I'm at level 3 y'all!
And all I can say is ...
THANK GOD.
I was NOT a fan of Level 2. It wasn't horrible or anything, it was just plain HARD! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what it did to my body I just didn't love having to do it :)
About Level 3:
I burned 260 calories.
Again, it's the 3-2-1 system (3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, 1 minute of abs) and I have become a huge fan of this format. I find that I can push myself harder when I know that any second I get to move on to something else. I'm only on Day 1 of this level but it already feels easier than Level 2. Then again, when I wrote my last update about Level 2 I had no idea that that workout would get harder as time went on. I'd like to think it became harder because I pushed myself each time I did the workout. In all honesty, I did do that. I always start a level following the beginner moves most of the time, but I like to end doing as many of the advanced moves as I can. And push myself I did. My hips and butt are still sore from doing my last workout from level 2 because of those stupid planks.
Measurements:
Level 1 Day 1:
Chest: 40"
Ribs: 33"
Waist: 33.5"
Hips: 42"
Belly Button: 34.5"
Upper Thigh: 24"
Leg @ Knee: 18"
Left Arm: 12.25"
Level 3 Day 1:
Chest: 40"
Ribs: 32"
Waist: 32.5"
Hips: 41"
Belly Button: 33.5"
Upper Thigh: 22.5"
Leg @ Knee: 17"
Left Arm: 12"
Total Lost: -6.75"
Today's Menu:
B: larabar
L: zucchini boat + bacon wrapped jalapeno pepper + spring potato salad
D: sushi
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Weight Watchers Weigh In: Week 34
Hey y'all.
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Virginia where the phrase y'all is used quite frequently, as you can imagine. I haven't lived there since 2000 and I still use y'all like it's going out of style.
And I probably always will.
It's been a long week. Nothing too stressful happened. It was more like time just seemed to move at a brutally slow pace. However, tis Friday and therefore I shall rejoice.
Hurrah! Hurrah!
Weigh In: -1.2 lbs
Rejoice again I shall.
Hurrah! Hurrah!
If my math is right (and it always is- Tony Stark) since January 2nd, I have lost 13.8 pounds. That's huge! If memory serves, that's the most consistent weight loss I've ever had in my adult life with relative ease.
For years I have always either counted calories or points. I always stayed within what was the appropriate calorie deficit for my height and weight but I rarely lost consistent weight. And if I did, seeing more than a pound loss total per month was a joyous occasion for me. And I ALWAYS worked out. HARD. I ran, I lifted weights, I played sports, I did it all. Up until January 2013 that has always been my plan. I followed my points/calories, I worked out 5-6 days a week and I'd pray for the weight loss to happen. And I usually felt horrible. I was usually hungry, craving some sort of take-out/fast food item. Or counting the seconds til the weekend when I could have my "cheat day" and finally be satisfied. I also felt like I had no control over the situation. I felt like I had no control over what I was eating.
When I was younger, this sort of worked for me. I was able to keep serious weight gain at bay but never really got the results I wanted. But as I got older (especially in the last couple of years) it eventually became this cycle that wore me to the bone. Monday thru Friday I was diligent. I always stayed within my daily points/calories and I got in my workouts (intense hour plus long workouts). But I was either always hungry or always wishing I was eating something else. I didn't want to touch those Weekly Points because I wanted them for the weekend. And then the weekend would come and I would eat those "naughty" items. I wouldn't go over my points (most of the time) but I would relish every last one. And then come Monday morning, I'd weigh 5 pounds heavier due to my weekend splurges. And then during the work week, I'd be diligent again and slowly would lose those 5 pounds and if I was really, really lucky maybe an extra quarter pound would come off too. But then the weekend would come and I would do it over again.
And that made for some terribly slow weight loss. Or rather, it made for some non-existent weight loss.
From mid September 2012 to the end of December 2012 I had been on WW for 15 weeks. At the end of those 15 weeks I had lost 0.2 pounds total.
See what I mean? Vicious cycle.
And while I knew this was going on I still felt like something was wrong with me. Like there was nothing left for me to try to lose weight because it just wasn't working for me.
Then in January of this year I changed everything about the way I ate. And if I'm going to be honest, I was pretty scared to do it. I'd like to say I was so frustrated about my weight (and I was) that I was just hell-bent on changing everything to get results. But even knowing that change was necessary to get what I DESPERATELY wanted (weight-loss), I was afraid to give up eating certain foods.
It was my own Sophie's Choice. Did I want to be miserable in my body (because I was starting to become that way) but be able to eat whatever deliciousness I wanted OR did I want to try to make some dietary changes which would most definitely make me healthier and just might make me lose some weight?
I easily made the decision to change my diet but in the weeks leading up to my designated date (I chose January 2), I had all sorts of negative feelings about it. I was doubtful it would work, I was scared I would miss food too much, I was nervous that my life would be miserable because I couldn't eat whatever I wanted.
I seriously had that thought. That I would have a miserable existence because I was cutting unhealthy food out of my life. That's just not right.
