Ok, so I was waaaaaay over on my points yesterday. But, today I earned a bunch of activity points working in the yard - digging up sod, hauling dirt, planting, stuff like that. I didn't make it all up (because then I ate a few more points), but I'm having an all core dinner and it's going to be GOOD!
B: Shredded wheat, banana, black coffee
L: veggie burger on 1 pt. bread with dijon mustard and 0 points worth of light mayo; cherries
S: can of lemonade (3)
D: grilled chicken, greek pasta salad, milk.
Weekly points allowance (WPA): -9
Points used: 4
Activity Points earned: 7
Points remaining: -6
Water:
Fruits/Veggies:
Whole Grains:
Milk:
Healthy Oil
Protein:
Multivitamin:
Limit sugar and alcohol:
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
June 29, day 19
I can't believe June is almost over already! Wowza!
I successfully survived the potluck yesterday by making a plan and sticking to it. I had plenty of food with me just in case the food options were less than ideal, but it turned out to be a-ok.
Today I have to go to a lunch meeting, but typically they serve salads, so I should be ok. I'll bring some good solid snacks with me in case I need them. I have no activity plans for today, but I may work out after work, and we're doing some heavy-duty yard work tomorrow, so I'm feeling ok about it.
B: fried egg, canadian bacon, banana, core oat scone, milk, black coffee
S: didn't need one
L: hummus, baba ganoush, baklavah, couscous, and a greek salad (I'm guessing about 14 points)
S: didn't need one
D: potstickers (3), mixed veggies, glass of milk, root beer float (2)
I successfully survived the potluck yesterday by making a plan and sticking to it. I had plenty of food with me just in case the food options were less than ideal, but it turned out to be a-ok.
Today I have to go to a lunch meeting, but typically they serve salads, so I should be ok. I'll bring some good solid snacks with me in case I need them. I have no activity plans for today, but I may work out after work, and we're doing some heavy-duty yard work tomorrow, so I'm feeling ok about it.
B: fried egg, canadian bacon, banana, core oat scone, milk, black coffee
S: didn't need one
L: hummus, baba ganoush, baklavah, couscous, and a greek salad (I'm guessing about 14 points)
S: didn't need one
D: potstickers (3), mixed veggies, glass of milk, root beer float (2)
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 10
Points used: 19
Activity Points earned: 0
Points remaining: -9
Water: yep
Fruits/Veggies: only 3 today
Whole Grains: wheat
Milk: 2+
Healthy Oil: yep
Protein: yep
Multivitamin: yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: eh, not so good on the sugar part.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
June 28, Day 18
Had a good day yesterday. I went out for lunch with a friend, to a Greek restaurant I hadn't been to before. Guesstimated my points using a website I found when I googled, then came home, looked in the official book, and saw that the website was waaaaaaay off. So I didn't eat as many points as I thought I did. Phew! Last night I went to Sweet Tomatoes with another friend. It's so easy to eat a Core meal there, and be completely satisfied.
I never realize how much I eat out until I decide to start eating healthier! So much of my life revolves around food. It's how I connect with friends, it's my hobby, it's one of my true joys. I love trying new things and having taste adventures. So the trick is to take that love of food and translate it into a love of healthy eating and healthy living! And always remember, the social occasions are about being SOCIAL, not making a pig of myself. The food is just a way to bring people together, not the event itself.
There's a potluck at work today. My plan of attack is to eat a small meal before I go, and to take an all-Core Greek salad. I can munch on that and whatever else I can find that looks safe, and be social while not blowing too many points.
I never realize how much I eat out until I decide to start eating healthier! So much of my life revolves around food. It's how I connect with friends, it's my hobby, it's one of my true joys. I love trying new things and having taste adventures. So the trick is to take that love of food and translate it into a love of healthy eating and healthy living! And always remember, the social occasions are about being SOCIAL, not making a pig of myself. The food is just a way to bring people together, not the event itself.
There's a potluck at work today. My plan of attack is to eat a small meal before I go, and to take an all-Core Greek salad. I can munch on that and whatever else I can find that looks safe, and be social while not blowing too many points.
B: Shredded wheat, banana, skim milk, black coffee
S: Yogurt and cherries (oh my goodness that was good)
Pre-potluck snack: popcorn, zucchini
L: veggie sticks, deviled egg (1), lentils and rice (1), pork chile colorado (1), chicken breast, Greek salad
S: Greek salad, nonfat decaf latte
D: Subway roast beef salad (2)
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 15
Points used: 5
Activity Points earned: 0
Points remaining: 10
Water: at least 12 glasses
Fruits/Veggies: about 8
Whole Grains: shredded wheat
Milk: 2+
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: missed it today
Limit sugar and alcohol: didn't even do dessert at the potluck!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
June 27, Day 17
I'm feeling REALLY good about this week so far (of course, this is only day three of this week, LOL!). Tonight I'm having dinner with a friend, but we're going to Sweet Tomatoes so I have absolutely no doubt that I'll be able to get myself a Core meal using limited points. The last two evenings I have successfully navigated the fast food circuit. That Fresco-style thing at Taco Bell? It's GOOD!
Yesterday I made a gross, gross, gross disgusting tuna and white bean concoction for lunch. I also bought some nasty pickles at Trader Joe's (I'm SO disappointed!). So there I sat, missing half my snack and all of my lunch entree. But I went to the salad bar at one of our local grocery stores and did just fine...
