The last week or so has been a real struggle for me to stay OP. Aside from PMS, I don't really know why. But really, isn't PMS a good enough reason? I have managed to pull it off, but there was a day or so where I wasn't sure I would. And what really sucks is, I thought I was making ok choices when we were out.
DH and I went shopping on Sunday. When we left the house, we intended to go to Starbucks for breakfast (I know that menu and the points like the back of my hand), but it was already about 11, so we decided instead to go to Honeybaked Ham and get sandwiches. I got a turkey one. Yes, it had bacon, but I didn't expect just the sandwich (no chips, nothing else) to be 14 points. It's TURKEY. I know a Subway 6 inch turkey sandwich with cheese is 7 points. I was thinking it would be no more than 10. Nope. And of course, while I had my netbook with me (habit on the weekends...it goes in my purse when I leave the house), there was no WiFi anywhere, so I couldn't look it up until we got home.
We did some walking and window shopping. Then decided to see a movie (for the record: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is awesome!)...and share a soda. DH won't do diet, so we shared a large Sprite with lots of ice. Another 3 points down the drain... At the movie, one of the ads was for a restaurant we always see, but had never been to, and we discovered they had Korean food there...so we went for dinner (instead of the planned frozen Chinese food). I had chicken bulgogi. It was very spicy, and came with some rice, potstickers (yum) and fried mushrooms (double yum). Actually, even with the fried stuff, this wasn't bad, had it not been for the sandwich earlier. But the chicken was SO spicy, I INSISTED we go to Coldstone, where I got the FF ice cream, but with Twix.
In total, I was very glad my flex points had reset the day before. And that we did some walking. But this was just another day in a long series where I was struggling for no apparent reason.
I'm pretty much back on track now. I even had room for 5 mini cookies last night, fresh out of the oven. But I really need to see if I can pinpoint the issue, otherwise, I can really see myself caving on the cheeseburger I've been wanting for 3 days now.
One good thing that's happened is that I now have a goal. I mean, I've had a goal weight, but I really don't want to set a specific time to do that in. It just adds pressure, and I like the whole thing about rewarding myself only for what I can control (ie--staying OP), and not for what I can't (ie--losing weight). But we were at Target and saw a really cute dress...that was even on sale. I tried it on, and while I could get it on, it was definitely too tight. Not horribly so, but enough. DH (bless his helpful little heart) says to get it anyway and it can be my goal dress. So we do...and it's hanging in the coat closet where I see it at least weekly when I get my helmet out. But having a goal dress is one thing. Having an occasion where you want to wear it is another. So, I thought of an occasion when I would like to have a pretty new dress: our next Disney trip. That gives me about 3 months to drop probably 1 size. I think that is pretty reasonable.
Especially considering I've lost 8 pounds in about 3 weeks. :o)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Updates and a small review
I did in fact make it through Day 15, finishing the day with 2 Gordita Supreme's at Taco Bell. Probably not the most healthy of choices, but very yummy, filling, and fast...which, when I left work at 7pm after being here 11 hours (and getting a 95% on my test--go me!), was what I needed.
In doing so, I earned this. I'm pretty happy with it so far...which is good, because that's my 2nd purse in a year and I rarely buy them--and won't get another one until probably sometime next year.
I've been holding up pretty well since Day 15, too. I did my 1st official WI on Saturday and was down...
Drumroll, please...
8 pounds. Yay, me. Really...I'm more excited than I sound. But I also know that the first week on ANY diet you lose a lot of water weight, and even though that is a 2 week loss, it includes the water weight. So really, it's probably closer to 3 pounds of fat and 5 pounds of water...but why am I beating myself up about semantics? The scale went down 8 pounds. This is a good thing.
Of course, I really want to celebrate with a bacon cheeseburger and fries. I won't. But I want to.
Actually, I just finished my lunch (this is where the review will come in). I had a Marie Callenders' Pasta al Dente Tortellini thing, which, for a frozen meal, is really yummy...and 9 points. They have other flavors, too. My absolute favorite is the Chicken Balsamico, which is 8 points. Anyway...that's not what this is about. This is about Yoplait's new Delights Parfaits. There was a coupon in this week's paper for $1.00 off (there's also one on their webpage...), and they were on sale for $2.00...so I figured for $1.00, I'll try (almost) anything and I got the Creme Caramel...and for a 2 point yogurt, it makes a pretty darn good dessert. It's more pudding-like, but still has that distinctive yogurt "twang." One thumb up for these...they'd be better if they were only 1 point. ;o)
Well, short of doing a full "this is what I ate at this time" log, and we all know no one really wants a play by play of every bite ANYONE eats, that's all I've got for today.
