At my WW meeting this last week, the leader asked how many people were getting the 28 activity points that WW recommends. Only 1 person raised their hand. Then she asked (in general) how many the rest of us were getting. I confessed that I average about 15-21 a week, but my goal is always to get 28. Only one other person (who was willing to speak up) said that she normally gets about 14. Now, there were about 30 people there and I know the one couple was commenting early about yard work, so they are getting some APs even if they aren’t counting those (or just didn’t want to say anything about it). A couple of the people might have been new to the program and hadn’t hit week 4 yet (to learn about the APs and how to count them). But that left a whole group of people who know they should be getting APs and who aren’t doing it.

So what’s my point? I think that WW is geared toward the semi-exercisers, despite their recommendation that everyone get 28 APs a week, the target points are set towards 28 or less APs a week. I think that is why the true athletes among us are struggling to lose weight despite following the program. I think when you are getting 28 or more APs every week, your body requires more food so you can convince yourself that you aren’t starving.

By the way, did you know that when you go on maintenance, you move your points up by 4!!!! Okay, yeah, I (inadvertantly) tried that and gained 2.4 pounds my first week of maintenance. Then, I went back to my 22 points a day and have kept those for the last 5 weeks. This past week, I moved up to 23 points a day and we’ll see what happens at that target. In addition, I’m trying not to obsess if I miss something in my journal. I was jumping back out of bed (in the middle of the night or whenever) and writing down what I realized that I missed something (not often, but ocassionally) but now I just figure that during the week my FPs, APs (since I’m not getting them all I’m not using any right now) are covering it. I guess that is a perk of being on maintenance and trying to figure out how to maintain and not keep losing.

Whoo Hoo!!!! I received my key today!
Honestly, I didn’t think it would be as exciting as it is! I just keep grinning.

I was teasing my leader that I’d continue to come until I get pregnant again and they kick me out….and she said they no longer stop you coming while you are pregnant. And then that was followed by a question about how long does WW give you to lose your pregnancy weight. The Leader said that it is really at their discretion, but that if you gain a reasonable amount of weight, they’d be willing to give you an extended period to lose it (without paying since I’ll still be a lifetime member). However, she also told me that if I gain 60 pounds when I’m pregnant that she’ll be tracking me down to my house to get my WW fee every week!! It was quite funny.

I haven’t had much time to post lately and then, when I’ve had time, I got on and can’t think of anything to say. I’ve read lots of posts and started comments, and then gave up and just logged back off. Aargh! I think my brain is turning to mush. It must be the end-of-summer-slump. Our local schools go back to school on the 6th of September — still over a week away — I’m hopeful once our fall schedule returns, my brain will return with it! <grin>

Week 19 

For each day, give yourself a 1 for each guideline that you meet. There are 56 points possible. At the end of the week, count up your points and divide by 56. If you had 45 points for the week, then 45/56 x 100 is 80%, which means you were on program 80% of the time. 

Oops, I see that my chart didn’t allow me to count that last multi-vitamin. But with 50 “checks” for the week, I’m at 89% — that is pretty good!

Well, I’ve been doing WW for about 18 weeks, and today I noticed a significant change in my lifestyle. The family went to the pool, and I opted to start out with 10 minutes of laps (which I doubt I could’ve even done 18 weeks ago, and, in fact, I wanted to do another 5 or 10 minutes but the kids were clamoring for some play time). Then my oldest daughter and I had a great time throwing the diving rings and diving and getting them. I tried to do more swimming while playing with her.

Pre-WW, I dreaded going to the pool. Not only was wearing a swimsuit an issue (and realistically it is still an issue, but I focus on having fun with my family and exercising and try to ignore my discomfort), but swimming was exhausting and lying down with a magazine much more attractive!

I still enjoy the times when I can just relax, but at least now when I’m in the pool, I’m having more fun!

So, I’ve tried lots of little “tricks” to keep myself drinking water. I try to always grab a cold bottle from the frig on my way out the door so I have some cold water in the car/van. I keep a glass on the counter and try to drink throughout the day. I have a glass in the bathroom for a couple of sips early in the morning and before I go to bed or when I get up in the middle of the night (when I typically feel parched). But there are still days when I struggle to drink my water.
Any one else have any good tips?

Last night I was ranting about grocery store prices…now I’m ranting about clothing sizes.

When I started WW (20 pounds ago), 99% of the clothes in my closet were size 14 and/or Large. I couldn’t wear all of them, in fact, a major reason I went to WW was because I was limited to wearing one pair of pants that really fit. Some of the others fit with a bit of squeezing and then the rest I really couldn’t zip, button, etc. Now I’m at the opposite end of the closet….I have 4 pairs of pants that I can wear, and 2 of those are loose — but not at the point where they feel like they are going to slip down to my hips and I think they still look like they fit well. One pair fits perfectly and the last pair is still tight. 

I have one pair of shorts — and they are a size 12 stretch that I bought about a month ago.

But why is it that I can drop 20 pounds, gain some muscles, and still fit into the same size?

And, then I hear about people who have lost 20 pounds and dropped 3 sizes! That amazes me. I don’t understand how clothing manufacturers decide what size to label their clothing.

I actually tried to go buy some more shorts. I figure at this time of the summer, they should all be on the clearance racks, right? I tried on about 20 pairs of shorts and capris but didn’t find anything that fit right. Most of the 14s were too big, the 10s were too small and the 12s were either too big or just didn’t fit right.

