Over the weekend we held our annual Oktoberfest celebration. For us this means catered food from a German restaurant in Rockford, soft pretzels from a bakery in Chicago and eight, count them eight, different kinds of beer and lots of friends and family. The part that I was most nervous about was the trip to Austrian Bakery in Chicago. I walked in there pretty confident and the moment I spotted the cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and cookies in the display case I started to remind myself that nothing would taste as good as the feeling of getting on the scale and seeing the number go down. I walked out of the bakery with the pretzels, rolls (for charming husband and his tailgating friends the following day) and one loaf of Cranberry Walnut bread. I was pretty proud of myself.
Catching up with friends and family is always fun and Saturday night was no exception. I kept my alcohol to a minimum and loaded my plate with fruit salad and fresh vegetables. I took smaller portions of the sausage, kraut and potatoes so I could feel like I wasn't depriving myself. I also kept filling my cup with Crystal Light Peach tea (my favorite non-alcoholic drink) which helped a lot. I'd given myself the day off from journaling on Saturday which turned out to continue on Sunday since we ate left overs.
By Monday I'd emailed my fabulous sister-in-law asking if she would please take the rest of the left overs. She agreed and came to pick them up on Monday night. My leader, Karen, congratulated me on doing this and said that food like that will be in the waste or on the waist. She's so clever, isn't she? Apparently what she's teaching is working because I weighed in 1.4 pounds lighter this week.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Realistic Role Models
Today I had to be at my office for a meeting which ran way longer than it was supposed to and I didn't make it home in time for my meeting. Luckily I ran into many of my Tuesday ladies as they were coming out of the meeting so I got lots of updates on how everyone's week went before I went to weigh in. After my weigh-in I was talking to Pat about role models. We both agreed that it is important to have realistic role models that we can find inspiration from. This got me thinking about role models.
I'm extremely lucky to have some great role models. First my sister, Brenda, has faced and conquered her own weight problems and is now competing in various races from 5Ks to marathons to triathalons. She gives me great advice on any number of health and fitness topics. I'm also lucky enough to have a 100+ pound loser in my meeting group, Dianne, who is so fabulously encouraging all the time regardless of the kind of week I've had. She has reached goal and become a lifetime member and still comes to meetings weekly. It's great to see that not only can you lose a lot of weight on this program but that you can keep it off. Lastly, my sister-in-law has battled cancer and is excelling in races like the Warrior Dash.
Since I started this journey I've also found out that there are a lot of people who are inspiring me to get active. Several of my friends have done the Warrior Dash over the weekend. Congratulations to you all! My friend, Don, is running the Chicago Marathon in a few short weeks.
I guess what I hadn't realized was that I have an extensive list of role models. Wow, how amazing is that? There are even people who you don't really expect to be interested who are willing to offer encouragement and advice when I'm having a rough time. (Yes, I'm lookin' at you Chris!) I know that without all of these people that I wouldn't be as successful as I've been. So, to all of you, THANK YOU!
Do you have great role models? What do you look for in a role model?
I'm extremely lucky to have some great role models. First my sister, Brenda, has faced and conquered her own weight problems and is now competing in various races from 5Ks to marathons to triathalons. She gives me great advice on any number of health and fitness topics. I'm also lucky enough to have a 100+ pound loser in my meeting group, Dianne, who is so fabulously encouraging all the time regardless of the kind of week I've had. She has reached goal and become a lifetime member and still comes to meetings weekly. It's great to see that not only can you lose a lot of weight on this program but that you can keep it off. Lastly, my sister-in-law has battled cancer and is excelling in races like the Warrior Dash.
Since I started this journey I've also found out that there are a lot of people who are inspiring me to get active. Several of my friends have done the Warrior Dash over the weekend. Congratulations to you all! My friend, Don, is running the Chicago Marathon in a few short weeks.
I guess what I hadn't realized was that I have an extensive list of role models. Wow, how amazing is that? There are even people who you don't really expect to be interested who are willing to offer encouragement and advice when I'm having a rough time. (Yes, I'm lookin' at you Chris!) I know that without all of these people that I wouldn't be as successful as I've been. So, to all of you, THANK YOU!
Do you have great role models? What do you look for in a role model?
Friday, September 16, 2011
Grilled Romaine
Before summer ends I really have to insist that you try this little recipe because I'm pretty sure you won't forgive yourself if you don't.
Grilled Romaine with Feta
WW PointsPlus per serving: 4
Makes 2 servings
2 hearts of Romaine, split in half
1 oz. Feta (I found one with Mediterranean Herbs)
1/2 T Balsamic Vinegar
1 t Olive Oil
Spritz of cooking spray or olive oil
Cut the romaine in half lengthwise
Spritz them with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent them from sticking
Put them on a hot grill long enough to wilt the lettuce a little and add some char marks but not for the entire piece to wilt
In a bowl combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Lightly drizzle the dressing over each half
Sprinkle the feta cheese on top
ENJOY!
Grilled Romaine with Feta
WW PointsPlus per serving: 4
Makes 2 servings
2 hearts of Romaine, split in half
1 oz. Feta (I found one with Mediterranean Herbs)
1/2 T Balsamic Vinegar
1 t Olive Oil
Spritz of cooking spray or olive oil
Cut the romaine in half lengthwise
Spritz them with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent them from sticking
Put them on a hot grill long enough to wilt the lettuce a little and add some char marks but not for the entire piece to wilt
In a bowl combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Lightly drizzle the dressing over each half
Sprinkle the feta cheese on top
ENJOY!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Naked Weigh Ins?