In doing so, I earned this. I'm pretty happy with it so far...which is good, because that's my 2nd purse in a year and I rarely buy them--and won't get another one until probably sometime next year.
I've been holding up pretty well since Day 15, too. I did my 1st official WI on Saturday and was down...
Drumroll, please...
8 pounds. Yay, me. Really...I'm more excited than I sound. But I also know that the first week on ANY diet you lose a lot of water weight, and even though that is a 2 week loss, it includes the water weight. So really, it's probably closer to 3 pounds of fat and 5 pounds of water...but why am I beating myself up about semantics? The scale went down 8 pounds. This is a good thing.
Of course, I really want to celebrate with a bacon cheeseburger and fries. I won't. But I want to.
Actually, I just finished my lunch (this is where the review will come in). I had a Marie Callenders' Pasta al Dente Tortellini thing, which, for a frozen meal, is really yummy...and 9 points. They have other flavors, too. My absolute favorite is the Chicken Balsamico, which is 8 points. Anyway...that's not what this is about. This is about Yoplait's new Delights Parfaits. There was a coupon in this week's paper for $1.00 off (there's also one on their webpage...), and they were on sale for $2.00...so I figured for $1.00, I'll try (almost) anything and I got the Creme Caramel...and for a 2 point yogurt, it makes a pretty darn good dessert. It's more pudding-like, but still has that distinctive yogurt "twang." One thumb up for these...they'd be better if they were only 1 point. ;o)
Well, short of doing a full "this is what I ate at this time" log, and we all know no one really wants a play by play of every bite ANYONE eats, that's all I've got for today.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Happy Day 15!
Yes, that's right. I decided to start tracking before we went to Disney...and then when we were there, I figured, what the heck, lets try to stay OP and see how it goes.
And go it did! Granted, had it not been for all the walking (about 6 miles per day) I wouldn't have had a chance. But I came home and still even had a few flex points left over for the rest of the week.
My hardest day was our last full day there. We were eating at the Canadian Steakhouse, eh? and I had Beer Cheese soup. It was DELICIOUS. And 12 points for the bowl. It was followed with potato gnocchi and a few bites of chocolate mousse...leaving me .5 point of my regular points for dinner, plus the APs. Unfortunately, for dinner, I wanted a burger. And I had it. So I used all my APs, plus another 10 flex points.
Driving home was also a little challenging. We didn't do much walking that day, since we left pretty early (we were worried about hitting traffic because of the holiday), so I had no APs to count on. Actually, had it not been for the awesome chocolate covered toffee thing we got at Goofy's Candy to use our last snack options, I would have been golden. But it was too good not to eat the whole thing. And besides, I still hadn't thought I would pull off the OP for the whole time and was figuring I'd be starting over from scratch. Nope. Entered it and was a mere (HA!) 9 points over for the day. Had Flex points, though, so I used those. Leaving me 12.5 flex points for the rest of the week (4 days...I reset on Saturday).
So here it is, Thursday. And I have been OP for 14 full days. So what do I get for this awesome accomplishment?
Well, I'm switching up my rewards a little bit. I found my $10 item...well, $15, but who's counting. An adorable purse. And I went ahead and bought it at DH's urging...and promptly hung it in the closet until I earned it. And I think managing to stay OP in Disney is an accomplishment worthy of switching my 15 and 30 day rewards...so, if I make it through today, I get my purse. Otherwise, it keeps hanging there. If I make the next 15 days (total of 30), I get the $5 added to my Starbucks card.
By the way--a little money-saving tip from the couponer in me: if you use a registered card to pay, any "drink customization" is free--so syrup, soy milk, whipped cream, etc. I don't do soy, but I know the syrups are 30 cents. Doesn't sound like much, but after 10 trips, that's almost enough to buy #11! Also, I've discovered the Cafe Misto. It's just like a latte, but instead of espresso, it uses brewed coffee. Somehow, this is 1.5 points less than an equivalent latte (2 points for a Venti non-fat Misto with sugar free syrup, 3.5 for the Venti non-fat latte with sugar free syrup)...and almost $2 cheaper. SCORE!
Starting my reward day with an 7 point breakfast, then I brought an 8 point lunch, leaving me 15 for dinner. If I was cooking, no problem. But I have a test after work, so it's going to be fast food...
And go it did! Granted, had it not been for all the walking (about 6 miles per day) I wouldn't have had a chance. But I came home and still even had a few flex points left over for the rest of the week.
