I must have patted myself on the back too hard the other day over how well I did with eating on Christmas.... because Saturday night and Sunday I fell. All of the goodies that I had passed up on on the actual holiday were at my sister's still on Saturday when I was there. I made it the whole day long until about 6pm and then the cookies and chips called my name. The positive aspect is that I only ate 5 cookies and a small handful of chips instead of whole bags of items and I had taken a walk that morning. It kind of continued on into Sunday when I just "HAD" to have some real pizza.. ya know... double crust, greasy, totally not healthy for me. I did eat too much of that. Then probably one of the best things happened... I was up almost all of last night sick from it. My body was clearly telling me that I DIDN'T need the pizza I thought I did. I won't soon forget that lesson let me tell you!
So today I picked myself back up, dusted myself off and got back on the right path of my journey. One or two "extras" does not have to lead to losing all of what I have accomplished and I can do this. My mom told me the other day that if I did not lose another pound I had already lost 15 and was in better health and shape than I was a month ago. I am not quitting but it was a great reminder again not to get lost racing to the end but staying steady and focused.
Tonight I will get back to walking. I find that I do feel better when I get out everyday. It is my little down time. There is nothing but silence usually (allright.. except for when I have to yell at Roxy for trying to eat all the junk on the ground), or sometimes I talk to Roxy. Yes.. I said I talk to my dog. She listens, doesn't judge and it keeps the weirdos away from ME because they think I am weird...LOL!
And there is another lesson.. take some time for yourself. If you give it all away there will be nothing left to share. Now I am done waxing poetic and deep and off to lunch. Here I come yogurt and sandwich!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
What Did Santa Bring Me (and a recipe)
How lucky am I to have Christmas right before my weigh in day? The only thing better than that is to have New Years Eve before my weigh in day next week! All that said I did pretty good. I lost 1.5 lbs and an inch in my hips. I have lost 15 lbs in a month and also been caffeine and junk food free in that time.
Now most people would be jumping up and down at losing weight during Christmas. I won't lie.. I was annoyed at how little it was. My struggle again.. I want it now! So back to the drawing board of telling myself nice things and reminding myself why slower is better.
1. I am making a lifestyle change.
2. About 5 more lbs and I will be down a size in pants.
3. I enjoyed myself more than planned but not overate at my sister's. I had my pre-packed, point calculated lunch all ready. Then I saw that she had Italian beef and rolls.. mmmmmm. So I made a decision.. I would scrap the pre-packed lunch, have one beef and one roll and enjoy the holiday with my family. There was chips, cookies and chocolate (say it with me now.. "Oh My!") but I only ate a sliver of one and gave the rest to my daughter.
4. My daughter is learning these healthy habits from me. She ate yesterday but only a very small amount of the junk food. And she lost 2 lbs from walking with me and the dog this week. I must teach her to do it the right way.. not the NOW way.
5. It's a journey, not a race. If I rush to the end I lose the enjoyment of the adventure that I am sharing with Sid. One of the best things about this is that Sid and I have reconnected and gotten closer than we ever were before!
So, I was thinking about skipping the walk when I got up this morning but I know that it is necessary. Heck.. I might even shovel some snow! I hope all had a Merry Christmas and that we all start the New Year a little lighter!
Italian-Seasoned Snack Mix
4 cups criss-cross of corn and rice cereal (such as Crispix)
2 cups oyster crackers
2 cups tiny fat free pretzelz
1/4 cup reduced calorie stick margarine melted
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon driied Italian seasoning.
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine margarine and egg whites in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Pour margarine over cereal mixture; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle cheese and Italian seasoning evenly over cereal mixture; toss gently.
3. Spread mixture evenly over cookie sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until crips.
Now most people would be jumping up and down at losing weight during Christmas. I won't lie.. I was annoyed at how little it was. My struggle again.. I want it now! So back to the drawing board of telling myself nice things and reminding myself why slower is better.
1. I am making a lifestyle change.
2. About 5 more lbs and I will be down a size in pants.
3. I enjoyed myself more than planned but not overate at my sister's. I had my pre-packed, point calculated lunch all ready. Then I saw that she had Italian beef and rolls.. mmmmmm. So I made a decision.. I would scrap the pre-packed lunch, have one beef and one roll and enjoy the holiday with my family. There was chips, cookies and chocolate (say it with me now.. "Oh My!") but I only ate a sliver of one and gave the rest to my daughter.
4. My daughter is learning these healthy habits from me. She ate yesterday but only a very small amount of the junk food. And she lost 2 lbs from walking with me and the dog this week. I must teach her to do it the right way.. not the NOW way.
5. It's a journey, not a race. If I rush to the end I lose the enjoyment of the adventure that I am sharing with Sid. One of the best things about this is that Sid and I have reconnected and gotten closer than we ever were before!
So, I was thinking about skipping the walk when I got up this morning but I know that it is necessary. Heck.. I might even shovel some snow! I hope all had a Merry Christmas and that we all start the New Year a little lighter!
Italian-Seasoned Snack Mix
4 cups criss-cross of corn and rice cereal (such as Crispix)
2 cups oyster crackers
2 cups tiny fat free pretzelz
1/4 cup reduced calorie stick margarine melted
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon driied Italian seasoning.
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine margarine and egg whites in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Pour margarine over cereal mixture; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle cheese and Italian seasoning evenly over cereal mixture; toss gently.
