Eating healthy, exercise, weight loss... those things felt like so much work and effort to me 10 months ago. You couldn't pay me to jump on the bandwagon, I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to dedicate myself to a complete life changing overhaul. It is a serious commitment to live a healthy lifestyle and it was something I knew nothing about. The fear of the unknown was keeping me back from making the plunge. I'd been struggling with my weight for years and like many people I'd say " I'm starting tomorrow..." Tomorrow just never came. I knew I wanted to change, but wanting and doing are two very different things. For months I'd been educating myself on the Weight Watcher's program, I'd go on the website or ask one of my coworkers about it. I was scared to death, scared of results, scared of failure, scared of changing my life. So if I was taking the time to into the program it seemed like I might actually do it "one day".
There were several turning points for me, I thought about food/eating all the time, every place we went to I'd eat before I got there and then eat again when I got there acting like it was the first time I'd ate, I went on vacation to visit my dad and everyday I was there I HAD to nap for hours, my "fat" clothes were too small, I'd make up any excuse not to walk to the park or play outside, looking at recent pictures of myself I didn't recognize who I was anymore. Several years ago my husband and I brought our daughter to a local amusement park, I went on a ride with her and was asked to get off because I didn't fit properly. I was devastated, how could I be TOO big to fit? After that point, I never went on another ride again, I'd stand on the side and watch. Most importantly I wasn't happy. I was miserable, its all I thought about. Something had to change, I was missing out on my own life, it was passing me by and I was not there!
When I knew I was ready, I joined Weight Watcher's and attended my first meeting. Hearing other people talk and knowing that they felt the same way I did was what I needed at that time. Extra support from someone other than my own family who I felt could not relate to how I was feeling. I remember calling my mom to ask her if she could watch my kids each Thursday so I could go to my meetings, she has always been my biggest supporter, but I could hear in her voice almost a doubt in my commitment. Like, ok I've heard this before... I wanted to prove everyone wrong and show them what I could do! I was doing this for me, and part of me felt that no one truly understood how serious I was "this time". I was determined. More determined than I had ever felt about anything in my life. I made the commitment.
The first month was by far the hardest, I was starving because I was used to overeating the wrong foods everyday but I was eating ALL the time. I was just eating fruit, yogurt, string cheese, popcorn, different foods. I was moving, I started walking around my block, and each week adding more time/distance to my walks. I WAS SEEING RESULTS!!! The scale was moving!! I kept telling myself, it will get easier...and after a short time - it did!I got over the initial withdraw from the crappy food I was eating, and started being more aware of what I was eating. And let's be honest, when you are noticing changes it becomes a little addicting! I wanted to keep going because I wanted to see more changes!
Throughout the 44 weeks to date, it hasn't always been easy. Its actually been the most challenging thing I've ever done. I have had good days/bad days/terrible days but to get through those days, I just focus on that day. Tomorrow will be better, and I will make different choices. There have been some people along the way that have made it more challenging, by putting temptation in front of me or giving me grief about "dieting"...I hate that word. That's probably what I like most about WW, if I choose to eat cake or a burger, its ok. Its part of the program, its so non-restricting. Absolutely livable. I needed something that would teach me tools to help me, not carve out what I can or cannot eat. WW might not be the answer for everyone, but learning to eat right and exercising is truly the key. Anyone can do it, and be successful!
I've gotten my life back, and I'm just so happy that I did it now and didn't wait another day! We can all make up excuses for starting something tomorrow, but why wait? What is so significant about tomorrow or next month? :) If you want it, and are ready to gain your life back... don't wait another day!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Scale Doesn't Lie.... Weigh In Day
Throughout my entire process I've always had so much anxiety about weigh in day! I put so much pressure on myself each week to "beat" the previous week. I think this must be the competitive side of me... :) I always feel like the number on the scale represents success or failure, which is absolutely not the case! I'm slowly learning that as long as I try my best, the number doesn't really matter. At my meetings we often talk about "non scale" victories, which quite frankly are just (if not more) important that the magic "number". I still remember many of my first changes long before I lost a significant amount of weight. Such as, the first time I could shave my legs without having to push my gut in to bend over, laying in bed without having to tuck my sheets inbetween my chins to watch tv, or not having to stuff my back fat in my bra to prevent rolls to show through my shirts. Those changes were so powerful, and definitely pushed me to want to keep going!!