I did buy a pair of cute jammies, size L, but after I got home and tried them on (see below for my comment about that), the top is too big and I need to exchange it for a M! I’m not sure that I’ve ever worn medium sized shirts before!

And, to cap it all off, my DH can go shopping, pick up a pair of pants and know immediately whether they’ll fit him or not. I find it maddening! He is finally getting a glimpse as to why I insist on trying everything on! And, the hazards of returning clothes when I break my own rule.

I did WI tonight, unusually, because I typically go in the AM and was up 2.2 pounds. My rationale — too much salt, evening WI, and too many snacks during the last week. Well, tomorrow is another day and I’ve gone grocery shopping so tomorrow I’ll be back on track!

Erin (from Taking the Reins) was commenting about the coupons — and the lack of healthy options. Not only did I completely agree (grumble, grumble) but it created a desire for me to stand up on my own soap box …. 

We have 4 little communities here — each nestled up to the rest. The one that is easily in the lowest Socio-Economic Status (SES) has just recently gotten its first grocery store. Which sounds great, except that it is at one (extreme) end of the community, which means that the people who need it the most can’t get there on a regular basis. Is it any wonder that the people from the poorest communities are at the biggest risk health-wise/weight-wise? These individuals are doing their food shopping at 7-11 and AM/PM (which is a mini-mart in the western region of the US)! They might actually be able to find a piece of fresh fruit, but at what cost? It is totally insane! Of course, their food choices are going to lean toward beef jerky, chips, pop tarts, etc. They are getting the most food for their food dollars that way. Why would they spend $1 on a banana (truthfully, that is what I’ve seen the price at) when they could get an entire bag (and more than a serving at that) for the same price or just a bit more?

And, then I look at my own family’s grocery bill. We are always trying to cut it down, but where do we start? We do typically buy ice cream (our kids get a small scoop every other night or so; I try to buy a flavor that I don’t like or at least won’t eat regularly), and I often have bagels or english muffins (low point ones for me and regular ones for the kids) but other than that….what do I do differently? Fresh and frozen produce, milk, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, cheese (I guess I could open my own dairy counter at home!), sandwich meats, bread, canned tomatoes, an occasional can of soup, a frozen dinner once in a while, and a 12-pack of diet soda that I try to make last at least 2 weeks….none of these things have coupons! Or if they do, I can still get them cheaper by buying house brands.

Onto my eating….well my DH and older girls (finally) return late tomorrow night. I’ve had a couple of heavy eating and snacking days but I think I’m ready to get back on track and  that I’ll do better once the routine gets back to normal. I have discovered that it is much easier to be accountable when my family is around. I obviously don’t have much will power on my own. I need them around so I am less likely to “sneak” in afternoon and evening snacks. I’ve also put off going grocery shopping so am out of fresh fruits and veggies….I’ve completely ignored the GHGs for the last 2 days! Crazy! I must shake this off and get back on track!

I have been exercising almost every day so that has helped keep the scale in check. Although I’m not looking forward to weighing in this week — in fact, I’m not even sure what day I can make it over there….hmmm, better put some thought and planning into that.

Since I’ve been doing so well at avoiding the fast food during the last week and a half, I made a planned splurge today. I went to Panda Express — but I did it the smart way. I looked up all the nutritional info on the website before going. Planned out what I was going to order and then divided it into 2 “meals” when I got home.

So, instead of a 19+ point meal (with orange chicken, beef & brocolli and chow mein), I got a 8 point meal for today (chicken & mushrooms, part of the beef & brocolli & a small scoop of the chow mein), and another 8 point meal tomorrow (chicken with green beans, the rest of the beef & brocolli and another small scoop of chow mein). I’m so proud of myself for planning what to eat before ordering it.

Also, the last time I ate an entire plate of food from Panda Express, I was STUFFED! I mean, really, uncomfortable. This time, I was satisfied but not stuffed.

And, I learned something new — it used to be that the “side” options were white rice, fried rice or chow mein, but now they’ve added “veggies” to the side options. So, next time I’ll just get half of the chow mein and get half veggies. Because while I truly enjoy the chow mein, I don’t really need 2 servings of it (12 points for the 2 servings! (which I figure really should be at least 3, if not 4 servings worth)) and I can always use the extra veggies.

It has been a rough couple of super-snacking, munchie days. So, hopefully, that is behind me and I can move forward and stay on track.

Okay, put your Toni Basil cheering outfit on and….

Give me an “I”, give me a “T”, and give me an “S”

Now give me a “G”, give me an “O”, give me an “N” and give me an “E”!
What’s that spell? It’s gone! It’s gone!

What could I possibly be cheering for? The other day I thought I noticed something in the mirror was different, but I didn’t quite believe it. But this morning, in the cold, clear light of day, it is true. I only have ONE chin now! For at least 10 years, it has been at least a chin and a half to 2 chins. In photos, I’ve always tried to stretch my neck out a bit so it didn’t show, but now I’d have to put my chin down to my chest to make it double-up! Whoo Hooo!

Despite that, I still struggled with my food choices today. I still think I’m doing better without my DH and older girls home than I would’ve done in the past, so I’m still accomplishing good things. I didn’t get my GHGs in today (which I’ve really been focusing on during the last 16 weeks). So, thankfully we get a new day every day. Tomorrow I’m planning to eat all my GHGs before the snacks! I want to check those boxes off!