So here's what's on tap for today:
Yesterday I made a gross, gross, gross disgusting tuna and white bean concoction for lunch. I also bought some nasty pickles at Trader Joe's (I'm SO disappointed!). So there I sat, missing half my snack and all of my lunch entree. But I went to the salad bar at one of our local grocery stores and did just fine...
So here's what's on tap for today:
B: shredded wheat, banana, skim milk, black coffee
S: yogurt with cinnamon and splenda, canned peaches
L: {change of plans} souvlaki sandwich, baklava (10)
D: Sweet Tomatoes - all core
Activity: walking - 30 minutes, with friends
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 24
Points used: 10
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 15
Water:
Fruits/Veggies:
Whole Grains:
Milk:
Healthy Oil:
Protein:
Multivitamin:
Limit sugar and alcohol:
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
June 26, Day 16
Another day...
I need to start forcing myself to exercise in the mornings. It's too hit or miss if I wait till lunch time or after work. Too easy to get focused on other things. I am planning to walk with a friend at lunch today, so that's good. It's not like I don't have time - I'm up at 5:00 every morning to make hubby's lunch. He leaves at 5:30 and I don't leave till 7:30. I have about 45 minutes of free time in there, so 20 minutes on the Gazelle would still leave me plenty of internet surfing time!
I made the best dessert last night. I made some ff/sf cheesecake pudding, and thawed out some frozen strawberries (unsweetened). Crushed those, stirred in the cheesecake, and voila! Just like strawberry cheesecake. TASTY!
I need to start forcing myself to exercise in the mornings. It's too hit or miss if I wait till lunch time or after work. Too easy to get focused on other things. I am planning to walk with a friend at lunch today, so that's good. It's not like I don't have time - I'm up at 5:00 every morning to make hubby's lunch. He leaves at 5:30 and I don't leave till 7:30. I have about 45 minutes of free time in there, so 20 minutes on the Gazelle would still leave me plenty of internet surfing time!
I made the best dessert last night. I made some ff/sf cheesecake pudding, and thawed out some frozen strawberries (unsweetened). Crushed those, stirred in the cheesecake, and voila! Just like strawberry cheesecake. TASTY!
B: shredded wheat, banana, skim milk, black coffee
S: Popcorn, Fage yogurt with cinnamon and splenda
L: Salad topped with roast beef and olives, jello
S: 1/2 of a core oat scone
D: Burger King Tendergrill chicken salad. Took their cheese off, put my own (ff) on, so 3 points. Plus one point worth of light Italian dressing. Glass of milk and two ff/sf pudding pops. Oat scone.
Activity: half hour walk at lunchtime.
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 27
Points used: 4
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 24
Water: about a gallon
Fruits/Veggies: 5
Whole Grains: shredded wheat, oats
Milk: 4 servings
Healthy Oil: no
Protein: chicken, dairy, roast beef
Multivitamin: yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: done
Monday, June 25, 2007
June 25, Day 15
Well, well, well. Apparently I've found one of my so-called "trigger foods". These are the foods that you just eat and eat and eat, not paying attention to fat, calories, or the fact that you've veered so far off program that if you were traveling from Portland to Seattle, you'd be in Australia. Pepperoni pizza. Apparently this is a trigger food for most of my family, because five of us managed to consume two extra large Round Table pepperoni pizzas at lunch yesterday. I think I can lay claim to six pieces myself.
As a result, when I stepped on the scale for my weekly weigh-in, I am down ZERO pounds. At one point last week I'd lost three. But, at least it wasn't a gain and I happen to know that at least some of that is just water retention from all the salt. But, I did down more than my fair share of calories!
I did a few things right, though - I got a garden salad, and I drank water instead of beer. I really wanted a beer, too! We were helping my grandpa move once again, and it was hot and muggy in the apartment. Stressful, too, watching my mom have to deal with her father not wanting to move again, not understanding why he has to go. I also was on program at breakfast and got right back on when I made a small dinner.
And, it's another day. Another week, too. And I'll see a loss next week. Maybe even a big one, we'll see how it goes.
B: Wheatberry pancakes, black coffee, fruit cocktail, glass of milk
S: yogurt mixed with ff/sf chocolate pudding mix, banana
L: Qdoba naked chicken salad, hold the cheese and sour cream (2)
S: skim milk latte and a core brownie
D: Taco Bell - chicken soft taco, fresco style (4); two pintos and cheese, fresco style (3); cucumber slices and bell pepper strips; glass of milk; ff/sf cheesecake pudding with thawed frozen strawberries mixed in. Yum.
Activity: Schlepping boxes between the office and the warehouse for an hour.
As a result, when I stepped on the scale for my weekly weigh-in, I am down ZERO pounds. At one point last week I'd lost three. But, at least it wasn't a gain and I happen to know that at least some of that is just water retention from all the salt. But, I did down more than my fair share of calories!
I did a few things right, though - I got a garden salad, and I drank water instead of beer. I really wanted a beer, too! We were helping my grandpa move once again, and it was hot and muggy in the apartment. Stressful, too, watching my mom have to deal with her father not wanting to move again, not understanding why he has to go. I also was on program at breakfast and got right back on when I made a small dinner.
And, it's another day. Another week, too. And I'll see a loss next week. Maybe even a big one, we'll see how it goes.
B: Wheatberry pancakes, black coffee, fruit cocktail, glass of milk
S: yogurt mixed with ff/sf chocolate pudding mix, banana
L: Qdoba naked chicken salad, hold the cheese and sour cream (2)
S: skim milk latte and a core brownie
D: Taco Bell - chicken soft taco, fresco style (4); two pintos and cheese, fresco style (3); cucumber slices and bell pepper strips; glass of milk; ff/sf cheesecake pudding with thawed frozen strawberries mixed in. Yum.