Over the last few months I've really slowed down with losing pounds, but my inches continue to go down more and more!! Staying positive and understanding that this process does not happen overnight is truly the key the long lasting success!
Everyone has a different "weigh in" routine, and none are right or wrong. I weigh in every Thursday afternoon, its how I started and I prefer to keep it the same time each week. I'm only human, so in the beginning of my journey I have been known to eat minimal or wear very little to weigh in, in hopes that it would magically change my number. Guess what, it doesn't. Its silly to try and trick the scale! If you're doing what you need to be doing, than there's no reason to. This is my typical Thursday routine before I weigh in:
1. I eat a normal breakfast, consisting of fresh fruit and my daily cup of coffee
2. I eat my normal snacks before lunch, usually baby carrots
3. I eat a light lunch by noon, like a sandwich with fat free yogurt & light string cheese
4. After I get off work, I do about 45 minutes of cardio
5. I wear the exact same thing each week, a pair of yoga pants and a tank top
6. I weigh in around 5ish, I always bring a snack for right after. Let's face it I'm starving at that point!
When I am done weighing in, its like I can breathe easy again for six more days. And to be honest,if I know I don't have a special event over the weekend I usually pig out a little bit that night :) What can I say, I'm human!
Though my anxiety levels have gone down with the thought of weighing in each week, I am still getting there...knowing that I worked hard and ate right makes me "ok" with whatever the outcome is.
With that said, today was my weigh in day and with Easter this past week I knew it wasn't going to be great. I was pleasantly surprised that I stayed exactly the same!! Yipppeeeeee!! :)
Over the last few months I've really slowed down with losing pounds, but my inches continue to go down more and more!! Staying positive and understanding that this process does not happen overnight is truly the key the long lasting success!
Everyone has a different "weigh in" routine, and none are right or wrong. I weigh in every Thursday afternoon, its how I started and I prefer to keep it the same time each week. I'm only human, so in the beginning of my journey I have been known to eat minimal or wear very little to weigh in, in hopes that it would magically change my number. Guess what, it doesn't. Its silly to try and trick the scale! If you're doing what you need to be doing, than there's no reason to. This is my typical Thursday routine before I weigh in:
1. I eat a normal breakfast, consisting of fresh fruit and my daily cup of coffee
2. I eat my normal snacks before lunch, usually baby carrots
3. I eat a light lunch by noon, like a sandwich with fat free yogurt & light string cheese
4. After I get off work, I do about 45 minutes of cardio
5. I wear the exact same thing each week, a pair of yoga pants and a tank top
6. I weigh in around 5ish, I always bring a snack for right after. Let's face it I'm starving at that point!
When I am done weighing in, its like I can breathe easy again for six more days. And to be honest,if I know I don't have a special event over the weekend I usually pig out a little bit that night :) What can I say, I'm human!
Though my anxiety levels have gone down with the thought of weighing in each week, I am still getting there...knowing that I worked hard and ate right makes me "ok" with whatever the outcome is.
With that said, today was my weigh in day and with Easter this past week I knew it wasn't going to be great. I was pleasantly surprised that I stayed exactly the same!! Yipppeeeeee!! :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Recipe - Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This one was a HIT in my household! Loved it and very flavorful!!
Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
4 - 5oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2oz Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/2 Cup Canned Diced Tomatoes Drained (I used Italian Seasoned)
* 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Mushrooms
* 1/2 Cup Chopped Spinach (frozen kind works great thawed/drained)
* 1/3 Cup Chopped Onion
1/4 Cup Panko (Japanese Bread Crumbs)
4 tbsp Fat Free Mayonnaise
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Pepper
1 tbsp Basil
*Optional Ingredients
1. Preheat oven to 425° & Spray Baking Pan
2. In bowl mix together feta, tomato, veggies, and seasonings
3. In a separate dish (pie pan works great) add Panko
4. Take a knife and slit open chicken breasts as a pocket (about 2 1/2" long)
5. Add apprx. 1/4 of mixture into each pocket of the chicken breasts, close opening the best you can so ingredients doesn't pour out
6. Brush top of each chicken breast with mayo and gently press into Panko (mayo side)
7. Lightly Spray top with nonstick spray
8. Place chicken in sprayed baking pan, bread crumbs side up
9. Bake for apprx 25-30 minutes
Enjoy!!!
