I have lost roughly 58 pounds. Since this journey began, I have lost almost 60 pounds. I should be happy, right? I should be thrilled! I should be dancing on the clouds and rushing out to purchase all kinds of new clothing.
For some reason, ever since Friday, all I have wanted to do is eat cake, ice cream and any other sweet treat I can think of. Thus far, I have avoided it, but I'm hanging on by my fingernails here! (Fingernails which I have chewed down to the quick, by the way.)
I've had some issues like this before, but nothing like this. This is out of control! I don't know what is going on! I just want it to stop!
We go to the Health Club tomorrow and I've had nightmares the last two nights that I step on the scale there and it breaks! I think I'm losing it here!
Maybe Myron has found some new way to make me nutso! If he has, it's working at the moment!
I have to get a handle on this or I'm going to go into the nearest bakery and clean them out! Can you imagine what that would do to my blood sugar? Oh my goodness, the boys would have to kick me out of the house, I'd be a raging lunatic!
Okay, deep breath; and again. I can do this. I've been doing this for awhile now. I really don't want cake or cookies. They will mess with my blood sugar, not to mention my stomach, and I will end up sick and jittery.
Deep breath. My brain and stomach are not buying this, I need to try a new track.
I know, I'll go to bed and read my new Janet Evanovich book. That will keep my mind off things. If Janet can't do it, there is no hope!
Good night!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Exercise
As confirmed by yesterday's weigh in, the scale seems to be back in working order. Thank goodness, I was worried there for a bit.
I have decided that I am not losing weight fast enough. I don't know why I just decided this. I just have. So, I am going to increase my activity. Sounds simple, right? Yeah, for those wonderfully motivated folks it is easy as pie. (Oh pie, I love pie. I miss pie . . .)
Wednesday, Hubby and I have our appointments at the Health Club to meet with a trainer for our evaluations. I'm a bit nervous. How does one evaluate a couch potato? Yup, your fat, your lazy and you need to move your butt! Do you think he'll really say that? I hope not. Perhaps that is what I need to hear though?
I have this wonderful plan worked out in my head. I can get up early, go to the club and work out, then get ready there and go into work. Sounds good on paper, right? Now I just have to have the determination to make it a reality. That always seems to be my downfall.
Explain to me how I can give up chocolate and caffeine, forsake all of my favorite sweet snacks and cakes, yet I find it impossible to stick to an exercise routine for any length of time? Sometimes I baffle even myself!
I need to figure this out! We have a walk coming up! A big important walk! The Step Out Walk is getting ever closer!
If you haven't signed up yet, go to the link and get involved! You can walk with us, or be a virtual walker by donating online, or, do both!
We'll see if I can make it the whole 5K without complaining and whining this time!
I have decided that I am not losing weight fast enough. I don't know why I just decided this. I just have. So, I am going to increase my activity. Sounds simple, right? Yeah, for those wonderfully motivated folks it is easy as pie. (Oh pie, I love pie. I miss pie . . .)
Wednesday, Hubby and I have our appointments at the Health Club to meet with a trainer for our evaluations. I'm a bit nervous. How does one evaluate a couch potato? Yup, your fat, your lazy and you need to move your butt! Do you think he'll really say that? I hope not. Perhaps that is what I need to hear though?
I have this wonderful plan worked out in my head. I can get up early, go to the club and work out, then get ready there and go into work. Sounds good on paper, right? Now I just have to have the determination to make it a reality. That always seems to be my downfall.
Explain to me how I can give up chocolate and caffeine, forsake all of my favorite sweet snacks and cakes, yet I find it impossible to stick to an exercise routine for any length of time? Sometimes I baffle even myself!
I need to figure this out! We have a walk coming up! A big important walk! The Step Out Walk is getting ever closer!
If you haven't signed up yet, go to the link and get involved! You can walk with us, or be a virtual walker by donating online, or, do both!
We'll see if I can make it the whole 5K without complaining and whining this time!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
New Recipe Night!