There are people who CAN eat whatever they want and maintain a healthy life and weight. I am not one of those people.
I have NEVER been one of those people.
So after a couple months of preparation and because of other on-goings in my life, on January 2nd, I started a particular elimination diet that would eventually change my way of thinking. I cut out the processed food and other items and ended up learning that my body doesn't do well on certain foods. Apparently my body does not like gluten, dairy and to a small degree soy and eggs.
And from there, my world changed.
I lost weight even though I wasn't exercising. I taught myself that taking things out of your diet doesn't mean you have nothing left to eat, in fact, there are usually too many choices! I learned that certain foods have an excessive amount of control over me and when I stop eating them, I take back ALL control. And I learned that it's still hard work.
There is no band-aid people. No matter which path your body takes you on, there will always be hard work along the way.
None of these revelations were overnight. I still struggle with feelings of success and failure. I still have moments where I wish I were "normal". But they aren't as bad as they used to be. Thank God. But the best thing I've learned is that changing my diet did NOT make me miserable :)
What I did this week:
1. I earned probably around 15 AP. I did five 30 Day Shred workouts. I took an extra day off due to crazy muscle soreness. I don't know what it is about level 2 but it makes my hips and lower back hurt crazy bad. I think it's the last ab exercise, the plank while bringing your knee over. Whatever it is, it makes for some serious body soreness.
2. I ate 214 points for the week (I do not count AP towards my total)
3. Water = :)
4. What I ate. This past week I made my homemade Big Macs, chef salad, soup au pistou (fancy name for vegetable soup to which I added chicken), roasted chicken lettuce wraps, and chicken scampi. I also indulged in some larabars, peanut butter, and sushi. But not at the same time. (I'll be trying my hand at homemade larabars this weekend. If I'm successful I'll let you know)
Today's Menu:
B: Larabar
L: Chef Salad + Apple
D: Soup au Pistou ** and probably some sushi ;)
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Virginia where the phrase y'all is used quite frequently, as you can imagine. I haven't lived there since 2000 and I still use y'all like it's going out of style.
And I probably always will.
It's been a long week. Nothing too stressful happened. It was more like time just seemed to move at a brutally slow pace. However, tis Friday and therefore I shall rejoice.
Hurrah! Hurrah!
Weigh In: -1.2 lbs
Rejoice again I shall.
Hurrah! Hurrah!
If my math is right (and it always is- Tony Stark) since January 2nd, I have lost 13.8 pounds. That's huge! If memory serves, that's the most consistent weight loss I've ever had in my adult life with relative ease.
For years I have always either counted calories or points. I always stayed within what was the appropriate calorie deficit for my height and weight but I rarely lost consistent weight. And if I did, seeing more than a pound loss total per month was a joyous occasion for me. And I ALWAYS worked out. HARD. I ran, I lifted weights, I played sports, I did it all. Up until January 2013 that has always been my plan. I followed my points/calories, I worked out 5-6 days a week and I'd pray for the weight loss to happen. And I usually felt horrible. I was usually hungry, craving some sort of take-out/fast food item. Or counting the seconds til the weekend when I could have my "cheat day" and finally be satisfied. I also felt like I had no control over the situation. I felt like I had no control over what I was eating.
When I was younger, this sort of worked for me. I was able to keep serious weight gain at bay but never really got the results I wanted. But as I got older (especially in the last couple of years) it eventually became this cycle that wore me to the bone. Monday thru Friday I was diligent. I always stayed within my daily points/calories and I got in my workouts (intense hour plus long workouts). But I was either always hungry or always wishing I was eating something else. I didn't want to touch those Weekly Points because I wanted them for the weekend. And then the weekend would come and I would eat those "naughty" items. I wouldn't go over my points (most of the time) but I would relish every last one. And then come Monday morning, I'd weigh 5 pounds heavier due to my weekend splurges. And then during the work week, I'd be diligent again and slowly would lose those 5 pounds and if I was really, really lucky maybe an extra quarter pound would come off too. But then the weekend would come and I would do it over again.
And that made for some terribly slow weight loss. Or rather, it made for some non-existent weight loss.
From mid September 2012 to the end of December 2012 I had been on WW for 15 weeks. At the end of those 15 weeks I had lost 0.2 pounds total.
See what I mean? Vicious cycle.
And while I knew this was going on I still felt like something was wrong with me. Like there was nothing left for me to try to lose weight because it just wasn't working for me.
Then in January of this year I changed everything about the way I ate. And if I'm going to be honest, I was pretty scared to do it. I'd like to say I was so frustrated about my weight (and I was) that I was just hell-bent on changing everything to get results. But even knowing that change was necessary to get what I DESPERATELY wanted (weight-loss), I was afraid to give up eating certain foods.
It was my own Sophie's Choice. Did I want to be miserable in my body (because I was starting to become that way) but be able to eat whatever deliciousness I wanted OR did I want to try to make some dietary changes which would most definitely make me healthier and just might make me lose some weight?