Servings should be one stuffed chicken breast (7 WW PointsPlus Each)
Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
4 - 5oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2oz Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/2 Cup Canned Diced Tomatoes Drained (I used Italian Seasoned)
* 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Mushrooms
* 1/2 Cup Chopped Spinach (frozen kind works great thawed/drained)
* 1/3 Cup Chopped Onion
1/4 Cup Panko (Japanese Bread Crumbs)
4 tbsp Fat Free Mayonnaise
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Pepper
1 tbsp Basil
*Optional Ingredients
1. Preheat oven to 425° & Spray Baking Pan
2. In bowl mix together feta, tomato, veggies, and seasonings
3. In a separate dish (pie pan works great) add Panko
4. Take a knife and slit open chicken breasts as a pocket (about 2 1/2" long)
5. Add apprx. 1/4 of mixture into each pocket of the chicken breasts, close opening the best you can so ingredients doesn't pour out
6. Brush top of each chicken breast with mayo and gently press into Panko (mayo side)
7. Lightly Spray top with nonstick spray
8. Place chicken in sprayed baking pan, bread crumbs side up
9. Bake for apprx 25-30 minutes
Enjoy!!!
Servings should be one stuffed chicken breast (7 WW PointsPlus Each)
Recipe - Pumpkin Mousse (or pie)
Each week I would like to post some of my favorite recipes, I love to cook but am certainly not a chef! Let me know if you try any of the recipes :)
I posted this one in another blog entry the other day, but would like them listed separately from the other stuff I babble about, so here it is again!
Pumpkin Mousse (thank you to my WW leader for this one!!)
1 Small tub of Fat Free Cool Whip
1 Can of Pumpkin
1 Package of Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding Mix (powder only)
Nutmeg to taste
*Optional Reduced Fat Graham Cracker Crust
Mix together and enjoy!
For more of a dessert serve in Reduced Fat Graham Cracker Pie Crust
Servings without crust should be approximately 1/2 cup (2 WW PointsPlus)
Servings with pie crust should be 1/8 of total pie (5 WW PointsPlus)
I posted this one in another blog entry the other day, but would like them listed separately from the other stuff I babble about, so here it is again!
Pumpkin Mousse (thank you to my WW leader for this one!!)
1 Small tub of Fat Free Cool Whip
1 Can of Pumpkin
1 Package of Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding Mix (powder only)
Nutmeg to taste
*Optional Reduced Fat Graham Cracker Crust
Mix together and enjoy!
For more of a dessert serve in Reduced Fat Graham Cracker Pie Crust
Servings without crust should be approximately 1/2 cup (2 WW PointsPlus)
Servings with pie crust should be 1/8 of total pie (5 WW PointsPlus)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Weigh In History and Other Stats/Milestones
I weigh in every Thursday afternoon, listed below is my complete history to date. I will continue to update it each time I weigh in. It is so important to keep these records when starting a lifestyle change and beginning the process to the "new and improved" you!
06/24/2010 Initial Weigh In, starting point
07/01/2010 Week 1 -4.6
07/08/2010 Week 2 -2.0 Total -6.6
07/15/2010 Week 3 -1.4 Total -8.0
07/22/2010 Week 4 -2.2 Total -10.2 Met 5% Goal
07/29/2010 Week 5 -2.4 Total -12.6
08/05/2010 Week 6 -0.0 Total -12.6
08/12/2010 Week 7 -2.6 Total -15.2
08/19/2010 Week 8 -1.2 Total -16.4
08/26/2010 Week 9 -1.4 Total -17.8
09/02/2010 Week 10 -2.0 Total -19.8
09/09/2010 Week 11 -.2 Total -20.0 Met 10% Goal
09/16/2010 Week 12 -1.8 Total -21.8
09/23/2010 Week 13 -1.4 Total -23.2
09/30/2010 Week 14 -1.6 Total -24.8
