Thoughtful Thursday:

Be warned, this post is a bit lengthy, so I’ve included a summary.

1. Did the virtual post-it note work? You asked, I answer.
2. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Eating Clean. What happens when you don’t have your cooler?
3. Weigh-In Results Show.
4. Would you consider working for Weight Watchers?
5. What’s a BLT? The act or the food? A musing.
   

1. The virtual post-it note. Did it work? Yes – and No. Or maybe No – and Yes. No, I did not get in my ST session on Tuesday night, but thanks to all my great blogging buddies I felt extremely guilty and put in a session this morning. Superman, Chest press, Overhead press, toe taps, lunges, squats, bicep curls, lat raises and some others. 3 sets of mostly 10 reps using mostly 10 lb weights - 12 activities in total. Check that one off. Next scheduled workout is Saturday.

2. My meals for any given day consist of breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, late afternoon snack – all before going home to supper and evening snack. Well, that’s a full 4 meals I take in my cooler every day. Yesterday I asked my 9yo to take my lunch to the car. I looked around on my way out the door and saw that my cooler was gone and proceeded with the morning kiddie drop-off. When I got to work I looked in the back seat. Hmmm, maybe she put it in the trunk. No – look back in the car, again in the trunk. I’m very confused and really not sure how I am going to get through the day. My yogurt and berries; My chicken, broccoli and asparagus; My tuna, egg and rice cake; My cottage cheese and almonds. All gone. Well, I survived. The 4yo hadn’t wanted her oatmeal, to I ate that late morning, then went around 2pm to Tim Horton’s for chili, ham and cheese roll, coffee and a donut. The donut should have been a don’t, but I’m moving forward. Meanwhile, the 9yo felt extremely guilty for having stuffed my lunch in her backpack so she asked her teacher to keep it in the teachers’ fridge. The teacher asked if it was OK for her to look to see what I packed. Well, I’ve told you what was in there. Her comment was that this was the healthiest lunch she’s ever seen. That comment made me feel very good indeed.

3. I went to weigh-in last night and am in new territory, with a 0.8 lb loss. I am now 143 lbs. Ooooooh, so close to 140, but I am aware these last few pounds are painfully slow to take off.

4. After the WW meeting I was asked to hang back a bit. Would I ever consider working for Weight Watchers? Yes, I would. My leader will put my name forward and I am not to be surprised if I get a call. I have thought about this, but really didn’t ‘think’ about it in reality terms for just yet, you know. It made me feel very good, though.

5. Finally, a musing. The definition of BLT: Bite, Lick, Taste. I kind of laugh, because my musing isn’t really about not BLTing, but the definition of a BLT. It's not about how you shouldn't like the knife after spooning out ice cream for the kids or 'steal' a fry from someone else's plate. For instance, if I am making my snacks in the morning and lick the spoon after filling my container, is this a BLT? The food was measured and is on my eating plan for later today, but is that the point? Or even weekly food prep – if it is my food for the week, does it matter if I taste-test on Sunday? Now, part of me says no it's not a BLT – it’s your food, destined to land in your stomach (I would otherwise scrape the spoon into the container, see). Another part of me says, the ACT is BLT and there is a treacherous path between going from licking the spoon of yogurt in the morning to licking the spoon of ice cream for the kids in the evening. The act is a lick – and the act is mindless and often goes unnoticed. The act is a bad habit that I, for one, need to focus on.

That’s it for today. I had a lot to get out, so I hope you enjoyed some or all of my daily ramblings. Cheers for today.

The ProBar

Well, Kendall posted thinking I was snacking on ProBar. Sorry - no - my pro bars are homemade and less than half the calories or yours. However, the reason I'm posting the link is because I decided to check out this brands site. They actually look really good and are all-natural. If you are into protein bars check them out if you can find them and let me know how they taste.

I really can't go any longer without sharing the Trish's Homemade Protein Bar recipe from Phit-n-Phat. I make these EVERY week. I do a basic batch for myself every second week and a batch loaded with 'stuff', like almonds, walnuts, pinenuts, chocolate chips, dried pineapples, raisins, dried sugared ginger, etc for hubby and the 9yo. It's my cake substitute and mine are generally around 3pts.

