Weight Watchers Changed My Life

Life on the new points program

2011-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Between my business to a new company and the new Weight Watchers Points Plus program life has been nothing short of a huge adjustment lately. After following the old points system for so long I had all my favorite foods points values memorized making grabbing something on the go easy. Now that all the points values are different and the fact that I am gone from home for 8-12 hour stretches of time the actual number of days I've counted points has been very limited. I loved the old program and I trust that the new program will be just as great if not better than the old. Having to learn a new program has been a bad excuse to not bring food to the office and just grab lunch or dinner while I'm out. The result has been expensive and not nice to all the hard work I've already put in.

One of my favorite changes has been the permission to eat bananas. In the past bananas were way too big of a tradeoff for 2 points in my mind. There were tons of other fruits I would rather eat for half the points value. Now that they aren't so "high" in points I make sure to have one every morning blended in a green monster shake. It contains 1 cup of 2% milk, 1 banana and 1-2 cups of spinach all blended up. If I have bananas that are almost bad I peel them and place them in the freezer, older bananas taste better than green ones. If I don't have any frozen ones I throw in about 10 ice cubes. The GM turns out a bright green color but it tastes similar to a banana milk shake, other than the color there is no hint of the spinach. Click here if you are interested in learning more about the green monster movement.

Working from bed enjoying my 3 point Green Monster.

I actually look forward to drinking this more than my morning coffee. I won't admit this fact to my husband though because I love when he makes my coffee he hands it to me and says this is going to be the best cup of coffee you've ever had.

Current Favorite Food

2010-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm still here. I've lost just under 5 lbs since going back to meetings. I am so happy to be attending again since they really help me stay on track.

I figured that I would share with you a current favorite food I got from my Mom. She mixes a serving of low fat cottage cheese (2 pts) and veggies together with a dash of Lawry's seasoning salt. She likes to use celery and peppers but I truthfully can't stand either uncooked so I add in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and the Lawry's.

It took some courage on my part to try this new creation but I have had it everyday since. For only two points it is pretty filling. You can really load up the cottage cheese with a ton of veggies for no added points to bulk up this up for a meal or snack. I almost triple the amount of food I'm eating rather than just having 1/2 a cup of CC. Cottage Cheese also has a great amount of protein and fat that will keep you full longer.

2010-09-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

I have been working really hard lately to grow my real estate business. I am doing so by building a network of people who will hopefully refer deals to me someday. You may be asking yourself what does this have to do with Weight Watchers? Well the best most professional way I can see building a business relationship is by sitting down to a cup of coffee. I have made it my weekly duty to have at least four cups of coffee a week while still count my points and lose weight. To some of you this may be no problem but to me who loves a frozen coffee from our local coffee shop that is 6 of my 22 daily points. I have also had to start straying from my local coffee shop because everyone knows exactly where a *tarbucks is since there is one on every corner. I have finally figured out how to have a "cup of coffee" at every appointment without sacrificing my daily points and without having caffeine since I weaned off about a year ago.

Unsweetened Tazo iced passion tea!

Yummy, doesn't taste like tea and it can be sweetened with splenda without adding calories. It is also about 1/2 the cost of my typical coffee drink. I've enjoyed it so much I buy the tea to brew at home when I need something sweet but don't want to waste calories.

Weight check in

2010-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've been attending meetings again for three weeks now and as a way to check in I've listed my weight loss stats.

1st week only .2 lbs lost because of muscle growth

2nd week lost 2 lbs!

3rd week lost .6 lbs

I had a crazy week and only got in 1 full day of point counting so the loss was a shock to me

The grand total lost is 2.8 lbs in three weeks

To wrap my head around this number I asked my husband to pull out some of his weights. The 2.5 pound plates weighted much more than I would have ever imagined. Mentally thinking about the fact that it would be my ideal to lose 10 times the weight of the two plates seems so mind boggling to me. I guess even .2 lbs can add up each week!

How to burn 4800 calories in a day

2010-09-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today I burned 4800 calories or 71 activity points.

You may wonder how I did it, first know it took 9 hours and I'm absolutely exhausted.

I climbed from where the photo was taken to the peak on the left, back down to where they meet and over to the peak on the far right...

Then from there we headed to the peak in the middle of the photo below.

Then on to the peak in the middle of the photo below and all the way down.

If your counting that is a total of four 14ers today. (14er is a mountain over 14,000 feet)

I did it all with my little brother, so great to get to spend all day with him.

Climbing even one of these is so physically demanding that you must almost constantly be eating and drinking to keep your energy up. Between Gatorade and Peanut butter today alone I burned 26 point. While I didn't "count points" before I ate them I've added up what I've eaten and I still have about 50 activity points left. I'm not sure how this is going to affect my weight in tomorrow but we will see. Can't get much worse than my .2 loss last week.

I have to say one of the best side effects mentally of climbing 14ers is seeing how much your body needs calories and carbs for energy.

Sun Dried Tomatoes

2010-09-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today at Costco I finally found an item I have been searching for...

Sun dried tomatoes not stored in oil!

If you measure out 1 serving they are 0 points because they don't have the added points from oil. I love throwing these in scrambled egg whites with spinach and a laughing cow cheese. They are also great in a salad.

These are also available in my local grocery and I actually gave in a purchased 2 bags of them this week because I had give up on Costco having them again. I wish I would have waited though because 2 small bags were the same price as about 5 times as much from Costco.

If you have any other ideas of what I could add these too I would love the suggestion.

Adding protein

2010-08-30T22:18:00.001-07:00

At last weeks meeting I learned the importance of eating protein and that it keeps up full longer. As I am reincorporating it back into my major meals I am realizing how true that fact is. It can be hard to do at first though because these items can be higher in points because of fat.

One of my favorite ways to add meat lately is to add cut up 1 point of deli turkey to a salad with 2 points of light ranch or light blue cheese dressing. For three points I love it and it keeps me full!

eTools

2010-08-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Now that I have the Weight Watchers monthly pass I have eTools as well. If you have it and are interested in being friends on it find me under mrsjcrew. Hopefully I'll see some of you there!

Remembering how far I've come

2010-08-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

I went to my 2nd meeting this week and was disappointed that I only lost .2 lbs. I am trying to remember that I made a ton of changes to my body this week and it may take it a little bit to know that it is going to continually be feed still. I also only counted points 4 days before weigh in. I thought that three intense workouts would counteract this though.

When I have bad days like that I need to remember exactly how far I have come on Weight Watchers and how far I can go still. I recently came across a photo I had untagged on Facebook about 3 years...

aside from finding bronzer I can tell a huge difference

Still a ways to go though, I cut out my less than trim arms.

What's different this time

2010-08-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was reading through my old posts and realized how many times I've mentioned that I'm back. This time I truly believe is different simply because I'm approaching it differently.

Last time I focused only on counting points but now my priorities are counting points, eating better foods, running and lifting weights. I know that sounds like a lot of changes at once but I have realized I am an all or nothing girl.

Attending meetings and paying for them myself (last time a friend did) also makes a huge difference. I am racing to get to the finish faster so I can spend the money in other ways once I hit lifetime membership.

Last time I attended meetings I very rarely worked out and I didn't always make wise decisions about what I ate as long as it fit into my points. One of my almost daily favorite things was 6 point coffees that are now a rare treat on a super busy day. Before I also figured I would add fitness in once I got to "that" point but my focus wasn't strong enough to make it to that imaginary point. I am hoping to see results faster this time and have that be an inspiration to keep up with ALL of the hard work.

An example of eating better than before. I'll post more about this gross looking thing soon, just know now though it is Yummy!

Are you an all or nothing person like me or are you a one step and a time or I'll burn out person?

Back to meetings

2010-08-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

So I have a little bit of news for all of you followers.

I have started attending the Weight Watchers meetings again and I am really excited about them! I think they are the motivation I need to get to my goal weight. I will share more soon with you. If you are stuck though like I was it is worth the $4o for the monthly pass!

3 weeks

2010-07-29T21:30:00.001-07:00

So we are back from vacation and I am finishing up day 4 in a row of counting points. It's been a rough month for counting points but I am so happy to be back.

I read an interesting article today in the doctors office about losing weight, it said that fad diets work only because you lose water weight at first. I think we all know that but it went on to say that you don't actually start losing fat until around week three. It motivated me to think of weight watchers differently than counting points when it is convenient. To continue losing I need to step it up and stick with it. So much easier to type than actually do.

We have a big Music Festival coming up in three weeks where I will run into so many people so that is great motivation to stick with it for at least the next three weeks.

Do you need a goal or upcoming event to motivate you or is the lose enough?

Cucumber sandwiches

2010-07-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite that is only 2 points...

I put ww cream cheese (1 pt) on a 1 pt bagel thin and top it with slices of cucumber and salt and pepper. So yummy, light and fresh!

I had something almost identical at a lunch I attended and loved it so much I figured I would make it but for as little points as possible. What favorite have you made work into your daily points?

Fitting in more veggies and fruits

2010-05-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Lately while counting my points I have been working really hard on eating as many fruits and veggies as possible. I normally throw away the tub of spinach from Costco when I clean my fridge every two weeks but last time I almost finished it. I bought another one a few days ago and it will be gone soon! It is a little bit of an adjustment to add so much fiber to your diet but it is well worth it. I also get to eat so much more food because they are so low in points and so filling. I am actually having trouble getting in all my points by the end of the day.

To give you an idea of what I'm talking about here's what I ate yesterday...

2 coffee

3 big spinach with fat free Italian, turkey bacon and hard boiled egg

2 bagel thin with cream cheese

1 string cheese

0 green beans

2 granola bar

1 prunes

2 scrambled egg whites with spinach and sun dried tomatoes

1 cut up apple with cinnamon and sugar

0 grilled peppers

0 V8

1 popcorn

1 superfood juice (1/2 serving watered down)

2 coffee

1 grapefruit

Fast, easy and only 2 points!

2010-04-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to celebrate the small things and today I am celebrating the fact that I was able to count my points yesterday! The first day is the hardest and now I am past that. I woke up feeling proud and ready to start counting again today.

I started the day with my typical cup of coffee and decided I was in the mood to make something special so I made an egg white omelet. Basically I scrambled 3 egg whites with a little water added instead of milk. At the very end I threw in a handful of spinach and some sun-dried tomatoes and let it cook just till the spinach wilted. I threw in a light laughing cow cheese wedge and stirred till it was melted. The tomatoes were my favorite part. The fiber from the spinach and tomatoes makes it pretty filling. Easy and gourmet for only 2 points!!