Bonus Post! Had to post the new recipe we tried it was awesome; not to mention pretty! I'm not kidding, it was pretty! Take a look!
This amazing looking dish comes to us courtesy of Diabetic Living . It is called Crisp Chicken Parmesan and is absolutely WONDERFUL!
Best of all this incredibly filling plate of food is only 239 calories, 44 carbs, and 2 grams of total fat. It also packs in grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein. On an exchange diet it counts as 3 (count them 3!) vegetables, 2 starch, and 0.5 lean meat. How cool is that?!
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil; lightly coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In a shallow dish, combine egg, the water, and garlic. In another shallow dish, combine crushed bran flakes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
2. Dip chicken pieces, one at a time, in egg mixture, turning to coat evenly and allowing excess to drip off. Dip chicken pieces in cereal mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking pan. Coat tops of chicken pieces with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F).
3. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and keep warm. Coat an unheated medium saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat saucepan over medium heat. Add eggplant; cook about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add pasta sauce; heat through. Stir in spinach and tomatoes.
4. Divide spaghetti among four serving plates. Top with sauce mixture and chicken pieces. If desired, garnish with basil.
**Eggplant Parmesan: Prepare as above, except substitute eight 1/2-inch-thick slices eggplant* for the chicken. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until eggplant is tender and golden brown. (*Test Kitchen Tip: If you are making the Eggplant Parmesan, 1 medium eggplant should be just enough for the eight 1/2-inch-thick slices and the 1 cup pieces for the sauce.)
RECIPE FROM DIABETIC LIVING FALL 2009 OR ONLINE AT:
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/chicken/crisp-chicken-parmesan/
This was one of the best Sunday dinners we have had in a long time. With the start of school, and band, and everything else that is going on, it was wonderful to sit down tonight as a family and enjoy this delicious meal together.
Try this one, it's a definite do over!
Best of all this incredibly filling plate of food is only 239 calories, 44 carbs, and 2 grams of total fat. It also packs in grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein. On an exchange diet it counts as 3 (count them 3!) vegetables, 2 starch, and 0.5 lean meat. How cool is that?!
Olive oil nonstick cooking spray
1/4 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed, or 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup bran cereal flakes, crushed (about 1/2 cup crushed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1 pound chicken breast tenderloins
4 ounces dried multigrain or whole grain spaghetti
1 cup1-inch pieces eggplant, peeled if desired
1-1/2 cups purchased light tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 cup torn fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup chopped plum tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
2. Dip chicken pieces, one at a time, in egg mixture, turning to coat evenly and allowing excess to drip off. Dip chicken pieces in cereal mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking pan. Coat tops of chicken pieces with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F).
3. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and keep warm. Coat an unheated medium saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat saucepan over medium heat. Add eggplant; cook about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add pasta sauce; heat through. Stir in spinach and tomatoes.
4. Divide spaghetti among four serving plates. Top with sauce mixture and chicken pieces. If desired, garnish with basil.
**Eggplant Parmesan: Prepare as above, except substitute eight 1/2-inch-thick slices eggplant* for the chicken. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until eggplant is tender and golden brown. (*Test Kitchen Tip: If you are making the Eggplant Parmesan, 1 medium eggplant should be just enough for the eight 1/2-inch-thick slices and the 1 cup pieces for the sauce.)
RECIPE FROM DIABETIC LIVING FALL 2009 OR ONLINE AT:
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/chicken/crisp-chicken-parmesan/
This was one of the best Sunday dinners we have had in a long time. With the start of school, and band, and everything else that is going on, it was wonderful to sit down tonight as a family and enjoy this delicious meal together.
Try this one, it's a definite do over!
Humbled by the Kids
No post last night due to the late arrival time back from the first Marching Band Competition of the season.
Weigh in results first:
Me: -2lbs. Yea me!
Amazing Hubby: -1 lb. (Okay, he's supposed to be going in the other directions, but as this blog is all about weight loss - Yea Hubby!!)
