TGIF......almost!

It's almost Friday and I get to spend the whole night tomorrow night with my 15 month old niece! (and my brother and sister in law of course!) PLUS there is a new Grey's Anatomy on tonight....could life possibly get any better????? Well yes it could actually, I could jump on the scale tomorrow and see a big loss! Or at least back down to where I was before my COLOSSAL gain last Friday. Yikes that was depressing....but I'm feeling good. I went for a walk yesterday AND today at lunch for at least 35 mins and last night I went for a 35 min cardio session.
My plan for tonight is to hit the treadmill or walk outside and burn at least 400 calories for my "Last Chance Workout". I have been doing great all week so really there is no reason for me not to see a loss. We'll see though.

Short and sweet today ladies! It's 16 degrees out and I want to get my butt out on the pavement to burn some calories! Good luck to all who WI tomorrow.

Breakfast:
WW Bagel - 2
1 Tbsp of low fat cream cheese - 0.5
1 tsp of Reduced Sugar Smucker's Strawberry Jam - 0.5
7 Mebla rounds with 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb Cheese - 1.5

Lunch:
Veggie wrap with 1 Flatout Light Wrap, baby spinach, green peppers, red onions, , tomatoes and 2 tbsp Hellmann's Dijonnaise. - 2
1 chocolate crunch rice cake - 1
1 fat free yogurt - 1
1 apple - 1
Total: 9.5

Supper:
Taco Night!
5 Taco Shells - 5
Extra lean Hamburger and seasoning - 4
Sour Cream - 1.5
Salsa -0
Lettuce and Tomatoes - 0

Snack:
1.5 cup of grapes - 1.5

Total point used: 21.5
Daily Target: 22

Flex point remaining: 35

Foooood Finds!

Today I am posting about 2 new food finds that have recently come on board with my WW menu mainly because this is the most exciting thing going on with me right now :D Plus who doesn't LOVE a good food find? I will admit though that I think both of these foods were recommended to me by Sarah so she gets most of the credit, but since she doesn't have a blog...the glory is mine!

The first one is Becel topping and cooking spray. It is FABULOUS!!!! Scott and I had been having a difficult time trying to cook things on the stove without burning them , mainly because we were trying really hard not to use Olive Oil. I know Olive Oil, especially EVOO (which we used to use nonstop) is supposed to be healthy and good for you but I just couldn't justify spending all those points on OIL! But everytime we tried to fry up veggies, they burned! This cooking spray has 0 calories and 0 fat. Yup you heard me ladies! 0!! Now granted if you went wild and used 50 spray, it's bound to add up to a point or two but if you use a small amount (which is really all you need) it's a big ZERO! DEFINITELY worth a try!

Second find is Hellman's Dijonnaise. It only has 15 calories for 1 Tbsp. It is pretty much a mix between honey Dijon mustard and Hellman's regular mayonnaise. Before WW I was a mayonnaise FREAK! I couldn't get enough of the stuff. I love it on burgers, with French fries, BLTs....oh the BLTs!!!! I would go to subway and PILE on the mayonnaise (light of course, wouldn't want anyone to think I wasn't health conscious) Now, I barely touch the stuff but it's still nice everyone in a while. This sauce is great on wraps or sandwiches and tastes like honey mustard but with an added creaminess to it. Worth a try for sure!!!

Breakfast:
WW Bagel - 2
1 Tbsp of low fat cream cheese - 0.5
1 tsp of sugar free Smucker's Strawberry Jam - 0.5
1 cup of grapes - 1

Lunch:
Veggie wrap with 1 Light Flatout Wrap, baby spinach, green pepper, red onion, tomato, fat free Italian dressing - 1.5
Chocolate Crunch Rice Cake - 2
1 fat free yogurt - 1
100 Calorie pack Smart Pop popcorn - 1
Total: 9.5

Supper:
85 g whole wheat flax omega 3 pasta - 5
2 tsp of basil pesto - 2
fried veggies topped over pasta and pesto
1.5 cups of brussel sprouts - 0

Snacks:
1.5 cups of grapes - 1.5
1 oz low fat cheddar - 2
1 Chocolate crunch rice cake - 1

Total points used: 21
Daily points target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

The Sun is Shining!!

Today has been a pretty average day. Nothing mind blowing is going on. I wanted so bad to go walking at lunch today but I had a doctor's appointment at 12:15 and it was SO beautiful out! Today is my day off from working out but I was still hoping to get in a good 30 minute walk at lunch. I always find I feel so refreshed after a good brisk walk outside. I still have 3 days left in the week though!

Oh and Scott also finagled his way into watching Rocky II last night. I actually liked it much better than the first one....Rocky kind of grew on me on his one....but Rocky III is not on the agenda for tonight! I can only handle so much in one week.

I'm really missing my fellow food fanatic co-worker (her last day was last Thursday). It was so great to have someone there everyday to talk about weight issues with and to gab all lunch hour about new food finds and weight loss challenges. Plus she totally motivated me to go walking every single lunch hour. Now it's back to my lonesome! At least she lives in the same city still and we can dish about food via telephone! It just reminds me how important it is to surround yourself with positive people who encourage you along the way. The thing that gets me the most is that people who have never had a weight issue JUST DON'T GET IT. They don't understand how hard it is to say no to a big piece of yummy Skor cake at a company gathering (We Rock, Sarah!) or to just stop eating when your full or to walk by those peanut butter cookies everyday at the store on your way to the coffee machine. They Just don't get it. Another thing I don't get is people who don't like sweets!!! What the hell is that???? I was born with an addiction to chocolate...I just know it. My hubby would way rather have an extra piece of chicken rather than dessert. For me, it's dessert EVERYTIME, no questions hands down, bring on the dessert. It's almost to the point where dinner has become a nuisance and it is basically just an obligatory custom that we have to get through in order to get to dessert!