Typical Day

2010-04-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

I was asked what I typically eat in a day so I figured that I would share what I am planning for today. I really believe planning every point you are going to eat that day keeps you on track better than winging it. I have found that keeping track in the notepad part of my iPhone works the best for me, most phones have these now I believe. Why not have it with you at all times.

The top part is what I have already eaten and the bottom is what I have planned for the day. I move them around as the day goes on. They don't need to be eaten in that order but having a list makes it so much easier.

Wedding Weight

2010-04-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

It's been a month since I've posted and that generally means one thing, life got in the way and Weight Watchers took a back seat. The best part though is that today is a new day and you don't have to start a process again just start counting points.

Last week I had a doctors appointment with a doctor I hadn't seen since right before we got married, as soon as the nurse had written down my weight I asked if she had my last weight from my last visit. I was down 4 lbs from my wedding weight! This may not sound like a lot but I was also pretty happy with the way I looked at my wedding. I really didn't start gaining weight until after we said I do. I also had been terrible about counting points so I knew I was a few pounds heavier than I could be.

Weight Watchers really does work if you stick to the program and count every bite that goes into your mouth.

Winner of the giveaway

2010-03-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Finally getting around to posting the winner of the giveaway!

The lucky winner is

Kathy!!

Please leave me a message with your address so Progresso can send you the prize.

Progresso Soup Giveaway

2010-02-26T18:44:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me if I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life the answer would be simple for me, SOUP! I love it and could really eat it everyday. When I started Weight Watchers I had a hard time finding soups that were low in points. I was so excited when Progresso came out with their line of Weight Watcher’s soups. I could have a cup of soup that ranged anywhere from 0 - 1 point. The way that I have found most successful for me to stick to my points and not be hungry is to eat small meals and tons of 1 point snacks in between. The 0 point options were perfect on days when I was out of points and still needed something. Both are a great option that really felt more like a meal than a snack. Yesterday I heated up a cup of the 50 calorie onion soup and shredded a light string cheese in it for a lighter twist on french onion soup!

Here’s your opportunity to try the soup for FREE!

Just leave a comment before March 6th for one entry and become a follower for another. If you are the winner Progresso will send you two cans of soup, a mug and a jump rope. For an even bigger prize visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou and enter to win their Souper You contest for a chance to win an all-expense paid makeover trip to New York City.

I’m sure that some of you have already figured out how great the Progresso soups and for those of you who haven’t make sure to add them to your grocery list.

(Thanks to Progresso for providing this giveaway!)

Goals

2010-01-22T12:20:00.001-08:00

I just realized it has been 2 weeks since I have updated. Two posts ago I talked about trying to get back to 150, since then I have hit my goal. It feels great to be back there and know that any more lost will be real progress rather than losing weight for the second time. I have been really constant about getting in miles every week but I realized unless I am counting points I don't lose weight. It is just too easy to overeat after working out. I was getting in 20 miles a week but staying the same weight.

Remember when I set the goal of getting new shoes before the end of the year? I got them Middle of December and have already put 100 miles on them!

Stay tuned because I have a giveaway coming very soon!

Starving today

2010-01-07T23:08:00.000-08:00

4th day in a row counting points, it's also the first day of these that I have not run & I am STARVING. I was talking to my sister in law today I mentioned this to her, she told me that when she gets home from a run she is starving. Her husband on the other side is just like me and exercise makes him less hungry.

Are you like me or my sister in law, more hungry before or after a workout?

my journey

2010-01-06T23:06:00.000-08:00

I have been talking a lot about weight loss and tip but I haven't shared my journey with you in a while. I have done a really good job about keeping the weight off over the past year but truthfully I haven't done a great job at losing any additional weight. We have been trying for a baby and it is a hard time to try and lose weight. There is the few day ttc window and then the two weeks of waiting. Every month it feels like your life is put on hold just in case this is the month. The last thing I wanted to add on top of that is counting points and worrying about what you are eating. Basically I have counted points about 1-3 days a week. Every month when I discover I am not pregnant I am somewhat relieved because I selfishly don't want this to be my pre pregnancy weight. I have determined this though... I eat 10 times better when I am counting points. If we are pregnant counting points is good because I am constantly keeping my blood sugar regular and eating real foods not fast food.

There's the excuse here's the facts, I have gained about 6 lbs recently over what I consider my lowest recent weight, 150. Luckily in the week and a half since discovering this I have lost three of these lbs! I try and get in 3,000 to 3,500 cal of workout every week and follow my points 5- 6 days a week. Some weeks it is going to be less than that but that's ok. (3,500 cal is equal to 1 lb.) Maybe dropping some more weight will be just what we need to finally get pregnant and if not then it will have other benefits.

Donuts

2010-01-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

I have joined a new site to track/motivate my running/walking it's called daily mile. The site has an interesting section in it (you may have to click to enlarge)...

Did you see the silly thing?

After 90 minutes of running/walk in the snow (much harder) I only burned 5.10 donuts, crazy. Another reason to count points rather than just work out to lose weight. Because seriously how long would it really take to eat 5 donuts rather than burn them off?

If you want to friend me on there my name is simpleyeclassic (no T) same as my Twitter account. (It may be easier to use my e-mail, mrsjcrew@yahoo.com) I would love to see as many of you as possible on there!

hot then your cold

2009-12-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have gotten quiet a few comments about people shying away from running/walking outside because of the cold. I had a thought today about it. In some ways it is harder because you have to deal with the cold, shorter days and the snow but I would prefer that to the summer heat and having to get my workout in before 10 am (not a morning person). It really is easier to add gloves, a hat or an extra layer that can be taken off then just having to deal with the heat because there is no other option other than starting earlier.

I do have a friend however that would rather run in the high noon summer heat than run in the cold. I think you are built for one or the other. Try getting out in the cold though because I bet you may enjoy it more that you would think.

Click here to get some winter run tips from the Lulelemon Blog about dressing for the cold.

eating to burn more calories

2009-12-29T18:13:00.000-08:00

I hit my 300 mile goal today!

This week has been super productive, I have already gotten in 14 miles in the past 3 days. If I make all the runs I have planned out I will get in 26-29 miles total this week.

I want to talk today about fueling our bodies for life and exercise. I can tell such a difference on the days after I have counted points. Today will be the third day in a row that I have stayed on track as well as the third day that I have gotten in miles. I can tell that I get more energy every day because of the combination.

After yesterday's 5 mile walk I was exhausted even though I didn't attempt to run in the snow. That evening my legs were exhausted all night. Today I went just as far on a trail that had much more hills, ran a good part of it and burned about 4oo calories more than the day before. My legs aren't sore tonight and I feel great.

This is the biggest change between the two days....

I ate this half way through my workout. It really made such a difference. Especially when the last mile was all uphill in this slush...

It was about three inches thick of slush and so hard to walk in.

I can't imagine how hard it was on this little one. I was going to leave her home today because I had taken her so far already this week. She was so excited though when I was getting ready that I couldn't leave her behind. It's funny that a dog can tell when you have workout clothes on.

Basically because I ate the extra 120 calories I was able to burn 400 more calories and recover faster. Food isn't the enemy but the fuel.

Results of planning ahead

2009-12-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

Ok girls the holidays are almost over, just New Years is left to go. Let the excused end and the weight loss start!

Earlier this month I talked about planning your exercise for the week ahead. It really worked for me. I didn't make every run I planned but I did get in 52 miles so far this month. That's 34 more mile this month because of planning ahead.

"Failing to plan is like planning to fail"

Today was way too snowy to run but I still hit the trail and got in 4 miles and some stunning photos.

2009-12-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

Love Christmas and the holidays but I am so excited to be back on track!

I want to say temptation free but we all know that's not our world.

You gotta start somewhere

2009-12-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those days when I was on an amazing runner's high! Three weeks of hard work was all worth it. It all started with walking. Remember you gotta start somewhere.

2009-12-15T21:24:00.001-08:00

I just read this quote on Runner's World and figured it was too good not to share.

"Only exercise can take care of the calories you've already eaten"

Getting closer

2009-12-08T23:29:00.000-08:00

Almost two weeks ago I set the goal of having new running shoes by the end of the year. That means that I have to have 300 miles total on the shoe in 5 weeks. I have already logged 17.6 miles since I set the goal simply because I set it. I want to earn the new shoes since they are so expensive. It is such great motivation for me to have this goal. The math works out that if I do 4 miles on the days I have planned I will hit my goal in about a week and a half. If I have off days like I have been having lately and only get in 1.5 - 2.5 miles it will take me all month. I think it is this freezing cold weather that is setting me back the most. 1 degree is no fun to even walk to your car in much less actually work out in.

Isn't it weird to look forward to 35 degree days?

All I want is for the snow to melt so I can hit the trail again.

A few things I've learned

2009-12-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

I have learned a few things this week and figure I would share...

Find a workout that is close to your house. I found a trail that is one mile from my house so I walk there. I actually walk around my neighborhood the long way for a warm up and once I am on the main road I begin my run. (Log onto running ahead and create a new course to be able to figure out how far your run is.) Not having to make even a quick 10 minute drive to the gym really helps you get in your workouts. By the time you pack your gym bag, drive there, park and get on a treadmill you have wasted at least 30 minutes. I am shock by how many more I am fitting in even this busy month. I am also getting better workout because my body is being challenged more by the uneven surfaces.

Please don't feel like you have to get in a run to have a workout. If all you can do is walk then walk! It took me a long time to even learn how to run 1 mile so don't ever feel bad, just make sure you are pushing yourself for a better workout.

Speaking of busy month, it is December and FREEZING. I live in Colorado, it snows it's a fact. It is always so sunny though that here in Denver the snow melts super fast. This winter though we have had tons of little storms and it hasn't been melting. I still really want to run outside so I have had to make a few adjustments to what I wear...

I got a grey compression mock turtleneck as my base layer, I then put on a fleece that has the thumb holes to keep your sleeves down (LOVE this feature) and last I wear running tights. I really didn't see the need for these until I ran in my normal yoga pants one snowy day. I came home and from my knee up to the top of my legs was red and itchy from being so cold then coming inside. I love them but they are a little tight, all they had was size medium. They will be perfect though after a week or more of running. All of the above is C9 from Target, love that line (all but the sports bra's that wear out to fast for me).

I also have had to add a hat and gloves, both are easy to take off if you get too hot.

Last but not least...

If you haven't ran in a 4 - 6 weeks you will loose any progress you have made. Not a shock but I read it in Runner's World today. My runs now are about 1.5 miles (on a good day) before I begin to walk. It's ok though because soon I will be up to a 5K again!