Activity: Schlepping boxes between the office and the warehouse for an hour.
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 35
Points used: 9
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 27
Water: About a gallon
Fruits/Veggies: about 6
Whole Grains: wheatberries
Milk: 4
Healthy Oil: STILL need to work on this one.
Protein: chicken
Multivitamin: yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: none
Saturday, June 23, 2007
June 23, Day 13
Well, I missed my posting yesterday but that's ok. I was tired and cranky and not feeling well, so I just didn't do it...
Today is a barbecue out at the farm. I still have about seven points left, but I should do fine with what's on the menu. Chicken, corn on the cob, and salad are all core. I made my lightened spinach dip and have bell pepper strips to eat it with (everyone else will have the bread). I can enjoy tastes of the baked beans, orange jello salad, and strawberry shortcake, and be just fine. Should be a fun afternoon!
B: core oat scone, scrambled eggs, canadian bacon, kiwi and mango.
Today is a barbecue out at the farm. I still have about seven points left, but I should do fine with what's on the menu. Chicken, corn on the cob, and salad are all core. I made my lightened spinach dip and have bell pepper strips to eat it with (everyone else will have the bread). I can enjoy tastes of the baked beans, orange jello salad, and strawberry shortcake, and be just fine. Should be a fun afternoon!
B: core oat scone, scrambled eggs, canadian bacon, kiwi and mango.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
June 21, Day 11
Happy first day of summer, everyone!
I can't believe we're rounding the bend to July already. I also can't believe I've unofficially lost another pound! I know it's mostly water weight at this point and it'll slow down soon but it's really exciting to watch the weight just fall off of me.
I asked hubby the other day if he wanted to do WW with me. The answer was an emphatic "NO"! But he's willing to eat what I cook, and I'm keeping him out of the fast food joints, so he can't help but be positively influenced by my eating. Of course, this doesn't mean he'll somehow magically manage to get more than four servings out of a carton of ice cream... :-)
I didn't get any activity in yesterday. My own fault, I was lazy. Hubby agreed to go for a walk with me after dinner, but we were both feeling pretty tired, so we skipped it. Think I'll take my shoes to work with me today so I can walk at lunch time.
I can't believe we're rounding the bend to July already. I also can't believe I've unofficially lost another pound! I know it's mostly water weight at this point and it'll slow down soon but it's really exciting to watch the weight just fall off of me.
I asked hubby the other day if he wanted to do WW with me. The answer was an emphatic "NO"! But he's willing to eat what I cook, and I'm keeping him out of the fast food joints, so he can't help but be positively influenced by my eating. Of course, this doesn't mean he'll somehow magically manage to get more than four servings out of a carton of ice cream... :-)
I didn't get any activity in yesterday. My own fault, I was lazy. Hubby agreed to go for a walk with me after dinner, but we were both feeling pretty tired, so we skipped it. Think I'll take my shoes to work with me today so I can walk at lunch time.
B: shredded wheat and a banana, coffee with ff evaporated milk
S: yogurt and a core oatmeal "scone"
L: grilled chicken and veggies (leftover from last night), sf jello
S: grilled pineapple, jicama slices.
D: taco salad, Doritos (1), ff fudgesicle (1).
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 10
Points used: 2
Activity Points earned: 2
Points remaining: 10
Water: Yes
Fruits/Veggies: 6
Whole Grains: shredded wheat, oatmeal
Milk: yes
Healthy Oil: no - need to work on remembering that
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: just the fudgesicle!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
June 20, Day 10
My informal daily weigh-in (I weigh every day, but only record it once a week) says I'm down another pound. Two more pounds and I'll be back where I was when I quit doing Sparkpeople. Yay!
I did really well at the farmer's market last night. Skipped over all the unhealthy stuff I could have picked (dang those nachos looked good) and went for an ear of roasted corn and a teriyaki chicken stick, then came home after our wine class and had some popcorn. I was very proud of myself!
Today I'm having lunch with a friend. I think we're going to a crepe place. I love crepes, and I have no idea what's on their menu, so I'll see how it goes, count points when I have to, and make sure to get some more exercise in tonight!
I did really well at the farmer's market last night. Skipped over all the unhealthy stuff I could have picked (dang those nachos looked good) and went for an ear of roasted corn and a teriyaki chicken stick, then came home after our wine class and had some popcorn. I was very proud of myself!
Today I'm having lunch with a friend. I think we're going to a crepe place. I love crepes, and I have no idea what's on their menu, so I'll see how it goes, count points when I have to, and make sure to get some more exercise in tonight!
B: shredded wheat, banana, coffee with ff evaporated milk
S: yogurt and fruit
L: buckwheat crepe (3) filled with gruyere cheese (9) and apples; fruit plate
S: bell pepper strips
D: grilled chicken, veggies, pineapple and potato
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 22
Points used: 12
Activity Points earned: 0
Points remaining: 10
Water: yep
Fruits/Veggies: tons
Whole Grains: shredded wheat AND buckwheat!
Milk: yep
Healthy Oil: yep
Protein: yep
Multivitamin: yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: A-ok!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
June 19, Day 9
I'm still working on getting the hang of how much food to bring to work with me. I really need a bigger lunch box, LOL! Yesterday I took a good black bean and quinoa salad that should have stuck with me, but didn't, so I think today I'll add some chicken and avocado to that to see if some extra protein and fat helps it stick to my ribs a bit longer.
