Frustrated and Definitely Not Losing

The reality is that I haven't been able to get "back on the wagon".<br /><br />It's annoying, irritating, depressing and frustrating. <br /><br />Since giving birth, I've rejoined Weight Watchers, made a feeble attempt at Visalus Shakes, and almost started Plexus Slim (until I <a href="http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-plexus-slim-accelerator-capsules-130716.htm" target="_blank">read</a> about the dangers of certain ingredients that they use). <br /><br />The reality is that I'm still struggling with the same things I was before I got pregnant last year.  At first, it was the same old story - no planning/poor planning meant going over my daily points target every day.  But why am I doing this in the first place?  I simply hated planning my meals everyday.  I felt like I didn't have time because when I would plan the meals in advance (meaning not just the actual planning, but also pre-tracking), it would take me hours to do that.  I thought I had such few time then - ha!  Motherhood definitely nixed any free ounce of time I had!<br /><br />Then I thought if I had 2 less meals to plan each day, it'd be a lot easier (hence the Visalus approach).  And while those shakes are good, I was STARVING.<br /><br />I'm up.  I'm up in weight big time.  I'm still wearing some maternity pants.  It's depressing.<br /><br />But my motivation - it's no where to be found.  Why can't I get it together?  I don't like feeling like this - overweight.  So why can't I just face the music?<br /><br />I just don't know what to do anymore.  I'm so sick of the "tomorrow is a new day" or "I'll start tomorrow" - that whole concept - because it just doesn't happen.  I wake up expecting to feel energized, and I'm simply burned out on weight loss.<br /><br />I want to be healthy not only for myself, but for my daughter and husband.  I don't want the effects of obesity to kill me. <br /><br />I just don't know what to do or where to go from here.  I love the idea of Weight Watchers, but I'm almost burned out on it anymore. <br /><br />Gah!!!

Lacking Motivation Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers Frustrated and Definitely Not Losing

The reality is that I haven't been able to get "back on the wagon".It's annoying, irritating, depressing and frustrating. Since giving birth, I've rejoined Weight Watchers, made a feeble attempt at Visalus Shakes, and almost started Plexus Slim (unt…

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I'm Gonna Do This

It has been 5 days since I have counted a single Point.  <i>This </i>is a <b>terrible </b>idea!<br /><br />So, I'm clear on at least one thing in my journey: I need structure.  "Mindful eating" is not cutting it for me.   I need more guidelines.  I need more <i>rules</i>.  <br /><br />Truth be told - I miss Weight Watchers. <br /><br />But -<br /><br />I <i>need </i>to find a way to make it work for me. For the next week....<br /><br /><ul><li>I will review the materials, documenting my notes here.  <br /></li><li>I will come up with 5 go-to <u>simple</u> meals with ingredients that I will keep on hand at all times.<br /></li><li>I will build out a week long meal plan in it's entirety to get me back on track.  I have NEVER failed when I have a meal plan in place.<br /></li><li>I will challenge myself to eliminate eating out for next week - minus the already planned dinner with our friends.</li></ul><ul><li>I will practice saying 'No' to "food opportunities" (ex: being asked to go out to eat, being offered someone else's food to try, etc)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII-PZDSLsiaxOuMYQiBaloG4VZO-Q6wb0X6ofc5t0t06fD17PkoahE3cMPXHAFctHY29sHfirxzL35GgyZ51M5isg2aP3rZuN603owtLdjZB_Wy_ANNMBjEusLlklUYoWbvPM9sRKyBk/s1600/tips+to+reduce+weight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII-PZDSLsiaxOuMYQiBaloG4VZO-Q6wb0X6ofc5t0t06fD17PkoahE3cMPXHAFctHY29sHfirxzL35GgyZ51M5isg2aP3rZuN603owtLdjZB_Wy_ANNMBjEusLlklUYoWbvPM9sRKyBk/s320/tips+to+reduce+weight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />There is still a tiny bit of motivation in me to not give up, and I'm going to capitalize on that as much as I possibly can. <br /><br />I will not be fat for the rest of my life.  

Inspiration Lacking Motivation Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers I'm Gonna Do This

It has been 5 days since I have counted a single Point.  This is a terrible idea!So, I'm clear on at least one thing in my journey: I need structure.  "Mindful eating" is not cutting it for me.   I need more guidelines.  I need more rules.  Truth be …

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Happy 28th Birthday!

Yesterday I celebrated my 28th birthday.  Overall, the day itself was great.  While I did work, I was able to work at home and that helped make the day a little more enjoyable.  I'm trying to conserve my vacation time for an upcoming trip.....one of the wedding-sorts.  To an island.  In the Caribbean.  I cannot wait!<br /><br />Anyhow, the day started off great from the get-go.  Joel arrived home from work that morning with Starbucks in hand.  He also presented me with my birthday gift right away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMZOcVCXg8m5tsRRrsHH3lbWIJn6O8xjUfChmS2964VGfLDRrnpqiQBYwmyGEWHmIE_-tKUOMV8UHGxWaXMbRhBtPOJierT5NnEB5fKRW6Su7TGpjqx0z_aJrsl_2yKZQ5829YwJqcZU/s1600/watch+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMZOcVCXg8m5tsRRrsHH3lbWIJn6O8xjUfChmS2964VGfLDRrnpqiQBYwmyGEWHmIE_-tKUOMV8UHGxWaXMbRhBtPOJierT5NnEB5fKRW6Su7TGpjqx0z_aJrsl_2yKZQ5829YwJqcZU/s400/watch+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs1yTbYgNAj2GT7LRVKhSF9-oJAQUKHDPpFLAHPdkdSSR8A6c_y7fGXk375lajEKNhRTW3FP6ROZ8mbrKWJEAICQtfkq6amP1gjFOZ5SStUZrguv7cGkqPDT9sVYlmbdbYrMjxAzQKlA/s1600/watch+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs1yTbYgNAj2GT7LRVKhSF9-oJAQUKHDPpFLAHPdkdSSR8A6c_y7fGXk375lajEKNhRTW3FP6ROZ8mbrKWJEAICQtfkq6amP1gjFOZ5SStUZrguv7cGkqPDT9sVYlmbdbYrMjxAzQKlA/s400/watch+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It looks just like regular yellow gold, but it's actually rose gold.  I love rose gold now more than ever, especially because my engagement ring is rose gold, and so are two other pieces of special jewelry I have.  This very same watch was going to be a weight loss reward, so I'll just have to figure out something else to get for that goal instead.  Shouldn't be a problem! :)  <br /><br />And even though I already met my minimum exercise for the week, I decided to take my lunch hour and do 40 minutes on the elliptical.  Why not start off year 28 with one of the best things I can do for my body and soul?  I'm a member at Gold's, and they sent me a birthday email with a coupon for 25% off an item in their shop and a free bottle of water.  When I signed in yesterday, the computer told me Happy Birthday, which made my day... it truly is all about the little things in life!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ar40Qxfvlj3Z3O7Zzayv2x5p8vB2iYWmRStZOuyZ64JFwsUY-B6eMXVpN-wgMRQzBYH0iNCMtmaRcM3HI_hRNymXtVLJReYPe0Cm2lRK42TEKGhe3V6SPWvaVWhmpfg24FTP9cvtSyI/s1600/gym.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ar40Qxfvlj3Z3O7Zzayv2x5p8vB2iYWmRStZOuyZ64JFwsUY-B6eMXVpN-wgMRQzBYH0iNCMtmaRcM3HI_hRNymXtVLJReYPe0Cm2lRK42TEKGhe3V6SPWvaVWhmpfg24FTP9cvtSyI/s400/gym.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blurry pics are the result of taking them while<br />on the elliptical!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Not to mention, I need all the exercise I can get.  Last week was a great week for me.  This week.....I've consumed so much sugar it's a wonder I haven't had digestive issues as a result.  I'll just leave it at that... I'm sure no one needs an in-depth account of what goes on there! <br /><br />Sometimes my self control amazes me.  I could bake batches of cookies, or be around my most favorite foods, and it doesn't bother me one bit.  Other times, this week being one of them, I cannot stop myself from eating.  Why can't just a taste be enough?  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzq_tv2tr_NeFKa9zJN8X5I6G1_aPmIOqHm6Qzd_NrxuE8hox2w8rWwPfSDO0-iyG4FUtjUqIPH35H2jd4EIjwD7emgl_EMVpQfWbD_ZGJzYp-9BB_eTdA7pmakXOS52f8JkFUxo_76M/s1600/bday+cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzq_tv2tr_NeFKa9zJN8X5I6G1_aPmIOqHm6Qzd_NrxuE8hox2w8rWwPfSDO0-iyG4FUtjUqIPH35H2jd4EIjwD7emgl_EMVpQfWbD_ZGJzYp-9BB_eTdA7pmakXOS52f8JkFUxo_76M/s400/bday+cookies.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday/Easter cookies I made for work this week</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Birthday week also means lots of eating out.  People at work kindly want to take me to lunch, and Joel & I had dinner at our <a href="http://kodorirestaurant.com/" target="_blank">favorite Japanese/Korean</a> restaurant last night.  I'm taking it one meal at a time at this point.  Just because I've been afforded all of these opportunities to eat out, doesn't mean I need to fully indulge and blow it.     <br /><br />At Chick Fil A the other day, I got a kid's meal. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvCrG8n_ss5lPt7Dz-vvanZKb-WGEoLUtrE5b5ULLB84R5MfLWs1_Kzp2tL06ulhmfY3Qda52k-5DSDObtvffj99EjeES6l1_xlD7icg_2lavw-Y4T-5vlrpabwSXjpINGJIhG7cEwtE/s1600/chickfila.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvCrG8n_ss5lPt7Dz-vvanZKb-WGEoLUtrE5b5ULLB84R5MfLWs1_Kzp2tL06ulhmfY3Qda52k-5DSDObtvffj99EjeES6l1_xlD7icg_2lavw-Y4T-5vlrpabwSXjpINGJIhG7cEwtE/s400/chickfila.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This was JUST the right amount of Chick Fil A to satisfy my chicken desires.  A special thank-you to my friend <a href="http://cheerfulchatter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Meghan</a> who shared this strategy with me.  I just assumed if a kid wasn't present, a restaurant would not serve you a kid's meal.  Not the case with our local Chick Fil A, and I'm so grateful that they allow it!<br /><br />I used to be able to consume the entire spicy chicken meal from our favorite restaurant (mentioned earlier).  However, now I can only eat about half of it.  That's a plus!  So while I haven't been eating the best things this week per se, I'm also not completely blowing it by eating <i>all </i>of it.<br /><br />The rest of the week will involve even more birthday celebrations: going to see my favorite movie of all time in 3D (Titanic!), shoe shopping with my friend Margie, and a weekend getaway to tour a somewhat-local brewery.  This is going to end up being an awesome week! <br /><br /><b style="color: #351c75;">Do you know of any other restaurants that allow the purchase of a kid's meal in lieu of the full adult version?  </b>

birthday Weight Loss Challenges Happy 28th Birthday!

