Weekly Check-In

My question for this week is "Why do we have to be scared into doing something we knew we should have been doing all along?"

I met up with a young woman (I'll call her Cher) I hadn't seen since February. When I saw her walk into the restaurant, my mouth fell open. Wow! She looked AMAZING! Mind you, at her previous 232 pounds, I'd never saw her as fat or obese. She was a little on the heavy side but she is a bit taller than I am so I guess it didn't show that she weighed fifty pounds more than I do.

In March, she found two lumps. The doctors checked them out and just kept an eye on them by retesting over a period of weeks. But the thought that she could have cancer at 35 scared the crap out of her. She instantly began counting calories, staying within 1200-1500 per day and working out like a mad woman. She uses the Wii machine with The Biggest Loser workout program and Zumba Fit. She's lost forty pounds in almost five months! She said she isn't done fighting yet... either the weight she knew she should have lost a long time ago or the battle for her health. They've found a mass and we're awaiting the test results. In the mean time, she'll keep living her new path on the journey of life.

I don't want to be 'scared' into losing weight. I just want to do what I know I should be doing on a daily basis and enjoying the journey right along with Cher .... and you!

Blessings!
Kelly

Still on the Journey

It's been a really busy few weeks. The good news is, I'm still hanging in. Bob got off the boat and a week later we took a 3-day vacation. Well, you know what happens on vacation. Typically you eat all the foods you shouldn't, don't pay any attention to the calories and gain all your weight back. Such was not the case with us.

Bob and I were diligent about ordering off menus. Although we couldn't stick exactly to calorie counts like we would at home (mostly because Bob does NOT do vegies - for the most part) and because we did want little treats. It was vacation after all.

I don't know what Bob did, but I only gained 1 pound while we were gone. But somehow managed to add another one after we got back! Not sure how that happened at all.

I've not weighed in at the BL challenge for the past 2 weeks so I need to do that on Friday. I am determined to get back to at least the base line of 177 by weigh in on Friday. Then I can really push through the final four weeks.

One thing we have been doing is really looking at the nutrition information on the websites of places we used to eat out all the time. Things we thought were 'safe' are far from it! Example, I ate at KFC last week. Just dying for some fried chicken. I know.. not a good thing. But I thought I was doing okay by only ordering the 2 piece and a side. I got a chicken and thigh with green beans and didn't eat the biscuit. As it turns out, what I thought was a safety (our KFC doesn't offer the grilled options by the way) turned out relatively lethal. Not deadly, but not the safety I thought it was going to be.

1 Original Recipe leg - 120 cal.

1 Original Recipe thigh - 250 cal.

1 ser. Green Beans - 25 cal.

1/2 a small Pepsi - 90 cal.

485 isn't bad if you're going to count it as your major meal for the day but I still had dinner to do later in the day.

My tip for the day, make use of the nutrition information provided. There are books out there that carry the calorie count of all our favorite fast food places so we can be making smart choices.

Next time I get a KFC craving, I'll get an extra helping of green beans, pass on the pepsi and go for the unsweet tea instead.

Wherever you choose to eat along the way....

Enjoy the journey!

Biggest Loser Week 1 Begins

Today was the initial weigh-in of our 10-week round of the Biggest Loser challenge at our local mini-grocer. Interesting place for a weight-loss challenge, I know. But it's more of a corner quick grab when you're out of milk, cigs, beer, or need to pick up the weekly gossip.. I mean paper. We are a town of about 600 people. We take our encouragement where we can get it. Tania and Connie are super neat gals who, like many of us, want to get the weight off and think a little camaraderie - and the shot at some spending cash - is a good place to start.

I weighed in this morning at 181.4. I much preferred the 177 my scales showed. I know mine are accurate as I've tested them with the #10 hand weight. So every week I'll post both.

Week 1: 181.4/177

I think my body is sufficiently healed. So my plan for Monday is to get back on the Wii... with the program I had intended to start with before my sinus' had their own plans.