Only 45 more miles till I can purchase new running shoes!!!

planning ahead

2009-12-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

I was able to add 9.8 miles to my year end goal this week, now only 48.8 miles left! It has been super cold this week and snowy so that fact that they were all outside amazes me. I did have to purchase new gear because of the cold but that's another post.

***

Every time I run I add my miles into running ahead and every time I am always amazed that I ran 60 miles in July.

I finally decided to look a little closer into why I ran so much that month. When I pulled up my calender I realized that I had scheduled out my runs the entire month in advance.

Every day I wrote what type of run (speed, trail or easy) I would do that day and made sure it worked with my schedule, I even wrote in days off. Realizing how well it worked I have done the same for the next two weeks. I look forward to the days off and make sure that I get my run in on days that it's scheduled so that I can still take busy days off. The last two runs have been on pretty busy days but it became a priority because they were written down. I have also done the same with cheat days/meals once a week. I look forward to them and don't feel the need to cheat because I have dinner with a friend or a date night coming up.

***

Also have to show you a picture of the worlds best running partner...

Yep, my little 10 pound dog. She is always so excited to go with me. Most people don't think of these dogs as running/walking companions but she will go as long as I do, 5 miles on a good day.

Year end goal

2009-11-27T22:06:00.001-08:00

Most people set goals for the new year but I am going to set a year end goal this year...

I want to get enough miles on my running shoes so that I need to replace them. I am 66 miles away from the 300 mile total goal! I have about 5 weeks to complete this, that's not ambitious by any means but getting it done during the holidays will be tough. You can check my progress by looking on the right part of my page. The Nike+ isn't the accurate one, it the one that says keeping me motivated.

2009-11-17T22:32:00.001-08:00

I have been cooking up a storm today and all the food is low in points!!

First I started by throwing tons of random items in my slow-cooker.

I threw in two cans of Rotel (the kind with cilantro and lime)

1 big can diced tomatoes 28 oz I believe

1 can black beans

1 can mushrooms drained

1 cup of frozen green beans

1 cup frozen corn

I also added some extra cilantro because I love it!

I also added four 8 oz frozen chicken breasts

I cooked it for 8 hours on slow. I have only had a taste but it tasted pretty good!

I divided up the pot into 8 Tupperware dishes and froze most of them. I will take one out of the freezer when one is eaten so one is always ready.

I figured out how many points each ingredient was per new serving size and added up the points. Most were zero points! I believe that is how WW online does it. I figured this was 3-4 points per serving.

Don't have all this stuff? Throw in what you have with some meat. I have yet to do this and have it turn out bad. The key is to let it cook 8 hours on low. Rushing it and it isn't as good.

***

I also cooked some squashes, spaghetti and butternut.

Most people don't like squash but I really have come to enjoy it.

I tried something new when I cooked the spaghetti squash and it worked quite well. Instead of struggling to cut both squashes in half I poked a few holes and placed them in the oven whole at 400 for 1 hour. They were so easy to split, scoop the seeds out of and shred! I froze half of what I made since I didn't want it to spoil before I ate it.

I cooked the halved butternut squashed the same time pureed them before I put them in tupperware. They are a quick easy filling snack.

2009-11-04T22:18:00.001-08:00

Three days in a row of working out and two of following my points!!

Sometimes you have to celebrate the little accomplishments!

Yesterday I went to a friends house pre-dinner and ended hanging out till 6 or so. While I was there they pulled out tons of super tempting yummy foods. I sat there and talked to them and enjoyed 2 points of wine. They pulled out the chips and queso (a fav of mine) I was super tempted but I knew that I needed to follow my points though so I avoided it entirely. I am so proud that I did and I gotta say that if I would have had even one chip or one bite I would have not been able to spot.

eating vs working out

2009-11-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

Just a little food for thought for you...

My husband and I just had this conversation as I came in the door from my hour long workout.

"I just ate a Chipotle burrito and a glass of milk for lunch!"

"Wow, pretty sure you just ate more calories in the time I was gone than I burned"

"Well the burrito alone was at least 800 calories"

"I just burned 700 calories"

Poorly written but I hope you get the idea. It's so much easier to eat calories than burn them. You have to count calories because it is so easy to go overboard on them!

Working out after being sick

2009-10-31T23:16:00.001-07:00

With sickness comes a lack of working out. As I am starting to feel better I am still in the routine of my sick days. Daily naps and feeling super lazy seem pretty normal now. I use to nap everyday when I was heavier and I had gotten out of that habit, still LOVE naps but everyday won't work.

I mentioned yesterday that I needed to start running again tomorrow.

My husband has a very annoying habit of remembering these comments and plans his day around them. I wake up and he says to me "when are you going to run?" While I love the encouragement I don't love it first thing in the morning. Give me a good hour with my computer and a cup of coffee then you may ask questions. I do realize this only happens in my perfect world.

He bugged me for quite a while and I finally gave in. We still have tons of snow so my trail if not snow covered would be at least completely muddy and I don't want to deal with that. My two other options are a gym that is a little over 10 minutes away or to walk to our neighborhood workout room. They equipment is subpar and no one is really ever in there but it is close and I don't have to waste gas to get there. All I really need is a functioning treadmill anyway. I was feeling super crummy but I forced myself to begin my typical 5 minute warmup. My goal for the day was to run 20 minutes after my 5 minute warmup. I made it but my body was begging me to stop there. I didn't have a decent run but I gotta say that I am so glad that I made it as far as I did. Sometime the first step is the very hardest.

New favorite

2009-10-22T13:14:00.001-07:00

One of the most important keys to WW is finding low points foods you love to eat.

One of my new favorite foods is taking a spear of romaine lettuce and putting a piece of turkey in the middle. It's almost like a sandwich. It's so yummy without anything else on it. The turkey we have right now is 1 point for 2 pieces because they are big pieces. I cut both pieces in half and put one in each each piece of lettuce, 4 total. They travel great to take them with you, they also are super filling and only 1 point!

Squash Soup

2009-10-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's slow cooker meal turned out pretty yummy. I added chili powder and cumin after it was done cooking. Here is a picture of it today, it is cold so it doesn't look as good. It will be dinner tonight for me and my husband, I will eat one serving and give him two. Next time I make it I will add more corn because that was my favorite part. This will make it 4 points per serving most likely but it will be worth it!

Yesterday I went to Sunflower Market (it's a farmer's market grocery store with great prices on produce). I picked up a ton of great produce that will be fun to try in my slow cooker. Today I am planning on making butternut squash.

I cup up a squash into cubes added one clove of garlic and one sweet onion. I have read that slow cookers need liquid so I also added 3 cups of chicken broth. The broth is only 10 calories and .5 of fat for one cup, I am guessing it will be less than 1/2 cup or so per serving so I am not worried about the calories it adds, it will however add flavor!

I plan on dividing it up into 1 cup servings, I am having trouble finding out exactly how many calories one cup is but I would assume this would be 2 points. I really like squash soup so I plan on pureeing it after it is all cooked but you could eat it in cubes if you would like.

I was looking up receipts for slow cookers and I have decided that I enjoy much more just throwing items that are on sale, look good or are in season in the pot rather than follow the directions. I have had good luck so far!

Also obviously back on the wagon for two full days now and I could tell such a big difference this morning in my stomach!!

We are however sick :(

Slow Cooker

2009-10-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is cooling down (it has already snowed here three days) I am starting to use my slow cooker that I received last Christmas from my Grandmother. I never realized how easy it was to use a slow cooker, just throw in random things and leave it to cook for 6-8 hours and it comes out amazing!

I went to bed thinking about what I could make the upcoming week. I was so excited I had to pull my laptop into bed to get some ideas. I came across some great ones but they all had high calorie ingredients that sounded yummy but I knew would throw off my points for the day. Most included a can of cream of ... soup. Anyone who loves soup but counts WW points knows cream based soups are super high in points.

This morning I decided I would scour my kitchen for something that I could throw together with some chicken breasts. Here's what I found...

I threw each of these in with 3 large chicken breasts.

2 servings of frozen corn

3 servings of frozen green beans

and I plan on adding some chili powder before serving.

I have figured out that if I divide the results into 6 servings they will be about 3 points each. When each item is divided up into a serving the only items with points are the chicken and the beans because the others are so low in calories and small servings! I am hoping that I can freeze/store these in serving sizes and replace my frozen meals with meals like these. I had all of this on hand so I am not sure how much it would cost but I can't imagine it would cost that much per serving. Much cheaper than $2 or more per frozen meal.

I haven't tried it yet but I am hoping that it turns out good, it is starting to smell good. I will let you know how it turns out.

How to beat cravings

2009-10-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a cheat day, at the end of the evening I thought to myself

"Is there anything I want to eat tonight before I have to count points again tomorrow?"

I know that most last meals before a diet starts or go back on track are this way. Luckily I have gotten rid of these items in my home, there was nothing in my house that I couldn't eat the next day on Weight Watchers. I would say that this is one of the biggest tricks to staying on track with WW. Most cravings aren't worth actually driving to the store for but if they are there you are going to eat them. I know it can be harder to control once you have kids but just make sure that the items that you have a weakness for stay out of your house. One other option is to look at the serving size and how many points the item is, usually it is nowhere near worth eating. Also have on hand something special that can replace the desired item. Most suckers are 1 point and will help pass a sugar craving. I also like that they take a while to eat. WW ice cream products are also good!

One last trick is to completely separate your food items from the other people's in your household. Mine are in the same cabinet but on an upper part that has a different door than my husband's food so I never see it.

getting back

2009-10-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Is there one thing you notice about your body when you haven't been eating correctly?

For me the biggest thing that I notice is the lines next to my mouth when I take a photo.

This photo was taken last night. I have started to get back on track but then I had events two nights in a row. Back to tracking points today!

I have gotten quite a few comments about how hard it is to get back on track and asking for tips. I will work on that for my next post!

Until then, What body feature gives away the fact that you haven't been eating right?

getting back on track

2009-09-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Wow no posts for a week, that can really only mean one thing...

either I went on an amazing vacation (didn't happen)

I have SUCKED at counting points.

I have had the hardest time getting back on the WW bus since I got off schedule. We are also trying for a baby so it can get a little tricky when I am not sure if I am pregnant or not. I am not this month though so I made my bimonthy big trip to the grocery store today! I go only twice a month and I just make sure to buy enough food to last two weeks. It makes life easier and we spend so much less money doing it that way. Doesn't it seem that when you pop in the store for one thing you leave with way more and have spent $40.

WW really is so easy once you have done it for about 3 days straight. The biggest thing is getting use to not eating the junk that our bodies get so use to and then crave.