Yesterday I celebrated my 28th birthday.  Overall, the day itself was great.  While I did work, I was able to work at home and that helped make the day a little more enjoyable.  I'm trying to conserve my vacation time for an upcoming trip.....one of …

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Self Sabotage

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Last week during one of my Bible study sessions, I came across this verse that I thought was an absolute perfect depiction of my weight loss journey:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things. I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't.  When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.</i> ~Romans 7:15-19</blockquote>I don't know about you, but this describes my weight loss journey almost to a tee.  I have sabotaged my weight loss efforts time and again by telling myself things like:<br /><br /><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">"<i>Housing this entire package of Oreos in 2 days won't hurt - I'll get back on track after that.</i>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>OR</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">"<i>It's been a terrible 'off plan' week, I'll finish out this week as I please and start again next week.</i>"   </div><br />I've had 2 weeks in a row most recently where I've fallen back into that thought pattern.  I know I'm capable of eating mind<i>fully</i>, but lately I've been eating mind<i>lessly</i>.  Just like issues in relationships somehow always point back to poor communication, challenges with eating always come back to poor planning.<br /><br />I know there are things I am doing well though.  Every two weeks I come up with meal ideas for a two week time frame.  I write down 3 breakfast options, 3 lunch options and 4 dinner options for the two week period (bear in mind that there are only two people in my household - so lunches/dinners often turn into leftovers).  I'm good at this part!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ-4V0ffwXY49civn9Ee8zgRuHsF2LDZi-KFSwPTR2nhcanDenMlaGccANJmkQsHWyXvYKn5IfhDnCLdtjUjCMP19RJWgAwjt-p4opTvmoKA9i7_hPUSpd7-S04K6WsOQhJTNoAHn6a0/s1600/planfail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ-4V0ffwXY49civn9Ee8zgRuHsF2LDZi-KFSwPTR2nhcanDenMlaGccANJmkQsHWyXvYKn5IfhDnCLdtjUjCMP19RJWgAwjt-p4opTvmoKA9i7_hPUSpd7-S04K6WsOQhJTNoAHn6a0/s320/planfail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />What I'm NOT good at is sitting down and planning out a <i>day</i>.  Even though I plan out a menu, I don't calculate the PointsPlus at that time.  I just write down the meal ideas (which are almost always recipes that I have to calculate the PointsPlus values for).  This is obviously one area that can use improvement.  If I knew the PointsPlus values of my meals before I ate them, I would be in much better shape, instead of waiting to calculate it after the fact.  I realize how absurd this sounds, but I'm obviously lazy.<br /><br />Case in point: last night I made this beef stroganoff from the <a href="http://www.marlenekoch.com/" target="_blank">Eat What You Love</a> cookbook.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S92YDXyNPGUmKujy-H7VXMAxa1fNk4RkWA-DeWYGhHrEj94lMKhXO1VyuPfSpYi6X70lnrnlSEzTH9yqtJA-zWxXM4SDX9m9UdWtcv5Sodeo02Kd4ujeK07ci_1RpfChKnZmqQyQUlk/s1600/beef+strog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S92YDXyNPGUmKujy-H7VXMAxa1fNk4RkWA-DeWYGhHrEj94lMKhXO1VyuPfSpYi6X70lnrnlSEzTH9yqtJA-zWxXM4SDX9m9UdWtcv5Sodeo02Kd4ujeK07ci_1RpfChKnZmqQyQUlk/s400/beef+strog.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />While her recent cookbooks do list PointsPlus values, the version I have only lists the old Points value.  So, I knew it was going to be approximately 7 PointsPlus for the meal.  Turns out it was 8 PointsPlus for just the meat mixture alone - that did not include the 5 PointsPlus for the serving of egg noodles!  To combat this problem I could have cut my serving size in half, but that thought never crossed my mind until after I finished the 13 PointsPlus meal!<br /><br /><b style="color: #351c75;">Next approach to meal planning/success:</b>  calculate the PointsPlus values of all recipe menu items ahead of time!

Eat What You Love Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Challenges Self Sabotage

Last week during one of my Bible study sessions, I came across this verse that I thought was an absolute perfect depiction of my weight loss journey:I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, …

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Super Bowl Sunday

Here is how my Sunday went:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">1. Woke up around 8 AM and decided to hit the gym shortly thereafter.  I had a big day ahead of me and wanted to get my 2nd round of the activity out of the way for the week. - <i>Great job!</i><br /><br />2. After the gym, I showered up and got ready to meet with an old friend at Applebees.  I chose there because of the WW menu.  I didn't order off of that menu however.  Instead I ordered from their "Under 550" calories menu, choosing the Signature Sirloin with Garlic Herb Sauce.  Turns out that Applebees no longer serves the WW shrimp skewers I used to order.  Overall, this wasn't a terrible choice, but it did clock in at 13 PointsPlus, which I discovered once I returned home {there were WW dishes on there for that much too!}. - <i>Unprepared.</i></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX5KmiY4oNDZkrtMEZo23BUxMB8qW9SZOTUB47COPmeVc5CkiDjrfU2plHa-gT8XfK9_Gajf3QHoKsMGHxAiaWfKFNRDL6Vm3v75ykAan7Xnv1K2ZkytMhOMuA_-v4_neLjDi8V6YHaw/s1600/applebees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX5KmiY4oNDZkrtMEZo23BUxMB8qW9SZOTUB47COPmeVc5CkiDjrfU2plHa-gT8XfK9_Gajf3QHoKsMGHxAiaWfKFNRDL6Vm3v75ykAan7Xnv1K2ZkytMhOMuA_-v4_neLjDi8V6YHaw/s400/applebees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">3.  Even after that steak and potatoes meal, I was still hungry when I came home.  I have no idea why.  I drank 3 glasses of unsweetened iced tea at the restaurant, and downed a glass of water when I got home, and I was still hungry.  And this is where the downfall begins... - <i>Unprepared with better alternatives and ravenous/stressed out as a result. </i></blockquote><br />It is almost as if once I tell myself I have to <i>really </i>stay on track when a social event occurs, I inevitably do the exact opposite.  I place so much emphasis on it, I fail.  I panic, and then I start to eat.  I had set myself up for success on Sunday, going to the gym early, picking a decent choice while out to eat, but in the end I failed. {I had already had my "special" meal for the week too - that was on Friday night}. <br /><br />I know I was worrying about the SB party and the tempting food that would be there.  So I ate before we left.  Stupid.  I never understood this logic about eating before you go to a party.  Supposedly this will prevent you from being "tempted" to eat when you get there because you'll be full.  <i>That does not work for me.  </i>Since when has being "full" ever stopped me before?<i>  </i>I mean, hello - 263.8 lbs?  I didn't get to that point by only eating when I was hungry!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYyff_gLaV8JEYxmNFeBMkqh1jiFR1K792ebo_0vK7NiOq4yZKsUsqSJcjJVZ_8-1Eztml2qixqnnHknA2rK2MlMz7BA-Pu8LUZQBiJHx5YtEzgzTuum-DKeLUmnC0vcKRFbkBASAr1k/s1600/pentagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYyff_gLaV8JEYxmNFeBMkqh1jiFR1K792ebo_0vK7NiOq4yZKsUsqSJcjJVZ_8-1Eztml2qixqnnHknA2rK2MlMz7BA-Pu8LUZQBiJHx5YtEzgzTuum-DKeLUmnC0vcKRFbkBASAr1k/s400/pentagon.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view outside of their apartment:<br />Washington Monument & the Pentagon in the foreground</td></tr></tbody></table><br />But I tried this approach, because I've read about this idea time and time again in magazines and have heard it on TV {I've tried this in the past without success too}.  This is why I wrote that post last week about the gym.  The same logic applies here:  no matter how many studies say this, that and the other, I have to know Hilary and how Hilary operates in given situations.  Despite how many studies say that eating before going to a social event will curb my appetite, it won't.  In fact, it was all I could do to NOT think about food.  All I wanted was to eat.<br /><br />Joel made wings and I made meatballs  {plus the Hungry Girl Pigs in a Blanket}.  I had 1 wing and 1 turkey meatball {appetizer size, not baseball size}.  Then I ate a ton of broccoli.  Then people started making comments about how I wasn't gorging myself like the rest of them.  Ugh.  I don't like to draw attention to myself with food.  At. All.  So then I went back for more food {even though I was pretty much out of Points for the day by the time we got to the party}, and I got a few more of those Hungry Girl Pigs in a Blanket.  None of this looks bad in black and white, and really it wasn't bad and I should've just stopped there, but I didn't because at the time I was entering in to the "I'm blowing it" mindset.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV32Tdjtdx1h5C9h9KtKrd43CBpxVUkz8n78Beo1slYtuGPk7Mzhgq60Nk4CM8zG68QaSP2l9THfMEVts0JIt5UX6P8S174oqgT9hzvMxkuT0nebwupMO8Kowf7dgQZoDy3wxdJDOs1Q/s1600/air+force+memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV32Tdjtdx1h5C9h9KtKrd43CBpxVUkz8n78Beo1slYtuGPk7Mzhgq60Nk4CM8zG68QaSP2l9THfMEVts0JIt5UX6P8S174oqgT9hzvMxkuT0nebwupMO8Kowf7dgQZoDy3wxdJDOs1Q/s400/air+force+memorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from their apartment:<br />The Airforce Memorial & the Arlington National Cemetery (background)</td></tr></tbody></table>Then we made an even more brilliant move and we took food home with us.  UGH.  I had fudge & pizza before this gorge-fest ended.  Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.<br /><br />I could speculate all I want to as to how to have redone Super Bowl Sunday.  But the bottom line is this: I need to do what I know is right for Hilary.  Not what a million and one studies say because clearly those studies must apply to every single person out there.  No.  I know what works for me and what makes me successful.  I definitely ate out of boredom at the party, and that's another problem that needs to be reckoned with.  Still, I also know I could've planned things better if I would've just really listened to myself instead of doing what "they" say to do.  <br /><br />Right now I feel like I've undone all of the success from last week, and it sucks.  I'm not out of the 230s {I got on the scale Tuesday morning}, but the numbers are creeping back up, instead of back down.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">How did you make it through Super Bowl Sunday? </span></b>

