a lot of reading and supposedly green and white tea is good for you. I prefer the white tea as it doesn't have the 'tea aftertaste' that I get with the green tea. The raspberry and apple-cranberry white tea is very good. It only comes in the individual packets that are added to 16 oz of water.

I've been wanting to try this combination for a while and I did this weekend. One cake mix and 1 can of diet coke. I baked it in a 13x9" pan for the appropriate time indicated on the box, and the results were a super moist cake! I served it to my husband and he couldn't tell the difference! Next time I'm going to make cupcakes as that would make each serving 2 points and easier to figure out. There are so many different variations depending on the flavor of cake and soda.

This powdered peanut butter was given to me. It's called PB2. The directions call for 2 tbsps of powder for 1 tbsp of water...mix...and voila peanut butter. However, the taste is NASTY...blech...ewww...cough, choke...YUCK! I tried adding a little salt thinking maybe it needed it...but no. The consistency was like peanut butter, but the flavor was TERRIBLE! I don't recommnd this product.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 30

I was delighted with this week's weight loss. I wasn't expecting it, though I worked hard and certainly felt like I deserved it, but life doesn't always workout that way. This week the "diet gods" were kind!!

This week's weight loss:

2.4 lbs for a total of 43.4

Week 4

This is the 4th week that Mr.. Wizard and I have been getting up at o’ dark thirty to hit the gym by 4:45 AM (yup…that’s AM).  It’s a great way to wake up!  I walk the dog when I get home, and am ready to go!  Of course, we now go to bed about 9:30 PM to compensate.  But, it’s working out great.  We’ll see what happens when winter sets in.  That will be the true test.

My Top Ten List

Here's my top ten things I have enjoyed about losing weight up to this point:

10. Got rid of all my XL clothes
9. Got some new SMALLER clothes
8. Even my shoes feel looser
7. I can walk up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing when I get to the top
6. My cholesterol level went below 200 for the first time
5. Looking at clothing catalogs is fun
4. I can now wear pants with a belt rather than an eleastic waist
3. I lost almost 7 inches from my waist
2. I walk 'taller' and am more confident now
1. I can see my feet when I stand up!!!

Look up there...

I just realized that my BMI is now UNDER 30... it's 29.9!! whooo hooo!! (I believe in celebrating every milestone!)

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 29

I DID IT!! I'm out of the 170's and made into the 'wonderful' 160's! Treated myself to a new pair of capris because the 16's I have are too big. Got a nice pair of navy blue 14's... (got 'em on sale for $7.99!)

This week's loss:

1 lb for a total of 41 lbs

My 40 lb reward

I decided to go with a Lands End gift card this time. (Ordering on-line is so easy!!). Our local Sears has a section of Lands End clothing which I think is very nice and casual. They also sent me a catalog ...I found some beautiful sweaters that would be nice for the winter.

I forgot I ordered this and ordered a gift card for another store...I will save that one for my next 'reward'!!

Yearly cholesterol check...

FINALLY...I got good news regarding my cholesterol level. It's been way above 200 (about 240) for some time...but my latest test results came back... 197!! Under 200 is best...it's just a tad under 200...but it's UNDER!

However, my HDL which should be between 45-65 is only at 37 and my LDL which should be between 0-130 is at 146. My doctor thinks if I continue my low fat diet and exercise, that it should take care of it, so she didn't recommend any medication at this time.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 28

Time to PAAARTY!!

I had a GREAT week...stayed on track, kept up with new gym schedule and 'the scale' cooperated!

This week's loss:

2.2 lbs for a total of

40 lbs GONE

I've reached the half-way point. 40 lbs to go!

35 lb reward

In keeping with my effort to reward my 5 lb achievements, I bought a $20.00 gift card for losing 35 lbs.

I finally realize, I don't have to go to the store to pick it up...I ordered it on-line..got to pick the design I wanted...and poof, free shipping and 3 days later it was in my mail box!

Of course, I spent about 10 minutes picking the perfect card...and this one seemed to fit my goals... "GO GIRL"!!

They fit...they fit!

Back in very early spring I bought a pair of size 16 khaki pants from LL Bean (can't pass a sale! $12.95). I tried them on every month to measure my progress. I had hoped to wear them by the 4th of July...but no such luck.

Yesterday, I tried them again...and they fit GREAT! They just need to be hemmed a little. Even though they are 16 petite...they are still about 1.5 inches too long! (In my next life, I'm going to be taller and naturally thin! hey, I can dream!!)

So, just for kicks I tried on the size 14 jeans I also bought from LL Bean....and much to my amazement they fit BETTER than the size 16 khakis. I think it's the STRETCH in the denim...but who cares...they are a size 14 and they FIT!! Of course, it's much too hot to wear them right now, but by September when the weather cools down they will be PERFECT!