I easily made the decision to change my diet but in the weeks leading up to my designated date (I chose January 2), I had all sorts of negative feelings about it. I was doubtful it would work, I was scared I would miss food too much, I was nervous that my life would be miserable because I couldn't eat whatever I wanted.
I seriously had that thought. That I would have a miserable existence because I was cutting unhealthy food out of my life. That's just not right.
There are people who CAN eat whatever they want and maintain a healthy life and weight. I am not one of those people.
I have NEVER been one of those people.
So after a couple months of preparation and because of other on-goings in my life, on January 2nd, I started a particular elimination diet that would eventually change my way of thinking. I cut out the processed food and other items and ended up learning that my body doesn't do well on certain foods. Apparently my body does not like gluten, dairy and to a small degree soy and eggs.
And from there, my world changed.
I lost weight even though I wasn't exercising. I taught myself that taking things out of your diet doesn't mean you have nothing left to eat, in fact, there are usually too many choices! I learned that certain foods have an excessive amount of control over me and when I stop eating them, I take back ALL control. And I learned that it's still hard work.
There is no band-aid people. No matter which path your body takes you on, there will always be hard work along the way.
None of these revelations were overnight. I still struggle with feelings of success and failure. I still have moments where I wish I were "normal". But they aren't as bad as they used to be. Thank God. But the best thing I've learned is that changing my diet did NOT make me miserable :)
What I did this week:
1. I earned probably around 15 AP. I did five 30 Day Shred workouts. I took an extra day off due to crazy muscle soreness. I don't know what it is about level 2 but it makes my hips and lower back hurt crazy bad. I think it's the last ab exercise, the plank while bringing your knee over. Whatever it is, it makes for some serious body soreness.
2. I ate 214 points for the week (I do not count AP towards my total)
3. Water = :)
4. What I ate. This past week I made my homemade Big Macs, chef salad, soup au pistou (fancy name for vegetable soup to which I added chicken), roasted chicken lettuce wraps, and chicken scampi. I also indulged in some larabars, peanut butter, and sushi. But not at the same time. (I'll be trying my hand at homemade larabars this weekend. If I'm successful I'll let you know)
Today's Menu:
B: Larabar
L: Chef Salad + Apple
D: Soup au Pistou ** and probably some sushi ;)
Monday, May 6, 2013
My Big Mac
So Saturday I tried my hand at re-creating one of my most favorite fast food items: the Big Mac.
Years and years ago my mom bought me the Best of Top Secret Recipes cookbook by Tom Wilbur. And in it is the copycat recipe for the Big Mac!
As you can imagine, the recipe ingredients are quite simple but the author says it's the ORDER in which you build the burger that matters most.
According to the BOOK you will need:
Ingredients:
4 hamburger buns
2 additional hamburger buns
1 pound ground beef
dash salt
1 T Kraft Thousand Island
4 tsp finely diced onion
2 cups chopped lettuce
4 slices American cheese
8 - 12 dill pickles slices.
(Makes 4 Big Macs)
As I'm not eating certain foods nowadays I'll be making some substitutions:
I'll use grass-fed ground beef, an actual recipe for the special sauce, gluten free hamburger buns, and vegan American cheese.
I know with my substitutions it won't be perfect but I'm desperately hoping it'll be close.
As for the special sauce, in the original book recipe Mr. Wilbur calls for Kraft Thousand Island. However, some deep internet research reveals an actual recipe for the sauce:
.JPG)
1/2 c. mayo (I don't do well with mayo so I will use soy free vegenaise)
3 T French Dressing (Annie's Organics makes one that is GF and vegan plus it's organic so you can't beat that)
1/2 T sweet pickle relish (quick note: finding relish without HFCS is quite difficult - thank you Del Monte!)
1 1/2 T dill pickle relish**
1 ts minced onion
1 ts sugar (I used xylitol and it turned out beautifully)
1 ts vinegar
1 ts ketchup
1/8 ts salt
Makes enough for 8 burgers.
You're going to mix it all up, put it in the microwave for about 25 seconds, stir again, then let chill in the refrigerator for an hour.
After I mixed the sauce I had my boyfriend taste it. His eyes opened wide and he said "Oh wow that tastes just like it".
After he said that, I knew this was going to work.
**I already had the dill pickle slices for the burgers so instead of buying dill pickle relish, I just diced up some of the dill slices and used that instead. It worked great.
And now the order:
According to Mr. Wilbur it HAS to be in this order:
Are you ready?
1. Bottom Bun
2. Special Sauce
3. Onion
4. Lettuce
5. American Cheese
6. All Beef Patty
7. Middle Bun
8. Special Sauce
9. Onion
10. Lettuce
11. Pickles
12. All Beef Patty
13. Top Bun
Seriously, the cookbook has a blueprint of the building process it's THAT important.
So while the sauce chilled, we made the patties and got all the toppings ready. And then we got to building these bad boys.
The result?