One of the other reasons I have been so bad lately is because I didn't purchase enough food choices last trip. I was left with not enough points to eat daily so I would instead make bad choices because I was hungry and there wasn't food around.

2009-09-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what the weather where you are looks like today but here in Denver it is snowing already. Does anyone else feel that winter clothes are almost harder to wear than summer clothes? I find that the tight jeans, fitted sweaters and lack of flowing dresses make dressing for cooler weather so much harder.

Time to choose

2009-09-13T20:03:00.001-07:00

I had a great week last week following my point but I see now that I didn't really update last week.

We spent the weekend at the AMAZING Young Life camp, Crooked Creek! I have absolutely no control over what we are eating and what goes into any meal the entire weekend. I remember leaving a leadership weekend last year and feeling terrible when I left. I was bloated, uncomfortable and had obviously eaten way too much. I do however have control over how much I eat. I made sure to only eat what I really wanted to and not take seconds unless I really needed or wanted them. I didn't miss the seconds and I was just a full and much happier this weekend. My pants fit my stomach isn't all pudgy and I feel great!

Days Off

2009-08-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

We had one of those weekends where it was way too complicated to count points so I took a few days off. One of the best parts of WW right?

I have to say as nice as it is not to worry about points and calories it isn't as amazing as it sounds. When you are eating fast food and above how many calories your body really needs you feel gross, bloated and have so much less energy. Is it really worth it?

the things no one talks about

2009-08-25T21:59:00.001-07:00

Playing off my title from my last post

the things no one talks about

I would love to hear from you about the things no one talk about when it come to losing weight...

Mine would have to be the confusing now of how big I am. When I was small I knew I was small, now I don't really know where I fit in.

Am I smaller or bigger than the girl I think is the perfect size?

The things no one talks about

2009-08-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you one of the biggest downfalls to losing weight....

I can't find amazing deals like I use to be able to. I love J Crew and use to be able to find amazing deals there that would put Walmart prices to shame. I can still find good deals but most of the deals I find now are in a much bigger size.

I would take looking better in my clothes though than having tons of great deals. Clothes can boost your confidence but nothing is better than actually feeling good in them.

A new cheap meal

2009-08-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

I found a great meal tonight that was only 3 points and super easy and fast to make! It wasn't huge but I still loved it. I picked up a bag of frozen mussels at Walmart the other day for only $3.50 for 8 servings. Mussels are one of my favorite things but I usually use a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis, it's her mussels, clams and shrimp in a spicy broth. It gets expensive because there are so many different ingrediants but I found a simplier cheap way to make it.

The mussels are already cooked so all I had to do was throw a serving of them in a cold cup of water to get the frozen water off them. They are also already cleaned so they really couldn't be any easier.

Then I added them to a serving (1/2 a cup) of these Italian diced tomatoes that I had started to boil on the stovetop. It was less that $1 for the can with 3 servings in it.

The tomatoes were already seasoned but I figured it would make it taste more homemade if I added a dash of basil and a dab of this...

I love having some of this in my freezer. I don't cook very often so I can't justify keeping fresh herbs in my house but I know this is always available. My local grocery stocks it with the rest of the herbs.

I let this mixture heat up for about 5 minutes and they are ready to eat. If any don't open up when cooked don't eat it. Hopefully you will love it as much as I did. The greatest part was that I believe it cost me about $1 per serving.

I also found this again at Costco...

They are 0 point if you measure them out correctly and can be used for so many things. They are great because they are not kept in oil like most sun dried tomatoes since the oil at least doubles the calories. Tonight I dipped them in a 1 point dip and ate them as a small treat. They are great in a salad or so many other dishes.

Carmel apple pops

2009-08-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

These little suckers are one of my favorite 1 point sweet treats!

I found some at my local grocery store yesterday. If you love these I would stock up since they only sell them till October. I would buy anywhere from 3 to 5 bags to last the entire year. They are hard to find once they sell out, you won't be sad you did. Just make sure you are careful who you show your stash to, everytime I pull one out people also want one.

My race recap

2009-08-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Want to know how my race today went?

This picture may give you a good idea...

I was too fast for my husband's camera.

I had a great race and I talked to two different girls at it who were both super sweet. One of them even went out of her way to come ask me how I did since it was my first one. I love how everyone works together at events like these.

Here is my race recap though for you.

I was a little nervous starting out, I wasn't sure at what point in the starting line I should pick because they weren't mapped out by pace like I have heard some races do. They asked the walkers to go to the back but I don't think that happened that much.

I made it through the starting line and started my new Nike+ sports band as I stepped over the starting line. I also had a chip attached to my shoe that would mark my official time starting and ending the race. The beginning was good, I started out slow and let people race past me. I was very good about keeping my speed constant and not tiring myself out. I was shocked at how many people were already huffing and puffing at the very beginning because they started too fast. I knew that this the hardest thing to control in a race though and I can tell you most people through out the entire race were running and then walking then they would run again. There was one girl about my age who did this nonstop. I soon realized that I was her marker, as soon as I can up behind her and start to pass her she would start running again and charge way ahead then I would see her again a few minutes later walking until she got almost even with me. It really started to drive me nuts by the end, I made it my additional goal to not only run the entire race but to pass her. I got a crazy bolt of adrenaline in my legs and I FULL speed sprinted past her at the last quarter mile. I don't think I have ever moved so fast in my entire life, my pace was under a 9 min mile for that short distance. I slowed down the last couple hundred feet but I knew that I blew way past her in the end, I kept my energy constant and gave it my all at the end. I know that may sound silly but I can't tell you how frustrating it was to keep catching up to her and then have her run ahead. Truthfully I think it was really hard for me because our body types were very different even though that has nothing to do with running I have found.

It was so great to cross the finish line and recap the race for my husband. I even cried at the end I was so overcome with what I had accomplished. I was thinking today about how even when I was in 7th grade and my friends were running cross country I never thought I would run that far at once.

Here are a few pictures for you!

The day before the big race

2009-08-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the night before my first 5K. So most people don't think a 3.1 mile race is a big accomplishment but for me it is HUGE.

I am asking myself if am I really prepared to do this?

I guess I felt the exact same way last week when I was preparing to climb a mountain. I made it though and I was fully prepared. I am even doing another one the day after my race!

Here are the thoughts running through my head right now.

I need to sign in by race number, better write that on my hand in Sharpie.

Wow I forgot to run at least once without my iPod.

At least I remembered to train on the track at the gym. It was too warm to hit the streets for training and I wanted a harder surface than the treadmill or trail. Let me tell you, 31 laps around the track is a great time especially two days in a row.

Have I eaten enough today to fuel my body for tomorrow even though I know I don't need to carb load for a 5K.

How do I attach my bib to my shirt? Do I need to bring safety pins?

They are all so silly but it feels like packing for a trip and asking if I have everything I may need.

I will be running with my new toy tomorrow...

It is a good addition to my heart rate monitor since I wanted to know my pace and distance but didn't want to spend a ton of money. I will write more about it soon.

New favorite low point foods!

2009-08-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have two new favorite foods I wanted to share with you!

The first is a new twist on scrambled eggs for only two points. I combined two different recipes I have found online. I take 4 egg whites and scramble them with water instead of milk. When they are about 3/4 done I add dried basil and a little salt. I then add a light laughing cow cheese and stir till melted! To me I think it tastes light and fresh, very different from typical cheesy eggs.

My other new favorite is imitation crab. I had some at a friend's house the other day and remembered loving it as a child. From what I am finding online it is about 1 point for 2.5 oz, a pretty decent amount. I like to pull the meat apart and eat it slowly. Remember eating your food slowly is more satisfying.

Yes I am!

2009-08-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

My husband just asked me if I was really eating M&Ms before bed.

I told him that I had counted them into my points and it was a big deal that I was actually on track with my points for the day.

You gotta splurge at times don't you! Even if it is a 4 point bag of candy.

my bad running habit

2009-08-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have a bad habit lately of looking at the runners treadmills next to me to see how fast or slow they are running. I run anywhere from a 3.5 to 4 mph so 10 out of 10 times I am running slower then they are. Then I realize one thing, I run for a lot longer periods of time then they do. If I wanted to sprint then walk I could run at the same speeds they do. My goal is to run the entire three miles I am there not wear myself out and force myself to walk.

Even though I have already mentioned it before I can't tell you what motivation signing up for a race has been. It was 100% of what got me into the gym for my run today and quite a few other days. I find that I take one day off and before I know it weeks have gone by without me getting in. The days I struggle to get there I usually am so glad that I got in a run. I have only had one day where I didn't complete my planned workout.

I have two more runs to get in before I am taking two days off to rest before my run.

I also plan on doing another 14er on Sunday with some of my girls!

My climb

2009-08-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

I did a full recap of my climb with tons of amazing photos on my other blog if you are interested.

Simple Yet Classic

I decided to wear my heart rate monitor for our hike just to see how many calories I could burn. Over 7 hours and a seriously strenuous hike I had burned 3,500 calories total. This is the equivalent of burning one pound. It is also my weekly goal of calories to burn from an entire weeks worth of workouts. Most of the time my heart rate was between 70 and 84% of my max. This is the range you want your workouts to be in.

Besides the amazing views and the feeling of accomplishment I have a new huge respect for food and why we need to eat. The food that I ate along my hike gave me fuel to keep on going. It wasn't the enemy or something to do because I was bored. I needed every single bit of food to transfer it to energy.

By the time I got home I was completely spent and needed to reload on carbs and take a much needed nap. I am pretty exhausted today still from working so hard.

Next big goal is my first race then another 14er!

3,500 cal in one day

2009-08-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

I burned 3,500 calories (1 pounds worth) climbing this today...

I will give you a recap tomorrow after I get some rest!

Climbing a mountian

2009-07-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

The summer between my junior year and senior year I was forced to climb a mountain and I was not happy about it. It wasn't a 14ner (over 1,400 feet in elevation) but still I still wanted to die. It didn't help that I had started to gain weight that summer and I had absolutely no energy.

I was in the back of a HUGE group of 300 hikers and by they time I got to the rest area the group would start to move again.

I did the exact same hike two summers ago when I was at my absolute heaviest. I was at the front of the huge group this time and that made it a lot easier.

Lately I have had a lot of friends put up pictures on facebook of them hiking 14ners and I have decided that I am going to do one. This Saturday I am going to try my first one ever with another girlfriend!! I will make sure to take some pictures to show you.

14ner this Saturday and my first race next Saturday!

Also I know I sad that I wasn't going to weigh myself before the race but I hopped on the scale last night really quick. I could tell that I had lost about a pound even with my extra weight since it was the end of the day.