I broke down and bought a pair of GREEN capris this weekend. I have never owned anything but black or navy pants or jeans (the fat girl uniform pants, as I call them). I have never ever even considered buying green pants...but these are so nice (size 16 and loose...but the 14's were a little snug..no stretch in this fabric.) I've been living in 3 pairs of capris and 1 pair of shorts this summer. The capris are getting very 'roomy'...but summer is almost over and I can get through with those.

So...then for more of my entertaining pleasure, I tried on two pairs of size 12 pants that my sister gave me. She's also a WW member, and has lost almost 20 lbs..and these pants are too big for her now. I was shocked...I can get them on and zip them. They are snug...but I'm just in shock that I could actually zip them...and no I didn't have to lay down and use pliers to pull up the zipper. I had no problem zipping them...gotta LOVE fabrics with a little a s t r e t c h!

It was fun playing 'dress up'...even if no one else was around to celebrate with me. I was giddy staring at myself in the mirror. I'm actually starting to FEEL thinner... and it feels super!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 27

Another Wednesday is here! My husband and I have a new 'gym' schedule. We've been going to the gym at 4:45 AM (yup..AM) for an hour workout every morning. This way, Mr. Wizard (my affectionate name for him since he can fix anything...)can get in a workout and still have time to get ready to go to work. I am fortunate to have an in-home business, so I don't have to rush out to get to a 'job'...

So...it's been 2 weeks today since I had a diet soda and though I thought I'd really miss it, it hasn't been a problem. I have some in the pantry should the day come where I REALLY need it. I've been drinking Lipton white tea with apple/cranberry. One package per 16.9 oz of water...though as of today I'm going to dilute that since it also contains artifical sweetner. So, one package per 32 oz. of water...just so that there is some flavoring. I'm going to cut out 'fake sugar' as much as possible.

Today's weight loss:

1.4 lbs for a total of 37.8.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 26

Yipee Skippy!!! This week I stopped drinking diet sodas. I wanted to try an 'experiment'. I read that chemicals will sometimes change hormone levels and thus slow down metabolism. So, I ate as little 'processed' food as possible, drank more water (okay...with a little Crystal Light). I'm going to continue this for a few more weeks to see if it makes a difference.

I've been very faithfully charting all the food I've eaten...

This week's loss:

2.2 lbs for a total of 36.4 lbs gone for good!

Measurements...

Wow...I decided to take some measurements today....and though I knew I had lost weight and inches, I didn't realize the difference!


Here are the losses:

Waist: 5.5 inches
Bust: 7.5 inches (and and I still have plenty left!)
Hips: 5.5 inches
Thighs: 7 inches
R/L Arm: 2.75 inches (combined)
R/L Leg: 6.75 inches (combined)

total: 35 inches lost!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 25

Well...I wish I could report a HUGE loss...but I guess that'll have to be another day.

This week's loss --- .6 lb for a total of 34.2

missed my 35 lb mark 'by THAT much'... (if you're old enough to remember Get Smart...you'll recognize the 'tone' in my voice as I say that!! hahaha)

Tall Ships in Boston Harbor

We had a great day today. My husband and I drove to Boston to see the Tall Ships. "Sail Boston" started a few days ago, and the ships are scheduled to leave tomorrow, so we took advantage of the beautiful day. Our daughter, Sara, who lives in Boston, joined us.

The ships were magnificent. We could have boarded a few of them, but the lines were over 1 hour long, and we chose not to go inside but walked around Boston Harbor for a few hours looking at the ships.

We had lunch at a neat, casual place called "Barking Crab". It was very good (though my husband's baked fish was a little dry and probably overcooked.) Nothing on the menu was very Weight Watcher friendly, so I chose an appetizer...a 1 lb serving of cooked shrimp with cocktail sauce. No, I did NOT eat the entire 1 lb...I probably ate half of it, along with the steamed broccoli my husband gave me from his dinner. Sara had a crabmeat burger...she enjoyed it. (I got a 'doggie bag' for the shrimp I didn't eat...I'll have the rest tomorrow!)

Walking around on a gorgeous day and being near the ocean is good for the soul...and I got some great exercise at the same time. It was a perfect day!

New bagel find..

I thought that my 'bagel' days were over...the point value of a bagel was more than I was willing to use.

My sister discovered an answer to my prayers! A bagel that is only 1 point..add some WW cream cheese..another 1 point ---and I have bagels and cream cheese back in my food option.

Kim's Light Bagels are awesome. They are available in 6 flavors, though I've only tried the cinnamon so far. Kim developed these bagels after losing over 200 lbs through Weight Watchers. She, like the rest of WW members wanted a bagel that would be low in points, so she developed her own.

Check out her website Kim Bensen. Her story is very motivational! She's also written a book, which I just ordered her book through Barnes and Nobel; it should arrive in a few days. I'm looking forward to reading it.

"As Seen on TV"...

I'm not one to fall for "as seen on TV" items...but I watched an info-mercial a few weeks ago, and ordered this "Xpress Redi Set go" 'cooker'...