.JPG)
Perfect.
Seriously, I just at there with a huge, stupid grin on my face. I was so happy.
A couple of things. I did NOT add the extra bun in the center because we didn't have enough to go around and I also added an extra slice of cheese because I wanted extra cheese :) But other than that, I followed everything else to a "T".
There you have it boys and girls. My version of a gluten free, dairy free, fast food free Big Mac.
I WILL DEFINITELY be making these again.
Points Plus for One "Big Mac" w/ extra cheese: 15 points plus
Years and years ago my mom bought me the Best of Top Secret Recipes cookbook by Tom Wilbur. And in it is the copycat recipe for the Big Mac!
As you can imagine, the recipe ingredients are quite simple but the author says it's the ORDER in which you build the burger that matters most.
According to the BOOK you will need:
Ingredients:
4 hamburger buns
2 additional hamburger buns
1 pound ground beef
dash salt
1 T Kraft Thousand Island
4 tsp finely diced onion
2 cups chopped lettuce
4 slices American cheese
8 - 12 dill pickles slices.
(Makes 4 Big Macs)
As I'm not eating certain foods nowadays I'll be making some substitutions:
I'll use grass-fed ground beef, an actual recipe for the special sauce, gluten free hamburger buns, and vegan American cheese.
I know with my substitutions it won't be perfect but I'm desperately hoping it'll be close.
As for the special sauce, in the original book recipe Mr. Wilbur calls for Kraft Thousand Island. However, some deep internet research reveals an actual recipe for the sauce:
.JPG)
1/2 c. mayo (I don't do well with mayo so I will use soy free vegenaise)
3 T French Dressing (Annie's Organics makes one that is GF and vegan plus it's organic so you can't beat that)
1/2 T sweet pickle relish (quick note: finding relish without HFCS is quite difficult - thank you Del Monte!)
1 1/2 T dill pickle relish**
1 ts minced onion
1 ts sugar (I used xylitol and it turned out beautifully)
1 ts vinegar
1 ts ketchup
1/8 ts salt
Makes enough for 8 burgers.
You're going to mix it all up, put it in the microwave for about 25 seconds, stir again, then let chill in the refrigerator for an hour.
After I mixed the sauce I had my boyfriend taste it. His eyes opened wide and he said "Oh wow that tastes just like it".
After he said that, I knew this was going to work.
**I already had the dill pickle slices for the burgers so instead of buying dill pickle relish, I just diced up some of the dill slices and used that instead. It worked great.
And now the order:
According to Mr. Wilbur it HAS to be in this order:
Are you ready?
1. Bottom Bun
2. Special Sauce
3. Onion
4. Lettuce
5. American Cheese
6. All Beef Patty
7. Middle Bun
8. Special Sauce
9. Onion
10. Lettuce
11. Pickles
12. All Beef Patty
13. Top Bun
Seriously, the cookbook has a blueprint of the building process it's THAT important.
So while the sauce chilled, we made the patties and got all the toppings ready. And then we got to building these bad boys.
The result?
.JPG)
Perfect.
Seriously, I just at there with a huge, stupid grin on my face. I was so happy.
A couple of things. I did NOT add the extra bun in the center because we didn't have enough to go around and I also added an extra slice of cheese because I wanted extra cheese :) But other than that, I followed everything else to a "T".
There you have it boys and girls. My version of a gluten free, dairy free, fast food free Big Mac.
I WILL DEFINITELY be making these again.
Points Plus for One "Big Mac" w/ extra cheese: 15 points plus
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Weight Watchers Weigh In: Week 33
Weigh In: -2.8 lbs
I felt this one coming. Around Tuesday or Wednesday I swear I felt as if a layer of fat had been shed from my body overnight.
No lie. It was kind of weird but awesome.
I don't think the loss was a result of any particular one thing that I did this past week but rather just a result of weeks of trying.
Oh and try I did!
How it happened:
1. I earned 12-14 AP. I did five 30 Day Shred workouts. I usually do 6 workouts per week but I took an extra day off due to not feeling well. (AP points are an estimate based on 1AP = 100 calories burned)
2. I ate 220 points. After 30 some weeks of being on this program, I think that when I eat around 220-225 points and NOT eat any of my AP then I get the best results. So I'm going to shoot for that again. (NO AP points counted in that total)
3. Water. Water is, like, my BFF now. Where I go, it goes.
4. What I ate? Let's see. I had: breakfast potatoes and bacon; french spring soup; pulled pork and coleslaw; BLT sandwich (I tried another gluten free bread: Udi's White Sandwich Bread. It's got a good flavor but has that slight crumbly texture that most GF items have. I only used it once but if I ever needed bread I'd probably get this one again); and of course sushi. I've also added Larabars to the mix. Right now I have the Blueberry Muffin flavor and the ingredients are: dates, cashews, blueberries, blueberry juice concentrate, lemon juice concentrate and vanilla. And that's it! Amazing right? After I get through the very few I have left, I'm going to try making my own. I keep one of these in my purse for emergencies. Pretty good and you can't beat that ingredient list. Oh yeah, we also had our weekend treat of Kettle potato chips.
