Still here...

Yes, yes, I'm still here. Last week was a rough one. The stomach flu hit out house, and hit hard! My two older girls, and myself were hit Tuesday night. We were out of commission for 2 days. Took so long for our energy to return. I did end up losing 4 pounds due to it. A plus, right? All in all, I have lost a total of 14 pounds! Not too shabby.

I believe I've got the eating under control, though there are day when I am hungrier than others. I try, on those days, to use my flex points. My biggest challenge still remains to be exercise. I have a gym membership, but I am seriously considering ending it, due to my lack of time to use it. I will have to figure out an exercise program to do at home.

First Milestone Reached!!

I'm so excited.. this morning (not my scheduled weigh in day, but just couldn't help myself) I weighed myself, and I lost another pound, which brings my total weight loss to 10 pounds!!! Yes!! It has taken quite a while to reach this.. Started at the beginning of the month. But it has been worth it, for sure. I don't think I look any different, though I do feel a SMALL difference in my stomach. Woooo Hoooo!

Yesterday, the girls had an indoor field hockey tournament in Baltimore. They both played very well, and won most their games. After the tournament, a few of the parents and girls on Hannah's team were going out to eat, so we joined them. For those of you who are dieting, you know very well how going out to eat can be a bit frightening. What do I eat? What CAN I eat? Am I going to blow all my hard work in one meal? Well, we ended up going to a really cool little Pizza grille. Steve and I decided to just order a plain, cheese pizza. It was classic NY style, so the crust was thin. Let me tell you, this was the best pizza I've had in a while!! It was an awesome treat! I had 3 slices! Figure each slice was probably around 10 points (guessing -- denise, can you help me with that?), So I figure since I didn't eat lunch, I had the 20 points for the day, and any extra went into my weekly. It was so good to indulge :) Looking forward to the next one!

Another side of blog...

The more I think about my blog, the more I don't want to just write about my weight loss journey. There's also so much more that goes on in my life, that I like having the outlet to write about it here. I don't have many followers just yet, and who knows, maybe I never will have very many. That's okay though. I'd like to include crafts that I do (not many, but from time to time there are a few), and things related to my kids. There's always something that comes up with them. Having 3 girls, ages 13, 11, and 3, you can imagine the range of issues that arise! As a result, I need to come up with a new name for my blog.. any ideas?

Here's my first craft to share. Many years ago, my Mom taught me a very basic part of crocheting.. the chain stitch. Since then, I've taught myself to make basic blankets and scarves. Here's a scarf I made for my youngest daughter.

My current crochet project I'm working on is a continuous scarf. Not sure of the true name of it, but it's one of those scarves that is a circle, and you just wrap it around. Just trying to figure it out right now. Also working on a pattern for a head wrap. Wish me luck!

Yesterday was a tough day on the diet front. Was really hungry! I'm thinking it's due to all the snow shoveling I did in the morning! I tried really hard to stay on track, and did well. Treated myself with some popcorn in the evening!!

Okay, okay!

Okay Denise, guess what! I exercised two days in a row... thanks to Mother Nature dumping a bunch of heavy, icy snow on us! Shoveling is great cardio! My muscles will surely be really sore tomorrow. I also managed to squeeze in a few sets of crunches last night. It's a start! Oh, and also took a walk around the block today, with Rebecca. Felt good!

So I wanted to share this recipe with you all. I tried to figure out the WW Points Plus value for it, and I believe it may be around 11. I know, it's rather on the high side, but if you've got the points left, it's pretty yummy.

Not sure what to call it.. Kind of like a veggie chilli of sorts, and served over brown rice (rice is included in the value. I made mine in the crock pot.. well simmered it.

2 lbs lean ground turkey
1-2 Zucchinni
1-2 yellow squash
1 medium/small sweet onion
2 jars Marinara sauce

Brown turkey in pan on stove. Drain and put in crockpot. Add Marinara Sauce. Sautee veggies in pan and mix into crockpot when ALMOST done. Let simmer for about 45 minutes. Serve over Brown Rice.
Makes about 6 servings (when you cook your rice, cook 6 servings).

Rather simple, but yummy. You can add whatever seasonings you'd like, and add veggies as well.

Looking up!

So yesterday I posted that I had gained weight last week. After I moved the scale back upstairs to my bathroom (where I have been using it prior), it gave me a whole pound back! So I was only up 2 pounds. However, this morning, I was down another pound, so have only gained 1. I am thinking that water retention is the reason. Whew.

I've taken to writing everything down again. Helps me know where I am, and actually has an influence over me! Didn't do any exercise though.. still trying to dig down and find the motivation to do so.

Be on the lookout for a new recipe.. will be making tonight, and posting tomorrow!

Not a great week!

I'm not really sure what happened, or where I went wrong, but I gained 3 pounds!? How does that happen when I'm not eating all the crap I had been eating? The only thing I am holding on to was that it was "that time of the month", and I'm HOPING that my body is still retaining a bit of water from it. It's really hard not to become discouraged. I'm trying to keep in mind that over the course of this journey, I will have many triumphs, and many losses, but I have to keep my head up and keep on going. I WILL fall off the wagon at times (though I really didn't this week), and when that happens, I need to brush myself off and hop back on!