My hardest day was our last full day there. We were eating at the Canadian Steakhouse, eh? and I had Beer Cheese soup. It was DELICIOUS. And 12 points for the bowl. It was followed with potato gnocchi and a few bites of chocolate mousse...leaving me .5 point of my regular points for dinner, plus the APs. Unfortunately, for dinner, I wanted a burger. And I had it. So I used all my APs, plus another 10 flex points.
Driving home was also a little challenging. We didn't do much walking that day, since we left pretty early (we were worried about hitting traffic because of the holiday), so I had no APs to count on. Actually, had it not been for the awesome chocolate covered toffee thing we got at Goofy's Candy to use our last snack options, I would have been golden. But it was too good not to eat the whole thing. And besides, I still hadn't thought I would pull off the OP for the whole time and was figuring I'd be starting over from scratch. Nope. Entered it and was a mere (HA!) 9 points over for the day. Had Flex points, though, so I used those. Leaving me 12.5 flex points for the rest of the week (4 days...I reset on Saturday).
So here it is, Thursday. And I have been OP for 14 full days. So what do I get for this awesome accomplishment?
Well, I'm switching up my rewards a little bit. I found my $10 item...well, $15, but who's counting. An adorable purse. And I went ahead and bought it at DH's urging...and promptly hung it in the closet until I earned it. And I think managing to stay OP in Disney is an accomplishment worthy of switching my 15 and 30 day rewards...so, if I make it through today, I get my purse. Otherwise, it keeps hanging there. If I make the next 15 days (total of 30), I get the $5 added to my Starbucks card.
By the way--a little money-saving tip from the couponer in me: if you use a registered card to pay, any "drink customization" is free--so syrup, soy milk, whipped cream, etc. I don't do soy, but I know the syrups are 30 cents. Doesn't sound like much, but after 10 trips, that's almost enough to buy #11! Also, I've discovered the Cafe Misto. It's just like a latte, but instead of espresso, it uses brewed coffee. Somehow, this is 1.5 points less than an equivalent latte (2 points for a Venti non-fat Misto with sugar free syrup, 3.5 for the Venti non-fat latte with sugar free syrup)...and almost $2 cheaper. SCORE!
Starting my reward day with an 7 point breakfast, then I brought an 8 point lunch, leaving me 15 for dinner. If I was cooking, no problem. But I have a test after work, so it's going to be fast food...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Thank you, interwebs!
Thank god for the internet. First of all, all of my best friends live there. But even better, I found the semi-complicated formula for figuring out how many points I get on WW...thereby saving myself $40.
According to this site, I get 30 points (yes, I'm fat. I know this. Hence the WW.). I also still get my 35 "extra" a week, plus any APs I earn.
Now to find that tracking spreadsheet I had been sent forever ago...or just make my own.
Oh...and Day 1 of Operation Office into Gym was a success. I do need to remember to bring in some facial cleanser wipes for when I'm done, though.
According to this site, I get 30 points (yes, I'm fat. I know this. Hence the WW.). I also still get my 35 "extra" a week, plus any APs I earn.
Now to find that tracking spreadsheet I had been sent forever ago...or just make my own.
Oh...and Day 1 of Operation Office into Gym was a success. I do need to remember to bring in some facial cleanser wipes for when I'm done, though.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Minimizing me.
It's the reverse of Supersize Me. I've been shrinking things in my life lately.
First, I went from a regular laptop to a 9 inch netbook. I adore it. It fits in my purse, boots up fast (something my laptop never did for some reason), and is just downright cute. I have a few typing issues, but I'm the typo queen to start with, so that's nothing new, really. I highly recommend one.
Then...and somewhat less impressive, but I like it...I shrunk my Starbucks card. No, not the balance (well, that, too) but the card itself. They have what are called mini-Starbucks cards, and they fit on your keychain, and are just a little bigger than most store loyalty cards (Kroger, CVS, Publix, etc). Again...I love. Oh, and you get "drink customization" free with a card, so I get a 30 cent discount when I use it for my syrup. BONUS.
So, as I sat in Starbucks, with my latte (have no fear--my caffeine intake has NOT been minimized), mini netbook, and my keys with my mini card, I realized I've been minimizing a lot of things in my life lately, but not the one I want to most: my self. And I think I should do something about that. Soon. Like, really, ASAP, but then I'm setting myself up for failure yet again, because Disney is in 9 days, 7 hours, 9 minutes and someodd seconds. And for me to stay OP in Disney just won't happen. I know this. Well, it might...if I were well into it, and it was second nature, etc. But in 9 days, I don't think I can pull it off.
