Too busy NOT to be skinny!

Another loss! And this time it was bigger, better, and puts me right at my goal! I lost 1.5 lbs this week for a weight of 155.0, which is exactly 5 lbs GONE in 5 weeks! What went well? What do I want to improve? Let’s recap:

1. Points — I didn’t do so hot sticking to my 22 points/day + 35 weekly. I really tried. But I did write EVERYTHING down that I ate, I still planned my menus ahead of time and tried my hardest to stick to them, I ate at home and cooked dinner most nights, and I limited any “sweets, salties, snacky” extras that sometimes tempt me.
GOAL: This week I plan to write down every food/point again, but I really commit to sticking to 22/day. We are going to a home football game here on Saturday, so I know I will want a treat there… I’m saving up my 35 for some peanuts

2. Water — I did decently with the water. I can do better.
GOAL: Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

3. Exercise– I knew this would be blown last week because it just didn’t fit into my schedule well. I had to be “pretty” on campus around lunch each day, so my regular morning/afternoon walks didn’t happen.
GOAL: Exercise 3-5 times this week.

4. Fruits/veggies — I’m doing great with these. More so on the fruits than the veggies, but I’ve never been a person who cringes at healthy food.
GOAL: I just hope to keep this up this week.

5. Accountability — As I mentioned last week, a friend of mine (F) and I are keeping each other accountable to our plans. We met again this Sunday, and we started a great idea that I read about in WW magazine. We each took a ribbon to hang on the fridge or the bathroom mirror (wherever!) that we will string paper clips on… one paper clip for each pound gone! We think it will be a good visual remind of how much we’ve done, and seeing on a couple on there will spur us on! It’s also a good way for us to maintain a healthy competition with ourSELF rather than each other (she has about 90 pounds to lose, I have about 30), and it’s a free way to reward ourselves!
GOAL: Keep emailing F this week to encourage her, and think of something else for next week to encourage her (this week: ribbons with clips, last week: a sign for her fridge to remind her of her goals)

NEW WEEKLY GOAL: “I will eat 22 points a day and PLAN how the 35/wk will be spent, saving appropriately for the weekend where I know I will be tempted.”

I am just so pleased with myself I’m right on track with appropriate progress… and while I confess that I’d love to start losing 2 lbs a week and just get this part of it over with, I’m okay with 1! Besides, I need to be more accountable to the points system, so maybe that will have a better effect on the scale!

Have a great week, y’all! Let me know how your weeks were and what your goal for the week is!

Once again, a little shy of my “one pound a week” goal, but I did lose 0.5 lbs after overeating on several occasions this week. That’s good!

Also, a new feature that will make sense when you read item 3 below, but it’s a “GOAL OF THE WEEK.” This is what my number one target is for the week:

**** This week I, ___(insert your name here)____ ,will record each and every point that reaches my lips in order to face the reality of what I eat. Even if I go over on my points allowance, I will face the truth with full knowledge of where I stand in the weight loss game, better equipped to make a realistic plan to tackle the overeating.********

Who’s in with me!?

I have some great updates to give:

1) I have been walking >3 miles every single day! Even this weekend, I got out there and just did it. It’s a hilly walk that I do at a really quick pace, all while listening to MP3 sermons or lectures (I’m not a music person for that long at a time). This week will be harder with my schedule to do that sort of work-out (early mornings and late nights), but I’m going to aim for at least 3-4 times.

2) I really have been less hungry. This is major breaking news, let me tell you. I usully could eat a full meal or at least a big snack at just about any time. If there’s a cookie I’m offered, I always say yes. If there’s a delicious, cheesey menu option, I’m going to order it. I just love good food! BUT, I have been MUCH better this week with only eating when I’m hungry. And I’ve realized why that saying — “Just eat when you feel hungry” — never worked for me before…. I WAS ALWAYS HUNGRY! But in cutting back a little here and there, I’m less hungry and it takes less to fill me up. It’s so wonderful! I’ve gotta keep this up.

3) I have a new WW buddy! A good friend of mine (F) has probably 70-90 pounds to lose and the same problems with motivations and frustrations that I do. Neither of us can make a meeting (there are good reasons! Money and time being the two for us) and we agree that WW online is just NOT enough accountability (I mean, not being able to face your problem head on in front of others is not going to be solved by a computer screen, online meeting, or blog… let’s face it). So we’ve agreed to meet together weekly for accountability, check-ins, rewards, and problem solving. We met yesterday for the first time, and it was GREAT. I feel like we’ll be a great team! F is full of energy and is just the sweetest girl; I can’t wait to see her succeed! I feel like I have to do well, too, so that she will do well…. what great motivation!