Last night I dragged hubby out on a walk with me. We took the dogs. It was so nice! Today my friend and I are walking at lunch time, and then tonight I'm going to the farmer's market and then to a wine class with a group of friends. Should be fun. Hopefully I can find a nice kebob or something at the farmer's market for dinner!
B: pumpkin pie oatmeal, black coffee
S: fruit, yogurt with cinnamon and splenda
L: quinoa and black bean salad with chicken and avocado, jicama and bell pepper strips
S: Core brownie
D: chicken stick (3 points), ear of roasted corn
S: popcorn, milk.
Exercise: walk
Last night I dragged hubby out on a walk with me. We took the dogs. It was so nice! Today my friend and I are walking at lunch time, and then tonight I'm going to the farmer's market and then to a wine class with a group of friends. Should be fun. Hopefully I can find a nice kebob or something at the farmer's market for dinner!
B: pumpkin pie oatmeal, black coffee
S: fruit, yogurt with cinnamon and splenda
L: quinoa and black bean salad with chicken and avocado, jicama and bell pepper strips
S: Core brownie
D: chicken stick (3 points), ear of roasted corn
S: popcorn, milk.
Exercise: walk
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 24
Points used: 3
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 22
Water: yep
Fruits/Veggies: 5
Whole Grains: yep!
Milk: 2+
Healthy Oil: 1
Protein: yep
Multivitamin: yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: yep!
Monday, June 18, 2007
June 18, Day 8
Ah, Monday. Fresh week. I'm going to bump my weigh in from tomorrow to today, so I can claim my poundage. Down five pounds! WOO HOO! If I went to meetings, I'd get a star my very first week.
Now, a lot of that is water and I won't lose like that for long. Nor would I want to. Slow and steady - the slower you lose it, the easier it is to keep off, or so they say.
I didn't get any prep stuff done over the weekend (or laundry, for that matter, but that has nothing to do with this, LOL!). So, I've been rushing around all morning. Started a batch of yogurt that will go in the yogurt maker in about 15 minutes. Made up some quinoa to mix with the leftover black bean salad for a couple of days' worth of lunches. Planned tonight's dinner, though I suspect hubby will veto it (I want pork tacos. He'll want regular tacos. If it wasn't such a pain I'd make both!).
From Friday to Sunday, I went to the grocery store six times for various reasons. Every time, I picked up more produce. My fridge is overflowing, which is good as long as I keep track of it all and use it before it gets bad.
Here's the plan for today:
Now, a lot of that is water and I won't lose like that for long. Nor would I want to. Slow and steady - the slower you lose it, the easier it is to keep off, or so they say.
I didn't get any prep stuff done over the weekend (or laundry, for that matter, but that has nothing to do with this, LOL!). So, I've been rushing around all morning. Started a batch of yogurt that will go in the yogurt maker in about 15 minutes. Made up some quinoa to mix with the leftover black bean salad for a couple of days' worth of lunches. Planned tonight's dinner, though I suspect hubby will veto it (I want pork tacos. He'll want regular tacos. If it wasn't such a pain I'd make both!).
From Friday to Sunday, I went to the grocery store six times for various reasons. Every time, I picked up more produce. My fridge is overflowing, which is good as long as I keep track of it all and use it before it gets bad.
Here's the plan for today:
B: black coffee, shredded wheat, fresh peach (oh yum).
S: nonfat iced latte, diced cucumber and tomato mixed with ff feta cheese and balsamic vinegar
L: quinoa and black bean salad, Asian pear
S: popcorn, Starbucks reduced fat orange cream cake (7 points)
D: Red Robin fajita chicken salad, no cheese, dressing on the side (5 points)
S: Core brownie, sf/ff pudding pop
Exercise: 30 minute walk with the dogs
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 35
Points used: 12
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 24
Water: Yep
Fruits/Veggies: Yep
Whole Grains: Lots!
Milk: 3+
Healthy Oil: Yep
Protein: Yep
Multivitamin: Yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: Sort of...
June 17, Day 7
So Sunday was a bit of a bust. I went over on my points, but I did do some things right:
1. I worked out. I tried out a new Walk Away the Pounds (WATP) DVD, and upped the intensity by jogging and jumping around a bit (thank heavens for good sports bras, LOL!). That earned me a couple of APs.
2. I ate a late, hearty, all-core breakfast. I had a banana before my workout, and then I ate two fried eggs, topped with diced tomatoes, avocado, and ff cheese, plus one of my oat scones.
3. I ate a snack right before we left. Which was good because we were supposed to be there at 2:00. I thought that was because dinner was at 2:00, but we didn't eat till 5:00. So I didn't totally pig out on spinach dip while we waited, though I did eat some.
4. Took an extra dish, beyond what I was asked. I made a black bean, corn, and pepper salad, a recipe I found on the WW site. The dressing needs a little work, but overall it was a good combination. I'll be experimenting with this in the future.
I drank a ton of water during the day, and took small portions of the stuff I did eat that pushed me over my point limit.
All in all, I'm satisfied with my first week back on program. I made some mistakes, but I did a ton of things right, too. Go me!
1. I worked out. I tried out a new Walk Away the Pounds (WATP) DVD, and upped the intensity by jogging and jumping around a bit (thank heavens for good sports bras, LOL!). That earned me a couple of APs.
