WW Update

4 ice cream sandwiches + lots of Lean Cuisine and fresh fruit + 12 miles with the stroller and dog + friends who take great care of me when Dave is out of town (Cheeseburger and Paradise one night, Cheesecake Factory the next) = down .5.  As I type all that out I am amazed that I lost anything.

Here's to next week.  My goal is to keep up the exercise and watch my intake a lot more.

Have a great weekend, anyone.

Blessings,

Stef

All Natural

All Natural-- that is how my nails will be at Dekker's birthday party this Saturday.  I have not gotten to the magic "Lifetime Weight" and therefore not getting the fake nails.  So deal with it-- I am.  Actually, I considered a therapy friendly move in going ahead and getting them in spite of not reaching my goal-- because I "deserve" it anyway-- but I honestly didn't have time.  I did get on the scale this week and I am happy to say that I have maintained my weight loss almost exactly.  I still have 4-5 lbs to go, and I am loving this weather, my stroller, strawberries and grapes.  I honestly feel super confident that I will, in fact, reach the magic weight.  And I will be the same person then that I am now, still vowing to love my body for all the wonderfulness it has been to me (including, but not solely, Dekker).

My friend Beth hit the nail on the head tonight when she said that "productive comes in streaks."  Seriously, for weeks I sat around and did nothing.  When we got home from Vegas and suffered through the time change, I napped EVERY time Dekker did.  That's an hour in the AM and 2 in the afternoon my friends.  It was HEAVEN.  But, my house was honestly falling apart at the seams-- not to mention that my husband, who works from home, started commenting on the "bed sores" I was going to get from laying in bed so much.  It's addictive.  Anyway, all of the sudden it got nice out, and I started drinking Starbucks with caffeine again, and I got a fire under me.  So instead of being reasonable and picking a few things to get started on, I picked everything I had been procrastinating for the last, oh 18 months, plus stuff that is timely enough it can't wait... and what's left is me in a mess.  Here's some "irons" on the "fire":

Quick WW Update

Did you think I had forgotten about WW, the original intent of this blog?  Well trust me, I certainly have not!  Upon returning home from Vegas (a Sunday) I moderately counted points that week and did weigh in.  I was up about 1, and wasn't too panicked.  I counted points the next week, which was last week, and on Friday I was back to my pre-Vegas weight, which is over 1.5 lbs LESS than my pre-Dekker weight.  Woot Woot!  It is hard, when you are talking about fluctuating 1-3 lbs, to know how much of that is water and how much is legitimate loss.  Never-the-less, I'll take it!

I have been moderately counting points.  Basically, this means that I count points until dinner, then eat a sensible dinner and call it a day!  It helps me not snack out all day, and it helps me pick a healthier lunch, but it's far from "all in."  I have kinda lost some steam, especially now that I am back in some work clothes and the scale doesn't have me in tears.  Never-the-less, I would like to lose another 5 lbs.  BUT, I'm not in such a gung-ho "must-do-it-right-now" mood.  My nails will likely be all natural in a few weeks at Dekker's birthday party, unless I get a nasty stomach virus, which I hope and pray against.

Finally, I have really been meditating on inner beauty.  I have a verse from 1 John on my bathroom wall that reminds me  to "cultivate inner beauty, the gentle gracious kind that God delights in."  I am really trying hard to love myself AND my body, and to speak kindly of my body, and to accept where I am today.  Just because I have goals for the future does not mean that I can't be happy today.  So this has become much more of a focus, as I try to think of my body as a whole and not just a number on a scale or a pant size.  Praise the Lord, this is a journey, for sure.  At the same time, this does not mean that I can't continue to work on losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  I very much intend to do both.

So this Friday I hope the scale maintains!  And I hope that as more seasonal fruit comes into season, as I get out with the stroller and dog and walk more, and as I continue to count "points" that I will eventually lose these last few pounds!  For now, an over 10 lb loss has made a tremendous difference-- and I'm going to celebrate that!

On the journey.

Stef

Vegas Countdown...

Well we are absolutely thrilled to be leaving for Vegas in the AM.  Actually, Dave is in Iowa right now helping a friend of a friend get his computer up and going.  It is taking way longer than he anticipated and I'm 100% sure he's not happy about it.  So in the mean time, I am doing laundry, packing Dekkers things, and clearing the camera... so while the camera unloads I thought I had a few quick moments to post.

Here are my Top 5 thoughts about Vegas, in no order, in regards to food:

1.  It is not the last supper.  I can eat well, but I don't have to eat until I unbutton my pants at EVERY meal.

2.  I want to taste a variety of foods.

3.  I will hold off on dessert.  I love food, but I love losing weight, too.  So I don't want to undo all the work I have done.  As I look at various websites about what to order at restaurants, it continues to strike me how dessert can be the same "points value" as an entire meal.

