Weight Watchers~~Week of 9/03-9/09

[AZJane]

Morning Everyone~

I'm all puffy this morning. Some of our trees are in full bloom this morning and dh and I both have puffy eyelids and such. Yuck. I feel like I gained 5 pounds overnight. Too scared to get on the scale or I'd check and see :D My overnight pumpkin rolls are in the oven and smell divine. They rose too much but I'm hoping the flavor will still be yummy. I shouldn't have used fast acting yeast but that is what I had on hand, so whatever.... :p

Off to start the day. Have a great one everybody!

[AZJane]

FTR~~ The pumpkin cinnamon rolls rocked! I may have to toss out the remainders to keep my paws off of them. :D DH isn't feeling well this AM and has no interest in them. Yikes. I really need to go dump them in the trash now but hate wasting. I think I'll call a neighbor and see if they'd like them. I really was just doing this as an experiment anyway and I'd rather toss the buns out than be wearing them on my hips. LOL..however, since dh isn't feeling well, the other goodies I have planned to make today are on the backburner...what to do, what to do. Hmm. Do you think this is how I wound up on WW to begin with? Me thinks I could be on to something :eek:

[MNGirlTX]

Jane - your cinnamon rolls sound yummy! But, yes, I think loving to cook, bake and then EAT what we've cooked and baked...is part of the downfall!

I've had a slow start today - I've been up for a while, but have just managed to brush my teeth and put some clothes on. I have a bunch of housework to do, and need to make a menu for the week and go grocery shopping. I may see what movies are playing and go check one out before doing my shopping. I LOVE movie theatre popcorn and can usually make it "lunch". We're having kind of a dreary looking day here in north Texas, but the slightly cooler temps are certainly welcome.

I'm hoping for another good week on program. And, looking forward to a short week of work. You gotta love a 3-day weekend!

I have my 5k race in the morning. I'm a little disturbed by the fact that I am classified as a "Clydesdale" (a woman over 150 pounds). However, it gives me incentive, doesn't it, to get below that number.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Lori

[Terri_A]

I only posted once last week and am committing right now to posting more often....it helps keep you honest and on track, I believe!

I spent the morning finishing up a birthday cake for a friend's son. There's nothing like loads of buttercream, french vanilla cake, dondant and modeling chocolate when you're on WW!!! I did nibble a bit yesterday while sculpting the cake, but had horrible stomach pains from it later - I guess my body is getting used to healthy foods and is forgetting what to do with junk!!!

Here's the cake - It's an "Animal Planet" Birthday party-
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos2287/2/61/42/28/3/9/903284261206_0_ALB.jpg

[AZJane]

Lori, I hope you enjoy your popcorn and your movie :) As for the Clydesdale category, good Lord! that's quite the name, eh? lol..Sending you good vibes for your run tomorrow! That is so cool! :cool:

Terri, WOW! What a cake! I'm so glad you shared a picture with us. I had dh come take a look too :) It is so cute! I bet Cole is going to LOVE it!

I've just gone through my fruit and veggies and I need to use up 2 bananas. Hmmm..I see a banana bread/cookie in my future. I'll be back on board eating very lean tomorrow (famous last words!). I could mash and freeze them but where's the fun in that?:D

[applecrisp]

It has been raining all day and I am staying in. Was great for breakfast and lunch but I am hungry now (is it just that I am hanging out at home). I am so trying to keep out of the kitchen -- by the way I am only steps away from it.

So when you are ready to eat the sleeve of your sweatshirt --- knowing that you really shouldn't be that hungry --- do you give in, or .... Drinking a glass of water is doing nothing for me.

Have a good week everyone.

[AZJane]

Apple, when I'm in my "good weightloss plan" mode (Donning halo here) I do things like take a bath, read a book, watch a movie, do a crossword puzzle. Mind distraction type stuff :)

[applecrisp]

Terri --

By the way the cake looks amazing! Excuse the off topic question, but how did you make it round -- perhaps baking it in two bowls...

The whole thing looks fantastic.

[Terri_A]

So when you are ready to eat the sleeve of your sweatshirt --- knowing that you really shouldn't be that hungry --- do you give in, or .... Drinking a glass of water is doing nothing for me.

I do think you are hungrier when you are hanging out at home than when you're at work, or out for the day. With that said - you need to decide if you're physically hungry or just want to chew? If you're hungry - go find a 1 point snack - small apple, WW yogurt, cheese stick, etc. If you just want to chew, start teaching yourself another activity. I find that if I do something that requires 2 hands, then I don't want to eat!!! I also chew gum a lot now and I think that helps tremendously!!! Hang in there - it happens to the best of us!

