Breakfast-Piggly Wiggly biscuits & gravy w/a side of grits!!! Yeah, baby!
Lunch-Lean Cuisine Mac & cheese w/tomato & lite sour cream
Dinner-Veggie chimichanga, rice, guacamole salad, pico de gallo, chips & queso dip; lowfat pudding
Snack-2 100 cal swiss rolls; 2 100 cal swiss rolls (these are the bomb)
Exercise-Worked in the yard/planting (it’s hot, I sweated, so it counts!)
So, one of my approaches to getting healthier is to NOT be so healthy at least one day a week.
It seems like a self-destruct thing, but it’s really not. Saturday’s alright for having whatever I want–the kicker is that it has to be what I REALLY want–not just a bunch of crap to fill some silly void.
Sunday-Friday, DaisyKid & I ate pretty darn decently . . . and most of it still tasted really good! Veggies, salads, rice, potatoes, low-fat stuff–it’s not bad at all.
But we declare Saturday as our official “We-Are-Not-Robots” day. It’s kind of cool. Yesterday, we decided that we would get up this morning and enjoy a Piggly Wiggly breakfast. We would splurge!
It was delicious! And we didn’t feel guilty one bit. Tonight we plan to go out to eat–and, again, sans guilt.
Will that scale go up Thursday? Maybe. But Sunday-Friday, I’m still going to eat healthily. And, come next Saturday, I’ll have what I want then, too. I mean, if I can’t have at least ONE day where I don’t even have to think about a fat gram, then I say to heck with it! I’ll find out Thursday how this works out.
In real-life news, we got some lovely hanging plants & some pretty “ground” plants today. Weather is gorgeous! I am still so happy to be home!!
Breakfast-90 cal snack pak (better than nothing!)
Lunch-Leftover veggie mashed potatoes
Dinner-More leftover veggie potatoes, 1/2 a baked potato, 2 grilled chicken fingers w/BBQ sauce
Snack-Special K bar, Sugar-free pudding parfait; 3 pieces bruschetta w/tomato
Exercise-Walked 12 CC laps (a little over 1/2 mile); biked around neighborhood
Well, it’s been an official week since I started this. I weigh 146. Observations so far:
*I lost four pounds. I’m sure that will slow down considerably from here on out. I’ll still take it.
*I really need to eat breakfast & should not skip it.
*For no reason, I have days where I could eat Godzilla.
*Exercise really makes me feel better (duh)–but I’ve found that I enjoy it more when I can make it enjoyable. Too many years of performance-based training sucked the life out of enjoying a workout for a long time–but I’m starting to like it again, so yay!
*The more I exercise, the less the cigs appeal to me. I’ve still got a long way to go before I can call myself a quitter–but I think I’ll get there.
*And, finally, I’m being more patient with this than I usually am. Really, I’m used to going balls-out on a super-mega-this-is-SPARTA!-strict diet & losing a crapload of weight fast. But not this time. It’s slow and, sometimes, painful, but I know it’s the best way. 
Breakfast-2 pieces toast w/honey & cinnamon (yay, I did it!)
Lunch-Mashed potatoes (chicken broth, lite sour cream, cheese, carrots, rotel)
*Dinner-Chicken stuffed w/crimini mushrooms, mashed potatoes (see above), 3 pieces bruschetta w/tomatoes & rice salad
*I pretty much became a ravenous fiend around dinner time . . . not sure why, but I think pre-TOM is making me wonky.
Snack-90 cal snack pak; 90 cal snack pak; 90 cal snack pak (I won’t lie–I got a BAD case of the munchies!!);grapes
Exercise-Jog/Walked CC 1 mile w/Al & rode bike around neighborhood loop; walked to curb market w/DaisyKid
146 this morning–I think Memorial Day is behind me (and not ON my behind!).
After those years on Atkins where I never took a bite of a whole sandwich, it’s safe to say that, now, I think sandwiches are just about the best stuff ever.
My fave sandwich growing up was the basic mayo, bologna & slice of cheese sandwich on white bread. I was also partial to a mayo & souse meat sandwich thanks to my grandfather (fishing off the pier & eating a sandwich was the BEST!).
My paternal grandmother got me hooked on fried egg sandwiches (not complete without the Nature’s Seasoning)–a personal treat she made me every time I spent the night.
On the other side, my maternal grandmother introduced me to the delish egg & olive sandwich at a local drugstore–best when accompanied by a cherry-ice.
One time, I even had a grit sandwich. Don’t ask.
These days, I think a hot ham & cheese (not the fast-food kind) or a fresh egg-salad sandwich are just about tops on my list. But, of course, I try to find ways to make them a bit healthier. Less mayo (I just can’t stomach the fat-free stuff) & whole-grain breads help. My trick with big, fat sammies is to eat 1/2 for lunch & 1/2 for dinner. Spread the damage out, I say!