2. I ate a late, hearty, all-core breakfast. I had a banana before my workout, and then I ate two fried eggs, topped with diced tomatoes, avocado, and ff cheese, plus one of my oat scones.
3. I ate a snack right before we left. Which was good because we were supposed to be there at 2:00. I thought that was because dinner was at 2:00, but we didn't eat till 5:00. So I didn't totally pig out on spinach dip while we waited, though I did eat some.
4. Took an extra dish, beyond what I was asked. I made a black bean, corn, and pepper salad, a recipe I found on the WW site. The dressing needs a little work, but overall it was a good combination. I'll be experimenting with this in the future.
I drank a ton of water during the day, and took small portions of the stuff I did eat that pushed me over my point limit.
All in all, I'm satisfied with my first week back on program. I made some mistakes, but I did a ton of things right, too. Go me!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
June 16, Day 6
Coming down the home stretch now, and my scale tells me I've lost five pounds since Tuesday. Go me!
I had two parties to go to, and only seven points left to work with. I did REALLY well.
First, we went to hubby's aunt's house for a family gathering. Then, we went to my parents' house for an early Father's Day dinner. My strategy for the day was to:
1. Lighten up my spinach dip recipe, so I could have a couple of bites without breaking the points bank. I made it with ff sour cream instead of regular. 1/4 cup made that way is 3 points.
2. Take sliced veggies in addition to the bread, so that I'd have something core for dipping. I took bell pepper strips and jicama slices.
3. Eat a late, hearty breakfast so I wouldn't be ravenous when we got to his aunt's house. Friday night I made some core "oat scones" and had one of those, two fried eggs, and a banana, about 10:00.
4. Eat light at his aunt's house. I ended up eating a ton of veggies, two small bites of spinach dip, and a hamburger patty with some mustard. There was supposed to be turkey, but they had a little trouble with the turkey fryer...
5. Stick to a core meal at Mom and Dad's. I'd called ahead of time so I knew what all would be there, and added a fruit salad to the menu. Almost everything was core - meat, grilled corn, grilled veggies, and salad (both a green salad and a fruit salad). I skipped the rolls. I did have a few french fries, a tiny piece of brownie (about 1" x 1/2", and about a tablespoon of ice cream. And I was satisfied with that. I drank lots of water and decaf iced tea.
I've stopped counting for the week, but I believe I've used up my weekly points allowance. I still have one barbecue to go, so I'm going to simply do the best I can with the food that is available to me.
I had two parties to go to, and only seven points left to work with. I did REALLY well.
First, we went to hubby's aunt's house for a family gathering. Then, we went to my parents' house for an early Father's Day dinner. My strategy for the day was to:
1. Lighten up my spinach dip recipe, so I could have a couple of bites without breaking the points bank. I made it with ff sour cream instead of regular. 1/4 cup made that way is 3 points.
2. Take sliced veggies in addition to the bread, so that I'd have something core for dipping. I took bell pepper strips and jicama slices.
3. Eat a late, hearty breakfast so I wouldn't be ravenous when we got to his aunt's house. Friday night I made some core "oat scones" and had one of those, two fried eggs, and a banana, about 10:00.
4. Eat light at his aunt's house. I ended up eating a ton of veggies, two small bites of spinach dip, and a hamburger patty with some mustard. There was supposed to be turkey, but they had a little trouble with the turkey fryer...
5. Stick to a core meal at Mom and Dad's. I'd called ahead of time so I knew what all would be there, and added a fruit salad to the menu. Almost everything was core - meat, grilled corn, grilled veggies, and salad (both a green salad and a fruit salad). I skipped the rolls. I did have a few french fries, a tiny piece of brownie (about 1" x 1/2", and about a tablespoon of ice cream. And I was satisfied with that. I drank lots of water and decaf iced tea.
I've stopped counting for the week, but I believe I've used up my weekly points allowance. I still have one barbecue to go, so I'm going to simply do the best I can with the food that is available to me.
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 15, Day Five
Well, after eating the majority of my weekly points allowance in one meal yesterday, I have to really construct a game plan for this weekend. We have to go to two family parties on Saturday and one on Sunday.
I can stay on program all day today - I bought a nice looking piece of salmon for dinner tonight, and I have plenty of leftovers and snacks to take to work today. So today will be
all core. I can exercise after work tonight (just got a new DVD to try from Blockbuster), and again tomorrow morning, so I can earn a couple of activity points. I can eat a late breakfast tomorrow morning so I don't eat so much at the first party tomorrow. This CAN BE DONE. I just have to stick to my guns.
The plan for today:
I can stay on program all day today - I bought a nice looking piece of salmon for dinner tonight, and I have plenty of leftovers and snacks to take to work today. So today will be
all core. I can exercise after work tonight (just got a new DVD to try from Blockbuster), and again tomorrow morning, so I can earn a couple of activity points. I can eat a late breakfast tomorrow morning so I don't eat so much at the first party tomorrow. This CAN BE DONE. I just have to stick to my guns.
The plan for today:
B: Shredded wheat and a banana, iced coffee with skim milk
S: Yogurt with cinnamon and splenda, diced peaches
L: Chicken and black beans with diced avocado and ff cheese, cucumber and jicama slices
S: popcorn
D: baked salmon, boiled potatoes, and steamed broccoli, with a ff/sf pudding pop for dessert
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 7
Points used: 0
Activity Points earned: 0
Points remaining: 7
Water: at least 12 glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 7
Whole Grains: yep
Milk: 3+
Healthy Oil: Yep
Protein: Yep
Multivitamin: Yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: None!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wheat Berry Pancakes - recipe in progress
Ok, this still needs work but I want to write down what I did before I forget. They were actually quite tasty, but too thin on the griddle:
1 cup cooked wheat berries
3/4 cup milk (too much - try 1/2)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. powdered egg (could use 1 egg and less milk)
Put all ingredients in a blender and whir to combine.