10/07/2010 Week 15 -1.0 Total -25.8
10/14/2010 Week 16 -1.0 Total -26.8
10/21/2010 Week 17 -2.6 Total -29.4
10/28/2010 Week 18 -1.6 Total -31.0
11/04/2010 Week 19 -1.2 Total -32.2
11/11/2010 Week 20 -.6 Total -32.8
11/18/2010 Week 21 -1.0 Total -33.8
11/23/2010 Week 22 -.8 Total -34.6
12/02/2010 Week 23 -.2 Total -34.8
12/09/2010 Week 24 -1.4 Total -36.2
12/16/2010 Week 25 -0.00 Total -36.2
12/23/2010 Week 26 -3.0 Total -39.2
12/30/2010 Week 27 -1.4 Total -40.6
01/06/2011 Week 28 -.6 Total -41.2
01/13/2011 Week 29 -.8 Total -42.0
01/20/2011 Week 30 -2.0 Total -44.0
01/27/2011 Week 31 -.4 Total -44.4
02/03/2011 Week 32 -.6 Total -45.0
02/10/2011 Week 33 -.8 Total -45.8
02/17/2011 Week 34 -0.0 Total -45.8
02/24/2011 Week 35 -2.4 Total -48.2
03/02/2011 Week 36 Did not weigh in
03/10/2011 Week 37 +.6 Total -47.6
03/17/2011 Week 38 -.4 Total -48.0
03/24/2011 Week 39 -1.2 Total -49.2
03/31/2011 Week 40 -1.0 Total -50.2 Met Lifetime Goal
04/07/2011 Week 41 -.6 Total -50.8
04/14/2011 Week 42 Did not weigh in
04/21/2011 Week 43 -.6 Total -51.4
04/28/2011 Week 44 -0.00 Total -51.4
05/05/2011 Week 46 -.8 Total -52.2
05/12/2011 Week 47 +.6 Total -51.6
05/19/2011 Week 48 -.6 Total -52.2 Celebrated Lifetime!!!!!
05/27/2011 Week 49 +.6 Total -51.6
06/09/2011 Week 51 -2.2 Total -53.8
06/16/2011 Week 52 +1.2 Total -52.6
06/30/2011 Week 54 -1.4 Total -54.0
07/14/2011 Week 56 -.2 Total -54.2
08/04/2011 Week 59 +.8 Total -53.4
08/11/2011 Week 60 -.6 Total -54.0
08/18/2011 Week 61 -1.2 Total 55.2 Hit 55lbs down!!!!!
09/15/2011 Week 65 +1.0 Total -54.2
10/13/2011 Week 69 +.8 Total -53.4
5k/Race History
09/11/2010 5k Finished 41.26
04/15/2011 5k Finished 36.45
05/07/2011 5k Finished 35.10
05/14/2011 5k Finished 30.04
08/06/2011 5k Finished 36.47
10/08/2011 5k Finished 32.35
Inline Marathon (26.2 Miles)
09/17/2011 Finished 2 Hours 7 Minutes 41.8 Seconds
06/24/2010 Initial Weigh In, starting point
07/01/2010 Week 1 -4.6
07/08/2010 Week 2 -2.0 Total -6.6
07/15/2010 Week 3 -1.4 Total -8.0
07/22/2010 Week 4 -2.2 Total -10.2 Met 5% Goal
07/29/2010 Week 5 -2.4 Total -12.6
08/05/2010 Week 6 -0.0 Total -12.6
08/12/2010 Week 7 -2.6 Total -15.2
08/19/2010 Week 8 -1.2 Total -16.4
08/26/2010 Week 9 -1.4 Total -17.8
09/02/2010 Week 10 -2.0 Total -19.8
09/09/2010 Week 11 -.2 Total -20.0 Met 10% Goal
09/16/2010 Week 12 -1.8 Total -21.8
09/23/2010 Week 13 -1.4 Total -23.2
09/30/2010 Week 14 -1.6 Total -24.8
10/07/2010 Week 15 -1.0 Total -25.8
10/14/2010 Week 16 -1.0 Total -26.8
10/21/2010 Week 17 -2.6 Total -29.4
10/28/2010 Week 18 -1.6 Total -31.0
11/04/2010 Week 19 -1.2 Total -32.2
11/11/2010 Week 20 -.6 Total -32.8
11/18/2010 Week 21 -1.0 Total -33.8
11/23/2010 Week 22 -.8 Total -34.6
12/02/2010 Week 23 -.2 Total -34.8
12/09/2010 Week 24 -1.4 Total -36.2
12/16/2010 Week 25 -0.00 Total -36.2
12/23/2010 Week 26 -3.0 Total -39.2
12/30/2010 Week 27 -1.4 Total -40.6
01/06/2011 Week 28 -.6 Total -41.2
01/13/2011 Week 29 -.8 Total -42.0
01/20/2011 Week 30 -2.0 Total -44.0
01/27/2011 Week 31 -.4 Total -44.4
02/03/2011 Week 32 -.6 Total -45.0
02/10/2011 Week 33 -.8 Total -45.8
02/17/2011 Week 34 -0.0 Total -45.8
02/24/2011 Week 35 -2.4 Total -48.2
03/02/2011 Week 36 Did not weigh in
03/10/2011 Week 37 +.6 Total -47.6
03/17/2011 Week 38 -.4 Total -48.0
03/24/2011 Week 39 -1.2 Total -49.2
03/31/2011 Week 40 -1.0 Total -50.2 Met Lifetime Goal
04/07/2011 Week 41 -.6 Total -50.8
04/14/2011 Week 42 Did not weigh in
04/21/2011 Week 43 -.6 Total -51.4
04/28/2011 Week 44 -0.00 Total -51.4
05/05/2011 Week 46 -.8 Total -52.2
05/12/2011 Week 47 +.6 Total -51.6
05/19/2011 Week 48 -.6 Total -52.2 Celebrated Lifetime!!!!!
