Mid-Week Update

WHAT? Me posting on a NON weigh-in day? INSANITY!!!!

Just kidding. I just happened to have a few minutes alone with my computer before work. This doesn't happen much, so here I am. :)

I found out that the place I will be vacationing in about a week has a workout room. YESSSS!! This means I have NO excuse not to work out, because I will have pretty much nothing else to do all day. And hopefully it will help me burn some Christmas calories.

As great as this is, I find myself looking at my calendar this week, and I am eating dinner out almost EVERY MEAL other than breakfasts. This is incredibly dangerous. Salads are great, but no one can live on lettuce alone. Not to mention, most restaurants cover their salads in too much cheese, fried meat, bacon, croutons, and fatty dressings. So, the salad is deceptively bad for you. I'm doing my best to make favorable decisions, but it's difficult.

On the upside, I have made some of the Weight Watchers low-fat cookies, which have been delicious. As long as you eat the right portion size (which is the trick, really), they don't put a huge dent in my diet. And I've convinced my Dad to let me make a low-fat breakfast casserole on Christmas day. My family is supportive, for sure, but I think sometimes they just don't understand. Except for my stepdad, who is also on a diet. Go Glenn!! He's been doing a totally different program, but it works for him.

Anyway, this post is just to say - I'm frustrated, but not giving up. We will see what this week will bring! Good luck, healthy ones!

Weigh-in Day, Dec. 16

200.0 lbs. I feel like one of those contestants on the Biggest Loser who is excited to lose weight, but DYING to get through to the 100's. It will happen, though. I lost 2 pounds this week (awesome!). My original goal was to be 196.8 or lower by new years. In order to do that, I have to lose 3.8 pounds in the next 2 weeks. Okay, this is not impossible. It will require some serious restraint on my part, though. Especially since it's too cold to run outside.

Here's my situation for the next two weeks: this week, the week before Christmas. Lots of meeting with friends and family and food. I CAN MAKE GOOD CHOICES. Weight loss is ONE DECISION at a time. But, like I said, it will require restraint. The next week includes Christmas, Christmas Eve, and half of a week-long vacation. Phew - that one will be difficult.

So, here's the plan. Buckle down this week as much as possible. Christmas week - no deprivations (remember that one from Thanksgiving?), but no over-indulgences either. And if I get to 2011 and I haven't quite hit my goal, I will know that I didn't sit back and watch my weight climb out of control over the holidays. And THAT on its own is something to be proud of.

Weigh-in Day, Dec. 9

I have decided to stop numbering my weigh-in days, because the numbers don't really correspond to anything. Instead, you get a date now.

202.0 GAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. That's a gain of 4.2 pounds. THAT SUCKS. I'm really pissed at myself. All that talk about "I'm losing weight over the holidays! Yay me!" and now this? I was so close to my 5 pounds before the year is out goal! I feel like I have to start over now. And I know the week after Christmas is going to be really hard because I will be on vacation. So basically, I have 2 weeks to kick butt, when I should have had 2 weeks to just try to maintain.

Okay, enough whining. Whining does not solve this problem. Let's try constructive reflecting. Why did this happen?
1) I didn't track as well as I could have. Even when I think I'm eating healthy, I think I eat more calories than I realize if I'm not on top of it. Holding myself accountable is a big key.
2) It's been too cold to run outside, and I don't have a gym membership. Now, this should not on its own cause me to gain weight. I can lose weight without working out. But I forget that I have to eat less when I'm not working out. I think I based a lot of my eating choices this week on the EXPECTATION that I would work out later. But that's never a guarantee - I need to eat well until I work out, and then afterward I can splurge.
3) I've been out drinking a few nights this week. Alcohol is empty calories, AND when I drink, I want to eat bad food.

Okay, so now I know how to fix things. Step one - track. And I'm doing that today.

Thank you guys so much!

Weigh-in days 22 & 23!

So last week I was too busy to blog, but I wanted to let you know what happened!
Last week (Thanksgiving!) - 198.6. A loss of 3.2 pounds!
This week - 197.8. A loss of .8 pounds!

That's 4 of the 5 pounds I want lost by January 1st. Now I just have to keep them off!! haha

And I actually was able to lose weight the week before thanksgiving! AND the week of Thanksgiving I was able to lose a little weight. How did I do that?

1 - I worked out! I took my own advice and worked out as much as possible the week before Thanksgiving. This past week I haven't been able to as much because of business, very cold weather and rain. Hopefully at least the lack-of-gym problem will be fixed soon!
2 - I tried to eat AS MANY fruits and veggies as possible. They fill you up without filling you with empty calories.
3 - I tracked my points as much as I could. Just by holding myself accountable that way I eat a lot less.

Weight Watchers came out with a new program called the PointsPlus program. Instead of only taking calories, fat and fiber into account like the old Points program, the PointsPlus program calculates fat, carbs, protein and fiber. So I'm trying to figure out the new plan. Basically the point values are different, so I'm making sure that what I would normally eat is still ok. More info as I figure it out!

Here's some more advice about the Holidays:
1. LOOK AT YOUR CALENDAR. How many holiday parties do you have? If you have a lot - don't expect too much of yourself. If not - set a goal! Work hard on the "normal" days so you can splurge a little at the parties. And don't forget to make time to work out!
2. Don't get the attitude, "I'll work hard at the beginning of the year." You'll gain more weight that you'll then have to lose again. If you know your holiday events won't allow you to lose weight, then try to maintain. But don't just ignore it until 2011.
3. Don't deprive yourself either! Remember what the holidays are really about - spending time with your family & friends. If not eating pie is going to make you miserable and get in the way of your quality time, then have a little slice. Just don't lose control.

Good luck on your Holiday dieting and thanks for being my support system!