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Challenges Super Bowl Sunday

Here is how my Sunday went:1. Woke up around 8 AM and decided to hit the gym shortly thereafter.  I had a big day ahead of me and wanted to get my 2nd round of the activity out of the way for the week. - Great job!2. After the gym, I showered up and …

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One Day at a Time

It really has to be that logic at this point... "one day at a time".  The opportunities to fail or succeed in eating/drinking situations are never ending these days.  <br /><br />Last week it was our office holiday party.<br /><br />This week it was both a luncheon (with pizza from my favorite pizza place) and a happy hour for my coworker who is leaving our office for another division in our agency (please don't throw stones - I'm a government employee! eek!).  Miraculously, I made it through the luncheon without even so much as glancing at that pizza.  I sat and talked and talked the entire time and tried to ignore my rumbling belly.   Instead I opted for my own packed lunch, which I ate after his luncheon. <br /><br />Then I hosted this happy hour for him, but I didn't even want to go because I knew it would involve beer and possibly bar food.  I just didn't want to set myself up for failure, because at this point, I know I'm just not strong enough to resist such temptations, at least not two in one day!  So 2 large beers were consumed, and so were boneless wings.    <br /><br />The thing is, I really enjoy being social.  I particularly enjoy happy hours.  I'm not a drunkard, I just enjoy having a few beers and relaxing with friends.  How do you go to a bar and not have a drink?  Ok, it's possible, I'm sure.  Not for me, but for others with far more self control, sure.  But let me rephrase that.  How do you go to a bar and only have <i>one </i>drink?<br /><br />I think I failed to mention that I attended a holiday party this past Friday.  I only had 3 beers. They happened to be Bud Lights.  Do you know that 1 Bud Light (can or bottle) is 4 Points+?  And 3 of them are 11 Points+!!!!  Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_B553RUwdP0JIO1WAfJ08Jd3_sIkBMUqEkAOHYtVSvRHCAg1OJQORk9iiVNWzZQN9bIw0HTtsz9w8X4H896YvSTg_HIwinskQHn3gWF2vQAd-H8q2-g-QJPN2EF92Bpl2B4EjdagFs8/s1600/sarparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_B553RUwdP0JIO1WAfJ08Jd3_sIkBMUqEkAOHYtVSvRHCAg1OJQORk9iiVNWzZQN9bIw0HTtsz9w8X4H896YvSTg_HIwinskQHn3gWF2vQAd-H8q2-g-QJPN2EF92Bpl2B4EjdagFs8/s400/sarparty.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel's getting so skinny - down to 218 lbs - I can really tell in his face</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm not trying to complain here.  I just want to put it out there: if you're struggling this very minute, trust me, you're not alone.  I made it through Thanksgiving fairly well.  I didn't expect Christmas to be so challenging, but guess what?  It has been. <br /><br />Lord help me! <br /><br />

Weight Loss Challenges One Day at a Time

It really has to be that logic at this point... "one day at a time".  The opportunities to fail or succeed in eating/drinking situations are never ending these days.  Last week it was our office holiday party.This week it was both a luncheon (with pi…

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Weigh In & Weekly Goals

I just have to blurt this out because I can hardly contain the excitement I have for this week's weight in!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I lost 1.7 lbs, bringing me down to 242.7!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">242.7 is a record low weight since I've started this journey in March 2011.  Not only <i>that</i>, BUT I have now removed 21.1 pounds of weight.  AND, now that I've met another 10 pound goal, a giveaway is fast approaching!  AND, now that I've met another <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/p/goals.html">smaller goal</a>, I get to buy my VB bag & Pandora Charm.  Stay tuned :).  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These are the potential charm choices:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIpkgjUnJVr6fPQsYiIFc9TUspJaf0Rf7aPoguYLh2osKEjpNjq1MUA26QxN1hNtsXpJ_5JbeOOBjlI_PWtFZ100-Sk9PmyoDPqGGbz1odZYoT_M-iHFWpvxASpDJrMbiBX0PTSSJApY/s1600/charm+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIpkgjUnJVr6fPQsYiIFc9TUspJaf0Rf7aPoguYLh2osKEjpNjq1MUA26QxN1hNtsXpJ_5JbeOOBjlI_PWtFZ100-Sk9PmyoDPqGGbz1odZYoT_M-iHFWpvxASpDJrMbiBX0PTSSJApY/s1600/charm+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Inner Strength</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNqlcnvmBqanmTwqiHOwMLnypoN5V1V3RAO3QEyBTxgAqsb9D4xa5G4EBFMgawrF6jvBDCc_68MbX_rUxC3JmAN9EvSsc4nOOrKAz3cc5Yyw1FUhIk1gbT4HT1LW12_lfztDHNCFOnj4/s1600/bead+pink+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNqlcnvmBqanmTwqiHOwMLnypoN5V1V3RAO3QEyBTxgAqsb9D4xa5G4EBFMgawrF6jvBDCc_68MbX_rUxC3JmAN9EvSsc4nOOrKAz3cc5Yyw1FUhIk1gbT4HT1LW12_lfztDHNCFOnj4/s1600/bead+pink+flowers.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Flowers Bead</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNJCZOShxSL3r_pHaIelIB5aYQVTcwK0voFwkcBfQkXHcXSfdLT-Pj4zhpgWQRxzZ2qsnJhmZOR9CTxs_xY_FPCpnZ8MN25sdlA0Bs2WnZjnyuD1c9K-OXGSPoxYcYhN0tcMo3dpEM4o/s1600/bead+pink+polka+dots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNJCZOShxSL3r_pHaIelIB5aYQVTcwK0voFwkcBfQkXHcXSfdLT-Pj4zhpgWQRxzZ2qsnJhmZOR9CTxs_xY_FPCpnZ8MN25sdlA0Bs2WnZjnyuD1c9K-OXGSPoxYcYhN0tcMo3dpEM4o/s1600/bead+pink+polka+dots.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Polka Dots</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEDC5CN3_uUu9I2wzKQ6olkSxecaivoe7HxbFw-SCe_epeqKytz_HCDTOuOgx_NFJ5Nlcs07SCCQFNRq9BVkGjlsBAP5t1QzCCZj7Pe4w5V9flwGsRHst4baQrruIV8jOUUvY2rQVZxU/s1600/lavender+murano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEDC5CN3_uUu9I2wzKQ6olkSxecaivoe7HxbFw-SCe_epeqKytz_HCDTOuOgx_NFJ5Nlcs07SCCQFNRq9BVkGjlsBAP5t1QzCCZj7Pe4w5V9flwGsRHst4baQrruIV8jOUUvY2rQVZxU/s200/lavender+murano.JPG" width="143" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Candy Stripe</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">I'd like to add some color to my bracelet, so that is why I am so heavy on the glass beads.  Your thoughts?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the bag I'm looking at:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeHVLVfqDsjvcki8eM4D2JvbtruqkAzbQeJzahaNDMfaonWq4lypfrb1cOVx-2e4bPG6iK1citWP_uT1_yQvbVgqYKYF_vMzjxtJl1iwQ5CTGsYYhxnLHl6aUaflT6H6_7NCAT628WJY/s1600/side+by+side+tote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeHVLVfqDsjvcki8eM4D2JvbtruqkAzbQeJzahaNDMfaonWq4lypfrb1cOVx-2e4bPG6iK1citWP_uT1_yQvbVgqYKYF_vMzjxtJl1iwQ5CTGsYYhxnLHl6aUaflT6H6_7NCAT628WJY/s320/side+by+side+tote.JPG" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side by Side Tote - Rhythm & Blues</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so incredibly proud of myself, especially after <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/weekend-recap.html">this week's events</a>.  After the cookie meltdown, I tried hard to stay within my 39 Points+ this week, and did really well on both Wednesday and Thursday, not evening consuming all 39.  That's okay though, because I definitely went over my Weekly Points+ again despite the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/weigh-in-results.html">goals</a> I set.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's what happened with last week's weekly goals:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Goals for the week:</span></b><br />Stay within daily Points+ allowance for 5 of the 7 days. - <b><i>I achieved 2 of the 7 days.  Not superb.</i></b><br /><br /><b style="color: blue;">Potential Challenges + Solutions:</b></div><ol><li>Weekend lunch date with the ladies.  <b><i>I was proud of how I did with this, eating only half the sandwich and a few fries.</i></b></li><li>Cookie Madness.  <i><b>I definitely indulged not only that night, but one other night later this week.  </b><b>*Sigh*  Moving on...</b></i></li></ol><b style="color: blue;">Planned Activity: </b><br /><i><b>I went to the gym on Wednesday and did 37  minutes on the elliptical.  I'll take it!  I earned 4 Activity Points+ and was pleased with that effort, even if I didn't meet my goal of 2 days (though totally doable, someone is just l-a-z-y!).</b></i></blockquote><br /><br />Here are my new goals for the week.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPHHXZcGayhBxS9vC7YcoFq6_ZHzGYSWuOo-BlOdbMWpof09vHPM20Oa2UQfXqzy0bmBTUxveiaJW5X_APpzAfF_nB2GxclJGudMWazU-Mg7SUXmA6CUvvFRcVYsiloZLUl2ZEVaEQ0A/s1600/weight-watchers-diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPHHXZcGayhBxS9vC7YcoFq6_ZHzGYSWuOo-BlOdbMWpof09vHPM20Oa2UQfXqzy0bmBTUxveiaJW5X_APpzAfF_nB2GxclJGudMWazU-Mg7SUXmA6CUvvFRcVYsiloZLUl2ZEVaEQ0A/s1600/weight-watchers-diet.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: blue;">Goals for the week:</span></b><br />Stay within daily Points+ allowance for 5 of the 7 days. If I have to delve in to the Weekly Points+ allowance, I want to use no more than 39 of them, leaving a balance of 10. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b style="color: blue;">Potential Challenges + Solutions:</b></div><ol><li><b>Office Holiday Happy Hour:</b> There will be drinking and eating.  Thankfully most of the food being served  I don't like.  To combat this I plan to eat my lunch before the HH (it starts at 12).  I will definitely want to have a drink, but will try to limit it to no more than 2-3.</li><li><b>Going over daily Points+ allowance:</b>  I struggle with this every week.  Rarely am I ever able to achieve a perfect week of staying within my daily Points+.  You know why?  Poor planning.  As they say, without a plan, plan to fail.  What I need to do to stay on track is make sure my breakfasts/lunches are packed the night before.  Also, I need to make sure I have plenty of healthful snacks, including 0 Points+ fruits/vegetables to snack on when I have cravings and 0 Points+ left for the day.   </li></ol><b style="color: blue;">Planned Activity: </b><br />I wrote up an activity schedule for the week, but realizing that I have to reacclimate myself to getting back to the gym, I'm going to aim for 2 days of the gym this week again.  If I do more, then it will be a bonus.  Also, I tried out that new feature on eTools where it gives you a weekly Activity Points+ to work toward, and mine is 14.  I'm going to try to reach that this week in whatever way I can.<br /><br />What are your weekend plans?  I still need to get some Christmas shopping done.  Joel and I are going to check out a wedding venue on Saturday, and we're going to take our Christmas card picture as well.  I'm so behind this year :(.  It's making me crazy!