Trish's Homemade Protein Bars:
3.5C Old fashioned rolled oats
1.5C LF powdered milk
4 scoops protein powder of choice
1C lf maple syrup (I actually just use a LF syrup 'cause I can't find lf maple syrup)
1/4C egg whites (or 2 egg whites if you're into separating)
1/4C orange juice
1/4C apple sauce
1 Tbsp vanilla
Mix and put in sprayed 9x14 casserole dish. Bake at 325 deg. for 20-30 mins until browned on edges.

NOTE: For the 4yo I remove the protein powder and add extra powdered milk. ALSO some chocolate chips. Next time I'm going to bake hers as drop cookies.

WI - Sucks Arse Sometimes

Crap, I've been reading the Mouse's blog too much lately, LOL. However, it is true - weigh-ins sometimes suck arse.

I didn't make WI last night and, instead went today at lunch. The digital devil said I gained 0.2lbs this week. Now, I know you're saying, "That's nothing, blah, blah." But I was really hoping to see some downward movement this week. Let's review: On Oct 3rd my WI was 160.4 - Today - 7 WEEKS later, it is 159. Farrrk! 1.4lbs in 7 freakin' weeks!!!

Discouraged? YES! Frustrated? YES! Pissed? NO!, well, maybe - but mostly at myself for letting the ball drop in October. What the heck happened? Did I get to this size and become complacent for a while? Well - that sucks arse, too.

So, I chatted with the leader and we took a look at things and she says my tracker looks good, even with occassional indulgences. What's different? I'm exercising again, but....ahhh...Light bulb moment...

I used to walk every lunch break for 20-30 mins. I go to my class for 90 mins on Thursday evenings now, but gave up my daily walks. I suspect that just 'moving' daily has benefits other than the time spent moving. So, I need to find something that I enjoy and continue my focus on DAILY exercise. I've talked about joining the gym, so we'll see what happens next week.

Also, there could be a component of 'what I've been doing has taken me this far - now I need to step it up'.

Meanwhile, I am going to strive for a minimum of 10 APs this week - to be obtained over 6 days. That means, walking the dog for 30 mins (1AP), etc. I will NOT count my cleaning. Let's see if this helps. I am also thinking to add some strength training in a couple of times a week. I know this will affect weight via retained water, so I will be posting my measurements as well once I take them at home. I am also going to review the Goal component of all of this and come up with some quantifiable numbers, like 10 APs this week, and limit FPs to 25, and some not so quantifiable, like write before you bite (do you really think I would have eaten 2 bags of popcorn had I known they were 5pts each - that's CRAZY).

Vanity and Chocolate

Vanity sizing to be more specific. How does it feel to be wearing a size 10? Hmmm, good, but…Clothes sizing means very little anymore. Last night I tried on a size 12 slacks and they fit. I’m still wearing some 14s. And get this – I’m also wearing size 10. It’s the 10s I take issue with – sort of. They are actually my favourite pants. Maybe because they are ‘new’ styles and look cool. But a 10? I have a pair of 11 jeans at home that I used to wear when Ci was a baby. These were snug, and yes, I can button them. But, can you say major re-distribution of wealth. I swear my muffin sticks out a full 3-4inches and I feel like something is going to rupture (this is NOT an exaggeration). What I do know is that these 11’s are from 8-9 years ago – back when an 11 was an 11, not something else. So, I know I cannot possibly be a size 10 now.

So, like I said, I tried on some size 12 slacks and 2 size 10 skirts. I didn’t buy the slacks – the purpose of trying them on was to confirm that I am a comfortable size 12 because slacks tend to still have proper sizing. One of the skirts I couldn’t get done up, but at least it came up to the point I could try (Yay). The other fit like a glove. I’m also wearing other size 10 hand-me-on pants thanks to Heidi.

