It Would Be So Easy.......

It would be so darned easy to quit - and so many things get thrown in my path that could make it happen.  I am proud to say the flu didn't stop me and the bloody marys on Sunday didn't stop me either....but they may have slowed me down ever so slightly.  The important thing?  I am persevering!  I have now lost about 13 lbs. since I began but I am contemplating stopping that weight watching roller coaster.  I will continue tracking it but I don't want to be beholden to it.  If I eat well, while tracking my points and exercising, I'm going to be at peace with it.

Last Sunday we went out with friends after church to brunch.  Bottomless bloody marys were the rage.  Uh-oh!  This meant my planned afternoon workout was not happening.  Now I'm deciding what to do.....I want to skip my rest day tomorrow since I took one on Sunday but I'm not sure if I can go all the way to next Thursday without a break.  I made a work out schedule and I would love to stick to it.  I have not deviated much from the C25K workouts but I've been slightly moving Jillian's around.  I'm happy to report I jogged 7 minutes straight without a rest today in my running which felt awesome!  Week 5 on that regimen has begun!

Sooooo.....I'm happy.  I'm going to let it all just happen how it's meant to be.  I'm not going to be upset or beat myself up.  I am going to be at peace and just keep up the good stuff I am doing for my body.  Momentary lapses be damned!  :).

My Week

I've been able to exercise - so that's a good thing.  I got home late today so only did part of my workout so am hoping to do a double workout tomorrow.  I think I can!  The good news - I get to sleep in!  Yay!  I made the mistake of eating frozen yogurt before my run today and even though I gave it 45 min. to digest, it was NOT good.  Oh well!  Still got it done just did not feel great.  I'm still within my points range but not losing yet this week.  We shall see how it goes in the end.  Maybe the muscle is outweighing the fat thereby making it all a moot point.

Now that I'm 40 - yep - 40!  I am hoping to get a haircut and my nails done right before we depart for Hawaii.  Might even color my locks for the first time ever!  Just trying to look amazing for my big trip!

Another big change - I am going to back to school to earn my Special Education teaching credential.  Ack!  It's a long time coming (like at least 3 years) so this will add a bit more to my already busy plate.  Most of my coursework will be online and that will make life a bit more manageable but it's going to be challenging nonetheless.  Looking forward to being in my own classroom again - it's where I belong.

The Plan Is Working!

I had my biggest weight loss this past week and I upped those exercise/ activity points and lost a little more than they even want you to do.  I've lost 8 pounds now total!!  Since we have 7 1/2 weeks until our departure to Hawaii I'm now hopeful to lose 7 more pounds before that day. One pound per week (on average) seems completely do-able.  I even tried my bathing suit on today and felt pretty darned good - I will be ready come March 27!  My total goal is 15-20 lbs.  I say that range because if I get to 20 lbs lost, I'm going to probably be in the best shape of my life besides high school.  I would be a-ok hovering in that range.

Running/jogging/walking has been going incredibly well with the C2K running plan.  I simply set my iPhone to tell me what to do, set my GPS to get my mileage down and set my heart rate watch to count the calories burned and away I go.  Today was my 4th session out on the road and it felt awesome!  My mom even joined me and jogged with me!  I came home and did Jillian Michael's Kickbox FastFix for 21 minutes of cardio and a little minor weight lifting/resistance training and burned 6+ points after completing both workouts.

One thing I did not accomplish - I was going to work out 6 times this week (twice per day on 3 days) and I only made it 5 days (but did get the 3 days of C2K in!).  I'm at peace with it but hoping not to falter this week.  If I do and the weight loss continues, I think I'm just going to have to take a deep breath and be okay.  I really want to accomplish the goal though.  I am also eagerly awaiting my Jillian Revolution DVDs to make their way here and expect them next week.  Not sure if I'l begin right away or wait until the following week....I'll have to check out the program and see what makes sense.  I am thinking it might kick things into high gear though so I'll get to my goal faster than otherwise.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and I am planning a mini-splurge with a slice of Domino's Pizza, salad and a couple of chicken wings.  And yes - I will have 2 alcoholic beverages too.  I have plenty of buffer since my points bank was replenished today and with the working out continuing, I will be fine having these tasty - yet completely unhealthy foods.  It's balance baby - as long as I monitor and don't do it every day, I will definitely maintain and continue to lose.  This is what living a real life is all about.