Success Weekly Weight Watchers Goals Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers Weigh In & Weekly Goals

I just have to blurt this out because I can hardly contain the excitement I have for this week's weight in!I lost 1.7 lbs, bringing me down to 242.7!!!242.7 is a record low weight since I've started this journey in March 2011.  Not only that, BUT I h…

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Post-Thanksgiving Week

How did you survive Thanksgiving?  Yes, a week later and I am just now getting around to this!<br /><br />First, we had Thanksgiving at Joel's family on Thursday.  I was extremely mindful of my eating, and practiced Mental Rehearsing beforehand (a WW concept).  I told myself over and over to only eat small portions ("mini islands of food" - as we were advised at last week's meeting) and not to finish anything I did not truly enjoy.  I passed up bread.  I left the stuffing and sweet potatoes on my plate.  And I was even able to enjoy my favorite part of Thanksgiving: the 5 Points+ Pumpkin Pie I made especially for Thursday.  I was so pleased, impressed, and proud of how well I did on this holiDAY (as Sharon, my WW leader reminds us, it's not a holiMONTH or holiWEEK, it's a holiDAY).  My non Weight Watchers weigh in day is on Friday, and as you can see, I had a nice loss for the week.  Success!<br /><br />However, then I had to travel to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving Part Deux.  I started Saturday off with a trip to the local-PA WW meeting center.  I clocked in at a loss for the week on their scale as well.  Great!<br /><br />Still, currently I'm sitting at well over <b style="color: red;">-</b><b>35 WEEKLY Points+</b> for the week.  Fellow Weight Watchers, did you read that correctly? NEGATIVE WEEKLY!  Ugh.  How did this happen???    <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniEjr8Nuhq8jvfZo7EMrtroePWEbEoOT_V33pZ_y494LYxQs-lQilUUX6A_zgdp10krtSfouR6PPQt7ViCwHnty9ECyEJEJCYGTimCc3tmrotwDnDr8tW_IzNvMohQFfQS6QENA5iS08/s1600/thanksgiving+food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniEjr8Nuhq8jvfZo7EMrtroePWEbEoOT_V33pZ_y494LYxQs-lQilUUX6A_zgdp10krtSfouR6PPQt7ViCwHnty9ECyEJEJCYGTimCc3tmrotwDnDr8tW_IzNvMohQFfQS6QENA5iS08/s400/thanksgiving+food.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My salad size plate at my sister's house: turkey, mashed potatoes, noodles,<br />stuffing and green bean casserole.</td></tr></tbody></table>I used a small plate, and made small islands of food.  Everything was a 1/2 cup size or less.  I thought I did well.  I only had seconds on the green bean casserole.  <br /><br />I had these <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-pumpkin-spiced.html">pumpkin cupcakes</a> for my dessert (and very small servings of 2 other desserts my mom made - which I accounted for):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzvVMINuEtSZSIaWuzPRxOxDVeQoZ_5ScLfqOFIdiDnAZ1W8RzfqpaLmv3a_Jl-sAu_snz-196sNeixx5u3VA9NrZmULt5_DvyWuiCd1LOW70WInwSJISCQX04OZ0ps7R5e4x-8KNxpA/s1600/cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzvVMINuEtSZSIaWuzPRxOxDVeQoZ_5ScLfqOFIdiDnAZ1W8RzfqpaLmv3a_Jl-sAu_snz-196sNeixx5u3VA9NrZmULt5_DvyWuiCd1LOW70WInwSJISCQX04OZ0ps7R5e4x-8KNxpA/s400/cupcakes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />While I didn't eat much of this on T-Day Part Deux (it was bland and needed more spicing up), I have been eating this in my lunch all week:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9sortvM61D_Ihy_6Un95Wg0G5qs1VMA2OubMWOKlte4q36fzNVj6gKUMPeVGdAE8KNeN6d-fz82Qw-3pySRSHrrESTUUtv0WMxRk0XZ_u9-9NEiObcTwh5kM9oGc17fUKN-cRypbWqM/s1600/casserole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9sortvM61D_Ihy_6Un95Wg0G5qs1VMA2OubMWOKlte4q36fzNVj6gKUMPeVGdAE8KNeN6d-fz82Qw-3pySRSHrrESTUUtv0WMxRk0XZ_u9-9NEiObcTwh5kM9oGc17fUKN-cRypbWqM/s400/casserole.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/10/sweet-potato-casserole.html">Sweet Potato Casserole</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />IF I have a gain tomorrow, and I'm praying I do <i>not</i>, but IF I do, it will be because, yes, I did eat a little more than I normally would this past week due to Thanksgiving.  Also, it was.... that special time of the month, and I have been absolutely ravenous all week.  Actually, I believe a lot of the negative Points+ have come as a result of this more than Thanksgiving to be honest. Do you ladies ever get like this during the actual week of the "event"?  No amount of food or anything in particular has been satisfying.  Not even chocolate!<br /><br />I was able to avoid one "war" this week with <a href="http://www.fiveguys.com/">Five Guys</a> (Joel was having a craving and he indulged, I did NOT)... but I lost the battle last night to Japanese from our <a href="http://kodorirestaurant.com/">favorite restaurant</a>.  Still, I had very small portions of the Japanese food and only ate until just satisfied.  <br /><br />I really don't want a gain tomorrow, not only for obvious reasons, but because I am really proud of how I handled Thanksgiving this year.  I am proud of how I managed Joel's family's feast, and how I even managed my own family's spread.  I'm also proud that I made 3 WW friendly substitutions (pie, casserole and cupcakes) and that I have still accounted for EVERYTHING this week, even if I am in the deep, deep red of Points+.  It really does feel better when you write it down, even if you are borrowing from next week's Points+ bank ;). I'm also proud that I visited WW while traveling.  I'm really trying to stay focused!  <br /><br />Today (Thursday) I am sucking down the water and trying to stay within my 39 Points+ for the day.  Tonight we have a happy hour for the 3 couples who got engaged in my office, and so I'm going to have to fight another war tonight... I will get 1 beer and that is it! I <3 beer.  But I don't love gains, and no amount of beer is worth a gain!!<br /><br />What is your self assessment of how you handled Thanksgiving?

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watcher Recipes Weight Watchers Post-Thanksgiving Week

How did you survive Thanksgiving?  Yes, a week later and I am just now getting around to this!First, we had Thanksgiving at Joel's family on Thursday.  I was extremely mindful of my eating, and practiced Mental Rehearsing beforehand (a WW concept).  …

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Finding Happiness in the Journey