3. Spread mixture evenly over cookie sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until crips.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
And so this is Christmas.....
Merry Christmas!!! Didn't that come around quickly this year.... I think I say that every year, but here in Oz the day is nearly done (well it's 4.30pm) and I just have not been able to crack the Christmas cheer!! I feel like I haven't had the same preparation time, or perhaps there's just a general lack of Christmas cheer- many people I have chatted to have felt the same way!!!
I am so tired today- I have been to my auntie's for lunch- we all brought a plate of food, so it was a good spread, but not that much in the way of really low fat options- but that's to be expected on Christmas day I suppose....
My week hasn't been so good on the eating and exercising front- I have actually found myself to be really tired all week.... not sure if it's the end of year blues, or if it's that my body is in need of some rest, or if it's just simply that I'm tired- or maybe even bored- but regardless, tired I have been.... so I haven't walked as much as usual- in fact I've barely walked at all. And because of Christmas I only had one personal training session. But I'm off to the beach tonight, so plan to do a morning walk each day I'm away... and plan to drink LOTS of water!!! I expect there might be a few boozy nights- but I'll try to temper that with water in between drinks (wonder how long that will last?!!!)....
I've also been pretty bad with eating this week- there has been bbqs, chocolate, christmas puddings, potato salad everywhere- and this is the sad thing about me and temptation- I just find it so hard to say no.... I'm sure I haven't been nearly as bad as I would have been on other occassions, but I know I still haven't been 'good'.... I feel a bit bad about not sticking to my guns and 'dieting', but then I think that this is life, and this time of year is always going to be like this- even the thinnest of people often put on a few kilos at this time of year, they just work hard to lose them afterwards.....
So I have decided that since I will be at the beach until Monday night, that I won't weigh in until next week- so really not until the new year..... aside from being more practical, it will also give me an extra week to get back on track, and perhaps even out the damage that the last week may have caused- in turn meaning I'll have no reason to fall into the trap of being upset with my weight loss result!
There are some aspects of this time of year that I love- mostly it's showing appreciation to those that you hold close to your heart, and helping people out in need, and seeing the kids so excited and happy.... I've really enjoyed a bit of nostalga this year, and it's fair to say that I have the most amazing friends in the world- I have certainly been adorned with friends that make me feel like a better person for knowing them- I am very lucky in that respect.
Anyway- guests are on their way- so until my next post- MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Sid xoxox
I am so tired today- I have been to my auntie's for lunch- we all brought a plate of food, so it was a good spread, but not that much in the way of really low fat options- but that's to be expected on Christmas day I suppose....
My week hasn't been so good on the eating and exercising front- I have actually found myself to be really tired all week.... not sure if it's the end of year blues, or if it's that my body is in need of some rest, or if it's just simply that I'm tired- or maybe even bored- but regardless, tired I have been.... so I haven't walked as much as usual- in fact I've barely walked at all. And because of Christmas I only had one personal training session. But I'm off to the beach tonight, so plan to do a morning walk each day I'm away... and plan to drink LOTS of water!!! I expect there might be a few boozy nights- but I'll try to temper that with water in between drinks (wonder how long that will last?!!!)....
I've also been pretty bad with eating this week- there has been bbqs, chocolate, christmas puddings, potato salad everywhere- and this is the sad thing about me and temptation- I just find it so hard to say no.... I'm sure I haven't been nearly as bad as I would have been on other occassions, but I know I still haven't been 'good'.... I feel a bit bad about not sticking to my guns and 'dieting', but then I think that this is life, and this time of year is always going to be like this- even the thinnest of people often put on a few kilos at this time of year, they just work hard to lose them afterwards.....
So I have decided that since I will be at the beach until Monday night, that I won't weigh in until next week- so really not until the new year..... aside from being more practical, it will also give me an extra week to get back on track, and perhaps even out the damage that the last week may have caused- in turn meaning I'll have no reason to fall into the trap of being upset with my weight loss result!
There are some aspects of this time of year that I love- mostly it's showing appreciation to those that you hold close to your heart, and helping people out in need, and seeing the kids so excited and happy.... I've really enjoyed a bit of nostalga this year, and it's fair to say that I have the most amazing friends in the world- I have certainly been adorned with friends that make me feel like a better person for knowing them- I am very lucky in that respect.
Anyway- guests are on their way- so until my next post- MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Sid xoxox
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Pizza Recipe
So I have been CRAVING pizza but I know if I order one that I will not be able to stop at one piece. Can you imagine? Inspiration came in the form of my daughter who asked if we could make pizza together again since we hadn't in awhile. BINGO.. I rooted through my folder of healthier recipes and dusted off the recipe I will share with you. I got this from a dear friend who has shared my battle over the years as well but is much more successful than I am.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do and let me know if you find a recipe that YOU enjoy!
1 15 oz jar pizza sauce
1 10 or 13 oz can refrigerated pizza dough
1 1/2 cups low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
Sprinkle of Italian Spices (optional)
1 lb lean ground round
1. Cook meat until it's done and crumples. Drain if necessary.
2. Add sauce and seasoning and cook until heated.
3. Spray 9 x 13 and unroll dough, press the bottom and half way up the sides.
4. Add sauce and bake uncovered for 12 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cheese and continue to bake 5 minutes or until crust is browned and cheese is bubbly.
6. Remove and let stand 15 minutes.
I make mine without the meat. You can also add veggies but remember to increase your cooking time.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do and let me know if you find a recipe that YOU enjoy!