Original recipe - called for sugar (Splenda), oil, and vanilla. I forgot to put all of these in. Didn't need the sugar, vanilla might have been a nice touch. Oil unnecessary as long as I cook it on the nonstick griddle with a little bit of spray.
Served with ICBINB spray and diced peaches.
Flavor: Excellent
Texture: Not bad, but too thin, and impossible to grab and flip.
1 cup cooked wheat berries
3/4 cup milk (too much - try 1/2)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. powdered egg (could use 1 egg and less milk)
Put all ingredients in a blender and whir to combine.
Original recipe - called for sugar (Splenda), oil, and vanilla. I forgot to put all of these in. Didn't need the sugar, vanilla might have been a nice touch. Oil unnecessary as long as I cook it on the nonstick griddle with a little bit of spray.
Served with ICBINB spray and diced peaches.
Flavor: Excellent
Texture: Not bad, but too thin, and impossible to grab and flip.
June 14, Day 4
Yesterday I got some exercise in. I've been telling myself all week I just need to do it, and I did. I threw my shoes and socks in the car and went for a nice brisk walk at lunchtime. Tried to corral some friends into walking with me, but since it was spur of the moment, nobody was prepared. But, two people are going with me today. Yay!
So, I earned an Activity Point (AP) for that. Weight Watchers lets you eat your APs, because you have to burn more calories to earn one than you would eat to spend one. So you're still running a deficit. I like that.
This afternoon at work I'm going to an open house at our printer's shop. I'm told there will be wine and desserts. I can skip the wine (I'm actually pretty good at that since I've been on so much medication for the last year or so), but my plan is to have a small taste of something yummy, count points for it, and see how it goes.
I'm trying something new for breakfast this morning - wheat berry pancakes. Cooked wheat berries, milk, a scoop of powdered egg, some baking powder, some vanilla, some Splenda and salt. We'll see how it goes...
B: Wheat berry pancakes with diced canned peaches, iced coffee with skim milk.
S: Tomato soup and popcorn (yum)
L: baked falafel patties, grilled chicken, jicama and carrot sticks
S: Yogurt mixed with cinnamon and splenda. I have a banana to eat later if I need it...
D: Chevy's (19 points)
So we went to dinner at Chevy's. I was beyond ravenous, as we had to go to a doctor appointment across town and then hubby decided to stop and get the oil changed, which took an hour and a half when we were expecting 20 minutes (we never would have stayed, had we known). So, in spite of my telling myself over and over again "only eat five chips", I ate about half a basket. But, I did do a couple of things right -
1. Drank water instead of the yummy looking watermelon lemondade
2. Didn't eat the rice
3. Didn't eat ALL the chips they brought (they did bring a second basket).
4. Got an entree that involved grilled chicken and wasn't fried (pre-WW, I always got the flautas).
So, I'm seriously depleted in my points available for Saturday's family parties. So now I have to construct my game plan...
So, I earned an Activity Point (AP) for that. Weight Watchers lets you eat your APs, because you have to burn more calories to earn one than you would eat to spend one. So you're still running a deficit. I like that.
This afternoon at work I'm going to an open house at our printer's shop. I'm told there will be wine and desserts. I can skip the wine (I'm actually pretty good at that since I've been on so much medication for the last year or so), but my plan is to have a small taste of something yummy, count points for it, and see how it goes.
I'm trying something new for breakfast this morning - wheat berry pancakes. Cooked wheat berries, milk, a scoop of powdered egg, some baking powder, some vanilla, some Splenda and salt. We'll see how it goes...
B: Wheat berry pancakes with diced canned peaches, iced coffee with skim milk.
S: Tomato soup and popcorn (yum)
L: baked falafel patties, grilled chicken, jicama and carrot sticks
S: Yogurt mixed with cinnamon and splenda. I have a banana to eat later if I need it...
D: Chevy's (19 points)
So we went to dinner at Chevy's. I was beyond ravenous, as we had to go to a doctor appointment across town and then hubby decided to stop and get the oil changed, which took an hour and a half when we were expecting 20 minutes (we never would have stayed, had we known). So, in spite of my telling myself over and over again "only eat five chips", I ate about half a basket. But, I did do a couple of things right -
1. Drank water instead of the yummy looking watermelon lemondade
2. Didn't eat the rice
3. Didn't eat ALL the chips they brought (they did bring a second basket).
4. Got an entree that involved grilled chicken and wasn't fried (pre-WW, I always got the flautas).
So, I'm seriously depleted in my points available for Saturday's family parties. So now I have to construct my game plan...
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 25
Points used: 19
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 7
Water: 10 by 3:00
Fruits/Veggies: 5
Whole Grains: Yep
Milk: 1+ (little shy today on that)
Healthy Oil: yep
Protein: Yep
Multivitamin: Yep
Limit sugar and alcohol: Yep
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
June 13, Day Three
Nothing special planned today, no meals out. Should be a fairly easy day. Just have to take enough food to work to keep the afternoon munchies at bay!
Oh, yesterday I was running some errands and stopped in at Starbucks. I got a decaf iced Americano, and put in a packet of Splenda, and dashes of cinnamon and cocoa powder. Mixed it all up and stirred in some skim milk. Yum! Definitely a keeper!