05/27/2011 Week 49 +.6 Total -51.6
06/09/2011 Week 51 -2.2 Total -53.8
06/16/2011 Week 52 +1.2 Total -52.6
06/30/2011 Week 54 -1.4 Total -54.0
07/14/2011 Week 56 -.2 Total -54.2
08/04/2011 Week 59 +.8 Total -53.4
08/11/2011 Week 60 -.6 Total -54.0
08/18/2011 Week 61 -1.2 Total 55.2 Hit 55lbs down!!!!!
09/15/2011 Week 65 +1.0 Total -54.2
10/13/2011 Week 69 +.8 Total -53.4
5k/Race History
09/11/2010 5k Finished 41.26
04/15/2011 5k Finished 36.45
05/07/2011 5k Finished 35.10
05/14/2011 5k Finished 30.04
08/06/2011 5k Finished 36.47
10/08/2011 5k Finished 32.35
Inline Marathon (26.2 Miles)
09/17/2011 Finished 2 Hours 7 Minutes 41.8 Seconds
Tips for Success!
I received my very first blog comment today asking how someone can have success without joining a program like Weight Watcher's. My head began exploding with ideas for her! So instead of responding with a page long answer, she gave me my next idea for today's entry!
There are many, many ways to be successful with losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. I'm STILL learning myself, I'm not a professional or health expert. These are just things that have helped me along the way and most of them, through trial and error.
1. Weigh yourself, and write it down. From that point on, continue to weigh yourself weekly, preferably at the same time.
2. Food journal. This was my least favorite thing, but by far the most important tool I have done. Seeing each day what I was putting in my mouth was a HUGE eye opener! I write down everything I eat, including condiments, portion sizes - everything. You'd be amazed what you eat without realizing it.
3. Before and progress pictures. I cried for days after taking my first set of pictures. I had no clue how heavy I was until I saw it in the pictures. I have continued to take the same pictures every ten pounds wearing the exact same thing. I am so glad I did this, watching my body change was so motivating!
4. Read labels and nutrition facts. Absolutely crucial, and do it BEFORE you eat it if possible.
5. Start off subtle. Instead of making a complete overhaul in one day, start off by focusing on one small step at a time.
6. Start moving! Regardless of the level of intensity, just move. Walk, run, yoga, strength training, whatever you enjoy or preference is. You need to get that heart going and work up a sweat!
7. Use small dinner plates.
8. Before a special event of any kind, eat a snack before you go. You are more likely not to over do it.
9. Set small goals. It feels overwhelming to focus on the "big" picture. Set realistic small goals, and work in 5 pound increments. And when you hit those small goals, celebrate it!
10. Have healthy snacks available and on hand. I carry baggies of fruit or veggies in my purse at all times, you have no idea how this has saved me!
11. Learn the menu at your favorite places to eat. I google the menu before going out to eat so I can be prepared prior to going.
12. Be prepared. During the week, I prepare my lunch/snacks the night before.
13. Do not over-restrict. Don't go into this with a mindset that you "cannot" eat that. Eat the things you enjoy in moderation. If I know I have a night out on the weekend, I am good all week so I feel like I can enjoy what I eat without the guilt.
14. Losing slow is best. This is a lifestyle, not a quick fix.
15. Some days are good, some are not so good. Own it, and move on. Tomorrows a new day :)
16. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions when you order food. Most places will accomidate your request if you ask!
