Out to Lunch, OH NO!

We are having an unexpected out to lunch day. I had my lunch all planned and now things will change. I’m not very good at not sticking to the “plan.” Darn those people that like to “go out to lunch.” Wish me luck.

Do You Reward Yourself for Weight Loss?

When you were a kid, and you did something well, every now and then you got a reward. Like when you received a good report card, you lost a tooth or you helped out around the house. Motivating, right?

I remember helping at my grandmother's restaurant when I was little. We would go really early in the morning, while it was still dark, to make the donuts and pies. Yes, homemade. She would reward me with the donut or pastry of my choice, always warm and fresh and dripping with glaze (sorry if I'm giving you too much of a visual) and we would sit at a booth before the doors were open and she would let me have a 1/2 cup of coffee laden with cream and sugar. My reward for helping.

Is weight loss any different? Obviously our parents or grandparents won't be the ones rewarding us but should we be rewarding ourselves? Will that same logic make our weight-loss journey more pleasant?

I hadn't thought about my special times with my grandmother, who has since passed, for quite awhile. What a great lady. Little did she know that the reward was just being with her and having her teach me things I still remember. Not to mention that maybe part of my weight problems may stem from the donuts and the 1/2 cup of "coffee syrup" and, of course, the reward of "food." Certainly gives me something to think about given my relationship with food and why I am thinking about rewards and whether it might be a motivator, like when I was a kid.

So, I was thinking (always dangerous) that if I could stay "on track" for an entire week (7 whole days) then I would reward myself. With what, I'm not sure. It's an incentive to do better and that's how I justified it in my swampy little mind. Like the dangling carrot in front of the bunny.

So, I have set some mini-goals for myself and wondering if or what would be an appropriate reward. See what you think.

1. Exercise at least 5 times this week. (So far I've cross-country skied twice - About an hour each time)
2. Moderation in food intake (weigh and measure if I'm unsure of portions). Doing good so far but it's early in the week.
3. Be accountable for what goes in my mouth. That means everything that goes in my mouth. (Just to let you know, I have eaten one evil Girl Scout cookie this week. One lonely thin mint and it was for dessert after dinner. The remaining cookies have been placed out of my sight. As we all know, I could find them if I wanted to!)

Rewards??? Share if you reward yourself and let me know what you use as a reward. I might like it so much I'll steal it!!!

I Did Something Today I Thought Was Bad - Yikes!

Well, on the way home from work which was around 6:30 pm or so I remembered that I had purchased a box of WW Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars last week and they were still in the car. Hmmmm, I contemplated. I'm hungry and I could really use a snack. Well, I ate it thinking as I drove that I probably shouldn't be eating this. It will only lead to something no good. But, after getting home, preparing Chicken Parmigiana Over Spaghetti Squash and not eating until 9:30 pm it actually turned out to be a good thing. Even though I thought it was bad at the time. It kept me from eating while I was cooking and I didn't try to find any of my "husband's hidden goodies."

So, I updated my progress chart tonight and I have to say, the last few months resemble a straight line heart monitor with a few upword beats. Downward movement, not so much. My goal is to make it better. Hopefully next week we will see some movement in the right direction.

Long day, I'm tired and in need of some rest. I'm aiming for an early morning cross country ski so I'll keep you posted. Goodnight.

An Atmospheric Phenomenon...

Could it be? Could it possibly be? It must be an Atmospheric Phenomenon but I actually have had a weekend not filled with cookies, candy, Mexican food, etc. I weigh in on Monday mornings and will post the results on my progress chart tomorrow evening. Just wanted to share that because I'm feeling better about things on the weight loss front.

I also have two NSVs to share will all of you.

1. For those of you who have been following my little problem (okay, okay, it's not a little problem) with Girl Scout Cookies which I talked about earlier this week. I have news to report. I did my weekly grocery shopping this afternoon and low and behold who do you think was stationed outside the front door, actually both doors, of Wal Mart? Yeah, you guessed it, the Girl Scouts and their damned evil cookies. I want you to know they came at me like a swarm of mosquitoes looking to suck your blood and leave a welt to remind you later. Their sweet little voices asking in perfect unison, "Mam, would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?" Well, I smiled with confidence and answered, "No thank you I already have several boxes." Can you freaking believe it? I did it, I didn't give in this time. Could it be that I didn't want to give in or is it another Atmospheric Phenomenon?

