Weight Watchers Journal

incline is the answer!

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:27:25 GMT

Yes it has been a long time! But I thought I'd pop in and share some news and maybe also some motivation.

I'm back to the top of the 10 pounds I've been losing and gaining consistently for the past 4 years. And, frankly, I'm tired of it. Time to break through. I feel like I always say that, but I guess this is the first time it actually feels attainable. I know where my weaknesses lie - in food and beer - so I just have to temper those.

Anyways, I was mostly writing to share my workout this morning. I've only recently gotten back on the treadmill to run. And I was so surprised to find how easy it was to get back to running, even after a few months of dormancy. It was nothing like the effort it took to get started running after having never ran at all. So that was very good news - all those months running consistently had really changed my body, even if the pounds never came off.

This morning I set my heart rate cut off higher 161 - because that seems to be where I can run and not wear myself out. I think the recommendation is 155 for me, but ~160 suits me better I find. So I set the heart rate higher and I started out at 3.5 mph - pretty slow. The treadmill I use in the gym downstairs actually increases the incline until you reach your target heart rate. So after my warm up, the incline increases and increases until I hit target and I realized that the amount of calories I was burning was incredible (according to the machine of course). And I didn't really feel any different, so I ran the whole time on the incline and it really helped keep my heart rate stable. Usually I pump up the speed and my heart rate goes through the roof and then it has to keep dropping speed until the rate slows.

While I know you can't really go by stats on those machines, usually after my 30 minute run it says I only burn 150 calories (pretty crappy for 30 minutes of serious running), but using the incline this time, it said I burned 400 calories. So technically the two sets of calorie burn can't be different, because my heart rate stayed constant during both. BUT it does let me know that I've certainly been burning more than 150 calories for a 30 minute run at 80% max heart rate.

But the incline was good - I could handle the changes in incline better than I could handle the changes in speed. SO I'm going to stick with keeping my speed lower to start and let the incline build up.

Also my next big purchase will be a heart rate monitor that calculates calories burned. I find that so motivating. I mean if I'm gonna roll out of bed at 6am every morning, I want to be burning mega calories for my effort. And I think I always have been, but just never got the validation or reminder of it.

Hope you guys are doing well and suiting up for the holidays! My approach is to enjoy everything in moderation, and come January, I'm gonna kick it into high gear and take the running outside (sounds scary!).

Using time wisely

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:57:41 GMT

Few things have been going on lately.

1- Lost the Peace Corps--- I was turned down by the medical clearance- a form of arthritis that cannot be treated effectively in a 3rd world country.
2- I also lost a job that I was really perfect for doing culinary demonstrations- ces't la vie.
3- I went to the Dr yesterday-- I have 2 more weeks off from work-- it was supposed to be 4 weeks out of work, but now it is going to end up at 6 weeks. oye vey

So I am going to use my time wisely.
1- Walking 5 miles a day
2- I am still on a budget, so I am not going out to eat everyday.
3- I am in the process of cleaning out my cupboards, now that I have some free time.

Chat soon.
t

1 roast chicken = many fun meals!

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:12:24 GMT

So a few months ago, Self had an article about roasting one whole chicken and using the leftovers to make multiple meals. I did the roast chicken, but with chopped fresh garlic, salt, and pepper under the skin (no rosemary - recipe is Rosemary Garlic chicken).

It came out fantastic and I have made two other recipes with the leftovers, probably a third tonight.

First I used the roast chicken to make a curry chicken salad. I just did a typical chicken salad and added some curry powder for a kick. Yummy! Lots of protein - perfect on two pieces of toasted lo cal wheat bread. Or in pitas.

Second, I used the roast chicken to make thai chicken noodles (recipe on self.com). The recipe quickly grew out of control in size when I added all the noodles I bought with an entire bag of slaw mix (cabbage and carrots) and also some bok choy I had leftover from last week. But it was soooo delicious! Going to try to put it back and eat it cold this week. I could probably heat it up without problems.

The third recipe I'm going to try to tonight hopefully (if I can get less full from the thai noodles). It is for chicken artichoke pizza (recipe also on self.com). Looks really awesome and I thought it would be a great dish to share with my mans when he gets off work.

I think my cooking has been in a rut lately, so this whole chicken thing has re-energized it a lot. You could do so many different things with the leftovers and not get bored. Originally I was going to mix the chicken with salsa and serve with refried beans and rice for a mexican kick. Also I thought about making a crock pot soup and adding chicken as the meat.

