Thursday, December 2, 2010

Christmas Challenge

Ok, so you know how I said I was going to lose 15 pounds by Christmas? Well, I told my husband. He is THE MOST competitive person I have ever known. So, he will totally lose 15 pounds now, because I have challenged him. Hopefully, that will help to keep me on track--its hard to eat salad for dinner while he's having pizza :-)) We'll see how that turns out.

I am planning to eat good all day every day--except for Christmas parties and gatherings. Then I am going to eat what I want. Otherwise, that would put a big damper on the holidays. I've been looking at Christmas recipes. Mmmmmmm. I need to make a little shopping list, and go to the grocery. I'm going to attempt to make a bananas foster cake this year. I also will make some "white trash" at some point, with Ghiradelli white chocolate. OMG!! Its very good. BUT, if you don't get the chocolate NOW, you won't get it. It sells out. BIG plans.

I also have to trim the tree, and deck the halls, and get my big ass to the Y! I'm hoping challenging Brian will help me get to the Y more often. Exercise will definitely help in this "15 pounds before Christmas" thingy. We'll see how this goes. Hopefully, I can pull this off. I CAN, its just a matter of if I stick with it. Stay tuned. Merry Christmas!!! (I say Merry Christmas)

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Holiday Havoc!

How in the WORLD are you supposed to diet and eat healthy during the holidays? This is the SOUTH! We had FRIED turkey for Thanksgiving. (and if you've never had fried turkey it is hands down the juiciest turkey you will ever eat) You see, we believe you can fry damn near anything in the south. We have fried Twinkies and fried oreos down here too. SO, we are not eating some baked sweet potatoes and some steamed green beans!! Hell no!!! We are eating fried turkey, sweet potatoes with loads of butter and sugar, green beans cooked with ham, macaroni with lots of real butter and a pound of Velveeta, and then some very fattening dessert. AND, we like it that way--don't plan on changing!

SO, the challenge is to exercise enough to help burn off some of the million extra calories you will eat from now to New Year's. For Christmas my family will eat a baked country ham. It is yummy and delicious----and LOADED with salt. There will also be homemade candy and various other goodies.

I have decided to set a little goal for myself between now and Christmas. I am going to lose 15 pounds before Christmas. This is a big goal, but if I set a big goal I'm hoping I will stay focused. I would actually like to lose 20 lbs., but given the previous paragraphs, you can see how that might be unrealistic. If I exercise daily, and eat well except for when at parties and various holiday gatherings, I think I can do this. I KNOW I can. Hold me accountable. Email me. Text me. Whatever. Just help me stay focused. I will try to blog more frequently, so if I haven't blogged, contact me to keep me in check. I look forward to it. (and I have caller id if you get a little too into it! )

Friday, November 19, 2010

Help, I'm Bent Like a Pretzel, and I Can't Get Up!

OMG!!! I did YOGA this morning! Wow! Let me just say, when you have a lot of fat around your middle (just picture the Michelin Man), you are NOT going to sit in the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, and get all flat and touch your toes. Forgive my ignorance, I don't know if that's a matter of physics, or what, but it ain't fuckin' happening! SO, I was not your "typical" YOGA student, but I liked it, and I will be doing it again. I don't know how much the skinny bitches behind me enjoyed it. I'm thinking the view may not have been so good for them. However, it may have been amusing :-))

I'm doing Zumba Monday, or at least that is the plan at this time. You have to have reservations for the Zumba classes, so I'm guessing there will be a million people in there. Guess we'll know Monday.

After all that YOGA, tonight we are going to my sister's house for Bunco. Everybody is bringing a finger food--so that equals diet disaster. AND, finger foods are my all time favorite. I will not even lie to you and say I'm going to eat veggies and hummus. I might, but I will be eating a lot of other junk food probably. Anyway, I must go now. Have a great weekend!

Monday, November 15, 2010

I Have Not Quit, but I Might Be On Hiatus :-))

I have definitely not been "on the program" lately. It is time, however, to regroup. SO, I will weigh in again on Monday morning. That gives me one week to get it together. I did not weigh this morning, but I had weighed at some point last week, and I had stayed the same. We'll see what I do this week.

I obviously need to exercise and eat better, but I'm also going to start reading my Women Food and God book at lunch again. I'm not saying that solves all my problems, but I DO believe reading on related subjects keeps you focused--at least it does for me. And, hey, whatever it takes. I also used to read Prevention all the time. That was also good for keeping you focused on your health. I haven't read that in a while. Maybe I should ask for a Prevention subscription for Christmas.