I've Got A Plan

First and foremost, I have successfully, healthfully lost 6 pounds!  I began tracking right after Christmas and got serious by the second week of January and I'm feeling great!

The keys?  First and foremost, I am watching my points and keeping within the recommended range.  I am making great choices for the most part (but damn Girl Scout cookie season!).  And almost as important, I am working out religiously.  That's right - I've made a plan, beginning this week, and I'm sticking with it!

I decided last weekend that I would begin the C25K plan since I have the free app on my phone.  Alongside that 3 day per week regimen, I am also doing Jillian Michaels DVDs 6 times per week.  I ordered her Body Revolution series and have been using her other DVDs that I already own in the meantime while I wait for that program to arrive in my mailbox.  Woo-hoo!  I am tracking all my calories burned and converting them into points that I add into my activity tracker each day.  So far, I have kept with my weekly schedule and I feel pretty good about that.  Since I am not in the best of shape, I have had to take a few breather breaks and modify some tougher exercises but I've been able to finish her DVDs including 30 Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones, Ripped in 30 and Kickbox FastFix.  I usually do the shorter Kickbox DVD on the days I jog and that is the perfect balance for me.  They are 21 minutes long so the workout is less than an hour in total.  In 9 weeks I should be able to run a 5K!

I am happy to report no shin splints which I tend to get when I run.  I have had that problem for years even when I was in my best shape running track in middle and high school.  I've been wearing my compression socks while running and the regimen is pretty easy the first week so it is easy breezy for me.  I'm easing in so I don't overwhelm myself.

I have no doubt that I'll hit my goal of 10 pounds lost by March 27 and I'm really hoping to lose more.  I probably shouldn't even focus on the number so much as how great I look in my bathing suit - having a firm body and fitting in my clothes is the most important thing!  I am going to keep on keeping on!!

That Exercise Thing

I'm happy to report I've been able to lose more weight this week mainly with watching my daily points intake.  I only have worked out once though!!  I am going to do a brief workout this morning.....just wish I had gotten another couple of days in.  It's difficult when it's raining and I've worked the entire week so that puts a wrench in the whole thing.

Next week I should have one day off - so if I can work out Sunday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, I will have met my goal.  I also made a big purchase.....don't tell my husband yet!  I bought Jillian Michael's Body Revolution.  Honestly, I probably don't need more workout DVDs but I think this system at 30 minutes per day may just work for me.  I own quite a few of her other workouts and love them.  This is an entire plan though - so technically a 90 day system.  I have about 60 days before I leave for Hawaii so the race is on!  I know if I go gung-ho, I can lose some serious weight and inches and gain some muscle in that short time frame.  I plan to update my blog and let you know how it goes as soon as I get it in the mail and begin!  I am hoping it comes in the mail by Friday.....so I can begin next weekend.  It is a 6 day per week program so we shall see if I can stick with it.  Nevermind - I WILL stick with it!  That's right - I'm affirming it here!

Grrr......I've got to do this!

Yummy!

Made one of my favorite soups for dinner tonight - Baked Potato Soup.  Skinnytaste has this simple, tasty, low points soup that is wonderful topped with crisp turkey bacon, low-fat cheese and chives.  At 5+ points, it can't be beat.  I added a cup of steamed broccoli and a satisfying dinner was served!  The best part?  I've got lunch for work tomorrow ready-made!

