I'm back for real this time!
I started going to the gym again on Thursday. I am proud to say I went Friday and Saturday too! I am very excited because I found 2 recumbent bikes that take the pain off my lower back, and honestly keep me from feeling to clumsy. The best thing is that I can read while I pedal so I pass the time quickly doing something I enjoy. I also went swimming Friday and Saturday. The pool is 75 feet long so the laps really do me in. That's a good thing though. :)
I tracked every single point today. I was right on target without really pre-counting dinner. That just shows that I know the plan fairly well, I just need to UTILIZE it.
Today was a terrible day at work, but I didn't let that lead to gorging on food. I know that I can be successful. I will be successful. I just need to take it one day at a time. I am hoping to get to a meeting one day this week...I'm ashamed to admit, but I am steering clear of my favorite leader for awhile. I feel that I will get back into the groove more easily if a leader looks at me with fresh eyes rather than the thought "oh, she's back again for a few months." The latter is definitely not the case.
I have a few recipes that I look forward to sharing soon with their budget breakdowns.
Have a good night!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Must I look in the mirror to get a reflection?
Background Stats:
Weight Watchers Start Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Start Age: 19
Start Weight: 176 pounds
Lowest Weight: 140.8 pounds
Must I look in the mirror to get a reflection?
-My two year Weight Watchers anniversary was Friday, August 14, 2009. I remember my very first meeting like it was yesterday. I remember I was wearing rolled up jeans because I was too fat for my capri pants. I took my mom with me...I joined as soon as I walked through the door, and she just sat in on the meeting. I came home that day and followed the plan immediately. I had great success losing, and was down 35 pounds by the end of the year. I felt great, looked great, and had the highest self-esteem I had ever had.
How does that compare to now?
-Fast forward...today I shamefully admit that I am almost exactly back to the person I was when I first began Weight Watchers. Unofficially, I saw 176 on the bathroom scale this morning. I am wearing size 14 pants once again. I am struggling with bras, because the cup runneth over on some. I look bloated. I have difficulty sleeping and sitting because my belly protrudes. Despite all of those unflattering aspects, there are a few things I kept from my "skinny version." I still have some self confidence. It is more about knowing I am a genuine good person than confidence about my body, but this is still a step above the old "fat version." I still also know that I am strong enough to make this journey. Truthfully, I hurt every day because of my weight. Excess weight is as much a physical battle as it is a mental battle. I am uncomfortable and disappointed in myself.
What got in the way?
-The only reason I gained weight back is because I let myself. I have made excuses. I convinced myself that work, socializing, and dating were higher on my priority list than healthy eating and weight management. I found little reasons to skip the gym, whether it be a little overtime at work, or wanting to eat dinner with my family. I accept that my actions (or lack of actions for that matter) are the main cause of my weight relapse. However, I do question a medicine I have been taking since May 2008. I feel that it has contributed to some of my weight gain, but this is not proven. I am not able to quit taking the medicine, so hopefully I can overcome its' side effect. Medications are a legitimate, although unwanted reason, for weight gain; excuses are not.
What I can I do to remedy the situation?
-I am changing my habits effective immediately. I know how to properly nourish my body with water, whole grains, dairy, protein, fruit, vegetables, and healthy oil. I know I should limit alcohol and sugar. I know that exercise is important. I know these things, yet I have not been practicing them. That is changing now. I am determined to follow the Weight Watchers plan. I know that it works, and I will be successful. In fact, I am using a coping tool from the program: Positive Thinking/Self-Talk.
Out With the Old, In With the New...Cheers to a New Beginning
There it is folks, the honest truth about where I am two years after beginning my Weight Watchers journey. I am ashamed, unhappy, and frustrated, but I am also accepting, knowledgable, and prepared. I will not give up. My long-term goal is to lose right around 50 pounds. My short-term goal is to take control of my eating in each individual day. I am taking this journey one day at a time.
-Tracy
Weight Watchers Start Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Start Age: 19
Start Weight: 176 pounds
Lowest Weight: 140.8 pounds
Must I look in the mirror to get a reflection?