The Boy: ??? The Boy is still asleep, as he is sick with a bad cold and has been for a few days, one of the many humbling things about last evening!
I don't know if you have ever been to a marching competition, but let me tell you, it's like nothing you have ever seen. It is heaven for those people who like marching bands. (My grandmother would have loved it!). A day devoted to the bands, they take the field one after the other and perform their shows, their very elaborate and complicated shows. There is a judging panel; and there are, of course, awards and bragging rights.
Now, the band that The Boy plays in is very good (No, I am not just being a proud mama. There are a bunch of full trophy cases that will back me up.) Actually they are probably one of the best bands in the state. They work exceptionally hard and they always have an incredible show.
The Band Director's, who are outstanding people in their own right, write the music and the drill for our shows themselves; so our show is always unique. Every year the music and drill get just a bit more complicated and difficult. The band also competes at a Class A level, even though we are a Class B school.
All of that is already enough to be proud of, right? Last night's performance brought pride to an entire new level. The kids performed the show wonderfully, a feat that was perhaps highlighted due to the previous nights game performance where two of the band members fell during the complicated drill pattern! By the end of the performance, most people in the stands were on their feet cheering and clapping (not just their parents)!
Afterward, I was on the track with the band while awards were handed out. We took third place behind two much larger bands, who's music and drills were no where near as difficult as ours. I turned around to say something to the kids and at least three of the young ladies were in tears. I went to console one of them and the first thing she said to me was "We let the Director's down. We didn't work hard enough."
Wow! That blew me away! These kids work harder than any group I have ever seen. Last week they stood in the cold rain for two hours working on their drill until they had it where they wanted it! They sacrifice their evenings and Saturday's for practice and competitions. Yet, they were upset; not because they had come in third, but because they had let the Director's down!
That was humbling. Why? Earlier in the day I had been having a bit of a pity party for myself because I wanted chocolate and could not have any. I wanted a greasy burger and thought it was unfair that I could not have one. Yet, here stood this tiny young girl in front of me, upset that she had disappointed her Band Director by not working hard enough.
Lead by example? Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Last night my son's marching band reminded me of what working hard towards a goal was really about.
Thanks guys!
Weigh in results first:
Me: -2lbs. Yea me!
Amazing Hubby: -1 lb. (Okay, he's supposed to be going in the other directions, but as this blog is all about weight loss - Yea Hubby!!)
The Boy: ??? The Boy is still asleep, as he is sick with a bad cold and has been for a few days, one of the many humbling things about last evening!
I don't know if you have ever been to a marching competition, but let me tell you, it's like nothing you have ever seen. It is heaven for those people who like marching bands. (My grandmother would have loved it!). A day devoted to the bands, they take the field one after the other and perform their shows, their very elaborate and complicated shows. There is a judging panel; and there are, of course, awards and bragging rights.
Now, the band that The Boy plays in is very good (No, I am not just being a proud mama. There are a bunch of full trophy cases that will back me up.) Actually they are probably one of the best bands in the state. They work exceptionally hard and they always have an incredible show.
The Band Director's, who are outstanding people in their own right, write the music and the drill for our shows themselves; so our show is always unique. Every year the music and drill get just a bit more complicated and difficult. The band also competes at a Class A level, even though we are a Class B school.
All of that is already enough to be proud of, right? Last night's performance brought pride to an entire new level. The kids performed the show wonderfully, a feat that was perhaps highlighted due to the previous nights game performance where two of the band members fell during the complicated drill pattern! By the end of the performance, most people in the stands were on their feet cheering and clapping (not just their parents)!
Afterward, I was on the track with the band while awards were handed out. We took third place behind two much larger bands, who's music and drills were no where near as difficult as ours. I turned around to say something to the kids and at least three of the young ladies were in tears. I went to console one of them and the first thing she said to me was "We let the Director's down. We didn't work hard enough."
Wow! That blew me away! These kids work harder than any group I have ever seen. Last week they stood in the cold rain for two hours working on their drill until they had it where they wanted it! They sacrifice their evenings and Saturday's for practice and competitions. Yet, they were upset; not because they had come in third, but because they had let the Director's down!