Well that's it for me today.... How is everyone's week going?


Breakfast:
WW Bagel - 2
1 tbsp of low fat cream cheese - 0.5
1 tsp of low sugar Smucker's jam - 0.5

Lunch:
Fiber One Peanut Butter Chewy Bar - 2.5
Veggie wrap with spinach, onion, green pepper, Fat Free Italian dressing -1.5
Caramel Chocolate chip rice cake - 1
1 fat free yogurt - 1
Total: 9

Supper:
Fajita night!
3 small Flatbreads (leftover in our freezer and higher in points than our new find - Light Flatout Wraps) - 6
Fried Veggies and Garlic - 0
Chicken cooked on the George Foreman - 4
Salsa and low fat sour cream - 1
Total: 20

Snack
2 cups of grapes - 2

Total Points used: 22
Daily Target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

Not so Manic Monday

Today has been a great day so far but I'm still feeling the effects of the weekend. Even though I stayed within my points, I still feel like I ate more than I should have. But I guess that's the beauty of WW. FLEX POINTS! It was Scott's birthday so I probably ate more than I would usually. Through the week I use my posting on here to keep track of my points but on the weekend I usually don't post so I need to get back into the habit of writing down my points on the weekends. It will keep me from going over! And after my GAIN last week,

I needs to be totally accountable and get my head on straight.

Scott and I had a great weekend and I even managed to get in a few workouts! Yesterday was a pretty lazy day, laundry, cleaning and all that jazz. Scott FINALLY convinced me to watch Rocky (the first one but I have a feeling there are more coming). I was actually surprised that it wasn't that bad but I always thought Rocky was smarter. For most of the movie I just kept thinking...why is Rocky so dumb? He's supposed to be a role model and he acts like a redneck hick. But all in all I have to admit that it was pretty good. It made me want to get into really good shape actually. He must have trained like mad for that one!

Alright I've rambled on enough about Rocky. Not much new in my world right now...still looking for a house to buy, still hoping to see a loss this week, the usual. How is everyone else doing this week?

Oh and I'm looking for a new recipe to try on Sunday...anyone have any ideas???? I want to try something new, low in points but new. Recipes anyone?


Breakfast:
Quaker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal - 2
apple - 1

Lunch:
Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich - 5
1 yogurt - 1
Fiber One Chewy Bar - 2.5
Total: 11.5

Supper:
85g whole wheat flax omega pasta - 5
2 tsp of basil pesto - 2
fried veggies: tomatoes, green peppers, onions, spinach
1.5 cups of brussel sprouts - 0
Total: 18

Snack:
Quaker Caramel Chocolate Chip Rice Cakes - 4

Went a little overboard here but I couldn't resist!!

Total points used: 22

Daily points target: 22
Total workouts:
30 minute walk at lunch
40 minute strength training

Flex points remaining: 35

Keeping these babies for the weekend..

Sunday Sunday

We had such great weather all weekend!!

I actually got in quite a bit of exercise this weekend as well. Yesterday was Hubby's Birthday so we got up on Saturday morning and headed to the Nature park and took on one of the trails. We hiked for about1 1/2 hours and it was a really good workout. It was nice to just spend some alone time outside and to enjoy the great weather...summer is on it's way!

I did go a bit overboard yesterday with the food but I had saved all my flexies for the weekend so I think I came in right around even. I ate my usually breakfast and had a veggie wrap on the George Foreman for lunch. Supper was another story....we ended up having nachos but I measured EVERYTHING. I skimped a little on the cheese and added extra veggies to mine and they turned out to be around 18-20 points. I had lots of points left so it was all good. Scott had Chinese food (his FAVORITE) I'm not a HUGE fan of Chinese but usually once I see it, I want it. I took one bite of broccoli and I thought...that is so gross...it's bathing in so much oil that you can hardly taste the broccoli. Then on top of that he had a plate of nachos and for dessert, he had 3/4 of a McCain Deep and Delicious Frozen chocolate cake (his favorite and a birthday tradition). I'm telling you, the guy can pack it away!! Of course he will NOT see a gain on the scale, a loss if anything!! GRRR!!! I want the metabolism of a man!!!! It's not fair! We went to see Perfect Stranger last night at the movies and I have to say it was a pretty good movie. Didn't see the ending coming. It's not really a "you HAVE to go see this movie ASAP!!!!" but it was definitely worht a look.

I also got up this morning and went for a 40 min power walk on the treadmill, arms pumping and all!!! How did everyone's weekend go?

Anyway I just wanted to leave a quick post....see you on Monday! (22 degrees in New Brunswick tomorrow! My sandals are finally seeing the light of day!!!)

What the........??

Weigh in this morning was a HUGE disappointment. I was up about 1.5 lbs!!! I couldn't even believe my eyes when I looked at the scale this morning. I was expecting to see a great loss! I have done so great all week and I feel like my clothes are fitting a little looser. I even got 4 lunchtime walks in this week and 2 weight training sessions. I'm stumped. Just stumped.