1 15 oz jar pizza sauce
1 10 or 13 oz can refrigerated pizza dough
1 1/2 cups low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
Sprinkle of Italian Spices (optional)
1 lb lean ground round
1. Cook meat until it's done and crumples. Drain if necessary.
2. Add sauce and seasoning and cook until heated.
3. Spray 9 x 13 and unroll dough, press the bottom and half way up the sides.
4. Add sauce and bake uncovered for 12 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cheese and continue to bake 5 minutes or until crust is browned and cheese is bubbly.
6. Remove and let stand 15 minutes.
I make mine without the meat. You can also add veggies but remember to increase your cooking time.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Procrastination and Denial!
Every day this week I have thought about writing in our blog, but procrastination has taken over- 'procrastination'- a not so great part of my make up!!! I'm very good at it..... And each day I've questioned myself as to why I kept putting off writing an entry, only to realise I was in denial! Why? Because I cheated myself this week, and I knew I was doing it, and I have made a pact to be completely honest in my blog entries, so I knew I'd have to fess up and admit to my own sabotage!! (I know, I'm a complicated person at times!!!)....
Things don't always work out as planned- I've had a week of last minute changes- activities are on, activities are off, last minute activities come up!! The boy I've had a bit of a crush on doesn't appear to be living up to my expectations. I've been so busy at work trying to catch up, and one of the girls thought there was something wrong with me- a wake up call that I wasn't being my usual chirpy self- but hey- I was head down, bum up in my work load!! So with all of this in mind, when I had a craving for Christmas Pudding Ice Cream from Cold Rock (Australia's equivalent to Cold Stone- my favourite ice creamery ever!!!) I succumbed to the craving.... Now I don't get too many cravings since I've changed my diet and concentrated on increasing my activity/exercise... and I know that if I just had have plundered on for a few more days, the craving would have passed.... but alas I found myself standing at the counter of Cold Rock, ordering a tub to take home!! So desperate I was for the Christmas Pudding Ice Cream that I literally paid for it with my last 5 cents!!! I searched my car high and low for small change, so that I could buy the larger of the two containers!!!! Desperation!
So with my container in hand, I headed home, and that night ate dinner backwards (dessert first, dinner secone)!! Before I realised it (and literally I was not thinking about the act of eating, as much as I was enjoying every mouthful of this delicious treat) I had eaten half the tub.... Feeling guilty, and carrying that guilt into the next day, I decided when I got home from work that I might as well just finish the damn tub off.... The upside- I've had my fix.... The downside- what the heck was I doing to myself???
In addition to my ice cream mayhem, I also had some trifle at work on Friday- I did not go back for seconds though (that in itself is an accomplishment when trifle is concerned!!!).... (Trifle is a sponge cake, usually soaked in cherry, with fruit layered on top, jello over that, custard over that, maybe some more fruit, and in some instances- such as this- topped off with cream!- YUM).
It was my little sister, Megan's, birthday on Monday- my little sister in America that is. So on Tuesday morning, instead of my regular long walk, I had a shorter walk so that I could come home and call her (the time difference is the reason I called on Tuesday here)... That night I had a late night out with a friend looking at Christmas lights etc, so opted for a sleep in, the next morning, rather than my usual walk. On Friday I skimped again on my walk, opting for the shorter one....
So I feel like I've really cheated myself this week.... I did go to my personal trainer, and I have been watching what I eat the rest of the time... and although there were two days when I didn't walk as far as I usually do, I still got up to walk! I guess I need to look at the good things I did, right?!!!
Well, on the good note- even with a week of interuptions and indulgences, I still lost 400 grams (0.9lbs).... Not a huge amount- but still a loss- and I'll take it with a huge smile after my week!!!!
In saying that, CG has been such a great motivation for me- she's always checking in, making sure I don't lose sight of my goal.... And as she says, it's so great to have someone to tag along with you on this journey....
In this week I have had a couple of girls from work, my best friend, and the whole of my personal training group (including my trainer) tell me that I look like I've lost weight! That's the best when someone tells you that! Such a great feeling.... I can't wait to be 70kg (155lbs) and have people compliment me on how good I look- it's such a great ego booster!!
I've been single for a long time now- I say that I've been single for 8 years- but really that's not true, as I've had plenty of relationships over the years... and last year I was head over heals in what I thought was something fantastic, but was all a figment of my imagination in hindsight!!! But I ask myself why I have been single for so long- what is wrong with me??.... Aside from the wall I built to protect myself from being hurt (which isn't that hard to chip down!!), I am ashamed of how my body looks.... I'm terrified to show this body to anyone that might genuinely care about me, for fear they'll run the other way.... I'm sure my body isn't the most disgusting body out, and I'm certain that there are plenty of women in very loving relationships that are bigger than me- but if I'm being honest, then my body image really is a problem that I have created..... Being in a relationship doesn't define who I am (thankfully!!! Could you imagine how depressing it would if it did!!), but I still long to be in a meaningful, romanatic, committed relationship with someone I can consider a best friend.... I also long to have that so that I can add a new dimension to the friends I have- being the only single person in my immediate circle of friends, I see how all the couples interact with each other, the different topics they have to talk about, the way the boys hang out, and I kinda feel that I'm letting my friends down by not having a significant other in my life...... (Wow, that's deep for a Sunday morning!!!! -but honest!)....