Thought this might give some ideas!

Happy dance!!

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 12:42:11 GMT

I hit my 30# loss today!!!
So exciting.
I have been walking 5 miles a day right now since I am not working, but I will have a challenge once I have to go back to work. My wrist is doing better... I feel like I can actually start to do stuff again... slowly.
Heading to a health and fitness expo today... should be fun!

Sweet Potatoes

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:17:35 GMT

Seems like we talked about sweet potatoes once before...so when I ran across this recipe, I thought I would pass it along.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Macademia Nuts

(Click on the photo for a link to the recipe)

whats new?

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:21:07 GMT

Hey yall !

Just wanted to update on the latest and greatest.

I'm doing better. My 2.5 mile walk to work and back is still wearing me out every day, though not as badly as before, so I haven't gotten back to running and strength training in the morning yet. I'm focusing on sleeping enough to not get sick again at the moment - seems to be working.

Stepped on the scale expecting the worst - and I saw 175.5 looking back at me. I really thought with all my missteps I would be higher. BUT in my defense, I do usually practice the 90/10 rule even when I'm not trying. So 90% of the time I will eat healthy and the remaining 10% - usually on the weekends - I'll trip myself up usually with beer.

I've been trying a few new products that were on sale or I tried out of curiosity:
-prepackaged egg whites - the ones I bought came in three little cups - and really a cup was a serving. I actually really liked these because they were so low cal, but they can get pricey. I like this much better than eggbeaters. Eggbeaters are okay, but usually have a strange non-real-food taste.
-FULL FAT shredded sharp cheddar cheese - yes FULL FAT. Those have been dirty words on my shopping trips since I started losing weight. BUT when it comes to satiety - 2% or full fat cheese is much more effective. AND since it is shredded, I generally never want to go overboard with it - just a sprinkle and I'm on my way.
-corn tortillas - I think I talked about this before, but what little lifesavers! I can come home and make cheese quesadillas with salsa in a snap with little calorie. If I need something crunchy and don't want go to for chips - I brown wedges inthe oven and have with salsa or homemade guac. Love it! Also I use them to make omelet wraps in the morning.
-turkey bacon - it ain't bad! Especially when you want something like bacon with a breakfast. One slice is less than 50 calories I believe.
-coconut water - not diet in any way - but I find a cold can of this really thirst quenching and a nice little something sweet - I think a can has 130 calories?

Okay yall! More in a bit - hope all is going well!

so....

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 01:34:07 GMT

I have been home for 10 days now --- wrist surgery.. and the stitches came out today...OUCH!! my hand is freakin killing me tonight.

So, ladies I need some advice.

Long story short--- my boss found out about my application to the Peace corp. And since then he has actaully been kind of a dick. Asking me for a timeline to when I would be leaving to "end on a positive note" He is even starting to call me while I am out on medical leave.

My mother has suggested that I call him on Monday and put it out there that he has no business asking me for a resignation. I really don't need this additional stress while I am trying to heal. And the other problem is that for some reason I get intimidated by him and get emotional when talking to him.

What do you guys suggest? Have you ever had these kind of issues?
Good news is that I lost another 2# this week taking me to 27.4 total =)

Not Me!

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:14:56 GMT

Not that the above actually represents me over the weekend or anything...I was actually pretty good, but it made me laugh this morning.

Work is still a complete nightmare and I'm scared to even step on a scales these days. sigh.

I had hoped to be able to get back to my regular schedule next week, but I'm not sure how that's going to work out either.

The only good news is I finally got the notebook that I ordered so I should at last be able to upload music to my MP3 player. Sadly I've had it almost a year without being able to really use it since it wasn't mentioned in the ads that the software for it wasn't compatible with Mac. Go figure. Should have just bought an ipod and been done with it, but was drawn to the tiny clip on size of the one I got.

Anyway, I can't take much time to write since I still have so freaking much paperwork to get through from the long weekend..but I will catch up better maybe next week. I'm really counting on it slowing down a bit, but I'm also not holding me breath.

Oh! Quick note though, really in a rough spot with my sister. She is going on one of those liquid diets through a local hospital program, supposed to be "safe" because they monitor your health all along, but I just worry. I still don't believe that is the most healthy way to lose weight, 6 months of nothing but nutrition shakes?!?! And if she does stick with it...she thinks she will just switch to WW to maintain, but I just have a feeling that the minute you go back to eating real food again it would be really hard and maybe would just go nuts in your system. I mean that really is the next thing to starving yourself, and there is a REASON they want you to stay on their $60.00 a week shakes even after you lose the weight.