I had the least variety in my menu this past week because I was so busy I never made my other meal (in case you're wondering it was a sweet potato hash with vegetables). I've been house and dog sitting for my friends and it's been busy.
Today's Menu:
We're going to try to make Big Macs! After my dietary changes we only really eat at two places. Sushi and Hugo's. Since I always am concerned about eating something I'm not supposed to, we generally just make everything ourselves. While this is definitely the healthiest way for me to eat, it's not always the most fun. I've said it before, but I REALLY miss eating out. We've only eaten out maybe five times in over 4 months. So crazy. Anyway, we're going to try to make Big Macs.
This one is for me because I LOVE Big Macs.
If I'm successful, I'll be sure to share!
I felt this one coming. Around Tuesday or Wednesday I swear I felt as if a layer of fat had been shed from my body overnight.
No lie. It was kind of weird but awesome.
I don't think the loss was a result of any particular one thing that I did this past week but rather just a result of weeks of trying.
Oh and try I did!
How it happened:
1. I earned 12-14 AP. I did five 30 Day Shred workouts. I usually do 6 workouts per week but I took an extra day off due to not feeling well. (AP points are an estimate based on 1AP = 100 calories burned)
2. I ate 220 points. After 30 some weeks of being on this program, I think that when I eat around 220-225 points and NOT eat any of my AP then I get the best results. So I'm going to shoot for that again. (NO AP points counted in that total)
3. Water. Water is, like, my BFF now. Where I go, it goes.
4. What I ate? Let's see. I had: breakfast potatoes and bacon; french spring soup; pulled pork and coleslaw; BLT sandwich (I tried another gluten free bread: Udi's White Sandwich Bread. It's got a good flavor but has that slight crumbly texture that most GF items have. I only used it once but if I ever needed bread I'd probably get this one again); and of course sushi. I've also added Larabars to the mix. Right now I have the Blueberry Muffin flavor and the ingredients are: dates, cashews, blueberries, blueberry juice concentrate, lemon juice concentrate and vanilla. And that's it! Amazing right? After I get through the very few I have left, I'm going to try making my own. I keep one of these in my purse for emergencies. Pretty good and you can't beat that ingredient list. Oh yeah, we also had our weekend treat of Kettle potato chips.
I had the least variety in my menu this past week because I was so busy I never made my other meal (in case you're wondering it was a sweet potato hash with vegetables). I've been house and dog sitting for my friends and it's been busy.
Today's Menu:
We're going to try to make Big Macs! After my dietary changes we only really eat at two places. Sushi and Hugo's. Since I always am concerned about eating something I'm not supposed to, we generally just make everything ourselves. While this is definitely the healthiest way for me to eat, it's not always the most fun. I've said it before, but I REALLY miss eating out. We've only eaten out maybe five times in over 4 months. So crazy. Anyway, we're going to try to make Big Macs.
This one is for me because I LOVE Big Macs.
If I'm successful, I'll be sure to share!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
30 Day Shred: Level 2
I had my first workout at level 2 last night!
First, the facts: It was the same 3-2-1 format, 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, 1 minute of abs, and it ran just around 25 minutes total. The only equipment needed is a set of dumbbells. I burned 225 calories according to my HRM.
I thought this was definitely a step up from Level 1. There were a couple of times when I had to do a beginner version of a move or take a five second (but no more!) breather. The compound moves during this level are definitely more difficult but I guess that's how it's supposed to be. I remember wishing during Level 1 that the legs were utilized more and this level takes care of that. Also, get ready to love the plank. She uses it quite a bit. I have a love-hate relationship with the plank. I love what it does for your body but I hate doing it.
Am I sore?
Not really. I was pretty sore after level 1 so I guess that means I have gained some strength :) I can tell I did a good workout last night because I have a slight bit of stiffness in my smaller muscles. If I roll my shoulders I can definitely feel that I worked them pretty good last night. It must be those darn planks.
I'm excited for this new level and challenge and have to remind myself that the more I put into each individual workout, the better my overall results will be.
Also, just as a note, you're supposed to be doing this program for 30 days straight. I'm not doing that. Instead I'm doing 6 days a week w/ 1 rest day.
Today's Menu:
B: Larabar (blueberry muffin)
L: French Spring Soup (basically a whole bunch of spring veggies in a delicious broth)
D: Pulled Pork + Cole Slaw
First, the facts: It was the same 3-2-1 format, 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, 1 minute of abs, and it ran just around 25 minutes total. The only equipment needed is a set of dumbbells. I burned 225 calories according to my HRM.
I thought this was definitely a step up from Level 1. There were a couple of times when I had to do a beginner version of a move or take a five second (but no more!) breather. The compound moves during this level are definitely more difficult but I guess that's how it's supposed to be. I remember wishing during Level 1 that the legs were utilized more and this level takes care of that. Also, get ready to love the plank. She uses it quite a bit. I have a love-hate relationship with the plank. I love what it does for your body but I hate doing it.