But instead of letting this little setback sabotage my whole weekend, I'm going to let it inspire me! I know I FEEL great and I FEEL like I have lost weight. I'm going to keep on keeping on, eat healthy and get in lots of exercise and I'm sure the numbers will follow. I'm not too worried about it. I'm really not racing against time to get the weight off. My philosophy is that if I keep eating healthy and living an active lifestyle then I will eventually get to my goal weight, or at least a fit and healthy weight for me. Certainly if I start to see a trend of gaining then I will re-evaluate my lifestyle but everyone has that one odd week where they gain and then go...what the hell???? So I'm not stressing about it. It will just make next weeks loss even more of a victory!

Breakfast:
1 cup of All Bran - 2
1/4 cup of milk - 0.5
1 apple - 1

Lunch:
1 small Wendy's Chili - 3.5
1 Fiber One bar - 2.5
Total: 9.5

Supper:
Homemade Pizza....I've been looking forward to this ALL WEEK!!!! - 20
Total: 29.5

We are off to look at a few houses today after work so wish us luck!!!

It's almost Friday!!!

Today has been a great day!! I went for a 50 min walk on my lunch and I felt so great afterwards! I am also planning on going for a cardio workout tonight (aka my last chance workout) Tomorrow morning is weigh in.....not sure how I feel about it yet. I feel like I have been good all week so I am not at all nervous for WI tomorrow. but you never know....sometimes when you think your doing great and that you are going to see a loss....BAM a big 'ol gain is staring you in the face! So we'll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings. I'll keep you posted though. :)

The sun is FINALLY shining once again and this weekend we are supposed to have fantastic weather! Saturday is supposed to be 13 C!! YAY! I am hoping to get some exercise in the great outdoors this weekend. This summer I am making a vow to myself to get out more and do more things, just be more active in general. For SOO many summers I dreaded going out because it meant wearing shorts and tanks and I always felt so uncomfortable and awkward. This summer I am actually anxious for it to get warmer and I might even buy a skirt....it has been years since I have worn a skirt. Yup that's right ladies...years! I did buy a cute pair of sandals last weekend that are skirtable (that's not a word but maybe it should be). I am really hoping to enjoy the summer this year and do lots of outdoorsy stuff like camping (which I used to DREAD because it was always so hot and I couldn't cover up with my usual turtleneck and dress pants) I really want to go whale watching too and check out all of the local hiking trails.

Breakfast:

1.5 cups of All Bran - 3

1/4 cup of milk - 0.5

1 yogurt Breyer's Strawberry Cheesecake fat free - 2

Lunch:

Veggie wrap made with flatout wrap, spinach, red onions, mushrooms, green peppers and shredded carrots & some homemade hummus - 2

100 calorie hostess chocolate cupcakes - 1

Total: 8.5

Supper:

REPEAT!

Quesadilla made with:

2 light flatout wraps

1/4 fat free refried beans

onion & green pepper

1 oz of low fat cheddar

Salsa & Sour Cream

Total: 5 pts

Total for day: 13.5

Snack:

Melba rounds and Laughing Cow cheese light Herb & Garlic flavour - 4

Product Review

The Laughing Cow cheese Herb and Garlic is SO GREAT!!! I was pretty skeptical when it came to trying out this new product because I really wasn't satisfied with the Laughing Cow Cheese light Swiss. I found it was seriously lacking in flavor...but the garlic and herb is great! If you can find it, buy it!! Scott tried some on a WW bagel too and said it was great!!

Oh & the most exciting news of all....Grey's is NEW tonight!! FINALLY!!!!!!

Happy Hump Day

It's CRAZY windy out today but you'd all be happy to know that I sucked it up and went for a walk anyway....I almost got blown over about 3 times. I checked the weather channel and the winds are up to 70 km/hour. I wonder how high the winds need to be to actually blow someone over...just a random thought. I was proud of myself for going out and getting it done. Tonight I am going to go for an upper body weight training session. I haven't been doing much cardio indoors lately but I figure walking everyday for 30-40 mins counts as some cardio right?? I am planning on doing a cardio session tomorrow night (last chance workout before my WI on Friday) Speaking of last chance workout....does anyone know when Biggest Loser is starting again? That show is SOO motivating!!
Last night and today I feel TOTALLY back on the wagon. Not that I went out of my points at the beginning of the week but I just felt draggy and unmotivated. I'm hoping to see a loss this week but I don't FEEL like I have lost. Who knows though...the scale is a weird and mysterious thing.
This month in Good Housekeeping, there is apparently a great article about walking off the weight. There are quite a few articles about the benefits of walking and I honestly think that my lunchtime walks are the reason I have been seeing a loss on the scale. I am going to try to get at least 4 walks in at lunch time every week for the whole summer.....I have no excuses not to! Sarah just dropped off the magazine to me so I'll be checking it out tonight. Just thought I would let y'all know! :)

Breakfast:
1.5 cups All Bran - 3
1/4 cup of skim milk - 0.5
apple - 1

Lunch:
1 Low fat peanut butter and banana sandwich on WW bread - 3
1 fat free yogurt - 1
baby carrots and hummus - 0.5
Fiber One Peanut Butter Chew Bar - 2.5
Total: 11.5

Supper:
NEw Recipe - Thanks Jodi!!!!!
Quesadilla made with 2 light Flatout Wraps (Original) - 2
1/4 cup fat free refried beans - 0
1 oz low fat cheddar cheese - 2
onions & green pepper - 0
Salsa - 0
2 tbsp of low fat sour cream - 1
This was huge and so filling for only 5 points!!!!!!!

