Wednesday 1-30-13

Wednesday Jan. 30, 2013:  Tomorrow is another weigh-in day and I think that I did really well this past week.  I feel like I am starting to see a difference physically.  Maybe it is because I have spent so much time looking at myself that I can see where it is disappearing.  Even if I have only lost one pound this week, to me it seems like a lot more.  I feel very encouraged.

Breakfast:
Light Vanilla Yogurt- 2 Points
Whole Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points
Sliced Apple- 0 Points

Lunch:
Smart Ones Turkey Breast & Potatoes Frozen Meal- 5 Points
2 Cups Green Beans- 0 Points
Reduced Fat Cheese Stick- 2 Points
12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points
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Afternoon Snack:
Sliced Apple w/ 1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter- 3 Points

Dinner:
Asian Pork w/ Vegetables- 6 Points
1 Cup Rice- 5 Points
20 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

After Dinner Snack:
Weight Watchers Ice Cream Bar- 3 Points
Weight Watchers Cheese Stick- 1 Point

Everyone wish me luck with my weigh-in on Thursday!

Tuesday 1-29-13

Tuesday Jan. 29, 2013:  I have been giving a lot of thought to New Year's Resolutions today.  It was not my New Year's Resolution to change my ways and my health but I am slowly making progress.  I hope that by doing this blog, I am helping myself to stick to the resolution I have made to myself.  And maybe I will help someone else too. 

Breakfast:
Blueberry Yogurt- 2 Points
Whole Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points
Big ol' banana- 0 Points

Lunch:
Whole Wheat English Muffin Pizza w/ Turkey Pepperoni & Low Fat Mozzarella- 6 Points
2 Cups Canned Green Beans- 0 Points
Unsweetened Applesauce- 0 Points
12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:
Raspberry Cheesecake Special K Bar- 2 Points

Dinner:
Hibachi Chicken Breast w/ Sauce- 5 Points
1/2 Baked Potato- 4 Points
3 Cups of Green Salad w/ veggies, kidney beans, and dressing- 3 Points
1/2 Cups of Grapes- 0 Points
20 oz of Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Dessert:
Weight Watchers Ice Cream Bar- 3 Points

Tonight was another test because at the last minute we decided to go out to eat rather than fix what we had at home.  So quickly using my smart phone I checked the nutrition facts of the restaurant's menu and figured out what I wanted to order before we got there.  It is just one more reason I am loving Weight Watchers.  The program allows me to be flexible and gives me all the tools that I need to be successful.  It was a good night even though I ended up getting an entire glass of rootbeer dumped in my lap but you know, you can't have it all right?

Monday 1-28-13

Monday Jan. 28, 2013:  Ahhh...the beginning of a new work week.  In the past, I have always struggled at work when it comes to my eating habits.  Now that I am on Weight Watchers, I am doing a lot better.  I have snacks at my desk so that I am not getting into the treats that other people have.  That being said, today I was really tempted to eat a bunch of candy that the girl next to me brings to share with the office.  I think that it was worse today because I was always stressed out because my drive to work was scary and I have a tendency to stress eat.  I just need to keep working hard on making sure that I am eating the right things.

Breakfast:
Bowl of Multi Grain Cheerios w/ Skim Milk- 4 Points

Lunch:
2 Cups of Chicken Noodle Soup- 6 Points
1/2 a Roll- 2 Points
Unsweetened Apple Sauce- 0 Points
12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:
Fiber One Brownie- 2 Points

Dinner:
Beef Fajitas w/ Cheese & Sour Cream: 10 Points
Refried Black Beans- 2 Points
Spanish Rice- 3 Points
Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Dessert:
Angel Food Cake- 2 Points
Cup of Mixed Berries- 0 Points
Fat Free Cool Whip- 0 Points

And a quote I found that helps me stay looking forward to the rest of the week:
"Monday is just a reminder that the weekend has past and there are only a few more days before another weekend gets here."-Unknown Author

Sunday 1-27-13

Sunday Jan. 27, 2013:  Thankfully today was much better.  And I felt like my activity level was much better today as well.  So all around it was a good day.  We took the kids bowling and unfortunately, being on Weight Watchers has not helped my average-still suck at bowling. 