Anyway- the plan is that I'll be on this weight loss journey until I'm at a place where I can be content in this 'vehicle that carries me around'- content enough that I'd be prepared to share it with someone else!
Can you believe the success that CG is having?!!! She is an amazing weight loss machine! I am so proud of her (and a little jealous of the huge numbers she's pulling!!!! lol).... and being winter in the USA, it must be so hard- so right now, I'd love to be across the ocean to give her a huge hug and tell her in person how inspiring she is... (I'm sure everyone would agree with that)!
As of my weigh in today, I weigh (and I never tell anyone the exact amount): 94.7kg (208.3lbs). I have lost, since 19th October, 5.4kg (11.9lbs). I still have just under 25kgs (55lbs) that I want to lose. My first big milestone that I'm setting myself is to get to 90kg (198lbs)- when I get there I'm going to go out and get myself a new tattoo... I've wanted it for so long, and it will be the perfect reward for the 10 kgs (22lbs) I will have lost when I get there!!
This week is Christmas week- tomorrow we have a Christmas lunch at work, and tomorrow night I'm going to the ballet, Tuesday night I have personal training, then my best friend and I wrap presents, Wednesday night is my friend's 40th birthday party, Thursdday night I'm doing a gym trial (although I have no plans to join- I'll take the free work out!!!) and Friday is Christmas.... For Christmas day I'm going to my auntie's house- we have to each bring a plate- I'm going to do a platter of vegie sticks with a low fat dip, so that I know that I have a low fat alternative to munch on instead of filling up with bad stuff.... (although I also plan to make Christmas Pudding Balls- which are not so good!!! lol)... Then Christmas night I'm heading down to the beach and will return Monday night.... There are bound to be some boozy nights at the beach- but I hope for good weather so that days will be spent drinking lots of water, and eating only main meals!
Wow- this is a long blog... But has been somewhat cathartic to get out how I'm feeling!
Merry Christmas! I hope to report back next week (weigh in will be Tuesday after Christmas) with some great news! :)
-Sid-
Things don't always work out as planned- I've had a week of last minute changes- activities are on, activities are off, last minute activities come up!! The boy I've had a bit of a crush on doesn't appear to be living up to my expectations. I've been so busy at work trying to catch up, and one of the girls thought there was something wrong with me- a wake up call that I wasn't being my usual chirpy self- but hey- I was head down, bum up in my work load!! So with all of this in mind, when I had a craving for Christmas Pudding Ice Cream from Cold Rock (Australia's equivalent to Cold Stone- my favourite ice creamery ever!!!) I succumbed to the craving.... Now I don't get too many cravings since I've changed my diet and concentrated on increasing my activity/exercise... and I know that if I just had have plundered on for a few more days, the craving would have passed.... but alas I found myself standing at the counter of Cold Rock, ordering a tub to take home!! So desperate I was for the Christmas Pudding Ice Cream that I literally paid for it with my last 5 cents!!! I searched my car high and low for small change, so that I could buy the larger of the two containers!!!! Desperation!
So with my container in hand, I headed home, and that night ate dinner backwards (dessert first, dinner secone)!! Before I realised it (and literally I was not thinking about the act of eating, as much as I was enjoying every mouthful of this delicious treat) I had eaten half the tub.... Feeling guilty, and carrying that guilt into the next day, I decided when I got home from work that I might as well just finish the damn tub off.... The upside- I've had my fix.... The downside- what the heck was I doing to myself???
In addition to my ice cream mayhem, I also had some trifle at work on Friday- I did not go back for seconds though (that in itself is an accomplishment when trifle is concerned!!!).... (Trifle is a sponge cake, usually soaked in cherry, with fruit layered on top, jello over that, custard over that, maybe some more fruit, and in some instances- such as this- topped off with cream!- YUM).
It was my little sister, Megan's, birthday on Monday- my little sister in America that is. So on Tuesday morning, instead of my regular long walk, I had a shorter walk so that I could come home and call her (the time difference is the reason I called on Tuesday here)... That night I had a late night out with a friend looking at Christmas lights etc, so opted for a sleep in, the next morning, rather than my usual walk. On Friday I skimped again on my walk, opting for the shorter one....
So I feel like I've really cheated myself this week.... I did go to my personal trainer, and I have been watching what I eat the rest of the time... and although there were two days when I didn't walk as far as I usually do, I still got up to walk! I guess I need to look at the good things I did, right?!!!
Well, on the good note- even with a week of interuptions and indulgences, I still lost 400 grams (0.9lbs).... Not a huge amount- but still a loss- and I'll take it with a huge smile after my week!!!!
In saying that, CG has been such a great motivation for me- she's always checking in, making sure I don't lose sight of my goal.... And as she says, it's so great to have someone to tag along with you on this journey....
In this week I have had a couple of girls from work, my best friend, and the whole of my personal training group (including my trainer) tell me that I look like I've lost weight! That's the best when someone tells you that! Such a great feeling.... I can't wait to be 70kg (155lbs) and have people compliment me on how good I look- it's such a great ego booster!!