I'll be using the Wii Fit. Doing the stretching, game-type stuff to warm up, then go into the aerobics routine. In the evening I'll play more of the athletic type games like tennis and golf on Wii Sports.

My plan is that once my body is used to activity again, then I'm going to alternate the aerobics stuff with Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009. I've heard this is a really difficult workout so we shall see. I am going to reward myself with Zumba for the Wii when I've stuck with Jillian for 2 weeks. Based on rumors... wish me luck! In the mean time, I'd love to hear what you think of her workouts. Which ones have you tried. What did or didn't you like about them?

When it comes to eating, one program I've found really helpful in the past is FitDay . With FitDay you can track every aspect of your weight loss journey. You can set a Weight Goal, and the program will help you chart how many calories you can safely consume per day based on your activity level and lose pounds. There is a tab for entering your activity and the length of time you participate and it will tell you how many calories you've burned.

The food log is one of my favorite parts of FitDay. I can keep a daily food diary, create my own food list based on either pre-packaged foods or dishes fixed using my own ingredients. So I don't have to go back and recalculate every time I fix a particular favorite dish. For example, select any meat from a long list, pick your method of cooking for the portion and it will tell you how many calories you will use. It really does matter how it's cooked!

How you feel on any given day, at any particular moment will affect how you eat. FitDay provides a Mood for things such as Happiness, Clarity, Health for each day to help you keep an eye on things that might be triggering you to backslide on your journey.

And finally, a journal. A place for you to dump the garbage that can affect your over-all health, not just your weight loss journey.

The best thing about this program is it is password protected. No one need see any of the information but you.

You can use the FREE version on-line. If you'd like it a bit more handy, you might want to purchase the PC version so you don't have to be on-line or the more portable version for the iPhone. Any way you choose to use this tool, it's one of the best friends you make as you travel towards your GOAL.

Enjoy your Journey!

BL Week 2

Wow! I just don't know where the time goes. Remember being a kid and thinking an event would never come? Things like Birthday's and Christmas? Well, that's kind of where I am right now.

We have company coming in on Friday. I've been trying desperately to get the house presentable and beyond so I can get Christmas decorations up after Thanksgiving. Company leaves on Sunday and we leave for three days in Nashville. Our oldest grandtoddler turns 4 on Tuesday. She's called me every 3rd day for the past month wanting to know 2 things - Can she come to my house and is grandpa going to bring her baby doll (what she asked for her birthday). I can't believe it's almost that time and I still have so much I want to do in the house.

Add that I'm trying to write 50,000 words of a new novel in 30 days that just doesn't want to come together. Yeah... just a little stress.

Thankfully I'm not a 'stress' eater. Just the opposite. I get busy and forget to eat. Not eating regularly can be just as damaging to a weight loss plan. But I'm trying.

As of last Friday's weigh-in I'd lost 1 pound. I'd be happy with being down 1 pound a week. I managed to gain back that pound last weekend while I was in Springfield. I think it was the soda thing in the hotel because I didn't have my iced tea. But I've since lost it. So only 1 pound to go in the next 2 days. Hmmm

Are you a stress eater? What triggers your over eating/ or lack of eating? Let's chat!

Enjoy the journey!

Inspiration

Everyone gets their inspiration for things from different sources. The same applies to our push to finally shed the pounds.

Aside from the fact I know that it is the healthy thing to do. I want to be around a long time to enjoy my two young granddaughters. Adrian will turn four in a few days and Abigail was born on October 13th. By the grace of the God and Goddess, they have a long life ahead of them and I want to be around to enjoy every step of the way.

As I've talked about in an earlier post, there's a bit of vanity involved. Whether she'll admit it or not, there is a part of every woman that wants to know she can still catch a guy's attention. Happily married to my best friend of 28 years, I still wouldn't mind a honk, wolf whistle or 'decent' comment when I walk buy.