Breakfast:
Ham and Cheddar Egg White Omelet w/ Salsa- 4 Points
Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points

Lunch:
1/2 Size Wendy's Baja Taco Salad w/ NO dressing or tortilla strips- 7 Points
20 Diet Coke- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:
Frozen Fruit Bar- 1 Point

Dinner:
3 Cups of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup- 9 Points
Saltine Cracker- 3 Points
Large Plate of Salad w/ Italian Dressing- 2 Points
Diet Pepsi w/ Lime- 0 Points

Dessert:
Angel Food cake w/ Berries in a Creamy Lemon Sauce-6 Points

Night Time Snack:
Weight Watchers String Cheese- 1 Point
Pickles- 0 Points
12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

I also did a 30 minute workout from my Biggest Loser DVD and I am sure I am going to be feeling it tomorrow.  It combined cardio and weights and my arms and legs feel like jelly.  I am hoping that I can keep up this workout stuff because I know that I will have more success if I stick to it.  I hope that this next week gets a little easier.

Saturday 1-26-13

Saturday Jan. 26, 2013:  Man tonight was no fun.  All I wanted to do was snack.  And so I was trying to make good choices about my snacks but it felt like nothing was really satisfying.  I was eating air-popped popcorn and pickles but what I really wanted was a big plate of nachos and a chocolate shake.  If anyone has any suggestions, I am all for them.  I hoping that Sunday will be much better.

Breakfast:
Turkey bacon & cheddar Egg White Omelet w/ Salsa- 3 Points
Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points
20 oz Diet Coke (Yes, for breakfast!)

Lunch:
Wheat English Muffin Pizzas w/ Turkey Pepperoni and Part-Skim Mozzarella- 6 Points
12 oz Diet Pepsi

Afternoon Snack:
Honey Mustard Pretzels- 3 Points

Dinner:
Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese w/ Whole Wheat Noodles & Parmesan Cheese- 10 Points
3 Pieces of Garlic Bread- 6 Points
3 cups of Water

After Dinner Snacks:
6 Baby Dill Pickles- 0 Points
Weight Watchers Ice Cream Bar- 3 Points
3 Cups Air-Popped Popcorn w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points
Unsweetened Applesauce- 0 Points
6 Cups of Water

Plus tonight I did 30 minutes of Zumba.  Well, I call it Zumba but I am sure that most people would call it some sort of seizure to Latin music.  But I did get in one heck of a work out that made me sweat.

I saw this quote on the Weight Watchers Pinterest page tonight and I thought I would share:
Nothing is impossible-the word itself says "I'm Possible."- Audrey Hepburn

Friday 1-25-13

Friday Jan. 25, 2013:  Tonight Ryan and I had a date night.  Naturally I was worried because eating out is ALWAYS going to be more of a challenge for me then cooking at home.  At home, I know everything that I am putting into my food.  At a restaurant...not so much.  But Ryan really wanted us to go out so I agreed.  Not to mention, I am going to have to deal with this hurdle sooner or later anyway.  He decided on Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse and I decided to just fall off the wagon and eat everything in sight.  Just kidding.  But I did do my research before by looking up the nutrition info online so that I knew what I was going to order before I even got to the restaurant.  And after we decided to go to a movie which would usually involve popcorn.  The great thing about Weight Watchers is that I can plan ahead for these type of meals plus I have weekly bonus points that I can use too.  Hooray!  And now that it is all said and done, I am so happy that I got to spend this night with Ryan and that I proved to myself that I can still live a normal life and stay on track with my plan. 

