Thursday, January 29, 2009

Its Me or the Alcohol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUbsc_a-e3g

I had this moment today. Not about food...

I was extremely excited because I'm going to a party at a local piano bar. Included in the free admission, we each get two free drink tickets. I've been saving up the remainder of my weeklies for the event.

Then, DBF gently reminded me that I can't drink while on muscle relaxers. Cue the horrible puppy face!

Oh well, I guess its fate that I can reserve some weeklies. DANG IT.

Update on the "withoutchaneichino" (hahaha) - take one wasn't that great. Too much liquid, not enough ice, and way too much splenda. I'll revise the recipe for tomorrow!

Hope everyone is doing well - keep reaching for those dreams!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

OP by midweek!

I feel like I am back in the groove this week! No boredom at work, no boredom at home.

15 WPA left... and I'm eating my dailies.

I feel great!!

I'm still working through challenges with my back. My lower back is very tight, so yoga has been a big help.

I just received my blender today!! I can't wait to try my hand at a "starbucks-eque" drink tomorrow morning!!

Keep reaching for those dreams! We can do it!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

No more!

Well, the WI wasn't terribly traumatic: -0.6lbs.

But this will be the test this week: since we are starting to feel the economy pinch, DBF will be working overtime every night this week. Normally, when he's not here at night I resort to single-serve take out. Sooooo tempting...

But, I also bought a new toy this weekend:

Bella Cucina 12-Piece Rocket Blender


I'm hoping to use it to make frozen blended coffee drinks, and kick this expensive Starbucks habit. I think it will also be useful to make marinades that are too small to prepare in my food processor.

I look forward to catching up with everyone's blogs today - I need a motivational boost!

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Pills, Pills, Pills

Wow, what a crazy week!

I've learned that the hardest part about dieting, even Weight Watchers, is that life doesn't follow the rules. Sometimes, there isn't a healthy option on the menu. Sometimes, there isn't time to get that extra snack in before running out the door.

And then sometimes, your body throws in a nice curveball. I haven't been playing the "sport" nearly long enough to know to handle that.

I'll make this quick, because I believe this is a journal about weight loss and health - not a place to whine and gripe about things outside that theme to gain sympathy. I hate it when people do it in WW, which is the main reason I stopped joining challenges.

Monday night/Tuesday morning I woke up in extreme pain, localized in my back. After a trip to the emergency room and a follow up doctor's appointment - my pain was diagnosed as a muscle spasm. I have to take dose of ibuprofen and muscle relaxer three times a day. I also have to avoid all "aggravating activities."

Here comes the problem - I'm not entirely sure what sets off the spasm! I've been extremely hesitant to exercise, avoided volleyball, and I don't know whether or not I can go back to my exercise class this week. Very bummed out! However, the website for the muscle relaxer has some basic stretches though they are hardly anything aerobic.

So in addition to only exercising minimally, comfort foods have been the staple on the menu this week. Soups, pastas, and pizza - I'm not looking forward to this weigh in.

The one plus to this situation is that I can't drink while taking the medication, so I can gain back some points there! Hahaha.

While I was at the doctor's, we talked about about my previous blood work which made me very proud! My HDLs (the good cholesterol) were 47 (needs to be higher than 46) and my LDLs (bad cholesterol) were 86 (needs to be lower than 130) and my triglycerides were 96 (needs to be lower than 150). It exciting to know that even know I am overweight, I am truly eating healthy items - be it too many of them!

I just have to remember, a couple of setbacks with my weight are okay. The road to weight loss is a long journey, its going to take some time. I can't give up, I can't go back. My health may be good for now, but if I keep this weight on I do run the risk of more spasms or worse afflictions. I could be destined for diabetes or complicated cholesterol issues.

This week is in the past - time to learn and be wiser for when the curve ball comes again. I'm ready!

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

First Set Back

Well, at least this is NO surprise!

I will admit, though, I really did absolutely no damage control yesterday. After noshing on Burger King and two huge bowls of cereal, I consumed 100 calories cakes, grapes, yogurt and chocolate before heading to a steak house for dinner with DBF family.

So, in retrospect, I could have minimized the 1.4 lb gain. Oh well, onto a new day!

Last night, I bought some new workout pants because my current ones have shrunk, lengthwise. I'm excited to test out my new duds today. Except they are BRIGHT blue... oh my.

I also invested in Activia, and dumped those Good Belly shots I was taking. Aside from being just nasty to taste, I truly think they messed up my system. Hopefully, Activia will be better - it definitely tastes better.

To sum up, more exercise this week. Starting now. :)

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Where'd the exercise go?

This week, I very much traded exercise for warmth and comfort.

I'm bracing myself for WI tomorrow. With -7 on the week, and icy cold fingers just typing this - the outcome is not looking positive.

But its ok, just need to pick myself up by my bootstraps and try harder next week!

I did find a neat website: http://www.mapmywalk.com/

Using Google Maps, it will measure the length of your walk wherever you decide to go!

Keep reaching for those dreams (and stay warm)!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Thank Goodness, Its My Thursday...