Anyway, I just have not been in the right "mind frame" lately. This is something to overcome. Its true what they say, one day at a time!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Did you watch Dr. Oz?

Did you watch Dr. Oz today? One of his topics was heartburn/acid reflux--or my favorite word ever . . . . GERD!!!! What kind of word is GERD?? Anyway, I learned a few things, and some things I already knew. For one thing (didn't really realize this), my FAT is pushing on my stomach, which helps to force the acid up and out of the stomach. Another thing I didn't know, your digestive system slows down in the evening. The doctor said it correlates with sun up and sun down. This is one more reason not to eat late in the evening, and if you do, to eat very lightly. I knew tight clothes contributed to acid reflux. But I can promise you, if I just ate some big meal, the last thing I want to be wearing is TIGHT CLOTHES. (not to mention the fact that fat people look especially bad in tight clothing) Over time acid reflux basically "sun burns" your esophagus, and can lead to esophageal cancer, which is one of the more difficult cancers to control/treat. Oh, and another thing I did NOT know, aspirin and ibuprofen can contribute to acid reflux/heartburn, as they can be very inflammatory to your stomach.

So, from now own when you stuff your face, remember if you OVER stuff to the point of causing heartburn/acid reflux, you could be increasing your chances of esophageal cancer. Not sure if that will keep me from over-serving myself, but its worth a try. In all seriousness, they said if you have heartburn more than twice a week for six weeks, you should seek medical attention. I probably should have been a doctor :)) All except for the fact I don't really like blood and guts. If I was going to subject myself to blood and guts I'd be a CSI tech!--Naaaah. Doctors probably make much better money. Oh well, guess there's no point worrying about either since I'm currently a wanna be real estate agent, who cleans houses to pay the bills!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

"Good" Breakfast is KILLING Me!

So for the last three days my husband has cooked breakfast for me. Delicious too. One day was bacon and eggs, one was sausage, biscuits, and eggs, and one was pork tenderloin, biscuits, eggs, and fried potatoes. It was absolutely delicious. He is the perfect breakfast "cooker". HOWEVER, what I have realized is this: I cannot eat that stuff. OMG! It gives me terrible acid reflux. So much so, its not worth it. As good as "breakfast" is, that stuff just KILLS me. I believe I need to stick with my WW and/or Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches on English muffins, or maybe cereal w/fruit, or maybe oatmeal, or even an Egg Beaters omelet.

I also have to exercise EVERY day--or at least 5 out of 7 days. No matter what disease/disorder/sickness you learn about, EVERYTHING you watch tells you being overweight exacerbates that particular condition, and exercise improves/alleviates that condition. EVERYTHING. There is only one thing to conclude: you must exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. Doing it, however, is something else :)) That is what we must strive for.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Ok, the problem with counting on your workout "buddy" to keep you straight is that sometimes they get injured, and then you are on your own. So, I have not walked this week--or anything else for that matter. Of course, I must admit, every spare minute this week has been devoted to reading the book club book. So, I'm not sure how much walking I could have done this week. I have read in the mornings this week. The meeting is tomorrow night, and I MUST finish before the meeting. I'm not worried though. I'm almost done.

I definitely have to focus on changing my lifestyle. I'm a little stressed right now, and what I really want is a bag of salty potato chips--preferably with some dip. BUT that is not the right choice. I have been lax about blogging, and lax about eating healthy, and lax about exercise. (that's a lot of lax) I have not gained any weight, though. So, that's good. But, I should have lost huge amounts of weight by now, and I haven't. I can't dwell on that. I have to just move forward in a positive manner. I have not given up.

Monday, October 11, 2010

How to Keep Exercising Regularly

Make an appointment with someone. OMG! If I had not told my friend I would walk this morning, I would have SOOOOOO turned the alarm off and gone back to sleep. However, knowing she would be out there freezing her hiney off, I couldn't NOT show up. So, if you are having trouble exercising on a regular basis, find a friend/friends who will commit to exercising with you. You could let yourself down, but you probably won't let THEM down.

So, I have exercised some this week. I admit I did not walk last week on the days it was under 50 degrees in the mornings. I really have no excuse because even if its 20 degrees outside, I have a treadmill. I guess my goal for this week will be to walk Monday through Friday. I need to walk seven days a week, but one thing at a time!