Breakfast:
Light Yogurt- 2 Points
Whole Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points
Sliced Apple- 0 Points
3 Cups of Water

Lunch:
Leftover Italian Skillet Chicken w/ White rice- 9 Points
Mandarin Orange Cup- 0 Points
3 Cups of Water

Afternoon Snack:
Tiny Twist Pretzels w/ Cheddar Flavor- 3 Points

Dinner:
10 oz Ribeye Steak w/ Steak Sauce- 10 Points
Side Salad w/ Ranch- 4 Points
1/2 Baked Potato w/ Whipped Butter- 6 Points
20 oz Diet Coke- 0 Points

After Dinner Snack:
4 Cups of Movie Popcorn w/ No Butter- 5 Points
24 oz of Diet Coke

I also forgot to mention the new goal that I am adding this week.  On top of keeping close track of my points, I am also going to be focusing on the plan calls "Healthy Checks" which are daily requirements for water, dairy, Fruits & Veggies, multi-vitamin, healthy oils, and activity.  Each day you are supposed to get certain amounts of all 6 catagories.  This week I am going to try to be sure to hit each one every day.  Because on top of watching your points, you obviously need to be eating the right things.  But you already knew that didn't you?  Wish me luck for Week #2.

Thursday 1-24-13

Thursday Jan. 24, 2013:  Tonight was the dreaded weigh-in at my meeting.  GULP!  But truly, it went really well.  I was nervous about it all day because I worried that all my hard work was only going to amount to ½ a pound.  And yes, I know ½ a pound is still a loss, but I really wanted it to be more than that.  This past week has been a challenge.  I have had to test my willpower harder than ever before.  While the rest of my family can still enjoy a serving of French fries or a helping of chicken nuggets, I have had to decide if eating that is really worth the points it would cost me.  And my answer was always NO.  No, although those French fries look delicious and most certainly would taste wonderful, they are not worth the 10 points it would cost me.  For some people, those choices are easy and it doesn’t make sense that I have such a hard time.  But for someone who is addicted to food, like I am, those choices are very difficult.  And each time I made a good food decision, it was a tiny victory.  I am sure smokers who are trying to quit feel the same way when they decide not to pick up a cigarette. 

I have learned over the past week that I am stronger than I have ever given myself credit for.  I have learned just how poorly I was honestly eating.  I have learned that having accountability makes all the difference to me.  I have learned that I can eat better and still be full, satisfied, happy, and most importantly, proud.  I have learned that the support of your co-workers, strangers, friends, and family makes a world of difference.  And I have learned that hard work pays off because when I stepped on that dreaded scale tonight, I was down 4.8 lbs.

Breakfast:

Light Yogurt- 2 Points

Whole Wheat Toast w/ buttery spread- 2 Points

Fresh Strawberries w/ Truvia- 0 Points

Monster Lo-Carb Drink- 0 Points

Lunch:

Tuna Sandwich on Whole Wheat w/ Lettuce- 7 Points

1 serving of tiny twist pretzels- 3 Points

Sliced Apple- 0 Points

12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Dinner:

Italian Chicken Skillet- 4 Points

½ Cup White Rice- 5 Points

After Dinner Snack:

½ Dark Chocolate Candy Bar- 3 Points

1 Cup Skim Milk- 2 Points

I want to thank my husband Ryan who has been 150% supportive in helping me with my new lifestyle.  He has been there for me no matter what it was I needed.  And I want to thank my Mom who was my inspiration and my mentor during this first week.  Without her by my side, I don’t think I could have taken that first step. 

I know that I have a long way to go but I will tell you this, that 4.8 lbs feels like Mount Everest.  I may not be able to see where that weight came off my body but my heart and my spirit feel about 100 lbs lighter today. 

