(week 7). the aftermath.

It’s been a few days since weigh-in, but I’m happy to announce that I’ve lost another 1.8 pounds! That brings my overall total in 42 days to 10.4 pounds (about 4 ounces a day)!

I’ve been sick for a few days, so it’s been hard to tune in to my body. I don’t know when I’m hungry, or full, or even able to eat at all! I feel like I’ve fallen off the wagon a bit since Thursday, but I’ve got two weeks until my next weigh-in (unless I go to a WW center), so I can focus on staying on track.

It helps that Noah is an active baby; he keeps me moving all day! In fact, he started WALKING last week! Oh my goodness, it seems like only yesterday that we brought him home, and now he’s practically running.

Over the holidays, I really plan to try to stick to what I should be eating. TRY is the key word. I don’t want to feel deprived or left out, but I also know that food won’t make me happy, so why over-do it?! I’ll focus on my son’s super-awesome first Christmas, and the family I will be surrounded by.

The positive train keeps on moving...

(week 6). I didn’t lose, I gained.

... and that’s a positive! Yes, I lost 2 pounds today. That’s 32 ounces of CRAP that just burned off of me. While I “lost” the weight, it’s such a gain for me. A gain of life, of self, of further motivation... I gained today by losing!

I control my own destiny in this. I pick the foods. I choose how active I am. It’s up to me how “in it” I become. I can’t blame anyone else but myself if I stop succeeding.

Here’s something I’m finding I need to work on: holiday time snacking! There is so much just lying around, waiting to be gobbled up. Today, bagels, brownies, donuts and more were part of the workplace spread. Of course, I couldn’t resist my favorite: wheat bagel and shmear. (8 PointsPLUS) ...that’s not so horrible when I pair it with a well-stocked salad for lunch, but it doesn’t help to munch on another half bagel (5 more PP!) and some Swedish Fish (4 PP for an OUNCE!). Ugh. I’m down 24 points for the day, and I still have dinner to go. Soup it shall be for me...

I can do this, I can do this, I can do this...

I got a few WW books today that can tell me the PP values of food... I counted it up, and the typical Olive Garden meal I’d have would be worth more than my daily point allowance! O. M. G. No wonder I gained the weight that I did. The chicken parm alone was 15, and that didn’t include the spaghetti side ... add in a few breadsticks and the salad (one serving of the salad is 8 PP, thanks to the dressing and the cheese), and you’re screwed.

I get that WW is not a program to deprive yourself of the things you love, but it’s definitely making me rethink the things I used to eat. And that’s not a bad thing, I’ve got to say. 50 years ago, we didn’t have the obesity problem America has now. Candy and junky snacks were treats, and fruits and veggies were staples (not the other way around, like it seems to be today). People didn’t gorge on ginormous portions—they ate until they were satisfied, and moved on. Food was social, but in a very different way. Kids were more active than they are now, too! We need to go back to that. We may not have our parents around to force us to “eat our vegetables” or “go play outside”, but we should listen to the smart, healthy voice in our head, prodding us in that direction.

Who’s with me?

Now, someone pass me the green beans...

basket full of temptation.

Easter was a fruitful one, but it wasn't fruit-filled.

it was, however, full of chocolate, peanut butter and krabby patties.



i'm not going to lie. i ate candy.

BUT I DIDN'T OVER-DO IT.

i ate my few pieces, and moved on.

at the rate i'm going, i'll finish the few pieces i have in july sometime.

(isn't my longaberger Easter basket cute?)

oh, and my Easter dress looked fabulous, btw. i'll try to post pictures later.

things that i did this weekend that weren't the best: • not really exercising (other than minor dog walking and some sit-ups)
• eating at steak and shake saturday (and not watching what i ate)
• not eating on my schedule all weekend

things i did this weekend that were the best: • ate my vegetables (especially water-rich salads)
• drank plenty of water
• stayed active (walked around mall, chased little cousin, etc.)

i'm planning on making an appearance at a gym near me this evening. let's hope i make it there.

yes.

i.

can.

:)

liquid courage. nature's nectar. pint. cold one.

in honor of st. patrick's day, i bring you a story about beer.

note: i don't drink. that's not to say that i haven't or won't, but i've found that most drinks taste like old feet or bitter grossness. (plus, why pay for a slight buzz that is inevitably followed by a headache?)

however, i know that most of you (including my husband) indulge in a "tip back" every now and then, so this is for you.

there are honest-to-goodness benefits to drinking beer! studies have revealed that beer can produce the same benefits as drinking wine. whether you prefer ales, lagers, stout, bitter or wheat beers, studies show that one drink a day for women or up to two drinks a day for men will reduce your chances of strokes, heart and vascular disease.

alcohol has also been attributed of its ability to increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) into the bloodstream as well as help to decrease blood clots.

fabulous, no?

here are some more facts on the brew: (courtesy of essortment.com)

• it is nutritious if consumed in moderation
• it's s fat-free and cholesterol free
• beer has a relaxing effect on the body thereby reducing stress
• it helps you sleep better
• alcohol helps prevent heart disease and improves the blood circulation
• it's proven to have positive effects on elderly people.
• lastly, it helps to promote blood vessel dilation, sleep, and urination

even thomas jefferson believed in the power of swill: "beer, if drank in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health."

some interesting reads:

eight reasons to drink beer

not all diets are the same; the author of this one lost 114 pounds of fat, while still enjoying his drink.

respect beer.

how many calories are in your favorite brewskie?

sure, i pointed out some of the positives to slamming back a drink or two a day, but that doesn't mean you should go out and get "boozed up!" moderation is key. something more to think about: excess drinking has been associated with an increased risk of several serious health ailments, such as cancer, high blood pressure and liver disease.

also, for all you under-agers out there, please don't drink until you're of age. alcohol may have it's health benefits, but partaking prematurely could lead to stunted growth or other health conditions that you don't need to deal with yet.

drink responsibly, today and always! happy st. patty's day!