Friday, November 30, 2007

Skating Away






Thursday's Goals
Exercise: Cardio (skating)
Calories: 1500

Thursday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio (skating)
Calories: 1545

I already wrote that yesterday I went skating. I skated for a solid hour. As always, lots of fun and best of all, it gets me out of the office for a couple hours.

I was on pretty much on track with calories yesterday. I had a shake for breakfast (300), an eggplant parmesan pita pizza for lunch (530). For dinner I had a breakfast sandwich....a slice of toasted Tuscan Pane bread topped with 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of vegetarian "bacon" and a little cheddar (415). Afterwards I had some Swedish fish (300) to settle my sweet tooth.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Catching up

Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is, I've been completely on track with my exercise. Yesterday I did Cathe Friedrich's Push Pull. Today I went figure skating. And I am continuing to get compliments almost on a daily basis. Today ANOTHER person at work commented and said, "You are REALLY looking good lately!"

The bad news is I fell completely off the diet wagon yesterday. I don't know why. I was just HUNGRY and all I could think about was eating and I had absolutely no willpower to count or limit calories. I am not even going to tell you what I ate. Let's just say it was a lot and I didn't track a damned thing.

On the positive side of things, though, I am back on track and determined not to let this turn into a month long downward spiral. One thing that has been weighing on me in the back of my mind is how in the world I am going to manage December with all the social events (that involve eating) planned. The usual custom is that I go totally off the wagon in December, gain several pounds and then have to get back on track in January. Same story every single year. But this year I am not going there. I worked so hard to take off the weight I have - I don't want to slide backwards. But the fact is, I have about 9 social events on my calendar in December so I had to come up with a plan.

I decided the best way to deal with December is to plan the entire month out instead of going week by week. This way I can really figure out where I need to place the high calories days. Since there are so many of them in December (and they don't conveniently fall one-per-week) I need more calendar "space" to utilize in making my plan. Another thing I did was to shift some calories around to create a larger number of higher-calorie days. The end result, though, is that the calories all add up to 1800/day so no damage will be done.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Tantalizing Tuesday

Tuesday's Goals
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1400

Tuesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1400

This morning I did GForce 2 - a rebounding workout. I have to admit that I am not a cardio person. I really don't enjoy it that much - I much prefer strength training. However, I do enjoy rebounding. Aside from skating, dancing and tennis, rebounding is really the only type of cardio exercise I truly enjoy or can even tolerate.

My calories were on track today, but it wasn't the healthiest eating day. I had a shake for breakfast (300). For lunch I had another breaded tilapia sandwich on Tuscan Pane bread with a little cheddar and mustard, plus a small amount of tortilla chips (425). I then proceeded to binge on candy which I estimate at 700 calories, so I skipped dinner. Bad girl!
I don't know what's up with me lately but I've been having these sugar urges almost daily. It must be the impending holidays. Well at least I am being conscious of the calories.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Marvelous Monday

Monday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800

Monday's Accomplishment
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1803

I did a tough workout this morning - The Firm: Super Sculpting. Man! I forgot how tough this one is! Lots of lunges and also back work, which is great because a lot of workouts skimp on back work.
My diet was a little odd today but I stayed on target with the calories. I had the usual shake for breakfast (300). For lunch I had leftover breaded tilapia on TJ's Tuscan Pane bread (yum!!!!!) with a little cheddar and mustard (553). I had a pile of candy this afternoon (700) - boy it's amazing how many calories are in a moderately-sized pile of candy. It's no wonder I gained so much weight over the years casually snacking on candy like I used to. Anyway, that didn't leave me many calories for dinner so I had 2 pears (150) and some tortilla chips (100). I know, weird assortment of food. It's a wonder I don't have a stomach ache.

I've been having some interesting experiences lately with comments. I've noticed that lately when people ask about my weight loss and find out I am still actively pursuing further weight loss, they seem surprised and look a little worried, as though I might be going overboard. It's funny...the concerned looks make me smile because trust me, I am FAR from near anorexia and my goal size and weight are very reasonable for my height and within the recommended range on all the medical charts. When I tell people my size, they relax a little - they realize I am not that thin. If they knew the number I weigh, they most certainly would not be concerned. According to medical charts, I am still "overweight". I have to say, though, that at this point I don't think I am overweight (no matter what the charts say) and I certainly don't feel overweight anymore. I would put it this way...when I started this program I perceived my size as BAD. Now I perceive it as GOOD and I am working toward GREAT. (I've always been an A student). But I definitely do not want to go overboard.