I had never tried refried beans before but they are great!! I could not even believe my eyes when I worked out the points. 1/4 cup is 0 points!!! We are also going to try a recipe for burritos this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes!

Snack:
Banana Chocolate milkshake - this is SOOO GOOOD! High in points but worth every one!
My recipe:

1/2 banana - 1
2 tbsp of light Hershey's syrup - 1
4 tbsp of low fat whipped cream - 0.5
1/4 cup of milk - 0.5
1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt - 1
Soo yummy!!!

Total points used: 21
Daily Target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

Rain Rain Go Away!

Today has been a great day so far. Despite the cold and drizzle, Sarah and I went for a good 40 min walk at lunchtime. It was so cold...but that just made us walk faster I guess.

I just finished reading "The Secret" last night and I must say it has really changed my outlook. I never knew that thinking negatively could affect you so much...and I really wasn't aware of how negative my thoughts really were! So I've started my 'gratitude list' and I can't believe how much I enjoy it. If you haven't read the book, I would definitely recommend picking it up. It makes you think about how you think...did that make sense??? Anyway for those of you who have read it, I'd love to know what you think!

Last night I had 2 non scale victories! I went home from work, got my digs on and went for a workout, came home and ate a big pasta dinner. Too big....I cooked too many brussel sprouts and fried up too many veggies. Well usually I would sit there and scarf down the whole thing without even thinking but last night, I had about a 1/3 cup of pasta left on my plate and I stopped. I just pushed it away and stopped eating! I don't know if I've EVER done that!! On top of that, around 8:30 I was feeling kinda restless and decided to have a snack, so I went to the cupboard and reach for a 100 calorie pack Hostess Chocolate Cupcake. I actually had it in my hand and then I thought....do I even WANT this??? Or am I just eating because I am bored???? So I worked through it and PUT IT BACK in the cupboard! YAY me!

How is everyone else doing this week?

Breakfast:
1.5 cups All Bran - 3
1/4 cup skim milk - 0.5
1 apple - 1

Lunch:
Veggie wrap including: 1 flatout Sundried Tomato wrap (how I've miss these!!) spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, shredded carrot, homemade hummus - 2
100 calorie Hostess chocolate cupcakes - 1
1.5 cups of baby carrots with hummus - 1
fat free strawberry yogurt - 1
Total: 8.5

Supper:
Grilled Cheese made with low fat cheddar and WW bread - 5
WW style onion rings (YUMMMMM!) - 3
1 chocolate crunch rice cake - 1
Total: 17.5

Snack:
Banana Milkshake:
1/2 banana
6 tbsp of low fat whipped cram
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
6-8 ice cubes
4 points

Total: 21.5
Target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

Monday Monday

Well I did ok this weekend. Yesterday was a pretty lazy day. We did go out to look at a few houses and went shopping for a bit but the rest of the day was dedicated to scrap booking and "The Hills" on TV. (I'm addicted to both) I stayed within my points but did eat a little too late last night and was craving junk all day. I had planned on getting some exercise in but just wasn't up to it. Tonight I am going right after work to get in a lower body weight training session.
It is raining SOOO hard out today that in my office at work, that's all you can hear. I was ready to back out of my lunchtime walk but Sarah came through for me and we drove up the the pedway and power walked through the mall for about 35 mins. I am hoping to get in at least 4 lunchtime walks this week.
Ok so last night Scott and I decided to have a little appetizer platter for supper...WW style. It was soooooo GREAT!!!!! We cut up chicken breast into strips and dipped them in egg and rolled them around in ground up Fiber One (with a little garlic powder, salt and pepper added in) then we threw them on the George Foreman. We also did the same with onions and made onions rings but we baked these in the oven. It was sooo good!!!! Try it if you haven't already. It's like eating pub food without all the grease and weight gain! I was thinking it would be great if you added some spices like oregano etc to give them a little kick, or even some chili powder. I can't wait to have these again!
I also tried the Quaker Chocolate Crunch Rice Cakes and they are great!! I really liked them. I'd even say they rival the caramel chocolate chip rice cakes (My Favorite!!). Give them a try if you can. I only found them in the States though.
Thwe last few days I am having a hard time. I just don't have the motivation. I am dragging big time and need a kick in the butt. I just feel so blah and fat. I hate days like this. Tomorrow is going to be different though. (hopefully!)

Breakfast:
1.5 cups of All Bran - 3
1/4 cup of milk - 0.5
1 apple - 1

Lunch:
Stouffer's pasta and veggies frozen dinner - 5
100 calorie pack Hostess chocolate cupcakes (I MISSED THESE!) - 1
1 cup of grapes - 1
1 fat free yogurt - 1

Supper:
85 g of Whole Wheat Flax omega 3 pasta - 4
1 tsp of basil pesto - 2
1.5 cups of brussel sprouts - 0
Total: 17.5

Snack:
Melba rounds and homemade hummus - 2.5
1 Rice Cake Chocolate Crunch - 1

Total Points Used: 22
Daily Points Target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

Great Weekend

First of all Thank you SO much for all the wonderful comments. It is such great support and I appreciate every one of them!
This weekend I did pretty good, we went out to eat at East Side Mario's and I had pasta and a dessert that was to die for (Peanut Butter Stack from East Side's Mario's....HIGHLY recommend it). I did save all my flex points for the weekend though so I did pretty good. I had a really nice weekend. Yesterday Sarah and I got up early and headed down to Calais in search of new low fat products. I found a few great new items but here is a list of the things I picked up.