I guess what all of this really means is that maybe I should get rid of all of those size 14s. And, sizing really doesn’t mean as much as it once did. But we keep on trecking, which brings me to Chocolate…

How did you do this week? I ate a small fraction of what I ate last year, but did give in to maybe a dozen or so chocolates (give or, well, not give a dozen), a few suckers and hard candies, and a couple of bags of chippies. The chips were when I was at mil’s on the weekend and they were the store brand plain kind. I haven’t had chips in a while and it was nice to indulge with small quantity. So, way more crap than should be consumed by a weight watcher in 1 week, but way, way less than I would have consumed otherwise. I really deserve a gain this week and I really need to get back on track with journaling. This weeks journal remains empty – sad, huh. So, if the 150’s were short-lived I have no one to blame but myself. On the plus side, even the 9yo admitted to feeling sluggish a couple of days ago and has scaled back her consumption all on her own – I’m proud of her. I’m thinking it’s time to confiscate all candy, review the contents and store chips in the basement (hubby said he’d start taking some to work), candy in a high cupboard to be dolled out an item or two per night until the Christmas advent calendar hits the house and we toss the left-overs. I’m seriously thinking about the Polly Pocket advent calendar this year for the LO (a piece of clothing per day), but not sure what to do for my big girl just yet.

Pound by Pound

Wow, What a week. How did I manage to lose another pound this week after the week I had.

I tried to order healthy while eating out, but didn't think I'd done so great. Maybe that Apple Burrito dessert I ate at Jungle Jim's was covered by my weekly flexxies. Here's a recap:

Friday night Pizza Hut: Spaghetti with plum tomatoes and some grilled chicken, some of the LOs kids pizza
Saturday afternoon: Jungle Jim's Grilled chicken taco salad and dessert, some of Mom's steak and shrimp
Sunday morning: Half of a Tim's ham and cheese scone
Sunday lunch: Cora's spinach omelette with swiss cheese and some of Ci's chocolate sauce
Monday: lunch out, supper out - decent choices
Tuesday: lunch out - decent choice
Wednesday: More candy than I would have like, but less than prior years

I guess when you really boil it down it's not as bad as it felt at the time. I hate eating out, but with the exception of the dessert my choices were all decent - even the fast food choices. I also brought a bit of food with and it was all good choices (maybe not the best, but not the worst). I also passed the bread products on - not saying I didn't have some, but just not everything.

I had actually stressed a bit about weigh-in this week and almost didn't go. I'm glad I did, but not just because I lost. I didn't attend a meeting, but just to be accountable to yourself feels good.

Cheers, Have a great week.

Food choices

I've been kind of 'blah' all week and am not sure what to expect tomorrow night at WI. I am going to wear my cords again, so at least we'll get a 'real' reading this time. I know I need to get back to my morning routines - I've been dragging every morning for the past few weeks and know this would help me.

I slacked off on journalling, but have done a mental count of points and don't think I'm under on any day. I've also been conscious of getting my dairy and oils as that's historically been a weak point.

I had a good workout dance/yoga on Thursday night, followed by swimming on both Saturday and Sunday evenings with the kids and a good walk (45mins maybe?) with the dog on Sunday. I'm going to take an aquasize class tonight as well.

I've probably been drinking too much coffee again. Saturday maybe wasn't such a good eating day. I started off behind the 8-ball by running late to the LOs dance class, so I took mil and the 9yo to the donut shop and had a coffee and half a ham and cheese scone. After we got home, hubby and I had to run to the lawyers to sign mortgage documents and took the LO to the bakery afterwards. I had another coffee and a small oatcake (so far, so not good). Hubby was eyeing the brown bread, so I bought a loaf and said I'd make him some baked beans. Then I had a mini-supper while hubby was at the grocery of a bit of chicken, rice, that new PC curry sauce for chicken and some veggies. Mil had some too and really liked it. I just needed some 'real' food at that point. I scored brownie points with the family at supper, but ended up with baked beans, ham and scalloped potatoes for supper. Then I totally blew the day when I decided to have a couple of pistachio's - it's been a while since I've had a salty snack and I went a bit over-board. I did stop myself before I went too-too far. Luckily, both kids love them too, and finished the bag off in short order.

Other than Saturday, I think I've been doing pretty good trying to stick with as many whole foods as possible. I made a few more 'frozen dinners' this week. This little chore actually makes me feel really good and takes some stress out of lunch time. When I go to work, my cooler is packed with lots of healthy choices - I often find myself going home with some stuff uneaten. Today I had granola and soy drink for breaky, a frozen dinner for lunch, 4 Simple Pleasures lemon cookies (120 calories for 4) as a coffee snack (OK, maybe this isn't healthy, but we all need something sometimes, and it's better I have it in small quantities while at work so I don't have any more), an apple and some rice crackers. I don't think I'll bother with the crackers today and really need to get to the grocery for some more fruit, carrots and nuts. I'm working on cup 6 of water mid-afternoon. So, without the crackers, I'll have had 15 pts before going home tonight - which leave 7 pts left for supper and snack, if desired - I'm going to try not to use any flex's today with tomorrow as WI. I think I feel like chicken tonight.