I've been single for a long time now- I say that I've been single for 8 years- but really that's not true, as I've had plenty of relationships over the years... and last year I was head over heals in what I thought was something fantastic, but was all a figment of my imagination in hindsight!!! But I ask myself why I have been single for so long- what is wrong with me??.... Aside from the wall I built to protect myself from being hurt (which isn't that hard to chip down!!), I am ashamed of how my body looks.... I'm terrified to show this body to anyone that might genuinely care about me, for fear they'll run the other way.... I'm sure my body isn't the most disgusting body out, and I'm certain that there are plenty of women in very loving relationships that are bigger than me- but if I'm being honest, then my body image really is a problem that I have created..... Being in a relationship doesn't define who I am (thankfully!!! Could you imagine how depressing it would if it did!!), but I still long to be in a meaningful, romanatic, committed relationship with someone I can consider a best friend.... I also long to have that so that I can add a new dimension to the friends I have- being the only single person in my immediate circle of friends, I see how all the couples interact with each other, the different topics they have to talk about, the way the boys hang out, and I kinda feel that I'm letting my friends down by not having a significant other in my life...... (Wow, that's deep for a Sunday morning!!!! -but honest!)....
Anyway- the plan is that I'll be on this weight loss journey until I'm at a place where I can be content in this 'vehicle that carries me around'- content enough that I'd be prepared to share it with someone else!
Can you believe the success that CG is having?!!! She is an amazing weight loss machine! I am so proud of her (and a little jealous of the huge numbers she's pulling!!!! lol).... and being winter in the USA, it must be so hard- so right now, I'd love to be across the ocean to give her a huge hug and tell her in person how inspiring she is... (I'm sure everyone would agree with that)!
As of my weigh in today, I weigh (and I never tell anyone the exact amount): 94.7kg (208.3lbs). I have lost, since 19th October, 5.4kg (11.9lbs). I still have just under 25kgs (55lbs) that I want to lose. My first big milestone that I'm setting myself is to get to 90kg (198lbs)- when I get there I'm going to go out and get myself a new tattoo... I've wanted it for so long, and it will be the perfect reward for the 10 kgs (22lbs) I will have lost when I get there!!
This week is Christmas week- tomorrow we have a Christmas lunch at work, and tomorrow night I'm going to the ballet, Tuesday night I have personal training, then my best friend and I wrap presents, Wednesday night is my friend's 40th birthday party, Thursdday night I'm doing a gym trial (although I have no plans to join- I'll take the free work out!!!) and Friday is Christmas.... For Christmas day I'm going to my auntie's house- we have to each bring a plate- I'm going to do a platter of vegie sticks with a low fat dip, so that I know that I have a low fat alternative to munch on instead of filling up with bad stuff.... (although I also plan to make Christmas Pudding Balls- which are not so good!!! lol)... Then Christmas night I'm heading down to the beach and will return Monday night.... There are bound to be some boozy nights at the beach- but I hope for good weather so that days will be spent drinking lots of water, and eating only main meals!
Wow- this is a long blog... But has been somewhat cathartic to get out how I'm feeling!
Merry Christmas! I hope to report back next week (weigh in will be Tuesday after Christmas) with some great news! :)
-Sid-
The Impatience Sets In
I lost 2.1 this week. A steady loss which is what we all should strive for but I admit that when I saw it I felt..."disappointed". I know in my head that it is a good loss and that it isn't more because I didn't walk as much this week. However, even though it didn't come on overnight I want it off NOW! I have learned too that coming off "now" means comes back and more in the future but I suffer from impatience. "Sigh" yet another lesson I will have to add to my list of things to learn in this journey.
I lost 4 inches in my waist, 1 inch in my hips and none in my thighs or bust. I guess I know now where I need to start targeting more. They don't call walking the waist whittler for nothing!
I had a food issue this week. I have eaten fresh pineapple since I got healthy the first time. I bought one last week and after eating it for 3 days the 4th brought about some major, stabbing stomach pains. Same result yesterday. Makes me sad as I hate to give up any healthy food that I like since there are so many I don't! But stabbing pains in the stomach are unproductive. I had my gallbladder out almost 5 years ago and my body just doesn't process things the same way so good-bye pineapple.. I will miss you. Maybe we will meet again positively in the future!
The Wii Fit that I got has been a lot of fun this week. I got my Wii age from 52 down to 34 which is my current age in less than a week so that was exciting. I enjoy doing this with my daughter. The hula hooping I have been doing probably has helped the waist as well.
I am proud of myself for losing weight, sticking with it, only having one piece of chicken at the company luncheon and looking at myself in the mirror more. Not a lot yet, but more than before. It is a great help to me to have Sid on this journey. Support makes all the difference in the world, even though we are across the world from each other. So if you are going to embark on this journey please make sure you have a friend that will support and encourage you when you are feeling as if you can't do it.
I lost 4 inches in my waist, 1 inch in my hips and none in my thighs or bust. I guess I know now where I need to start targeting more. They don't call walking the waist whittler for nothing!
I had a food issue this week. I have eaten fresh pineapple since I got healthy the first time. I bought one last week and after eating it for 3 days the 4th brought about some major, stabbing stomach pains. Same result yesterday. Makes me sad as I hate to give up any healthy food that I like since there are so many I don't! But stabbing pains in the stomach are unproductive. I had my gallbladder out almost 5 years ago and my body just doesn't process things the same way so good-bye pineapple.. I will miss you. Maybe we will meet again positively in the future!
The Wii Fit that I got has been a lot of fun this week. I got my Wii age from 52 down to 34 which is my current age in less than a week so that was exciting. I enjoy doing this with my daughter. The hula hooping I have been doing probably has helped the waist as well.