Go check out the recipe!!  Baked Potato Soup

Meal Planning & Low Point Stand Ins

I have always enjoyed planning meals in order to save money.  I enjoy cooking and I like using things I have on hand to incorporate into recipes.  And while I love trying new things, I do enjoy some tried and true meals that I know my family will eat.  Being able to make their meals without changing taste for them is important.  And sometimes I'm able to make slight changes for myself while serving them the same dish I've made for years.

One of my favorite go-to foods is Spaghetti Squash.  It's versatile and while nothing like spaghetti in flavor, it's a great stand-in.  I make the same sauce for my family and myself and then I make myself a separate portion with the squash instead of pasta.  I don't feel like I'm missing out at all and best of all, the squash is 0+ points!  A little Italian chicken sausage browned and cooked with jarred pasta sauce can make a tasty 4-5+ dinner that completely satisfies me.

Another substitution I use is Tofu Shirataki noodles in place of rice for stir fry dishes.  I make the same stir fry and put it over brown rice for my husband and kids.  I warm up the noodles and use one package which is technically 2 servings but only 1+ point.  1/2 package is 0+ points!

Nonfat greek yogurt is a total favorite of mine for many dishes - and using it as a sour cream substitute is utter perfection.  It's creamy, full of protein and perfect in any potato or Mexican dish.  Nobody here even realizes the difference.

One other substitute food is egg whites - they take the place of whole eggs in any recipe and I don't even really miss the yolk.  Perfect for baked goods too!  I love egg white omelets.  We do have hens at my house so I will mix in 1 egg to 3 egg whites to equal a 2 egg scramble and it works beautifully.

PB2 is one last tasty substitute.  I know some people like it on sandwiches or toast but I prefer it's flavor and texture to add to smoothies for a filling, tasty drink.  It's low point and truly yummy.  The best thing is that it has all the protein of peanuts with a lot less fat.  Win win!

I know this list doesn't exhaust the possibilities and I'm always interested to hear more substitutions that work for people that don't want to sacrifice flavor for good health.  I'd love to hear what others are using in their meal planning!

Starting The Day Out Right

I love ALL meals but I truly enjoy starting the day off right with a healthful, tasty breakfast.  It just sets the tone for a great day.  I have a few fall-back all time favorite meals that I fall back on when I'm strictly following a Weight Watchers regimen.

Egg White Scramble - By mixing 3 egg whites with an egg, and adding tasty vegetables, you can mix a delicious breakfast that won't break the points bank.  These days I've been using mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes.  Yum!  The eggs are 3+ points and the veggies, 0.  I use olive oil adding another 1+ point.

Skinny Overnight Oats - These are really tasty and being prepared the night before makes morning prep nonexistent.  Go here to Skinnytaste for more info:Overnight Oats. I use stevia to sweeten and it is delish! Points values vary but 6+ for this particular recipe.

Smoothies can be yummy and help get those fruit (and possibly vegetable) servings increased.  I add nonfat greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk and some flaxmeal or chia to increase protein and bulk.

Most importantly, I find just making sure to plan and eat a healthful breakfast is one of the best strategies to good health and successful weight loss.  A little green tea is great too!

Camping Calories

We have a camping trip coming up and I'm diligently trying to save my calories (AKA points plus) up for the fun-filled gorge fest.  Yes - I usually eat and drink lots of calories when i'm camping, it's just part of the fun.  And liquid calories are really my favorite things in the world so I'll have to purposely pace myself to I don't skip meals in favor of beverages.  Not healthy!

In order to accomplish these goals, I'm going to pack lots of healthy snacks including fruits and veggies to nosh on.  I'll go sparingly with hummus and guacamole but those will satisfy with some healthy fat to round things out.  Meals won't be much different than what I have here at home - and each meal will be carefully planned out.

Drinks are another thing.....it's hard to cut corners and have tasty alcoholic beverages.  I have found a few ideas though that keep the points count down to a minimum.