But what I CAN do is start preparing and getting into other habits. I started class last week. I'm just taking 1 this semester: College Algebra. Not at all exciting, and I think I'm going to be pulling my hair out by the end of it because I'm only in class 1 hour a week, and then 3 hours in a computer lab where I teach myself. Yeah. So, most of this will be on my lunch break. I still plan to eat...please, don't think the fat girl won't be eating. The schedule I would like to work out is:
11:45-heat lunch, inhale while finishing up whatever I'm working on
12:00-head to math lab for homework (it's almost right across the street, walking doesn't count)
12:45-back to office and pop in a 10 minute exercise DVD. Close door, do exercise.
1:00-Open door, back to work
There are a few problems...like my homework may run over from time to time, in which case, I'll have to do something else. And I've actually never WATCHED the DVDs I was looking at bringing...might need to do that to make sure I can do it here.
I figure if I can at least work that in, it's a start.
For my finale, I'm going to steal from my good friend Alyssa. Her thought was that she can't control the outcome, but she can control her behavior, so for every 15 days she stays OP, she gets a reward. Doesn't matter if she loses or not...it's the behavior being rewarded, not the loss. This really made sense to me, since I tend to gain about 6 pounds for TOM (he's such a bastard), which always frustrates me...and then I binge, and then blow it, and don't get back. But, if I look at it as sticking with it gets me something shiny (ok, really, I'm about to think of rewards in a minute...that's where this train is going...but I haven't, and it likely won't be shiny, but you know what I mean), I'm more likely to stay with it.
So...bringing the train back into the station, and without further ado...
What I want (all are consecutive...if I fall on day 29, I start over):
For 15 days OP, I get $5 added to my Starbucks card.
For 30 Days OP, I get to decide on something for $10 (I've been thinking for 2 days and can't think of anything!).
For 45 days OP, I get $15 added to my Starbucks card (gotta support my habit somehow!)
For 60 days OP, I get a pedicure (~$20).
For 75 days OP, I get $25 added to my Starbucks card.
For 90 days OP, I get an Organizer bag from Thirty-One (~$40)
I also think I might do at least 1 month of paying for WW, since it's been so long. Hard to reward yourself for being OP when you have no set definition of OP.
Ok. It's in writing. Kickbox Bootcamp starts tomorrow (class on Wednesday's, so no extra time during my lunch).
First, I went from a regular laptop to a 9 inch netbook. I adore it. It fits in my purse, boots up fast (something my laptop never did for some reason), and is just downright cute. I have a few typing issues, but I'm the typo queen to start with, so that's nothing new, really. I highly recommend one.
Then...and somewhat less impressive, but I like it...I shrunk my Starbucks card. No, not the balance (well, that, too) but the card itself. They have what are called mini-Starbucks cards, and they fit on your keychain, and are just a little bigger than most store loyalty cards (Kroger, CVS, Publix, etc). Again...I love. Oh, and you get "drink customization" free with a card, so I get a 30 cent discount when I use it for my syrup. BONUS.
So, as I sat in Starbucks, with my latte (have no fear--my caffeine intake has NOT been minimized), mini netbook, and my keys with my mini card, I realized I've been minimizing a lot of things in my life lately, but not the one I want to most: my self. And I think I should do something about that. Soon. Like, really, ASAP, but then I'm setting myself up for failure yet again, because Disney is in 9 days, 7 hours, 9 minutes and someodd seconds. And for me to stay OP in Disney just won't happen. I know this. Well, it might...if I were well into it, and it was second nature, etc. But in 9 days, I don't think I can pull it off.
But what I CAN do is start preparing and getting into other habits. I started class last week. I'm just taking 1 this semester: College Algebra. Not at all exciting, and I think I'm going to be pulling my hair out by the end of it because I'm only in class 1 hour a week, and then 3 hours in a computer lab where I teach myself. Yeah. So, most of this will be on my lunch break. I still plan to eat...please, don't think the fat girl won't be eating. The schedule I would like to work out is:
11:45-heat lunch, inhale while finishing up whatever I'm working on
12:00-head to math lab for homework (it's almost right across the street, walking doesn't count)
12:45-back to office and pop in a 10 minute exercise DVD. Close door, do exercise.
1:00-Open door, back to work
There are a few problems...like my homework may run over from time to time, in which case, I'll have to do something else. And I've actually never WATCHED the DVDs I was looking at bringing...might need to do that to make sure I can do it here.
I figure if I can at least work that in, it's a start.
For my finale, I'm going to steal from my good friend Alyssa. Her thought was that she can't control the outcome, but she can control her behavior, so for every 15 days she stays OP, she gets a reward. Doesn't matter if she loses or not...it's the behavior being rewarded, not the loss. This really made sense to me, since I tend to gain about 6 pounds for TOM (he's such a bastard), which always frustrates me...and then I binge, and then blow it, and don't get back. But, if I look at it as sticking with it gets me something shiny (ok, really, I'm about to think of rewards in a minute...that's where this train is going...but I haven't, and it likely won't be shiny, but you know what I mean), I'm more likely to stay with it.
