Weightloss Woes

New plan

2010-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

I read in my new Bicycling magazine an article about how to burn more fat. Who doesn't want that? It had a prescribed biking workout for the next 5 weeks. I felt like I had a Jillian workout- like the first day on The Biggest Loser. I thought I was going to vomit 45 minutes into the plan this morning. I got back on my bike and went home to cool off. Tomorrow: day 2.

Inspiration

2010-07-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Last year (Aug.5)

Today- I can see a difference.

Mike squeezing the seats at Sports Authority while we were on our date. Better those than mine!

I rode my bike to WW today and some of the ladies said that I was an inspiration! Okay. I was down 2 pounds today and hope to be down 2 more next week- but one day at a time. I'm trying to get out of the woes.

I'll ride my bicycle at night

2010-07-16T22:50:00.001-07:00

The only time we could ride the other day was at 9 o'clock at night. I braved the dark world, and apparently the dishes, to get some exercise in.

I'm in the woes of the weight loss woes, I decided the frequent flier Blizzard card might be the tip off. I got on the scale and have gained 7 pounds back. I don't want to put the 40 back on, so I'll just have to get back on program.

Grandma has a bee in her bonnet?

2010-04-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Mike and I were selected to be "grandparents" for the June Pioneer trek in Wyoming with the youth this summer. My mom and I sewed today. We will walk 5 miles one day and 10 the next plus a square dance one of the nights. So, instead of moving to bikes like we did last year when the weather started to warm up we have been intensifying our walks. Monday we walked 8 miles. I always like having a destination when we go- Wyoming is as good as any.

Pizza Place

2010-04-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

I find that I like to walk to a destination rather than just going for a walk. This morning Mike and I took a little path between the Wal-Mart and a subdivision, it was kind of woodsy but ended at a cluster of shops. We decided to walk back over there and get some pizza for dinner later. So, after 5 pm, I got a calzone and salad after I walked to the pizza place.

No weigh in

2010-04-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

I chickened out at WW today. I took the no weigh-in, but I showed up. There were a lot of empty seats in the usually very crowded room. Mike and I got on our bikes until the wind blew us back home. It's a new week- I'm going to get back to basics.

Woes

2010-04-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have been avoiding the woes because I've been in the woes of weight loss. I have been up and down since January . I would have hoped to be down another 10 pounds, but that would take effort. I have some smaller pants ready for me. This is an 8 point salad- yummy.

Back in the saddle

2010-03-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

The winding sidewalk was work to make my bike go up, but I did it.

2 wheels

2010-03-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

It was warm enough to take the bikes out today.
Tomorrow: Snowy and cold.

I am a winner

2010-03-08T22:18:00.000-08:00

I won second place in the "Shred" challenge. If I had just not quit at the end *because I didn't think it was working* I could have won! Serves me right for quitting. I did think it was funny that the gal that did win was named Beth and it was written that she had two children that kept her quite busy. Oh, I so should have mentioned the 7 children! I feel jipped. All the people could have ooohed and ahhed how great I look despite bearing those stinky kids! My loyal blog readers can just oooh and ahh now. *go ahead* Thanks. Oh yeah, I won a gift certificate for Tupperware! I hope to get a water bottle. I feel motivated to do Jillian again, once I saw side by side that it did make a great difference.

Blogger 5k Run Day

2010-03-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

Back in January I signed Mike and I up for a Blogger 5k Run Day, http://www.myjourneytofit.com/, for a future March 7. It sounded like fun- a whole bunch of bloggers around the world doing a 5k on the same day. Today is the day. We got up and power-walked, jogged, a little run, for a 5k in 45:23! On September 17, Mike and I did the church 5k in 54 minutes. Mike did the math and we had an improvement of 17 percent!

Results of Shred

2010-03-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Before After

Okay, maybe the results could have been captured by a measuring tape. I don't think I can do the Shred video for a while though- it gets on my nerves now.

Snug pants

2010-03-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

I've gave up on the 30 day shred at day 26. I didn't see how I could possibly win because I have only lost a few pounds- not a proclaimed 20 from the box. Yet, I admit I would have had to eat much less and lately that seems like torture. Oh well, it's been too cold to walk outside, so the shred has kept me exercising.
I feel like I'm in a holding pattern on the weight loss. It's all mental. I want to lose, but I have not had the full gusto to really get going. I bought some new shorts in a smaller size that are a little tight. I have noticed that when I want to skive off and over eat or not exercise I think about the shorts feeling snug and forfeit the skive.
I'm posting my February photo where I'm wearing one of my favorite sweaters- it really is way to big. It's a little harder to tell in the photo, but it amuses me to put it on and remember that it was tight at one time and I could not button it without it stretching between the buttons. That may be why almost all the buttons have fallen off.

The power of suggestion

2010-02-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

At Weight Watchers on Monday, a lady said that she knew someone who cut their hair to lose some more weight. "Yeah, that's a great idea," my subconscious must have cackled when the idea sunk in. I do normally wear my hair shorter, but I went and got mine cut today.

I did the Shred again today- while the Olympics played on the tv, Jillian yelled at me from the laptop. It actually felt like it went by so fast. It's day 16! And Jon had a dentist appointment this morning and we decided to walk up to there- a little extra burning!

Weigh-in Monday

2010-02-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

In the Shred dvd Jillian introduces her "helpers" by saying if you want to look like this gal do what she's doing, and if you want to look like this gal- do what she's doing.

If you want to look like Beth, turn off the dvd, if you want to look like Mike get a faster metabolism.

If you want to look like Kelly, bike over 300 miles over the summer and if you want to look like Megan, run a mile twice a week under 11 minutes. And Budha, suck on a bottle of silk all day long and get into anything you can reach.

I was down another 1.7, I just have to lose another 2 and I'll be under 200 pounds again. Oh well. I have made it 15 days of the 30 day shred today. It's hump day!