I am proud of myself for losing weight, sticking with it, only having one piece of chicken at the company luncheon and looking at myself in the mirror more. Not a lot yet, but more than before. It is a great help to me to have Sid on this journey. Support makes all the difference in the world, even though we are across the world from each other. So if you are going to embark on this journey please make sure you have a friend that will support and encourage you when you are feeling as if you can't do it.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Exercise Fun and a Recipe
I received an early Xmas present yesterday from a family member. It was a Wii Fit Plus and I love it! I have only used it a little bit and I don't think it will be good for cardio but it is another way to keep things interesting. I particularly like the running programs. I HATE running and look like a dork when I do so it will be a good way for me to maybe work my way up from walking to running before the whole world sees me.
I started this weekend on a journey to love myself. Today as I was putting on my makeup I tried to really look at myself and not just the part of my face I was working on. I have really nice cheekbones! I put on a skirt today that I haven't been able to wear in a month and it looks good. A pencil skirt with a shirt that cinches at the waist. It makes my waist look really tiny and accentuates my curves. Love it!
I am going to share recipes that I like periodically and I hope that you enjoy them. Today I am sharing a Tender Chicken in Gravy recipe that is so easy to make my 10 year old makes it AND all of my family likes it....even those not worried about eating healthy. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Tender Chicken in Gravy
Prep Time: 7 minutes Cook Time: 14 minutes
Cooking Spray
1 pound chicken breast tenders (or breast cut into strips)
1 (14 oz) can fat free, less sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon of thyme
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
½ cup of fat free evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon light butter
1. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over a medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn chicken; add broth, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken from pan; set aside and keep warm.
2. Whisk together milk, flour and butter in a small bowl. Bring broth mixture to a boil. Cook 4 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Slowly stir in milk mixture and butter. Cook stirring constantly until gravy thickens. Serve chicken.
I started this weekend on a journey to love myself. Today as I was putting on my makeup I tried to really look at myself and not just the part of my face I was working on. I have really nice cheekbones! I put on a skirt today that I haven't been able to wear in a month and it looks good. A pencil skirt with a shirt that cinches at the waist. It makes my waist look really tiny and accentuates my curves. Love it!
I am going to share recipes that I like periodically and I hope that you enjoy them. Today I am sharing a Tender Chicken in Gravy recipe that is so easy to make my 10 year old makes it AND all of my family likes it....even those not worried about eating healthy. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Tender Chicken in Gravy
Prep Time: 7 minutes Cook Time: 14 minutes
Cooking Spray
1 pound chicken breast tenders (or breast cut into strips)
1 (14 oz) can fat free, less sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon of thyme
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
½ cup of fat free evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon light butter
1. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over a medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn chicken; add broth, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken from pan; set aside and keep warm.
2. Whisk together milk, flour and butter in a small bowl. Bring broth mixture to a boil. Cook 4 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Slowly stir in milk mixture and butter. Cook stirring constantly until gravy thickens. Serve chicken.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
A Great Day
Today was a great day for many reasons. One of which is that I lost 4.6 lbs to bring me to 11 lbs total in 2 weeks. This was a joyous moment! I am always happiest when the scale is going down. I weathered my trip to the movies. I wound up eating more than I had planned but less than the whole meal which was probably more points than a whole day for me.
This journey is very complex for me. Sid talks about being a skinny girl trapped in a "fat" body. I have the reverse syndrome where even when I weighed 120 lbs and was a size 3 I still felt fat. My head knew this was wrong (it hurt to sit down there was so little fat on me) but my heart said you are not worthy...something it has said since I was a kid. I was never thin, but have not always been overweight. I have been 120 to 252 lbs. I was "happier" at 120 in some ways but in others it was very stressful. I thought when I lost all the weight that "poof" life would be happily ever after. I have learned that life is probably never going to be happily ever after but that I NEED to learn to love myself.
I need to learn to love myself for many reason. For my daughter is one, so she won't grow up to have the same issues as me. The most important reason is for myself. I don't look at mirrors, I don't take pictures often.. unless they have been taken from the best possible angle.. yes even this picture. I don't swim for the horror of wearing a bathing suit. I don't fully enjoy things because I am always worrying about what people "might" be thinking about how fat I am. I have a friend who told me that I need to start looking at myself in the mirror and thinking about how good I look... the concept horrifies me. It also makes me think of Stewart Smalley "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and darn it... people like me". But the point is valid..if I don't like myself how will others like me. I believe that people are beautiful and lovable in all shapes and sizes.. just not me. But I will start working on this and it will be a struggle.
So for my first step in the journey I ate a little more than I had planned, but not so much that I binged and this can hopefully set the tone for the rest of my life. That nothing is off limits, I can have anything I want in life (in moderation) and that I deserve it and am worth it.
Starting on this lesson alone made today a great day!
This journey is very complex for me. Sid talks about being a skinny girl trapped in a "fat" body. I have the reverse syndrome where even when I weighed 120 lbs and was a size 3 I still felt fat. My head knew this was wrong (it hurt to sit down there was so little fat on me) but my heart said you are not worthy...something it has said since I was a kid. I was never thin, but have not always been overweight. I have been 120 to 252 lbs. I was "happier" at 120 in some ways but in others it was very stressful. I thought when I lost all the weight that "poof" life would be happily ever after. I have learned that life is probably never going to be happily ever after but that I NEED to learn to love myself.