I have been enjoying Skinnygirl cocktails.  My favorite is the Margarita but I admit that I add a squeeze of fresh lime and a few drops of liquid stevia (NuNaturals - the BEST!) and it really makes a difference for me. A splash of Gran Marnier would be good too but would add to the points count of 4+ for 4 ounces.  I've also tried the White Cranberry Cosmo with the same point count.  Tasty and not requiring any doctoring up. I also love champagne and wine (both 5 oz = 4+ points).  Mimosa's anyone??  I am a Bloody Mary fan as well and they have the same point count as wine.

Most importantly, I am budgeting and saving points so that I can splurge and happily the point count will reset on Sunday, in the middle of trip which will help a little too.  We will also be going on two hikes and that will even add to my bank account reserve so I can have a few extra beverages.

I'd love more ideas on low budget beverages and snacks fit for a camping trip....what do you eat and drink?

Fast Food?

I try to eat whole foods in their natural state as much as possible - and I buy organic produce, particularly foods in the dirty dozen as an absolute rule.  However, as a busy mom to 3 kids and a very hungry husband, I sometimes find eating out is the only reasonable option when we are traveling or out and about.  I don't have fast food on a regular basis but I do have delicious options I've discovered at many restaurants that are low in points and tasty to boot.

Carl's Jr. - I just discovered the 6 Dollar Low Carb Burger and it is goooood!  At 15+ points, it's not totally low in values but for a burger worth a splurge, it's perfect.  This burger and cold water is all  I need to feel satisfied.  CJ's also has a nice BBQ Chicken Sandwich that's 10+ points.

In-N-Out - A protein style Cheeseburger with grilled onions is just what hits the spot sometimes.  At 10+ points, it's not too high in points to break the bank either!  Hold the cheese to make it 7+ points and have a few fries for fun. (An entire order of fries is 11+ points so 1/2 order might be best.)

Jack In The Box. - That Chicken Fajita Pita can provide a fast lunch in a pinch.  With Salsa, 9+ points, without 8+.

Taco Bell - Try two of their delicious chicken soft tacos, just make sure to indicate you want them "Fresco Style" for a mere 9+ points.Two Fresco Crunchy Beef Tacos or Grilled Steak Tacos are only 8+ points.

El Pollo Loco - That crazy chicken always satisfies me with the Taco Al Carbon.  2 for only 9+ points.  Two chicken legs there nets a low 5+ points.  Add a side of pinto beans for 5+ more points and make it a meal.

Subway - Their breakfast fare is fabulous with lots of options using egg whites.  I like the egg white, cheese and ham on an english muffin for 5+ points but hold that ham and it's only 4+ points.  A 6 inch Veggie Delite Sandwich is only 6+ points but if you have to have your meat, a 6 inch Turkey Breast Sandwich is only 8+ points.  Remember not to use mayo (or lowfat mayo if you must) and hold the oil and cheese for points savings.  You can save a few carbs with the flatbead but it doesn't save in the points department.

Let me reiterate that I am NOT advocating eating fast food - quite the contrary.  But if you're caught in a pinch, you can have something relatively tasty that won't blow your healthy eating plan.  Life gets busy and it is wonderful when you can pick something up and eat with less guilt.

For many more restaurants with points totals listed, see this fantastic website: Dotti's Restaurants Page.  It lists most chain restaurants, fast food and otherwise for your viewing pleasure.  I always consult with this website before I eat out!

Where do you go to get a quick meal that's low in points?

Exercise!!!

It's been a long, long time since I was dedicated to exercise and health.  I admit - I am human and while I probably live healthier than most Americans, I know I can improve!  I know my cholesterol is elevated and I have about 15-20 pounds to lose.  The ideal answer to solve both issues?  Diet and exercise!!!

It isn't rocket science but many, many intelligent people (including myself) are not always good about adapting a good lifestyle for themselves.  I intend to lay out goals and do my best to follow them by changing my life in the most positive way.  I need to address what I'm eating and I need to move my body.  