17. Talk about it! Don't be ashamed about the process. I found the more open I am the more accountable I am.
18. Ask for fat free dressing on the side! People are under the impression by ordering a salad, they are eating healthy. What they don't realize is the dressing is terrible for fat! Get it on the side and drizzle it instead of pouring the whole thing on top.
19. Splurge and take days off!
20. Most importantly, challenge yourself! Get out of your comfort zone a bit and try something new.
I could go on and on.... these are the top 20 most important tips I can give someone asking for advice! Again, totally MY opinion! There are many more, everyones process is different :)
Good luck and feedback is absolutely welcomed! Have a great day :)
There are many, many ways to be successful with losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. I'm STILL learning myself, I'm not a professional or health expert. These are just things that have helped me along the way and most of them, through trial and error.
1. Weigh yourself, and write it down. From that point on, continue to weigh yourself weekly, preferably at the same time.
2. Food journal. This was my least favorite thing, but by far the most important tool I have done. Seeing each day what I was putting in my mouth was a HUGE eye opener! I write down everything I eat, including condiments, portion sizes - everything. You'd be amazed what you eat without realizing it.
3. Before and progress pictures. I cried for days after taking my first set of pictures. I had no clue how heavy I was until I saw it in the pictures. I have continued to take the same pictures every ten pounds wearing the exact same thing. I am so glad I did this, watching my body change was so motivating!
4. Read labels and nutrition facts. Absolutely crucial, and do it BEFORE you eat it if possible.
5. Start off subtle. Instead of making a complete overhaul in one day, start off by focusing on one small step at a time.
6. Start moving! Regardless of the level of intensity, just move. Walk, run, yoga, strength training, whatever you enjoy or preference is. You need to get that heart going and work up a sweat!
7. Use small dinner plates.
8. Before a special event of any kind, eat a snack before you go. You are more likely not to over do it.
9. Set small goals. It feels overwhelming to focus on the "big" picture. Set realistic small goals, and work in 5 pound increments. And when you hit those small goals, celebrate it!
10. Have healthy snacks available and on hand. I carry baggies of fruit or veggies in my purse at all times, you have no idea how this has saved me!
11. Learn the menu at your favorite places to eat. I google the menu before going out to eat so I can be prepared prior to going.
12. Be prepared. During the week, I prepare my lunch/snacks the night before.
13. Do not over-restrict. Don't go into this with a mindset that you "cannot" eat that. Eat the things you enjoy in moderation. If I know I have a night out on the weekend, I am good all week so I feel like I can enjoy what I eat without the guilt.
14. Losing slow is best. This is a lifestyle, not a quick fix.
15. Some days are good, some are not so good. Own it, and move on. Tomorrows a new day :)
16. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions when you order food. Most places will accomidate your request if you ask!
17. Talk about it! Don't be ashamed about the process. I found the more open I am the more accountable I am.
18. Ask for fat free dressing on the side! People are under the impression by ordering a salad, they are eating healthy. What they don't realize is the dressing is terrible for fat! Get it on the side and drizzle it instead of pouring the whole thing on top.
19. Splurge and take days off!
20. Most importantly, challenge yourself! Get out of your comfort zone a bit and try something new.
I could go on and on.... these are the top 20 most important tips I can give someone asking for advice! Again, totally MY opinion! There are many more, everyones process is different :)
Good luck and feedback is absolutely welcomed! Have a great day :)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Feeling gross after a holiday weekend of sweets and JUNK!
The dreaded holiday weekend FULL of candy, desserts, and tons of food. I am a firm believer that on special occasions you should splurge, let your hair down and enjoy a little break from the "norm". I totally use the holiday weekend as an excuse to eat whatever I like without feeling guilty. Afterwards, I feel gross. I typically workout at least five days a week and with such a crazy weekend and company over, I've been slacking off for the last few days! Blah. I NEVER used to workout, and now when I don't, I really feel it! How the heck did that happen?!!
As a mom of two young children, our house is now filled with a ridiculous amount of candy!! I am seriously considering throwing away the Easter basket candy just to get it out of my house. When its around me, I graze. A couple pieces here and there... eventually it all adds up! There is a happy medium with overeating sweets and eating them in moderation. Right now, I'm still trying to finding that balance. Like many people, sweets are my weakness! The "fat" girl in me, still wants to pig out when no one is looking. This whole process is full of ups and downs.