In a way it's kind of getting me in gear to, partly because selfish as it sounds I don't want her to be half my size all of a sudden...and partly because if it doesn't work out I want to show her that when you stick with it WW does work! I know she has done so well with it in the past, but when she stopped smoking at the same time it was just too hard and she has given up on it. I just hate to see her pouring so much money into this...it's like $600.00 all told just to get started and then you are buying the shakes every week too. Crazy.

And I just want to shake her because she doesn't have any real health problems, I know she isn't happy at her weight, and I understand wanting to lose it....but these seems extreme to me.

Thoughts?!?!

still climbing up the hill

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:36:24 GMT

I've been out all week from work too - with another nasty cold/cough/whatever. I promised myself that this time I would actually rest and get better. It seems like I haven't been good at resting and I keep ending up getting sick. It seems like a snowball effect - you get sick, you miss work and other things, then as soon as you feel sort of better you jump up and start doing stuff again, only to get sick again and go through the same cycle. Time to break out of it.

My weekend will consist of resting and enjoying what looks like very awesome less warm weather.

Kashi is awesome. I do agree. Those little peanut butter chewy granola bars were sent from heaven, and I keep one in my bag at all times for emergencies.

The lack of running and weight lifting the past two months is really showing. I'm dying to get back to the old routine - do my strength training at least three times a week. I think that is key to keeping things in working order. And Self's exercises are nice and I like having the tear out cards to follow from - esp early in the morning when I'm only half awake.

I've been making my own pico de gallo - just cutting up tomatoes, onions, cilantro and squeezing out fresh lime juice over it. Makes a nice addition to taco salad, a good dip for homemade tortilla chips, and great over beans and rice. I'll see how long it lasts in the fridge - I have hopes I can use for up to two weeks.

The past few days I've been relying a lot on Lean Pockets (oh I love thee!) and Progresso Soups. And while yes they are processed and yes they are more expensive than probably making a dish myself. They are very convenient and filling and not so high on calories. I really love those soups. Most of them are 100 calories a serving and I'll do two servings. 200 calories and super filling. Loving it. Especially when sick.

I have high hopes that once I get well and my immune system gets back up (I always thought I used to have the best immune system...), I can lose the extra few pounds that have crept back on pretty easily and get back to the eternal fight to lose more.

I heart kashi too!!

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:05:22 GMT

Have you been to their website? Awesome... great recipes.
So I have been home from work for 3 days now...and my wrist still hurts, but not as bad a I thought it would be. I still only have one hand to do things with.

I have already walked 5 miles today and 2.5 miles yesterday. I am working on the job front... I have an interview on Tuesday with a marketing agency. Still haven't heard from the Peace Corp yet....back up plans.

Kashi

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:35:53 GMT

I know I've said it before...but I love all things Kashi!

If you are looking to try something new, might I suggest their frozen dinner? I've tried the Cilantro Lime Shrimp, the Sweet and Sour Chicken, the Southwestern Chicken...all surprisingly good for frozen dinners.

I have the Chicken Pomodore for lunch today...and I expect good things.

I don't have much time to post....work is still really bad, but I am hoping this weekend will be the last of it for awhile. I even bought a new workout tee-shirt to kick off next week with, something new to get me "excited" about going back.

I think I will pick up that magazine too...I need all the inspiration I can get right now because the scale is downright scary and I was even looking for "fat" pants last night.

I will also look for some kind of granola bar for my purse, something for the afternoons would really help like that when I haven't had time for a full lunch.

As you can see...I'm ready to try everything!

Keep the idea's comin'

back again

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:25:36 GMT

So here's my update. Since returning from Sweden I have been in a fog and made negative progress.

I did step on the scale today for the first time since getting back and realized that I have gained a few pounds - not surprising though. But seeing the number helped jolt me a bit and realize it is time to renovate.

I also did some cooking this weekend - trying to make my meals for the week. I'm not having surgery or anything major, I just know I'll be in late all week and need serious brain food to keep me from buying food that is not healthy. This is the first time since returning from Sweden that I have made up a lot of meals at once - that is progress.

So did want to recommend the latest issue of SELF - I so love that magazine! In this issue they have their 4 week challenges again - but different. You can also do personalized stats online on their website. Also in this issue is a nice eating plan for people with great meal and snack ideas. There is a list of staples for the pantry and stuff - I really appreciate the diversity in each month's issue. I think with Weight Watchers I get bored because there is not enough variety and not a lot of focus on exercise routines.