I love it!! It heats up within a few minutes, and cooks items quickly. So far I've 'baked' fish in it a few times and it cooks quickly...in 7 minutes and the fish stays moist and flaky. I also love making "weight watcher friendly" mini pizzas using english muffins, and because the well in the Xpress Redi set go is deep enough, I 'bake' my mini pizzas inside.

I'm going to try scrambled egg whites soon. It was worth the money and clean up is quick and easy.

New shirt...check out the size!

I wore a new shirt today that I bought on sale a few weeks ago...and LOOK...there's no X in front of the word "large"!!! To some people, that wouldn't be a big deal...but to me it was!!



and that $24.00 price.. I got the shirt on sale for under $10.00!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 24

The weeks are flying by! Despite being away for a few days and having a few 'treats', I managed to get back on track first thing Monday morning and was pleased with this week's loss.

1 lb lost ...total of 33.6 lbs gone..gone...gone

I found a new treat!

One thing I miss while 'getting healthy' is potato chips. I hate to use my treasured points on 'junk food'... but one day at the WW meeting, I overhead one of the members talking about FAT FREE POTATO CHIPS that were only 1 point per one ounce serving.

WOW!!!! my prayers were answered.















As soon as that meeting was over, I headed to my supermarket and there they were...waiting for me! As you can see, one ounce is a fair amount of potato chips!

4th of July weekend...

I had a great time this 4th of July weekend. We spent it on Cape Cod...and fortunately, the weather was perfect!

My husband cleaned the cobwebs off my bicycle ...it's been a few years since it has seen the light of day.

I bought this bike a few years ago primarily because it had 'regular' handle bars and a BIG-ASS SEAT...I tried to find one with a tractor seat, but they don't seem to make one!

My family joined in on the biking adventure, though the 'youngins' arrived at the end long before me! L to R: daughter, Sara, husband Frank, Corey (Sam's BF), daughter Sam, and ME!

The Cape Cod Canal is 6.8 miles one way, and we rode the route on Saturday and Sunday for a total of 28 miles. It's mostly flat, but there are a few 'inclines'. At the end of the second day, my husband realized that my bike was only using 4 of the 6 gears, so I had worked 'harder' than I should have. I was thrilled...I must have burned off more calories. But alas, I made up for it with the 'treats' I ate on the beach Saturday night while we watched the fireworks.

We saw this beautiful tall ship anchored in the canal, on it's way, no doubt, into Boston Harbor for the Tall Ship exhibit.

But, now it's Monday, back home and back on track.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 23

I never thought I'd say these words...but...I'm such a LOSER! ha ha ha

This week's weight loss

2 lbs for a total of 32.6

My latest reward

As I mentioned earlier, I treat myself to a gift card everytime I lose 5 lbs.

So far, I have 4 $20.00 gift cards from Coldwater Creek, 1 from Kohl's and today I decided that before I die I need to own something from Victoria's Secret...so that's what I did!

I have to admit that walking into the store to buy the gift card was a new experience... I have never bought anything there, nor have I ever walked into their store...until today!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 22

Considering all the treats I had this past weekend....I'm pleasantly surprised to have lost weight!

This week's weight loss:

1 lb. for a total of 30.6 lbs. lost forever

Finally...

Geez, I can't believe I'm going to admit this...but I've been honest about everything else...so here goes. For the first time in a LONG time, I FINALLY weigh LESS than my husband! He's also 9 inches taller than me, but I've outweighed him for a long time. But...not any more!!

Though today he did say he "found" some of the the weight I had lost...seems he's gained a few pounds! But, he can lose that in no time...he's done it before.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 21

I was hoping to hit another milestone today...but that will have to wait until next week.

This week's loss:

1.6 lbs for a total of 29.6

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 20

It's a good day in Weight Watcher Land!!!

This week's loss ....

2.4 lbs for a total of 28 lbs. LOST

A lesson I've learned..

I know I should have realized this a long time ago...but, like a lot of things, it just 'hit' me a few days ago.

My husand and I had to drive 90 minutes to Boston Monday evening because our college daughter's car had almost NO brakes. My husband has always fixed the family cars and we don't know who to trust to fix her car. So we drove there and gave her my car and my husband drove the Jeep with-almost-no-brakes home...

We took advantage of the visit to take both of our daughters out to dinner. (FYI...our college daughter lives with our oldest daughter; she lives and works in the Boston area.) We decided on Uno's. I was looking at the menu, and it occurred to me that it didn't matter what I ordered, or what I ate, I was happy to be spending time with my daughters. Sometimes I don't see them for several weeks to a few months at a time....and this time, it wasn't about "THE FOOD"...it was about the visit.

I chose carefully, grilled shrimp, roasted veggies and rice pilaf. I ate it all, left about 1/4 of the rice, and then ate my husband's grilled veggies because he didn't want them....and I hated to see nice roasted veggies go to waste.