• WW 2 point Bagels
• Light Flatout Wraps in Original, Italian Herb, Sundried Tomato (Lots of them!!)
• Breyer's Low Fat Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt
• 100 Calorie Hostess Chocolate cupcakes (only 1 point for 3 cupcakes!!!!)
• Fiber one Bars (Peanut Butter)
• Quaker Chocolate Crunch Rice Cakes
• Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
• Philadelphia Low fat Onion and Herb cream cheese
• Hershey's Lite chocolate syrup (for low fat milkshakes, I'll have to experiment to find a really good recipe but I will keep you informed!)
• Pillsbury Reduced Fat Cinnamon Rolls (WOW!!!)
• Laughing Cow Cheese light Herb and Garlic Flavour

I will try each of the new items and let you know how they turn out. Last night we had my sister in law over for dinner and for dessert, I popped in the reduced fat cinnamon rolls. They are unbelievable!!! I really wasn't expecting much because sometimes I find the reduced fat version of products such as Cinnamon rolls are really lacking in the flavor department but these were AMAZING!!! The whole tube makes 8 rolls about the size of your fist. They are 140 Calories, 3.5 grams of fat and 1 gram of fibre so they are 3 points. PLUS it comes with ooey gooey yummy icing too to drizzle over the rolls. If you can find them (we don't have them here in New Brunswick) run out and get them and serve them next time you have company!!! They also come in a sugar free variety and are made with Splenda but I couldn't find those ones anywhere, they are even less and weigh in a 2 points each!

Tonight for dinner I think we are going to try out a new recipe from Hungry Girl for Chicken strips. Yesterday in Calais I picked up some Fiber One and I am going to experiment with making low fat chicken strips on the George Foreman (of course, I love George!) Here is the link if you want to check it out, I will let you know how it goes. Chicken Strips.

Today I am looking forward to doing a little relaxing but it is nice out so I would like to get out for a walk. I also have a few errands to run and Scott and I are hoping to hit up some open houses so I hope you all had a great weekend!!

Carolyn

Weigh in

So I got up this morning after only 4 hours of sleep (tossed and turned all night) and was DREADING jumping on the scale but I though....Carolyn you said you were going to do it so just get on the damn thing and face the facts....I reluctantly got out the scale, jumped on and closed my eyes tight. When I looked down I saw a number that is 1.1 lbs LESS then last week!!! I sat there and scratched my head for about 2 minutes and then yelled for Scott. How in the world did I lose 1.1 lbs after my Easter extravaganza?!?!?!?! Don't get me wrong, I was floored! It put a nice little dent in my 10 lbs goal for June 26 anyway! I just love updating my stats on the side!

I have been walking everyday on my lunch and I REALLY think that is helping out big time. I always feel so good too after I get back to work.

Tomorrow is another big trip down to Calais with Sarah (she's the one always leaving inspiring comments on my blog but uses the alias of SD...your cover is blown Sarah) She is such a great inspiration and is ALWAYS up for a walk at lunch. Whenever I had a food issue or I'm thinking about scarfing down an entire Mr. Munchy bunny, she's my go to. It so great to have a wonderful support system and to surround yourself with positive people who are in the same weight loss boat as you are. I have so many positive people around me that are constantly encouraging me on my weight loss journey. I don't know if I would have lost 61.4 lbs without them!

Today's menu...

Breakfast

All Bran - 3

1/4 cup of skim milk - 0.5

1 apple - 1

Lunch:

Michaelina's Lasagna and vegetables - 5

100 calorie Smart Pop popcorn - 1

fat free strawberry yogurt - 1

Total: 11.5

Supper:

East Side Mario's

I'm thinking of getting the Marboli Wrap (which is basically a chicken wrap) with salad and then I might see if Hubby will split a dessert seeing as this dinner is for our Birthdays! :)

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend! I can't wait to see if I have any more find to post from Calais!!

Good intentions...

Yesterday I had all intentions of going home and getting in a good 45 min workout but in the afternoon at work I got a massive headache and started to feel nauseous.....so instead of a great 45 min workout, I went home and fell asleep instantly. I woke up briefly to make supper and was so out of it that I burnt the Taco Shells to the point where they were all BLACK and the fire alarms were going off (which REALLY helped my headache!) Overall, not a super great night but I'm feeling much better today and I am raring to go for my workout tonight. At lunch I also walked up to the market and met hubby. In total got about 45 mins of brisk walking in. I am going right after work for an upper body weight training session. I can't wait to own my own home so I can work up my own little gym and I will be able to do my workouts in the morning! I always have so much more energy in the am. The search is on for our first home so wish us luck!!
So at the beginning of the week, I decided not to weigh in on Friday due to my Easter splurge but I have decided that jumping on that scale tomorrow and seeing a gain (hopefully a small one) might help to motivate me. I have to hold myself accountable for my Easter splurge and getting on the scale tomorrow morning is how to do it! So wish me luck. It might ruin my day but it will get my butt in gear! We are going out to dinner tomorrow night at East Side Mario's and I'm still undecided about what to get (usually I like to pre-plan before I go because I find it helps me to stick to my pts) I'm sure my weigh in tomorrow morning will be a determining factor! How is everyone's week going??