Pink pants

2010-02-08T21:16:00.001-08:00

I was down 0.7 pounds today at WW! I think it has a lot to do with doing the Shred all 7 days last week. If I could just eat less I could really start rolling again. I want to wear my pink pants- they look so nice on the wall, but would look better on.

On Saturday, Megan and I went to a mother-daughter breakfast and it said on the invite to wear pink. I so wished I could have worn my pink shirt with my pink pants (and then danced). Meg might not have thought that was cool- but hey I'm the girl who drove the pink car to high school- I don't have to be cool. (My mom painted the hubcaps pink) I don't have to be cool.

It's a challenge

2010-02-04T23:51:00.000-08:00

I have four stickers in my planner to prove that I shredded since Monday. I'm doing that 30 day shred challenge and I hurt. My chest and arms are super sore from the weights and push up stuff. Mike and I have dutifully set up the mats, ignored Jillians pep talk (which you cannot fast foreword nor menu through it), and did the video. It actually feels good to be sore, it makes me think something may be happening.

I saved most of my points today and ate lasagne and buttered bread for dinner- it was Stouffers not homemade- but it was still yummy.

Shred

2010-02-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

Before picture for the challenge:

I just had to take a no weigh in today. Last night's rice was sitting heavy in my gut and baking cupcakes before bed did not lead me to think that the scale would be right on. I find it's better to go and not face the scale than to just give up. Hey, I have my scale at home... too.

Moving right along... On one of the blogs that I read, http://pudget1.blogspot.com/, she is doing a Jillian Michael's 30 day challenge. I will do the 30 day shred (a workout video) for 30 days and then she'll give prizes for the biggest percentage of weight and whomever does the most days in a complicated formula... I just thought it would give me a boost to get moving. Today was the first day and even though I've been walking almost 5 miles in an hour the work out with weights and jumping jacks was tough. It really is going to be a challenge. This is the video I lost my first 20 pounds with (not in 30 days.) Mike and I have already planned to do day 2 at 8 am tomorrow.

The scale is back on

2010-01-30T22:52:00.000-08:00

The battery for the scale came in the mail yesterday. After a few weeks hiatus I started logging my weight in my notebook again. This seems to work for me.

Mike is thinking about doing the Master Cleanse. I cannot stop thinking about food for more than a few hours so I don't think that I could just drink a lemonade concoction for 10 days. The purpose is to clean out your intestines of sludge that may be keeping you from absorbing nutrients. The website I read about it said that people found stuff in their bm's that they had swallowed as a child- yuck. "I found it! I didn't lose my little pink car when I was two, I must have eaten it." I could be denying myself a precious moment like that.

My new sidebar photo is on. My mom made me the dress this week. Hooray.

Skinny Cow

2010-01-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

This morning Mary came running in reporting that Kenny had taken all the ice creams out of the freezer and was eating them. I told her to pick them up and let him have one, she could have one too. (decipher- let me sleep, I don't really care.)

It appears that Kenny ate all around the edges and put it back into the freezer. He's always trying to help me stick to my diet.

Weigh-in Monday

2010-01-25T19:42:00.000-08:00

I am still up that pound. I didn't track so well and I only exercised two days so I get what I get and I'll try to not cry a fit. Sunday is the last day of the month so I'll probably won't update the sidebar until then.

So how is this week going to be better? The challenge at Weight Watchers was when you're ready for that emotional candy bar run, you should stop and come up with 10 things you can do right then to put off that momentary hungry. I thought it was funny when she said you cannot write down take a bath if you are at work. And who wants to take a bath anyway? I would have to clean the kids bathroom before I could even run a nice tub full of bubbles, plus the kids standing outside the door asking when I'm going to be done, or if they can have a pop.

Mike and I walked our extended 5k route today but Kenny's hands and feet got cold and he cried 15 minutes until we got home. I really walked fast with all that crying. He wouldn't let me stuff his red hands into his puff a lump coat- he kept taking them out. We even took a stocking hat and put his hands inside of it but he would just say hat and put it up by his head. Poor little thing. On the bright side, I did burn 696 calories.

Goal Guru

2010-01-20T21:22:00.000-08:00

At Family Home Evening Mike introduced the new segment called goals guru. Kenny was assigned this task: to interrogate members of the family if they are making the goal they set for February 1. I got to report that I had not stayed in my points for the last two days. It felt like what I would imagine AA to be. I'm Beth Malm and I have eaten cookies, too many cookies. That's what this blog is for. Weight loss WOES. Everybody else had to report and Kenny just threw stuff off of the coffee table. So, Kenny Guru boy I guess I'll get going on my goals.

Weigh-in Monday

2010-01-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

I was up a pound yesterday! Oh well, Mike asked me if I get my point back. Probably not. I think it has to do with having food still in my system. I got back on my treadmill and burned some calories. I think I will walk during the Biggest Loser tonight too, so I can sweat and pant just like the contestants.
The scale battery hasn't come yet.

Need some energizers

2010-01-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

I've pretty much kept to my points and have burned 2534 calories as of today, but I don't know how this is going to show on the scale. (Or will it?) My bathroom scale has the error notice that it needs a new battery. Mike bought one on-line and hasn't shown up yet. I see how those biggest loser people would get uptight. It's a nice confirmation to watch the numbers go down (and sometimes up) during the week. In April I started a notebook that I wrote down the number every morning. After months of keeping this, I could go back and see the ebb and flow of the numbers going down and up and eventually down. Tomorrow is my Sunday routine before weigh-in. I need to drink a bunch of water too.

I did it!

2010-01-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

This is me jumping up and down on the scale at WW just with delight. Yahoo!

(or just what I wanted to do when the leader captured my weight )

199.4 on the scale at Weight Watchers today! I got so excited- I 'm under 200. Yay. I lost 2.5 pounds this week. The real bummer is that I lose a point to eat- 24 points per day.