I had a very pleasant shopping experience yesterday. I think I told you that my size 14 pants and jeans have gotten loose to the point of clearly not fitting. So I went out shopping to get a couple pairs of dress pants yesterday and I am happy to announce I am most certainly and officially a size 12 now. Boy, what a nice feeling! And get this...SOME medium tops fit me too! (not all, but some). You know I had to buy myself a medium top!

Actually I bought a really pretty red velvety-looking Christmas top recently that I plan to wear on Christmas and at the various holiday parties I am going to in December. And yes, it's a size medium! More incentive not to go off the wagon in December like I usually do every year.

Honestly, I seriously cannot remember the last time I wore a Medium or a size 12 but I can tell you it was YEARS ago. Really, if I think about it, it was about 7 years ago that I was at a size that felt reasonable for me.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Goals for the Week of November 26, 2007

Monday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800

Tuesday
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1400

Wednesday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Thursday
Exercise: Cardio (ice skating)
Calories: 1500

Friday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1400

Saturday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 3000

Sunday
Exercise: Choice
Calories: 2000

Sunday

Sunday's Goals
Exercise: Choice
Calories: 1400

Sunday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Pilates/Yoga
Calories: 1550

I had a good day on the program today. For my workout I did Crunch's Super Slimdown - Pilates Yoga Blend. I really enjoy this workout and it's great for days when I don't feel like doing a full-blown, exhausting workout.

For breakfast I had a shake (300). For lunch I had a slice of pizza (400). For dinner I made tilapa breaded with the usual (panko bread crumbs, parm cheese and regular breadcrumbs), a large amount of brocolli and a baked potato with butter (700). That was it for my calorie allowance but those darned pears were calling (actually SHOUTING) my name, so I indulged in a couple (150). I don't worry too much about going over on something like fruit, though. I doubt a couple pears will make or break any progress.

Sensational Saturday

Saturday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Saturday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength & Yoga
Calories: 1570

I had a really good day on the program, I am very happy to say. First of all, I did 2 workouts instead of one. First I did The Firm: Bootcamp 3-in-1 Mix which is a long, challenging strength workout. Afterwards, I really felt like doing some yoga, so I did Crunch Candlelight Yoga and I extended the shavasana (final relaxation) at the end. Perfect! In the evening, I also walked around the mall a little (for about an hour) so I definitely got my exercise in yesterday.

I went over by 70 calories but it was for a pear so I don't feel bad about that. I will explain about the pear in a minute. For breakfast I had a shake (300). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pita pizza (513). For dinner I had my favorite salad in the world - one I recently discovered through a recipe in The New Best Recipe Cookbook(my favorite cookbook in the world). It's arugula with roasted pears, walnuts and shaved parmesan (in strips) with an oil and vinegar dressing (680). I made a HUGE salad for those calories. I modified it a little last night...I used the pears unroasted (I discovered I actually prefer them this way in the salad and no butter has to be used) and I used low-fat feta cheese in place of the shaved parmesan - it was just as good and the low-fat feta has only 40 calories per ounce (which is really low for any cheese).

I am not a big salad person. I enjoy them once in a while (usually the fattening ones like ceasar or ones with blue cheese dressing) but generally salad is not something I love to eat or crave. However, I make an exception for this salad. It is OUT OF THIS WORLD. The combination of the sweet pears with the sharp cheese and the crunch of the bitter walnuts with the acidity of the vinegar in the dressing is just outrageously delicious.

And these pears!!!! I bought a different type this time - bosc pears (the ugly brown ones that seem unappealing when you look at them). Wow! Firm AND sweet at the same time. Delicious!

(Can you tell I am hungry right now?)

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Fickle Friday

Friday's Goals
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1400

Friday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Rest
Calories: ?

I am ashamed to report I went off the wagon yesterday and didn't keep track of my calories. I was doing fine...counting everything up until after dinner and then I had a meltdown. I was feeling a little run-down and under the weather and my willpower really sucked. That's no excuse but that's the reason. Oh well. I am back on the wagon today and I plan to really stay on track for the next 7 days since my December 1 check-in is coming up. I don't think I am going to have big losses for November since I was off the wagon for a good chunk of it.