BTW, thanks for the comments on the cake...if only I could've restrained myself from nibbling the scraps!!! I actually baked 3 3" high 9" rounds and stacked them, then sculpted them into a ball. I couldn't find round bowls that were truly round. I would have ended up with an egg shape.

[AZJane]

Afternoon Losers!

Lori, I hope you had a great time on your 5K run. Post and tell us all about it. I love to read about peoples accomplishments.

Terri, how did Cole like the cake? Were his eyes as big as saucers when he saw it? I bet he was wowwed!

I'm steering clear of the kitchen today. I've been doing entirely too much baking that entail having too many goodies around. I need to go back to my small batch baking or not make goodies at all. I was into experimenting this weekend but now I've got my game face back on and am ready to get back down to my personal goal weight. I know I can do it. I'm going to do some swimming today for my exercise.

I hope you're all out having fun today!

[Tangerine]

So when you are ready to eat the sleeve of your sweatshirt --- knowing that you really shouldn't be that hungry --- do you give in, or .... Drinking a glass of water is doing nothing for me.



Dear Apple, you should consider becoming best friends with tea! All the various luscious and exciting teas, both loose leaf and bagged, are always there for you--to comfort you, please you, satisfy you--all calorie/fat free.

And, even beloved old Lipton tea, the tea with a PUNCH, with a little sugar sweetener and a tblsp. of dry nonfat milk (54 gr of calcium!) will not do any damage, is just as satisfying as food, and is heart healthy.

If you drink herbal tea, which is luscious and great for after dinnertime so it won't keep you up, since it has no real tea in it, it counts, on WW, as two cups herbal tea equal two glasses of water from the required 8 a day!

Real tea is extremely healthy, and green tea is ultra healthy. There are luscious green teas, like ginger green tea, and others.

You will never suffer hunger pains and/or guilt again.

Tea is my best friend!

Tangerine

[MNGirlTX]

Happy Labor Day, y'all!

It has been raining here since very early this morning. I'm not complaining, mind you. We needed the rain desperately and it has brought cooler temperatures - a relief after having something like 50 days in triple figures.

So, the race this morning was kinda wet :D . My goal was 45 minutes and I finished in 45:02 or so. I'm very happy about that.

I've got a Core meatloaf just about ready to come out of the oven. Need to get a couple more glasses of water into my system before the day is over. I had a horrible, non-Core breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon), so I really need to make up the rest of the week.

Lori

[Terri_A]

Believe it or not, I'm too tired to eat. That might be a first!!! We had a great Labor Day cookout at the swimming pool. A hamburger with all the toppings minus the bun is a yummy thing, I found! I did have 2 glasses of Sangria, each with 1/2 Diet Sprite and half Sangria. Otherwise, I did really well. I stayed away from potato salad and cheetos, but took extra tomatos as a side. It's amazing how if you really think about it, there are always options that are WW friendly.

As for Cole's reaction to the cake - like most 6 yo's - he could not have cared less!!! Oh well...

My big goal this week is to hit the gym at least 3 times - that would be huge for me. My plan is for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, but I have the ability to adjust that if something comes up, so I think it's pretty doable!

I hope you all have great weeks!

[SusanPC]

Hi there. It is a rainy monday morning here. One of those days you just didn't want to get out of bed.

Exercise wise, I was good this weekend. I skipped one day of the long weekend. Food wise, that is another story. I realize that I just can't have a full on cheat day because I extend it for the weekend.

I started on Friday afternoon for happy hour when our office closed early and never recovered. The 5lbs I had lost seem to have found their way home.

I have no food to speak of in the house and DH left for business this AM so I am off to the grocery after work today. I am going to hit the gym today as well.

I hit a bit of a snag, I am seeing an orthopedic this afternoon as I am getting terrible knee pains during my leg workouts. I have had knee problems since HS so I am not overly worried but, rather, want her to tell me what I can and can't do. In the meantime, I have backed off running on the treadmill and have been doing the elliptical and this funning looking eliptical runner (which btw, is an amazing workout if it can be judged by the resulting sweat after 45 minutes!)

Only two workouts with the trainer this week, but I am shooting for 4 cardio workouts on my own. Likely will be an arm day and a chest/back day. I've got to say, I am happy with the changes I am seeing in my body....but the scale needs to follow.

I hope all are doing well!

[AZJane]

Good Morning Everyone!