That was humbling. Why? Earlier in the day I had been having a bit of a pity party for myself because I wanted chocolate and could not have any. I wanted a greasy burger and thought it was unfair that I could not have one. Yet, here stood this tiny young girl in front of me, upset that she had disappointed her Band Director by not working hard enough.
Lead by example? Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Last night my son's marching band reminded me of what working hard towards a goal was really about.
Thanks guys!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Watch that "Healthy" Snack!
My Prevention magazine came today. It's always a fun read. This issue had me laughing and groaning at the same time. There is an article about not so healthy health foods. Some of the things in it are downright depressing.
Here are a couple of my favorite examples:
Does anyone else think this is terribly wrong? Even when we are attempting to 'behave' and keep on the nutritional straight and narrow, we are sabotaged by the food industry!
Seriously, 400 mg of sodium in cottage cheese? What is up with that? Why would anyone even put salt in cottage cheese to begin with? Is there some sodium cabal somewhere that pays massive dividends to the food industry when they overload our foods with sodium?
And if you are going to get that much fat from eating 'healthy' yogurt, hand over the ice cream! That is just seriously wrong on so many levels!
These are some really good reasons to read labels! We've gotten some strange looks in the market lately when we delay overlong reading labels, but it certainly pays off. Just look at the above examples, if you don't think that is true enough.
We are responsible for what goes into our bodies. Perhaps if we all decide to simply not purchase those foods that are masquerading as healthy , the food industry will finally get the notion that maybe they should start working on some actual healthy foods. Not just foods that appear to be healthy.
it's our choice, and in our control. As my Daddy always said: The way to get someones attention is through their pocketbook.
Oh, how right he was!
Here are a couple of my favorite examples:
A serving of whole-milk Greek yogurt can have more fat than 3 (count them 3!) small vanilla ice cream cones.
A glass of cranberry juice an have more sugar than 7 chocolate chip cookies.
Breakstone's Fat-Free Cottage Cheese as 400 mg of sodium per 4-ounce serving. That's like eating 2 1/4 1-ounce bags of Lays potato chips!
Prevention Magazine - October 2010
Does anyone else think this is terribly wrong? Even when we are attempting to 'behave' and keep on the nutritional straight and narrow, we are sabotaged by the food industry!
Seriously, 400 mg of sodium in cottage cheese? What is up with that? Why would anyone even put salt in cottage cheese to begin with? Is there some sodium cabal somewhere that pays massive dividends to the food industry when they overload our foods with sodium?
And if you are going to get that much fat from eating 'healthy' yogurt, hand over the ice cream! That is just seriously wrong on so many levels!
These are some really good reasons to read labels! We've gotten some strange looks in the market lately when we delay overlong reading labels, but it certainly pays off. Just look at the above examples, if you don't think that is true enough.
We are responsible for what goes into our bodies. Perhaps if we all decide to simply not purchase those foods that are masquerading as healthy , the food industry will finally get the notion that maybe they should start working on some actual healthy foods. Not just foods that appear to be healthy.
it's our choice, and in our control. As my Daddy always said: The way to get someones attention is through their pocketbook.
Oh, how right he was!
New thoughts and goals.
In prepping for the upcoming Step Out Walk, I went looking for a photo of my Grandfather. We have no really good photos of him. Odd, right? I thought so too.
I went to my two Aunts and, one of them, came through with flying colors and sent me and entire envelope stuffed with photos of my Grandfather, as well as other members of my Dad's family.
I stood there looking at the faces of a Grandmother and Grandfather that I had never gotten the opportunity to know and felt like crying. I have heard stories of these two amazing people, my one Aunt is a dead ringer for my Grandmother, yet, I never had the chance to know them, at all.
It was one of those moments that drives home the true purpose of this entire journey. I don't want my grandchildren to someday be looking at a photograph of me wondering what I was like.