I'm definitely considering doing the lose 8 pounds in 4 weeks challenge again - it is a great way to jumpstart. But I need to really look at my calendar and see what sort of obstacles are in my way for the next few weeks. I know I'll be out of town a few days here and there and I need to come up with a backup plan for those.

Sometimes I think I do eat too much fat free stuff and therefore although I eat less calories, I also feel less full and I wonder if more satiety would help me? So I bought 2% shredded cheese rather than fat free and I need to rethink my FF milk and FF yogurt - maybe try out the lowfat versions instead.

I've also picked up some granola bars with 140 calories but 5+ grams of fat. And I do have to say - having those on my person help a lot in situations when I would normally go for something naughty. I have one in my bag at all times now. They actually do satisfy me - much more than a bag of chips or whatever.

Anyways - good luck you guys with everything!

Today-- Feeling Fab!

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 17:39:39 GMT

I have had a great day so far....Last night I went out with some friends and had 2 beers, but a lot of good conversation.
This morning I woke up naturally at 8 am, went to a WW meeting, spent $150 at the grocery store(holy crap I know!), came home, put away the groceries, started some chicken in the crock pot, and went for a 2.5 mile walk in 36 minutes. I just read the fall WW magazine and I am going to start cooking.
I am having surgery on my right wrist a week from Tuesday (yes I am right handed), so that is why I bought all that food.... I have to prepare it, cook it, and freeze it for the next 3 weeks...since I will have limited use of my right wrist.

I am a little nervous about it, because it is my right hand, but everyone that I talk to say that my specialist is the very best in RI.... so I have to be confident about that choice.

I am feeling good.... hoping to go country line dancing tonight =)

Feeling Gross

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:58:09 GMT

SO I haven't really journeled in about 2 weeks, and I haven't gained weight, but I feel kinda gross from some of the junk I have been consuming.
I am not over eating really, but not the heathiest options at every meal.
I have been traveling for over 2 weeks now and I have driven about 2000 miles in those two weeks... it is exhausting.
I have to get to the gym this week to feel better, burn some fat, get some energy, and just feel better.... although this is a tough week for scheduling too... I have somehting to do EVERY night after work...oye vey.
Anyway... I am off to bed, yes it is 8 pm..... I hope to sleep off the weekend tonight.
T

That's Nice

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:04:29 GMT

Just got a "nice" little reality check.

I was standing at the check out counter at the library when this woman and her kids came in. The next thing I know one of them is breathing down my neck, so his mother says "Don't stand so close, you'll trip the lady".

Well, for one thing I know where he got his sense of personal space because she wasn't exactly standing back much herself...but whatever.

Then the next thing I know the kid mutters under his breath, "She's a fat lady."

Now I can hope he was gazing in a different direction instead of straight at my ass...but that's a bit of a pipe dream really.

The thing is, I can't remember anyone ever calling me fat just like that, and even though it was a dumb kid....still!

Nice, huh?!?!

Well, maybe it was just a diet angel in disguise giving me a much needed nudge....you know some creepy little diet angel who carries a pitch fork o' motivation to prod us "fat ladies" with.

All right guys, have a great weekend...while I try to get by on bread and water! (Just kidding...)

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:49:53 GMT

Hey there...I'm here too, kind of!

The last two weeks have been, as I have described it lately "a cesspool of stress", for me. Some of my work has been called into question, and at first it looked like there was no way to prove it wasn't my fault. A week ago we ran across a report that could be run that at least documents the data entry I've done and can be compared to the paperwork I get to prove that I'm not missing line after line after line.

Unfortunately the report shows I'm entering things correctly but has yet to explain why they are still not showing up.

I shouldn't stress too much about all this now that I have some proof...but it's still been excruciatingly tense, and depending on the eventual findings may still result in cutting back some of my job if the data entry isn't getting the job done for whatever reason. Even if it isn't something I'm doing, they may look at a new way to handle it and then who knows.

So hence the quietness on my part!

The good news is I have not turned to Ben and Jerry for consolation....but running this extra report and poring over it to match up things means I am working longer hours than ever....yes that is still marginally possible but not by much! I've certainly not had time for the gym, barely have had time to make a cold sandwich so cooking is out of the question....and as ya'll know that makes dieting tricky!