-My two year Weight Watchers anniversary was Friday, August 14, 2009. I remember my very first meeting like it was yesterday. I remember I was wearing rolled up jeans because I was too fat for my capri pants. I took my mom with me...I joined as soon as I walked through the door, and she just sat in on the meeting. I came home that day and followed the plan immediately. I had great success losing, and was down 35 pounds by the end of the year. I felt great, looked great, and had the highest self-esteem I had ever had.
How does that compare to now?
-Fast forward...today I shamefully admit that I am almost exactly back to the person I was when I first began Weight Watchers. Unofficially, I saw 176 on the bathroom scale this morning. I am wearing size 14 pants once again. I am struggling with bras, because the cup runneth over on some. I look bloated. I have difficulty sleeping and sitting because my belly protrudes. Despite all of those unflattering aspects, there are a few things I kept from my "skinny version." I still have some self confidence. It is more about knowing I am a genuine good person than confidence about my body, but this is still a step above the old "fat version." I still also know that I am strong enough to make this journey. Truthfully, I hurt every day because of my weight. Excess weight is as much a physical battle as it is a mental battle. I am uncomfortable and disappointed in myself.
What got in the way?
-The only reason I gained weight back is because I let myself. I have made excuses. I convinced myself that work, socializing, and dating were higher on my priority list than healthy eating and weight management. I found little reasons to skip the gym, whether it be a little overtime at work, or wanting to eat dinner with my family. I accept that my actions (or lack of actions for that matter) are the main cause of my weight relapse. However, I do question a medicine I have been taking since May 2008. I feel that it has contributed to some of my weight gain, but this is not proven. I am not able to quit taking the medicine, so hopefully I can overcome its' side effect. Medications are a legitimate, although unwanted reason, for weight gain; excuses are not.
What I can I do to remedy the situation?
-I am changing my habits effective immediately. I know how to properly nourish my body with water, whole grains, dairy, protein, fruit, vegetables, and healthy oil. I know I should limit alcohol and sugar. I know that exercise is important. I know these things, yet I have not been practicing them. That is changing now. I am determined to follow the Weight Watchers plan. I know that it works, and I will be successful. In fact, I am using a coping tool from the program: Positive Thinking/Self-Talk.
Out With the Old, In With the New...Cheers to a New Beginning
There it is folks, the honest truth about where I am two years after beginning my Weight Watchers journey. I am ashamed, unhappy, and frustrated, but I am also accepting, knowledgable, and prepared. I will not give up. My long-term goal is to lose right around 50 pounds. My short-term goal is to take control of my eating in each individual day. I am taking this journey one day at a time.
-Tracy
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
My first budget breakdown!
What a day! The weather has been crazy. Snow on my way to work, sun when I got there, a swap between rain and sunshine all day, and finally hail after work. It is now 34 degrees out, yet it's supposed to be 82 Saturday. That's plain insane!
Work was crazy. I had to take lunch an hour late, orders were incorrect, and I was cold all day. I chose fixing my computer, and backing everything up over the gym tonight. Not the best decision, but I'm glad I fixed my computer.
My eating started off great! I had things planned out and I stayed satisfied well beyond lunch. They took a turn for the worse after I offered to make dinner for mom...she wanted a burger from the local restrauant. I treated her and had a burger too. Their menu is slim pickings for healthy fare unless you want a salad. I did pass up handcut french fries so I am proud of that!
The burger was delicious, but I could have easily made one similar at home for atleast half the points and half the cost.
Here is my burger budget breakdown:
1 Dove Burger: $5.50, 18 points VS 1 Homemade: $1.66, 8 points
The restrauant burger after tax and tip was $6.90. I could make 4 healthy burgers for $6.64.
Not only is eating out expensive for the wallet, but also for your points budget. I could have made four burgers for what the one restrauant one cost after tax and tip! I would have saved 10 points by making my own burger.
I thought about this exact scenario Saturday after work. I was craving a burger and thought, "I'll get a Whopper Jr." My healthy habits clicked in my brain, and I opted for purchasing 2 Laura's Lean Beef premade patties for $2.45 and cooking them at home. Two Whopper Jrs would have cost me $2.96...plus I would have been tempted to order other junk.