Its the new TGIF, TGIMT!

These past two days have been wretched for eating correctly. Ever have those days of busting through work at your desk and realize its almost two hour past your normal lunch break?

Ugh, I hate stressful work weeks.

I am, however, doing better about eating my point this week. I've enjoyed an occasional Starbucks drink, some bacon and even chicken parmesan.

Now I just need to find a balance between eating when I am hungry, and eating my points. I've been able to do both really well - but I don't see the results I want.

Ah, the learning processes of life.

I am .2 lbs from my 10lb mark. I really hope this will be the week!! But getting motivated to workout this week is absolutely killer. Its cold outside, its been stressful at work, and I am incredibly sore (still) from my class on Monday. Volleyball was canceled last night due to rain. I as up at 4:30 this morning, and quickly jumped back under the covers.

One day at a time, tomorrow will be better - I can feel it!

Keep reaching for those dreams!!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Fighting the Uphill Battle...

Sorry that I've disappeared, but this has been a CRAZY week!

I only had one day off - super bummer. But, going to work on Sunday for new-hire onboarding gave me lots of AP from walking all over the place. My coworker had her pedometer, which tallied about 4 or so miles. Go us!

Thanks Nic for the advice - I did send my body into "starvation" mode. Losing only .2lbs this week just fires me up more to stick to the WW plan this week. Eat those points, eat those points!

I am exhausted after my Personal Trainer class tonight. After kicking off with a mile power walk, with weights, we didn't slow down for the whole hour. I was sweating like crazy and got a little dizzy towards the end.

Feel the burn!

I felt no guilt about the chicken parmesan I had for dinner tonight - HA! I very much earned that!

Volleyball season is starting up again, which is very exciting. For now, we'll just practice one to two times a week until games start.

Look at all the APs rolling in :)

Now I just need to get my coworkers back on plan with our 10 week challenge. No more excuses ladies - we need to get out walking!

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Walk like a Winner!

Making my way through week - very successfully. I haven't dipped into my weekly points or my activity points.

I had a small NSV today. I went to the blood donation drive, and the last time I went I had to use an extended cuff because my upper arm was too chubby. But this time, the regular cuff did the trick. It's simple things like that that make this journey very fulfilling!

I was out of work early so instead of waiting for DBF to pick me up, I walked the 30 minutes to his workplace. It was a beautiful day outside, and I walked briskly along the river while jamming to my iPod tunes.

DBF was SO surprised that I walked over - the last time we took that walk about 6 months ago I almost didn't make it. But today, I powerwalked it in good time.

Hope everyone is doing well! Keep posting those updates! I'll have something more substantial tomorrow, but work is mentally draining me this week :)

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Maxed out on APs

13 APs today - can you believe it?!

Here's how it went down today:

  • 5:15 am - Pilates and weight training (30 min)
  • 7:00 am - Walk to my office, with the ankle weights (15 min)
  • 1:00 pm - Walk around the complex with co-workers (30 min)
  • 4:45 pm - Walk back to my car (15 min)
  • 5:30pm - Personal Trainer class (60 min)
Needless to say, I am a little tired. But I feel faaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous!

We decided, us 5 co-workers, to participate in the 10 week fitness challenge through our company. Its nothing too terribly intense, but more of a weekly focus.

The first week is focused on cardiovascular activity and drinking more water. After being on WW for 3 weeks, this is nothing new to me. However, we did decide on 3 ground rules so far: 1) Bring bagged lunches at least 4 days a week, 2) walk for 30 minutes 3-5 times a week, 3) Support each other in reaching our goals.

I am super excited to have support and structure not only here at home, but among my co-workers. We're planning to celebrate the "graduation" from the 10 week challenge by going to a water park.

Hmm... March 16th...

If I can lose an average of 2 lbs a week, I will drop about 20 lbs. The most I could realistically drop would be 40.

WOW! Can you imagine? 40 lbs?! That's what I'll be dreaming about tonight, probably the best sleep I'll have had in a while :)

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Not quite..

the 10 lbs I was hoping for, but I'm not complaining!

I've lost 9.6 lbs as of today, with an awesome SV this week of 4 lbs! I survived NYE with DBF's family and 4 days of vacation.

I feel on top of the world!! WEEE!!

I started working out yesterday with the weights I bought for Monday's exercise class. Side note: weights are EXPENSIVE! I spent about $20 for bell weights and wrist/ankle weights.

Anyway, I went walking with the ankle weights on. I could immediately notice the difference, even though the total weight added was only 3 lbs. Makes you wonder how much stress all the extra body weight puts on the body as well.

I just finished the season finale of Ruby, so I'm all jazzed for the next week. But its the season finale! What am I going to do now?!

I've set the DVR to start recording Diet Tribe on Lifetime. I also stumbled upon FitTV, which broadcasts workout programs, healthy cooking shows, etc. I'm really excited for Shimmy, which is a belly dancing workout. I used to take lessons, but now I live over an hour from the studio I haven't been able to go.

Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement! Also, thank you for your courage to post your stories on your own blogs. Reading your tales of victory inspire me everyday :)

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Movie Date Night

I've been off from work for a long weekend. Actually, it feels like the longest weekend ever.

Sensing my complete boredom, DBF suggested going out for dinner and a movie. Thinking quickly, I suggested eating dinner and packing snacks at home then heading out to the movie. He agreed.

NSV #1! Yea!

Knowing it could be an OP night, I wanted to start the day off right. I bought some WW Smart Ones morning express meals, which are VERY yummy. I'm a big fan of the stuffed breakfast sandwiches. For lunch, I had Special K chocolately delight. It was on sale, along with the Smart Ones.

We ate dinner around 4:30 - I made some pork loin and bacon brussels sprouts. So going into the rest of the night, I had about 13 points left over.

We got to the movie theater early so we could walk around for a bit (yay AP!). Then, DBF said the fatal words: "Can I treat you to an ice cream?"

Dammit. DAMMIT. I absolutely love ice cream. I had bought sherbet to help calm my occasional craving, but I haven't had real ice cream in a while. I agreed, but pulled my tongue up off the floor long enough to think rationally. I ordered a kiddie cup, which was approximately 3/4 cup.

Oh my, did it taste good! Haagen Daz dulce de leche is quite possibly one of my favorite tastes of all time. But thank goodness I only got the kiddie cup, that alone was 9 points!! 9?! YIKES!

We agreed to only buy a diet soda at the food counter, since we had brought healthy snacks (grapes, watermelon, sunflower seeds). But DBF looked like such a sad puppy, watching all those trays of popcorn, nachos and candies walking by. Its at times like these that I truly feel like I'm being selfish; he shouldn't have to suffer simply because I'm trying to lose weight. Yet at the same time, I feel happy and get those warm fuzzies when he is supportive and trying not to tempt me :)

Anyway, rave reviews for "Slumdog Millionaire." Absolutely beautiful!

This morning I took a sneak peak at the scale - kinda gauging where I should spend my time today. I'm 1.8lbs off my 10lb goal. WOWIE WOW WOW!!!

Tomorrow is the official weigh in, so nothing truly counts until then. Since I've been watching all the Biggest Loser marathons this weekend, I am going to go out for a "last chance" workout.

So til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Final Countdown!

The evening was set - me vs. New Year's Eve: lots of food, lots of goodies and lots of room for temptation.

Yet, somehow - I won!

Starting with the most amazing fact of the night, this was the first New Year's Eve in a long time that I haven't had a drop of alcohol. No beer, no wine - and it didn't phase me one bit!

Dinner was very yummy indeed! We spent the night with DBF family, serving up some wonderful Puerto Rican dishes. Pastelles, which are mashed yucca or plantain wrapped around beef or pork and steamed in a plantain leaf, are addictive but not so healthy. Oven roasted pork and rice with pigeon peas (arroz con gandules) rounded out the meal. DBF and I had a heart to heart moment when we watched the woman who made the arroz con gandules free pour (more like drown) the finished rice in canola oil to "keep it moist."

DBF just gave me a sad smile saying "It's ok if you don't want to eat that." I just smiled back, I am so glad I have such great support!!

Desserts were just as decedant - sweet rice, a flan type cake and cookies. But overall I took small portions, ate slowly and enjoyed the conversation more than the food. I didn't finish any plate in its entirety and I didn't go grazing about the appetizer bar of chips, pretzels and olives.

I've done WW before, and each time I've felt like I was forcing myself to conform to the diet. I was on the diet, but using every loop hole possible to not be on it at the same time. For example, I would just eat all day long with lots of little one and two point foods. I wasn't eating because I was hungry but because I was bored, tired, stressed or lonely. In the past few weeks, I have been watching what I eat and when I eat it. I've stopped most of the "I'm bored at work" eating. I've gotten a handle on the "grazing before bedtime" eating. What I need to work on is the "I only have to cook for myself today, so Fast Food sounds good."

After hanging around the WW boards, I'm adopting the idea of a goal for 2009. Not a resolution, which I think of as a starting point with little substance. I prefer goal, which is the end point.

For 2009, I'd like to get closer to getting my undergraduate degree. I have 13 classes remaining, so I would like to get down to 5 or less for 2010. I will achieve this goal by strategically chosing courses that will complement each other each semester. I also need to devote myself entirely to my school work, really putting the pedal to the metal in this last lap of the race. Ideally, I'd like to have both my undergraduate ad graduate degree by 2011.

Also for 2009, I want to see ONEderland for the first time in I-don't-even-know how long. I've been 200+ since high school, and it would be simply amazing. I'm going to reach this goal by continuing to monitor my eating habits, and always trying new healthy alternatives. Maybe I can find a way to use flaxseed oil. Hmmm...

I also need to keep moving. I have a bad history of losing 30 or so lbs and then thinking "Eh, I don't need to try so hard anymore." But with 150lbs to lose, I need to move past that level of apathy and push all the way to the goal.

Time to start the new year off on a good foot: buying weights for my training class, and some healthy snacks.

So, til next time, keep reaching for your dreams.