2. On another front, I have cross-county skied two days in a row (2 miles each day). If Mother Nature isn't going to throw me a bone with the weather, I'll show her. I'll beat her at her own game. I'll just keep skiing until May!!!

So, all in all, the weekend has been pleasant, house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and a little coffee sipping by the fire with the husband and the golden retriever.

I'm Playing Bingo Again

I keep going back to a post of last week where I talk about a Calorie is a Calorie, Right? Well, I'm playing BINGO again and I'm not happy about it. Damn those Girl Scouts and their cookies. I feel like I'm checking out of my weight loss efforts. Starting tomorrow I'm checking back in. I will wake up early exercise and have a good day. I am in control of my weight loss future. But right now I'm not feeling in control. Wish me luck!

I am the PRESIDENT of Overindulging

Okay, if I had been Washington or Lincoln, I probably wouldn't have had access to Girl Scout cookies, right? See where I'm going with this one? Well, I am truly the PRESIDENT of overindulging on the long weekend.

First it was a trip to the city to visit my girls. That, of couse, was an excuse to overindulge. What, go to the city and not eat out, why of course not. Then, sweet little Girls Scouts in full dress attire standing at attention outside every store we seemed to frequent. Don't they know it's Colorado, it's cold and people haven't been exercising properly and shouldn't be tempted by their innocent, wafer thin little cheeks and tiny mouthes smiling and asking, "Mam, wouldn't you like to support our troop and buy a box of Girl Scout cookies?" I didn't want to say to them, "Well, honey, I have been eating way too much the last couple days and feel like a beached whale, my pants are tight and I really shouldn't have any cookies, but thank you." Instead, I hear the words coming from my mouth saying, "Sure, why don't I get a box of Thin Mints and Tagalongs." All the while I'm thinking, by the way, can you just take them out of the box and paste them to my butt and thighs? Thanks, so much.

Notwithstanding the evilness of Girl Scout cookies and mexican food. I then find that the Easter candy is in the grocery stores. Could anybody ask for something more evil than the creation of the Cadbury Mini Egg? Oh, come on weight loss gods, throw me a bone here, will ya!!! So, I smile, and throw them in my cart. They are also now affixed to my thighs and buttocks. This is the way of the weekend and my Monday and Tuesday haven't been much better.

Let's talk about overindulging. Normal, every once and awhile, yes, but this weekend was grandios in overindulgence. I AM FREAKING OUT, HERE, PEOPLE. Sorry to shout but hopefuly somebody is listening. How do I get back to healthy eating after overindulging????

Well, I came across this article when freaking out and it actually makes sense. So, people, here I go, I am going to commit to all my readers to do the following:

1. Relax (this is going to be a tough one but I'm going to try)

2. Add some fiber to your diet. It helps push the "junk" from your body after a binge and will help you feel full. (I'm thinking that if I down an entire box of Fiber One, it might, and I say "might," make a difference)

3. Drink green tea and water during breakfast and lunch to help process the fiber.

4. Have high protein meals for lunch and dinner. (Girl Scout cookies probably don't count, huh?)

5. Have a high protein snack.

6. Go for a walk or do some sit-ups. Exercise if you feel up to it. Don't over do it or it could trigger the binge again.

7. Get 8 hours of sleep.

8. Follow steps 1 through 7 for another day or until you are back on track.

9. Love yourself for caring enough to take care of your body.

I have to say, after typing this post, I'm feeling a little better about the weekend. I have to accept what has happened, be happy I have a chance to start over and focus on what I'm doing right now, this very moment, to correct what has already happened. I may need some encouragement, though, so anybody out there feeling like they want to give advice, please feel free.....

Oh, when I got back to the office this morning, guess what was on my chair? Four boxes of Girl Scout cookies. They were delivered late on Friday after I was gone for the day. Weight loss gods at work again. Don't you just love it.

Has Cupid Shot You With His Arrow Today?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO MY FELLOW BLOGGERS!

My husband and I have been married 27 years now and we aren't so much into the Valentine's Day hype. You can call us old fuddy duddies, it's okay. I do have some candy for him. He can eat candy every day and not have a problem with his weight. I bought him a can of Mixed Nuts, a box of Dots and a big package of Reese's Peanut Butter Big Cups.