I firmly believe that while I'm on this weight loss journey, finding moments of happiness during this time in my life is essential to my success.  <br /><br />I also hate to be a Negative Nancy on the blog, though sometimes it's important for you, as the readers, to get both the good and bad to help you relate better to who I am.  Hopefully this translates to you as "authenticity" and not "whining". :)   <br /><br />Aside from the battles that go along with weight loss, I've had other challenges going on as well (<a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/sickagain.html">two times of being sick in October</a>!) and some ongoing issues with my car.  These minor life issues definitely play a role in my weight loss success. <br /><br />Well, yesterday I received great news on the car end of things.  The dealership is going to refund me the entire cost of the service they performed on my Equinox for the first time it was there for service (and wasn't fixed!).  The Equinox has been to the dealership a total of 4 times now for a broken heater (<i>doesn't sound like too big of a deal, but apparently it's caused a lot of people to scratch their heads</i>).  Obviously we're in to November now and a heater is fast becoming necessary :).  So once I learned that I would be getting my $500 back, I was so elated that I had to celebrate this near-Christmas-time-and-I'm-spending-BIG-money-on-car-problems victory!<br /><br />So, I bought myself some flowers :) (instead of celebrating with food, which is something I normally would have done). <br /><br />I found these beautiful poinsettias sprinkled with purple glitter (I also bought another bunch sprinkled with pink glitter). Purple for my grandma - I'm sure she'd love these!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftI2hyphenhyphenY1a0vw68CWAY3m8tXwoEqJHHvgjd4Ij17NvYz-eEtHoO_7JlHgCTFv6NUyHncalKAwwQaroygUKNk-cmA5fcoCc0fzd-Gj_iombARTXzyRUSIkBV_wOwLSJDulfby6SobdrZxc/s1600/blog+flowers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftI2hyphenhyphenY1a0vw68CWAY3m8tXwoEqJHHvgjd4Ij17NvYz-eEtHoO_7JlHgCTFv6NUyHncalKAwwQaroygUKNk-cmA5fcoCc0fzd-Gj_iombARTXzyRUSIkBV_wOwLSJDulfby6SobdrZxc/s400/blog+flowers+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I think these are mums? I failed to look at the package before I threw it away, but they look awfully similar to mums.  Again, in purple :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJhfthbLZRUovDISIprjw5qFAIZNtkOj6vLRMz2gSRs_b_6e3TB_1kccJcVMbyaZWf-FRpTats_mxfNVrwjB_AuXhz2rx5p2igMFCj9eXkOFhtMaPmPwpfvg_V7uCVOlInC_Mhlt3pYo/s1600/blog+flowers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJhfthbLZRUovDISIprjw5qFAIZNtkOj6vLRMz2gSRs_b_6e3TB_1kccJcVMbyaZWf-FRpTats_mxfNVrwjB_AuXhz2rx5p2igMFCj9eXkOFhtMaPmPwpfvg_V7uCVOlInC_Mhlt3pYo/s400/blog+flowers+3.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then these pretty-in-pink mini carnations.  The smell of these remind me of a funeral home to be honest.  BUT, they look beautiful on the coffee table and the bright pink color just screams happiness to me.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItGsC4YcfTqOCnOhMRiYyHCJ5N4I0X5s-XXqzlPp-Iy3THiRm41IjXWHkSuvGKGSrfBFOHBjKgGGE0ZvOHHH7aM1Mam9wNMptSJG2QqhG_CoGscBKfekAyaOOQA6Rkp36HjGlxwmNEs/s1600/blog+flowers+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItGsC4YcfTqOCnOhMRiYyHCJ5N4I0X5s-XXqzlPp-Iy3THiRm41IjXWHkSuvGKGSrfBFOHBjKgGGE0ZvOHHH7aM1Mam9wNMptSJG2QqhG_CoGscBKfekAyaOOQA6Rkp36HjGlxwmNEs/s400/blog+flowers+4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Funny, because Joel has been gone a lot over the last week, taking some man-trips.  He just returned yesterday from an overnight fishing trip to Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River.  He brought me these :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YybU7Ahh-rp2h1MM32A4339E96MMNVC0QrIbX7jDWfvv9aJH9jOHMRX1VZ-icw2bxDFXzYSoSl_6wMAtzy7wqjGAlxvNu6Foi38ciuIAHt9aVjbw0ruajqxigBGwQxzdFzQnSeP-v-Q/s1600/blog+flowers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YybU7Ahh-rp2h1MM32A4339E96MMNVC0QrIbX7jDWfvv9aJH9jOHMRX1VZ-icw2bxDFXzYSoSl_6wMAtzy7wqjGAlxvNu6Foi38ciuIAHt9aVjbw0ruajqxigBGwQxzdFzQnSeP-v-Q/s400/blog+flowers+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Sunflowers are arguably my favorite flower!  And no, this girl can never have too many flowers in her house!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpGTCQAPO8MrL7NYdrFTQMTncwXK7Diyi433vDXDY0HMUE8IddWN9cSoABpUyYzqPazsisKtnF6QsAZ5NBEGfma97CxPs6GqEdNXjEoPiDum_aD48AQpj39gv8IQmR-3hrZJkhqs1ZTk/s1600/flowers+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpGTCQAPO8MrL7NYdrFTQMTncwXK7Diyi433vDXDY0HMUE8IddWN9cSoABpUyYzqPazsisKtnF6QsAZ5NBEGfma97CxPs6GqEdNXjEoPiDum_aD48AQpj39gv8IQmR-3hrZJkhqs1ZTk/s400/flowers+015.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />What are some ways you find happiness (other than the scale) during the struggle that is losing weight?  Do you have a favorite flower?<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>P.S. - from  yesterday's <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/sugar-consumption.html">sugar post</a> - I ended my day with approximately 23.5 teaspoons of sugar consumed - a far cry from the recommended 6 teaspoons!!</i>

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Challenges Finding Happiness in the Journey

I firmly believe that while I'm on this weight loss journey, finding moments of happiness during this time in my life is essential to my success.  I also hate to be a Negative Nancy on the blog, though sometimes it's important for you, as the readers…

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Part 1: How I Approach WW in the Public

<a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-do-you-do.htm">On Tuesday</a> I asked you to share with me your thoughts on whether or not you share your weight loss journey with others.  Thank you all for your candid feedback!<br /><br />I have to give a warning: this turned out a bit "rant-y".  Dang it.<br /><br />Like many of you, this "is not my first rodeo" (thank YOU <a href="http://kimsquesttolose100lbsagain.blogspot.com/">Kim</a>!).  I have been on and off Weight Watchers numerous times in my 27 years of life.  When I was a sophomore/junior in college, I lost 49.5 pounds.  I had 3 roommates at that time who were EXTREMELY supportive.  They didn't judge me.  They didn't tempt me with treats - they simply supported me and let me do my thing. No criticisms, no "two-sense" - just support in a way that made me feel completely comfortable with them knowing my journey (thank you Aggie, Jen, Brittany & Marlin!).  At times they would even participate in exercise with me, which made the whole thing that much better!  I was <i>very </i>lucky.<br /><br />Still, those were the only people I shared my journey with in intimate detail.  Most other times I've been on WW, including today, I choose not to tell others.  However, there have been those occasions where people have discovered I am on WW, because it's become obvious that I'm losing weight, and when those instances have occurred, the reaction is not typically favorable.  What am I talking about here?<br /><br />Let's take the Super Skinny Girl encounter.  "Oh Hilary, I can tell you've lost weight.  What are you doing?"  After sharing my story with SSG, she proceeds to interrogate me as to every minute detail of the Program and how can she "quickly" lose X number of pounds if she does the Program.  Do skinny people not realize how this makes fat people feel?  I mean, SSG is probably no more than 130 lbs and roughly 5'5"/5'6", and you're crying to me about how YOU need to lose weight?! I don't want to waste my time with you! I am 250+ pounds.  I have a legit problem on my hands - I'm <i>not </i>trying to provide comfort/pity to YOU when <i>I </i>have real reasons as to why I need to lose weight.     <br /><br />Then there are the Haters.  "Oh, WW isn't healthy."  "WW encourages eating processed foods."  "WW didn't work for me and it probably won't for you either."  "Counting Points+ isn't nearly as accurate/effective as counting calories."  "Jenny Craig/Atkins/Vegan/<insert eating="" other="" plan=""> is so much better/healthier than WW."</insert><br /><br />Then, my personal favorite, the Wannabe's.  "Hilary, how many Points+ is this chicken breast I'm eating?  How many Points+ is my <i>entire </i>meal?  10 Points+?  Is that bad?  I'm sorry but chicken is extremely healthy and I don't agree with this Points+ value."  And, please, help me understand, you don't pay for WW.  You don't even follow the Program officially.  So why exactly do you need to know the Points+ values of your food, if, in fact, you don't really care? What added value does that provide for you?<br /><br />I haven't had a lot of favorable reactions from people when sharing my journey with them, obviously.  Still, I cannot help but wonder the benefits of being more vocal about it - especially to those who care about me.<br /><br />Have you ever encountered these types of people??

Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers Part 1: How I Approach WW in the Public

On Tuesday I asked you to share with me your thoughts on whether or not you share your weight loss journey with others.  Thank you all for your candid feedback!I have to give a warning: this turned out a bit "rant-y".  Dang it.Like many of you, this …

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A Breakdown

As you may have guessed from my absence of blog entries, I was rather busy last week.  I spent Sunday - Wednesday in Philadelphia.  On Friday, Joel and I made our way to Charlotte, NC for the wedding.  We returned on Sunday and I was off on Monday for Columbus Day.<br /><br />Well friends, you didn't miss much in my world I can assure you.  It was a week filled with very poor eating choices and weight gain.  <br /><br />However, it was a week where I still managed to get in 4 very good days of activity - 2 in Philly, 1 in North Carolina and 1 yesterday.  I'm proud of those days of exercise - it was the one thing I felt I had the most control over throughout my travels.<br /><br />On the NC trip, I had a bit of a breakdown.  I was feeling extremely uncomfortable in my dress, along with the control top tights. I should not have bought control top... it almost defeats the purpose if you think about it.  The fitted top sucks you in so much that it creates even more rolls above the ones it's trying to eliminate, and those rolls made me feel ugly and fat and sad.  (I even had a moment where I was contemplating ending this blog all together.  I'm supposed to be blogging about weight that I'm losing, but if you look at the numbers on the left, you'll see why I feel like such an weight-loss-blogging imposter.)<br /><br />There were plenty of coworkers at this wedding.  These people have never seen me in a dress before, and I also had insecurities of exposing my legs to them.  Of course, "these people" are all skinny girls who live on a different planet that I do.  They dress to impress.  I dress to blend in.  Let's just say the wedding weekend was not one of the highlights of my life. <br /><br />One good thing that did come out of that weekend was Joel agreed to do Weight Watchers with me.  <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/HJ%20Competition">We tried to institute a weight loss competition many months ago</a>, but he and I loosely followed it, chalking up our living situation to the reason why we couldn't seriously follow along.  However, in due part to my breakdown and also due to his recent diagnosis of high blood pressure, he knows he needs to get in shape and lose some weight as well.  So we will be Points+ counting fools, and I'm so excited that he has agreed to participate.  It's so tough trying to eat "right" when you have a partner who has a completely different food agenda.  <br /><br />I have high hopes for myself: <br /><br /><blockquote>1. Of one day being a dashing bride - a thinner version of myself, walking down the aisle to ooohhh's and ahhhh's from friends and family who cannot believe I finally lost The Big Weight.  <br /><br />2. Of being a confident individual in all that I do, especially at work.  <br /><br />3. Of loving myself first, so that I can more effectively love those closest to me.</blockquote><br />I need to keep reminding myself: <b>Every time the food wins, <i>it steals away my joy in life</i></b>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><b><i>There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream.  ~Author Unknown</i></b></div>