About the bread . . . let it be known that Sunbeam white bread is the mother of all cold sandwich breads. No, it’s not healthy, but it does a sammy good. Toasted sourdough is pretty sweet for a hot sandwich. Pumpernickel is really tasty for a spicy sandwich. I won’t even get started on biscuits . . .
And I’m mad for paninis and bruschetta . . . though that’ll be another topic for another day.
But, in the interests of my arse, I use flatbreads. Not so much for a sandwich per se, but a wrap. It’s both fun and frustrating to come up with stuff with which to fill them. Spray them with some light OO & pop them in the toaster oven & they come out all nice & warm & delish. Low-fat ricotta mixed with fresh salsa is good. Rice & beans is another good filler (just don’t over-stuff it a la Taco Bell). Cold wraps are yummy filled with chicken or tuna salad & veggies. Even grilled veggies make a nice one.
I feel like the Bubba Gump of wraps.
Breakfast–none (I know)
Lunch–purple hull peas, green beans, onion, tomato, au gratin potatoes & some mac & cheese
Dinner–Salad; 1 & 1/2 flatbread wrap w/ricotta salsa & 1 piece smoked provolne
Snack–1/2 cookie, 90 cal snack pak; sugar-free jello
Met Nana for lunch today at a home-cooking cafe. The veggies they had were delicious!! Big veggie meal=happy tummy!
I did eat 1/2 my au gratin potatoes (they weren’t my fave) & I had to have 3 bites of DaisyKid’s mac & cheese (sooo good)–BUT I didn’t eat my cornbread & didn’t get dessert–so yay me!
I skip breakfast far too often. I’m so used to rushing in the morning to get ready for work, that I rarely eat it. Rushing isn’t the problem now–I’m just not that hungry in the morning. Of course, that sets me up for being super hungry later on.
Well, looks like I’m gonna have to buck up & get in brekky from now on!
On a better note, I made some cherry/orange sugar-free jello last night with Sprite Zero–and it was so good! DaisyKid & I love it!!!
Breakfast–2 pieces toast w/honey & cinnamon
Lunch-leftover tofu, tomatoes, & krab w/soy sauce
Dinner-Big salad w/olive oil vinagrette & 2 pieces sour dough brusch
Snacks-90 cal snack pack; 1/2 a cookie; another snack pak; the other 1/2 cookie!! Sugar-free jello
Exercise–Walked a little over a half mile
*Theme for today’s entry: ramble, ramble, ramble!*
So the day after a holiday is usually the day I say “screw it” to health plans. But not today!
I’m not going to weigh until Thursday, so I won’t get down & give up. Typically, I indulge & have fun on a holiday. Then, I eat all the leftovers the next day. Then, I puff up. Then, I say “gee, I’ve got plenty of time” & I indulge some more. Then, I see the scale & I get depressed & give up. See the pattern?
It’s funny how I can spend weeks losing weight, and, once it’s off, act like I’ll never gain it back. It happens so easily! But I think I know the signs better now . . . slow & steady really does win it. The weight that I lost since last August (yes, I was even heavier then!) has mostly stayed away–because I took MONTHS getting it off & I didn’t do anything too drastic to do it.
Weight Watchers measures loss in terms of weeks–something that chronic scale-watchers like me have a tough time doing. But it’s really a smart way to do it. Fluctuations–they happen!
I remember being roughly the same weight all through middle school & high school (except for junior year when my body went wacko & I put on 15 pounds–I lost it after six months). I was 123. And that was fine with me, until the dreaded peer pressure crap started. Unfortunately, the “in” shape was near-skeletal. I was considered an “almost-big” girl. You know, one of those “you’d be so pretty if you just lost about 10 pounds” kind of girls. Ugh. The mistake I made was listening to . . . other girls!
At 18, when I was training hard for triathlons & was basically walking muscle, I was 120. Now, go figure.
College brought the frosh 15.
Then, a few years later, I remember living off gummy bears & diet soda for months–stress, nerves & poor choices. I was 110. My doc was thrilled. Go figure.
Baby came & I ballooned up to 187. Atkins brought me down to 112. Where’s my yo-yo?!
Anti-Atkins piled it back on.
When I joined WW, a few years back, they set my goal weight at 126. Looks like my body was right all along. I met my goal & then spent a year demolishing it. Self-sabotage. It happens.
And here I am. I don’t like re-hashing history, but it’s a good way to see your patterns. I think my pattern is working toward success & then, quickly rejecting it once I’ve got it. It’s like doing something just to see if I can do it & then saying “Check-now what?” Weird.
This time, I’m not going to throw it away. I’m earning it slowly &, when I get there, I’m going to enjoy it & be proud.
This concludes today’s lesson in 35 years of my weight history. Class dismissed!
*MEMORIAL DAY*
Breakfast-none (not a good habit!)