Observation, my husband only eats when he's hungry and stops when he's full. He won't eat just because. I will offer him something and he will say, "No, I think I'm full." Me on the other hand, especially if it's candy, nuts, cookies, cake, would eat it even if I'm full. What is the difference in us that makes that possible? Why does he have the control over food that I don't? His relationship with food is basically he needs it to live and work each day. I have a very different relationship with food. I always want what I perceive as something I shouldn't have. Does that make any sense at all? Me and the husband have made some deals over the years in an attempt to even out the odds of him never gaining weight and me looking at food and doing the opposite. Here are a few of those compromises:

• that we try to reduce our consumption of red meat and lean more toward the chicken and fish and occasionally no meat at all, shhh, a vegetarian dish. I had to work at this last one.
• we have a vegetable with dinner each and every night. I truly have to say this one has been a success. Both of us are now vegetable connoisseurs.
• try to keep candy, cookies and sugar laden treats from entering the house on a regular basis.
• try new recipes.
• he will support me in my weight loss efforts and I will support him in his love for football. (This, of course means that we will eat lowfat snacks while watching!)
• have patience with me when I come home grumpy from weigh in when I've gained.
• never be a food pusher.
• work with me when I get excited about a new food find or cookbook.
• love me no matter whether I've gained and praise me when I have lost.

So, see why we are still Valentines after 27 years. Have you and your Valentine done any weight loss compromising over the years? If so, pray tell...

Hope you and your Valentine have a great V Day.

Look What Women's Health Magazine Can Do for You...

I checked my email tonight and low and behold there was an advertisement for Women's Health Magazine. This is their marketing speal:

You CAN have it all - or at least what matters most to you: Get in the best shape of your life...boost your energy levels...eat well and still stay slim...get the most out of your relationships...and more. That's what Women's Health is all about! Unlike other magazines with a "one-size-fits-all" standard of beauty, Women's Health helps you find your way to a happier, healthier, and smarter life that's just your style.

Wow, I think I'll go buy out every magazine rack from Colorado to New York!!! If a magazine can truly help me eat well, stay slim and work magic with my relationships why wouldn't I buy it? Does anybody else find this absolutely ridiculous? What happened to being personally responsible for our actions? Is a glossy piece of paper with some pictures, articles, occasional recipe and a little glue actually going to make my dinner and nag my husband (only on occasion, really)? Oh, I almost forgot the most important part of a magazine, the little advertisement cards that are so, so annoying and that keep you from turning the page successfully. Turn page, back to the advertisement card, turn page, back to advertisement card, TEAR OUT ADVERTISEMENT CARD, turn page, smile with the sense that you have won the battle. Sorry, I digress from my point.

What happend to good old hard work to get what you want out of life? Would you succumb to this advertisement? Just wondering.

Is Fat My Friend?

I am guilty of having an abundance of fat-free and reduced-fat products in my house. I jumped on the fat free band wagon several years ago and I'm still ridin shot gun. Am I truly being health conscious with these products or should I try to let "fat be my friend?" Fat has always gotten me into trouble before and I don't want to go there again. However, I recently read an article (not that I haven't heard it before) reinterating that our bodies need dietary fats, especially those naturally found in fish, nuts, seeds and oils. So, instead of banishing fat completely or seeing it as the enemy, should I be a little less of a control freak and give it a try? I know that healthy fat means fish, nuts, seeds, oils, avocados, olives, etc. Well, let me tell you about me and our friend the nut. If I have nuts in the house. The nuts will end up being eaten, no ifs, ands or buts. I can't control my consumption of nuts. I will, literally, eat a whole can of nuts in one sitting. I will feel ill afterward but, nonetheless, it still occurs. As I alway say, my relationship with food is a work in progress. I just don't buy them, period. With nuts out of the equation, that leaves, fish, oils, seeds, avocados and olives. I think seeds would get me the same results as the nuts. Similar breed with most likely the same result. So, now we are down to fish, oil, avocados and olives. I don't think I should just start downing the olive oil, so what should I do to reintroduce some "good" fat back into my diet? Honestly, none of the remaining choices sound real appealing. How do you get your "good" fat or, honestly, do you even worry about it?

Why Did She Have To Say, "Wow, You Look Great!"

As you can see from my post yesterday, I have made it a priority to be a better planner this week. Well, tonight I made Polenta Lasagna for dinner and it should last for at least another meal and maybe even a lunch. Yeah! I will post the recipe soon. It was really good and fairly low in points compared to regular lasagna. I wasn't expecting much but it turned out really well. My husband is an extreme polenta lover and when we came across this Merchant Foods Organic Polenta at the grocery store, he begged and I gave in. I have bought it a couple times now and I am starting to be a fan. The nutritional information is great and it actually tastes good.