In the end, I can't take back the poor choices I've made or beat myself up over an overboard weekend, even if I have a gain at my weigh in. Just part of the process!
Own it and move on!
To take away...Something I try to do is have other options that are sweet but a healthier choice. I made a Pumpkin Mousse pie for Easter, it was delicious and surprisingly a hit with my guests! This recipe came from my WW Leader and I've made the mousse without pie crust to make it even more healthy!
1 Can of Pumpkin
1 Tub of Fat Free Whipped Cream
1 Package of Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding Mix (powder only)
Nutmeg to taste
Mix together and enjoy by itself, with fruit as a dip, or in a Graham Cracker pie crust
Why start a blog about MY journey?
In June 2010, I had enough. I was unhappy, and extremely overweight. I was the type of person who complained about being heavy, but was too lazy to do anything about it! I hated exercise and came up with any excuse not to do anything about it. My eating habits were out of control, and so was my life. As a short 5'4" woman, I was over 200 pounds and increasing rapidly. Something "clicked" I needed a change. I lost who I was. I was so consumed by my weight, that I felt I was trapped in someone else's body. On June 21, 2010 I received a company email at work that talked about procrastinating and how we all come up with excuses to start tomorrow on a project. That's all it took for me. I joined Weight Watcher's that night and started my journey.
I have been very open about my success with not just losing weight, but changing my life. Many, many people have shared with me how following my story has helped them or inspired them to make a change in their own lives. To hear someone tell me that I have inspired them, I cannot even tell you how that makes me feel. Its truly the biggest honor and makes every struggle worth it. I post on my Facebook page all the time regarding this topic and I felt with all of the positive feedback, why not start a journal about MY JOURNEY! Not only will it hopefully keep me honest about my struggles, my success, and my progress BUT maybe I can help even one person that can relate to what I go through or went through. If I can help, this is worth it!
To date, I have lost 51.4 pounds. I workout hard, eat right, but I'm human. My life is not consumed by this every moment of my life...I enjoy food, and sometimes I don't want to workout. Its OK! I am not paid to endorse Weight Watcher's, I am a real person who just happen to choose this tool to help with my journey, but something WW has preached from day 1 - this is a lifestyle. And that is what I've appreciated the most. Its not a quick fix, its a way to teach us to live our lives by making smart choices and learning self control.
I am open to suggestions, hearing other's views, but I ask for anyone that follows my journey to be respectful. I tend to be brutally honest, so hopefully those of you that need some extra support may find this helpful :) It's not always glamorous, and certainly not easy!
Thanks! And many more posts to come! And ps.... I do this from my phone, my spelling/grammer may not be perfect- sorry, that's me!
Shantal
The family picture posted on here is exactly two years prior to my journey. I wasn't even at my heaviest quite yet here... Hard to believe, that was me.
I have been very open about my success with not just losing weight, but changing my life. Many, many people have shared with me how following my story has helped them or inspired them to make a change in their own lives. To hear someone tell me that I have inspired them, I cannot even tell you how that makes me feel. Its truly the biggest honor and makes every struggle worth it. I post on my Facebook page all the time regarding this topic and I felt with all of the positive feedback, why not start a journal about MY JOURNEY! Not only will it hopefully keep me honest about my struggles, my success, and my progress BUT maybe I can help even one person that can relate to what I go through or went through. If I can help, this is worth it!
To date, I have lost 51.4 pounds. I workout hard, eat right, but I'm human. My life is not consumed by this every moment of my life...I enjoy food, and sometimes I don't want to workout. Its OK! I am not paid to endorse Weight Watcher's, I am a real person who just happen to choose this tool to help with my journey, but something WW has preached from day 1 - this is a lifestyle. And that is what I've appreciated the most. Its not a quick fix, its a way to teach us to live our lives by making smart choices and learning self control.
I am open to suggestions, hearing other's views, but I ask for anyone that follows my journey to be respectful. I tend to be brutally honest, so hopefully those of you that need some extra support may find this helpful :) It's not always glamorous, and certainly not easy!
Thanks! And many more posts to come! And ps.... I do this from my phone, my spelling/grammer may not be perfect- sorry, that's me!
Shantal
The family picture posted on here is exactly two years prior to my journey. I wasn't even at my heaviest quite yet here... Hard to believe, that was me.
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