AND SOME NEW GOALS:
1) This week, I am going to write down every single point that touches my lips and NOT give in to temptations that are over my limit. See above goal
2) I will return to drinking 6-8 glasses of water. I usually get in 4-6 easily, but it is always a push to get those last few. I’m going to do it.
3) I will work out as much as I can, recognizing that it will probably be not as consistent this busy week.
4) I will look forward to a good dinner on Friday night (we have a big banquet to go to) and use that as my motivation to cut back during the week this week.
5) I will try my hardest only to eat 16 out of the 35 weekly bonus points in order to maybe, MAYBE lose 1.5 lbs rather than 1 lb this week to play catch-up.
6) I will stick with my weeknight dinner meal plan and actually COOK this week!
7) I will motivate my friend F every single day with an email, call, or note.

Hope y’all are gearing up for a *great* week, too!

Well, not the loss I was rooting for this week. I actually was up 0.5 for a total of 157. But I really am not that upset about it because I know the sorts of things that blew it for me For one, even though I accounted for it in my points, my husband and I had breakfast out a few times this week which always sets me back. I also had a few big dinners that weren’t well planned for including pizza (I had two slices of a small pizza…. not bad!), hot dog (oops), and BBQ (gets me every time in the South!). My in-laws came on Saturday night and took us out to one of those fabulous, $100-a-person kind of meals that only comes around every few months… so then again, I was NOT going to waste it! I even ordered well with the summer salad (clover greens, pumpkin seed brittle, poached pear, fresh goat cheese, and a Reisling reduction), sea bass (garlic crusted seared fish with some sort of white whine broth reduction and lima beans), and then.. dessert (ice box red velvet cake… so weird for such a nice place, but OH SO GOOD). Anyway, as you can see, I don’t regret that meal one bit!

I also slipped up on my water some this week. I didn’t always drink as much as I should. I can fix that this week.

I DID exercise so well though! I walked 3+ miles vigorously x3-4 this week. I plan on going even more than that this week, especially in the mornings. I feel so much more fit when I exercise. It is a huge energy boost, but then I’m pooped by 9pm that night!

I did cheat occasionally this week by looking at the scale before the big weigh-in today… and it got down to 155 at one point. I’m hoping that I can see a big loss this week if I stick it out! Either way, it’s the start of week 4 and I’ve lost 3 pounds… which is RIGHT on track for my 20 pounds in 20 weeks self-challenge. I think if I lost this week after going over on points so much it would have been false confidence, and I do NOT need false confidence this early on. I need a challenge!

So, how was YOUR week? Was the scale up or down? What mistakes did you make and what are you doing about then?

Alright, this week STUNK as far as my motivation and abilities went. But I still clocked it, despite it all, with a 0.5 pound loss. That puts me at 156.5. I need to do better this week, but that just means getting my butt in gear. I plan on doing that IMMEDIATELY.

In other news, I received the pediatric scholarship of the year at my medical school today! Not only does that mean my tuition is paid for, but I am now looking toward residency at Hopkins or Mass General, two places I never thought I’d be able to go. SO EXCITING!!!! Now I have even MORE reason to lose the weight… I’ve gotta look good at my top program

I had a great week… I ate well, used my 30 “bonus” points over the weekend (even though I ate several things I shouldn’t), I drank my water most every day in full, I ate lots of fruits and veggies, I said “no” when I knew I wasn’t eating out of hunger, etc. I’m really pleased with my first week! I started at 160, and this week I weighed in at home on Monday at 157… three pounds gone! I have a goal of losing a pound-a-week so that by our big NYC trip at Christmas time, I hope to have lost (scratch that… I *WILL* have lost!) 20 pounds and weigh 140. If I lose more, that’d be great, too. My “ultimate” goal is somewhere between 130 and 135. I am 5′4″ and have a medium build, so I think that’s a good place to be. It’s what I weighed at the beginning of college when I thought I was “plump”… HA! I also think that’s a great weight to be before we have a baby (in the next few years, hopefully during or after residency).

So things I want to improve for this coming week:
1. Better weekends. I think this is a theme for everyone. I know that I ate several things this weekend that were poor choices, but I know I can do better. I did do a good job of saving my extra 30 points to use on the weekend, but I can do better! I’m going to try to not think of the weekends as so much of a “treat” time for doing well, but instead try to focus on steady, healthy eating. We’re going to the beach this weekend to visit our families so there will be LOTS of good food… but luckily mother-in-law loves to go out rather than cook (and she’s a tiny stick of a woman who is VERY active and beautiful…grr) so I will be able to choose healthy options easily if I allow myself to do so!

2. More veggies. I did very well with adding fruit this week, but I still need to up the veggies… for me, they’re hard to get in! Even though I love them, I associate them with “dinner” rather than snacks or additives at breakfast or lunch. Any ideas?

3. Less snacking. I did to eat more earlier to prevent mid-afternoon snacking/post-dinner snacking. I did well with that this weekend, but that’s a major pitfall of mine. I also need to get some healthy snacks to keep around in case the cravings come

4. Keep buying exciting food! We live on quite a budget, but there are SO many great groceries around that have such special food like: http://www.traderjoes.com/, http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/, and http://www.freshmarket.com/. I love picking up special things… it makes it feel like it’s a treat even when it’s just a really good piece of fruit that’s out of the ordinary

Ok.. that’s it! From 160 to 157 this week… maybe 155 by next Monday?