Am I sore?
Not really. I was pretty sore after level 1 so I guess that means I have gained some strength :) I can tell I did a good workout last night because I have a slight bit of stiffness in my smaller muscles. If I roll my shoulders I can definitely feel that I worked them pretty good last night. It must be those darn planks.
I'm excited for this new level and challenge and have to remind myself that the more I put into each individual workout, the better my overall results will be.
Also, just as a note, you're supposed to be doing this program for 30 days straight. I'm not doing that. Instead I'm doing 6 days a week w/ 1 rest day.
Today's Menu:
B: Larabar (blueberry muffin)
L: French Spring Soup (basically a whole bunch of spring veggies in a delicious broth)
D: Pulled Pork + Cole Slaw
Friday, April 26, 2013
Weight Watchers Weigh In: Week 32 plus 30 Day Shred Update
Weigh-In: -1.6 pounds
A couple of things: Even though my weigh-ins are on Friday mornings, two weeks ago, I decided to do a weigh-in on the following Saturday morning just for fun.
That fine Saturday morning, I registered my lowest weight for 2013. It was a nice surprise even though I'm acutely aware of how much my weight fluctuates. And just for reference, it was about 3 pounds lower than my weigh-in this morning.
Like I said, that ultra low weigh-in was TWO weeks ago. And you know what? I haven't really been able to get it out of my head. First, I had that giant spike last Friday (+3.6 pounds) and though I lost weight this week, it is still, like I said, about 3 pounds lower than that magical Saturday weigh-in. I'm really happy that I still had a loss this week but honestly that Saturday reading was still plaguing me.
Until yesterday and today.
I went bathing suit shopping yesterday. I tried on suit after suit but I couldn't find anything that fit. It took me 3 rounds in the dressing room before I realized the reason nothing fit was because I was grabbing the wrong size. On my fourth try, I grabbed one size smaller of everything and though I was skeptic that was the problem, I walked out that day with three different suits. Yes, three. All in the smaller size. I don't know about you but for me that is a giant victory. And it was a nice start to help me get over that whole lowest weight thing.
Then today, I decided to do a measurement update for my 30 Day Shred. The first numbers are my starting numbers, the second numbers are my measurements as of today:
Chest: 40"/40"
Ribs: 33"/32.75"
Waist: 33.5"/33"
Hips: 42"/42"
Belly Button: 34.5"/34.5"
Upper Thigh: 24"/23.75"
Leg @ Knee: 18"/17.5"
Left Arm: 12.25"/12"
As you can see, I've made a little bit of progress after only 8 workouts! I'll be doing my 9th workout of Level 1 tonight and if things go as planned, I'll be starting Level 2 on Sunday. I'm excited to move on to Level 2. I watched it last night and it's definitely a step up and I'm totally ready.
Anyway, as I was writing down my new measurements I realized something. Those starting measurements for the 30 Day Shred are actually my final measurements from Slim in 6. And you know what? Those were taken TWO DAYS after my magical Saturday morning weigh-in. You see where this is going? The new measurements are my numbers as of TODAY and even though I weigh some 3 pounds more than I did 2 weeks ago, I have actually lost 1.25 inches overall since that magical Saturday morning.
In fact, check out my measurements from February 15, 2013:
Chest: 41"
Ribs: 34"
Waist: 35"
Hips: 43"
Belly Button: 35.5"
Upper Thigh: 24"
Leg @ Knee: 18.25"
Left Arm: 12.5"
February 15th was also one of my Friday Weigh-In Days. And you know how much I weighed on February 15th? The exact same amount that I weigh today except that I am smaller by 7.75 inches.
The point is, TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS PEOPLE. As long as I keep losing inches, I kind of don't care what the scale says. The scale is just one form of feedback and probably not even really a good form at that.
Now, on to my Weekly Roundup:
1. I earned around 15 AP. I think that's a pretty good guess. I did six 30 Day Shred workouts. (NOTE: I DON'T EAT MY AP)
2. I ate 244 points. I was aiming for 220-225 but didn't quite hit the mark. I'm going to aim for 220-225 again this week. (No AP points are calculated in my weekly totals)
3. I drank water. In fact, it's getting easier so I'm hope that means it's becoming a habit.
4. I ate very well. I had my weekly sushi and I also ate out yesterday at Hugo's. I've mentioned this restaurant before. It's a god send. They serve all sorts of vegan, gluten free, allergen free options and everything is made organic and fresh. I had a club sandwich with a side salad. Other than that, I made everything else I ate. I made borscht, beef fajita lettuce wraps and portobello mushroom pizzas. Oh yeah, and I managed to keep the sweets at bay :)
Today's Menu:
I'm on vacation!! I didn't go anywhere so I guess it's technically a stay-cation but I don't care, I love not being at work.
I've only had lunch today and it was a portobello mushroom pizza.