I am still reading Women Food and God. I usually read just a few pages at lunch each day. Its kind of deep, so its good to read a little, and then "digest" it. For ME, its not a book I would sit down and just read right through. I don't know if you would really get anything out of it if you just breezed right through it. The part I have most recently read talks about loving yourself, and seeing yourself differently. If you love your "self" then you would love your body because your body is what's hauling your "self" around. Therefore, you would treat that body with love so as to keep it going at its best. Its kind of like trying to do for YOURSELF all the things you would insist on for people you love---your children, your spouse, parents, etc. You probably wouldn't let your child sit on the couch for hours upon hours and watch TV and eat potato chips and ice cream. You would want them to get exercise, and eat fruits and vegetables, etc. SO, why would you not insist on the same for yourself???? It REALLY is a deep book, but it makes you think.

All THAT to say, I am going to start exercising Monday through Friday, and I will also continue to improve my diet. I do not plan to be a food Nazi, but I need to eat good except for special occasions. That's my plan. Now I just have to STICK to IT!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Just checking in with everyone. Still walking more days than I'm NOT. I am actually concerned about the cold weather though. I go out in the morning, and I am FREEZING. This is saying something because I am NEVER cold. That coldness is not good for my motivation. I am planning to continue walking as long as my partner does. I am also thinking I'm going to stop at the Y on my way home from work--that's in ADDITION to walking in the mornings! That, my friends, is nothing short of a miracle!!! Of course, it also hasn't happened yet either :))

As for my eating, well . . . . it could be better, could be worse. This morning I had a Jimmy Dean turkey sausage/egg white sandwich thingy for breakfast. It was very good, by the way. For dinner, however, we are having stuffed shells. They might not be terrible. The sausage was pretty lean, and I drained and rinsed it too--when you are old, this cuts down on the heartburn/acid reflux. That and the cheese should be the only fat in the dish, and there is not a lot of cheese--seriously, there isn't.

We'll see how this week goes. My plan is to go to the Y after work, and to eat better--cut out some of the crappy stuff that I have let slip back into my diet recently. I'll let you know how that works out for me. I also need to concentrate on eating more fruits and vegetables--FRESH, that is. That's the plan.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Biggest Loser is Back!

Well, I realize we are a little slow, but we FINALLY watched last week's Biggest Loser. Its very inspirational. When you see those 400 lb people complete a 1 mile race, you know you can do it. Or, when you see them tally 500 steps, you know you can do that. I'm glad its back! Tonight they will be at the ranch, so they will experience real workouts with Bob & Jillian. On the previews on contestant said of their first workouts "people were crying for mercy in there". I went to the audition for Biggest Loser once, but was not chosen. When I watch them work out, I'm kinda glad! I might have DIED!!! OMG! Those workouts are BRUTAL, but inspirational because you KNOW if they can do that, you can surely walk around the block. (of course there were at least two people who fell out during the 1 mile walk last night, and the 500 steps)

I'm trying to get my eating back on track. God is trying to help me with that. I know this because when I tried to buy pretzel M&M's at Target, they were OUT! I took that as a sign. If you haven't tried pretzel M&M's . . . . DON'T--they are addictive.

So today I will be having an EverRoast Chicken Sandwich on a 100% whole wheat sandwich thin for lunch, and apples instead of chips, and yogurt for a snack. OH, and I have already gone walking this morning. My husband, because he is AWESOME, is making me an omelet with Southwestern Egg Beaters. They are yummy. Last night we had Spicy Potato Soup. It was great, and had to be very low in fat. The only fat in it was the hamburger meat, and I used Laura's Lean, and rinsed it. It was really good. I'm glad to share the recipe if anybody wants it.

Progress is being made. Stay tuned :)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

I'm Still Here

AND, I'm still walking! This is HUGE for me. Of course I was doing so well with my eating, but not exercising. Now I'm doing much better about my exercising, and less good with my eating. So, the time has come to get on track. Biggest Loser also just started a new season, and that's always good for a little extra motivation.

Let me just say that I have been eating . . . umm . . . not great, but not terrible. However, I can tell you when I eat good I feel good, and when I eat bad I have acid reflux. If you don't suffer with acid reflux let me tell you it SUCKS! There's nothing like waking up choking because you have just inhaled this acid reflux into your lungs. It burns, and it tastes awful. It is definitely NOT how you want to wake up. It's unpleasant even when you are awake too. Fritos KILL ME! Do you know how good Fritos are with a bunch of dip???--especially if the dip is baked, and made with cream cheese??? It is SOOOOO NOT worth it. I am officially old! Actually, I think its my body, saving me from myself.