Tomorrow's highs

2009-07-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

The high for tomorrow is 71!!

This means that I don't have to wake up super early to get in my miles before it gets too hot to run. I love summer but this excites me for fall.

I have had a rough week with my running so I have taken it super easy to hopefully recover. Remember not every workout will be amazing, some may be downright terrible. Today I was so tired I had to walk. This was the first time since the 4th of July I have walked rather than ran when I was working out.

Today's weather was pretty much the same, super rainey. I loved pulling out the jeans today and most of all how loose they were just a few hours into wearing them. It makes it all worth it!

oops

2009-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

I made the grand mistake of eating a Krispy Kreme doughnut this morning.

I figured that it may have been two or three points max but I wasn't prepared for it to be 5 points. Eating an item before I knew the calories was a huge mistake. It took me half an hour on the treadmill this morning to burn it off.

I planned on getting in a run this morning but I didn't anticipate how hard it would be to actually get there after taking three days off. I drove all the way there and seriously contemplated turning around and driving home.

I had to take a few days off from running because my hips have been bugging me. I did my five minute warm up and then stretched my hips before I started running. I made it also 2 miles before my hips really started to hurt me, I stopped because I didn't want to do more damage. They have been so bad lately that anytime I get up to walk I feel like a 90 year old woman my first few steps. Everything I have read says that I am not stretching the muscle enough so I have really been working on. I figured out a stretch that feels amazing so hopefully it will help. When I just got up I could already tell it is making a difference.

Back to why I actually got out of the car this morning...

I have a race in less than two weeks! Signing up for and looking forward to this race has been a huge motivator for me. For around $30 once a month I love this extra motivation!! I am so excited to be able to say I ran a race!

Would you?

2009-07-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

I made sure that I hurried home today to watch Kristie Alley talk about gaining back the weight on Oprah. She keeps talking about how she is researching her own weight loss program.

The big question is would you try her weight loss program?

artificial sweeteners

2009-07-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail last week from one of my readers about artificial sweeteners. I have had such mixed feelings about these that I figured I would share it with you so that you could do your own research and adjust for what is correct for your own life.

I began trying to lose weight at the age of 15. This is when I first lost 70 pounds and kept it off for years. At age 22, fresh out of college, I started my first professional sit down job as an accountant at a CPA firm. This is when my weight began to climb. 2 additional sit down accountant positions since, and I had gained back all 70, plus some. Now, don't get me wrong, all those years, I had tried numerous "fad" diets. All with some loss, but never anything substantial. Then I found Weight Watchers, which I believe to be the healthiest plan out there. I found great success with WW, but for some reason, COULD NOT REACH LIFETIME GOAL. I got within 6 pounds, and then, backslid. I have now rejoined WW 5 additional times, and always have some success, but struggle and never reach goal.
So, what is the point I am trying to make? Well, a few months ago, I was at a family function, and my future sister-in-law, who is in her Junior year of college to become a registered dietitian, and I were talking. I mentioned that I had been swelling so badly lately in my fingers that I was unable to wear my engagement ring. She made a comment to me that would change my life dramatically. She said to me,"Pam, how many diet cokes do you drink a day? I noticed you drink a lot of them. Artificial sweeteners are VERY bad for you. We have studied them and I have done a lot of personal research, too. I gave up all artificial sweeteners, and I have gone from a size 10 to 4 in the past year." Immediately, I was interested. So, I went home and began my own research. I am just going to tell you that I was in complete shock over what I read. I was confused, didn't know whether to really believe what I was reading or not. So, I spent many hours on the computer researching and reading. Then I became furious. Furious at the government and all the companies that have preyed on the most weak consumers at the expense of their health, just to make a dollar.

See, what I did was start by googling "artificial sweetener side effects." After reading all the info, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was suffering from aspartame poisoning. So, I set out to eliminate it from my diet. My first thought was eliminate diet coke. Seemed simple, until I realized that over half of the foods in my house are "lite" and they also contained sucralose (splenda) or aspartame. Before I got rid of everything, I decided to give it a few days to see if I noticed the difference. So, I started drinking just water and avoiding any foods containing artificial sweeteners. The first day wasn't too bad, although, I must admit, I really, REALLY wanted a diet coke! But I was so proud of myself for not having one and drinking all the water I had consumed that day. In the middle of the night of day 1, I woke up to a horrible, pounding headache. I took some headache medicine, but it didn't help. After a very miserable, sleepless night, I got ready for work, contemplating calling in sick, but I rarely miss work, so I tried to go on. I went to work, and the headache got worse and worse until I had to go home to bed and take migraine medicine. I knew it was probably aspartame withdrawal after what I had read, but I never expected it to be this bad. I mean, who would think you could be physically dependent on nutrasweet? CRAZY! I even drank coffee earlier, just to make sure it wasn't caffeine withdrawal, and I am not a fan of coffee. So, I can say, day 3 was when it started getting better. I still had a headache, but nothing like the monster headache that had incapacitated me the second day. The dull headache remained for days, but each day felt a little better.

As the consecutive days unfolded, every day I saw the scale drop. Yes, even after substituting real sugar sweetened tea with meals halfway through the first week, I was dropping weight. I lost 2.5 pounds the first day, 3 the next, and it just kept coming off. After a month, I had lost 27 pounds. All, while drinking sugar sweetened tea in moderation, and not really counting points, just trying to continue eating healthy. I had read that aspartame makes you actually crave sugar and people who use large amounts of aspartame had actually gained weight compared to a study group that were allowed to eat and drink sugar sweetened foods and drinks. So, my sugar and carbohydrate cravings were gone, and naturally, I just began losing weight without trying. Now, I will say that had I substituted real coke for diet, all that sugar would have kept me from losing, but I was using sugar in moderation, something I hadn't done in 15 years while struggling with my weight, and I was losing weight.

The weight loss was great, but the improvement in my health and the way I felt was even more dramatic. I had become a 30 year old with aches and pains of a 70 year old. Seriously, I had arthritic pain in my knees, hands, and feet. I had muscle spasms, and weak muscles at times. I had acne type problems show up in my mid-20's, after not having acne as a teen. I began having trouble sleeping. I also began having headaches and vertigo. After seeing the ENT and having an MRI, nothing was found to cause the vertigo. I was put on migraine medicine, but it didn't work. I had a constant sore throat and had been told it was acid reflux. The medicine seemed to help some, but not totally. I had been diagnosed with severe dry eyes and had to start wearing special contacts, although this condition isn't common in women so young. I knew my weight caused many of these problems, but I never seemed to be able to lose weight in my adult life, so I didn't know what to do.

After discontinuing ALL artificial sweeteners, I am inching closer and closer to my goal weight. My arthritic aches and joint pains are gone...completely. No more muscle spasms, no more migraines, no more vertigo, no more sore throat. My skin is as clear as a bell, haven't had those nasty cysts in months! I now sleep continuously through the night and wake up feeling refreshed. I have more energy than I have had since I was a teenager. I am convinced that had I not found this out, I would have continued to have problems that would affect my health and my quantity and quality of life. I never thought I was depressed before, but I now feel so good and have such excitement for life, I must have had some mild depression before. I read that some people actually have aspartame poisoning so bad the toxicity presents itself in symptoms where they are diagnosed with MS, Parkinson's, and many other serious illnesses. It doesn't cause these diseases, it just manifests with similar symptoms. When people actually have aspartame toxicity,if they discontinue use, they will usually get better, if not completely well, whereas, if they really had these diseases, they would never be rid of it.

So, all I am asking is that you look into this stuff and if it hits you in the gut the way it did me, maybe you could try to get more people to look into it through your blog. I am very passionate about this because I feel the dangerous side effects have just been covered up in an attempt to make money. My mother was also a user of Spleda ( I won't go into it in detail, but this one makes me even madder, because they advertise it as if it is all natural...made from sugar, but it actually not natural at all, and is poisonous in its very content) and was suffering severe swelling...we thought she was going into congestive heart failure. After 3 days on not ingesting Splenda (her drug of ignorance!), her swelling was completely gone, as well as a mystery rash, and 10 pounds! Just look all artificial sweeteners up. They say saccharin is actually the safest of the 3!!!! I would have never thought that!

4 @ 4

2009-07-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

We spent all weekend at the Mile High Music Festival so I had a weekend off from counting points! I realized the second day that besides drinks I had only shared a few things with my husband. I would normally eat almost everything I could because I wasn't counting points, not smart. I have gotten much better lately at listening to my body and eating because I am hungry.

Back to working out an counting points today!

I took the kids that I use to nanny for to school this morning so I was up much earlier than normal. I went straight to the gym as soon as I dropped them off at school. Last time I planned on stopping home first and then going to the gym. I made it home but never to they gym, lesson learned.

The plan for today's run was to work on speed. On speed days I normally run at 4 miles per hour till I need a break and I slow my run down to 3.5 miles even 3.2 at times if that is too fast. Today I ran 4 miles straight at 4 miles per hour the entire time. Just two weeks ago when I started running rather than running and walking that would have killed me. I just can't believe how far and how fast I have already come. I absolutely love it as well!

When I finished up my run I did some assisted pull up and dips. They were much harder today than when I did them with my husband last week.

2009-07-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Today I realized what a difference my running was making.

July 3rd or so I tried on a skirt and tank top but decided it was too snug to wear. I felt uncomfortable and it looked tight on my thighs. Just two days later I started running 3.1 miles 4 -5 times a week. Today just two weeks later I tried on the exact same outfit and felt comfortable enough to wear it to coffee with a friend. The skirt was no long uncomfortably tight and the shirt felt much better as well. I am not saying it was already falling off but it was so nice to be able to wear a five year old skirt (purchased in the first few months of dating my husband). I even was complimented by a few people today, one woman said she liked my skirt and my husband said I looked really good!

For quite a while now I have kept track of my measurements and the one that never seems to really budge is my upper leg circumference. I am so happy that something I am starting to love is making this big of a difference in my body. I haven't weighted myself or measured myself yet but I can already tell things are changing. Three weeks till my first race! After that I will measure and weigh myself and hopefully sign up for another.

If you aren't a runner don't feel bad, get out there and walk. I never thought I could run any distance and now I can run 60 straight minutes (very slowly). Start slow and find something you love about working out. That is the only thing that will keep you coming back.