Tomorrow is a new day! I will focus on meeting all of the healthy guidelines.
Water: 72oz
Fruits & Veggies: 6 servings
Dairy: 1/2 serving
Oils: 1 tsp
Whole Grains: Check
Lean Protein: Check
Limit Sugar & Alcohol: Check
Vitamin: Check
Exercise: None :(
Work was crazy. I had to take lunch an hour late, orders were incorrect, and I was cold all day. I chose fixing my computer, and backing everything up over the gym tonight. Not the best decision, but I'm glad I fixed my computer.
My eating started off great! I had things planned out and I stayed satisfied well beyond lunch. They took a turn for the worse after I offered to make dinner for mom...she wanted a burger from the local restrauant. I treated her and had a burger too. Their menu is slim pickings for healthy fare unless you want a salad. I did pass up handcut french fries so I am proud of that!
The burger was delicious, but I could have easily made one similar at home for atleast half the points and half the cost.
Here is my burger budget breakdown:
1 Dove Burger: $5.50, 18 points VS 1 Homemade: $1.66, 8 points
- $1.00 for ground beef(4oz)
- $0.13 for whole wheat bun(1)
- $0.19 for 2% cheese slice(1)
- $0.19 for bacon slices(2)
- $0.15 for toppings
The restrauant burger after tax and tip was $6.90. I could make 4 healthy burgers for $6.64.
Not only is eating out expensive for the wallet, but also for your points budget. I could have made four burgers for what the one restrauant one cost after tax and tip! I would have saved 10 points by making my own burger.
I thought about this exact scenario Saturday after work. I was craving a burger and thought, "I'll get a Whopper Jr." My healthy habits clicked in my brain, and I opted for purchasing 2 Laura's Lean Beef premade patties for $2.45 and cooking them at home. Two Whopper Jrs would have cost me $2.96...plus I would have been tempted to order other junk.
Tomorrow is a new day! I will focus on meeting all of the healthy guidelines.
| Day 2 in Week | Target | 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Points | Count |
| 1 Banana | -1 | 22 |
| 1tsp Canola Oil | -1 | 21 |
| 1 egg | -2 | 19 |
| 1 Thomas Light Multigrain Muffin | -1 | 18 |
| 3c Salad | 0 | 18 |
| 1tbs Lite Italian | -1 | 17 |
| 3oz Chicken Breast | -2.5 | 14.5 |
| 1 Large Orange | -1 | 13.5 |
| 1 Bacon Cheeseburger from The Dove | -18 | -4.5 |
| Total: | 27.5 | |
| Weekly Points Used: 4.5, Weekly Points Remaining: 30.5 in Week | ||
Water: 72oz
Fruits & Veggies: 6 servings
Dairy: 1/2 serving
Oils: 1 tsp
Whole Grains: Check
Lean Protein: Check
Limit Sugar & Alcohol: Check
Vitamin: Check
Exercise: None :(
I woke up on time(early)!
Good morning!
I actually woke up at 7 this morning. I can make it to work fine if I sleep until 8, but I tend to feel rushed.
Even though I'm still yawning, I feel happy that I woke up early. I'm getting my morning computing out of the way, and I'll have plenty of time to make breakfast, lunch, and pack my gym bag. :)
Here I am preplanning my day:
Egg Muffin:4pts
10 oz Milk:2pts
Snack of 1c Grapes:1pt
Chicken, salad, and an orange for lunch
I have no idea for dinner yet...I normally wait to see what I'm in the mood for.
Have a good day!
I actually woke up at 7 this morning. I can make it to work fine if I sleep until 8, but I tend to feel rushed.
Even though I'm still yawning, I feel happy that I woke up early. I'm getting my morning computing out of the way, and I'll have plenty of time to make breakfast, lunch, and pack my gym bag. :)
Here I am preplanning my day:
Egg Muffin:4pts
10 oz Milk:2pts
Snack of 1c Grapes:1pt
Chicken, salad, and an orange for lunch
I have no idea for dinner yet...I normally wait to see what I'm in the mood for.
Have a good day!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My first day back in 2 weeks!