According to my watch I burned 2,229 calories last week. I have to get moving so I can do the same next week.

Fear is on the menu

2010-01-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

I made this cool January Menu after my friend posted hers on her blog. I hung it proudly on the fridge and pointed it out to various members of the house. Now I won't have to answer "What's for dinner?" a thousand times after school. This is so great, until Patrick (10 years old) asks me if I figured out all the points for each meal. Ahhh no. I thought I would do that on that day? Now I'm worried- what if the day we have beef stew, I'll have to have my quesadilla with out cheese because I won't have the points! Or ham slices on a Sunday night won't be a good night before weigh-in meal (too much sodium, water retention!) I will make this work, Patrick!

Nervous

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Extremely dangerous.

Keep out of reach of children.

50 fl oz would not be fun

to clean off the carpet, wood floors, other random surfaces...

I'll have to keep an eye on the Coke.
I can't help myself to a diet treat, even with a pepper popper around.

Cravings

2010-01-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

I have wanted a Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard for a while... so for 3 points I made one. Yeah.

1/3 package of Oreo 100 calorie pack- 0.5 points

1/2 cup Dreyers Slow Churned vanilla icecream- 2 points

1/4 cup 1 percent milk- 0.5 points

Yummy glass of "Blizzard"- priceless points

Pork chops and apple sauce (say it like the Brady Bunch episode for a bonus point)

2010-01-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Dinner: pork chops in an apricot sauce, rice, Asian Slaw and Apple crisp= 9 points

I'm trying to be so careful with my food along with the exercise this week, but not cut back on taste. The kids really liked the chops, I think Jon ate 4.

Monday weigh-in

2010-01-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

I lost .2. So not a stellar weight loss but a loss none the less. I weighed 201.6.

That new watch I got for Christmas has a feature that on Sunday nights it shows how much exercise time you got for the week and how many calories you burned. I looked at mine this morning and it said: 4 hours and 5 minutes exercise time with a total of 1993.2 calories burned. I was amazed. I did not work out everyday and I was so out of my points I had negative points. If I had stayed closer to my points I could have lost a half pound with just the exercise. This is definitely food for thought. I want to weigh less not drink another cup of hot chocolate. Next week I'll have to see the calories burned and the weight loss- see them when I'm really trying. Now that is exciting.

Do not cross

2010-01-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

I made the announcement that I'm going to detox. Well, it's harder than I thought. Just hours after the world wide posting of this, I was at Sam's Club and bought a 40 oz Cherry Coke on the way out of the store. I didn't even think- this has a lot of sugar, should I drink this? No, I just told Megan how yummy it tasted. I find myself wandering into the kitchen just to see what is in the cabinets and the fridge. I need the police crime scene tape to put across the entrances of my kitchen.

Icy sidewalks

2010-01-02T23:18:00.000-08:00

It was 30 degrees out this morning and Mike and I decided to brave it and go for a walk. The sidewalks were awful in our neighborhood but in the other ones around us were better. I kept telling myself just be happy to be outside and not on the treadmill. It was still very icy and slick in so many places. I wore my new Shape-ups and my abs are sore. It's supposed to snow tonight, so I don't think the walks will be much better soon.
The older kids got ipods for Christmas, we borrowed two. It was fun to walk to music. Kelly lent hers to Mike. As we walked he was listening to the song "A hole in the bottom of the sea" and "Bicycle built for two." I borrowed Patrick's and the only weird song was the "Tetris theme."

It's time to detox

2010-01-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

Kenny better eat his cupcake before I get the trash bag.

Goodbye sugar, candy, cakes and hidden fats. It's time to get back on track before this "holiday" eating stays for 21 days and becomes a habit. It's been fun but it can only lead to more Jillian (not fun) more time on the treadmill (definitely for the clothes) and other sweating activities. And worse yet, to take off weight I've lost and regained! No. I'm purging the kitchen before I start hiding food in the couch cushions.

Compare and contrast

2009-12-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

This is my first before pic right next to November's pic. Besides the obvious need for a hair cut and the cut off (hulk) pants, I can really see change. I could be over critical about Nov. but I've come a long way and know I can keep going. I have a winning smile in both pictures!

The weather outside is frightful

2009-12-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

So we'll walk together inside.

Weigh-in woes

2009-12-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

I did go to WW this morning (one of the few.) I was up 1.4. Instead of sitting home feeling sorry for myself, Mike and I went to Benihanas and then to see the Sherlock Holmes movie. This was actually our anniversary treat, besides having the peace and quiet without the children. Before the guy filled my drink he said I could get a larger one for 50 cents more. It was already like 80 oz was the big one a gallon? I hope those new tennis shoes help me burn all that junk off! I'm going to watch my points the rest of the week (including Ken's b-day and the Pixton wedding) and work out to burn off the holidays.

Dress up

2009-12-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

It even zipped all the way up. Now to shrink all the way out of it!

So, where's my gift?

2009-12-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

Under the Christmas tree were some exercise goodies.First there was a pink Polar heart rate watch. There is a strap that goes around your chest to give a more accurate heart rate. My other watch was getting the nickname the H1N1 watch because I would have to lick my finger to get the button to make the heart monitor work. Multiple people in the family would lick their fingers and try to get a heart rate.

Second, Sketchers Shape-ups shoes. These babies are like walking in the sand. They are suppose to help one lose weight, tone muscles, and put less stress on my heels. The heels have been so much better but less stress on them is always a good idea.

All is good.

Merry Exercise!

2009-12-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

Even though it is Christmas week and the weather has been cold and snowy, Mike and I have done Jillian and run on the clothes hanger (the treadmill). I think it has taken some of the stress of the holiday off.

Feeling a little hungry?