Sore morning

2009-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I had planned on waking up early to get in my trail run. I woke up so sore though from lifting with my husband the day before that I turned off my alarm and went back to sleep. When I woke up I went to the gym since it was too hot to run outside. I had a hard start but I found my grove. I was once told by a fellow runner that if you can make it past 20 minutes you are in the clear for your run, the hardest is before that though. I felt so good that I added an extra .4 miles to my normal 5K since today was my long run day. I still can't believe that I can run an entire hour without stopping! Later that evening my husband and I also went for a 2.8 mile intensely hilly hike. I was super sore when I started but I was happy that we did the loop. We have also been going swimming at least once a day lately. I don't count this when I add up how many calories I have burned that week (my goal is 3,500 or 1 calories worth) but I love getting in the extra activity.

I also want to talk about lifting with my husband. Even though I am still super sore I love it. It meant that I had really made as big of difference in my body! I have been doing circuits for a while now and I wasn't really seeing or feeling too much from doing them. By switching to two upper body activities that use all of my muscles at once and one lower body that does the same I will hopefully see bigger gains than when I worked each muscle separately. When you do this you use almost every muscle to stabilize yourself, especially when squatting. I can't wait to have Kelly Ripa arms!

It's official!

2009-07-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

I have had my first 5K picked out for about a week now but tonight I made the jump and officially registered for and paid for the Iron Girl 5K. There are quite a few races they put on across the country so click on the link if you are looking for a great race. One thing I didn't realize is that when you register for a 5K run/walk you sign up for the run or the walk. I always assumed you just registered for the race. Is it silly that I am excited to get the tee shirt from the race? All of my old ones are super worn out and I need some new ones.

Yesterday I missed my run but I made it back today. Life isn't perfect and you can't always fit in your work out, life goes on. After I ran I needed to lift my entire body since I missed lifting upper body yesterday. My husband was with me and taught me a few full body workouts that worked every muscle rather than working them one at a time. He tells me that I will benefit more from doing this, especially in my core! The first was pull ups, I am not strong enough yet to do them unassisted so I use the machine that is weighted so that you don't need to pull up your entire body weight. I am hoping to be able do it unassisted soon though. Next on the same machine I did dips with assistance. For lower body my husband helped me learn how to properly squat. I left the gym with already sore muscles, When I was doing circuits I wasn't getting worked like this especially in this fast of a workout. Hopefully I will be able to move tomorrow morning since I have my 6 miler before it gets hot.

definition

2009-07-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have stuck to not weighing myself until after my first race but that doesn't mean that I haven't noticed the changes running and lifting has already made to my body after one short week. My husband was the first one to really point it out to me and for that I am so grateful. I had noticed that my arms were looking skinnier and more toned! He pointed out that I am getting ab definition that is starting to run down my entire abs and not just at the bottom. I really haven't been great about my points this week and I am still seeing results. I don't think that I have lost weight yet, I may have even gained weight since muscle weights more than fat. The upside is that muscle looks so much better than fat!

Yesterday there was a woman at the pool who looked great (she was in her upper 50's). My friend complimented her and she told us that she had recently lost 25 lbs. I of course had to ask how she had done it and she said all she did was cut out alcohol. I was shocked and thought about the 4 points I like to use almost every evening on wine. Combine that with not feeling too great this morning and I have decided to use those two points for something that will benefit my body not just taste good. I may still have a glass or two a week just not two a night anymore.

I also borrowed this from a friend who loved it...

I can't wait to read it and combine it with weight watchers!

I will of course let you know if I read anything I think all of you would love.

Deals! Deals! Deals!

2009-07-10T17:07:00.001-07:00

Today was my rest day. I did manage to find a little motivation at Dick's Sporting Goods today!

I couldn't get pictures of the colors I purchased but you get the idea.

The left one is an extra support one. I had wanted one but the price tag was holding me back, I couldn't justify almost $40 for one. I picked up two today though for half price, one pink one black. I also got two of the middle one in the pink and a pretty periwinkle. You can't see it but the back is really cool. I also love that they are somewhat fitted without showing every little imperfection, they are also super long!

I also picked up two of the right bra. I have had one for almost five years now and it still looks brand new. If you don't have a Dick's locally there are pretty comparable deals on the under armour website and at sport's authority.

I use to love the Target C9 line but all of my sport bra have streched out and don't do their job anymore. I also haven't been able to find any shirts I liked in a long time. I still love my capris from there though and their running socks (if they are actually in stock).

My first 5k trail run

2009-07-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today was my first 5k trail run as you may have guessed from my title.

Let me start out by saying running 3 miles on a treadmill is nowhere near the same as running it on a trail, even a flat dirt trail.

I woke up about 2 hours earlier than I normally did to beat the afternoon heat. There have been many times that I planned on waking up earlier to get my workout in before it gets really hot but I never seem to make it out of bed. Just getting out of bed early was quite the accomplishment! Before I run I like to have a cup of coffee and an english muffin with cream cheese. I have found this to be the best fuel for my runs. I try to leave an hour to eat and then digest the food before I leave for my runs. Today was no different.

I was a little worried about my dog this morning. I knew she would love the run but she has been acting a little funny the past few days, all she wants to do is sleep in her crate. She got out of bed with me though and was quite curious what I was doing up so early. I told her that if she would eat some of her food I would take her for a run and it actually worked!!

The trail I run is marked every half a mile and today I wondered if I could make it to the next marker at everyone I encountered. I made sure that I ran super slow and I tried to keep my heart rate in the same place that it is when I am on the treadmill. I had always thought of my trail as flat until today. I could feel the unevenness in my steps as my body stabilized it's self. I started today not really knowing how far I would run. I knew I wanted to run 3 miles and walk some when I was done running. When I got close to the two mile marker I was pretty sure I would turn around, run one more mile and walk one, decent but really my worst case scenario. I got to the marker and I just kept pushing on. This happened at every single half mile but still I kept on going. As I came up still running on the three mile marker I knew that I had hit my goal and was ready to turn around and walk the three miles back! My walk back was slower than normal but great. I even ran a little bit of it.

My dog did great all 6 miles. She really loves being out there and I can't tell you the looks we get since she is so small.

This was taken on our way to the trail one day. She how excited she is?

I have made the decision to not weigh myself until I have finished my first race. I have learned to love running and for me I don't run to lose weight. I hopefully will lose some as a nice bonus but it isn't what keeps me going. I will still be counting points but my mindset has shifted to fueling my body so that I can run.

2009-07-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today's run was a little tougher but I was able to run the entire time. I ran as much as possible .5 mph faster than my normal, once again I was the longest one on the treadmill! I also lifted lower body after. I am hoping it won't affect my trail run tomorrow too much. I plan on keeping an open mind tomorrow and maybe running two miles in before I turn around and run one more mile before walking the last mile. If I feel good I may run 3 out and walk the 3 back. I will let you know what happens. I am nervous for this run though since I will need to really focus on my speed and keeping it low so I don't burn out. I will also have to wake up 2 hours earlier than normal to hopefully beat the heat. The upside though is that I will be able to bring my dog who enjoys and misses the trail.

I picked up 5 more books on tape today from the library!! I walk around and pick up anything that looks remotely interesting since they are all free. They are seriously so great and keep me from ever getting bored. If I had to listen to the same music for an hour and a half 5 days a week I would go crazy. There is only so much music out there to work out to. If you haven't tried it yet get yourself to your local library and try just one! I have had so many people tell me how much they love them now!

the 10 point ingredient

2009-07-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we meet friends for burritos at a great place called Costa Vida. They have amazing huge smothered burritos. Normally I would just count tonight as my cheat meal but since two days earlier I already had my weekly cheat meal I didn't want to have another one this week. Luckily I was able to find the calorie content online before we left. I was shocked to find that I had enough points left to enjoy a burrito if I left out one major ingredient...

The 10 point tortilla

I still enjoyed a great meal and was able to eat out with friends.

I also didn't feel bad about my meal or undo today's run!

2009-07-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

I had another great day of running today at they gym, I was able to run another 5K! I am not concerned about how fast I run just the fact that I can make it without walking. I glance every once and a while at the treadmills around me to see what speed they run at, most of them are considerably faster than I am but they always start walking before I am anywhere near done. It is a good feeling to be finishing up and have outlasted multiple waves of people on the treadmills next to me.

I have figured out a workout schedule that will hopefully work for me. Every day I am going in with a different plan so that I can improve. All the running materials I have read say to train for length, speed and endurance all on separate days.

Day 1: Easy 5K at 3.5 mph then lift one heavy upper body circuit

Day 2: 5K at 4 mph as much as possible to improve speed then lift one heavy lower body on circuit machines

Day 3: Trail run, I haven't done it yet but I plan on running a 5k then then turning around and walking or running as much more as I can. This will be my long day (6 miles total) and most likely my hardest. It is a lot easier to run on a treadmill that forces you to run at a set pace than to run a trail all by yourself. I wouldn't probably add this except I am signing up for a race that is in a few weeks and I really need to work on this. I think signing up for and paying for a race will be my strongest temporary motivation yet.

Day 4: Rest day (maybe pool!)

Then I am going to start all over again. I have already filled this out on a calender on my fridge and put the schedule into my phone to remind me to keep on track.

Best part?

I burned just shy of 800 calories today!

Activity Points All Day

2009-07-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I burned 525 calories during my run. My goal though is to burn 700 calories 5 days a week so that I burn the equivalent of one pound a week from working out. I suggested to my husband that we go and throw around the lacrosse ball for a little bit to burn some more calories. We hadn't been out since a ball went astray and gave me a black eye.

We played for about 20 minutes and then decided to go play at the playground.

I have no idea how I was able to do all the things I use to do when I was little. We have all obviously lost tons of muscle mass since our playground days. The monkey bars killed my hands and I was only strong enough to make it across one or two bars at a time. Hopefully soon I will be able to do them.

We had tons of fun though and burned extra calories. We made it an obstacle course and had a blast. Remember that you don't have to be running or at the gym to get in some activity points. We also went swimming 2 different times today. Every little thing adds up.

Best of all I find that I am so much less hungry on days when I get activity in. I am not sure if it is because I am busier or exactly why but its a nice feeling to have multiple points left at the end of the day. (Don't do this everyday though it may result in your body storing fat because it thinks you are being starved.)

Do you do any out of the box things to burn extra calories?

Good Job

2009-07-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am watching The View this morning and they just said that losing weight is so hard that even when they pay people to do it they can't. Don't use this as an excuse but as a pat on the back if you have been able to lose weight!

Also don't forget that I am answering any questions you may have for me, personal or Weight Watchers related. Just leave a comment.

Fitness Points all Day

2009-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

We played for about 20 minutes and then decided to go play at the playground.

Do you do any out of the box things to burn extra calories?

Personal Record

2009-07-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Two days in a row I have hit huge PRs (personal records).