So, food wise, it was an okay day. Used some flex points which I really didn't want to but I did and now I'm moving on. Tuesday is another day and I am saying goodbye to Monday, February 11, 2008.

I had a friend who I hadn't seen in about five months say to me today, "Wow, you look great!" Why did she have to say that? I don't feel like I look great. I feel like I'm still packing around 5 lb of extra Christmas grazing weight. Of course, I, just like Katieo, in her post about Should I Stay or Should I Go? then said to myself, "What do I need to lose a few pounds for? She said I look great." Also the reason for the use of flex points. She said I look great, you know. Well, the reason is simple. I need to feel better about myself. Yes, let me say it again. I need to feel better about myself. There, I've said it.

Does this ever happen to you and then you have second thoughts about your weight loss efforts and sabotage a great day???

Failure to Plan will Result in a Plan to Fail

I heard this statement today and it kind of hit home on the weight loss front. My planning has not been as good as I would like it to be of late. Especially on the weight loss front. So, after a weekend of okay eating (Could have been worse) I am going to have a "planned week." By that I mean that I will plan my meals and snacks on a daily basis. Tomorrow I will sit down and plan some dinner ideas that can take me through several nights. I love leftovers. Some people hate them, however I'm not one of those people. Truly, there are some things that taste better the second night around. One of my favorite "go to" dinner ideas is anything using the crock pot. Soups, salsa chicken, stew, whatever. It is such a good feeling when you walk through the door after work and "voile" dinner is ready and the house smells wonderful! So, here's my plan:

• Dust off the journal
• Get out the food scale
• Make sure frig is stocked with good things (someone once said to me if you stand in front of the refrigerator and aren't hungry enough to each a piece of fruit, you aren't that hungry). Right now I have salad, veggies, fruit, string cheese, yogurt, fat free salad dressings and I'm sure a few other things that are good for me. So, I have a start on a fabulous week.
• Sit down and plan dinners for the week - I'll get back to you and let you know what I come up with.
• Exercise at least five times this week
• Get my tax information to the accountant (not weight related but it's making me nervous)

So, there you have it. It's a plan in writing. I tend to stick to something better if I see it in writing.

Oh, I crosscountry skied today - yikes my muscles are sore. But in a good way.

A Calorie is a Calorie, Right?

So, if I'm reading this correctly, as far as losing or gaining, it doesn't matter if all my calories come from cookies and candy or from veggies, carbs and protein as long as I remain in my alloted calorie range. Right? So other than feeling sick, bloated and having a little sugar rush and then maybe a big sugar low, what's the problem with eating candy and cookies all day? I went seeking an answer to this question. Here it is.

Answer:

1. As far as weight gain or loss, a calorie is a calorie. If you normally eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, fiber, healthy protein, good fats and whole grains, I don't believe that eating nothing but candy and sugar for only one single day would really do any damage to your body in the long run. You would feel bad for a day or so, though. SEE, I'M FEELING BETTER ABOUT MYSELF NOW. NO TRULY LONG LASTING EFFECTS OF EATING NOTHING GOOD FOR ME THIS ENTIRE DAY. WELL, MAYBE A FEW OTHER DAYS, TOO.
2. Of course if you started eating like that with some frequency, you would have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, you wouldn't get the healthy fats you need, you would eat too many saturated and unhealthy trans fats and you wouldn't get enough protein. You would probably have poor health due to the deficiencies, low energy levels, and your immune system wouldn't work as well as it should. SO, NOT FEELING SO GREAT ABOUT IT NOW. BUT CAN I JUST SAY THERE ARE NO TRANS FATS IN CANDY.. OKAY, STILL NOT FEELING SO GREAT.
3. One problem with sodas and candy is that once we start indulging our cravings for those sweets, the cravings get worse and worse and we may eat more and more of the sugary foods which would displace all the healthy foods we really need. BINGO WE HAVE A WINNER.....

So, there you have it. And I thought a calorie was just a calorie. Now, kidding aside. I truly have been falling off the wagon of late. The weight is not going the direction I want. I'll have a really good day and then several really bad days. The comment above about once we start indulging our cravings get worse and worse and then we eat more and more. Am I the only bingo winner??? Please tell me I'm not.