Last night, Mark cooked some trout in I don't know what kind of sauce. Yummy! He was frying some potatoes and I grabbed one. He slapped my hand and told me I couldn't have them because they were fried. So I said, "Aren't you frying them in olive oil?". Uh - duh, yes. So I had trout and fried taters - Double Yummy! Then a piece on Naan Bread with Pizza sauce and grated mozza - OK, badish in that I'd already eaten, but it was a smallish piece, and LF cheese. I love that Naan bread. The garlic is super nice done as a basic pizza (no extra toppings and not too much sauce or cheese). My kids just love this and I'm so glad that it's a good alternative for the 9yo to take on pizza Fridays to lunch since she can't have regular cheese.

I don't feel like I've done a lot exercise wise this week, but I will exceed my 150 minutes that I wanted to do so I feel good about that. It's better than I've been doing, anyway.

Swimming Away the Stress

Wow, what a great weekend. I bought some new-to-me 'duds on Thursday. Got them all washed up and ready to go. Got rid of a bunch of 16s on Sunday, woohoo!

Saturday afternoon I took the monkeys to the pool - our 1st trip to the indoor pool (Tues we missed the swim). The shallow end is 4ft, so the LO was in her lifejacket and had a noodle and just wanted to play on the table (they put it against the wall and she can stand waist deep). I took her out a bit and forced her to kick and follow me back to the 'board' as we call it. Next thing I know she was running down the board and jumping off with her noodle, kicking her way to the steps. Meanwhile, the 9yo was playing on the rope, diving board, and hanging around us. She was getting very annoyed as she thought this man was flirting with me. She reminded me that I was still overweight a number of times and was generally quite rude. I tried to tell her that Daddy was always chatty and with other Mom's. She responded, "Yeah, but... (huff), OK". I told Mark and he laughed that she felt she needed to 'protect' me (or maybe it was him she was protecting, lol).

On Sunday, hubby decided to come with us and was much impressed by the LOs comfort level in the water. She still thinks she needs the noodle, but she's having so much fun. I was glad Mark came with - not only did I get to go out in the deep end a couple of times with Ci, but it was nice just having us all do something together.


I made spaghetti squash with a tomatoe and bean type sauce (zuchinni, green cabbage, oregano, etc). I've only had spaghetti squash once before and didn't like it. I tried to eat it much like I've always eaten winter squash - as a side on its own with butter, not good. This time, even hubby liked it. I'm not having much luck with the kids, but I figure if I stop feeding them crap they're eventually gonna have to give in or starve.

I tried a new type of smoothie - Silken tofu based. Saturday morning I asked the 9yo if she felt like a chocolate and strawberry smoothie for breaky. The look said, 'YESSSS!' Soy chocolate drink, frozen strawberries, silken tofu, wheat germ and a bit of honey and you don't even know it's good for you. Yup, now she's hooked on silken tofu. Called me at the grocery last night to remind me to get more, LOL.


And finally, I started week 2 on my modified C25K. Well, I figured I could do more than 60 jog, 90 walk, but not 90 jog (as per schedule, see http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml). I found that 75/75 works well. Did that Saturday morning and again today (3.6km in just over 30 mis). Hubby is impressed, saying that I'm more motivated towards this than anything he's ever seen me work at before (meaning getting in shape). I guess he missed the hours I spent studying my arse off - or maybe I should say studying my arse on. But Mamma's takin' it off now! Anyone interested in getting rid of the flabby arse and replacing it with a tight one, this is where I got my glute exercises, http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=727. These things are tough, but I'm going to keep doing them 3x/week - not the whole thing, I just picked 3 of the moves and will switch it up periodically. This would be considered part of my strength training, I guess, although I prefer to think of it as my butt workout.