I need to learn to love myself for many reason. For my daughter is one, so she won't grow up to have the same issues as me. The most important reason is for myself. I don't look at mirrors, I don't take pictures often.. unless they have been taken from the best possible angle.. yes even this picture. I don't swim for the horror of wearing a bathing suit. I don't fully enjoy things because I am always worrying about what people "might" be thinking about how fat I am. I have a friend who told me that I need to start looking at myself in the mirror and thinking about how good I look... the concept horrifies me. It also makes me think of Stewart Smalley "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and darn it... people like me". But the point is valid..if I don't like myself how will others like me. I believe that people are beautiful and lovable in all shapes and sizes.. just not me. But I will start working on this and it will be a struggle.
So for my first step in the journey I ate a little more than I had planned, but not so much that I binged and this can hopefully set the tone for the rest of my life. That nothing is off limits, I can have anything I want in life (in moderation) and that I deserve it and am worth it.
Starting on this lesson alone made today a great day!
Weigh in Day- 12 Dec 2009
So up I am- it's now 8.05am on Sunday, and I've been up for 45 minutes!
Sprang out of bed, and raced to weigh myself in... this week, the scales told me I lost 700 grams (1.5lbs). I have to be honest in saying I'd hoped for a bit more this week.... but I'm still very happy with this loss. I'd love to lose at least 1 kilogram (2.2lbs) in this next week- will be trying very hard!
I didn't go for a walk yesterday- infact I think I had the laziest day on record... I'm not going to beat myself up over it- I rarely have a total day of 'nothingness'! Today I have to go and do some grocery shopping... so I'll do the old trick of parking the car far away from the entrance to get in a few more steps!
I've not had the greatest week eating wise- only in that I had a few days of very low appetite- I thought that might accelerate my weight loss, yet a slow and steady result still transpired- only confirming to me that it's essential to eat well and properly. In a week where I do have a healthy appetite, I can lose the same amount! Interestingly, having had a few days of low appetite, my eating and habits since then have not been as good as they ususally are. For three days I haven't had my vitamins for example- I was sure I wouldn't notice the difference- but I definitely have- I've been more tired and lethargic without them! And the afternoon cravings for sweet foods came back on the days when I didn't eat properly- my body was obviously looking for the energy I'd starved it of not eating properly. Since I've improved my diet, I rarely crave sweet foods... Don't get me wrong, I still eat them from time to time, but I don't generally have those dire desires for them!
I've been feeling a little down these last two days- usually if I felt 'bla' or down, I'd indulge in some binge eating.... I've probably had a bit more to eat than usual given that I've had such a boring weekend, but actually I've been really happy with myself that I haven't gone nuts on eating.... How wonderful would it be to break the emotional eating cycle I've become so good at over the course of my life!
Signing out a bit lighter than last week! :)
Sprang out of bed, and raced to weigh myself in... this week, the scales told me I lost 700 grams (1.5lbs). I have to be honest in saying I'd hoped for a bit more this week.... but I'm still very happy with this loss. I'd love to lose at least 1 kilogram (2.2lbs) in this next week- will be trying very hard!
I didn't go for a walk yesterday- infact I think I had the laziest day on record... I'm not going to beat myself up over it- I rarely have a total day of 'nothingness'! Today I have to go and do some grocery shopping... so I'll do the old trick of parking the car far away from the entrance to get in a few more steps!
I've not had the greatest week eating wise- only in that I had a few days of very low appetite- I thought that might accelerate my weight loss, yet a slow and steady result still transpired- only confirming to me that it's essential to eat well and properly. In a week where I do have a healthy appetite, I can lose the same amount! Interestingly, having had a few days of low appetite, my eating and habits since then have not been as good as they ususally are. For three days I haven't had my vitamins for example- I was sure I wouldn't notice the difference- but I definitely have- I've been more tired and lethargic without them! And the afternoon cravings for sweet foods came back on the days when I didn't eat properly- my body was obviously looking for the energy I'd starved it of not eating properly. Since I've improved my diet, I rarely crave sweet foods... Don't get me wrong, I still eat them from time to time, but I don't generally have those dire desires for them!
I've been feeling a little down these last two days- usually if I felt 'bla' or down, I'd indulge in some binge eating.... I've probably had a bit more to eat than usual given that I've had such a boring weekend, but actually I've been really happy with myself that I haven't gone nuts on eating.... How wonderful would it be to break the emotional eating cycle I've become so good at over the course of my life!
Signing out a bit lighter than last week! :)
Friday, December 11, 2009
It's my first time....
Cyber world- HELLO!!!!
I've never blogged before, but as you may have already seen, this is the blog of two friends a world apart! CG and I met nearly 20 years ago in high school, and have recently reconnected. Both in a situation of being in our 30's, single, and over weight, we've agreed that journalling our thoughts as we embark on a quest to lose weight is a pretty fun and smart way to not only inspire each other, and other bloggers, but to also be brutally honest about where we're at.
At nearly 100kg in October- after having been out of work for 3 months, and having two overseas holidays, I realised that I don't want to be this skinny person in a fatties body anymore- and the strong motivation to do something about it began! On October 12th 2009, I started my journey towards being a 70kg person again! In the last two weeks, I have got myself to a weight lower than what I have been in the last year, and so now the real journey begins!