Breakfast:
All Bran - 3
1/4 cup Skim milk - 0.5
apple - 1

Lunch:
Lasagna with Vegetables Frozen dinner - 5
1 fat free yogurt - 1
Total: 10.5

Supper:
Grilled Cheese made with low fat cheddar and WW bread on the George Foreman (YUM!) - 6
Large Banana Shake - 4
Total Used: 20.5

Daily points target: 20.5
Flex pts remaining: 35 East Side Mario's here I come!!!

Holiday Curse?

Well the sun is shining and I feel totally back in control of my eating habits. Chocolate Easter bunnies are a distant memory to me now. Thank goodness. Holidays always take a toll on me. It's almost like I use it as an excuse to eat unhealthy and splurge. Not almost like...that is EXACTLY what happens. Every holiday that passes I pick one day and just eat whatever I want. I guess that's not an entirely bad thing, but it sure isn't a good thing. There are really only 4 holidays I do this for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. I usually try not to go over board but I don't count points as I would any other day.
Why is it that we feel we can let go on holidays? I get this feeling on weekends too, not to the same extent but I still feel like if I do great all week, I can loosen up a little on the weekend. I always stay within my flex points but the thought of even using one flex point through the week is absurd to me. Flex points are for weekends...maybe it's just a habit I have acquired over the 15 months I've been on WW because Scott and I always treat ourselves on the weekend and our big conversation on Thursday night is what we are going to use our flex points on this weekend! How do you guys use your flex points? and how do you handle the holidays?

Breakfast:
1 cup melon - 1
1/2 cup of raspberry fat free yogurt - 1
1 granny smith apple - 1

Lunch:
Peanut butter and Sugar Free Jam sandwich on WW bread - 5
1 cup of melon - 1
1 fat free yogurt - 1

Supper:
Taco night!
Shells - 5
Hamburger and Seasoning - 4
Tomatoes and lettuce - 0
Sour Cream - 0.5
Total: 19.5

Easter swallowed me up!

Well I'm back and I think that is the longest I have gone without posting! I missed it! Hubby and I were just soooo busy this weekend, we didn't stop the whole weekend and I wish that I could report that I did great all weekend but Sunday hit me like a ton of bricks. First of all I had a few drinks Saturday night so that ALWAYS has me craving grease and chocolate the next day. We stayed at a friends house and on Sunday morning we woke up to bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, toast and apple and orange juice. YIKES! So I decided that Sunday was going to be my splurge day and in hindsight....wasn't a good idea AT ALL! I ate a big breakfast and then at supper time, went to hubby's aunt's and had turkey and all the fixings, complete with apple pie. I could have done a lot worse but I am pretty disappointed in my choices this last weekend. SO GLAD Easter is over! I can't even look at another Cadbury Creme Egg or mini eggs....Thank goodness they will be gone for another year!!!
Yesterday I did ok but today I am back at it and back on the wagon! I wish I hadn't of made the choices I did this weekend but I've accepted it, dealt with it and now I am moving on! Today is a new day! It's ok to slip up every once in a while as long as you get back up and give it all you got the next time around. I am going to set a goal for myself as I think it will help me to stay on track (especially during the weekends) This weight loss journey gets so much harder as it gets closer to summer, BBQ's, get togethers etc. So I'm setting a goal to lose 10 lbs by June 26. That is 11 weeks. What do you guys think of this goal? To difficult? Too lenient? On average I have been losing about 3-5 lbs/month but I am hoping to boost that number up a bit through more exercise. Feedback would be great!

Workouts: 35 min weight training yesterday, today I am walking about 35-40 mins at lunch.I am also planning to workout Wed, Thurs and Saturday this week and get in at least 3 lunch time walks.

Breakfast:
WW English Muffin - 1
1 Tbsp of low fat cream cheese - 0.5
1 tsp of Sugar Free Smucker's Jam - 0.5
1 granny smith apple - 1

Lunch:
Low fat Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich - 5
1 fat free yogurt - 1
100 calorie Smart Pop Popcorn - 1
Total: 10

Supper:
85 g flax omega 3 whole wheat pasta - 5
2 tsp of basil pesto - 2
fried veggies: spinach, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, zucchini
1.5 cups of brussell sprouts - 0
Total: 17


Snack: Undecided but it will be 5 pts or under :)


Oh and we are heading to Calais again this Saturday to stock up on all the low fat goodies!! Here is my MUST HAVE shopping list:


WW Bagels
Hostess 100 calorie packs chocolate cupcakes
WW English Muffins
Fiber One Peanut Butter Chewy Bars
Flatout Light Wraps (all flavors!)
Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
I might try out the WW muffins too, I heard the chocolate ones are amazing....but 3 pts a muffin...wonder if it's worth it??

Weigh in!!

Just a quick post to let y'all know that I didn't gain any weight after my Birthday Cake splurge! I stayed the exact same this week. I was scared to weigh in and was even thinking about not weighing in at all this week but I'm glad I did, it just gives me motivation to make good choices this weekend! So far so good. I got up this morning, put on my workout digs and went for a walk/run for 30 mins and 10 minutes on the stepper! I was so glad that I did it this morning!

Tonight we are heading to the movies and I plan to bring a treat with me, possibly a Cadbury Thin and a small bag of pretzels. What does everyone else treat themselves to at the movies?!?! Any new ideas?

Has everyone tried the new Crispy Tortillas from Quaker? They are so YUMMY! We have been buying them for months now but I always forget to mention them,. They taste JUST like Doritos and come in 3 flavors. Sour Cream and Salsa, Santa Fe Ranch, and Cheesy Nacho. The Ranch and Nacho are my favorite! They are low in points as well so if you can find them, run out and buy them!!! Keep in mind though it's hard not to eat the whole bag!!!