Looks like everyone is ready to go this week. Lets kick some weight to the curb :)

Lori, How cool that you set a goal and met it with your run! Especially with the rain factor! You rock! Not bad for a Clydesdale I'm sorry, I just think that is an odd term to use for women over 150. LOL... :D

Tangerine, thanks for the tea tip. Have you tried the chocolate tea from TJ's? I'm not sure if I like it or not but it has a very soothing effect on me. I love that part :)

Terri, I am sure all the adults were admiring your cake. It truly was a work of art :cool: Let us know how your exercise plans go this week. You can do it!

Susan, I joined you on the wild weekend food/drink fest :D Back at it today! I hope your doctor gives you some guidelines that will be manageable for you and fit your lifestyle.

I've got a busy day planned and somehow a busy day is my most successful foodwise one. Thank goodness! I need a push in the right direction. I think I spent entirely too much time at home this weekend and that is what got me going a little crazy in the recipes dept. Off to get ready and I'll check back later. I'll do my exercise this evening. Have a great day Ladies!

Jane

[SusanPC]

Well, thanks for the note. I am back from the Doctor and I have something called Patellofemural syndrome (sp?) which means I guess that my knee cap doens't track right all the time. But, other than squats she pretty much told me that the pain isn't causing damage so the best thing I can do is to build up my quad muscles.

What was schocking is that I had visited her about a year ago and I was 15 lbs less. AND, I distinctly recall us discussing how I needed to drop a few. I think it might have been the wake up that I really need!

The kitchen is now stocked with tons of fruits and veggies and lean protein. I am putting myself back on the straight and narrow!


Lori, I meant to say earlier, congrats on the race! You must feel great to have met your goal! Well done!

[MNGirlTX]

Thanks, ladies!! Almost more "importantly" than meeting my 45 minute goal was coming in in front of my boss ;) . We took 8th and 9th place, respectively, out of 12 female Clydesdales. Another co-worker and his friend ran, too. Co-worker finished 99 out of 100 men. He's too busy listening to i-pod and contemplating the sky to go very fast :rolleyes: . Friend finished 3rd in his age group - which was cool since it was his first race! We didn't stay for the awards, so he missed out on getting the metal.

Susan - sorry to hear about your knee cap. And, good luck getting back on the band wagon!

Terri - great cake!!!! (even if the 6-year was indifferent. What do kids know, anyway ;) )

I'm having an on-plan kind of day. Although, I think I didn't really need the ww smoothie at 3:30.

Lori

[Tangerine]

Tangerine, thanks for the tea tip. Have you tried the chocolate tea from TJ's? Jane

Jane, I have had chocolate tea. I prefer something like vanilla chai (sugarfree) or vanilla hazlenut for that luscious dessert taste, so it won't interfere with my chocolate milk. I have one and half or two glasses of milk a day, and put a little Sweet & Low chocolate syrup in it (about 5 or 10 calories, no fat) and drink it on down. So, I rather not have any imitation chocolate tastes around. Bigelow is a brand that's accessible in supermarkets and makes a few of those luscious teas. I also get loose leaf tea at specialty shops, like Russian wine, and Vanilla, and Blood Orange, which is out of this world. If you can find Christmas tea, get it. You'll love it. One of my very favorites is ginger peach tea.

You might like a tea called Constant Comment, if you haven't already tried it. It comes in decaf, too. It's very soothing, like the chocolate tea you had, and delicious--kind of a hint of orange and other lovely spices.

I have a great big beautiful tin of chamomile herbal tea, which I have at night before going to bed, as it has no caffeine and has sleep-inducing properties. It tastes like a flower garden, and is very romantic!

Tangerine

[TerriS]

I am loving those WW smoothies. I have been making them kicked-up with my usual morning smoothie by blending 2 cups of frozen fruit, 1 WW smoothie (the kind in the dairy case) and a bit of Crystal Light in the blender to make a delish fruit smoothie (2 servings, one for me and one for DH.)

I had a great week last week - was down 5 pounds (But the previous week was artificially high, I think). Either way it was great. Then I had to face Labor Day weekend with lots of parties and outings. I blew almost all of my WPA on Sunday with dim sum for breakfast and a dinner party that evening. I've been on plan since then.

Does anyone have the monthly pass? Does it work that I can go to any meeting? We're traveling this weekend and I usually WI on Saturday, so I guess I'll go Thursday night...

[applecrisp]

You know the show What Not to Wear, well yesterday was the day for What Not to Eat. And, once I started with the poor food choices, I just went for it.