I always told my kids, that everything in life is a learning experience...and today it was my turn to 'learn'...

Lovin' my smoothies!

I am totally loving breakfast these days! My daughters bought me an immersion blender for Mother's Day and I've been using every day since.

I mix one container of WW Yogurt, 1 C of low fat milk, 4-5 strawberries and blend!! Then I add about 1/2 C of crushed ice and blend some more.

It's such a treat. I sometimes have trouble getting in my required 2 milks a day, but with this it counts as 2 milks and breakfast at the same time!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 19

This week's weight loss:

0.6 lbs for a total of 25.6


Not sure why the scale wasn't a better friend to me this week...I did lose some weight but not as much as I had hoped. I go to the gym every day for 1 hour, in addition to walking my dog nearly every day for 30 minutes...sometimes twice a day. But I'll take what I can get...and slowly, but surely I will reach my goal...

What does 25 lbs look like?

Here is what I have lost...the equivalence of 25 lbs of butter!!!

Just for the record, my daughter does a lot of baking and I store her 'extra' butter in my freezer...so I won't be eating any of this!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 18

Another milestone today...

Lost 0.8 for a total of 25 lbs.!!!

Thursday, May 21

BREAKFAST:

• Smoothie (WW yogurt, 1 C low fat milk, 4 strawberries)
• Points: 3

LUNCH:

• Progresso Light chicken/veg soup
• WW multigrain crisp crackers
• WW string cheese
• Points: 5

DINNER:

• 3 oz lean hamburger
• Arnold's whole grain bun
• toss salad
• grilled zucchini
• Points: 7

SNACKS:

• WW ice cream
• Fiber One bar
• Points: 4

Total Points: 19

Wednesday, May 20

BREAKFAST:

• Smoothie (WW yogurt, 1 C low-fat milk, 5 strawberries)
• Points: 3

LUNCH:

• Muffin pizza (Fiber One English Muffin; 2 tbsp Barilla Tomato/Basil Sauce; 2 tbsp WW Mozzarella cheese
• 1 C honeydew melon
• Points: 2.5

DINNER:

• WW Lasagna
• Summer Squash
• Points: 6

SNACKS:

• WW String cheese
• Fiber One Bar
• WW Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream
• 4 C 94% fat free popcorn
• Points: 6

Total Points: 17.5

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 17

Today's results:

2.2 lbs lost for a total of 24.2 lbs.

That's a great accomplishment for me because I was away in Lancaster, PA for 5 days! But I planned ahead, brought some nutritious snacks and was so busy shopping and walking that I didn't even think about food!

Tuesday, May 19

BREAKFAST:

• Smoothie: made with 1 WW Berry Yogurt, 1 C low-fat milk; 4 whole strawberries.
• Points: 3.5

LUNCH:

• 1 C Bear Creek Chili
• 1 oz. cooked chicken breast
• 1 C honeydew melon
• Points: 3

DINNER:

• 9 large shrimp
• grilled zucchini, summer squash, green beans
• 1 C honeydew melon
• Points: 3

SNACKS:

• 5 C 94% fat free popcorn
• Fiber One Bar
• 1 oz Fat Free Potato Chips
• 1 WW 1 point snack
• Points: 7

Total points: 16.5

Sunday...Mother's Day, May 10

Well, despite my best efforts to apply points to yesterday's wonderful lunch at Anthony's Pier 4 in Boston..I'm not sure I can do it accurately.


Lunch consisted of:

• Frozen strawberry daiquiri (which I shared with my daughter Samantha...and yes she is over 21)
• Broiled bay scallops (heavenly!)
• baked potato (no sour cream or butter)
• Popover (steaming hot...mmm)
• 1/2 dinner roll
• 2 fried shrimp (from my husband's plate!)

Later:

• 1 piece of delicious Angel Food Cake and fresh fruit that my daughter Sara made for me.

When I got home :

• Toss salad
• and what we weight watchers call B.L.T's...bites, licks and tastes. I had a case of the munchies...but didn't over do. The scale will tell on Wednesday, though!

My husband and I did go to the gym before we went to Boston for lunch. Hopefully that will help.

The restaurant was wonderful...the scenery spectacular, and we had the best seats (not sure how we got so lucky). There was a sail boat race right outside our window!!

I received some beautiful flowers and a gift card to Red Lobster from my son and daughter-in-law. Sara and Samantha bought me flowers, funky eyeglasses, and a Cuisinart Hand Blender to make smoothies! When it comes to having wonderful children, I hit the 'kid lottery'...I am truly blessed. Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day!