Wednesday 1-23-13

Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013:  I have been on the new program for almost a week and every day I am surprised by the support I am getting.  A friend that I work with said she can already see a difference in my size.  I am not seeing that and I think she is just being nice but I still makes me happy.  I am so much happier.  I have more energy and my mood is better.  I also found out that my sister-in-law is also on Weight Watchers and so we texted about it a little and talked about how grateful we are for bonus points.  It is nice to have one more person who knows what I am going through and who I can hopefully help by being a support to her as well.  Tomorrow night is my next meeting where I will weigh in and see how much, if any, that I lost.  I am nervous about that because I want to believe that all these changes I am trying to make are paying off a little.  I will be sure to let you know either way.

Breakfast:

Peach Oatmeal- 4 Points

Banana- 0 Points

Strawberries w/ Truvia- 0 Points

Lunch:

Leftover Turkey Chimichanga- 6 Points

Baby Carrots- 0 Points

12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:

Tiny Twist Pretzels- 3 Points

Baked Lay’s Chips- 2 Points

Dinner:

Pho Tai Soup- 10 Points

20 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

After Dinner Snack:

Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding- 1 Point

1 Cup Skim Milk- 2 Points

And because I think inspirational quotes are so fantastic I am going to close today with another one:

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Tuesday 1-22-13

Tuesday Jan. 23, 2013:  Today was another good day.  I ate well and made the BEST turkey sandwich for lunch.  The evening has been a little stressful with some personal stuff, but I stayed strong.  Instead of stress eating, which I habitually do, I kept myself busy with other things.  I have always been the type of girl who “eats my feelings” and tonight, I didn’t.  For me, this small victory means a lot.  And it is all about small victories right now.  Battles vs. wars or some garbage like that right? :)

Breakfast:

Turkey Bacon & Egg Whites Breakfast Burrito- 5 Points

Sliced Apple- 0 Points

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich with Cheese, Turkey Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato-6 Points

Cheese Stick- 2 Points

Unsweetened Applesauce- 0 Points

1 Cup Baby Carrots- 0 Points

12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:

Goldfish Crackers- 4 Points

Fiber One Brownie- 2 Points

Dinner:

Baked Turkey Chimichanga- 6 Points

Spanish Rice- 6 Points

Diet Orange Soda- 0 Points

After Dinner Snack:

½ Cup Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding- 1 Point

I also started to realize that my changes are making a difference in not only my life, but in others too.  At work, all the ladies keep talking to me about what I am eating and how they want to do the same thing.  We joke about spending points and they are all really supportive which is nice.  And it seems like they are all making small changes too.  I don’t expect to change the world with my weight loss, only my life, but it is nice to think that in some small way, I might be helping others. 

Monday 1-21-13

Monday Jan. 21, 2013:  Today was the best day I have had so far.  I went the whole day without ever feeling really hungry.  I also fast-walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes.  I feel like I have more energy the last couple days which is a nice change of pace.  Ryan went to the gym after Gabe had gone to bed and I was sitting on the couch.  Suddenly I decided to get up and get my breakfast and lunch ready for the next day.  I cooked a few slices of turkey bacon and some egg whites and packed up my food.  But I still wasn’t ready to just sit so I looked up all the point info for tomorrow’s food and entered it into my log.  Still was feeling energized so I hand washed the pans and bowls I had used getting my food ready.  In the past when Ryan has left for the gym, I make a bowl of cereal and watch reality T.V.  I am pretty proud of myself. 

Breakfast:

Blueberry yogurt- 2 Points

Whole Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points

Sliced Apple- 0 Points

Lunch:

Tuna Sandwich on Whole Wheat w/ tomato & lettuce- 7 Points

Reduced Fat Cheese Stick- 2 Points

Mandarin Oranges- 0 Points

1 Cup Baby carrots w/ Ranch Spray- 0 Points

12 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:

1 Cup Frozen Grapes- 0 Points

Special K Bar- 2 Points

Dinner:

Asian Spiced Flank Steak w/ Pineapple Salsa- 5 Points

1 Cup white rice w/ buttery spread- 11 Points

2 Cups Canned Green Beans- 0 Points

12 oz Diet Cherry Pepsi- 0 Points

After Dinner Snack:

