grocery shopping

Starting Weight: 190.4
Today's Weight: 189
Total Loss: -1.4
Pounds to lose for 1st Goal: 30
Days to go: 96

Well, I'm not surprised. Last night we went to Chili's and I had a steak quesadilla with fries. No, I didn't eat the whole quesadilla, and yes, I scraped most of the filling out of each piece that I did eat, but that's not the point. The meal was loaded with fat and sodium, not to mention calories.

This seems to be what happens when I fail to plan dinner. By the time I get off work, I don't feel like 1. going to the grocery store, 2. coming back home to cook, 3. waiting for it to be ready, 4. wash dishes (or load dishwasher...no difference for me).

I realize I need to make a weekly grocery shopping trip. The thing is, I don't like to grocery shop but I need to change my attitude about that. I have no adversion to other forms of shopping, but food shopping isn't high on my list of things I enjoy. Maybe no one does; who knows? I've got to get over it though because when the ingredients aren't in the house, I'm not motivated enough to make a daily supermarket trek after work, and then eating out becomes very attractive, easy and convenient.

weigh-in

Starting Weight: 190.4
Today's Weight: 188.4
Total Loss: -2
Pounds to lose for 1st Goal: 29.4
Days to go: 97

Ok, so I lost two-tenths of a pound. Not very impressive. I do have to admit though, that I'm keeping a daily food journal and it's not hard to see why I'm not losing weight like I should. To counteract my lesser caloric intake, I'm eating more sugar, such as fruit and yogurt. This is to keep my blood sugar at a more normal level as it tends to run very low causing me to feel weak and have a sometimes rapid heartbeat, etc.

week one progress

Starting Weight: 190.4
Today's Weight: 188.6
Total Loss: -1.8
Pounds to lose for 1st Goal: 29.6
Days to go: 98

To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. To say I'm surprised would be a lie. My first week was going well, and then I ruined it over the weekend. I have to remind myself that weekends aren't free-for-alls and that I have to be as conscious, if not more so, during Friday night to Sunday night.

I won't give up though. I have a reasonable goal for the first part of summer and I'm sticking to it...even if I don't reach my magic number.

pop vs. water, and a large dose of sodium

Ohmygod, what gives?? I got on the scale this morning and was greeted with a very rude 188.6 reading! I'll admit...I had two pieces of pizza last night for dinner, but come on...a 2.4 lb. gain from that? I don't think so. I'm convinced it was water weight from too much sodium intake this weekend.

While I'm at it, I'll also admit that I really don't diet on the weekends. I don't know why - it's not because I think I deserve a break, really I don't. It really boils down to convenience. The weekends go by so quickly and it's often difficult to get everything you've put off all week done in just two days. So, more often than not, we eat out starting Friday night. I will say though that even though I'm eating out all weekend, I am conscious of what I order. For Lent I gave up all sweets and fried foods (and meat on Fridays, of course). When I order out my choices reflect those sacrifices. I would be lying if I said that the Lenten season hasn't benefitted and influenced my "diet."

I had a gigantic extra-large diet Pepsi from Taco Bell earlier and now I feel so gross and bloated. I'm not all that much of a pop drinker, but you'd never guess from the way I guzzled it down. I don't know what that was all about but I do know I would be much better off had I chosen an extra-large ice water instead. I'm an iced tea drinker, that's for sure, but pop? When and why did I start craving carbonated beverages?

Anyway, other than that, my husband found a great recipe for a reuben alternative in this month's "Men's Health" magazine. Made with lean smoked turkey, it's a much more healthful alternative to the traditional corned beef version.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Ultimate Reuben" courtesy of Men's Health.

1/4 cup canned sauerkraut, drained

1 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese

1 Tbsp low-fat Thousand Island dressing

2 slices rye bread

2 slices reduced sodium smoked deli turkey, such as Healthy Choice

1 slice low-fat Swiss cheese

Coat the bottom of a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium heat. In a small bowl, stir together the kraut, feta cheese, and dressing. Spread the mixture on one slice of bread. Top with turkey, Swiss and the other bread slice. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side. Makes 1 serving.

Per serving: 335 calories

23 grams protein

42 grams carbohydrates

9 grams fat

5 grams fiber

1,625 milligrams sodium

-----------------------------------------------------------------

A couple of things about this recipe...I believe you could reduce your sodium content by cutting out the canned sauerkraut altogether. "But then it wouldn't be a reuben," you say. True, without the sauerkraut it would be a lesser reuben, but maybe you could replace the sauerkraut with fresh sprouts - alphalpha or bean. Canned anything = a pool of salt.