Friday, May 8, 2009

BREAKFAST:

• WW yogurt
• WW chocolate smoothie
• Points: 2

LUNCH:

• Lettuce/tomato sandwich on whole grain bread
• 1/2 oz fat free potato chips
• Points: 5

DINNER:

• 4 oz baked cod
• home made baked french fries
• sauteed squash/zucchini/green beans
• shrimp/cocktail sauce
• POINTS: 10

SNACKS:

• Rice cakes
• WW ice cream bar
• Points: 4

Total daily points: 21

Thursday, May 7

BREAKFAST:

• 3 egg white omelet
• 1 Fiber One English Muffin
• 1 tbsp raspberry jam
• Points: 3

LUNCH

• Turkey Chili
• Toss Salad, FF dressing
• 6 shrimp/cocktail sauce
• WW chocolate cake
• Points: 5

DINNER:

• 4 OZ grilled chicken
• sauteed squash/green beans/zucchini
• 1 pear
• 3 Hershey dark chocolate kisses
• Points: 5

SNACKS:

• WW Ice cream bar
• WW peanut butter mini bar
• 1 homemade chocolate chip cookie (thanks to my sister!)
• Points: 6

Points total: 19

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

BREAKFAST:

• Fiber Plus Bar (I know...not much of a breakfast!)
• Points: 2

LUNCH:

• Arnold's whole grain bun
• 1 thin slice deli ham
• sliced tomatoes and lettuce
• pear
• 1 oz Fat Free potato chips
• Points: 3.5

DINNER:

• KFC grilled chicken breast
• KFC mashed potatoes and gravy
• KFC biscuit (I treated myself!)
• sauteed squash and zucchini
• Points: 12

SNACKS:

• Weight Watcher Peanut Butter Mini Bar
• 7 C 94% fat free pop corn
• Points: 2.5

Total Points: 20

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 15

Drum roll:

This week's weight loss 1.4 lbs. for a total of 21.8 lbs. lost.

R.I.P.

It's a great day! I have decided to 'retire' my well worn jeans. Those nasty elastic waist pants are just to darn BIG. I find myself stopping to pull them up every few minutes. So those awful 18/20 jeans are going away. Actually, I'm going to put them away. I'm going to keep them as a reminder that I never want to be that size again...EVER.

My next goal...

I bought these tan pants from LL Bean...size 16. They are a little snug and I hope to wear them by late June...or roughly 10 lbs less from now.

I also bought a pair of size 12 pants ...$5.00 on clearance. Hopefully they will fit by winter time.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

BREAKFAST:

• 1 C Cheerios
• 1/2 C 1% Milk
• 1C fruit salad
• Points: 4
  

LUNCH:

• English muffin pizza (Fiber One Muffin, 2 tbsp Barilla Tomato/basil sauce; 2 tbsp Weight Watcher Mozzerella cheese; 1/2 oz ground turkey)
• slice cucumbers
• WW chocolate cake
• Points: 3.5

DINNER:

• tossed salad
• 18 shrimp
• 1 Tbsp Hidden Valley Ranch Salad dressing
• sauteed veggies w/ 1 tsp olive oil
• 3 Hershey Dark Chocolate kisses
• Points: 6.5

SNACKS:

• Fiber One Bar
• Sundae: WW Ice cream, strawberries, sugar free/fat free Cool Whip
• Points: 5

Total points: 19

Monday, May 4, 2009

BREAKFAST:

• Fiber One English Muffin
• Raspberry Jam
• Weight Watcher Yogurt
• Points: 3

LUNCH:

• Arnold's Multigrain roll
• 2 slices deli turkey
• lettuce and tomato slices
• 1 oz Fat Free potato chips
• fruit salad
• Points:4

DINNER:

• 1C whole wheat pasta
• 1/2 C ground turkey
• 2/3C Barilla tomato/basil pasta sauce
• sauteed zucchini and summer squash
• cucumber slices
• Points: 7.5

SNACKS:

• Fiber Plus bar
• Pop Corn 5C 94% fat free
• 1 C strawberries
• Points: 4

Total daily points: 18.5

What's to eat today? Sunday, May 3, 2009

BREAKFAST:

• Weight Watcher Cherry Cheesecake yogurt (1 pt)
• pear
• Points: 3

LUNCH:

• English muffin pizza (Fiber One English Muffin, pasta sauce, and small amount of Weight Watcher fat free mozzerella cheese ( 2 pts)
• tossed salad (fat free dressing) (0 pts)
• fruit salad, 1 C (1 pt)
• Points: 3

DINNER:

• 4 oz grilled chicken
• 1/2 C mashed potatoes
• sauteed zucchini/summer squash in 1 tsp olive oil
• Points: 6.5

SNACKS:

• fruit salad, 1 C (1 pt)
• Fiber Plus bar (2 pts)
• Snyder's pretzel stix (2 pts)
• 1 oz fat free potato chips (1 pt)
• Points: 6

total points: 18.5

What's for dinner? Saturday, May 2

BREAKFAST:

• Weight Watcher Yogurt
• 1 C fruit salad
• Points: 2

LUNCH:

• Arnold's Whole Grain Bun
• 1 slice deli turkey breast
• lettuce/tomato
• 1 oz fat free potato chips
• banana
• Points: 4.5

DINNER:

• 3 oz bay scallops
• zucchini/green beans/corn/onions sauteed in 2 tsp olive oil
• tossed salad
• 6 shrimp with cocktail sauce
• Points: 6.5

SNACKS:

• Fiber Plus Bar
• Weight Watcher Cookie dough ice cream cup
• 1 C strawberries
• Points: 5

Total points: 18

Today's meal

I decided to chart what I'm eating every day...just because!