4.  I will order red sauce instead of white.  Killer.  I will order veggies whenever I can.

5.  I will lay off the donuts.  I do lloovvee donuts, but I don't need a half dozen everyday.

(6).  (I will walk everywhere I can, and pack sensible shoes to make this possible.)

What are we planning to do while in Vegas?  Well, we're going clubbing.  I can't even type the word clubbing without laughing. 

Weigh In Week ??

I have honestly forgotten what week this is.  I think it is week four.  Anyway, I lost .2 and I don't want to talk about it.  I'll blame the DELICIOUS cookies Dave made.  That's all I have to say about that.  Perhaps my goal should be to simply maintain until I get home from Vegas.  Then I'll have a few weeks to work toward my Weight Watchers "Lifetime Goal" (and gorgeous fake nails).  I would love to have those by Dekker's first birthday party but I 'm just not sure that's going to happen.

Also, my theory about the gym: The Longer One is Away, The Harder it is to Get Back.

On the journey.

Stef

Eating Out Just Got Easier

I just wanted to pass along this website (scroll down once you get there).  Big thanks to my sweet cousin, Tisha, for passing it along. Even if you're not "counting points" you can bookmark it and plan ahead for healthy choices at your favorite restaurants.

Tonight I ordered Dominos Pizza, Thin Crust, Medium, light cheese with beef and red peppers.  I am estimating about 4 points a slice and I am thrilled.  I have 13 points left today thanks to a salad for lunch.  A few pieces with some fruit and NO bonus points.  Heck yeah.  Let's just hope I have that much self control once it gets here :)

Enjoy!

On the journey.

Stef

Weigh In...

Because I know you are waiting with baited breath, I wanted to quick say that I lost 1lb this week.  Not too shabby considering the trip we took, including Wendy's, doughnuts, and delicious popcorn and M&M's (Oh Amy, I loved that popcorn!).  However, one pound is what I mean when I say that weight loss is hard!  I know that 1lb adds up (after all, I've lost 11lbs from my heaviest post-pregnancy (winter) weight and 6 since I started WW and this blog), but it's not exactly major rewards.  Still, I'll take it, and the fact that my work pants didn't make me want to hate myself all day yesterday.  Two weeks until Vegas!  Even a few more lbs will make a difference with those Spring clothes-- so I continue!

Here are a few pics from our trip to Michigan:

Grandpa and Nana with all the grandkids.  Do you think we could get them all to look at the camera and smile at once?  Never.  Dekker particularly was not having it.



This is Dekker on his first plane ride!  We had a blast with him.



Our family of three.  I wish I would have put my hair over my shoulder but oh well.  It's really long right now.



All the cousins playing together.  Pictures of these three crawling around on the floor together are forever in my memory.  So sweet.



Also, a side note, I am about 4.5 lbs from my WW "Lifetime Weight."  When I hit that, I'm getting fake nails.  And if I can go 5 under that, I'm not sure what I'll do but it will be BIG.  My goal is to have fake nails by Dekker's birthday party on April 3rd.

How are you doing with your healthy eating/exercise goals?  I hope you are keeping at it, because small steps equal big rewards somewhere down the line...

On the journey.

Stef

Cautious Optimism

First (if you've been wondering) I wanted to let you know that I did in fact weigh myself before we left for Michigan and I had lost one pound.  I'll hold my sarcastic tongue and excuses and just say that 5 lbs total in 2 weeks is thrilling.  I may have taken a few steps backward while on said trip, but I planned ahead really well with my bonus points so I am cautiously optimistic that come Friday I will maintain.  No hopes for a loss with all the food and no workouts.  Maybe next week.  Right now I am eating 4 points of Sweettarts, my Valentine's Day gift to myself.  They are delish and since I have zero food in this house, I know I won't be going over more than 2 points today.  Ug.  I am half heart-idly considering walking on the treadmill during American Idol tonight.  We'll see.

I also wanted to share this excellent Jambalaya recipe.  It is pointed at 8 points a serving, and you'll want to double check what is considered a serving.  Thank you again Amanda and Nathan for introducing us to this after Dekker was born.  It is very family friendly, and it's Milk and Soy free (I think??), FYI, in case you or someone you know is looking (or you're taking a meal to a friend).  You can consider substituting whole grain brown rice, which I believe would take the points down.

If you're wondering how I have time to sit and make lengthy blog posts in the middle of the day on a Tuesday (work day) it's because I'm home with a sick Dekker today.  (Who just woke up from his nap... more later)... ... ...

... ... ... I considered one super long post today, but it's now been six hours since Dekker woke up and I have been busy chasing him around, getting dinner together (aka warming up a Lean Cuisine), walking on the treadmill (which I almost did pant-less b/c I couldn't find a clean pair to save my soul-- can you workout without pants in your own home?) and talking to Dave.  So I'm settling for two shorter posts and hope to get to post some interesting things happening lately come tomorrow.  For now, I am tempted to stay up late, blog and watch the Olympics, but Goodness Knows that Dekker won't understand why I want to sleep in tomorrow :)  So good-night all.