3 Cups Air Popped Popcorn w/ Buttery Spread- 2 Points

Frozen Fruit Bar- 1 Point

And in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. I give myself this quote to remember when I feel like this journey might be too much and I quit believing in myself:

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”- MLK

Introducing Myself

Accountability.  It is the one thing I feel like I have lacked for so long.  Because when it comes to my weight, the only person I am truly accountable to is myself.  And when you feel like you aren’t worth very much as it is, why be accountable?  I am morbidly obese.  There…I said it.  Well, I typed it.  But I typed it for the world to read.  I am 28 (almost 29) and I run the risk of not seeing my son graduate high school.  I am on blood pressue medication.  I live in fear of my own health and body.  Or at least, I used to.  On Monday January 14, 2013 I made the decision to do something about my health.  I made the choice to start believing in myself and make the change that needs to happen.  I want to be there for my son as he gets older.  I want another baby someday.  But in order to reach those goals, I cannot continue to live like I am living.  So I joined Weight Watchers and attended my first meeting last Thursday.  And now, I am going to blog about my experiences.  I am going to be honest in hopes that it keeps me on track.  And plus, I need the encouragement.  I am not one of those people who can do it on their own-I need LOTS of praise.  So yes, this is a selfish blog but I don’t care.  Because when it comes to my health, I need to be a lot more selfish. 

So here it is…the dreaded pictures.  I am taking one from the front and (*GULP*) the side.  I have NEVER liked being photographed from the side.  I don’t like seeing how far I stick out.  But, again it goes back to being accountable.  I am not brave enough to take pictures in a sports bra and yoga pants like they do on Biggest Loser so this will have to do. 

Thanks to anyone who reads this blog and shares your stories or support.  Even words from strangers mean a lot. 

Sunday 1-20-13

Sunday Jan. 20, 2013:  Isn’t this supposed to be getting easier?  I know…it takes time.  But still, this is hard.  I stressed over Sunday dinner because my mom is a really good cook and she never measures exactly what she is putting into dishes she makes.  So how am I supposed to calculate how many point that twice baked potato is when I don’t know what went into its creation?  Luckily, Mom is on Weight Watchers too so she and I talked it out and came up with some numbers.  But I have a feeling that Sunday dinners are going to be rough.  We will see.

Breakfast:

Egg Whites w/Cheese and Salsa- 2 Points

2 Pieces of Wheat Toast w/ Buttery Spread- 3 Points

3 Pieces of Bacon- 4 Points

Low Carb Energy Drink- 0 Points

Lunch:

Turkey & Cheese Sandwich w/ Lettuce and Tomato- 5 Points

Apple- 0 Points

Pickles- 0 Points

4 Cups of Water

Afternoon Snack:

2 Pieces of Toast- 2 Points

Cup of Skim Milk- 2 Points

Natural String Cheese- 1 Point

Banana- 0 Points

Baby Carrots w/ Ranch Spray- 0 Points

Dinner:

½ Twice Baked Potato- 5 Points

Serving of Canned Fruit- 2 Points

Ham- 3 Points

2 Dinner Rolls- 5 Points

Salad w/ Ranch Spray- 0 Points

LOTS of Green Beans- 0 Points

Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

After Dinner Snacks:

Weight Watchers Ice Cream Bar- 3 Points

Frozen Fruit Bar- 1 Point

Baby Carrots- 0 Points

Air Popped Popcorn- 3 Points

This being my 3^rd day was the first day I was around my whole family while on the new program.  I felt strangely uncomfortable at first, but that was all in my head.  I don’t want others to feel like they have to eat differently just because I am around.  I don’t think anyone feels that way but it is still hard not to feel a little different.  I am still staying positive about my progress.  It is one day at a time and I am okay with that.   