2009-12-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

He's watching me, really he is...

When I got home yesterday from WW, I started seeing Hungry in the strangest places. I guess someone thought this week would be difficult to stick to the plan. I did feel a little strange with Hungry watching me in the bathroom- just what I need, a Hungry Peeper.

Monday weigh-in

2009-12-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

I should be bummed out to be at 200.6 today and not at 199 but what can I do but keep trying. Officially it is 43 pounds down. Yet, it is December and what December have I ever lost weight? I usually have gained (except when I lost 8 pounds when I delivered Kenneth 2 years ago.) This week is about making good choices and enjoying.

Watch out

2009-12-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

Mike decided to run around our block- which is exactly a mile if you round the cul-de-sac. He ran it in 9 minutes and 6 seconds. I thought it sounded great too. I took off jogging and about 2 minutes in I wondered what am I doing. I was huffing and puffing like crazy. Then I thought, I am challenging myself against the clock. I stopped jogging and began power walking, I ignored the trash men, I watched out for ice on the walk and made it home in 14 minutes and 22 seconds.

Orange sticks, I will resist

2009-12-14T22:34:00.000-08:00

I had these hiding in my closet since November for presents for the neighbors and teachers. I didn't even raid them for a yummy treat (nobody but me knew they were in there, no one would notice a box gone...) My WW leader would say, "What you eat in private shows in public." I feel good that I didn't need to sneak them.
I gained .4 ounces this week. I had expected a loss, so I chalked it up as the scale doesn't reward Beth weekly. I have to give it a go this week because next week the kids will be home and Christmas, Anniversary, Kenny's birthday, and the Pixton wedding festivities are filled with rich foods like twice baked potatoes.

A Pepper Popper

2009-12-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

I found all the Diet Peppers open on my nightstand. Kenny has a new skill- pop can opener. He didn't think I could stay in my points for 7 days? After I drink all those 0 point pops I don't think I'll be hungry- so there!

It's a mystery

2009-12-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

Mike made lunch- luckily mine wasn't a triple, only a single.

This week the weather has been horrible. The high today was 8 degrees. I'm glad that I had the treadmill. Yes, I know, I have a hate hate relationship with that clothes hanger but it was way too cold to walk outside and I didn't feel like doing Jillian's shred. Tonight Mike and I went to the movies- 2012. The movie was lots of main characters almost getting hit by stuff, it was ok, but the good thing was I had a diet pop and Mike and I split a small candy bar. I didn't want to have the 2,000 calorie a cup popcorn. I didn't even miss it or want it. Why don't they serve 1 pt. Kettle Corn?

Losing weight in December!

2009-12-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Kicking up a notch really helped at the weigh-in today. I weighed in at 202.0. I lost a 3.2 lbs, making up for two weeks of gains I am down 41.6 lbs! Hooray. I really think doing the extra treadmill plan A and B's during the week made the difference. My muscles hurt like they did over the summer when I was shedding the weight like crazy. So, hurt and tired equals happy at the scale.

I got home and made the Avocado BLT pizza, half a pizza for 12 points. It was great. Who knew lettuce on a pizza could be so good?

Motivation

2009-12-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's incentive to stay in my points and do all my B plan on the treadmill was a diet Dr. Pepper. I accomplished that little goal. So, I bought a whole box of them today to bribe myself all week. Zero points and yummy.

Is Mrs. Malm wearing spandex in the 6 degree weather?

2009-12-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

I made the onion rings. It made two cookie sheets full and if I had eaten them all it would only have been 8 points, one pan 4 and half= 2. They were good and dipped in some ketchup they were great.

I made myself wear my exercise clothes until I walked the A plan on the treadmill (the one where you increase the speed until you fall off or die.) Well, I wore the spandex all day, even when I had to go up to the school (scary). I walked it during the show Survivor. I survived, now I can take a shower and wear some pajamas.

Below Zero

2009-12-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast is more snow and below zero for a few more days- it is too cold to walk outside. Luckily it was a little warmer when I walked to WW on Monday. I did workout B today- walk for 20 minutes at 4.0 and cool/warm up 5 and 5 down at 3.0. I couldn't sustain the speed for more than 10 minutes so I had to slow it down some. Then I did the squats and lunges- and my thighs felt like jelly for an hour.
I didn't have time to make the onion rings today but there is always tomorrow.

Fire up!

2009-12-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

With a .8 gain this week at the weigh in, I totally have to reel myself in. I am hitting the exercise and keeping within my points! I even got a little magazine at the check-out stand on Saturday with Strength and cardio workouts to rev up my results! That is propaganda I can buy into. So I did their 30 minute "speed ladder" (upping the speed on the treadmill until you almost fall off at 4 minute intervals) and the special sit ups and dry land breast strokes. I then went on a walk with Mike, but we walked it 5 minutes faster. Whew, I feel revved up!

At the WW meeting a lady mentioned that she cooked from one of the WW cookbooks over Thanksgiving weekend and they were fabulous. At the end of the meeting there was a rush on that cookbook- yeah, I bought one. This afternoon I made Burritos with a side dish of one of the recipes- coleslaw with a peanut sauce. It was wonderful and I ate half the bowl- 2 1/2 cups for 4 points (1/4 would have been 2 points). Tomorrow, I'm going to make the onion rings 2 points for 8 rings (vs. Sonic's 11 pointers).

Exercise that isn't on e-tools

2009-11-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

I'm all ready for church- paint and all. The children in my CTR5 class asked me why I had toothpaste on my arms. I did wear the jacket that goes with the skirt but it has 3/4 sleeves.

The master bath was a light grey. I have painted all the rooms in the house at least once since we bought the house (9 years ago) except for this room. It was pleasant this morning to shower with the aqua color next to the yellow tiles. Too bad I could not get all the paint off of me.