B: Shredded wheat, banana, skim milk, iced coffee with skim milk.
S: 2 kiwis, 2 plums, 5 strawberries
L: Chicken and black beans with ff cheese and diced avocado, jicama and cucumber slices
S: Yogurt mixed with cinnamon and Splenda
D: Grilled chicken, veggies and potatoes with olive oil; fat free Fudgesicle (1 pt); milk
S: ff/sf pudding pop
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 25
Points used: 1
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 25
Water: at least 15 glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 8
Whole Grains: yes
Milk: 3+
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: just the fudgesicle and a couple of altoids!
Oh, yesterday I was running some errands and stopped in at Starbucks. I got a decaf iced Americano, and put in a packet of Splenda, and dashes of cinnamon and cocoa powder. Mixed it all up and stirred in some skim milk. Yum! Definitely a keeper!
B: Shredded wheat, banana, skim milk, iced coffee with skim milk.
S: 2 kiwis, 2 plums, 5 strawberries
L: Chicken and black beans with ff cheese and diced avocado, jicama and cucumber slices
S: Yogurt mixed with cinnamon and Splenda
D: Grilled chicken, veggies and potatoes with olive oil; fat free Fudgesicle (1 pt); milk
S: ff/sf pudding pop
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 25
Points used: 1
Activity Points earned: 1
Points remaining: 25
Water: at least 15 glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 8
Whole Grains: yes
Milk: 3+
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: just the fudgesicle and a couple of altoids!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
June 12, Day 2
I had a great day yesterday. Didn't get any activity in unless you count chasing down the neighbor dog, which was about 10 minutes of intense activity. I was going to do the Gazelle when I got home, but then I stopped at the grocery store and hubby needed to go to Home Depot (which resulted in a new gas grill, so I'm not complaining, because now I can grill with ease, which will definitely help!).
Today will be my first foray into the world of meetings involving pastries this go-round. And I don't have any good alternatives to take with me to my workshop this morning. In the future I'll have a square of apple cake or baked oatmeal or something to carry with me, but I haven't made any yet. So, I must just resist! Fortunately, it'll be over before I get hungry for my morning snack.
B: iced coffee with skim milk, shredded wheat with skim milk, banana
S: jicama slices, plain yogurt mixed with cinnamon and splenda (yay! Survived the meeting!), some horrible sucralose-sweetened berry-flavored water (NASTY!)
L: baked falafel patties (recipe needs work), cucumber slices, two small pickles, Diet Rite
S: slice of ff American cheese and a slice of ff Swiss cheese
D: Chinese chicken salad, small gelato (8 points - whatever the chicken was cooked in, about 2 tsps of salad dressing, a few fried wonton strips, and the gelato)
Dinner was interesting. A couple of weeks ago, long before I made the spur of the moment decision that I was going to do this, I made plans to go to Noodles & Co. with a friend for dinner tonight. But, I was good - got a salad, dressing on the side, and did the fork dip method (made easier by the fact that I didn't like the dressing all that much). Then we decided to go get gelato. I decided I'd get a small one and enjoy every bite. It helps that they give you little tiny spoons so you can make it last longer!
Oh, and I definitely didn't take enough protein in my lunch/snacks today. I'll need to work on this...
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 33
Points used: 8
Points remaining: 25
Water: at least 12 glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 6
Whole Grains: yes
Milk: 2
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: Had some sugar, but we did skip the winetasting we walked past!
All in all, a successful day...
Today will be my first foray into the world of meetings involving pastries this go-round. And I don't have any good alternatives to take with me to my workshop this morning. In the future I'll have a square of apple cake or baked oatmeal or something to carry with me, but I haven't made any yet. So, I must just resist! Fortunately, it'll be over before I get hungry for my morning snack.
B: iced coffee with skim milk, shredded wheat with skim milk, banana
S: jicama slices, plain yogurt mixed with cinnamon and splenda (yay! Survived the meeting!), some horrible sucralose-sweetened berry-flavored water (NASTY!)
L: baked falafel patties (recipe needs work), cucumber slices, two small pickles, Diet Rite
S: slice of ff American cheese and a slice of ff Swiss cheese
D: Chinese chicken salad, small gelato (8 points - whatever the chicken was cooked in, about 2 tsps of salad dressing, a few fried wonton strips, and the gelato)
Dinner was interesting. A couple of weeks ago, long before I made the spur of the moment decision that I was going to do this, I made plans to go to Noodles & Co. with a friend for dinner tonight. But, I was good - got a salad, dressing on the side, and did the fork dip method (made easier by the fact that I didn't like the dressing all that much). Then we decided to go get gelato. I decided I'd get a small one and enjoy every bite. It helps that they give you little tiny spoons so you can make it last longer!
Oh, and I definitely didn't take enough protein in my lunch/snacks today. I'll need to work on this...
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 33
Points used: 8
Points remaining: 25
Water: at least 12 glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 6
Whole Grains: yes
Milk: 2
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: Had some sugar, but we did skip the winetasting we walked past!
All in all, a successful day...
Monday, June 11, 2007
June 11, Day One
Note: I'll update this throughout the day...