Cheers,

September Goals

I posted this on Sparks, but figured I'd add it here as well. I read something the other day that said the point of challenges/goal setting is not that you WILL get them all done every day/week/month, but that you'll TRY. Being accountable to them daily means I'll do better than if I didn't have them. Kind of like WW GHG's.
This week I've also given thought to a Cindy, a lady from my meetings. She's been having a 'maintenance' summer, not by choice, and she seems discouraged about it. I think she'll pull it together once fall hits next month. The point of mentioning her is that I joined WW the end of May and have worked diligently over the summer, even while on vacation, trying to figure out my body, experimenting with different foods and points, etc. Anyway, I say I'm down 18.2lbs, but sometimes think, "I'm down 25lbs from where I WOULD have been now if I hadn't done this." How so? Both Cindy and I would likely have put weight on this summer had it not been for Weight Watchers. As it is, I have lost 18.2lbs and she is still down around 60lbs from starting.

So, the reason I am posting this is to keep momentum happening in the face of new changes with the schoold year starting, Mark taking a realtor course, fall activities starting up, and just generally less 'ME' time all of a sudden. So, without further ado,
My goals for September are (many of these are also part of the 12-week Octoberbest challenge for me, others are WW, others are just me):
- Get to below the 160lb
- Drink at least 8 cups of water daily
- Some type of exercise or activity for 150 mins/week, incorporating abs/glutes/arms/cardio (all my weak areas)
- WW GHG's of 5 F&V daily, 2-3 Dairy daily, 1-2 healthy oils daily (I have recognized that I have a hard time with oils, but if I can get in even 1 it's better than none and I'm gonna count it as a success, even though it falls short according to WW)
- If I slip forgive myself immediately, not the next day, and get back on plan. No sense in turning a 1 meal slip-up into a 1 day or week slip-up.
- Journal all my meals with the exception of Wednesday nights (With Wed WI before, if I have points available, I don't worry about this meal - just keep the guidelines in perspective)

I am also currently attempting to follow Wendie. Mmalloy is having success with this, but I am in the 'test' phase. Yesterday I was 1pt shy from Wendie, but I was done, so that's cool. Tonight is WI and the September Goals will officially be in place tomorrow for 5 weeks (ending Oct 3). This will also wrap up Octoberbest Challenge.

Cheers, and Happy Hump Day!

Forecasts, Foodflux, Flabfooled

Well, I thought I'd attempt Wendie this week and, well, forecasting foodflux's to fool the flab isn't as easy as it seems. Planning a little off. Saturday evening I went out with my daughter and, with 6 pts left and no books tried to figure out what to order from McDonald's while I was famished. There was really no other place to go (we were shopping at Wal-Mart and it was already after 9pm and they close at 10). I tried, but ended up 4 pts over for the day. Sunday we ended up running into m-i-l's and I had, once again, left all of my books at home. I had no idea what I was shooting for and ordered from Subway. Monday I made a subraction error first thing in the morning and only found it today.

Yesterday I was stuffed. Stuffed on 24 pts! I think this is quite the thing, so I'm gonna post my menu:

And, the recipe for the Chicken Casserole - I've been told by a chef friend that there is no substitution for rosemary, but it does dry well, so she gave me some. The recipe as stated below was calculated at 24pts and I divided it in 4 for 6pt meals:

I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts that were pre-cooked and I wanted to use them up - this could have added to the dryness so I added broth - I also added the chicken in step 2 as it didn't need cooking.

Water Weekend and Weight Ramble

This was a water weekend in more ways than 1. This was the last weekend for our little outdoor pool before closing for season. Saturday was Family Fun Day with BBQ and games. The kids had a great time. I had my water bottle and did drink plenty, but being in the heat did a number on me. I weighed yesterday morning and the scale was around 175! I couldn't believe it - that is up around 8lbs! We were back again yesterday afternoon and I didn't have my bottle or any cash to buy a water which sucked, but what do you do? I drank quite a bit late yesterday evening trying to offset any water weight I had. Also, I made yesterday a very high points day (22+9) and will stick to dail points only today to unofficially test this high/low theory - I really don't have the planning down to do the points as outlined. Regardless, the scale was back where it needs to be by this morning, a little below the 168 mark. I wonder what one does if something like this 8lb water happens on weigh-in day once you're lifetime.