I haven't really gained anything lately, but since I am already at the high end of my normal weight range that isn't anything that pleases me much.

I have been working all week on a grocery list emphasising natural foods and I plan to stick strictly to it in the hopes that not having anything "fake" to snack on will at least keep that in check. Last night was the first time I was in snack mode but there wasn't really anything except fresh peaches to snack on so I didn't go overboard! That was both frustrating, amusing, and it felt good.

Some new things for me....

Applesauce, I've been mixing a really good chunky cinnamon flavored applesauce into a larger container or plain unsweetened stuff to make it less points overall and still get some of that great taste. On the upside this stuff stays really cold in the fridge so as temps hit the 100's around here it makes a great snack.

Hummus with strips of crisp red pepper, I've been struggling most with getting in veggies since I've had to do more cafeteria eating lately, and their "healthy" foods are almost always served in a butter sauce.

International Coffees Cappuccino coolers....NOT LOW POINTS really, but a great way to get in two milk servings in the afternoon and a great cool treat. I've been snagging a bottle of skim milk about 12 oz and making it with that. It makes it a bit less strong as they are made for a 8 oz serving...but I like it that way. I sure wish they would come out with a SF version of those stir ins because they are so convenient and the Hazelnut tastes great but I hate using so many points for it. If you find anything similar in lower points I would love to hear about it.

Other than that, I don't have much to report!

What are you guys eating healthy and to stay cool?

long time...

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:14:05 GMT

Thanks for the prompting - I was totally thinking about how I should post this week with an update.

Things here have been hard and not conducive to doing well on fitness and weight loss. Got back from Sweden, went out a lot to see all my friends, then went on vacation and ate crap and did not exercise, came back from vacation and got really sick with mystery illness and am just now recovering from it.

Even though all this has been hanging over me and I have not felt up to running in the past month, I'm not completely freaking out like I probably would be doing this time last year. Because I've been running for almost a year, and I know I will get back to running.

I miss running. I can feel my body going to mush. Which is funny because when I was running I always thought there was no change. Guess this is showing me!

When I went to doctor I was 176 right before period - so I know I'm not *too* far off my mark. I would seriously love love love to get down to the 160s by Christmas. We will see.

It has been really really hot and humid and nasty here in DC. By the time I walk to work and walk back home at night, I've sweated so much that I have no energy to get up early and run on top of that. So I'm just sort of playing it by ear - plus getting over being sick. I want to be up and running at least twice a week starting next week. We will see.

Good luck with everything yall!

hey....

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:06:42 GMT

where are you girls?
echo echo echo....lol

Post Vacation Woes

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:20:05 GMT

So I weighed in today...my first WI after vacation.
I was up 5.4#.... but I think at least 2# was from before vacation. Ces't La Vie.

Well the plan is to start fresh tomorrow. I have to work (YUCK!) but I plan to go to the grocery store tomorrow or Sunday to stock up on some fresh foods. I want to eat whole foods for the next week...with a few processed foods as possible. I am so run down, so I am going to plan my workouts for the week too... I need to get back to Spinning.

This is a tough month for workouts as I am working full time, taking a Spanish class M/W, teach cake decorating on Thursdays, and I have to work the next two weekends.

oh well... enough complaining GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND DO IT! =)

Medical clearance

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:56:13 GMT

Sending in my medical screening papers today!!!
Send me good luck vibes for a speedy acceptance!
So nervous and excited!!!

Bad Mirror and Turkey

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:02:18 GMT

sigh.

Really bad experience with a mirror in Macy's. But, it' wasn't the mirror's fault! I guess it got my attention though...for better or for worse.

(WORSE!)

I've been meaning to post for a few days now...about the Turkey burgers at least as I don't have much else to report. My first batch did fall apart alike, as you said you had trouble with TJ. My second batch however turned out like a dream!

I don't really have a recipe per se, but I took about 1.25 lbs of extra lean Turkey and added half a can of black beans and half a vidalia onion chopped fine and sauteed in a splash of olive oil, then a healthy dash of chipotle pepper and cumin. I also added an egg to the whole mixture and let it sit in the fridge for awhile, kind of mimicing making meatloaf to let it bond more before frying them on a griddle sprayed with Pam.

They still taste a little bland, but I found that mixing a little light mayo with some medium hot taco sauce made a really great topping and I didn't miss the cheese at all.