Yesterday I wanted to get in a workout to firm my muscles before putting on a swim suit. First, I hit the treadmill for a run. I did a 5 minute walking warmed up for 5 minutes and then started to run. I was feeling pretty good so I pushed myself to keep going further than normal, I was trying to take deep breaths but it seemed like I couldn't get them to go into my lungs. I would take a deep breath and hold it and breath out two breaths and it seemed to help (the two breaths helps prevent or get rid of cramps). I ran for 1.5 miles total a new personal best!

Today I wanted to run and see how far I could go. I started with my 5 minute walking warm up again and started to run. I ran an entire 5K today (3.2 miles)! For some this may not seem like a lot but after being excited after going half that distance yesterday and having this as my goal it was a pretty exciting day. My husband was so sweet, we came together and after he was done lifting he jumped on the treadmill next to me and told me to go as long as I could go. He ended up walking 1.5 miles before I was done.

As soon as I got home I started looking for 5k races to sign up for in our area. I think I am going to sign up for about one a month to keep me motivated to run and keep my miles up.

If you are just starting out or want the increase your mileage I would encourage you to slow down your pace. It took me an hour to do 3.5 miles (including my warm up) but I was able to run the entire time. If I would have run faster there is no way I would have been able to run for so long. I also really like running on a treadmill when starting out so that you can keep a constant pace.

??????

2009-07-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

I have been terrible about updating this blog lately and I apologize for that. I have a big event coming up in two weeks though and I want to be the best shape I can for it so I will hopefully have some great advice/stories coming up!

I also wanted to let you know on my other blog I am letting my readers ask me anything about me they want to know. If you have a question that is WW or weight related let me know here or ones about me you can ask me at http://simpleyetclassic.blogspot.com/.

2009-06-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am about to go spend time on my favorite trail!

I am so excited to be going alone today and not be held back by anything but myself. My workouts have really suffered because I have had others holding me back.

I am even going to leave my dog at home today because the trail is so hilly and I don't think she can make it 5 miles especially with the heat. I took 3 little kids 4 miles on this trail earlier this week. I was so happy to just get my miles in even though it took a lot longer than I would have hoped.

Diet drink without Splenda

2009-06-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

We are back from our trip and I found something great I had to share with all of you!

I really love a glass of crystal light or a diet coke on a hot day but I worry about the splenda and all the artificial sugars that are in diet drinks. We will be trying to get pregnant soon and I haven't heard great things about them especially when you are expecting.

My refreshing alternative is cucumber water!

It really is quite yummy and so great on a hot day. Best off all it's all natural so I don't have to worry if I drink an entire pitcher. All that you have to do is add thin slices of cucumber to a pitcher or glass of ice water. My cousins who showed it to be let it soak in for a little bit but I don't think that's necessary. They also like to add a slice or two of lemon as well. The slices are great floating in the top of the glass and are a nice little crunchy snack at the end!

I made 4 Quarts of it today and added almost all of a very long but skinny cucumber.

Hope you enjoy!

Our anniversary

2009-06-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

We are heading out in the morning for our third anniversary trip.

We are driving up to Steamboat Springs and I will be attempting to not throw away everything that I have accomplished these past few weeks. I will hopefully have some hints and be able to share my experience of following ww while on vacation when I get back!

why diet and not just working out

2009-06-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

I am assuming that most of you have someone in your life that says

"I don't diet I would rather just work out".

We have all encountered these people especially when we talk about diet.

Hopefully most of you have realized how easy following Weight Watchers is compared to all the other crazy diets there are out there.

I just wanted to give you this perspective of working out vs dieting.

To loose one pound you need to burn or cut out 3,500 calories.

I was shocked the first time I heard that fact. That would mean to loose a pound a week I would have to work out 7 days a week and burn a minimum of 500 calories every time. Having a heart rate monitor and accurately seeing how many calories I burn in a workout I know that the average person isn't getting in a 500 calorie workout every single day. I would guess the average would only be around 200 calories. I went three miles today on the treadmill (almost an hour) and only burned 424 calories. Who has almost 90 minutes everyday to put towards working out?

Remember that you have to burn 3,500 calories if you have only eaten EXACTLY what your body burns a day. Remember life before ww and realizing wow I ate two or three times what my body needed a day? Adding on all of those extra calories will only add to weight gain unless you are burning them off or not eating them to begin with.

If you have been following weight watchers long enough you know that it really isn't that hard to loose a pound a week! Now knowing all of this would you rather be mindful of what you eat or only work out to loose weight?

the bluffs

2009-06-09T21:17:00.001-07:00

Today I had one of those days where working out feel amazing and I got tons in! I burned 1,334 calories total today.

(This may sound like a lot of calories but 3,500 is equivalent to only 1 pound.)

First, I went with a friend to visit a trail in our area called the bluffs, I had never heard of it before she told me about it. It is a 2.7 miles loop that is super hilly but has amazing view around the city. It is the prettiest place around outside of the mountains.

I went to babysit and the little boy wanted to play wii boxing with me. I made sure to start my heart rate monitor before so I could count it as a workout! Between that and a one on one game of basketball I burned 300 calories!

I got home early enough to show my husband the bluffs. I made sure to bring my camera to show you how amazing it is. I can't wait to walk/run it all summer and really work my butt! That next 20 lbs is going to fall off the way I am going, hopefully!

Mr Unimpressible

2009-06-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today I went the the gym with my husband, I didn't want to go but I felt so much better by the time I was there! I ended up running for about 1.25 miles on the treadmill before my stomach hurt so badly I had to walk. It felt good though to run straight for that long! I also got in a lower body weight lifting workout as well! It had been so long since I had done one that I took 10 pounds off what I lifted last time on each machine. I am really excited to get back to it though.

When we got home my husband and I were talking about our time at the gym and he commented about how long I ran for! He said that he though he was taking forever and that he would look over to my treadmill and I will still running!! I think I impressed him, Mr Unimpressible.

don't throw it all away

2009-06-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

So something has clicked in my life lately and after today I have been on track two full weeks!! That's 14 days! I really think the biggest motivator for me has been seeing exactly how many days I have been following. Two weeks isn't worth throwing away for one splurge.

Don't forget though I still plan one splurge meal every week. In the two weeks I have had two very different splurge meals. The first one I started like a normal day if I were to be following my points. I think I had eaten less than 10 points (out of 20) before I had my cheat meal. That evening we picked up sushi, beers and some ice cream for desert. Really not a terrible splurge meal.

Two days later I had a busy day full of activities with friends. I woke up late and didn't get a chance to eat before heading out. I ate the chicken salad, a croissant, lemonade and about 10 cookies before I had left. Don't you hate when the desert is right in front of you?

We then had friends over for dinner that evening and that was another cheat meal full of chips, burgers, sides and more cookies. (My splurge meal turned into a full day.)

I was noticing a difference in my body every morning when I woke up, after my over the top cheat day though I didn't see the changes I was use to. It has taken me at till now to fully recover from going so over the top.

If I would do it all over again I would have woken up earlier and eaten before I went to hang out with friends so that I only had one cheat meal for the day. I like to bring something to drink when I go to a party that I am not planning on eating at, coffee or tea works great. People, especially hosts, get nervous when everyone is eating but you. I would also have limited the number of cookies I had that evening. I looked later how many points one cookie was and discovered one pretty small cookie was 3 points. I would guess I ate 40 points in just cookies that day.

I learned my lesson though, it was too easy to ruin all the hard work I had put in for one day of splurges.

A picture is worth a thousand words

2009-06-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

At first glance this photo may not be the most flattering...

I look past the fact that I am brushing my teeth and focus on the fact that my husband took this photo because he thought I looked great! Ha ha see him in the background! Here are a few others he has taken lately...

Me getting ready for a run in my running skirt!

The fact that my husband is taking photos of me didn't happen overnight. I believe I asked him to encourage me and tell me when I was looking good. I may have even handed him my phone a few times to take a photo a few times to get a more accurate picture of exactly what I looked like. I also ask him to point out others who have a similar body type or others who are about the same size as me so that I can get a more accurate picture in my brain. This may sound silly or egotistical but it is because we as women very rarely have an accurate view of ourselves. I would have never guessed that I looked like I did today in those photos if it weren't for my husband. I thought my legs were HUGE but I get a more accurate mental image when I look at these.

I had a conversation with one of my closest friends the other day about weight loss and how we see ourselves and how it is never truly accurate. She just went on a trip and on the way home she requested to look at the photos multiple times because she couldn't believe it was really her in the photos. It is so hard when you have gained weight and then lost it to truly know where you "fit" in.

Take the time to look through photos of where you were and how far you have come. Ask those around you to take photos to encourage you and give yourself an accurate picture of where you are at. If you like what you see good job! If you aren't happy then hopefully it will motivate you. It will hopefully change your life either way!

Just a photo of how far I have come

June 2007

3 point ice cream candy bars

2009-06-04T00:36:00.000-07:00

I saw these tonight at the grocery. I passed on them since they are somewhat high in points for what I like to eat, they may be great though. I have yet to try a Weight Watchers product I didn't love!

My favorite products are the cheeses (string cheese, cream cheese and american cheese for eggs or melting on broccoli).

What is your favorite WW product?

Matthew 7

2009-06-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am going to be really honest and really share my heart today with you.

I have been listening to Redeeming Love on tape and God really spoke to me through this book. At the beginning of every chapter there is a verse or quote.

Chapter 14 I came across this...

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:1-2

Since I have struggled with my weight I figured it was ok to judge others harshly on their weight if they had at one time made me feel bad about my weight gain. I had one friend in particular who really was never a good friend, the extent of our friendship is only facebook friends now. Since she was so nasty I figured it was ok to judge her harshly and find pleasure her weight gain, I even posted something about it last month. I felt so terrible after hearing this verse and I realized that I wasn't pleasing God with my actions no matter what she did to me in the past. I have also been trying to change the way I think about and look at others. It really is so much harder than I expected and I am so much more aware now of when I do it.

It's a scary thought to be judged as harshly as we judge.

scrambled eggs

2009-06-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through Mojito Maven's past Weight Watchers posts and came across a great idea. Three egg whites scrambled (I add water instead of milk) and dried herbs, I used basil and it turned out to be a great 1 point snack. I cook mine in the microwave in a glass bowl and it takes under two minutes. First I mix the eggs with a tablespoon or so of water and stir them with a fork like normal. I put them in the microwave for 1 minute and stir them after then I do the same for 3o seconds. You may not need another 30 seconds but I usually do, just make sure it is all cooked and there is no liquid left. I just stirred in the basil then and ate it!