I was chatting with a friend Sat night and mentioned that I had joined Weight Watchers. Her comment was, "You too!". We got chatting about a number of things - she's going to send me a link for a multi-stage 12 min/day government tested exercise routine. It's a PDF file. Also, we talked about migrating to Core. She thinks that's where she and her husband need to be. We're around the same height and were always at the lower end of our healthy ranges growing up. Range=128-160, I was 135 as a teen and 140-145 in my 20's. I've read on others blogs about self body image (Roni has talked about this a few times, too) and how it's a shock sometimes to see a thinner version of ones self when you're used to seeing an overweight individual. For me it's different. It's like I've been looking in the mirror at someone else for 8 years and want to see myself again. Peggy concurred that she feels the same way. Moving to Core and only tracking non-core foods also makes sense for both of us. Bread to me is about having something to hold my sandwich together, so Weight Watchers whole wheat at 1pt for 2 slices or WW tortillas at 1pt each suites me fine. I have developed a taste over the past month for whole wheat pasta and brown rice - even the family hasn't complained. I also feel fuller longer with these options. The one thing I would need to track is my wine and beer and the odd baked indulgence. No biggie as I don't over-indulge anyway - well, maybe with baked goods.

Peggy got to meeting a while ago and realized she was well into her healthy range (153) and so decided that would be her goal so she wouldn't have to pay anymore. Yet, she advised me not to 'settle' for that - funny, I thought. Point is, she knows me. So do I which is why I decided on 148. Why 148 - because if I ever get into the 150's again, I deserve to have to pay. Also, from memory, I believe the 150's is where I transition between the 12 and 14 sizes. When I reached a 14 I convinced myself that it was the 'new' 12 (well, that's what MSN said one day, so I bought into it). Time to take my head out of the ground. A 14 is a 14 (and I am really happy to be a 14 right now, don't get me wrong), but a 12 is a 12. I still have size 10's I saved which were bought AFTER Cienna was borne (the 9yo). What is the point of all this? It's not about how we sometimes set minimum standards for ourselves. I can understand why - Roni did it and it worked out well for her. DC&Z is now fee free and has the determination to continue losing 20 lbs and I know she'll do it. It's about chosing what's right for the individual. Peggy's group was shocked when she told them that she was going to continue to lose another 10 lbs - why would she want to do that, it would be too thin! My leader suggested that I'd do well at 160 and was surprised when I told her that I'd do better at 148 - I haven't mentioned the 140 to her yet. It's the mentality for us. It's that I need accountability to get back to who I need to be. The 140's are my home and I can maintain that well into life.

Have a great week everyone.

Happy Monday

Just a quick post to say Happy Monday. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and ate healthy. If you did have some run-ins with excess points, I hope you forgave yourself and look forward to an amazing week. In the spirit of the Wendie plan (site obtained from DietCoke) http://www.stormpc.com/ww/wendie_plan.htm, make today a low point day to take advantage of the increased metabolism.

I read through the article and it makes sense. Involves a bit of planning, but may explain why we often show our biggest losses on weeks when we've had bad days followed by days when we try to 'make-up' by sticking to minimum points. The human body - fascinating!

To test this theory I actually ate an extra 6 points on Saturday night. Hope it doesn't back-fire!

Cheers, Candace

Forgive me, I have sinned

I have neglected 'Multi-Vitamin' who only wants what's best for me, I have had unhealthy thoughts towards myself, and, the purpose of this post, I have stolen from my child.
First, I want to relay a perceived NSV on Wednesday when a co-worker was having a birthday party. I was so drawn to the chocolate cake, but heard lots of voices in my head - some yours and some mine. The most predominant one insisted that it was weigh-in night and to forego. I made one fatal mistake and took 2 pieces of cake home to my children.
In all fairness, I did expect that they would eat this cake on Wednesday night, and when I noticed that some was placed back in the fridge I attempted to avoid this issue by asking hubby to put them in containers. Well, Men don't take hints (at least mine doesn't) subtle or direct. The cake remained in the bowl and last night I caved. Instead of throwing it in the garbage I scraped every bit of cake and icing off the bowl. My resolve just isn't there yet - maybe it will never be. I have learned my lesson. Sorry kids, Mommy is a chocolaholic and will not be bringing home cake from work anymore.
The sad part, I began daydreaming of chocolates cakes of yesterdays. The 'death-by-chocolate' with whip-cream icing and 'dragon berries' from 5 years ago. The birthday cakes of last month. And all the ones in between. Sad, Sad, Sad! I was almost angrythat the 'other' daughter had eaten all of hers.
Of course, this whole thing lead to lots of negative self-talk which flowed into my not taking my multi-vitamins. Funny where conversations with ourselves lead.