That said, the fact that the scale seems to be broken and stuck on the same number is causing a bit of frustration for me. Since frustration isn't healthy and really does me no good, I opted to motivate myself by setting a couple of new goals.
I went to my two Aunts and, one of them, came through with flying colors and sent me and entire envelope stuffed with photos of my Grandfather, as well as other members of my Dad's family.
I stood there looking at the faces of a Grandmother and Grandfather that I had never gotten the opportunity to know and felt like crying. I have heard stories of these two amazing people, my one Aunt is a dead ringer for my Grandmother, yet, I never had the chance to know them, at all.
It was one of those moments that drives home the true purpose of this entire journey. I don't want my grandchildren to someday be looking at a photograph of me wondering what I was like.
That said, the fact that the scale seems to be broken and stuck on the same number is causing a bit of frustration for me. Since frustration isn't healthy and really does me no good, I opted to motivate myself by setting a couple of new goals.
- When I reach my 'magic' under 200 lbs mark, I have asked my guys to take me climbing. They both love to climb and whenever we have gone to the local indoor climbing wall I have always been forced to stand there and watch as they had all the fun. No more. It' MY time to have some fun!
- I am waiting on a decision from the University in regards to my acceptance. If and when I do get in, I absolutely have to lose the weight! Who's going to hire a fat Dietitian?
- Just once, I want to walk into one of those skinny people stores and buy something for me that actually fits without the pimple-faced, teeny-bopper clerks looking down their perky little noses at me.
- I want to RUN a 5K ~ not walk one.
- I want to go backpacking with my boys. I miss that so very much!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fall, Marching Bands, and . . . Preplanning?
I love Fall; it's my favorite season! The air becomes comfortably cool, the trees put on a fabulous color show, and it's marching season! Marching season rocks!
The Boy claims not to like marching, but I know better. (I'm the mom, that's my job.) Anyway, this time of year lots of Saturdays are spent in bleachers of various High Schools watching Marching Competitions. What better way to spend a Saturday, than sitting in the crisp air listening to awesome music and watching really amazing shows!
Normally, meals on these days are either fast food or food from the concession stands, it's always been fine in the past, but that isn't going to fly anymore. Now, I have to plan ahead and prepare.
For someone as spontaneous and impulsive as me, that is a difficult thing to do. I'd much rather go with the flow. That isn't an option anymore. Planning is now the only way I can function. *Sigh* Sometimes I sort of resent that!
Today, we gathered the cooler that we'll need and started to lay out a 'travel' menu; food that I can pack quickly and take along so that I'll be able to eat on schedule and I can avoid any unpleasant "low" (blood sugar) moments.
I am learning to adjust my life around our new plan. This lifestyle is so much better for us, so I guess it is worth the loss of spontaneity; but I think a small part of me will always miss the old me.
The new me is not so bad though, I'm happier and more energetic, and I certainly feel better. So, perhaps that is worth the loss of impulsiveness.
The Boy claims not to like marching, but I know better. (I'm the mom, that's my job.) Anyway, this time of year lots of Saturdays are spent in bleachers of various High Schools watching Marching Competitions. What better way to spend a Saturday, than sitting in the crisp air listening to awesome music and watching really amazing shows!
Normally, meals on these days are either fast food or food from the concession stands, it's always been fine in the past, but that isn't going to fly anymore. Now, I have to plan ahead and prepare.
For someone as spontaneous and impulsive as me, that is a difficult thing to do. I'd much rather go with the flow. That isn't an option anymore. Planning is now the only way I can function. *Sigh* Sometimes I sort of resent that!
Today, we gathered the cooler that we'll need and started to lay out a 'travel' menu; food that I can pack quickly and take along so that I'll be able to eat on schedule and I can avoid any unpleasant "low" (blood sugar) moments.
I am learning to adjust my life around our new plan. This lifestyle is so much better for us, so I guess it is worth the loss of spontaneity; but I think a small part of me will always miss the old me.
The new me is not so bad though, I'm happier and more energetic, and I certainly feel better. So, perhaps that is worth the loss of impulsiveness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)