My program buddy dlv reminded me that I need to pick out my next charm and yesterday I realized that that would probably be a good idea considering the motivation issues. So since travel is my greatest love above all other interests, I chose this charm for when I reach 40 pounds lost:

Isn't it cute?


It's hard to find charms! First of all, in most cases, I only like three-dimensional ones (not the flat ones). So that eliminates about 90% of what's out there. Then, trying to find ones that match up with my interests, are in 14K, in my price range and that I really like is very hard! But I certainly like this one a lot.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wednesday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400


Wednesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400

Today is Thanksgiving and hurray! It's a splurge day. What could be better than splurging on good 'ole heavy, starchy, fatty, sugary American comfort food? When you're counting calories 6 days a week, NOTHING!

As for Wednesday, for my workout, I pulled out one of my old favorites, FitPrime's Strong Bear. Haven't done that one in awhile and forgot how great it is - probably one of my all-time favorite video workouts! A toughie with lots of inner thigh work. I am feeling it this morning.

For breakfast I had a shake (300). For lunch I had some pasta primavera (500). Afterwards I had sugar craving and had a handful of jelly beans (300). That left only 300 calories for dinner so I decided to have another shake (300). I didn't feel like cooking and there are not many things one can cook with 300 calories, so I decided to make it easy on myself. With all the extra time I had after "dinner" I decided to put up the Christmas decorations. This was the first year pulling out our "Insta-Tree"! (an artificial tree we bought last year, decorated and after Christmas put a sheet over it fully-decorated and put it in the garage until this year). Pulled it out, plugged it in and VOILA - Insta-Tree! So funny and ridiculous but I love it - it saved us about 2-3 hours of work! Hubby was rolling his eyes at me the whole time and laughing at me, but I know he was relieved to not have the entire house torn apart for an entire afternoon.

I must admit that Insta-Tree isn't anywhere near as pretty as my big, real, meticulously-decorated trees of years gone by, but that's okay. I just don't have the desire to go through all that hassle anymore so it's either Insta-Tree or nothing. Been there, done that.



Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Terrific Tuesday

Tuesday's Goals
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1800

Tuesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1800



Tuesday was a successful day on the program. For my workout, I did WHFN's Fast Cheetah. I rebounded through some parts of it simply because I find rebounding more fun than some forms of floor aerobics.

For breakfast I had only a large cup of hot chocolate (200). I wanted to conserve calories since we were having a pizza party at lunch today and I really wanted to have 2 slices (because we always order from the most awesome pizza place)! So for lunch, I had 2 slices of pizza and some Coke (1000). For dinner, all I wanted was my favorite ice cream so that's what I had - Turkey Hill Chocolaty Moose Tracks with whipped cream - a nice large bowl! (600).

I got another compliment on Tuesday. I was in the copy room at work and a coworker came up to me and told me I looked really great and asked what I have been doing to lose so much weight. At first, I told her "counting calories and exercising a lot" which usually is enough for most people to hear (because when they hear exercise they scratch the idea right off their list), but she wanted to know more. As I told her more, she wanted to know every detail...exactly what I am doing. She was so inspired and excited about the program and thought it sounded very reasonable and easy to follow. She told me she's tried every diet under the sun and always falls off the wagon because she gets tired of the restrictions they require and giving up certain foods. I was telling her how this program is easier to stick with because:

1. You can eat whatever foods you want as long as you stay within your daily calories. You don't have to give up any foods (like most diets require). I still eat (as you know) ice cream, pizza, cookies, etc. It's not a health food diet.

2. You can't "screw up" - you can always switch calorie levels for a day if you go overboard one day and overeat (of course, you can't do this frequently as there are only so many high calorie days to be had, but the option is there for rare, desperate occasions).

3. You get to have a full splurge day every week where you eat as much as you want. You can easily plan dinners out using the splurge day so you don't have to worry about counting calories at a restaurant.
4. You get to have 1 -2 higher calorie days in each week where you eat a very satisfying amount of food.

The only challenges in this program are (in my opinion):

1. You really have to exercise regularly to encourge good results and body toning (although the weight loss can be attributed 85% to the diet). This isn't really a challenge for me because I love to exercise, but many people do not.

2. Weighing, measuring and counting calories is a pain. It's not hard to do, but it can be tedious and somewhat time consuming, and when you're really hungry it seems even more tedious.