Cheers all, and have a great weekend.

Neat Table

OK, I did a thingy on Sparks for my daily eats yesterday and this is what I got:

Not sure what all this means, but for my calories, fat, protein I seem to be in the range for everything according to the accompanying table. The chart is kinda cool. Tells you where you are vs. where somebody says you should be. It's a hard balance, boy.

Great OP week

I did use some FP, but not as many as I had intended - I think I have used around 16 (plus mis-counts), but I forgot my book today, so can't be sure.
I am going to have to re-think the 'free' baby carrots. Took a look at the nutritional info and the 2C I down amost daily is actually 2 pts :0)
I also realized when I measured my nuts and pretzels today (cashews today, yum) that my serving sizes had gradually been getting larger (bit-by-bit) over the past couple of weeks. Another :0) and time to get back to basics.
I bought some frozen chicken breast - you know, the bulk ones. I usually just count chicken breast as 1pt/oz or so. I calculated these babies using the nutritional information and 100g (approx 4oz) was only 2 pts. A good :0)

Today I treated myself to sushi. I don't usually eat sushi in the days before WI because you can't eat sushi without soy sauce. And soy sauce is water retention. The container was crying out my name at the grocery last night, so I brought it home. How can you just walk away from that lovely 4pt lunch. So, I'm going to down another 600 ml of water (hmmm, there are 2C in 500ml) this afternoon before stopping until after WI. I learned my lesson drinking too much too close to WI.

I got in a fair bit of exercise this week, considering I was going to say "Heck, I can't do 150 minutes by the end of Tuesday". Today is the last day of my WW week and the first day of my new challenge week. The exercise relates to both, I guess, but mostly to the challenge. I managed: 15 mins of lawn mowing on Sat before the mower ran out of gas, 15 min walk to the coffee shop and back on Mon, 35 mins of dancing on Mon night, 45 mins on Tues night (stairs and lawn mowing) - for a total of 110 minutes. And today I've already did a 20 min walk at noon, but that's towards next weeks challenge numbers.

I'm feeling good this week, but we'll see what the scales have to say tonight.
Cheers, Candace

Boxed Chili

OK, no matter what the box says, how much fibre is in it or how many points you can get by on, instant, just add water, Chili is never a good idea.

Menus and Pitfalls

OK, I wasn't sure if I was going to post menu's, but once in a while, why not. My plan was to have 1 scrambled egg for supper with some grilled tomatoe and then some sorbet with berries later in the evening. Well, I was so late getting home that I was VERY hungry and thought, egg - 2pt, pizza 3 pts, pb&j sand 2pts, still good. Ahem - anyhoo - NOT!


DAY 1: 23 daily pts, 7 weekly pts
Breakfast:
1/2C Bran cereal with 1 Banana and 1C LF Soy Drink - 5pts
Snack: Apple 1pt

Lunch:
Subway 6" Sw Onion Chicken Ter on wheat with sw onion sauce 8 pts
Vice: Coffee w. cream & splenda 2pts

Supper:
2 scrambled eggs in oil 5pts
1/6 Thin Crust greek pizza approx 3 pts
PB&J Sandwich 3 pts
Small piece of b-day cake approx 3 pts

Activity: fast walk 15 mins at lunch (rain, rain, go away)
Day-in-week; 1
Weekly Points remaining: 28

Subway - Points

OK, does anyone know how to figure these out.

The sandwiches have points listed and the breads have points listed. I presume, but am not sure, that we have to add the two together, plus any dressing points (I usually just do mustard and some oil (I was once told that oil helps bring out the flavour in the veggies, but heck, now it's just to knock off that pesky GHG).

I keep forgetting to ask at the meetings and the whole think is driving me 'cause I love Subway. I can't believe an itty bit of meat, no cheese and a bunch of veggies is 4 pts, but whatever.

Cheers, Candace