BREAKFAST:

• 3 egg white omelet
• 1 Fiber One light whole grain english muffin
• 1 tbsp raspberry jam

Total points: 3

LUNCH:

• 1 whole grain bun (Arnold's bread?)
• 1 tomato sliced
• lettuce
• small bag low fat potato chips (only 1 point!)
• 1 cup fruit salad

total points: 3 (6)

DINNER:

• 3 oz baked cod (small amount of bread crumbs and 1 tsp olive oil on top)
• sauteed veggies: summer squash, zucchini, green beans and sliced onion .. 1/2C of each
• home made baked french fries (1 small potato sliced and coated with 1 tsp olive oil)
• 10 medium shrimp (small amount of cocktail sauce)

TOTAL points: 10 (16)

SNACKS:

• 5 cups microwave popcorn (94% fat free) 1 point
• 1 Fiber Plus bar 2 points
• 1 C sliced cucumbers

total for the day: 19

Sunday's Hike update...

Did you notice that nice walking stick my husband found for me during our hike last Sunday? (see photo a few posts below). Well, Monday morning he woke up and said..."Look at this...what do you think it is?" OH NO...poison ivy!!

Fortunately, he treated it and covered the areas and is so good about NOT scratching, so it hasn't spread. What a good guy...poison ivy just for me!

Arc trainer

This is my favorite piece of cardio equipment at my gym. I never thought it was something I'd like, but I tried it last Saturday...and I'm hooked. It's a much better workout for me than the treadmill or the stationary bike. It burns more calories and I'm all for that.


I haven't mastered it enough to use it without holding on...but hope that comes eventually. Check it out!


http://www.expertvillage.com/video/19440_gym-equipment-cardio-arc-trainer.htm

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 14

It's a great day in Weight Watcher Land...this weeks loss

3 lbs.. for a total of 20.6.

whooopeee!!!

Hiking Today

The weather this weekend has been spectacular in New England. It was almost 90 (?) yesterday and today will be in the high 80's. Husband and I decided to tackle our favorite hiking spot. Thanks to a new website I found, MapMyRun.com I was able to see what that hike really looks like. It is 3.31 miles there and back...but the killer is...it's all UPHILL!! It goes up an elevation of over 900 feet.

The first third is the hardest and in the past I have prayed to die as I reach that level. Today was better. I am in a little better shape than I have been in the past.
My husband volunteered to carry a backpack filled with water bottles for us and the dog, as well as some snacks to enjoy when we reached the summit.

My husband found a walking stick for me. It makes it easier to have something to hang onto. There wasn't much of a breeze and my heart was pumping...but I made it to the top with no complaining. We stopped to give the dog water a few times, she was panting quite a bit...but she thoroughly enjoys reading all the 'pee-mail' all the way up and back!
Here's what you see when you get to the top of the mountain. A specatular view of the valley and the Connecticut River. The trees are just starting to bud and within the next week or two the trees will bloom.

We found a cool spot to enjoy a snack of shrimp and cocktail sauce and some fruit, as well as more water. The dog ate her favorite--CHEESE.
After a rest, it was time to head back down the road. Walking downhill uses different muscles than walking up...and here is one of the winding roads that makes the hike more interesting. There are trails through the woods, but I prefer the road. The entire hike took almost 2 hours including the rest period and enjoying the view at the top.

Fiber One English Muffins

I found a new english muffin...thanks to my sister. Fiber One english muffins are so much better than the Thomas' Light Whole Grain that I've been eating. These are also only 1 point... They are 'puffier' and make for a better mini pizza. They are a little pricier, $3.99 for 6, but well worth the money.

Thanks Nancy!

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 13

Great day today!! I lost 2.8 lbs last week for a total of 17.6 lbs .

I've been faithful going to the gym for at least 60 minutes everyday and walking an additional 30 minutes in the evenings ...it appears to be paying off.

Join me in another happy dance!!

Water....

Water...plain ole water...
I've been trying to stay away from sugar free drink mixes and diet sodas. I started saving those for a 'treat'. Drinking water just doesn't "do it" for me, but I learned from a friend Shelly, Mom-Getting-Fit, to add fruit to the water to give it some flavor. I started with lemon and lime and realized...I don't care for lime! So I cut up a bunch of lemons and throw in a few chunks with my ice water. I also find that if I drink through a straw, I will drink more than drinking from a glass. Psychological, I'm sure...but whatever works. This container holds 4 glasses of water and I can easily drink 2 full bottles a day. I had to replace my other bottles because they didn't fit in the treadmill cup holder at the gym.