I found a new form of exercise- painting. Two coats of primer and then a coat of color, and then put all the stuff back. I felt like I did the first time walking the 5k- sore but with a clean and painted bathroom.

Grateful

2009-11-25T23:10:00.000-08:00

Come on kids, put the stuff in the wagon so we can get it all blessed!

It's the night before Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for all my blessings. I am so thankful for a supportive family, a sweet biking husband and all the many people I have learned so much at Weight Watchers this past year. I am happy with the changes that I have made, even when I wanted to quit (mostly exercise sessions) or go back or go grab a cheese burger.

When I was a girl my family would go to church on Thanksgiving morning and you could bring food to be blessed. I think I will miss those Holy Rolls, but never the sweet potatoes with the marshmallows on top. My husband Mike said he has never heard of such a tradition.

Exercise

2009-11-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

The kids are getting their exercise in.

I need to get some exercise in! Life is getting in the way. Between a sick boy, volunteering at the school and house remodeling my extent this week has been walking at Lowes, Home Depot and Costco.

Mike is bugging me about how many points is a pound of ground beef (made into a hamburger on a sandwich thin with mayo. 23 points.) I just watched and smelled.

Monday weigh-in

2009-11-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

Weigh-in today. I was up a pound (it must have been the popcorn or that stupid sausage! Great, Hungry's looking at me again...). It seems to be the ebb and flow of weight loss. This week is the mother all eating weeks- Thanksgiving. At WW we have been focusing on all the food and family and how that can be a weight gain mix. The tradition at our house is to have salmon for lunch, hang out and watch movies. I'm definitely going to get some pumpkin pie and some whipped cream. I am only going to let myself have it on Thursday. I don't think this is going to be my biggest loser week, but if I can stay the same and not go crazy I will feel good about it. I still have a few days before I will post a November picture.

Cut the sausage in half!

2009-11-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know: the polish sausage at Costco is 13 points. Mike and I went shopping there today and thought a cheap, quick lunch would be the ticket. I hate eating so many points in one sitting, and at some time in the weight loss journey my total points will be 18. The sausage wasn't that great- especially with Kenny screaming because it was an hour after his nap time. (He did soothe a little once I gave him some Sprite- teaching my children early on that sugar cures everything.) I used my allowance points and ate dinner anyway (Hawaiian Haystacks, heavy on the vegetables, light on the rice). Tomorrow's another day.

Hungry for more weight loss

2009-11-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

I did it! I lost 40 pounds! I weighed in at 203 at WW this morning. Now I can focus on getting to 199. Hungry there is watching me. Hooray.

2009-11-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

No, mom- You get out of the fridge!

Mike and I got out on the bikes yesterday and went up Belly Buster and the hill from Grandview High School to Smoky Hill Road- that is torture. We had to get the biking in on the 70 degree day before the snow storm hits Friday night. We walked our 5k + around the neighborhood this morning. Mike says everyday is hard to make himself exercise everyday, except when it is warm enough to bike ride. I'll do it because I like what it has done for me.

Set the goal

2009-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

A +.8 for today's weigh in. Sure, I'd rather see a minus anything on the scale, but it wasn't a plus 1. The WW meeting leader has been pushing making reachable goals during this "holiday season". I've always liked to make unattainable goals like the time I mapped out how I would lose 2 to 3 pounds a week to be able to wear a bathing suit in the size I wanted. Well, that didn't work. I forgot to make a goal of how I was going to achieve this feat, maybe walk away from the fridge or get off the couch or something. But, I feel like still trying to get to 199 is not an out of control goal. Six point eight pounds shouldn't be hard to take off? I just have to get my head in the game. I walked to WW today, to the library, jogged on the treadmill, and have 3 points left to have some hot chocolate and a cookie.

Beth rides again

2009-11-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

The weather was so nice yesterday. We blew the dust off of the bikes and put air in the tires. I am hoping that if Mike and I ride enough this fall/winter/spring we won't go through that breaking in period when riding hurts your bum. It didn't hurt after yesterdays ride. We rode to Chik-fil-a and got some sandwiches and kids meals (6 points) and then went to the reservoir. We didn't go the whole way around because we had to pick up the other kids at the elementary school at 2:30. I think we're suppose to get snow on Monday, of course.

You can never outrun your fork

2009-11-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where we picked up this weird fork (I cannot outrun or outbike it either). This was lunch yesterday. It is a reminder that I still can eat things like sausage and bacon and Dilly Bars- it's just balancing better than I have in the past. A lady at WW said that she realized that she could eat anything she wanted but she didn't have to eat them all at once. I thought that was a good advice.

Mike's exercise fantasy, sort of

2009-11-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Due to not wanting to face the scale on Monday I opted for a NWI (no weigh in- chicken) but I attended the meeting and am ready to face another week.

Yesterday was another too cold day to go outside and exercise so Mike and I opted for our all time (un)favorite Jillian and the Shred. It is 20 minutes of torture, but the key word is 20. So I'm doing jumping jacks and my spandex type exercise pants slipped all the way to my knees. Hooray. Luckily I was not at a community class or anything, but I get to buy a smaller Spandex- now that is saying something.

Report

2009-11-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

So did the gum work? I didn't partake of much candy (4 snack size for the whole night.) Was it because of the gum- no. I didn't chew that much because I did want some hot chocolate they were serving and I did not want my mouth to be burnt up. I love to eat chocolate but knowing the point values has curbed that craving.

Mike and I decided to go to Rumbi's after we got everyone home from the trunk or treat and Kenny to bed. I got fish tacos and had them put the dressings on the side. (A little high points for a Saturday night.)

Shoveling

2009-10-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

I found some outside exercise this morning- removing 26 inches of snow from the covered driveway and clearing our sidewalks. Megan helped me out some, but according to my cool watch I was in the zone!