On the journey.

Stef

Nachos

I just ate my delicious nachos for lunch. They were everything I dreamed they would be.

Points? 2 servings (approx 28 chips) baked tortilla chips (4). 1/4 cup fat free cheese (1). 1/4 cup shredded Monterrey Jack and Colby (3). Total: 8 I am in heaven! I was so thrilled that I took a picture!  Who takes a picture of nachos???

My other superbowl tip? Portion, Portion, Portion. Just remember, you can eat whatever you want-- just not all of it and all the time! Baked chips are excellent, so are Fat Free Pringles, and there is lots of low point popcorn out there. I am going to go for big volume and low points. We'll see how it goes!!
On the Journey.
Stef

Easy Enchiladas

This is a blend of a Weight Watchers  recipe and just an old favorite enchilada recipe. This is the second time I have made it.  Tonight, I was able to make 10 enchiladas with this recipe, so I made 6 and froze the filling for Tuesday night when I am cooking for others again but have a very hectic day at work scheduled (which is good, right!).

Easy Enchiladas:

3 chicken breasts, seasoned with whatever you want (Mrs. Dash?) and boiled then shredded.

Preheat Oven to 350
Warm up a dash of olive oil in a non-stick skillet.  Add chicken.
Add in 24 oz chunky salsa (you'll have to buy more than this, or just hold back one cup for later)
Add in 1 or 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
Add in chopped scallions.  I have just been buying a smaller bunch and using it all b/c I don't want them in my fridge.
Add in chili powder.  I used about 3 teaspoons.
Add in ground cumin.  I used about 1.5 teaspoons.
Add in any other seasonings you want.  I used Tastefully Simple "onion/onion", a little Italian seasoning, and the Tastefully Simple "Seasoning salt."  I am discovering that "low point" food is typically very bland so I have been consulting my Weight Watcher cookbook and using a lot of seasoning.  Truth is, fat is seasoning.  So remove it, and food is quite bland.
You can also add in about 3/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained.  I leave these out b/c Dave doesn't love them.
Add in 1/2 -to  2 cups shredded Monterey Jack (I use about 1/2 cup fat free cheddar)
Heat through.

Add about 1/2 cup salsa to bottom of baking pan.
Spoon about 1/2 cup mixture to the middle of tortilla (whole wheat, white, low carb-- you choose!).  Roll.
Place seam side down in pan.
Repeat.
When finished, add another 1/2 cup salsa over tortillas and top with as much cheese as you choose.

Bake at 350 for about 20 min.

Total Points:

Weigh In Week Two: Say What?!?!

I got on the scale today and almost fell off! I couldn't believe it. I had broken my "won't get on it for a week" rule about mid week and realized that I had lost about 1.5 lbs. That is fantastic, and in my first few weeks of WW in the past, I did lose 2 or 2.5 lbs, so I figured I was right on track with that. Plus, the more weight one has to lose, typically the quicker it will come off in the beginning.... anyway....

My weight loss this morning was 4.2lbs! I simply can not believe it. Well, I can actually. I weighed in first thing in the AM, in my PJ's-- which is consistent with last Friday. Which means my weight will fluctuate all day as I eat. And, honestly, a lot of this is probably water weight. I have been hitting the water hard, which ironically leads to an overall loss of water weight (your body says "Hey, I'm getting enough water. I can let go of this water reserve.") So I am THRILLED but cautious. My suspicion? Next week will be a much much much more moderate weight loss, and the two weeks averaged together will be more "typical."

Probably the best thing about this, though, is that my favorite, standard black dress pants are fitting sooo much better. They are a size bigger than I like to buy, but at least I can comfortably wear them. We booked our plane tickets and hotel to Vegas this week--

Third Time is A Charm

How I got into this mess!

My pre-pregnancy weight was very nominal-- (I am about four/five pounds heavier than that now).  It wasn't my thinnest, and it wasn't my heaviest.  But it was heavier than I prefer.  I had, unfortunately, suffered a miscarriage in April of 2008 at 13 weeks pregnant.  It was absolutely awful and my heart goes out to any other women out there who know the pain-- both physically and emotionally.   I am not sure what the deal was, but my hormones and body just always seemed a little off for several months-- which I believe did influence my weight.  I got pregnant with Dekker in July, and I consider my pre-pregnancy weight what I weighted at my 8 week appt.  So it was reasonable, but I don't think had ever really balanced out from the miscarriage.

I was super active during my pregnancy.  I LOVED being pregnant.  I walked our dog all the time, even went to the gym.  We had a beautiful summer and fall, and even a moderate winter.  I walked so much, and gained a beautiful 30 lbs.  By the time I left the hospital, I weighed about what I weigh now.

I nursed Dekker.  But here is where it got tricky.