While enjoying an Artists Day in Paducah KY last month, I started my day with an early morning walk through the art district, just enjoying the quiet of the morning and getting a plan of what I wanted to see once stores and galleries opened up. As I walked down Artists Alley, I walked by a guy sitting on a bench reading the morning paper and enjoying a cup of coffee. Nearly half a block past him, I heard a comment float on the crisp air behind me... 'nice butt'. I turned to see who had spoken. We were the only two on the street. He raised his cup of coffee in a salute and smiled. I returned the smile then continued on my way. I spent the rest of the day with a lighter step and a new confidence. I knew my battle with weight loss was starting to pay off. Let me tell you, nothing can motivate you more than a POSITIVE comment.

With the Main Street Grocery Biggest Loser, the cash prize doesn't hurt the motivation either. I mean, seriously, who can't use a little extra cash right now?

Then there's Jay Wornick. Jay began losing weight on a New Years Resolution bet from his wife January 2011. As you'll see in the story, he's lost almost 200 pounds in 10 months. The prize was the loser would have the winner's name tatooted on their stomach. Okay, not exactly my inspiration but as I said, everyone has something different that motivates them.

So my question for today... What will motivate you to finally make the move to be a healthier you?

Whatever it is, remember to...

Enjoy the Journey!

Week 1 begins!

I weighed in last Friday to begin the next seven weeks of our local BL group. So far there are only eight of us participating... half of what we had last time. I don't know if the prospect of trying to lose weight right here at the holidays is scaring them off or not. I figure if I can lose some weight, I have a bit of wiggle room to enjoy samplings of favorites I only get this time of year without doing too much damage.

This time I'm going to give both weights... the official and (home). So here we go.

Starting: 184.6 (180)

I'm also starting Slim in 6 tomorrow. I'd intended to start today but I've had to be away from the house most of the day and no time to finish clearing the living room to give me space. I'm hoping to at least use the bedroom floor for pilate stretches tonight.

Enjoying the Journey!

Monday Musings

And blessed Halloween.

Hard to believe we are at the end of another month. October was such a busy time for me, I can understand how it seemed to fly by.

After only two days home from Eureka Springs, I headed to Nashville (Okay, Antioch but close enough) for the birth of my second granddaughter. Abigail Jasmine made her appearance on Oct. 13th. She is such a beautiful baby and so alert. And man can that girl eat!

I walked nearly every day while I was there. Adrian would get on her big wheel and we'd travel around the complex area. She kept grandma on the go for seven fun-filled days. Can't wait till I see her again for her 4th birthday in a couple weeks.

My weight is bobbling in around 177. Main Street Grocery is starting another 7-week round of The Biggest Loser on Friday the 4th. I'm really going to push hard. Since I'll be sitting a lot for National Novel Writing Month, it's even more important that I MAKE time to work out. I'm going to start the Slim in 6 work out video next week. This week it's just stretching and dancing. My goal is to drop at least 6 pounds this time. That's less than 1 pound per week and one I could be happy with right here going into the holidays.

How is your weight loss going? Or is it? Stop and tell us how you're doing and let's cheer one another on!

Enjoy the journey!

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!

This week's beginning weight - 179

Before I go any further I can tell you the BL loser officially lost 9 pounds and walked away with $150. Boy, that would have been nice traveling money next weekend. Oh well. They're already talking about doing another one in November. This time we will know who the participants are and how everyone is doing. That should add to the motivation.

Saturday I went to a pow wow in Hardy AR. I hadn't been to an event in years and knew I'd have a good time. I needed a relax/ all-about-me kind of day. I walked a lot, danced some and found a hand drum. A bit smaller than the one I've been wanting but this truly was a case of 'size doesn't matter'. It has a beautiful, deep sound and I love it.

When I got dressed Saturday, I got into a size 14 jeans! Comfortably!! Yeah, it was a great way to start the day.

Yesterday, I tried a new dish. I love watching Tyler's Ultimate on the Cooking Channel. A couple of weeks ago he featured the POTATO. He made an Irish staple called Colcannon, which is mashed potatoes, cabbage and a meat. The other dish was a potato pancake. After experiencing both of these dishes, Tyler came back to the states and made a Potato Gratin. I knew I wanted to try my own version.