Saturday morning ...

I can't believe I'm actually going to say this...but I enjoy going to the gym. (Looking up to make sure the sky isn't going to fall on me for saying that!)

I have gone every day...faithfully for two weeks (except on Easter Sunday...the hours at the gym were cut down and I couldn't get there and still entertain 16 family members.)

I feel my arms getting a little stronger and my legs are sore...all good signs. My clothes is definitely feeling looser and I ordered a pair of size 16 pants from LL Bean. I'm sure they'll be too small..but I will hang them in the bedroom where I can see them until I can actually wear them -- which hopefully will be by early June.

I'm making good use of my new pedometer and the past two days have logged in over 15,000 steps...that's over 5 miles of walking during the course of the day. Yesterday, my husband and I took our dog for a 3+ mile walk...exactly 1 hour and 35 seconds. Dog and I were both tired after that!! Husband...not so much...he's 8 inches taller than me so if he walks at my pace, it isn't much of a workout for him.

I hinted to my daughters that I'd like a Magic Bullet for Mother's day so I can make smoothies. I don't have a blender and really no great need for one or the room to leave it out....but the Magic Bullet would be ideal!

Cleaned out my closet

Here they are...here they go! These bags are filled with winter clothes that I do not intend to EVER wear again... this time next year I WILL be in a smaller size. So, I bagged up most of my sweaters, turtlenecks, woolen pants...anything 'wintery' in that dreaded XL size and I'm giving it away.

Big Brother/Big Sisters calls periodically to collect clothing for the retail store they have in my area called "Savers". I jumped at the chance to get rid of this clothes. Next winter I will be either A. in a smaller size... or B. very cold and nekked.. so it's definitely motivating to stick with my new eating lifestyle and get a NEW wardrobe next winter. I did keep a few cardigan sweaters and sweatshirts that I can still wear as really warm weather won't hit New England until June!

I bought myself a Pedometer! I had an older one that wasn't working well, so I treated myself to a new one. I bought this one at my WW meeting, though they are available in department stores. This model will tell me how many extra 'points' I've earned after I've taken enough steps. They recommend 10,000 steps per day. I walked about 1.25 miles this morning with my dog...for a total of roughly 3500 steps. I do that twice a day in addition to all the walking I do on a daily basis, so I should easily reach that quota. I put it on first thing in the morning and reset it at night when I take it off.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 12

Today's weigh in: 195.4...I gained 0.4 lbs. I was disappointed considering I'm at the gym everyday for about 1 hour. I thought I had a good week...but this isn't the end of the world.

There's always NEXT WEEK!

I have another appointment tomorrow with my 'trainer' at the gym. She will be adding to my repertoire of weight training equipment.

Monday morning ramblings...

Well, I survived Easter Sunday dinner! I hosted my siblings and their families as well as our Dad, who is in a nursing home. We weren't sure how it would work out, but Dad had a great time and it was nice to see him smile and enjoy himself.

I think I stayed in my points range for the day, it's hard to figure out because I was so busy getting ready for the day and didn't weigh or measure anything...but I made good choices and after everyone had left and I cleaned up, I mustered the energy to walk on the treadmill and ride the exercise bike for 20 minutes each...then I collapsed into bed!

I took some measurements the other day and realized I've lost almost 5 inches from my waistline...insert BIG SMILE here!! I'm going to the gym every day for an hour and trying to build up some upper arm strength because I don't have much. My legs are strong, but not my arms. That should improve soon.

Now, to come up with some recipes for leftover turkey and ham since I have quite a bit...

Pre-packaged protein

I love to eat veggie wraps for lunch and sometimes I like to add a small amount of cooked, grilled chicken. So I grilled a few chicken breasts this morning and cubed them after they cooled.

I recently bought a digital food scale, so I measured out 1 oz. of the cooked chicken, which is just enough for me to add a little protein and flavor to my veggie wraps.

I bagged these 1 oz. portions into snack-size zip top bags and put them in my freezer. I take out a bag as I need it, and it thaws quickly.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 11

I hit my goal for the week!!! 2.2 lbs LOST for a total of 15 lbs!!! YIPEE!!!

It's equivalent to all this butter!!! 60 sticks of butter!!

Doin' a little happy dance today!!!

Gym orientation

Today was orientation at the gym. I started with 30 minutes on the treadmill. They have TVs and I brought my headphones so the 30 minutes went quickly.

I was given instruction on 4 machines. After I do those for about 6-7 days I will be shown a few more. Three of these machines work upper body/arms. I need help there as I don't have a lot of upper body strength. One machine was to build leg muscles.