So...bringing the train back into the station, and without further ado...
What I want (all are consecutive...if I fall on day 29, I start over):
For 15 days OP, I get $5 added to my Starbucks card.
For 30 Days OP, I get to decide on something for $10 (I've been thinking for 2 days and can't think of anything!).
For 45 days OP, I get $15 added to my Starbucks card (gotta support my habit somehow!)
For 60 days OP, I get a pedicure (~$20).
For 75 days OP, I get $25 added to my Starbucks card.
For 90 days OP, I get an Organizer bag from Thirty-One (~$40)
I also think I might do at least 1 month of paying for WW, since it's been so long. Hard to reward yourself for being OP when you have no set definition of OP.
Ok. It's in writing. Kickbox Bootcamp starts tomorrow (class on Wednesday's, so no extra time during my lunch).
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Portion sizes
Allow me to rant for a moment about a combination of things: vending machines, portion sizes, and "single serving" packages that are not.
Just now, I wanted breakfast. Unfortunately, the cafeteria stops serving at 10. It's 10:07, and by the time I walk there, it'd be 10:15. They really aren't forgiving. So I figured I'd check the vending machine for something instead. We usually have Poptarts in there, and sometimes other stuff. Today, the poptarts were blueberry (ew), but there were some Knotts Berry Farm Strawberry Shortbread cookies. YUM. So I swipe my card (love working at a college just for that...use the credit card to add money to my account, then swipe my ID at the vending machine...and we get a discount for that!) and get said cookies. The package isn't very big...and was only .80, which is the same as a candy bar. I think it's a single serving. I pull it out...nope. It's THREE servings. 12 cookies that are each about an inch in diameter. Really? Now, I know portion sizes have gotten out of control, but I'll be the first to say that 4 one inch cookies is just not enough. Especially as a breakfast substitute. 120 calories, 5 grams of fat and no fiber in each serving. 360, 15 and still none for the package. Ok...actually, that's not bad for a meal. But who in their right mind would eat 1/3 of a package you buy at a vending machine? And why can't you see this BEFORE you buy a package?
I wonder if the truth in labeling laws (or whatever they are called) cover vending machines? Because I should not have to buy the item to look at the nutritional information. And not have any recourse if I should change my mind after seeing it. Granted, there are a few things I know aren't too horribly bad...pretzels are fat free (no idea how many servings these are, though), gummy bears are fat free (but those are also in a 3 serving bag), and when I'm in desperate need of chocolate, a 3 Musketeers is the best option. But the fact that I can't pick them up and compare...or even see the info inside the machine...just isn't fair.
And they wonder why we are all fat. Fast Food places have to have their little pamphlets out. Why shouldn't vending machines?
Just now, I wanted breakfast. Unfortunately, the cafeteria stops serving at 10. It's 10:07, and by the time I walk there, it'd be 10:15. They really aren't forgiving. So I figured I'd check the vending machine for something instead. We usually have Poptarts in there, and sometimes other stuff. Today, the poptarts were blueberry (ew), but there were some Knotts Berry Farm Strawberry Shortbread cookies. YUM. So I swipe my card (love working at a college just for that...use the credit card to add money to my account, then swipe my ID at the vending machine...and we get a discount for that!) and get said cookies. The package isn't very big...and was only .80, which is the same as a candy bar. I think it's a single serving. I pull it out...nope. It's THREE servings. 12 cookies that are each about an inch in diameter. Really? Now, I know portion sizes have gotten out of control, but I'll be the first to say that 4 one inch cookies is just not enough. Especially as a breakfast substitute. 120 calories, 5 grams of fat and no fiber in each serving. 360, 15 and still none for the package. Ok...actually, that's not bad for a meal. But who in their right mind would eat 1/3 of a package you buy at a vending machine? And why can't you see this BEFORE you buy a package?
I wonder if the truth in labeling laws (or whatever they are called) cover vending machines? Because I should not have to buy the item to look at the nutritional information. And not have any recourse if I should change my mind after seeing it. Granted, there are a few things I know aren't too horribly bad...pretzels are fat free (no idea how many servings these are, though), gummy bears are fat free (but those are also in a 3 serving bag), and when I'm in desperate need of chocolate, a 3 Musketeers is the best option. But the fact that I can't pick them up and compare...or even see the info inside the machine...just isn't fair.
And they wonder why we are all fat. Fast Food places have to have their little pamphlets out. Why shouldn't vending machines?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