Weight Loss Challenges A Breakdown

As you may have guessed from my absence of blog entries, I was rather busy last week.  I spent Sunday - Wednesday in Philadelphia.  On Friday, Joel and I made our way to Charlotte, NC for the wedding.  We returned on Sunday and I was off on Monday fo…

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Traveling + Eating Healthy = Not Happening

I'm in Philadelphia this week for work, hence the lack of a post until now!  The days have been long, starting training at 7:30 AM and ending around 6 PM.  By the time I'm out of the training, and I do my gym workout and shower, it's already 7:30 PM.  I was pretty tired last night and could not muster the energy to write a post, much less even pick up the computer.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.metafever.com/wp-content/uploads/Philadelphia-skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.metafever.com/wp-content/uploads/Philadelphia-skyline.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello City of Brotherly Love!</td></tr></tbody></table>Like most days, my morning on Monday started off on the right foot.  I ate conscientiously for breakfast, but by the time lunch rolled around, I was ravenous and hungry and ready to consume everything in site.  Lunch was buffet style and I had a small piece of chorizo sausage, about half of a chicken breast, and some (I estimate a cup to a cup and a half) tortellini in vodka sauce.  Then I had a cannolli.  And then I had cookies on our afternoon break.  And the day continued to unravel just. like. that.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thecrimson.com/media/photos/2006/10/27/130558_1203066_300x356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thecrimson.com/media/photos/2006/10/27/130558_1203066_300x356.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br />My first problem was I didn't have smart snacks.  I bought 2 items in the hotel snack area which weren't terrible (peanut butter crackers that were 5 Points+ and a Glenny's fruit/nut bar), but they weren't enough for me - I wanted more because I felt hungry, but then by afternoon I just wanted to plain eat out of boredom, and naturally I wanted sweets. <br /><br />Though yesterday wasn't a total wash in the health realm.  If I can't get it together with eating right, then I can most <i>definitely </i>get in some exercise without an excuse!  So I headed to the workout room and did 32 minutes on the elliptical and then the last week in Stage 1 of the NROLFW.  I was really proud of myself for not making excuses while on travel to <i>not </i>exercise.  I needed it - the day was long and full of sitting!   I also made sure to drink plenty of water yesterday and today.  I know that a year ago, I would not have even considered exercising while on travel.  <br /><br />Today, despite good intentions and better snacks (I made a trip to Target last night), I still managed to bomb.  Again, I started off well, and I even maneuvered lunch time a lot better - resisting 3 enticing desserts, 2 of which were chocolate.  Still, I got bored and I ate.  I actually left the session an hour early today - many of us did - we were just a little annoyed and burnt out from the long days.  So, I went to the gym and did the elliptical for just over 50 minutes.  <br /><br />Tomorrow I go home, but the challenges don't end there.  Wednesday is Joel's birthday, and we are going out for dinner to the Cheesecake Factory.  Then Friday we leave for a wedding in Charlotte, NC. <br /><br />I've had enough "eating out" for awhile.  I just want a nice, healthy, home-cooked meal that falls within my Points+ range comfortably.  <br /><br />What are your healthy eating strategies when traveling?<br /><br />

Weight Loss Challenges Traveling + Eating Healthy = Not Happening

I'm in Philadelphia this week for work, hence the lack of a post until now!  The days have been long, starting training at 7:30 AM and ending around 6 PM.  By the time I'm out of the training, and I do my gym workout and shower, it's already 7:30 PM.…

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Why Do You Want to Lose Weight?

<a href="http://123glitter.com/comments-graphics/file/7888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://123glitter.com/comments-graphics/file/7888.jpg" width="185" /></a>I have come across 2 situations this week where I was reminded of that question yet again.  I mean, I think about being heavy ALL the time, but this question was kind of spelled out in black and white on 2 separate occasions for me this week.<br /><br />First, it was at the Weight Watchers meeting on Wednesday night.  When asked that question, most members said they wanted to lose weight for health reasons. <br /><br />As part of the Beck Diet Solution, one of the first items we are tasked with is to come up with our reasons for wanting to lose weight. <br /><br />Here are 17 of mine in no particular order:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Get to wear nicer, age appropriate clothes</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. More confidence, especially at work</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Healthier - not so sore in the muscles</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. More comfortable in the summer - less sweating</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Can fit more comfortably in chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Can do more social activities</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Joel could pick me up</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. Feel pretty</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. Feel more in control</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. Overall happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. Improved love life</div><div style="text-align: center;">12. Not being self-conscious in a bathing suit</div><div style="text-align: center;">13. Exercise without embarassment</div><div style="text-align: center;">14. More assertive</div><div style="text-align: center;">15. I'll feel that I've accomplished something great</div><div style="text-align: center;">16. Make Joel proud</div><div style="text-align: center;">17. Doing what is right by God - not being gluttonous</div><br />Then I came across <a href="http://www.itsuxtobefat.com/weight-loss/100-reasons-thinner-is-better.html">Jennifer's post on 100 Reasons Thinner is Better</a>.  She has lost close to 100 lbs!  Many of her reasons for why being thinner is better coincide with my reasons for wanting to get rid of these 89 lbs. I especially loved these:<br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /> </div><br />Why do you want to remove the weight?

goals Inspiration Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers Why Do You Want to Lose Weight?

I have come across 2 situations this week where I was reminded of that question yet again.  I mean, I think about being heavy ALL the time, but this question was kind of spelled out in black and white on 2 separate occasions for me this week.First, i…

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Struggling...Part 2

And so Sunday, Monday and Tuesday has progressed terribly as well.  It's not because I've had the mentality of "Well, I screwed myself for the week, might as well blow the rest of it off." No, I don't wake up and plan to suck at WW for that day.  The problem is poor menu planning.<br /><br /><i>(As a side note, we stopped at <a href="http://www.sheetz.com/">Sheetz</a> for breakfast on Sunday morning.  Check out how cute this Tabasco bottle is that they gave me with my Shmuffin.) </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09yhoqbZUxGgy7OWi8MwaWbq-oeySDRetoIVlBcA53moSf0PbdUiBnPfItGq6Gtrto0UnB3gp0c3WGb0QHOhPwbGry0R3FAz2cwfLX5MrbotQ5gvbrGFLF08kxobL5RBh766YhZ2RM0/s1600/Tabasco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09yhoqbZUxGgy7OWi8MwaWbq-oeySDRetoIVlBcA53moSf0PbdUiBnPfItGq6Gtrto0UnB3gp0c3WGb0QHOhPwbGry0R3FAz2cwfLX5MrbotQ5gvbrGFLF08kxobL5RBh766YhZ2RM0/s400/Tabasco.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br />For example, after I got to work on Tuesday I quickly jotted down a menu for the day.  Well, I didn't abide by the menu.  First, I failed at <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/beck-diet-solution-week-3.html">Beck</a> and actually gave myself a Choice and ate fries from Chick-fil-a (because I was craving Heinz), even though I had a healthy, homemade chicken parmesan awaiting me in my office.  Even though I ate the fries, I knew I still had the Points+ for it.  Then, I realized on the drive home from work that I forgot to account for that smoothie I had in the morning.  Well that smoothie actually took away the graciousness of the Points+ I thought I had for those fries.  So, basically I consumed all my Points+ by lunchtime Tuesday and I hadn't even eaten dinner!<br /><br />I know that when I do manage to plan out my meals, I'm completely successful on the Plan.  When I don't plan those meals, I often overeat either accidentally or on purpose and hence don't lose any weight or gain weight.  It is that simple.  Yet, it's not that simple.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagineannie.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/menu-planning-5-8.jpg?w=480&h=466" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://imagineannie.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/menu-planning-5-8.jpg?w=480&h=466" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagineannie.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/menu-planning-the-end-of-a-suck-ulent-week/">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Menu planning takes time.  Not only that, but I kind of find it to be a pain.  In the past, I've sat down to menu plan on a weekend for the upcoming week and it ends up taking me several hours to do it.  I have to pull a lot of the food out of my pantry to calculate the Points+ or even just so I can see what I have in stock, make grocery lists for what I need to make a complete meal, and then go get that food.  By the time it's all said and done I've spent a Saturday just meal planning and grocery shopping.  And to do that every single week? I don't see it happening.<br /><br />I've also tried meal planning one day at a time.  However, I don't like to grocery shop through the week, so if I meal plan on such short notice, I can see it leaving me in a bind in that I may not have all the ingredients for a meal on hand.<br /> <br /> Excuses. Excuses.<br /><br />If you construct a meal plan, what is your strategy?  Does anyone know of any meal plan/menu builders online that you find very useful?  Or do you have a binder or some type of notebook that is even better?  Please share your meal planning tips!!

Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers Struggling...Part 2

And so Sunday, Monday and Tuesday has progressed terribly as well.  It's not because I've had the mentality of "Well, I screwed myself for the week, might as well blow the rest of it off." No, I don't wake up and plan to suck at WW for that day.  …

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Struggling... Part 1

After I reached my <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-first-10-pound-goal-has-been-met.html">first 10 lbs goal</a>, I felt unstoppable.  Finally, FINALLY, I was making progress past 255.<br /><br />Then the following week <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-to-oa-meeting.html">I bombed with a lot of cookies and beer</a>, and the scale showed that failure very precisely the following Friday.<br /><br />Then I became extremely discouraged, and even though I wanted badly to come back strong from that week (and granted, my "week" isn't over yet until this Friday), I have yet to do that.<br /><br />Here is how my week has progressed so far:<br /><br /><b>Day 1:</b><br />Friday I traveled 2 hours to Joel's grandparents where I was to "enjoy" a home-cooked meal.  I dreaded this meal because I knew it was going to be his grandmother's famous mac 'n cheese.  I wanted to flat out say "No, I'll eat at home" so that I could ensure I started the weekend off right.  But in the past that has hurt his feelings by me not partaking in his family's meals, which has been due to me being on WW and the lack of food are both Points+ friendly and I actually like.  So, I tried to skimp on eating all day to save up for this meal.  My strategy would be to load up on the vegetables and have only a tiny amount of her famous dish, because afterall, I do not know the exact Points+ value and would have to estimate.<br /><br />Turns out the "meal" only consisted of the mac 'n cheese - nothing else.  Of course, I was aching for dinner by the time we ate it (close to 7:30 PM and I hadn't eaten since noon).   I had a lot of the mac 'n cheese people.. probably several cups worth.<br /><br />Great.  Good job Hilary.  Way to start that weekend off on the right foot!  So I told myself, "It's fine Hilary.  The carbs will do a body good come tomorrow [Saturday] for the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/first-annual-st-marys-county.html">septathalon</a>."  Ok fine.  Accept it and move on.<br /><br /><b>Day 2</b><br />Saturday we woke up and I had breakfast at the hotel: about a cup of corn flakes with skim milk and some seasoned potatoes.  I also had a fat free French vanilla cappuccino (from <a href="http://www.sheetz.com/">Sheetz</a> - yay!).  Not a <i>terrible </i>start to the day.<br /><br />I made it all the way through the 11 miles on the bike not feeling the least bit hungry.  But as we were driving back to the starting line for the run, I realized that it was well after noon and I should eat before doing what was supposed to be 6 miles.  So I had a <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough">cookie dough Larabar</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKsVDiG9sMr66RfwdmlIvTq15_yHCASCGsDf1JPBVdNbzoy2v0f0GTesvlws3fbJog-Kvxakxp65_gwhzrGSXYi7MnUEcKKUkhRDpjwjtQwBG-rSgecs-fdz1nJtyQHLBGZ6SOTqCdJM/s1600/larabar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKsVDiG9sMr66RfwdmlIvTq15_yHCASCGsDf1JPBVdNbzoy2v0f0GTesvlws3fbJog-Kvxakxp65_gwhzrGSXYi7MnUEcKKUkhRDpjwjtQwBG-rSgecs-fdz1nJtyQHLBGZ6SOTqCdJM/s200/larabar.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I did the 4 mile run/walk and returned extremely hungry.  I immediately ate a banana which didn't sit quite well with me.  So then I had another Larabar - it was either that or a muffin.  Turns out those Larabar's are very high in Points+: a whopping 6 Points+ for one!  So right then and there I had 12 Points+ invested, not to mention all that I ate for breakfast.  Still, in hindsight, it was not enough that I had screwed myself for the day, but that's exactly what I thought at the time.<br /><br />And so when we went to the post-race bbq, I was so hungry I was actually nauseous and I went to TOWN when we got there.  I ate a bunch of <a href="http://www.beanaturalchips.com/">bean chips</a>, several carrots with hummus, too many slices of gouda and cheddar cheese, a hamburger (with cheese), and a pumpkin cupcake.<br /><br />Great. Good job Hilary.  Way to undo all of that physical activity from today.

Weight Loss Challenges Struggling... Part 1

After I reached my first 10 lbs goal, I felt unstoppable.  Finally, FINALLY, I was making progress past 255.Then the following week I bombed with a lot of cookies and beer, and the scale showed that failure very precisely the following Friday.Then I …

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Welcome to the OA Meeting

Hi.<br /><br />My name is Hilary and I ate a plate of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies tonight. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everydaypeoplecartoons.com/cartoons/369---July-20---26,-2008,-healthy-eating.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.everydaypeoplecartoons.com/cartoons/369---July-20---26,-2008,-healthy-eating.png" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everydaypeoplecartoons.com/cartoon/369">Source.</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Even <i>though </i>I thought I messed them up (don't ask), and therefore should not even be worth eating. <br /><br />Even <i>though </i>I was convinced they didn't taste delicious (like they normally do when made correctly) when I taste-tested them yesterday. <br /><br />Even <i>though </i><a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/beck-diet-solution-week-3.html">Beck says not to give in to cravings</a>!<br /><br />And while I <i>desperately </i>did not want to go to the gym to do NROLFW tonight even though it was on the schedule, <b>I still did anyhow</b>. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://qcistyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/exercise-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://qcistyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/exercise-cartoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://qcistyle.com/the-n-crowd/fitness-cheaters-never-prosper/">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Touché cookies. Touché.<br /><br /><i>Special thanks to <a href="http://mrshillruns.blogspot.com/2011/09/liebster-award.html">Jessica</a> for honoring me with the blog award :).</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>Don't forget to enter that lovely <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/starbucks-giftcard-giveaway.html">Starbucks giftcard giveaway</a>!</i><br /><br /><br />

Exercise Weight Loss Challenges Welcome to the OA Meeting

Hi.My name is Hilary and I ate a plate of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies tonight. Source.Even though I thought I messed them up (don't ask), and therefore should not even be worth eating. Even though I was convinced they didn't taste delicious (like …

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Beck Diet Solution: Week 3

<span class="corners-top"></span> <br />It wasn't a great weekend..... for my sports teams!  <a href="http://www.psu.edu/">Penn State</a>, the <a href="http://www.dallascowboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, and <a href="http://www.jeffgordon.com/">Jeff Gordon</a> all lost their respective sports on Saturday/Sunday.  Even my secondary NFL team from the Motherland, the <a href="http://www.steelers.com/">Stillers</a>, took a beating to the..... ugh..... Baltimore Ravens.  I'm not sure which team has the worst fans, the Ravens or the Eagles?  At one time I even heard the Baltimore fans cheering "Steelers suck! Steelers suck!"... such poor sportsmanship.  I don't like that kind of conduct.  I wouldn't even do that to the dreadful Ohio State team! ;) <br /><br />I had a great weekend otherwise.  I learned that even though it's a Friday night, the muscle-ly men are still at the gym .  Shouldn't they be out showing off their bodies?  But, Sunday evenings are so much better.  Even though I prefer to keep Sunday as it's intended 'day of rest', Joel and I did a quick NROLFW workout after his Redskins actually won a game ;) (p.s. in the past I keep messing this acronym up and putting NROLW - whatevs :) ).   <br /><br />So on to the Beck Challenge hosted at the Priorfatgirl.com:<br /><br /><blockquote><b>Day 15 - Monitor Your Eating</b> - Every day at a time we specify, we need to be creating a food plan to follow for the next day.  Then, we check off the food as we eat it the next day.  I did good with creating the food plan on the weekdays, but failed at it on the weekends. The weekends are less structured, as is my eating - I don't always eat at the same times on the weekends as I do on the weekdays, and it's harder for me to plan what to eat ahead of time.<br /><b><br />Day 16 - Prevent Unplanned Eating</b> - Pretty self explanatory here.  You should only eat what is on your daily food plan/menu and not digress from that.  I did stray from this twice last week. I had two Pumpkin Spice Latte's on both Tuesday and Thursday when I only planned to have one.  In this case, you write down the unplanned food in your food journal and circle it.  Then at the end of the day you can easily see how you measured up. <br /><br /><b>Day 17 - End Overeating</b> - Beck suggests taking one or two meals where you over load your plate with food, and then not eat the extra.  By doing this, you are strengthening your "resistance muscle" and practicing not over eating.  I am too afraid to overload my plate. I have yet to do this experiment. I'm going to, I'm just not ready yet. I've been doing well over the last few weeks with weight loss and I don't want to shoot myself in the foot.<br /><br /><b>Day 18 - Change Your Definition of Full</b> - Bascially, don't eat until you feel uncomfortably full or stuffed.  Don't eat because you don't want to waste the food, thereby wasting money.  Those are just some examples of people's definitions of feeling "full".  I try to combat feeling full by ensuring I portion out my food. Now, what I am learning is that just because I have the Points+ for the food, doesn't mean I have to eat it if I'm not actually even hungry. I do this A LOT - I eat just because I can (i.e. I have enough Points+) when I really don't need to.<br /><br /><b>Day 19 - Stop Fooling Yourself -</b> This goes hand in hand with Day 16 in my opinion. I need to ingrain in my mind/build up my resistance muscle with "If it's not on my daily eating plan, then I'm not eating it!".  This whole concept simply means to stop making excuses for yourself as to why you're over eating.  For example, "I'm going to eat these cookies because if I don't, I might make Sally feel bad."<br /><br /><b>Day 20 - Get Back on Track</b> - How many times do you eat something you didn't plan on eating, only to allow it to spiral out of control (i.e. "Well, I already blew it by having this 1 doughnut, I might as well keep going with whatever I want and then I'll start again tomorrow/next week/next month/next year")?  What I have come to find lately is that sometimes when I think I have gone "off the deep end", it's actually not as bad as I think.  When I actually track the food I ate (unplanned of course), it's really not as bad as I expected afterall. This helps me stop myself from going further down a self-sabotaging road of eating more and more. I've decided I will draw a line in my food journal at any point I go off track to serve as a visual that I will stop and eat normally my next meal - NOT the next day/week/month, etc.</blockquote> <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/">Priorfatgirl Jen</a> mailed me a cool bracelet for being a Beck Challenge participant. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JoB8XumHjowI9qr8WFmoIesFJ5aPc6LzIODQOB4_CP-CSPpkCq8U62O3JNguE-szdPtOmaPHwy1l2qIf6XBGih6an9TUgoJcCRZdfVwruE31N0zdrI8H2-r9krtYj6UWGVzkYtoQfF4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JoB8XumHjowI9qr8WFmoIesFJ5aPc6LzIODQOB4_CP-CSPpkCq8U62O3JNguE-szdPtOmaPHwy1l2qIf6XBGih6an9TUgoJcCRZdfVwruE31N0zdrI8H2-r9krtYj6UWGVzkYtoQfF4/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">don't mind the Halloween cat backdrop :)</td></tr></tbody></table>Then I proceeded to bring the kitty kitties in on the Big Weight action...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMxSWfP4D8w8-XfyMf3f0DXlzFqgctDz9LfOCJLbT1TK56xmfpYYBR7qeHngM4Pd3iyPXknDYnISE6W4JpKywNIqNQPZ9RVqrqw4vN8uR17qNlvO-H7G_P8T6d5d-J45BJIeIXFi9HK0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMxSWfP4D8w8-XfyMf3f0DXlzFqgctDz9LfOCJLbT1TK56xmfpYYBR7qeHngM4Pd3iyPXknDYnISE6W4JpKywNIqNQPZ9RVqrqw4vN8uR17qNlvO-H7G_P8T6d5d-J45BJIeIXFi9HK0/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles: "I hate when you take pictures of me."</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BfszS0FTZV4_VxIDtT2tbSJRrqLjj6V5DI1fxrSVwMhW_UvPQe28FrImCyZK0bbjVJlUZcnTezFJx7Jnb1fDl-bkVR-BB96XgrLKMthcglPYIIBZAs1T3yPLv3_v5rxLjkGzzQ8xRJw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BfszS0FTZV4_VxIDtT2tbSJRrqLjj6V5DI1fxrSVwMhW_UvPQe28FrImCyZK0bbjVJlUZcnTezFJx7Jnb1fDl-bkVR-BB96XgrLKMthcglPYIIBZAs1T3yPLv3_v5rxLjkGzzQ8xRJw/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merlin: "What is this thing you are pointing at me?!"</td></tr></tbody></table>It's too bad Merlin wasn't standing up.  We took him to the groomer for a hair cut 3 weeks ago and he got the only cut they do - the lion cut.  When he stands up, he's got an all-over shaved body with the little pom-pom tail and booties for his legs.  So funny and so girly - especially on him!<br /><br />Oh wait... you're not here for the cat pics.<br /><br /><i style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/starbucks-giftcard-giveaway.html">Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $10 Starbucks giftcard!</a> </i>