I had a FABULOUS day today! Not only am I “hanging with the preemies” as I’m working in the intensive care nursery this month, but I also stayed on track, drank lots of water, ate tons of fruit/veggies, stayed full and satisfied, and didn’t stray a bit! I also went on a brisk 30 min walk outside with my husband! SO THRILLED! (Hence all the “!”s haha)

A brief sketch of my points (without totals… it worked out to 22… I keep up on paper:
B: Kashi Go Lean with skim milk and a coffee
S: Dried peach
L: Tuna on low point toast, fresh peach/blueberries/strawberries chopped up into a salad
S: Rest of the lunch fruit, stick of gum
D: Coconut Curry Chicken with peppers over rice with asparagus
S: McDonald’s ice cream cone

YUM I’m feeling so inspired and good about my start. I really hope it sticks. Check out Emma’s blog for our contest: http://blogs.weightwatchen.com/jennifer

I’ve been completely out of control on the weight watching side of things… I’ve decided that enough is enough; I’m turning a new leaf! Nevermind the ice cream and pizza leftovers I ate for lunch, my water bottle is filled up and I’m looking toward a walk this evening! My current weight is 160, and I plan to lose 20+ pounds by Christmastime when my husband, his parents and sister, and myself are headed up to NYC for a fantasy week vacation. I think that is 100% accomplishable, but it will surely take a lot of hard work and energy. I’ve made a paper WW chart for myself, but I may decide to post menus here, too. Mostly I just need something to keep myself reminded of what I’m committed to. I could use a lot of encouragement since I’m still feeling really defeated, so feel free to shoot some nice comments my way!

I’ve missed this community, and I hope there are still some people out there since the big switch to Roni’s other site. I still like the format of this one better, but who knows… as long as I’m tracking, that’s all that matters to me!

Take care! *Jen

I’m thrilled. I really am. I have had a very good WW day today, even if it’s only 4pm I even meal planned for the remainder of the week, and I’m really starting to look forward to the prospect of only having 26ish pounds to lose (*ONLY… HA). I do feel like I have more energy and like I am comfortable in my skin when I eat healthy foods and smaller portions. Why did I ever let myself get away? Note to self: Will re-read this post when thinking about a candy bar or cookie or chip.

In other news, I just started a new surgical service today (I’m finishing up medical school). I’m on the abdominal transplant surgery service now. It’s so exciting! I have to keep my pager on me at all times in case of a procurement… and when there is, I have to rush to the hospital like they do in the movies, take a limo to the executive terminal at the airport, and jet off somewhere in the country to harvest a kidney or liver How fun! I’m hoping for a call while I’m on

FOOD:
B: WW Muffin, 3
B: Medium skim cafe au lait, 2
L: Ham sandwich on LP bread, 3
L: Orange, 1
L: Unsweetened applesauce, 1
L: Delicious chocolate chip cookie made from this month’s WW magazine (will post recipe: too good to be true!), 1
L: Diet coke, 0
Giant water (4 glasses), 0
D: still to come…
RUNNING TOTAL: 11

So I have continued to eat what I when, how much I want, when I want… without any regard to points. I did, however, have a major breakthrough yesterday. I decided I was okay with being fat.
…Until I stepped on the scales that I was placing back in the bathroom after scrubbing the floor. I had flipped them over to see if there was a place to change the battery, which clearly had to be broken as the hundreds place on the scale continued to not work, displaying “77.6″ when I stepped on. And then it hit me. “It” being a little button, hidden on the bottom of the scales, that read “kg to lb.” It was on kg!!!! I did not weigh 177 as I had been guessing…. I weighed 77 kg!!!! I flipped the buttom, set the scales down, and hopped on…. 156.0. WHOA. That’s instant weight loss! Now I am remotivated to lose the weight to be at goal knowing that I’m halfway there anyhow!

I have been beating myself up though overnight about having let myself get this far off plan. Who knows, I could be at goal now if I hadn’t given up! But I’m getting back on plan today. I’m going to spend some of the afternoon after church writing a meal plan, making a points tracker, etc. I really want to get to goal!!! And I need some motivation. So for those of you still on this old site, help!

(PS: I refuse to go to the new one… I don’t like the set-up as much, and all my stuff is here!)

Ok. I confess. I’ve forgotten all about points, weight loss, and “dieting” for the past few weeks. I feel gross, fat, tired, and sick. And it stops now. I’m getting back on!!! I’ve bought healthy food, planned a few menus, and I even picked up the May/June WW magazine to read for inspiration tonight. I’m not going to weigh myself (since we’ve seen how far off my scale is!) until mid-May when the husband and I get our Wii Fit in It has a built-in BMI tracker, so I’ll use that since it will likely be most accurate. I need some encouragement and motivation though, so feel free to send those comments my way! Clearly something went wrong over the past few weeks (likely linked to a super busy schedule with 20 hours of work a day on NIGHTS ewww) but it needs to stop! And I say enough is enough!