Lunch-2 pieces bruschetta w/provolone, olive oil & tomatoes; potato salad; rice salad; sesame rice; baked/grilled tofu; 3 bites Boston creme pie
Dinner-potato salad; 2 bbq ribs(I just HAD to have some!); sesame rice
Snack-2 choc chip cookies
145.5 this morning. Got the snacky bug last night!
Had a great day today w/the fam–good ole bbq’s can’t be beat! Weather was so beautiful–not too humid, just right.
I tried some new stuff today–baked/grilled tofu & a new bruschetta recipe. The tofu was okay, but the brusch was goood!!
Tomorrow, I’ll pick back up on the plan–gonna have to start getting serious w/the ciggy count.
I knew today wasn’t so much a “health” day–but it was fun.
146 this morning–yeah that water weight came on back! But this is ok!
Been outside planting my herb garden-tarragon, basil, dill, mint, rosemary, chives, cilantro–good stuff.
Talked w/DaisyKid about health & he’s going to start eating better. Fewer snacks & healthier meals. He’s really gotten into it–said he wants to be healthier.
He & I mapped out a course around the backyard (we have a big one) & walked/jogged it for 10 laps! It’s really kind of fun & you sure do break a sweat.
He wants to try grilled bananas tonight . . . not a banana fan myself, but I’ll try a bite!
Breakfast-2 pieces toast w/honey & cinnamon
Lunch-Mexican shrimp cocktail/2 pieces toasted french bread w/brush of olive oil
Snack-1/2 a cookie–oops, add the other 1/2, too!
Dinner-Steamed rice w/krab, miso, tofu & black-eyed peas
Snack attack–1 chunk of french bread w/olive oil, 5 chips, 1 more cookie–I got the munchies!! Yikes!
Weight today–143.5
BUT, that’s after being out in the sun for two hours and sweating a LOT. I’ll still take it, but I know it will be up tomorrow (have to go sweat some more, then!).
Last night’s big salad was a great dinner. I feel so much better when I have something filling but still light. I’ve got a craving for shrimp cocktail & ceviche–think I might make some later today.
Slept in til 9 am today & woke up REFRESHED!
I know I should have this attitude each day, but, just knowing that I’m off work for a few months makes me feel so pleasant.
Breakfast–2 pieces of toast w/pure honey & cinnamon
Lunch–3 bites of a cheese/tuna salad sandwich; 3 small pieces of toasted french bread w/olive oil
Snack–1/2 a cookie
Dinner–Tilapia, baby scallop ceviche/Mexican shrimp cocktail; 1/2 piece of grilled salmon; 1 ear of grilled corn w/butter & salt
Last day of work today (I teach). I was outside a good bit helping with a ceremony setup, so by the time I got home I was nice & tired. Even now I’m tired. I’m looking forward to actually sleeping in tomorrow. I think my body needs rest.
I haven’t pigged out today–but it was kind of a crazy day, so I didn’t really eat GOOD food, either.
Cig-wise, I did ok, until I took a break w/a pal–I think that’s going to have to go. I think I’ll start counting them soon. Cold turkey never worked for me. I like the “ex” commercials on tv about quitting smoking. Very smart.
I’m a tad nervous about trying the whole “moderation” thing with food. I’m a person of extremes–always have been. But I know I can’t skip brekky and it’s ridiculous to limit myself to only protein or only low-fat–they never stick.
So today was the end of the school year & the beginning of my new attitude. Sounds good.
Breakfast–skipped (booo)
Lunch–Cheese sandwich w/dijon & 1 tsp mayo
Snack–tortilla chips w/ole cheese dip (not too healthy)
Dinner–big salad of field greens w/dijon vinagrette
Ladies & gentlemen . . . in this corner, weighing in at 150 pounds, standing 5 feet, 5 inches is . . . ME!
So–the quick & dirty is this–I like to be light. Light in attitude, light in weight, etc. “Heavy” is only good for conversations about metaphysics and politics–in my opinion.
I haven’t been or felt light in about two years. Lots of work stress (my choice), social stress (my choice) and physical stress (bad habits–all my choice). So, I figured it’s time to make some better choices in my life. This summer of 2008, my goal is to do just that.
What are my goals exactly?
1. To lose 20 pounds. That puts me at 130. Not skull-tastic, but not too heavy for me. I want to be strong and lean, not a toothpick.
2. To quit smoking. I’ve been an off & on quitter for a few years. It’s not something that I really enjoy anymore. My life will be much-enhanced by quitting.
3. To workout four times a week. Not everyday, not six days–just four days. I’m not training for a marathon here–I just want to get fit and healthy.
4. To find my center. As a Buddhist, I find life to be more fulfilling when I’m still and centered. The breathing, the meditation–it’s all part of that.
Four things. Four things to make my life better. I don’t think that’s too much to ask of myself.
It all starts tomorrow (I have a thing about morning starts). I’m excited, nervous, confident, sad (yes, it’s hard to let go of letting yourself go), but, most of all, I’m ready. I’M READY!!!!