The low-fat Swiss cheese is a nice touch as well as the low-fat dressing. But once again, dressing can run high in sodium as well, so take note. Lastly, deli meats - even turkey - are all high in sodium, thus the reason this recipe is suggesting low-sodium versions. If salt isn't an issue, I would guess one sandwich isn't going to cause major problems but even small amounts of salt can = weight gain, bloating, dry mouth and the temporary non-budging or even increases on the scales. Just writing about it makes me want a glass of water. No more pop for me!

My weekly loss/total score is going to be a disappointment tomorrow but I refuse to let it discourage me. I may have not made the best food choices this week, but at least I'm conscious of them and with consciousness comes change, right?

The time it takes...

I just have to say I am amazed at how much time and effort it takes me to deal with my weight issues. The stress of losing the extra pounds is constantly looming over my head, reminding me that I need to deal with it, do something about it, change it. I mean, if I had a counter of the hours I've spent over the eight years obsessing and planning and dieting and failing, I'd actually be scared to know how much precious time I've wasted!

Then I pause and wonder...the people out there who are at a healthy or satisfied weight - what do they do with all their extra time...the time I'm constantly spending wondering how I can lose weight??

Before Photos

Starting Weight: 190.4
Today's Weight: 186.8
Total Loss: -3.6
Pounds to lose for 1st Goal: 27.8
Days to go: 100

Yesterday I went "meatless" as it was a Lenten Friday. I had a simple pasta with tomato sauce for dinner, and later on when we went out with friends, I had some artichoke and spinach dip with tortilla chips. Not healthy, not at all, but I'm certain that my portion sizes have everything to do with my weight loss.

Earlier this evening I took some "Before" photos of myself. I went to Target last night, bought a basic white t-shirt and some cotton shorts, which will be my official uniform every time I take new pictures of myself. This way, I'll not only be able to view my progress, but I'll be able to see the progress dramatize in the same clothing.

Side note: I so do not have the guts to post the photos...yet.

Valentine's Day Dinner

Starting Weight: 190.4
Today's Weight: 188.0
Total Loss: -2.4
Pounds to lose for 1st Goal: 29
Days to go: 101

Yesterday I ate less against my will. That sounds kind of funny. I ate a small lunch, got a huge headache around dinner time, ruined Valentine's Day plans to go out to dinner at the Outback, and ended up eating two tacos from Taco Bell around 8:30. Not that that was eating healthfully by any means, but two small tacos saved me a lot of calories compared to the steak dinner I would have indulged in otherwise.

Once again, my losses are a bit slow, but that's ok. As long as I keep moving in the lower end of the scale, I'm pleased.

Yoplait Whips

Today's Weight: 188.8
Total Loss: -1.6
Pounds to lose for 1st Goal: 29.8
Days to go: 102

Last night I had baked chicken and oven-baked french fries. It wasn't all that bad. Since Lent has begun and I've given up all sweets (i.e. desserts, not fruit, yogurt, etc.), I've noticed a strange weakness in my legs. I do have low-blood sugar, but I know I'm eating enough and getting enough sugar in via yogurt and fruit. So, I can't explain it. I'm also aware I need to cut back on caffeine - i.e. ICED TEA. This is extremely difficult for me - I'm not sure if I crave the caffeine, the actual tea or the artificial sweeteners more. The combination of all three is hard to fight.

My weight loss is progressing quite slowly, given that it's the first week and you usually see the biggest loss during this time. I'm not discouraged though - I've lost weight quickly in the past and it didn't get me anywhere in the end.

I'd also like to say that I LOVE Yoplait Yogurt Whips. At 140-160 calories and 20-22 grams of sugar per 4 oz. container, it's higher than the 6 oz. container of Yoplait Light, which weighs in at around 100 calories and 15 grams of sugar. The trade-offs are well worth it because the Whips are so light and airy - very close to mousse consistancy. They come in several flavors and are great when you're really hungry for something sweet.

Weigh-In

I made dinner last night - baked ziti. Sounds decadent, and I suppose it is to some degree, but for me it's a step in the eating-at-home-more direction.

Today I weighed in at: 189.4.

Not a dramatic loss, but not a gain, either. Despite the baked ziti. I'll take it.

"Weight Watchers Smart Ones" Macaroni & Cheese

While making my way down the frozen foods aisle a few days ago, I paused to pick up a macaroni and cheese frozen entree. Being that it's Lent, there are a few meat-less Fridays I need to prepare for.

