You can have it all!

That's right, you can have it all - just not all at once.  I'm a little late, but my weigh in last Tuesday, May 17th, resulted in a loss of 2 pounds.  How did I get a two pound loss in a week?

I followed the plan...Weight Watchers that is.  I consumed each day's 29 points plus, 46 weekly points plus, and earned 2 activity points.  I met my good healthy guidelines each day. 

The plan has taught me that you can eat whatever food you wish.  You just have to choose what will work into your plan for each meal, each day, and each week.  I had lots of "happy" (read: high calorie) foods, but I watched my portions and I calculated the differential.  For me that meant foregoing cheese on my salad or bread with my pasta so I could have a slice of cake.  Food is very personal.  Learn your food differentials.  One differential I discovered last night is that I would much rather have 5 Dove Dark Chocolate Squares for 6 points+ than the new Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters  for 4 points+.  The dark chocolate is more satisfying to me.  I can let each piece melt in my mouth.  The clusters made me want to devour all the sweets in the house.  Maybe you like both chocolate candies.  You can have them, just not all at once.  Do you really need that much chocolate in one day?

Here are indulgences I had last week:
T: 1/16 German Chocolate Cake from a bakery - mom's birthday cake
W: 1/16 German Chocolate Cake w/ 1/2c Cherry Nut Ice Cream
T: Sm. Cookie Dough Blizzard
F: 12 oz White Zinfandel Wine and 1/16 German Chocolate Cake
S: Shrimp Alfredo and 1/2c Red Velvet Ice Cream
S: 3 Oreos

Obviously, I like sweets - mainly ice cream.  I have learned that 1/2 cup of ice cream usually satisfies my taste buds.  Research shows that you really only "taste" the first two or three bites of food.  I believe it.  I have also concluded that I am less likely to binge on ice cream at the house if I buy full-fat or premium vs. low-cal SF, FF.  To me, the differential is worth the extra point for the premium because I normally refill my bowl with the latter option.

I often use all of my allowable points.  This is an example of a week where I wanted sweet treats.  Sometimes I use my WPA for an extra glass of milk, or eating chicken wings at the local pub, or delicious square pizza.   If I don't need or want them, then I don't force myself to eat for eating's sake.  However, I will not travel this journey limiting myself to a strict set of foods.  The weekly points allowance is meant to be used.  Whether I use my WPA for sweets, alcohol, or just extra healthy fare, I make sure I still meet the 9 good health guidelines.

Let's get some comments started!  Do you use your WPA?  If so, do you have a favorite indulgence that you have regularly?

Eating Out for Breakfast

Below is a picture of my ideal indulgent breakfast:

This breakfast is pure heaven. It's a strawberry belgian waffle, canadian bacon, and a skinny vanilla latte from Eat n' Park. According to Eat n' Parks' nutritional information, the waffle is 10p+, canadian bacon is 2p+, and the latte is 2p+ and a dairy serving. Not only is it delicious, but it's also balanced. Lots of protein and fruit to balance out the sugar from the not-so-good white carbs.

Breakfast Recipe

Easy Whole Wheat Waffles

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup ff buttermilk or skim milk with 1/2 tsp lemon juice mixed in
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1 packet no calorie sweetener
chocolate chips or blueberries, optional

Mix all ingredients until smooth. *Note: Batter will be kind of thick. If it is too thick for you, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency.

Heat a standard 2 waffle iron and spray it with cooking spray.

Spoon two heaping tablespoons of batter onto each side of the iron. Cook according to iron instructions, approximately 4 minutes.

Serve with your favorite lite syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped topping.

*Works great as a pancake batter as well.
*I got 5 waffles out of this recipe. 4 points+ for 2 waffles.

I use all store brand items unless something is unavailable. In that case I buy the cheapest name brand.
Budget Breakdown:
flour = $0.28
applesauce = $0.16
milk = $0.08
egg = $0.13

This recipe actually makes 2.5 servings, but I rounded down.
Total Recipe Cost = $0.65 / 2 = $0.33 a serving