3. The lower calorie days can be challenging.

4. Busy social weeks (when more than one dinner or party is planned) can be a challenge because once you've used the splurge day, you have to count calories for the other days. It's hard to count calories when you eat outside your home.
Taking everything into account and compared to other programs I have tried, this one is the easiest to follow, at least for me. It doesn't feel like torture. It doesn't feel like I am giving up that much. I don't feel deprived. I am seeing good results. Who can complain?

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Manic Monday

Monday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Monday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calorioes: 1500

What a busy day it was. I did a tough workout in the morning - The Firm's Total Body Shaping Mix. This is a good one as it's nice and long and has some cardio intervals interspersed with the strength training. A very thorough workout.

For breakfast I had steel-cut Irish oatmeal again. This time I mixed in chopped Granny Smith apple and walnuts (plus the usual cinnamon and Whey Low) (385). For lunch I had a breaded tilapia sandwich on TJ's Tuscan Pane bread with a little cheese and mustard, baked in the oven until crispy (513). For dinner I had baked tortilla chips topped with black beans and Mexican cheese and sprinkled with fresh cilantro and chili powder (600). I had a major sweet tooth after this (I tend to get a sweet tooth after eating spicy foods, or tomato-based foods) so I had a glass of my virtually calorie-free limeade. It helped, but man did I have a major craving for some ice cream which, I am proud to say, I did not act on. I kept telling myself, "Thanksgiving is this week....save the calories!!!!"

Monday, November 19, 2007

Goals for Week of November 19th

Monday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500
Tuesday
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1800

Wednesday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400

Thursday (Thanksgiving)
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 3000

Friday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1400

Saturday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Sunday
Exercise: Yoga
Calories: 1400

Successful Sunday

Sunday's Goals
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1500

Sunday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1503

No exercise today...it was a rest day (and a much needed one!). I had a clementine before breakfast (70) and then for breakfast I had a slice of Tuscan Pane bread with 2 eggs, vegetarian "bacon" and cheese (433). All I wanted for lunch was ice cream so that's what I had - my favorite light ice cream - Turkey Hill Chocolaty Moose Tracks topped with whipped cream (500). For dinner I made pasta primavera (pasta and vegetables) topped with some grated cheese (500).

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Splurging is Sensational

Saturday's Goals
Exercise: Yoga & Swimming
Calories: 3000

Saturday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 3000

Since I skipped my workout on Friday (which was supposed to be a strength day), and since I didn't feel like driving to the gym for the yoga class and swimming, I decided to do a strength workout at home instead. I did Jari Love's Slim & Lean, a toughie! Jari tends to go overboard on rep-overkill, so when the reps for any particular exercise seem to be going on for far longer than is necessary for a good workout, I jump on the rebounder and do cardio until she moves on to the next exercise. This actually is better for me anyway, since I really prefer strength workouts that have cardio intervals built in. I feel like I'm getting a more well-rounded workout.

It was a splurge day so I ate whatever the heck I wanted and didn't count calories. I know I list 3000 as my calorie allotment, and I probably should count, but I don't bother. I figure the odds are against me eating more than 3000 calories, since it's a pretty astronomical amount. The "splurge" aspect of the day (i.e. eating what I want without counting calories) is a necessary element for me to stay on this program. The counting, weighing, measuring isn't really difficult, but it does get tedious after several days and it's really great to take a break from it once a week and just go with the flow and be like a normal person. The highlights of my splurge were delicious vegetable lasagna and a hearty slice of chocolate mousse cake. YUMMMMMMM!




Saturday, November 17, 2007

Friday

Friday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400

Friday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 2000



I was a little off program on Friday. First of all, I felt wrung out when I woke up. This usually happens after 4 straight days of tough workouts. Skating (in particular) has a tendency to wear me out. So I decided to listen to my body and forego the workout.

My calories were on track all day and even through dinner with careful counting as always. HOWEVER, after dinner I was having a terrible sweet tooth attack so I had a couple pieces of hard candy and that set me on a downward spiral. Anyway, my total calories ended up being around 2000.

I decided there's no reason to feel defeated by this. I will simply not take a 2000 calorie day next week. I will substitute in a 1400 calorie day. No damage done! That's the beauty of this program...it's all about flexibility. If you think about it, that's how we should eat when we're not on a program...if you eat a lot one day, you moderate your consumption the next day. The problem is when we overindulge every day.

Anyway, for breakfast I had steel-cut Irish oatmeal. I mixed in a little butter, Whey Low, cinnamon and pecans (434). For lunch I had a black bean burrito (340). For dinner I had breaded tilapia with a side of green beans (with a little butter) and a baked potato (also with a little butter) (625). And then, I went on the sugar spiral.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Ice Skating and Hot Cocoa - what could be better?