I have been trying to do this w/out writing it all down. So, thinking that could be part of the problem, I will return to my daily notebook, writting everything I eat down in it. I also know that I REALLY need to start doing some sort of exercise, other than basic housework. A friend of mine is going to the gym again in the mornings, and I am considering starting that back up again as well. However, I was going at 5am! I'm not sure that I'll be able to drag myself in there that early again. I may have to try to find time in the evening to make my appearance. I think another challenge for me is drinking water. I don't drink nearly enough (I'm a soda addict). I will be working on that.

I'll keep you posted!

9 down, many more to go!

That's right, I'm down 9 pounds. So exciting! Wish it had been the big 10 mark, but I'll take it. I still have many more pounds to go. I know it will be a long road, but I know I will get to my goal.. eventually.

I have been eating w/in my point range, and have given up all the junk food. I've been sticking with my frozen meals, and the Orzo recipe I posted earlier. I treated myself this past Tuesday to a small piece of cake. It was my (now 3 years old) daughters birthday. I don't, however, think the small piece threw me over. I'm sure it used up a good chunk of my weekly points. Basically, I have been eating well. Lots of fruits.. lots of veggies! Safeway had strawberries on sale for $1.99.. Needless to say, I have been eating lots of them!

I haven't started my exercise plan yet.. still trying to develop that. It is next on the list! Haven't made any more WW dishes yet, but plan to soon. Will be sure to share!

So excited!

Weighed myself this morning, and I am very happy to report that I've lost 7 pounds!!!! Wooo Hoo!!! I am definitely on the right track.

I need to really buckle down and get serious with my exercise. I think if I can start that up, even doing a little each day, it will certainly help me with the weightloss. Today my exercise came in walking around the mall for an hour (resisting all the temptations of the food court and snack stands), and cleaning the house for Amanda's 3rd bday party on Saturday.

Getting organized

As with any new venture in life, comes the unknown. Lots of new information to absorb, and starting a new way of eating is no different. I am a bit overwhelmed with all the information I'm finding, but excited at the same time. One of my biggest challenge is going to be my snacking. I'm a big snacker. What can I say, I like my snacks! My weakness is french fries and chips. So far, I've been able to resist. I know it will get easier as time goes by, but right now, it's a mental struggle. I've been trying to steer myself in the direction of healthy snacks. And this means, fruits and veggies. I know, boring. I agree! I don't mind baby carrots and celery, but pass the ranch dressing to dip them in. Until I can get that craving under control, I've been surrounding myself with fruit. Last night I spent a good bit of time cutting up strawberries and a pineapple. I have found that if I have the fruit already prepared, it becomes a way more attractive snack to me. Does that mean I'm lazy? On the new Weight Watchers plan, all fruits and veggies are now '0' points. Woo Hooo! I just wish that fresh fruit was in season right now! $$ But it's worth it.

So I dropped the ball last night on dinner. Didn't prepare myself to cook anything, so we went for a hodgepodge dinner. Steve had a large salad, with some grilled chicken breast on top. I had a smaller salad (minus the chicken), and a Lean Cuisine French Bread pizza. It was decent, but certainly no Stoffers, or Papa John's! We have a full freezer of frozen LC's and Smart One's meals.. just for this occassion (and for lunches). It certainly is an easy way to control your portions and points. But it does get boring.

There is a wide variety of Frozen meals out there for your choosing. I feel as though, over the years, I have tried many of them. The main brands are Smart Ones (Weight Watchers), Lean Cuisine (not sponsored by WW, but they do have the points on the box), and Healthy Choice. My favorite brand out of the three is Lean Cuisine. I think that most of the meals just taste (and look) better. I am not exclusive to LC though. Smart Ones have a few I enjoy. Mainly the desserts! (You knew that was coming, right?). My favorite SO dessert is the Double Fudge Cake.

Right now, if you go to the Smart Ones website, there is a $1 coupon good when you buy 5 meals. Give them a try!

Mediterranean Chicken w/Rosemary Orzo

Here's a yummy recipe that I made for Steve and I last night. The portions were quite large, and filling. This is a definite thumbs up, and will make it again!

Mediterranean Chicken w/Rosemary Orzo

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch strips

1 1/3 cups orzo pasta, uncooked

1 1/2 cups (about 2 medium) zucchini, julienned or chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 1/2 cups (about 3) plum tomatoes, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14 1/2 oz) can fat free chicken broth

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaf, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Spray a 10-inch skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 5 minutes (untill browned)

3. Stir in the chicken broth, orzo and garlic.

4. Heat until boiling; reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 8 minutes (or until the liquid is absorbed).

5. Stir in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.

6. Cover and simmer, stirring once, for about 5 minutes (until pepper is crisp-tender and the orzo is tender).

Makes 4 servings. WW points per serving: 7

A New Beginning

After a disappointing 2010, I decided to enter 2011 with a new attitude. Unhappy with my weight, as well as the poor eating habits I have developed, I have vowed to myself to make a change. A change in my diet and exercise (or lack of), habits. What's the most exciting thing is that my husband, Steve, has decided to take this journey with me.

I know this journey won't be an easy one, but it's one I am willing to take. I HAVE to do this. I am very excited!! We have decided to start on Weight Watchers. However, Weight Watchers has changed their whole program, so we are looking into that. We'll be doing it on our own though, as we have in the past.

I want to use my blog to write about my journey. It will hold myself accountable for my choices. I will also share my experiences with products, good and bad, as well recipes we try.