So, now, to get into a routine. I'm hoping to go between 6:30-7:30 AM most days to start my day. The gym is busiest between 5-8 PM...so I will stay away durng those times.

My arms are a little sore right now...I like these upper arm exercises as I don't want my arms to keep waving after I have stopped!...know what I mean???

Well...I did it...

Actually, WE did it. My husband and I joined a gym today. We are going to start on Sunday morning, though my official orientation is Tuesday, April 7. There was a 'special offer' with no contract, so that appealed to us. Even went out and bought some new 'workout' clothes.

Today's ramblings..

I had my first real challenge last evening. I went to dinner at Red Lobster with my husband and some friends. I planned ahead and ate very low point foods for breakfast and lunch knowing that I would need as many for dinner as possible (without using too many extra points that WW allows.)

I picked wood-grilled bar-b-qued chicken breast with shrimp on a skewer. It came on top of a serving of mashed potatoes with a side of wild rice pilaf. I ate 1/2 of the chicken and shrimp, only a small amount of the mashed potatoes and 1/2 of the rice. But I did have one of their cheddar bay biscuits. It was a treat!

From what I can determine from Calorie King, this meal was about 20 points, so I don't think I went over my limit for the day.

It was early enough when we got home, I jumped on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I generally walk in the evening after dinner, so this wasn't anything unusual.

All in all, it was a good 'test'...and I think I passed!!

My Weight Watcher Leader

There are several people I know who really inspire me. This is Janice. She is my Weight Watcher instructor. She lost 47 lbs and has kept it off for about 15 years. She is a wonderful 'leader' and has a great way of motivating members. She is friendly, kind, compassionate and most of all fun! She is just what a 'leader' should be. I have joined and rejoined this Wednesday group a FEW times, and when she saw me each time, she'd always smile and say "Welcome back"...but this time, I'm not going away. I'm here for the duration. I know with Janice's help, that I will accomplish this goal.

Weight Watcher Wednesday - Week 10

I weigh in each week at my Weight Watcher center on Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. I am thrilled to report that this week I lost 2.6 lbs for a total of 12.8!!! (Yes, cheering out loud is allowed...and required if you are reading this! Thank you!!!)

Stuffed zucchini

I decided to get creative. I used 2 oz of cooked ground turkey, 1/2C tomato-basil pasta sauce, a little seasoned breadcrumbs, and mozzarella cheese; I mixed it together and filled two halves of a hollowed out zucchini. I baked it for about 40 minutes in 400 degrees. It was suprisingly good!

Angel Food cake with crushed pineapple

I heard about this recipe at my Weight Watcher meeting a few weeks ago. It is super easy to make and delicious! There are only 2 ingredients, a box of angel food cake mix (just the dry mix) and 1 can of crushed pineapple in it's own juice.
Mix thoroughly and grease a 9x13" pan (I used vegetable spray). Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Cut into 12pieces; each piece is 4 points.

Working out...

God did not intend for well endowed women to jog...so I'm walking for now. (I did buy a strong sports bra though! (Actually, I feel like Bruce Banner whose clothes rips off as he becomes the Incredible Hulk...it's a little snug, but that's the idea!! Still quite a funny sight to see..sorry for the visual!)

So every morning I walk on my treadmill...and for the last week I jog about 10 of those 30 minutes. I walked over 1.5 miles today and burned 150+ calories. The number on the left is my heart rate as it's coming down. The treadmill has a heart monitor that I wear as I walk...not that I have a problem, but it's interesting to wear.

Later in the day, weather permitting, my honey and I walk our dog, Penny, for 30 minutes, so I'm getting 1 hour of walking per day. As the weather warms up, I hope to add more outdoor activity like biking and hiking our favorite trail...which is uphill all the way and walking downhill isn't much easier because it uses different muscles...and it's very steep!! ...but that's another day!!

A delicious lunch

I've discovered these awesome wraps. They have 12...yes...12 grams of fiber and so they are only 1 point. These are made by LaTortilla Factory and I found them at Wal-mart. My local supermarket usually carries them, but they haven't had any lately so I was thrilled to find them at Wally World. I bought an extra bag and put them in the freezer. I hope they freeze well...I guess I'll find out.

Since I had just returned from running errands, I was hungry and didn't have any cooked chicken to put in it, so I loaded it with tomato slices and lettuce, and sprinkled a little part-skimmed mozzarella cheese on it.. I've tried to eat fat free salad dressing, but I just can't get used to the 'weird' flavors. I can eat anything sugar free, low fat or fat free...but I draw the line at salad dressings. I'd rather use 1 teaspoon of 'real' dressing then use fat free.


So I brushed on 1 tsp of Hidden Vallen Ranch dressing on my tomato-basil wrap, added a few honey wheat pretzels on the side, and a glass of diet cream soda (my fav!), oh, and I had a pear for dessert. It wasn't ripe enough...but I ate it anyway! This lunch has a point value of 3.5.