I still really like my old way to make scrambled eggs for a full 4 point meal not just a snack. The only difference is that I add one full egg to the 3 whites before cooking. I add a 1 point piece of American ww cheese after the eggs are finished cooking. The cheese will melt from the heat of the eggs, by adding it last it doesn't disappear when you cook them. They will be more cheesy if you add it last. I guess you could also add the cheese to three egg whites as well!

Cheap and easy!

Wow

2009-05-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

I am looking over my week and I am blow away! I followed my points for a full week, truthfully I can't remember the last time that happened. I have never tracked exactly how many days in a row I have followed so that may be why I am so blown away.

I am including one cheat night a week. These are essential to your diet so that you can get your cravings out. I also love following my points but knowing that I get a date night or a dinner with friends coming up is enough motivation when needed. Last night was my cheat night, we picked up sushi and ice cream for desert.

I would guess that I am about 15 pounds away from my goal. If I would just stick to my points and working out I could be there in two months.

Jeans or sweats?

2009-05-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

I asked you the other day if you stay in your clothes from the day or if you switch into sweat/pj's right away when you get home. So far 18 of you have answered and all most all of you have given some form of you switch almost immediately.

I figured/hoped this would be the case since it is exactly what I do as well.

I started to think back on this habit and when it started. For me it started in college when I started to gain weight, yes the dreaded freshman 15.

I realize that it is just so much more comfortable to be able to come home and put on something comfortable and forget your day. I think though that as we start to unwind so does our motivation and awareness of our bodies. We no longer feel uncomfortable in our clothes that may be a little to tight and that extra few end of the day points look so good.

The day that I asked this question I got home and actually stayed in my jeans that I had worn that day. It was SO hard not to rush to my room and change. Something in my mind switched though by not changing. I wanted to eat something but since my jeans were still on I was so much more aware that my stomach was already full. I was eating out of habit not because I truly needed it. I waited till my stomach felt better before I ate dinner. I am thinking that by waiting to change I will hopefully become more aware of what my body needs and not just eat to eat.

How many of us have great days then go way over our points in the evening.

Would waiting to change help this at all?

4 days

2009-05-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

This may be a bit random, sorry.

Today is the 4th day in a row that I have been able to follow my points! I am not really sure the last time I was able to do that but I am so excited that I can look at my calender now and see that I have stayed on track four days in a row.

Here is a picture of my calender for this week. Each color represents a different category.

I can uncheck any category I don't want to show and just look at how I have done on my WW.

In the green on the top I plug in how many points I ate each day and the red is for what activity I did and how many calories I burned.

A notebook works just as well for this don't forget.

Looking back the first three days were pretty easy and temptation free (I think working out makes it easier) today was hard though. I am not sure exactly what I was craving but I was hungry. I then realized I hadn't had anything with substantial fiber so I ate some broccoli with a piece of WW American cheese melted on top, so yummy and only 1 point for one cup. I also made sure I drank a big glass of water to help fill me up. I was able to stick to my one planned glass of wine tonight at my work meeting even though they had amazing food they had brought in.

I wasn't able to get any miles in the past two days but it is better to follow your points and not get in activity that to eat whatever you want and get in a mere half an hour of working out.

I had this visualization this week that helped me.

I knew by using my heart rate monitor that I burned the calories equivalent to one party pizza in one workout of walking 5 miles. It wouldn't take long or really be that hard to eat a whole pizza but it took me over an hour and a lot of effort to burn the same amount of calories. This made the pizza not worth the effort it would take to burn the calories.

Also I will post about my question from yesterday hopefully tomorrow before bed for all of you who are wondering why I asked such a random question.

2009-05-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

I want to know...

Do you girls switch out of your jeans and into sweats almost immediately when you get home or do you stay in your day clothes till bed time?

getting back on track

2009-05-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Are we all back on track after the long Memorial Day weekend?

I know that Saturday I had way too many parties (a baby shower, 3 graduation parties, a 60th birthday party and my husband's birthday) to be able to follow my points. I did however fit in 3 miles before all the celebrations! I informed my husband that I NEEDED to follow my points Sunday and Monday, it may sound silly but I need to let him know that I couldn't give in to any temptation. I find that my husband is the biggest reason my day gets thrown off points wise.

He can be my biggest supporter or my biggest weakness and I need to let him know how he can support me best.

I followed my points as I had planned and I was able to get in 13 miles over the three day weekend! I also started tracking my miles and how many points I eat for the day in my calender on my computer. Apple has a great Calender where with a few clicks I am able to only see what I have designated my weight watchers calender and my mileage calender. I am hoping that I can see how successful the month has been and hopefully why I have not been able to follow my points for the day (hopefully only because of an eventful like Saturday). Seeing that I have had a great week hopefully will keep me motivated to stay on track. I am also hoping seeing the opposite will also help motivated me to work out or follow my points.

Cut it out

2009-05-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Does my title today make you think of Full House and Uncle Joey?

I have made the decision that I have been adding way too much salt to my foods. I have become quite dependant on it and I have slowly added more over time. I have already noticed that I can tell when there is already salt added and that things are tasting better already. Most diet foods are so packed with salt I really want to cut out any extra salt and see how my body reacts.

Along the same lines I am cutting out ib profin. I did this a while ago and I found I was less dependant on it. When I really was in pain it worked so much better because my tolerance had gone down.

Since I started running my shoulders feel so much better. They use to cause me terrible pain everyday, the result of too many car accidents (I was a passenger every time) and years of diving. I think the added blood flow helps them.

Running with Hubby

2009-05-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

It is a rainy weekend here in Colorado but I don't really mind because I can get my miles in and not worry about it being to hot. Nothing zaps a run like a super hot day. Yesterday my husband lovingly came with me! I use to beg him to come with me and would get mad when he wouldn't. Now that he is coming I realize that I don't do as well when he is there. I still love having him with me but I realize that his pace is much faster than mine and I can't pace myself with him next to me. Pace is everything when you are running and the biggest thing I am working on to get my endurance up.

Yesterday we started on the trail the exact same time that another family with a dog started, my dog went nuts and was trying to get them till we passed them. I increased my pace to pass them and burned myself out so we went back to walking, they passed us then half a mile later. Since I didn't get any substantial running in for the day I wanted to increase from 4 miles to 5 for the day. We passed the two mile marker where we would normally turn around and just kept going without discussing it. He finally tells me he wanted to go 5 miles as well. We got a little running in between walking but nothing amazing. We hit the last mile and I decided to run again. I instructed my husband to stay two steps behind me and started out slow. I figured at best I would make it half a mile and that only if I was lucky. When we got to half a mile Hubby asked "when are you going to stop?" I pointed to the half mile marker but felt so good when I got there that I just kept on going. Hubby caught up to be a few time in my last half a mile but every time he was running next to me it ruined my pace and I could feel myself tiring super quickly. I would ask my husband to slow down and I kept on going! Remember keeping a slow pace is the key to getting in any distance. I got to the mile marker that signified the end of my 5 miles and kept on going the last couple hundred yards to our car. I couldn't believe how great the end of my run went. I could have kept going if my husband hadn't been waiting for me to finish. We also finished at the perfect time, a few minutes after we got home we received a huge downpour.

I have only run one mile straight in the two months since I started training and yesterday was so different than last time. Last time I was pushing myself just to finish the mile, yesterday I was on such a high ran past my mile end point. My legs didn't feel like dead weight and my breathing wasn't labored. I can't tell you how accomplished and proud I feel. I even went to bed dreaming of my next run.

I realized that the reason my husband was ruining my run was because I was listening to his footsteps and it was making me speed up. This is the reason I love to listen to audio books when I run rather than music. Books let you keep your own pace not the pace of the music. The perfect running mix is great but how many times can you listen to the same music and how hard is it to find? I can't wait to hit the trail and hear more of my book, it really keeps me coming back.

I get my books on tape from the library and just upload them to my shuffle. I find that people forget about books on tape and you can get the most popular books sooner than the actual book.

2009-05-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Brown Eyed Girl asked me a great question today! She asked how I know the points of what I am eating.

I know the points of everything I bring home because I have been doing it for so long now and I buy pretty much the same food every time. When I started out though I would bring home tons of new different foods I would figure out the points for each item and write it on the box so that I knew exactly how much each item was without having to look it up.

I love getting questions! Keep them coming!

What?

2009-05-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

I keep track of my past weights in my phone so I can always look at them if I want to. It can be really motivating to see how much you weighed a year ago and how far you have come.

I realized today that I was lighter by over a pounds after the holidays than I currently am. This wouldn't be a big deal if I was trying to maintain but I am still trying to loose. I obviously need to make a few adjustments.

I have been trying to figure out what was different and I really think I have lost my muscle that I had then. I can't stress how great muscle looks and how many more calories you burn. I have also read that increasing muscle can help my running and prevent injuries.

I did have a guy friend ask me tonight if I had lost more weight recently!

I think the running has really changed my face and make it leaner.

An honest question

2009-05-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Since we have all obviously struggled with our weight I am assuming there has been someone some where along the way who has made us feel bad about our weight.

Do you find satisfaction and motivation when you see that a skinny friend has gained weight?

I know that I am happy to know that they are now struggling with their weight as well as terrible as that is. I try to be very conscious about others weight and never say anything that would hurt anyone else. Facebook has made it so easy though to check up on people and see exactly what everyone is up to and how they currently look.

a great week ahead

2009-05-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

I can not tell you how excited I am today. I have had a very busy past three days where following my points really hasn't been an option. As a result of eating differently I have been feeling sluggish and have had a ton less energy than normal.

Here is the list of things I am excited for this week

*
Nothing in my schedule that will get in the way of my points this week

(things will come up I am sure, if you plan ahead and stay firm you can still follow you points)

*
Weight watchers American cheese for scrambled eggs, the two stores I visited this week didn't have it but luckily the third store did!
*

The 16th is just a few days away, I try and shop only twice a month since just running into a store to pick one thing up results in multiple other things being purchased. Nothing is more motivating than a house full of low point foods you love.

Great weather and running! I can tell my dog is missing her daily runs since I have been to busy to go.

Another tip

2009-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I have another great tip today that I read in my beloved running book. I posted a photo of it last month if you are interested.

If you are having a rough day but had planned on running just focus on getting out there. If you aren't able to do your planned run then at least you know that you tried. Most of the time though it is just a matter of showing up.

I have had a few days already where I barely made it to the trail but once I got there I was so happy that I showed up. My last run I hadn't properly fueled for the day and it was a hot bright day. I only made it 2 out of the planned 4 miles but I was glad that I had at least tried.