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!
A couple of things: Even though my weigh-ins are on Friday mornings, two weeks ago, I decided to do a weigh-in on the following Saturday morning just for fun.
That fine Saturday morning, I registered my lowest weight for 2013. It was a nice surprise even though I'm acutely aware of how much my weight fluctuates. And just for reference, it was about 3 pounds lower than my weigh-in this morning.
Like I said, that ultra low weigh-in was TWO weeks ago. And you know what? I haven't really been able to get it out of my head. First, I had that giant spike last Friday (+3.6 pounds) and though I lost weight this week, it is still, like I said, about 3 pounds lower than that magical Saturday weigh-in. I'm really happy that I still had a loss this week but honestly that Saturday reading was still plaguing me.
Until yesterday and today.
I went bathing suit shopping yesterday. I tried on suit after suit but I couldn't find anything that fit. It took me 3 rounds in the dressing room before I realized the reason nothing fit was because I was grabbing the wrong size. On my fourth try, I grabbed one size smaller of everything and though I was skeptic that was the problem, I walked out that day with three different suits. Yes, three. All in the smaller size. I don't know about you but for me that is a giant victory. And it was a nice start to help me get over that whole lowest weight thing.
Then today, I decided to do a measurement update for my 30 Day Shred. The first numbers are my starting numbers, the second numbers are my measurements as of today:
Chest: 40"/40"
Ribs: 33"/32.75"
Waist: 33.5"/33"
Hips: 42"/42"
Belly Button: 34.5"/34.5"
Upper Thigh: 24"/23.75"
Leg @ Knee: 18"/17.5"
Left Arm: 12.25"/12"
As you can see, I've made a little bit of progress after only 8 workouts! I'll be doing my 9th workout of Level 1 tonight and if things go as planned, I'll be starting Level 2 on Sunday. I'm excited to move on to Level 2. I watched it last night and it's definitely a step up and I'm totally ready.
Anyway, as I was writing down my new measurements I realized something. Those starting measurements for the 30 Day Shred are actually my final measurements from Slim in 6. And you know what? Those were taken TWO DAYS after my magical Saturday morning weigh-in. You see where this is going? The new measurements are my numbers as of TODAY and even though I weigh some 3 pounds more than I did 2 weeks ago, I have actually lost 1.25 inches overall since that magical Saturday morning.
In fact, check out my measurements from February 15, 2013:
Chest: 41"
Ribs: 34"
Waist: 35"
Hips: 43"
Belly Button: 35.5"
Upper Thigh: 24"
Leg @ Knee: 18.25"
Left Arm: 12.5"
February 15th was also one of my Friday Weigh-In Days. And you know how much I weighed on February 15th? The exact same amount that I weigh today except that I am smaller by 7.75 inches.
The point is, TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS PEOPLE. As long as I keep losing inches, I kind of don't care what the scale says. The scale is just one form of feedback and probably not even really a good form at that.
Now, on to my Weekly Roundup:
1. I earned around 15 AP. I think that's a pretty good guess. I did six 30 Day Shred workouts. (NOTE: I DON'T EAT MY AP)
2. I ate 244 points. I was aiming for 220-225 but didn't quite hit the mark. I'm going to aim for 220-225 again this week. (No AP points are calculated in my weekly totals)
3. I drank water. In fact, it's getting easier so I'm hope that means it's becoming a habit.
4. I ate very well. I had my weekly sushi and I also ate out yesterday at Hugo's. I've mentioned this restaurant before. It's a god send. They serve all sorts of vegan, gluten free, allergen free options and everything is made organic and fresh. I had a club sandwich with a side salad. Other than that, I made everything else I ate. I made borscht, beef fajita lettuce wraps and portobello mushroom pizzas. Oh yeah, and I managed to keep the sweets at bay :)
Today's Menu:
I'm on vacation!! I didn't go anywhere so I guess it's technically a stay-cation but I don't care, I love not being at work.
I've only had lunch today and it was a portobello mushroom pizza.
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Weight Watchers Weigh In: Week 31
As of this morning I am + 3.6 pounds.
I am going to blame Jillian Michaels for most of this. I started the 30 Day Shred Wednesday night and I am SORE.
The big muscles are mostly ok. They are just tender enough to let me know that I got in some good workouts. However, those little muscles that you didn't know you had, those are the ones that are killing me.
So I'm going to say I'm retaining some water. And the thought of doing my workout again tonight. UGH. It's going to hurt isn't it?
Honestly, I'm not concerned about this weight gain at all (thank God) and I'll tell you why.
First, last night after work, I decided to go through my closet and try on my jeans. I've been rockin' a size 14 since Dec/Jan and I was able fit back into my 12s. Some of them looked good, some of them were tight (Don't you love the size differences between brands?). The important part is they FIT. And second, this morning I was rushing to put on something for work and grabbed a shirt from my closet that I have worn only once. Yes, ONCE. I wore it and before I knew it, I got a little fluffier so in my closet it sat. I don't know why I grabbed it but I just did. And it fit. Not a little bit but perfectly. Actually, I think it looks better on me now then when I first got it.