Unlike CG, I'm not going to Weight Watcher's classes. I've tried it before, and had some real success with the program at the beginning of this decade, but this time I want to do this myself. I'm watching what I eat, taking note of any reading material I find that sheds some light on healthy choices, lifestyle improvements, weight loss, excersie etc, and I'm collecting them to go into a scrap book (for future reference if I start to fall of the wagon!). I'm walking each day- I started going a 23 minute morning walk, and am now up to a 45 minute walk. I get up at 5.45am every morning (on weekdays) and go for my walk. I'm a little slack with that on weekends, but I always try to get some type of excercise in. I'm also seeing a personal trainer two times a week- it's a group session, so only costs $10 for 45 minutes (a bargain!), and I try to get to a dance class each week- but that doesn't always happen!
My weigh in days are on Sunday mornings. I get up, take a loo break, then straight onto the Wii Fit to see what news it has for me! So far so good... tomorrow morning I pray it will give me some great news!
Like everyone, I'm going to have ups and downs. I'm aware of that, which should make me prepared, I know- but I'm also aware that I'm sure to disappoint myself from time to time. Regardless, I would love to have shed enough weight to be around 70kg by the middle of next year (June/July 2010)- which as I see it, would be the perfect start to a new decade, and to the rest of my life.
I am single, and aside from wanting to look better, I know that if I feel better about myself I'll have more chance of finding Mr Right... and not only that, when I find him, I'd like to think that I might have kids sometime in the not too distant future, and truthfully I don't want to be this size when getting pregnant!! I also am going on a cruise next year, and boy it would be nice to feel like I look great in a pair of bathers (swimsuit)!!!!
So with all that said, watch this space- between CG and I, I'm sure we'll have some stories to tell, some dilemas to face, and some successes to share!
Happy Weekend.
I've never blogged before, but as you may have already seen, this is the blog of two friends a world apart! CG and I met nearly 20 years ago in high school, and have recently reconnected. Both in a situation of being in our 30's, single, and over weight, we've agreed that journalling our thoughts as we embark on a quest to lose weight is a pretty fun and smart way to not only inspire each other, and other bloggers, but to also be brutally honest about where we're at.
At nearly 100kg in October- after having been out of work for 3 months, and having two overseas holidays, I realised that I don't want to be this skinny person in a fatties body anymore- and the strong motivation to do something about it began! On October 12th 2009, I started my journey towards being a 70kg person again! In the last two weeks, I have got myself to a weight lower than what I have been in the last year, and so now the real journey begins!
Unlike CG, I'm not going to Weight Watcher's classes. I've tried it before, and had some real success with the program at the beginning of this decade, but this time I want to do this myself. I'm watching what I eat, taking note of any reading material I find that sheds some light on healthy choices, lifestyle improvements, weight loss, excersie etc, and I'm collecting them to go into a scrap book (for future reference if I start to fall of the wagon!). I'm walking each day- I started going a 23 minute morning walk, and am now up to a 45 minute walk. I get up at 5.45am every morning (on weekdays) and go for my walk. I'm a little slack with that on weekends, but I always try to get some type of excercise in. I'm also seeing a personal trainer two times a week- it's a group session, so only costs $10 for 45 minutes (a bargain!), and I try to get to a dance class each week- but that doesn't always happen!
My weigh in days are on Sunday mornings. I get up, take a loo break, then straight onto the Wii Fit to see what news it has for me! So far so good... tomorrow morning I pray it will give me some great news!
Like everyone, I'm going to have ups and downs. I'm aware of that, which should make me prepared, I know- but I'm also aware that I'm sure to disappoint myself from time to time. Regardless, I would love to have shed enough weight to be around 70kg by the middle of next year (June/July 2010)- which as I see it, would be the perfect start to a new decade, and to the rest of my life.
I am single, and aside from wanting to look better, I know that if I feel better about myself I'll have more chance of finding Mr Right... and not only that, when I find him, I'd like to think that I might have kids sometime in the not too distant future, and truthfully I don't want to be this size when getting pregnant!! I also am going on a cruise next year, and boy it would be nice to feel like I look great in a pair of bathers (swimsuit)!!!!
So with all that said, watch this space- between CG and I, I'm sure we'll have some stories to tell, some dilemas to face, and some successes to share!
Happy Weekend.
My First Dilemma
So I am almost at 2 weeks of doing Weight Watchers and having success losing weight and I have reached my first dilemma which I knew there would be some. I am going to see a movie on Saturday at a theater where you HAVE to order something. I am sure you can imagine they do not serve healthy food. I have gone almost 2 weeks without caffeine so I am not really sure I want to have a soda but the food will be out of this world in points! I tend to be an all or nothing person. When I got down to a size 3 it was by never eating anything that wasn't healthy. When I have something that I consider "junk" food I tend to not be able to stop so I avoid it. I think this isn't realistic though and part of the reason I have failed in the past. I am thinking that I will eat really light during the day, order food and ask them to bring me a take home container when the food comes.. that way I can place most of it in the container and avoid temptation. This is good practice for the office Xmas luncheon next week!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Beginning
I've never blogged before so bear with me. A friend of mine from high school that lives in Australia and I reconnected on facebook and found that we both were taking a similiar journey in our life right now. We are trying to something many have done before, some are successful (I have been in the past) and others have struggled facing ups and downs (me now). We are attempting to lose weight. I won't lie.. I want to be healthy but I also want to look better! We are going to meet face to face this summer and have decided it would be fun to record our journey together.
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