Breakfast:

WW English muffin - 1

1 Tbsp of low fat cream cheese - 0.5

1 tsp of sugar free Smucker's jam - 0.5

1.5 cups of baby carrots with hummus - 1

Lunch:

Grilled Cheese on Weight Watchers bread made with real cheddar on the George Foreman...YUM! - 5

Quaker Santa Fe Ranch Crispy Tortillas- 2

Total: 10

Supper:

Taco night!

5 Shells - 5

Hamburger and seasoning - 4

tomatoes and lettuce - 0

Sour Cream 0.5

Total: 19.5

Movie Snack: Unsure yet but I'd like to keep it around 5 pts or under.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

4 day Weekend!

I am so excited for the 4 day weekend coming up! I am trying to preplan my meals for the entire weekend because it would be SO easy to let it get out of hand and throw in the towel on the whole weekend! Tonight we have dinner at a friend's house and I hear that maple cranberry chicken is on the menu. Apparently the recipe is from a healthy cooking book but I'm just going to watch my portion size and try to fill up on salad if I can. Scott and I are also bringing dessert (which is yet to be determined) so I'm going to try to bring something that's not TOO bad and if it is bad, (blueberry pie is on the agenda I believe) then I will just have a SMALL piece. Blueberries are healthy right? I will definitely account for it though in my daily points. I brought a super low point lunch and had a low point breakfast in order to compensate. Friday we are pretty safe and are planning to eat at home. Saturday we are going to a BBQ at a friend but I am planning on bringing my 2 pt hot dogs and 1 point buns so that I can enjoy a good ol fashion hot dog on the BBQ...mmmmm...nothing like BBQ'd hot dogs! Sunday we have Easter dinner with Scott's family but again I'm planning on eating a low pt breakfast and lunch to help compensate and to watch my portions while I am there. Monday I am going to lunch with the girls and I think we are going to East Side Marios where I always get the Mariboli wrap so I should be safe on Sunday. So this is my game plan. I am bound and determined to stick with it so I will keep you posted! I am also planning on exercising Fri, Sat, Mon 2 cardios and a weight training session.

I realize I haven't put up a product review in a while so here goes.

Almond Breeze Vanilla Dairy Alternative Product

I picked this up at the Superstore and was really excited to try it. Hungry Girl keeps mentioning it and I thought it would be a great addition to my shakes.....WRONGO!

I made my usual banana shake but instead of putting vanilla yogurt in, I tried out the almond Breeze. It had a bit of a weird smell to it but I was pretty optimistic about it. Then I tasted it. It had a processed and plasticy taste to it and i had to throw the whole thing out. It was awful and I definitely would NOT recommend it to anyone. Maybe the chocolate one is better but I don't think I'll risk it.

Breakfast:

1 WW English Muffin - 1

1 tsp of sugar free Smucker's Jam - 0.5

1 Tbsp of low fat cream cheese - 0.5

Lunch:

Veggie wrap including: spinach, carrots, mushrooms, green pepper, red onion, zucchini, hummus, honey dijon fat free dressing on a Dempster's Flatbread - 4

1.5 cups of baby carrots - 0

1 fat free chocolate fondue and cherry yogurt - 1

Total: 7

Supper:

Maple Cranberry Chicken (I small breast) - 5

1/2 cup Bismati Rice - 3

1/2 cup of broccoli - 0

SMALL piece of blueberry pie - 5

Total: 20

Small dairy shake with banana and pineapple, yogurt and ice cubes. - 3

Total points used - 23

Daily Target: 22

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

3 PIECES OF CAKE LATER......

I had a great birthday and Thank you again for the Birthday Wishes! I did go a bit overboard...ok quite a bit overboard but it's only your birthday for 1 day a year right....so you may as well soak it all up. I was actually doing really well until about 3:30 when my boss asked me to come into another office where there was Skor Cake and flowers waiting for me. The Cake was SOOO YUMMY! (Thanks Sarah!!) & the flowers were beautiful!
Then I went home and hubby made me a wonderful (and healthy) supper. Then came the DQ Ice Cream cake.....2 pieces later I sent it to Scott's brother so he could finish it off. That Chocolate fudge crunch gets me everytime. I felt kinda guilty after the second piece though. I could have been completely satisfied with just one piece. It's like I had the second piece just because I knew it was my birthday. Like it didn't count because it was my birthday. That's not a good mentality to have. So today is a new day and I'm back in the game and feeling super in control!
On a bright note, after hubby got called into work last night, my friend and I went down to Old Navy and I found some GREAT jeans. Perfect fit, perfect length and they look great on! When my friend saw them she even said "That's the best I've ever seen your butt look in jeans!" I was so excited...and to top it all off they were on sale...and even better than that they were a size 10! From old Navy! Usually I am a 12 there. so that basically that made my whole day! Yes I loved them so much I went on the Old Navy website and found a picture of them! Now I just need some cute girly tops to go with them. I think I'm heading out Saturday to shop around a little more so hopefully I will have some luck!