Brush your breath

2009-10-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

A weight loss secret I'm going to share is to chew gum to fight the cravings. "No!" Beth hates gum, all that smacking and chewing and smacking... Yes, in my fight for weight loss I only tolerate myself chewing gum, maybe Mike. So, last night Mike and I went to Costco and I bought the econo pack of cinnamon gum for 11 dollars for like 50 packs. Well, right now my tongue feels like a dried fig. It is on fire. I chewed... 2 packs today and now I have no desire to eat anything. So before, during and after the trunk or treat on Saturday I'm going to chew this cinnamon gum until I have no desire to try any of the chocolate treats: like Butterfingers or Dark Milky Ways or Sugar Daddy's or Bottle Caps or any the Halloween bads.

Give a cheer

2009-10-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

I lost one pound last week. The leader told me that slow and steady is the way to go. It doesn't feel that way- even though it took years to put the weight on, I just want it gone yesterday. There was girl crying on the Biggest Loser she only lost 4 pounds this week. Boohoo, I've lost ounces and have been jubilant- something is gone and I don't want it back. Hooray for looser jeans.

Walking

2009-10-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

In 1999 I convinced Mike to buy me a treadmill. I thought it would be my weight loss solution. I imagined with a good treadmill the pounds would just melt off of me... I didn't take into consideration that I would have to walk on it for that to happen. It is 10 years later, I've almost given the thing away three or four times and have at times kept it in the junk pile in the garage. I always had hope that the equipment would melt off my fat. On Malmducks you can check out the time we made homemade ice cream on it (very tasty), but in the last couple of weeks when the weather has been too cold to even walk out there (especially with Kenny and Mary) I have made myself walk on it.

Yesterday it unplugged itself as I was walking at about 20 minutes into the walk because it moves on the wood floor. I plugged it back in, pushed it against the couch, and walked 30 more minutes. I'm now caught up with all the morning shows, a little of Clifford and a smidge of Rachel Ray- Beef Wellington may not be in my point range at the moment.

Unsupersize me

2009-10-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

I am counting the points and exercising with a vengeance this week.

In my daughter Megan's Health Class (required curriculum for 7th graders) she is watching "Super Size Me". Jon took the class last year (he's an 8th grader) so all summer Meg and I joked that she should bring in McDonald's to class so the smell of french fries could waft around the room while the guy throws up. Today was the day. At 10:30 I hit the drive thru and got a number 2 (fries and a quarter pounder with a diet coke) I kept the coke and took the rest to the school. I sneakily put the stuff in a brown lunch bag with her name on it and told the office lady that Megan had forgotten her lunch (poor dear). She said the teacher didn't even notice the smell during the Health class and that he paused the movie on the vomit- great. So our great plan didn't bring about any funny affects and Meg gave the "lunch" to a friend that begged her for it. But here's the nonwoe: I didn't eat a french fry or even want any of it when I transferred it to the bag. Hooray.

I decided if I could bottle the feeling of doing strenuous exercise one could take a sip before having seconds or another piece of cake or before having that chocolate bar. The potion would remind you how hard it is to lose weight and pull you back into reality before eating the whole box of Ben and Jerry's (Cherry Garcia.)

Closet rambling

2009-10-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the sidebar, it is me in my new black dress ($25 from Target). My closet is starting to get a little thin (yeah). I guess I'll be adding and subtracting pieces for a while- such a hardship to get to wear new stuff, try new styles, donate the stuff as it is too big. I have this Christmas sweater that I wear during December, I'm not sad it's too big, but I will miss it.

Think thin

2009-10-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hooray for another pound gone. The WW leader asked me how much more I wanted to lose- ahh like 50 or 60 more pounds. I'm looking great for 205.8 but I am only 5 foot 3 my weight should be between 117 and 140- that is a way to go. Exercise is totally the way to lose the weight- you look thinner than you really are.

CCCold FFFive k

2009-10-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Even though it was maybe 40 degrees this morning at 9 am, Mike and I put on lots of warm clothing and went up to the 5k route that we walked in September. I have been trying to walk on the treadmill but it is so easy to get off at the 30 minute mark. It's a lot harder to quit when the car is 30 minutes away. When Mary (4) saw me in my winter walking wear she told me she was NOT going. (Because of the funeral today, Jon was home to babysit so she didn't have to go.)
It felt good to be outside- even though my face was ice cold. It is suppose to warm up by the weekend, the guy on the radio referred to Indian Summer- meaning unseasonably high temps after the first hard frost. I'm ready to go biking or eat the pizza below.

Monday weigh in

2009-10-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Another 3.6 gone! I think the eating every three hours has made a tremendous difference. I stayed within my points all of the days except for pizza on Friday night and then I bought Papa Murphy's pizza with a family salad for me. I didn't buy my favorite Gourmet Vegetarian pizza or I would have eaten it major time. The kids like pepperoni and cheese- I had a piece of pepperoni but it doesn't speak to me so I didn't care if the kids ate all the rest the next day.

Weight: 206.8

Dance pad

2009-10-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

I need one of these ear cover things so I can ride my bike when it gets up to the higher 40's.

This is a good way to burn calories- when you are dancing, not laying on the mat.

Lunch

2009-10-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

In the beyond chicken week 8 book I found this recipe for peach salsa and salmon burgers- 1 serving was 5 points. This is 4 servings in the photo. It was different (no boredom) and it was yummy.

6 point dinner?

2009-10-07T22:12:00.001-07:00

I was reading a Weight Watcher magazine that I checked out at the library. In one of the articles the author took some one's food journal and said what she did wrong and did right. From this wrong I came up with the plan that I need to eat 6 points every three hours and then quit eating (around 7 pm). I've done this for a few days and haven't felt the need to snack or even bust out marshmallow pies or anything. My previous plan was to eat whenever but make sure I had 10 points for dinner, but I haven't needed to with just having a snack three hours ago. On Tuesday, I had a 9 point lunch at Chipotle- burrito bowl with a few chips and salsa. So I had 0 point soup three hours from that. On my home scale it looks like this is getting me back in that losing way.