The Beck Diet Solution Weight Loss Challenges Beck Diet Solution: Week 3

It wasn't a great weekend..... for my sports teams!  Penn State, the Dallas Cowboys, and Jeff Gordon all lost their respective sports on Saturday/Sunday.  Even my secondary NFL team from the Motherland, the Stillers, took a beating to the…

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Not So Comfortable After All

Turns out those gym guys are intimidating afterall.<br /><br />Monday I attempted a gym visit <i>solo </i>to do the NROLW.  I started out with 30 min on the elliptical to warm up.  Once I was finished with the warm up, I headed over to the area where Joel and I were working on Saturday.  As soon as I saw all the meat heads, I kept on walking.  I couldn't do it.  I already don't feel like I belong in a gym as it is, and to walk over to the weights section and attempt that with all those thick-necked, oversize armed men, I couldn't do it.<br /><br />I tried to tell myself to get it together as I walked around the gym, and that it was no big deal - those guys had to start from somewhere as well!  Still, I couldn't do it.<br /><br />Then I thought, "Ok, I'll try the all female side of the gym."  That's one cool thing about this Gold's (<i>perhaps this is the norm at all Gold's?</i>), it has a section of the gym just for women - it's closed off and everything.  This is for people like me who are intimidated by all the man meat.<br /><br />Actually, it's not for people like me. <br /><br />Because as soon as I walked into that side, I panicked again.  There were other women in there doing their thing - looking buff and fit as though they are professionals - and I couldn't do it there either.  Ugh...Hilary.<br /><br />So I left.  <br /><br />Last night, Joel and I planned to try that workout together at the gym, but I had a bad day at work and I couldn't bring myself to go (or do much of anything actually).<br /><br />Tonight, after my Weight Watcher meeting and Joel's doctor appointment, we're going to try again.  <br /><br />There should be no excuses tonight not to go.  Yes, I am still a little afraid to go and attempt these workouts again, but this time I'll have Joel by my side.<br /><br />For the lady readers, are you ever intimidated at the gym?  How do you handle it?  Please don't tell me you, too, panic and run out :).

New Rules of Lifting for Women Weight Loss Challenges Not So Comfortable After All

Turns out those gym guys are intimidating afterall.Monday I attempted a gym visit solo to do the NROLW.  I started out with 30 min on the elliptical to warm up.  Once I was finished with the warm up, I headed over to the area where Joel and I were wo…

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September Goals and a Chai Tea Recipe

3 weeks in a row of losses! Yay!!<br /><br />Oh hey - notice something a little different?  :)  While my old layout wasn't bad, black wasn't exactly the most chipper color.  I <3 purple, and so I present to you a new layout.  I hope you find it a little more refreshing/inviting.<br /><br />It's time for me to think about what I want to work on for the month of September.<br /><br /><ol><li>Have an average of 4 days of activity per week instead of the 3 that I had for August.</li><li>Track what I did for activity, how often I did it, and for how long.</li><li>Track the days that I've stayed On Plan.</li><li>Add 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables into my daily menu.  <i>This is up from August's goal of just 1 serving of fruit and vegetables per day.</i></li><li>Continue on with the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">New Rules of Lifting for Women</a>.<i> </i></li><li>Continue reading <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">The Beck Diet Solution</a>.</li><li>Set a weekly goal for myself that I will determine on Monday's.  Thanks <a href="http://www.1year100pounds.com/">Ryan</a>!</li></ol>These goals are all similar to that of August with a few tweaks.  Since I had success with this in August, losing a total of 3.6 pounds, I want to keep setting attainable goals for September.  <br /><br />I am a lover of tea.  In case you haven't figured it out yet, my favorite tea variety is the chai.  I particularly like the spiced chai flavor.  Now, I frequent Starbucks a lot, and they serve a chai that is a liquid version.  I love this chai, but I don't love the 7 Points+ value for a venti skim.  While I can almost afford those Points+ now, I know I won't be able to as time goes on.  Still, I like the liquid chai for it's creaminess, a consistency I cannot seem to achieve using just half and half and chai tea bags.  Until now!<br /><br />Enter: Coffeehouse Chai Latte.  This is yet another recipe from <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/Eat%20What%20You%20Love">Eat What You Love</a>.  I'm not sure how/why this tea tastes so great but perhaps you can figure it out by the ingredients:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkcgZttoiBKDsCqSU4XkP6Mk_QqcRhUpQrZsdw-3NoAtKRSZLapfl7PT6A8NTgjV1RDnVJosW3j3n0Sg4noqhvb9pzD0RJLaWaf39ILD2La08DcIiF7nBjUPHQqL7uoB-Z4UUvz0upbE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkcgZttoiBKDsCqSU4XkP6Mk_QqcRhUpQrZsdw-3NoAtKRSZLapfl7PT6A8NTgjV1RDnVJosW3j3n0Sg4noqhvb9pzD0RJLaWaf39ILD2La08DcIiF7nBjUPHQqL7uoB-Z4UUvz0upbE/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><ul><li>1/2 c. fat free evaporated milk</li><li>1 1/2 c. water</li><li>3 packets of Sweet 'n Low</li><li>2 individual chai tea bags</li><li>1 tsp honey</li></ul><blockquote>Combine the evaporated milk, water and Sweet 'n Low packets together in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Stir frequently, so as not to scorch the milk.  As the liquid begins to simmer, add the tea bags and allow to steep for 3 minutes.  Remove pan from heat.  Remove tea bags from liquid.  Add the honey.  </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ZRZ-foyl1611OBXxos5qhah2TtsvBSgVnGcj-WkabV0WkrXwq3IMiHyS02y2SeG98x5kmpeBUHOPfyxssG2ok8-1L_TD7aMr-tgTLA3aTAewY4lmiFivuK_D3uoug4PhVSsJZ3djUw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ZRZ-foyl1611OBXxos5qhah2TtsvBSgVnGcj-WkabV0WkrXwq3IMiHyS02y2SeG98x5kmpeBUHOPfyxssG2ok8-1L_TD7aMr-tgTLA3aTAewY4lmiFivuK_D3uoug4PhVSsJZ3djUw/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is supposed to make 2 servings at 1 cup each.  This entire concoction makes just 1 for me :).  This delicious chai only costs me 4 Points+, as opposed to the 7 from the Starbucks version.  Winning!<br /><br />Do you have any beverages that you cannot go without on your weight loss journey?

Eat What You Love goals Loss New Rules of Lifting for Women The Beck Diet Solution Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watcher Recipes Weight Watchers September Goals and a Chai Tea Recipe

3 weeks in a row of losses! Yay!!Oh hey - notice something a little different?  :)  While my old layout wasn't bad, black wasn't exactly the most chipper color.  I It's time for me to think about what I want to work on for the month of September.Have…

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How I Did on August Goals

At last! A month where I've actually met most of my goals :).<br /><br />This is what I said I'd do for August:<br /><br />1. <b>Print out and post my goals on my desk at work and on the fridge.</b> <i> I did do this at my desk at work.  I never remembered to print them out for my fridge.</i><br /><br />2.  <b>Begin the <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/2011/07/new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-as-a-group.html">New Rules of Lifting for Women Challenge offered by Jen at the Priorfatgirl.com</a></b>.  <i>Joel and I both started this near the beginning of August and we're still going!</i><br /><br />3.  <b>Incorporate 1 fruit and 1 vegetable into each meal every single day, and keep track of how often I meet this goal.</b>  <i>Of the 31 days in August, 21 of those days were spent eating at least 1 serving of fruits and/or vegetables.  I'm happy with this!  I'm not good at eating my fruits/veggies at all.</i><br /><br />4. <b>Keep track of how many days I attended the gym, for how long, and what I did while there</b>.  <i>I did 15 days of activity for an average of 38.9 minutes at a time.  This was mainly  a combo of the weight training and Wii activity.</i><br /><br />5. <b>Track and stay on plan at least 5 days per week</b> <b>- and actually keep track of whether or not I've done this</b>. <i>I tracked for 18 of the 31 days.  </i><br /><br />I'm really satisfied with how I did on these goals for August.  I definitely plan to keep up my worksheets on how often I achieve #'s 3-5 for September. <br /><br />I'll post the September goals tomorrow!

goals New Rules of Lifting for Women Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges How I Did on August Goals

At last! A month where I've actually met most of my goals :).This is what I said I'd do for August:1. Print out and post my goals on my desk at work and on the fridge.  I did do this at my desk at work.  I never remembered to print them out for my f…

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