I want to be happy when I do this. Right now, I'm just not feelin the love. The scale and I are having a difference of opinion. My opinion is that it should be the number I want it to be and it's opinion is that it will be the number that it truly is. I literally want to have my cake and eat it too. Without the consequences, of course. I need to make better choices and be more accountable. So, I'm moving on, I'm stepping away from the candy and cookies. I don't want to play Bingo anymore.

IT WILL NOT BE ME, I REFUSE!

So, today was a day from hell. I had to get up at 4:30 am to take my mother 100 miles away to be with my sister during her double knee replacement. Yes, you read correctly, DOUBLE. Back to my title. IT WILL NOT BE ME, I REFUSE. I refuse to abuse my body with excess food and couch potato behavior to the point that it can no longer work!!! My mother, bless her heart, has had two knee replacements, ankle fusions, two shoulder replacements, two hip replacements... you get the picture. Now, my sister, what's wrong with this family and the plastic parts. Well, it stops with me. I am this very day resolving not to follow in the foot steps of my mother and sibling. Roni at Weight Watchen.com asked the question the other day. Why do you want to lose weight? Well, here's another very, very good reason for me. Keeping it short tonight as I have been up what seems like an eternity. Let me say it one more time. The buck stops here. Or should we say the plastic parts.

Would You Like a Weight Loss Wand?

So, would ya? I read this somewhere. I just skimmed it and then you know how sometimes it takes a minute for your brain to register what you just read. Well, I read the words again - Weight Loss Wand. Hmm, I thought. What would I do if there was a weight loss wand. Would I use it and what would it do for me? Well, it got me thinking. As we all know, weight loss is NOT magic. My personal definition of magic is something unexpectedly good that happens behind the scenes. Like in a fairy tale. So, let's see, if I had a weight loss wand back in 1985 when I started this process would I have learned any of the following:

• The importance of eating healthy
• The art of understanding food labels
• That vegetables are actually good for me and don't have to be deep fried or drenched in salad dressing
• That exercise is NOT a four letter word
• That fast food is not a "life saver"
• Not everything you eat needs to be drenched in butter
• Dessert is not one of the main food groups
• Your plate doesn't have to be 100% covered with food to make you satisfied
• The importance of understanding my relationship with food (actually a work in progress)
• I don't have to cook like my mother
• I don't have to be fat because I've always been fat
• I can be happy, confident and social (I used to pass up invitations to attend social functions because I was self conscious)
• I can speak in public (not a chance I would have done this prior to WW)
• I can run - Yes, I said run
• I don't have to please everybody, just those who care about and understand me
• Food is something I need to live, I don't live for food
• The scale is not always EVIL (actually sometimes it's magic)
• I can be successful at weight loss
• Maintenance is not as easy as losing
• P A T I E N C E

So, after reviewing the things I have learned through this process I think my answer is No. The weight loss wand may offer weight loss magic, but where does that leave me? I think it would leave me with no tools to continue on and a guarantee that I would be back seeking more "magic" because I couldn't do it on my own. I have learned so much through this process and, you know what, I don't think I would give any of it up for some "stinkin wand." I love the fact that I know I am in charge of my weight loss future, me and only me. I will do what it takes to make my own fairy tale. I encourage you to make yours. Check this out -Magical Fairytale Moments.

Progression Charts January 2007 to Present

Here are my progression charts from January 2007 to Present. I update them weekly. Even if I know I've gained....

Chicken Parmigiana Over Spaghetti Squash - Yum

Chicken Parmigiana Over Spaghetti Squash

4 chicken breasts -4 oz each
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (I used italian)
2 tsp italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste (I also added a little grinder garlic sea salt)
4 tsp olive oil
2 cups tomato sauce
4 Tblsp marinara sauce
3 cups spaghetti squash, cooked

1 cup 2% Kraft Mozarella Shredded Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an oven proof dish with cooking spray. Mix breadcrumbs and seasonings in a large zip lock bag. Throw in the chicken and shake to coat. Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Set aside. Place the spaghetti squash in the oven proof dish and pour the tomato sauce over it. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese. Place browned chicken on top of the cheese and top each breast with 1Tblsp of marinara sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes or so or until bubbling and cooked through.

My calculation is 6 points per serving. But the serving is quite large because of the magic spaghetti squash. Always check points depending on your ingredients, as they could change.

Enjoy!