Started the day with cereal, a sandwich and fruit for lunch.... and then .... let's have one, oh make it two muffins from the freezer. And, then proceed to eat these one-bite icecream things from TJ's. Let's just say I didn't stop at one..

So... today I start again. Just curious, do you keep food that is "tempting" to you out of the house? I just got so frustrated that I had no control.

Back on track...

Thanks for the tea idea -- I'll try that.

[MNGirlTX]

Terri - I have the monthly pass. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to go to any meeting. I'm assuming you mean if you normally weigh on Saturday at 9 a.m., can you use the pass at a Wednesday 6 p.m. meeting. You've paid...it shouldn't matter what day you weigh in.

Good luck at your WI!

[SusanPC]

Well, a day yesterday fully on plan and I lost the 5 lbs that found me over the weekend. Don't you love water weight? I am motivated now though to stick to it--I don't want to see the scale up again. It is just time to lose these stupid 30ish lbs and get on with it.

I am annoyed, I prepared lunch and snacks this AM and left it in the fridge. I can certainly make healthy choices around the office, but I was actually looking forward to all of the fresh fruit I had packed. Oh well...

Dinner tonight is a flank steak (DH gets home from work travel--I hope the weather is ok to grill) in a simple lower sodium soy sauce marinade, squash that I will sautee and either a baked sweet potatoe or wild rice.

I have my trainer tonight.

What are the WW smoothies you all are talking about?

[AZJane]

Morning and Happy Wednesday!

I had a great day yesterday and plan on having another one today. I got my water in, ate clean and exercised! Wow it feels good to get a full day under my belt! :cool:

Susan, I'm glad you got your knee checked out and you're clear to get some great exercise in. I know what you mean about a 'wakeup call'. I had something very similar happen to me and it sure did the trick to get me on board with dropping the pounds.

Tangerine, thanks for all the tea tips. I'll be on the lookout for fun options :)

Terri, I love smoothies. I like to add SF davincis syrup to mine sometimes to doctor up the flavor a bit :) I think I'll add a smoothie to my day today. I don't know anything about monthly passes. I don't believe AZ has them.

Apple, your day yesterday sounds like a few of mine this past weekend. Ugh. Just start fresh and get back on board.

Susan, wow. I love watching that weekend bloat drop off quickly! Very cool.The smoothies are by the yogurts in the grocery stores if you want to check them out :)

[applecrisp]

Just wondering, many of you have mentioned "drinking your water" etc and I was curious how many glasses do you try to drink each day on a standard day? --- not a day that you'll be out in the hot weather or doing a ton of strenuous exercise.

I know water has a lot of benefits (and so many say it helps with weight loss) so is it the "8 glasses" you hear so much about, or more than that?

Thanks,

[MNGirlTX]

Just wondering, many of you have mentioned "drinking your water" etc and I was curious how many glasses do you try to drink each day on a standard day? --- not a day that you'll be out in the hot weather or doing a ton of strenuous exercise.

I know water has a lot of benefits (and so many say it helps with weight loss) so is it the "8 glasses" you hear so much about, or more than that?

Thanks,

My running coach actually wants us to drink 100 oz. every day. I don't hit that number. I try to drink my 8 glasses, but I'm bad about keeping track. If I run in the morning - which is every day except Friday and Sunday - I generally drink at least 24 oz. immediately following my run.

I always have a glass of something nearby. The first thing I do when I get to work is crack open a Diet Pepsi. I've been trying to limit myself to 2 a day, but I'm not always successful. After I have my Diet Pepsi, I make myself have a glass of water. Today I've had 2 Diet Pepsi's, a hot tea and 2 glasses of iced tea. All 12 oz size. Plus, I had only 12 oz. of water after my run because it was short. I'll often have at least 1 Crystal Light. And, I usually have at least one plain water during the day at work. Tonight, when I go home, I'll only drink water and I'll probably have 3 glasses or more between work and bed at 10.

If I drink 3 glasses tonight, I'll hit the 100 oz. But, I think I can only count 1 Diet Pepsi toward my water intake, right?

Yes, I get up during the night to pee :D .

Lori

[SusanPC]

I usually drink about 60 oz at work during the day. And then on days I work out with my trainer probably another 40 or so. I am bad on the weekends...don't drink nearly as much. I try to limit myself to one coffee in the AM and one diet coke per day. My step son likes to inform me that it corrodes paint off a car :)

Hope everyone is doing well. I am on day three of being on plan and am feeling pretty good. The test will be the wine tasting/bachelorette party this weekend....