Well, I can't weigh myself because I didn't get into the bathroom with the scale this morning until after I'd had my coffee. So...I'll get to that tomorrow morning. But, here we are, day one, and I'm feeling pretty darn confident. We had pizza for dinner last night, my last hurrah. Ringo helped me avoid the temptation of leftovers by pulling my leftover piece onto the floor and starting to chow down on it before I realized he wasn't in the living room anymore. That's the first time he's ever eaten off the counter before! Silly dog! He was punished mightily for it, but I'm sure he was just doing me a favor. Yeah, that's it! :-)
I'm having lunch with a friend today. Temptation already. I'm going to suggest that we go to the Mexican place, where I can get a taco salad, hold the cheese and sour cream. We're starting to meet up at parks now that the weather is getting nicer, which is easier - on those days, I just have to remember to bring a lunch that doesn't need to be heated up on those days!
B: iced coffee with skim milk
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
S: plums and pineapple, mixed with plain yogurt, cinnamon and Splenda
L: Qdoba naked chicken salad, hold the cheese and sour cream (and I hardly missed it). 2 points for whatever the chicken was cooked in.
S: Apple (by the way, for those inquiring minds out there, if you carry an apple around in a leather purse for a week, it tastes like leather. Blech!).
D: Chicken and black beans, green beans, milk, pudding pop (which turned out really well!).
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 35
Points used: 2
Points remaining: 33
Water: I stopped counting at 17 8-oz glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 5
Whole Grains: 1
Milk: 3
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: none
Well, I can't weigh myself because I didn't get into the bathroom with the scale this morning until after I'd had my coffee. So...I'll get to that tomorrow morning. But, here we are, day one, and I'm feeling pretty darn confident. We had pizza for dinner last night, my last hurrah. Ringo helped me avoid the temptation of leftovers by pulling my leftover piece onto the floor and starting to chow down on it before I realized he wasn't in the living room anymore. That's the first time he's ever eaten off the counter before! Silly dog! He was punished mightily for it, but I'm sure he was just doing me a favor. Yeah, that's it! :-)
I'm having lunch with a friend today. Temptation already. I'm going to suggest that we go to the Mexican place, where I can get a taco salad, hold the cheese and sour cream. We're starting to meet up at parks now that the weather is getting nicer, which is easier - on those days, I just have to remember to bring a lunch that doesn't need to be heated up on those days!
B: iced coffee with skim milk
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
S: plums and pineapple, mixed with plain yogurt, cinnamon and Splenda
L: Qdoba naked chicken salad, hold the cheese and sour cream (and I hardly missed it). 2 points for whatever the chicken was cooked in.
S: Apple (by the way, for those inquiring minds out there, if you carry an apple around in a leather purse for a week, it tastes like leather. Blech!).
D: Chicken and black beans, green beans, milk, pudding pop (which turned out really well!).
Weekly points allowance (WPA): 35
Points used: 2
Points remaining: 33
Water: I stopped counting at 17 8-oz glasses
Fruits/Veggies: 5
Whole Grains: 1
Milk: 3
Healthy Oil: yes
Protein: yes
Multivitamin: yes
Limit sugar and alcohol: none
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Getting Ready
I know from my past experience on Core that preparedness = success. So, I took a bit of time today to get ready for the week. I...
- broke out the popsicle mold and made up some fat free/sugar free pudding pops.
- put a bowl of white beans out to soak. These will go into the crockpot overnight and then I'll freeze them in two-cup portions so they're ready for recipes (thinking of inventing an Italian-style white bean and tuna salad. Stay tuned for details).
- mixed up a batch of baked falafel to have on hand for lunches (new recipe, I'll post it if it turns out to be any good!).
- ate the last of the ice cream.
Tonight I'll start a batch of yogurt, and I'll get my breakfast ready. I think I will have pumpkin pie oatmeal. So I'll put the oatmeal and pumpkin in a bowl with milk to soak, so it'll be quicker to heat up in the morning.
Oh, and I got some exercise today, too - we put together the planter rings in the front yard. Lots of stone lifting!
- broke out the popsicle mold and made up some fat free/sugar free pudding pops.
- put a bowl of white beans out to soak. These will go into the crockpot overnight and then I'll freeze them in two-cup portions so they're ready for recipes (thinking of inventing an Italian-style white bean and tuna salad. Stay tuned for details).
- mixed up a batch of baked falafel to have on hand for lunches (new recipe, I'll post it if it turns out to be any good!).
- ate the last of the ice cream.
Tonight I'll start a batch of yogurt, and I'll get my breakfast ready. I think I will have pumpkin pie oatmeal. So I'll put the oatmeal and pumpkin in a bowl with milk to soak, so it'll be quicker to heat up in the morning.
Oh, and I got some exercise today, too - we put together the planter rings in the front yard. Lots of stone lifting!
Welcome to my new blog!
I started this blog to journal my experiences on the Weight Watchers Core plan, which I'm starting...tomorrow. No, really! I am! :-)
I've done Core before, and I like it best. No counting. When I count, I obsess. This way I just have to focus on eating healthy foods, and only counting when I eat things that aren't on the food list. But the food list is great - lean meats, whole grains, fat free dairy, fruits, veggies, and a required dose of fat each day.
I won't go to meetings, as it's not in the budget right now, but I've done meetings before for a couple of years. They're great, I will admit. But, for now, we'll see how it goes!
I've done Core before, and I like it best. No counting. When I count, I obsess. This way I just have to focus on eating healthy foods, and only counting when I eat things that aren't on the food list. But the food list is great - lean meats, whole grains, fat free dairy, fruits, veggies, and a required dose of fat each day.
I won't go to meetings, as it's not in the budget right now, but I've done meetings before for a couple of years. They're great, I will admit. But, for now, we'll see how it goes!
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