I've started packing breakfast and lunch again, it helps ease some of my "Oh God Landfills Full of Plastic" woes as well as means I have WW planned food on hand and don't have to try to make up a WW meal with whatever the cafeteria has on hand. (That NEVER works! Even their steamed veggies are coated in butter stuff.)

I want to try to get down a little on my own before heading back to a WW class, but that is certainly in my plans right now. I guess I'm just not ready to see this number in offical writing even as a starting point!

I'm really struggling with lunch ideas, so any thoughts on what you've been doing would be greatly appreciated. The burgers are great this week...but I'll get tired of the monotony soon and if I don't have some fresh ideas I'll end up off the wagon and up to my ass in a rut again!  ;)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY ladies!!!

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:23:27 GMT

I hope you enjoy it!
I am headed out on vacation, so I will check back in when I return!
chat soon.
t

Four Week Plan

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:26:02 GMT

My first thought was to just jump right in head first, but after an exhausting weekend...I started to think about how it's sometimes hard for me to take things one step at a time and how easy I get bogged down when I bite off more than I can chew.

So instead of diving right into perfect eating, daily gym visits, gallons of water, and meticulous point counting...I tried to track things back to the very root and work my way out.

What's been going wrong?

Well, I've been so tired...I feel like I can't work out because I have no energy, I can't focus on making good food choices and sometimes don't have time to get to them because I'm behind, I find myself downing caffeine later in the day because I'm dragging so badly in the afternoon...and then I get home and I have too much energy so I'm up later and then I end up snacking more at night than I ever would have...and all that "junk" food right before bed makes me sleep restlessly if at all and then I wake up even more drained and hating my previous day's choices and just feeling defeated before I even start the day...so getting out of bed is a real effort and I end up going in late to work and then I'm behind for the day and it all cycles through again.

So just looking at that paragraph of woe you can see where I need to target.

I need to get back on schedule with my sleep.

So this morning I drug myself out of bed closer to "on time" than I have been in a loooong time and after my morning cup of coffee I will be drinking nothing but water for the rest of the day. I won't be snacking this afternoon either, and I hope very much that I barely make it home before crashing into bed...because I really want to get a great nights sleep tonight and find myself rolling out of bed easier in the morning.

My hope is that by the start of next week I will be regaining some of those stores of energy, and I will then start going back to the gym....three times a week for that first week, and I will up it from there as I get settled back in my routine again.

I have said it over and over again the past few years....for me it is ALL about having a plan and a schedule and being able to stay on it as much as possible. My life is insanely busy and all it takes is one little thing to throw it off balance, but when I can keep my life balanced it really does work.

It's all connected I guess is what I'm saying and it's really back to basics for me this week.

This isn't to say I'm not trying in other areas though. Since my goal is increased energy I'm also paying attention to eating quality food with an emphasis on balance so that I am eating the right kinds of things to keep my energy up and nothing that weighs me down in more ways than one.

I'm not worrying so much about writing it all down this week, but I'm not letting myself go either. As I get more time and more focus I can find the old pleasure in that....and maybe I'll have more to say here too!

Good week, all....don't let the holiday trip you up! It's only one day and it don't take food to celebrate it!

so....

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:21:16 GMT

I am so PMSing....I have been wanting to eating anything and everything in sight.

I am jonesing for a big ole plate of greesy, salty, heart clogging chinese food.... althogh that makes is sound pretty bad lol.

I was doing so well...I was perfect for 2 weeks and lost 5.8#
This week was not very good.... I haven't even journaled.... I have to start again tonight to stay in line.

I am heading out on vacation in 9 days!!! OMG!!! =)
Cruise time baby.... yippee

Wow burger

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:36:16 GMT

So just wanted to share a recipe I modified from Self - it was sooo good!

Southwestern Burger
-1 pound lean ground meat (they say use sirloin, I used ground turkey)
-1 egg white
-hot sauce, salt, and ground pepper -- however much you like
-finely grated red bell peppers - I did about 2/3 of one and used the rest for the salsa
Make into patties and cook (grill, in skillet, or bake/broil in oven). They did not stay together very well for me, but still turned out yummy!

Salsa
-whole kernel corn - maybe about a cup?
-chopped red bell pepper leftover from burger
-lime juice (about two small limes)
-1 chopped tomato
-fresh cilantro chopped
-finely chopped onion - just a little bit - maybe 1 T?
Mix together and serve on top of burger

I was completely surprised how well the grated bell pepper was in the burgers. Yummy! The recipe made about four big burgers and I put them in tupperware to heat up and then throw some salsa on top of.