Breakfast:
1.5 cups of Multigrain Cheerios - 3
1/4 skim milk - 0.5
1 granny smith apple - 1

Lunch:
Lemon Crumble fat free yogurt - 1
Veggies wrap with zucchini, carrot, spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, homemade hummus, 1 tbsp fat free honey dijon dressing. - 4
1.5 cups of baby carrots - 0
Total: 9.5

Supper:
Stir Fry and Rice
Broccoli, zucchini, green pepper, carrots, onions - 1
Brown Rice - 2
Rice Cakes - 2
Total: 14.5

Snack:
Banana shake - 4
whipped cream, ice cubes, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of skim milk, 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt
Melba rounds and hummus - 1.5

Total: 21
Target: 22

Flex point remaining: who knows! haha

It's my Birthday!

Happy birthday to me!!

I'm trying to keep the points a little low during the day to save myself up for a big ol hunk of Birthday Cake! I'm not even sure I'm getting a cake but what's a birthday without cake?!?! Thanks you so much for all of the wonderful birthday wishes! I'm really getting too old to make this BIG a deal out of my birthday but I can't help it! If it were up to me I'd still have parties where everyone dresses up in their best "party dress" and we'd have pizza, play silly little games like hot potato & pin the tail on the donkey, we'd have a great big Beauty and the Beast cake and you'd get a loot bag on the way out. But I guess we all have to grow up sometime....or do we? How is everyone's day going?

I need some new recipe ideas for dinner...anyone have any good ones up their sleeves? I would like ot make some sort of casserole or something this weekend since it is a 4 day weekend! YAY! I'm also looking for recipes to use on the NEW George Foreman. I'm nervous about this weekend (Easter weekend) there are so many dinner's out and activities! Scott and I are pretty much booked all weekend and have about 3 dinner's out. Any advice on how to survive. I've decided I'm going to try to hit the gym a little more frequently to account for those extra calories!

Today's rundown...

Breakfast:
1.5 cups of Multigrain Cheerios - 3
1/4 c of skim milk - 0.5
1 granny smith apple - 1
chocolate fondue fat free yogurt - 1

Lunch:
Veggie wrap with Demptser's flatbread, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, baby spinach, green pepper, hummus, and honey dijon fat free dressing. - 4
1.5 c of baby carrots with leftover hummus - 0
Total: 9.5

Supper:
85 g whole wheat flax omega pasta - 5
2 tsp basil pesto - 2
fried veggies - zucchini, broccoli, green pepper, onion, tomato - 0
1.5 cups of brussel sprouts - 0
Total: 16.5

BIRTHDAY CAKE!! - 0 points

Total points used: 22 at LEAST!
Daily point target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

My Birthday Eve!!

Today...even though it's Monday, I am feeling Fantastic! I feel like I really had a great weekend and made some really healthy choices. My pants even feel a little bigger this morning! I think I'm planning on a little shopping trip this Saturday so we'll see how those size 9/10 fit! I wish that all stores had universal sizing! It's so frustrating....at one store I could be a 9/10 easily but next door I could be a 10/12. (I avoid these stores at all cost, I know it's just a number but still...)

So last night hubby and I went out and bought a George Foreman Grill I am so excited to use it. I'm going to grill up some chicken tonight to make a chicken wrap for tomorrow's lunch. So bring on the Grill recipes please!!!! Everyone who has one swears by it and it takes out all of the fat and grease. I think that wraps would be great in it too...make them crunchy and warm. So who's got one and what do you use it for?!?!

Tomorrow is the big BIRTHDAY!!! I am planning on staying on track but I also will not let a birthday go by where I don't blow out a candle. I don't have anything planned as of yet and hubby is being VERY secretive about what is going on tomorrow night so we'll see. Besides, birthday cake is 0 points as long as it has your name on it right?!?!?


Today's Menu...

Breakfast:
1 WW English Muffin - 1
1 Tbsp of low fat Cream Cheese - 0.5
1 tsp of Sugar Free Smucker's Jam - 0.5
1 granny smith apple - 1

Lunch:
Veggie & Hummus wrap - zucchini, carrot, mushrooms, baby spinach & Hummus on Light Flatout Wrap - 2
1 small molasses cookie - 1
Fat Free Source Raspberry and Cranberry yogurt - 1
100 calorie Smart Pop Popcorn - 1
Total: 8
After I went on and on about eating more points at lunch and less at supper...I'll try harder tomorrow!

Supper:
Small amount of baked french fries - 4
Ketchup - 1
Grilled cheese - 4
Total: 17

Snack:
Banana shake - 4
Whipped Cream
1/2 Banana
1/2 cup of milk
Ice cubes

Total points used: 21
Daily points target: 22

Flex points remaining: 35

Little victories!

Well this weekend, it looks like my 1.4 lb loss is really influencing my decisions! We had our usual Friday night homemade pizza which ate up about 10 of my flex points. Usually we go out for a Friday night treat but instead, because I knew my sister in law was bringing down her yummy double chocolate homemade cake, we had grapes instead. Yesterday actually went really well. I made great choices and loved every single bite of the choc late cake! It was soooo gooood! How she does it, I just don't know!
So while we were sitting around....Hubby went back for a second piece...I was tempted join him but thought to myself "Carolyn, Do you really NEED that extra piece of cake???????" So I stuck to my guns and sat beside my hubby while he devoured another piece. I was feeling so confident and great about my choice....then hubby went back for a THIRD PIECE!!!!! I wasn't even tempted by then..I was feeling good about my choice and I was sticking to it no matter what! Go me!
I had a great visit with my little niece (Gracie, 14 months old and definitely the CUTEST baby in the entire world) I'm not bias by any means either!
Today is Sunday and Scott and I are taking it easy and are on our way out to go for a drive and check out some real estate. I love Sundays! How did everyone's weekend go?????