Buttoned up

2009-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

My favorite brown jacket has buttons on it- I never knew. I could even button all of them (if I so desire to.) Hooray.

Watch out

2009-10-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

Here's my new weight loss gadget. This watch is suppose to monitor my heart rate so I can be in the fat burning zone (when I'm exercising), has a pedometer, and the time. I'll have to carry the manual with me to do any of these things.

Observation

2009-10-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to say that I shouldn't purchase marshmallow moon pies for the kids lunches- apparently when I opened the box I had to eat them all. (4 points a pie) Yikes.

To B or not

2009-10-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Jon had a crazy English assignment to write a 50 word piece with only one letter with only 10 articles and prepositions with a deeper meaning. I helped with the topic and some of the alliteration. May the bike battle begin:

Bestride a black bicycle, Beth breathes between beastly bumps and the bitter boiling blacktop. Beth's bonnet bobbles, buttocks burn, body bashed and broken. Up the behemoth. Beth's bottle's barren but the bike bursts, books and bolts. Barely believing and bitter, but Beth braves the banner. Beyond the brink, Beth beams brightly.

7k today

2009-09-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

So I had this fabulous idea (Mike groans), how about we walk from the house up to the Belle's and Beau's park and have Jonathan watch the little kids while we walk up Belly Buster hill. Then we'll walk down and pick up the kids and walk home. Sounds great, fun for all. Pushing Adam and Mary in the double stroller (combined weight and stroller about 80 pounds) and Kenny in the single stroller with the soccer ball(36 pounds) and then we walked and walked and walked... By the time we got to the park Kenny was refreshed from his 40 minute nap. Then Mike and I walked only half way up the hill and turned around. Once we gathered everyone up, we still had 2.5 miles to walk home, a lot of it uphill. Well, we made it home. Jon pushed the double for most of the way home (go Jon!) and I did the Buddha (go me?). On the GPS my walk totalled: 7.1 k. The kids probably 5k.

Weigh in today

2009-09-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

The results: 208.6 that is a 0.2 gain. That means- that I have lost 35 pounds and the big drop from two weeks ago is true. Hooray. I rode my bike over to Weight Watchers this morning alone. I don't think I have ridden anywhere alone since I started riding this summer, with 7 children that is not a surprise. I feel like I'm doing great.

So many yummy things

2009-09-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite low point foods:
0 point fat free whipped cream with 1 point apple slices to dip in it
2 points for 18 Mucho Nacho tortilla chips- baked not fried
1 point Western alternative bagel
1 point Weight Watchers whipped cream cheese (2 tablespoon)
1 point Orowheat Bread thins- a wheat flattened hamburger bun
2 points hot chocolate
2 points 100 calorie bag of Sunchips
3 points for 32 frozen shoestring french fries
2.5 points for the whole can of Progresso Pot Roast soup (I love to eat this for breakfast)

Bike day

2009-09-26T20:16:00.001-07:00

I made it around the Reservoir today- all 16 miles in about 90 minutes- on my bike. I didn't even have to stop and rest at the top of one of the killer hills. It was nice not having to do aerobics in the family room because the weather was about 80 degrees. I find that I'm not as hungry when I do the longer bouts of exercise. Monday, weigh in day, is looming.

Miracle Diet, doesn't exist

2009-09-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Last night I saw someone I hadn't seen since the summer. She told me I looked great and have lost a lot of weight. Then she asked me how I did it. I couldn't lie... no miracle juice solution or anything really great. I had to admit: I haven't been eating all I want and have been exercising until it hurts. I wish I had this really cool solution, I've been looking for it since I was 11. *Sigh* oh well.

Losers

2009-09-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Biggest Loser was on tonight. Mike said that we should eat some Dairy Queen Belly Buster Parfaits while we watch the people exercise and get yelled at by Jillian. So, I walked on the treadmill for 35 minutes instead. With the cold weather moving in I have to make myself get in exercise that isn't as fun as riding around the reservoir. Today, we did Power 90 (the old one) this morning. Now my legs are sore- a good sign.

Weight Watcher's today

2009-09-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

I made egg rolls for dinner 5 points per each. I had two, Jonathan (13 years old) had 8.

So, I did not weigh in. I knew I would be up three pounds because I did not throw up all night, but I went to the Weight Watcher's meeting anyway. Mike and I did Jillian's Shred this morning because it was raining and snowing. I wondered if I should bring the rest of the tomatoes in, but decided (whatever) not to do so.

Mike tried to take his bike out on a ride but even though 9news said it was 59 degrees and it was way too cold. I'm going to need some more exercise- 20 minutes won't cut it after I've been riding my bike for at least 60 minutes a pop.

5k completed

2009-09-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Last year, I got home from the 5k and felt horrible about myself. I couldn't even walk a few miles? I had turned off into the neighborhood and gave up. I made a goal that I would do it next year, and I'm happy to say that I did and in 54 minutes.

Bright ideas

2009-09-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

I noticed that Megan forgot her lunch yesterday while I was preparing some meatballs for lunch and dinner. So, I had this bright idea: I will put the meatballs in the oven (at 350 degrees for one hour) drive over to this park and walk the lunch up to Meg and walk back before the Meatballs are done. Great idea, Beth!
One hour sounds like a lot of time until I loaded two kids, a husband, two strollers, found the water bottles and some jackets for everyone in the mini van. Once we got to the park (the one with heart break hill) and started walking, time was vanishing. Mike volunteered to run ahead with the lunch, I agreed. Once there was 20 minutes left before the meatball timer would ring at home, I had made it to the lower parking lot of the school and decided to turn around and walk fast back to the car. Mike actually caught up with me (what a stud) and said he thought the school was closer. When we arrived home, the timer was beeping on the stove. The top tray was perfect but the bottom trays' meatballs were burnt on the bottom- I just scooped them off and left the burned part on the foil.
I am sure Betsy the Weight Watcher leader would be proud of how I can incorporate exercise into my day.