Tonight at our meeting my regular leader, Karen, was training a new leader. His name is Mike and while I didn't weigh-in with him (I got there before he started doing the weigh-ins) I can imagine that being weighed in by a man can be uncomfortable. Let's face it, the number on the scale is likely more closely guarded than our age! As I've said in previous posts, I adore the Tuesday meeting ladies, even more so after this comment from Liz, who had just weighed in with Mike. She said, "Well I guess naked weigh-ins are out of the question now!" I had to ask her to repeat herself because clearly I must have misheard her? Nope, she repeated it and I busted out laughing.
The meeting was different, obviously, since it was a whole different leader. As much as I'd like to say that I'm really flexible when it comes to adapting to new leaders this one was difficult for me. I really enjoy the meetings that Karen leads and have even sought them out if I miss my regular meeting. She has an infectious belief that everything is possible and I rarely, if ever, have left without feeling like I have the energy and encouragement to keep going and that it this whole lifestyle is really worth it. She stands at the front of our room and isn't afraid to laugh, both at herself and the world. I really like that and I missed it tonight.
How do you deal with changes like this?
PS - I weighed in this morning on my scale and it registered 0 change. I was not looking forward to weigh-in but when I got on the scale at my meeting Karen had a big smile on her face but she wouldn't tell me my change. She said that she wanted it to be a surprise during the celebrations of the meeting! She even threatened to hold onto my weight tracker until the meeting but finally relented and gave it to me. Seriously? -2.2 pounds. Yeah, I'll take that!
The meeting was different, obviously, since it was a whole different leader. As much as I'd like to say that I'm really flexible when it comes to adapting to new leaders this one was difficult for me. I really enjoy the meetings that Karen leads and have even sought them out if I miss my regular meeting. She has an infectious belief that everything is possible and I rarely, if ever, have left without feeling like I have the energy and encouragement to keep going and that it this whole lifestyle is really worth it. She stands at the front of our room and isn't afraid to laugh, both at herself and the world. I really like that and I missed it tonight.
How do you deal with changes like this?
PS - I weighed in this morning on my scale and it registered 0 change. I was not looking forward to weigh-in but when I got on the scale at my meeting Karen had a big smile on her face but she wouldn't tell me my change. She said that she wanted it to be a surprise during the celebrations of the meeting! She even threatened to hold onto my weight tracker until the meeting but finally relented and gave it to me. Seriously? -2.2 pounds. Yeah, I'll take that!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Some feedback
Last week, before we left for Wisconsin, I looked at the weather report and realized it was going to be pretty chilly up there. I haven't had to wear long pants for months so I didn't have any that fit. I'd ordered some new clothes but wasn't sure they would arrive in time so I headed to my local plus size clothing store to buy a new pair of jeans. I pulled a couple of pairs out, tried them on and realized they were all too big and much to long. What happened? Did I shrink when I walked in the dressing room? So I asked the lady for help and she pulled out a pair of jeans that were the the same size but in petite (apparently that's length and not width, go figure) that fit much better. So I bought them and a few other things and was on my way.
On Saturday after being caught in the rain during our walk/hike I put on the new jeans with a long sleeve t-shirt. My sister arrived shortly after and we were visiting... at one point the subject of my new jeans came up (I'd been texting with her the night that I bought them) and she looked at me and said, your pants are still too big.
CRAP.
I guess that's good, right?
PS - If you didn't see yesterday's post (yes, you're so lucky you get two this week) you can read what I think about vacation and weight loss.
On Saturday after being caught in the rain during our walk/hike I put on the new jeans with a long sleeve t-shirt. My sister arrived shortly after and we were visiting... at one point the subject of my new jeans came up (I'd been texting with her the night that I bought them) and she looked at me and said, your pants are still too big.
CRAP.
I guess that's good, right?
PS - If you didn't see yesterday's post (yes, you're so lucky you get two this week) you can read what I think about vacation and weight loss.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Vacation + Weight Watchers = ????
When I know I'm going to be out of internet service area (really, there is such a thing) one of my first thoughts is that I need to grab a PointsPlus tracker from my next WW meeting. This weekend was no exception. We were planning on being in Wisconsin for several days and we have spotty and slow internet service up there. The paper tracker is a must for me when I'm away and it kept me on plan again this weekend. It has those great check boxes to remind me to get in my good health guidelines. The best part was that throughout the entire weekend I never really felt like I was depriving myself of anything. We went out to dinner with family on Saturday night and I had a beer (seriously, I love the Pudgy Possum Porter) and a sandwich with sweet potato fries. We went out to dinner on Sunday and I had broiled walleye with a baked potato. The best part was that I felt really satisfied and I think for the first time I didn't freak out about how many points I was using or what I'd order that would be the healthiest/lowest PointsPlus choice. (I just realized that as I was typing that sentence. How cool is that?)
In addition to tracking we were able to get in some good activity. We took the dogs on a 3 mile walk/hike but wow, Wisconsin is a lot hillier than I remember!! We also did some kayaking which was awesome but left me a little sore the next day. We even got in a little bit of fishing. All in all, it was a successful trip. Plus, I lost a half a pound this week.
In addition to tracking we were able to get in some good activity. We took the dogs on a 3 mile walk/hike but wow, Wisconsin is a lot hillier than I remember!! We also did some kayaking which was awesome but left me a little sore the next day. We even got in a little bit of fishing. All in all, it was a successful trip. Plus, I lost a half a pound this week.
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