Today was my first day back to counting after a terrible Easter. It was a decent day considering I dove back in without pre-planning, and I woke up late.
Last Easter I gained 6.4 pounds! How did that happen? Well, my (then) boyfriend made me a huge gourmet basket, and I didn't bother employing self-control. Luckily I was in Philidelphia the next week for a convention, and managed to walk that gain off.
This Easter my dad spent the 4 days prior in the hospital. I admit to emotional eating those days. He made it home just as my (now) boyfriend brought me a giant candy filled basket his mom made me. I ate so much candy that I did exactly what I preach not to do: skipped weigh in...not one week, but two. I know I have gained.
I generally follow the rule that skipping your weigh in, from fear of a gain, is actually more detremental than seeing a gain. Gains stink, but they give you the motivation to try harder the next week. It is much easier to throw in the towel if you skip weigh ins, because you're no longer accountable.
In hindsight I wish I hadn't skipped my weigh in last week, but I can't go back. Today I started moving forward again. The week is still early. I will try to weigh in on Friday.
Below is my menu for the day. I don't think it turned out to be a bad day despite everything. I didn't get any oils, but I did meet the other guidelines. :) I am in the process of planning tomorrow's menu so I'll be prepared. Have a goodnight!
Water: 64oz
Fruits & Veggies: 10 servings
Dairy: 2 servings
Oils: :(
Whole Grains: Check
Lean Protein: Check
Limit Sugar & Alcohol: Check
Vitamin: Check
Exercise: DOR
Last Easter I gained 6.4 pounds! How did that happen? Well, my (then) boyfriend made me a huge gourmet basket, and I didn't bother employing self-control. Luckily I was in Philidelphia the next week for a convention, and managed to walk that gain off.
This Easter my dad spent the 4 days prior in the hospital. I admit to emotional eating those days. He made it home just as my (now) boyfriend brought me a giant candy filled basket his mom made me. I ate so much candy that I did exactly what I preach not to do: skipped weigh in...not one week, but two. I know I have gained.
I generally follow the rule that skipping your weigh in, from fear of a gain, is actually more detremental than seeing a gain. Gains stink, but they give you the motivation to try harder the next week. It is much easier to throw in the towel if you skip weigh ins, because you're no longer accountable.
In hindsight I wish I hadn't skipped my weigh in last week, but I can't go back. Today I started moving forward again. The week is still early. I will try to weigh in on Friday.
Below is my menu for the day. I don't think it turned out to be a bad day despite everything. I didn't get any oils, but I did meet the other guidelines. :) I am in the process of planning tomorrow's menu so I'll be prepared. Have a goodnight!
| Day 1 in Week | Target | 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Points | Count |
| 2 Bananas | -2 | 21 |
| 1tbs Peanut Butter | -2 | 19 |
| 3/4c Cheerios | -1 | 18 |
| 1 Light String Cheese | -1 | 17 |
| 2oz Whole Wheat Penne | -3 | 14 |
| 1/2c Prego Sauce | -1 | 13 |
| 2c Salad | 0 | 13 |
| 1tbs Lite Italian | -1 | 12 |
| 4oz Chicken Breast | -4 | 8 |
| 1/2c Cornbread Stuffing | -4 | 4 |
| 1/2c Mixed Veggies | 0 | 4 |
| 3c Salad | 0 | 4 |
| 1tbs Lite Italian | -1 | 3 |
| 10oz Milk | -2 | 1 |
| 1c Cut Strawberries | -1 | 0 |
| Total: | 23 | |
| Weekly Points Used: 0, Remaining: 35 | ||
Water: 64oz
Fruits & Veggies: 10 servings
Dairy: 2 servings
Oils: :(
Whole Grains: Check
Lean Protein: Check
Limit Sugar & Alcohol: Check
Vitamin: Check
Exercise: DOR
Hey!
Hey Everyone!
I just set this blog up while at work. I'm looking forward to sharing my weight loss journey here.
I will be making my first official content post later this evening. :)
-Tracy
I just set this blog up while at work. I'm looking forward to sharing my weight loss journey here.
I will be making my first official content post later this evening. :)
-Tracy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)