So last night I did a small version in a 6x6 casserole dish with only 1 bottom layer and 1 top layer of potatoes. In the middle I had fried smoked bacon, cabbage sauteed in the bacon drippings and slices of baby portabella mushrooms (they have become my favorite additive to just about anything). I'd make a horrible Italian as I don't care for Parmesan cheese. Instead, I used a grated colby/jack blend. I really think I could have done without the cheese - and the extra oil it provided.

I ate 1/4th of the casserole with a 3 oz Venison butterflied tenderloin. Very earthy meal. I'm thinking in the future I don't even need a meat with the gratin.

Not sure where my appetite is taking me today but I know I will remain on course.

Enjoy the journey!

BL Final update

This is my final post on the BL challenge - well, except to tell you whether or not I'm $130 richer. hehe But I'm kind of doubting it. I do know of 2 people who've gained over the past 8 weeks. With my ups and downs, I'm offically 3.2 pounds less. But the clothes fit different. I have one pair of 16 jeans I can not keep up. They fit like my 18 petites.

Win or lose, I'm not changing how I eat. I still don't want processed foods. I'm still trying to find tasty ways to incorporate more fresh foods and I'm still not adding sugar to foods like tea and coffee.

As soon as my daughter presents me with a new granddaughter and I can get back to a regular routine, I hope to be showcasing more of the recipes I'm trying and comfort foods I'm modifying. Face it, with winter coming on, who can pass up comfort foods.

As always...

Enjoy the journey!

BL update

Whoo Hooo!

I'm down 2 more pounds this week. That brings me to just over 5 pounds down. Okay, not a big loss but I am at my lowest weight in 10 years so I can't complain. It might not put me in the running for the $130 cash pot but I feel better, I'm losing weight and I'm more aware of what I'm NOT eating.

All in all, it's a good week.

Live the journey!

Kelly

BL Check In

Another busy week. The grandtoddler was here all last week and although I was still sitting at NO weight gain (or loss) through Thursday night, on Friday I showed a gain of 3 pounds! What? Overnight? Come on!

So I worked diligently to get rid of it this week. I was good when hubby and I treated ourselves to Red Lobster in Paducah last Sunday. Our daughter lives in Nashville 2 hours from Paducah and we live 3 hours West, in MO so Paducah is a good meeting spot for us to trade the grandtoddler back and forth. That and she gets to play at Chuck E Cheese before getting back in a vehicle... the grandtoddler, not the daughter LOL. She's not doing much right now except hoping our angel-to-be doesn't try to make an early entrance into the world. Little miss Abigail is getting very impatient.

Okay, back to this week. With the toddler back in Nashville and hubby on the boat, I got into a regular walking routine every morning.

Then I'd treat myself to lunch at Memories Sweet Shoppe. This was my lunch yesterday:

I had the mushroom and swiss burger on whole wheat flat bun. Cindy, the owner keeps the flat buns in special for me and I know her burgers are made fresh, by hand whenever they are on the menu. No preshaped, frozen, paper thin burgers. These are thick, juicy and done to perfection. I also had a cup of cheese/ broccoli soup made from scratch like everything else she puts on her menu. Every day is different and every day is made fresh that morning. You can't beat the quality, the atmosphere or the price. Soup, sandwich and unsweet tea costs me under $8 plus tip.

Today it was chicken noodle soup and a Italian Beef on flat bun. That wasn't so easy to pick up but it cut up and ate with a fork just fine. :: smile :::

Today was our 2nd to last weigh in. I was back down the pounds I'd gained last week. Geez! Officially I've lost just under 4 pounds since starting this seven weeks ago. Our final weigh-in is next Thursday. I'd really like to be down 3 more pounds. Can you say, 'Lots of walking'?

Here's to a great week, living the journey!

Kelly

BL Check In

I know I skipped last week. It's just been crazy with deadlines around here and I've not spent a lot of time on the computer.