So there you have it, the reasons why I'm not too upset about the gain.
Now on to what I did to be so awesome ;)
Weekly Roundup:
1. I earned 12-ish AP. Well, I earned however many AP 4 Slim in 6 workouts and 2 30 Day Shred workouts will get me. All I know is I worked out 6 days this past week!! Go me!!
2. I ate 235* points. It's a little more than I should have. I'd like to see that number be lower next week by around 10 points. *Number does not reflect any AP*
3. Water. It's official, I am a water goddess.
4. What did I eat? Well, part of the reason I ate so many points is because I made some chocolate chip cookies last weekend. Do I really need to say anymore? Other than those cookies, I had fabulous meals. I cooked everything I ate except for the sushi I had for lunch yesterday (yes sushi again - I still can't get enough of it) and some bread products I decided to try. But examples of my meals include: Yellow Chicken Curry, Chicken Soup, BLT on English Muffin and Sloppy Joes! This was the first week I ventured out and bought some gluten free bread products. I chose the Food for Life brand english muffins which are surprisingly good. And I chose the Udi's brand hamburger buns for sloppy joes. Both had a decent ingredient list and fit the bill for me knowing what was exactly in them. For the sloppy joe meal I just used the bottom of the roll and ate my sloppy joe as an open faced sandwich but it was really, really nice to have bread again. I probably won't be buying these products very frequently because they are WAY expensive and also I'm really digging making everything myself. But it was a nice treat. If any of you are doing the gluten free thing, I recommend both of these items.
And even though I'm not torn about my gain, I am going to be tightening up my eating for this coming week (My Weigh-Ins are Friday so my points reset on Friday too). I want to be sure to log everything I eat, take a break from sugar (I miss you already cookies), and get in my exercise even if it hurts.
And with that I bid you Adieu.
Today's Menu:
B: english muffin + peanut butter
L: chicken soup
D: tuna salad
I am going to blame Jillian Michaels for most of this. I started the 30 Day Shred Wednesday night and I am SORE.
The big muscles are mostly ok. They are just tender enough to let me know that I got in some good workouts. However, those little muscles that you didn't know you had, those are the ones that are killing me.
So I'm going to say I'm retaining some water. And the thought of doing my workout again tonight. UGH. It's going to hurt isn't it?
Honestly, I'm not concerned about this weight gain at all (thank God) and I'll tell you why.
First, last night after work, I decided to go through my closet and try on my jeans. I've been rockin' a size 14 since Dec/Jan and I was able fit back into my 12s. Some of them looked good, some of them were tight (Don't you love the size differences between brands?). The important part is they FIT. And second, this morning I was rushing to put on something for work and grabbed a shirt from my closet that I have worn only once. Yes, ONCE. I wore it and before I knew it, I got a little fluffier so in my closet it sat. I don't know why I grabbed it but I just did. And it fit. Not a little bit but perfectly. Actually, I think it looks better on me now then when I first got it.
So there you have it, the reasons why I'm not too upset about the gain.
Now on to what I did to be so awesome ;)
Weekly Roundup:
1. I earned 12-ish AP. Well, I earned however many AP 4 Slim in 6 workouts and 2 30 Day Shred workouts will get me. All I know is I worked out 6 days this past week!! Go me!!
2. I ate 235* points. It's a little more than I should have. I'd like to see that number be lower next week by around 10 points. *Number does not reflect any AP*
3. Water. It's official, I am a water goddess.
4. What did I eat? Well, part of the reason I ate so many points is because I made some chocolate chip cookies last weekend. Do I really need to say anymore? Other than those cookies, I had fabulous meals. I cooked everything I ate except for the sushi I had for lunch yesterday (yes sushi again - I still can't get enough of it) and some bread products I decided to try. But examples of my meals include: Yellow Chicken Curry, Chicken Soup, BLT on English Muffin and Sloppy Joes! This was the first week I ventured out and bought some gluten free bread products. I chose the Food for Life brand english muffins which are surprisingly good. And I chose the Udi's brand hamburger buns for sloppy joes. Both had a decent ingredient list and fit the bill for me knowing what was exactly in them. For the sloppy joe meal I just used the bottom of the roll and ate my sloppy joe as an open faced sandwich but it was really, really nice to have bread again. I probably won't be buying these products very frequently because they are WAY expensive and also I'm really digging making everything myself. But it was a nice treat. If any of you are doing the gluten free thing, I recommend both of these items.
And even though I'm not torn about my gain, I am going to be tightening up my eating for this coming week (My Weigh-Ins are Friday so my points reset on Friday too). I want to be sure to log everything I eat, take a break from sugar (I miss you already cookies), and get in my exercise even if it hurts.
And with that I bid you Adieu.
Today's Menu:
B: english muffin + peanut butter
L: chicken soup
D: tuna salad
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