Question, is it ok to not use all of the 35 flex points per week?

And, do you all use your activity points?

[MNGirlTX]

Susan - It is absolutely okay not to eat all your flex points...or your activity points.

I think it is a pretty individual thing. Some people lose with eating all the flex and activity points, some can't eat any of them. I think there are a lot of variables. And, the only way to know what works for you is to experiment.

I don't "count" on Saturdays, but I'm sure I eat most of my flex points between weigh in on Thursday night and breakfast on Sunday morning. I earn at least 12 APs on Saturday mornings. Since I started core, I haven't paid that much attention to my flex points, but I stay true to plan during the week.

Lori

[tiinaj1]

Hello all - I am new to this group and need a little help if you possibly can. I have a cookbook on healthy cooking that doesn't list the fiber grams. Does anyone know of a free online nutrition calculator that figures out the nutrition information if you put in the amount of ingredients? I found one a long time ago and now I can't remember where I found it.

I'm trying to figure out the points - WW says to count fiber as 0 points - but I'm sure with all the fiber in these foods there should be fiber grams that will make the points lower.

I hope this makes sense and I hope someone has an answer!

TIA
Tina
tiinaj1@yahoo.com ;)

[Terri_A]

Well....my week's been okay. Foodwise - I'm right on track. To whomever asked about WPA and activity points...I don't eat activity points and the only time I use my weekly points allowance is for booze- :D :eek: :D !

I have not gotten to the guym, but DD and have walked to the park and back several times this week ( about a mile each way ). Also, I got out on the field tonight at DD's soccer practice and was running around with them for about 45 minutes. So...I did still get activity in, despite my lack of presence at the gym.

[Terri_A]

I just thought I would add, that I'm down 1.5 pounds this week!!! Yeehaw! It comes off me slow, but as long as it comes off, I'm okay with that!!!

[TerriS]

For nutritional info - here are two really good websites

http://www.calorieking.com/foods/
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

I blew most of my WPA on Sunday (on wine and dessert) and I was up .8 pounds on Thursday, despite getting lots of exercise and totally being within my points this week. Oh well, it was 2 days before I usually weigh in, and I was down 5 pounds last week. I am overall feeling really good about how I'm eating on program. My hunger needs have totally shifted and I am satisfied on a lot less - funny what happens when you are eating right. :)

[SusanPC]

Congrats on the loss, Terri_A! I have had a pretty successful week myself. Have been on plan all week and am feeling great. My DH had a work dinner last night and brought me home a chocolate dessert and I managed to eat two bites and toss the rest. For me this is good...although I am sure there were more calories in those two bites than I had for dinner! He has also been counseled that he doesn't need to bring me home anything in the future. :D

I had my trainer last night and he gave me a comparison of my measurments from Day 1 vs. the end of Week 3. I lost like 1" from my neck (who knew), 3" from my hips and chest, and 2" from my waist. It was the encouragement I needed! (I get another set of measurments taken end of next week--week 5).

According to him I have only lost 1 lb. But, another woman that started at the same time as me (and was 10 lbs lighter to begin) has lost 12 lbs! It made me realize the food part is my obstacle for sure! (Not that I didn't already know that.)

DH and I plan to stay in for dinner tonight (absolutely unheard of for us---we have restaurants galore within walking distance of our place and are always out on the weekends) and have healthy fare planned.

[MNGirlTX]

I'm sad to report I had a little gain this week. But, it was very little - .2. It could have been worse considering I was not very good between Friday and Monday. And, I'm expecting my period in less than a week.

However, on the plus side, I am wearing a shirt this morning that has been in my closet for something like 5 years. It's a button down, and t-shirt knit, so it's close fitting. And, it fits really well!!

Terri - congrats on your loss!!! That's awesome.

Lori

[AZJane]

Hi Everybody!

We have phone problems and the phone co says they won't be repaired until as late as Monday! We've been down since Thursday AM. Ticks me off but there is nothing we can do. We can't get dsl or satellite internet where we live. Ridiculous that we live in the Phoenix area and yet can't get this stuff. Oh well, enough complaining. I'll be back when my computer is back online :) Keep up the good work! Congrats to the Losers and Hang in there for the strugglers. I did my monthly weigh in and was up .2. I'm not concerned as I was wearing heavier clothes and i know I'm working the plan and doing things right. I think I'm getting used to maintenance and am taking it one day at a time.

Chat with you next week.

Jane