Today I'll focus on moving my body.  It's the hardest thing for me to do - MOVE more.  Making time, especially on days that I work (I'm a substitute teacher but I do work most days during the school year), is my biggest challenge.  How will I address this goal?  Well, I have two standing work out "appointments" with friends each week. Thursdays I do a walk/jog for about 3.5 miles with a girlfriend of mine.  She is in better shape than me so I feel like I hold her back but that makes me move more than I might!  On Saturdays, I have a girlfriend who prefers to walk and last weekend we logged in 3 miles and did get some killer hills in which was terrific.  We hope to hike together this weekend.  I am also doing at least 2 workout videos/DVDs each week that I have in my vast collection.  I adore kickboxing and also have Jillian Michaels DVDs as well as the Supreme 90 day system which is similar to P90X.....so I'm considering trying it out.  

This week's schedule will look like this:

Monday - DVD workout TBD

Wednesday - DVD workout TBD

Thursday - Walk/Jog (Wog!) with my friend

Saturday - Hike in the desert

I am able to add to my points bank by calculating approximately 80 calories = 1+ point.  It used to be 100 calories = 1 point but with the newer points plus system the general consensus is 70-80 calories are equal to 1+ point.  I do wear a heart rate monitor that has my weight, age, etc. to determine exactly how many calories I am burning and I also wear my iPhone with an app that measures the distance I cover (when I walk or jog) as well as the elevation gain and time it takes to do particular routes.

I'll keep you posted with my progress!  Last week I was able to add 17+ points to my tracker - and I didn't even use them.  It's so nice to have a buffer when I want to eat something or drink something special.

What is your favorite (relatively speaking!) exercise you do to get in shape?

Sundays & Mimosas

Drinking five mimosas today was probably not the best weight loss choice I've made this week....but I'm pretty confident I'll be ahead of the curve tomorrow when I work out and don't go over my points allotted.

I think one of the hardest things to do is NOT give up - and that is where I am.  I am NOT giving up!

Tonight we are having leftovers for dinner....easy breezy meals that we've already enjoyed this week.  In the meantime, here are some of my favorite low point snacks:

0+ points
Fruit
Vegetables

1+ point
16 shelled pistachios
Low Fat String Cheese
1/4 Cup Shelled Edamame
Roasted, Salted Seaweed

2+ points
Hard Boiled Egg
Carrots, Jicama or Celery with guacamole OR hummus

What snacks do you enjoy that are low points or calories?

Back To Weight Watchers

I've done the Weight Watchers thing a couple of times now.....and after awhile, just went back to not tracking my food.  Of course, the weight would creep on and finally I reached my all time high a few weeks ago.  Granted, I am still not considered overweight by the standards of BMI but I am only a few pounds away.  And my midsection is looking very muffin-top like.  It's not pretty.

So - I made the decision to go back to Weight Watchers (online) and begin moving my body again.  I have the short term goal of losing 10 lbs. by March 27, the day our plane departs for Hawaii to celebrate my 40th birthday.  So far, I've lost 4 lbs. so I am almost halfway there!  My long term goal is to lose about 20 lbs. total.  However I'd be pretty darned happy at the 15 lb. mark so we shall see.

I made this yummy breakfast - Chicken Egg White Cups.  Only 1+ point for two!  I ate three and it ended up being 2+ points and was well worth it.  I made a blueberry smoothie alongside (3+ points) and had a very satisfying meal and got in my fruit for the day!  That's my green tea too :).  Love my Green Tea Kombucha from Yogi tea!

Here's the recipe I slightly tweaked by just using lean chicken deli meat.  I think a lean ham would be terrific too!  The thing I loved the most - these are portable and just like an egg muffin that can be taken with me.
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/the-biggest-loser-s-baked-eggs-in-turkey-cups

I hope to continue posting more tasty, healthy recipes along with some of my workout regimen.  So far I've been walking a lot, jogging some and doing some of my favorite kickboxing DVDs.  Let's see if I can continue this weight loss so I can wear my bathing suit with pride in just 10.5 weeks!