Feeling a little lighter

2009-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had a stellar weigh-in today- 208.4 that is a total of 35.2 pounds shredded (that is a whole Mary Dotes). There is nothing like a little vomiting all Saturday night, to bring down the numbers. Here is my graph of weight loss since I started Weight Watchers in March. It's nice to put on pants that haven't fit since 2002. I don't care if they are out of style- they fit.

Back in the saddle

2009-09-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took an exercise day off. My muscles were sore as was my attitude. So, when we hopped on the bikes to go looking for my mom and dad's motor home at Cherry Creek Reservoir, this morning, I had that extra pop! I even passed people going up some steep hills. Mike even noticed that my day off gave me some extra pep. And he said that my bottom looked smaller on my bike seat- now that's a compliment.

Practice 5k

2009-09-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

So we went to the starting line of the upcoming 5k and walked it. We must have missed a turn or something because when we completed the loop, according to the GPS we only had walked 4.5k so we had to walk the outline of the parking lot to get the last .5. It seemed to go faster on the scenic path than around and around the high school track. I think I even walked 10 minutes faster even though I pushed Buddha baby the whole trek. I'm going to see if a set of Grandparents can watch the little ones on the day of the event so Mike and I don't have to push the strollers or worse, the strollers with the addition of Adam Jim in the double.

Bikes and dinner on plan

2009-09-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

To give my foot a break, Mike and I rode the bikes to the reservoir. Mike wanted to go all the way around, but at 7 miles into the ride I wanted to turn around. It is all uphill from the trail head to our house, I was wary that I could do it. Luckily, Mike agreed and we were both totally tired by the time we got home. Kenny slept in the trailer, so he was good to go.

Later, in the car, Mike and I went out to dinner- Red Robin. There were so many yummy things on the menu, but totally point laden. I chose the lettuce wrap burger that came with a side salad. The point total for this dinner- without the dressing was 10 points. I can stay on plan and still go on a date.

Pink Pants

2009-09-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

What are those pink pants doing on the wall of my family room. Could it be a new decoration of sorts- she does like pink? Enquirer Minds want to know? They are goal pants. I'm not sure if they are ultimate goal pants but I would really like to wear them. I have 4 pairs in various smaller sizes (than I currently am) that I will get to wear when I get to them... Nothing tastes as good as wearing pink pants. (I just keep telling myself that.)

I went to the track at the high school today and walked 3 miles. It was fun when the football players came down and did their workouts and practiced plays and stuff. At least there was something to keep it from getting boring as I walked around 12 times.

Training

2009-09-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

So my new training goal is to walk the 5k fun walk/jog/run (crawl) on Saturday, September 19. I figure I need to actually walk the 3.1 miles a few times before I show up to the church parking lot and take off on the sidewalk. So depending on how my foot feels, I'll gage how many miles I'll be walking per day.

Barefoot in the park

2009-09-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

To shake up today's workout, we rode bikes and stopped at this soccer field and walked around it. According to the GPS it is a third of a mile around the outside, so we did a mile. The funny thing was that since Mike and I were in our bike shoes (that attach to the pedals) we took off our shoes and walked barefoot. The grass was so soft, like a thick carpet.

I'm not a witch

2009-09-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

After the killer ride yesterday, my legs are tense and hot. So Mike and I shook it up a little and took a walk. It wasn't a stroll. We walked about 3.5 miles but we got two movies from Redbox at Albertsons and we toured Target and then walked home. I admit, after Target I just wanted to apparate home but I am no witch and I had to walk.

A no no for me if there are not enough points

2009-09-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to stay in my points- I got to take one off last week after my stellar weightloss. It has to be mental. It is one less cookie, ww cake, a cup of watermelon or a little of something but this week I have been digging into those allowance points without abandon. I really want to get into my purple pants so I need to keep the momentum.

It was only a handfull

2009-09-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mike and I went on a bike ride and I grabbed some chips for the little kids and some trail mix for myself. On the ride, we stopped and I ate my snack. I had looked at the back of the pack and it said 160 calories, I figured it was going to be 3 or 4 points. When I got home I went to the e-tools on WW and entered in the info... that was when I saw that it was 3 servings! Yep, it was a 12 point little snack, arggghhh. A full Rumbi's bowl is only 10 points. I am now chewing sugarless gum so I will be able to eat dinner later.

Belly Buster Hill

2009-08-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

The first time I rode up this hill, walkers passed me. The second time I did better and today it felt great! Just a hundred times more and I won't look like I am pregnant- because I'm so not! (Seven children are enough, husband Mike coughs *six was good* until he met Kenny number 7.)

Donation Dilemma

2009-08-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

I was putting a Good Will bag together. There are baby clothes and some Mary Dotes stuff that is too small and there are things in my closet that are too BIG! I am donating most of the sweat pants that I have been wearing since our trip to Tahoe last year. This is a hard decision- I won't have anything to wear I if gain much back. I have been saving the smaller sizes on the left hand side of the closet, should I do so with the bigger clothes? I decided no. I will not save them. I am going to get out of this pit and not fall in again. So off to donate I go.

Pizza for dinner

2009-08-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

I picked up Totinos Party Pizzas at the store for the kids dinner and got myself a ww pizza that was 5 points. I cooked the kids' first, they were so big (Jon ate two). I used to have 2 or more. I was starting to think that 4 little pizza's was not going to be satisfying and I would rather have one of the big ones. But, I had the ww ones and surprisingly I felt full and happy about them. 5 points!