Anyway, I went to grab my old stand-by - "Weight Watchers Smart Ones" Macaroni & Cheese until I noticed that the "Points" value is now five. Not so long ago I recall the "Points" value being four. I studied the package more closely, looking for changes to the product, and I really couldn't spot anything different. That was about the time I noticed another "Weight Watchers Smart Ones" Macaroni & Cheese entree right next to the five-pointers, for a whopping six points. I wondered what was causing the self-described "classic" dish to gain two points. I headed over to the Lean Cuisines only to notice that their macaroni and cheese also carries a five "Point" value, so I stuck with the "Smart One." I'd had it before and thought it was generally alright-tasting. Plus, I figured the added "Point" would probably only add to the taste. More "Points" more taste, right?

Fast forward to today. No, it's not a Friday, but since I declined to eat the frozen mac and cheese last Friday, and since I failed to bring anything for my lunch today, I decided to heat it up. Despite the added "Point," I could detect no added flavor, no added volume, no added taste. Go figure.

Side note: Have you ever taken a random bite of a frozen pasta entree and bit down into something way too crunchy? Like a huge piece or rock salt? I'm assuming it's salt, or another spice maybe, but it's super unpleasant. This has happened to me more than once and with more than one entree flavor, so I can't quite pinpoint what it is.

Summer Goal Date

I have established May 26 as my Summer Goal. It's also my first goal date, I suppose. By no means do I think I will be able to lose all the pounds needed to reach my healthy goal, but it's a start. I've always heard that setting smaller, more attainable goals for yourself proves more successful than taking on the big picture all at once, so this is going to be my strategy.

Here's how it breaks down:
May 26 - 104 days away.
159 - the weight I'd like to reach by May 26.
That equals 31.4 pounds in a little less than 16 weeks.
That equals roughly 2 pounds per week (a healthful, reasonable goal).

I know a lot of people hear two pounds a week and scoff - it's not enough, it's too slow, etc. I am here to say that two pounds per week is not only a great result in the world of dieting, but it's also not as easy to achieve as some may think. Just think - there are 52 weeks in a year...if you lost two pounds per week consistantly, you'd have a loss of 104 pounds at the end of one year. One-hundred-and-four-pounds!

Starting Point

Today's Weight...and my Starting Point:
190.4

Yikes. This is much worse than I really imagined. It's so disheartening when just a little over a year ago I was weighing in at 164. The huge frustration out of all of this is the fact that I truly do not eat a lot. Yes, I've had the thyroid uptakes, hormone tests, etc., and while the results could be better, I can't blame my situation on chemistry. Anyway, now isn't the time for me to be evaluating what I could do differently, what I should do differently and asking all the 'whys'. I need to move forward with a plan.

I will be posting my countdown calendar later.

The Beginning

Today is the first day of my "Summer Goals" blog. I know, I know...even I said to myself, 'Not another weight loss blog...,' yet here I am, starting up another online journal of what will prove to be either a confidence-shattering failure, or smashing success. Of course, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the latter.

So, onto the basics...how much do I weight, what size jeans do I wear, what are my short-term goals...long-term goals. That will have to wait until later. I'm swinging by my local Target tonight to purchase a shiny new scale. Hopefully I'll find one that eternally agrees with me and spits out only good numbers and progress, progress, progress!

I've gone back and forth on whether or not to include a daily food journal. While I will agree that daily food journaling is helpful in reaching weight-loss success, I've personally found it enslaving as well. I tend to lean on the obsessive side of journaling, list-making, note-taking, etc. I haven't yet decided but I may keep my food journal the old fashioned way - in a notebook small enough to fit in my bag so I always have it on hand.

Now...tonight's the big night. I will weigh-in and make the kick-off of this blog official. I suppose some of those "before" pictures may eventually be motivational, but at this moment, in the height of my weight-loss crisis, I see no motivation in that type of photo. Let me get some progress under my belt first.

Goal Page

February 12, 2008

Goals

Goal #1 "Summer Goal": 159 lbs.

Goal #2: 145 lbs.

Goal #3: 135 lbs.

Goal #4: 130 lbs.

Goal #5: 125 lbs.

My Summer Goal is set in stone. I endeavor to reach it by May 26, 2008. The rest of the goals are loosely based on my ultimate weight goal, and can be modified as necessary. Realistically, 125 pounds may not be right for me, but as of today, I am going with the standard recommendations that are set for my height and listing 125 as my ultimate goal.