Thursday's Goals
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 2000

Thursday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 2010

For my workout yesterday I went figure skating. It was a perfect session - the ice was glass smooth, the temperature of the rink was comfortable, I felt energetic and there were no reckless show-offs aggravating me. I skated for a full hour.

I was on target with my calories. For breakfast I had the same toast/egg/vegetarian "sausage"/cheese sandwich I've had a couple days this week (551). For lunch I went out to my favorite pizza place across the street from work and had 2 slices and can of Coke (1000). For dinner I didn't have too many calories left so I had a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate (460).

By the way, Hershey's has a new cocoa out called Hershey's Special Dark that is out of this world. It's so dark, it is almost black! I mostly use it to add to my protein shakes to make them extra chocolately but it also makes an outrageously delicious (and dark!) hot chocolate - really satisfies a chocolate craving. This is unsweetened cocoa and it has 20 calories/tablespoon. You can find it in the baking section of your supermarket where they sell regular cocoa.

DARK & DELICIOUS HOT COCOA

Permanent link to recipe

1 cup of skim milk
1 heaping tablespoon Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
Couple shakes of cinnamon
1 pinch salt
sweetener to taste (for this, I use Whey Low as it tastes better in this application than stevia)

Pour a small amount of milk into a mug (about 1/8 cup). Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add the cocoa, the salt, the cinnamon and the sweetener. With a fork or small whisk, whisk this mixture really well until smooth (no lumps). Slowly pour in the rest of the milk and whisk. Put back in the microwave and heat for another minute or so.

(150 calories)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Wonderful Wednesday

Wednesday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800

Wednesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1850

I did a really tough workout this morning - The Firm: Bootcamp 3-in-1 Mix. It's a long one too...I think it's about an hour and 10 minutes and it hits every muscle. Lots of bicep work!

I still haven't received my Whey Gourmet Protein Powder, so I had a traditional breakfast today....cereal with skim milk topped with sliced almonds and raspberries (485). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pita pizza (465). For dinner I had a burrito stuffed with black beans, salsa, minced jalapeno peppers, cilantro and cheddar with a squirt of lime juice and dipped it in a little light sour cream (550). I indulged in a pile of jelly beans for a treat. Boy they really were good! (300)

An Unusual (and Exciting) Experience

This morning I had a really wonderful, positive experience when getting dressed for work. I had just come out of the shower and had a robe on. When I disrobed to get dressed, I paused to take a critical look at myself in the mirror to evaluate my physique and guess what my immediate reaction was? I literally thought, "my body looks beautiful!" And then, I was immediately shocked that I had such a reaction because it's been a long time since I looked at myself naked in the mirror and had a completely positive evaluation without some other negative thoughts taking over.

The thing that I noticed was that my shape has become very hourglass and I no longer have a large matronly stomach. Also, all the strength training I have been doing over the past year is starting to show. I can see definition in my shoulders - they are broader (I love that), and more sculpted. I also noticed that my stomach is getting those 2 vertical lines - the beginnings of a six pack! When I looked in the mirror today, I also had the thought that I am getting my old body back...it was like seeing a long-lost friend who you loved but haven't seen in years. I recognized the positive features of my new physique and remembered that I used to have these features before I gained all the weight over the years. And here, I thought they were gone for good and just a casualty of age.

What makes me even more excited about this whole experience today is that I am not even half way to goal and I am already feeling happy about the way I look and feel. I can't imagine how satisfying it will be when my physique is at goal.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Terrific Tuesday

Tuesday's Goals
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1400

Tuesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1400

I was really sore when I got up this morning. Not sure why, but that Tom Holland workout on Monday really kicked my butt. Anyway, I did a cardio workout this morning - GForce 2, which is a rebounding workout.

My calories were right on target today. For breakfast I had a large slice of toasted Italian bread topped with 2 scrambled eggs, 2 vegetarian "sausage" patties and a little cheese (588). For lunch I had some pasta with marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese (312) followed by a couple hard candies (50). For dinner I had a vegetarian "chicken" wrap with sauteed veggies, a little cheese and dijon mustard (450).


Motivated Monday

Monday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Monday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1548

I had a good day on the program yesterday. I was a little short on time in the morning so I did Tom Holland's Total Body Workout. I am really sore today! It's a really great workout in 45 minutes.