Saturday 1-19-13

Saturday Jan. 19, 2013:  Remember how I said I wasn’t really challenged yesterday?  SCREW THAT!  Today was a hard day.  We went to the zoo this morning and while Ry and the kids sipped hot cocoa (15 POINTS!) and ate French fries (Didn’t have the courage to check those points.) I ate a reduced fat cheese stick and drank 4 glasses of water.  I would smell that hot cocoa and just start guzzling water.  When I got home from the zoo, I was cranky and hungry.  But I was proud of myself too. 

Then we went to the Jazz game.  Ah the smell of pizza and popcorn.  It was wonderful.  I did have a serving of arena popcorn at the game but I am okay with that.  But do you really want to know something great?  ESA now has a fresh fruit stand on the main concourse.  HOORAY!  Which means when I started to daydream about nachos, Ryan ran downstairs and grabbed an apple for me. 

Ryan has been so supportive of my new lifestyle change and wants nothing but the best for me.  His support means more than he knows.  Especially when he is willing to miss the start of the 2^nd half of the game to help me stay on track. 

Breakfast:

Egg Whites- 1 Point

Low Carb Tortilla- 3 Points

Fat Free Cheese- 1 Point

Salsa- 0 Points

Lo-Carb Monster- 0 Points

Unsweetened Applesauce- 0 Points

2.5 Cups of Water

Morning Snack:

8 Cups of Water

Reduced Fat Cheese Stick- 2 Points

Lunch:

Turkey & Cheese Sandwich w/ Lettuce and Tomato- 5 Points

Pickles- 0 Points

Apple- 0 Points

20 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:

Grapes- 0 Points

2 cups of Water

Dinner:

2 Chicken Tacos- 8 Points

Spanish Rice- 6 Points

Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Gametime Snacks:

Single Serve Microwave Popcorn- 3 Points

Jazz Game Popcorn: 4 Points

Fiber One Brownie- 2 Points

2 Apples: 0 Points

Reduced Fat String Cheese- 2 Points

Diet Coke- 0 Points

After Game Snacks:

Slice of Reduced Fat Cheese- 1 Point

Pickles: 0 Points

I think because I was around so much snacking, I felt hungry.  I am going to stay focused on my goal of tracking everything I eat but next week I might try a new goal of not eating late in the evening.  But for now, one goal at a time. 

Friday 1-18-13

Friday Jan. 18, 2013 – I went to my first meeting of Weight Watchers last night.  It was good.  I weighed in for the first time and tried not to feel ashamed-it went okay.  During the meeting, an older woman and her skinny blonde daughter showed up late and then whispered to each other the whole time the leader was talking.  It bugged me.  Then the skinny girl started asking all these questions and I felt like she was being critical and was looking for a flaw in the program.  That REALLY bugged me.  I wanted to slap her- I bet a fist fight could earn me some Activity Points!  Of course, then I would probably get kicked out and/or arrested and I don’t want that either.  *Sigh* 

So today is my first day of being on the plan.  My goal?  I track everything I eat and drink.  EVERYTHING!  So here it is:

Breakfast:

Blackberry Pomegranate Light Yogurt- 2 Points

Maple & Browb Sugar Oatmeal- 4 Points

Water- 3 Cups

Morning Snack:

Reduced Fat String Cheese- 2 Points

Lunch:

Unsweetened Applesauce – 0 Points

2 Pickle Spears- 0 Points

Light Potato & Cheese Canned Soup- 4 Points

Can of Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Afternoon Snack:

Fiber One Chocolate Brownie- 2 Points

3 Cups Water

Dinner:

2 Tuna Fish Sandwiches w/ Lettuce on Wheat Sandwich Thins – 10 Points

Baked Lays- 6 Points

20 oz Diet Pepsi- 0 Points

Snack:

Frozen Fruit Bar- 1 Point

Single Serve Popcorn- 3 Points

I had a pretty good first day but I wasn’t really challenged.  Ry and the kids got fast food for dinner and I resisted the urge to push them down and steal their French fries.  I am guessing that urge will ease with time.  Until then, consider this your warning.