Weigh-in last week went really well. I was down 3.2 pounds! If I can just do a min of 1-2 pounds a week, I'll be ecstatic and have a shot at that $130 for my working vacation in October.

I was surprised by the drop in pounds on Friday morning because Bob and I went out to dinner for our 27th wedding anniversary the night before. I tried to be very good. We ate at Ruby Tuesday's. I chose the full rack of ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegies. I didn't eat the potatoes, only 1/2 the ribs and the steamed veggies. I preempted the meal with a large salad. The remaining 1/2 rack of ribs was my lunch on Friday.

Friday night we ate out at a place called A La Carte in West Plains. A good friend of mine, Michael 'Blindcat' McIntire and his wife, Sandy aka Mamacat were the scheduled entertainment. You can check out his blog at Blindcat . They are talented blues artists, doing a mix of cover tunes and ones they've written.

A La Carte is a trendy restaurant with amazing food - most of it grown locally and made fresh daily. Reservations are strongly recommended. When you make your dinner reservation you also place your entree order from a pre-set list (usually 3 options). Friday night we had the option of Country Pork Ribs, Sesame encrusted Shashimi-grade Tuna filet or a Vegan dish. Bob and I both chose the pork ribs. They were so moist and flavorful. They didn't require any sauce or a knife to eat. The saute'd yellow and zucchini squash were the perfect accompaniment. I also ate both of Bob and I's dinner salads of locally grown greens with Balsamic Vinegar and EVOO.

Aside from great blues music to entertain us, I discovered I LOVE the lighter dressing. I've never eaten anything but creamy ranch on a salad. I was amazed to find salad doesn't need to be covered up. It's better to let the true flavors of great vegies come through.

So my tip for this week...

If you've never tried a lighter version of your favorite food, I encourage you to do so. You may find out you've been missing out on something AWESOME!

To a great week...

Joining a Team

Though I haven't been here, the weight has been doing okay. By 'okay' I mean not down but at least not up! I just want to get over this hurdle. I know once I finally dip below 180, it will be easier.

So this past week I joined a local Biggest Loser group at of all place, our local mini-mart. For a $10 entry fee, we check in every Friday for 6 weeks. There will be weekly prizes and at the end of September, someone is a few pounds lighter except for the extra cash in their pocket. With all the traveling I'm doing in October, I could sure use the money. I won't have to go clothes shopping, as I have favorites in my closet I'd love to be able to wear again. But I might need at least one new outfit. :-)

So although my home scales show 181, the store shows 186.8. So that is the weight I'll be showcasing for the duration of the challenge. At the end of the competition, I'll revert back to my home-scale weight. I know I'm going to like that number so much better. But loss is a loss, regardless of what scales I use.

In an earlier post I talked about sugar. Over the last two weeks I've been trying really hard to eliminate as much sugar and processed foods from my diet as possible. I've read Suzanne Somers' Sexy Forever and what an eye-opener. If you've not read it, I encourage everyone to do so... especially women from pre- to post-menopause. Wow! The stuff that is in our foods to supposedly 'enhance flavor' or add shelf life is killing us. So my focus has been whole grains, lean meats and more vegies. Gee, where have we heard this before?

One thing I've experienced in my education as a writer is that I can hear the same thing over and over, but it's all in how it's presented as to whether or not the information really 'sticks'. The same is true of this. I don't think it was so much about WHAT I NEEDED to be eating, as to hearing WHAT I HAVE BEEN eating. It is quite a scary list. So I guess you can consider me - Scared Straight.

Will I give up all my favorite foods? No. Will I try to learn new ways of making them healthier and less poisonous? YES I hope to share what I learn and create over the next 6 weeks and beyond.

Our weigh-ins are on Friday. This week I should go down as I'm having a tooth pulled tomorrow. Yeah, there's one day I won't be eating. LOL Followed by two days of soft foods while the gum heals, yep.. Friday is looking pretty good.

How's your week shaping up?