Success!

First and foremost, I successfully tracked every bite last week! I am so proud of myself. It's the first time I tracked 100% in more months than I can count.

For my diligent tracking efforts, I was rewarded with a beautiful 3.2 pound loss this morning! That brings my current weight to 179.5. I am quite happy. I do want to note that I used 47/49 weekly points allowance (WPA.) This week I commit to tracking everything, and focusing on good health guidelines (GHG.)   It's fairly easy for me to achieve all the GHG without much thought, but when life gets busy I will end up missing a dairy or an oil.

In other news, I want to touch on self confidence. I used to severely lack self esteem and confidence. I've wavered back and forth in those departments the last few years. However, I have to say my confidence is at a peak. Despite being at my highest weight, I am in love with my body. There are numerous things that are factoring into my self love:
1) I got a new haircut. A good haircut always makes me feel awesome. I went quite a bit shorter, and I love it. I had planned on going shorter after losing a little weight, but then I realized that was stupid. I have never been one to hide behind baggy clothes, so I shouldn't hide behind my hair.
2) I have been making a conscious effort to leave the house dressed "stylish." Now, I'm not a fashionista by any means. I am just focusing on putting together outfits that are cute and comfortable with great accessories. I have never been one to leave the house in pajamas or workout gear, but I am stepping it up a notch.
3) I am wearing clothes that fit appropriately. Accepting that some of my jeans and shirts were a hair too snug was a hard pill to swallow. Buying a few pieces that fit my current body was worth the money.
4) I realized that when you dress your body in flattering clothes that aren't too big or too small, you look smaller. I have also been paying more attention to other people. My conclusion is that no one really cares and/or notices that you have some arm flab or a slight stomach roll. I wore a sleeveless dress today without a shrug. I held my head high. I even went to the mall and did some window shopping. I felt beautiful and confident!
5) I am definitely not the type to care what anyone else thinks about my looks. Case in point being that I love wearing short hair, and no one will ever discourage me from cutting it all off. I do admit, like a normal human being, my confidence is boosted when the men in my life compliment my looks and my curves. It's just nice to hear that some men prefer thicker thighs and a round butt.
6) I make sure to look at myself in the mirror (naked) each day. This could be a brief look when getting out of the shower, or a prolonged stare while changing clothes. The more I look at my body, the more I accept that it is perfect no matter my size. It will be fun to watch my body change during my weight loss journey.

I think I might become a frequent dress wearer. I used to have a bunch of excuses for hating dresses. It turns out that a well fitting one can make me feel more confident than a shirt and pants.

Here's to feeling fantastic! I'm looking forward to this next week.

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?