I was only 48 calories over my allotment (which I consider acceptable). I ran out of protein powder and my new supply has not arrived yet so I'll be having regular breakfasts until it arrives. I had a slice of whole wheat toast topped with 1 slice of vegetarian "bacon", 2 scrambled eggs and a little cheddar cheese (345). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pita pizza (pita topped with sauce, breaded eggplant cutlets, parmesan and low-fat mozzarella) - 560. For dinner I had pasta marinara filled with sauteed veggies (peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic) - 593. During the day I also had a couple hard candies to take the edge off a sweet tooth (50).

I feel glad that I am back on the wagon and moving forward again. And I am glad my 2 motivating partners are back from vacation - it's much easier to be on top of this with a support system! :)

Monday, November 12, 2007

Goals for Week of November 12, 2007


Monday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Tuesday
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1400

Wednesday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800

Thursday
Exercise: Figure Skating (cardio)
Calories: 2000

Friday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400

Saturday
Exercise: Yoga & Swimming
Calories: 3000

Sunday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1500

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Gala


Sorry I haven't been around much this past week...I did intend to stay on the wagon, but was intermittantly on and off this past week - probably a little more off than on. At any rate, I don't think too much damage was done, although it's hard to tell since I just got my period and am a little on the bloated side.

Anyway, last night was the gala. Remember I was hoping to wear that gorgeous, red satin dress? Well, the red dress did fit me by last night (hurray!) but I decided to wear a different dress - a black, beaded cocktail dress. The reason I didn't wear the red dress was that after doing a little fashion show for my best friend and hubby about a week ago, they both agreed that the black coctktail dress was more complimentary on me. They put it this way, "with the red dress, they will notice the DRESS. With the black dress, they will notice YOU."

The other thing is, there was a cleavage issue with the red dress (i.e. too much showing) and for a work event, I think I would have felt a little too self-conscious with too much boobage showing. So I think I will save the red dress for a future formal event, maybe for our next cruise or whatever. It definitely will not go to waste!
Oh, and I promise...I am back on the wagon tomorrow.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Successful Sunday

Today was a successful day, diet-wise, although I didn't exercise today. I had a lot of housework and cooking to do today and I was going all day, so I decided not to overdo it with a workout too (that's my story and I'm sticking with it!)

I had 1500 calories today. For breakfast I had the usual shake (300). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pizza bagel (565). For dinner I made one of my favorite dishes...Mexican tilapia (tilapia, breaded in a mixture of bread crumbs, wheat germ and parmesan with herbs mixed in, baked and topped with salsa and Mexican cheese, served over rice with a lime wedge, a little guacamole and sour cream (630). I was proud of myself because I could have easily eaten 2 more servings of that delicious fish, but I didn't.

Tilapia is a really good choice for fish. It's very satisfying and delicious, but extremely low calorie (only 27 calories per ounce) so I can really get a substantial meal out of it without loading up on calories.

Goals for Week of November 5, 2007

Monday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500

Tuesday
Exercise: Cardi0
Calories: 1400

Wednesday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800

Thursday
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1500

Friday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400

Saturday
Exercise: Yoga and Swimming
Calories: 3000

Sunday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 2000

Back on the Wagon

Well, I am sorry to say I have been off the wagon the last couple days. That's why I haven't written. Things have been stressful lately and I think the stress has been the seed of my undoing! Of course, that's no excuse and so I am writing to make a pledge that I am back on the wagon beginning today. The thought of undoing any of my hard-earned progress is enough to get me back on the wagon without delay!

Onward!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

October Results!

Great News! I lost 7.4 pounds in October and to date I have now lost 34.6 pounds! I am only .4 pounds away from awarding myself with the beach chair charm (for my 35 pound weight loss goal). I am very pleased with this. I consider ANY loss a good one, a 5 pound loss per month to be very good and anything above that to be great! I am now 44% to my weight loss goal.

I also lost 5.75 inches in October:

2 inches off my chest
2 inches off my stomach
1 inch off my hips
1/4 inch off my thigh
1/2 inch off my arm
(no loss on my waist this month)

My total inches lost since I began the program:

4 inches off my chest
6.24 inches off my stomach
5.5 inches off my hips
3 inches off my thigh
1 1/2 inches off my arm
4 1/2 inches off my waist

TOTAL INCHES LOST TO DATE: 24.85