My refrigerator is fairly empty, and my cabinets need a little cleaning-out. I'm thinking its an especially good time to stock up on better, healthier food choices. Now all I need is some grocery money!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

And I'm STILL Walking :))

Shocking, I know. I have to skip a day sometimes because my heel hurts, but I am still walking regularly, AND today we started taking a longer route. Now that I'm exercising I need to get my EATING back on track! I have definitely been off, but now that I'm exercising with some regularity, the eating is the easy part.

Having said that, we are having frozen pizza tonight for dinner. You see, being the procrastinator that I am, I have put off reading my book club book. SO, I need to read about 580 pages before Thursday night. Therefore I don't have time to cook. I really don't have time to blog either, but what the heck? There are no dishes to wash after blogging. There are no dishes to wash after frozen pizza either--two words--paper plates! See how things go at my house? :))

Oh, and by the way, Brian is also still running--you know he can't let me out-do him! Silly boy.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Yep. . . . STILL Walking

However, I WILL be taking the weekend off :) I walked this morning, though. Next week we are going to try taking a longer route. We'll see how that goes--time wise, and with my heels. My walking partner always has her cell phone, so she can call for a car--or an ambulance if the whole "taking-the-long-route" thing doesn't work out.

I did better with my eating yesterday. I had a Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich thingy, then salad for lunch, and a turkey burger for dinner. Today, however, I had Cracker Barrel for breakfast, and quite frankly I'm STARVING right now. I mean STARVING. This is not good. I tend to make BAD food choices when I'm this hungry.

OH, and if you know my husband you will appreciate this. Brian was running for most of last year. When his schedule changed at work, his running slowly came to a stop. Brian may be the most competitive person I know. Well, now that I'm walking on a regular basis, guess who has been running this week??? LOL!! I can promise you its all because I'M exercising and he was NOT. He is hilarious. I'm just glad he's back on the program. It makes it much easier for me. I'm like George Washington though . . . . I cannot tell a lie . . . . if he was home I would TOTALLY be trying to talk him into going to Hooters for some fried pickles and some hot wings right now! I guess its a good thing he isn't home, huh?

Well, as much as I would rather put a STICK IN MY EYE, I have stalled long enough. I must go clean the house. Hope you have a great weekend.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Still Walking :))

Yep. You read that correctly. Now, I did not walk on Sat & Sun, and of course Monday was a holiday, but I have been walking since then. I have pretty bad heel pain some days, so I had to sit yesterday out. However, I have already walked this morning, and plan to walk tomorrow morning. I got new heel inserts, so hopefully that will make it all bearable. AND, my husband ran yesterday for the first time in a while, so this is encouraging. Maybe we'll start going to the Y in the evenings. That's my plan.

I still need to improve some of my eating habits. I think I am going to start counting something :)) Seriously, either calories or fat grams, because for a little while I think I need some limits. If you read Women Food and God it tells you NOT to count things, and don't diet. I'm a little conflicted about that, but I know I need some limits or boundaries until I can get a handle on this. I'm ready to lose serious weight, and I know what I have to do--PUT DOWN THE POTATO CHIPS AND GET MY ASS OFF THE COUCH!!! If I want to be a skinny bitch, I need to do what the skinny bitches do :))

Friday, September 3, 2010

This May Be A Record . . .

I have now walked (brace yourself) three days in a row. I'm pretty sure its a record, if not, its at least a good place to start. However . . . I get home and check my Facebook page, and find out my friend is at the hospital having ultrasounds, ct scans, and bloodwork---ALL FROM WORKING OUT. This just confirms what I have always suspected . . . . exercise will KILL YOU!!!!

I'm supposed to go to Cracker Barrell for breakfast this morning. Not sure yet what I will eat. I'm pretty hungry right now, and I'm not planning to eat freakin' oatmeal at Cracker Barrell. We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow. I may have to walk on the treadmill tomorrow morning to make up for the calories I KNOW I'm going to eat tomorrow night. We'll see. I'm not promising anything. BUT, that is probably what the skinny people would do.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

I DID it!

You may want to sit down. . . . . . I went walking this morning!!! Can you hear the weight-loss angels singing "Hallelujah"? It wasn't bad either. The temperature was good--if you don't know, I don't like to sweat. (its kind of a problem when you need to lose weight) And, of course, I had good company--time just flew by. AND, (yes, there's more) we made an appointment to do it again tomorrow. I don't love exercise (ok, I hate it), but I love how I feel afterwards. PLUS, I am finally using my million dollar shoes! This is definitely a step in the right direction.

The next step is to get my eating back on track. I really don't think that will be hard. I know we are having Subway for dinner tonight. I always get a veggie sub. LOVE them--and, I'm pretty sure that's what the skinny people eat!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

I FINALLY posted again!

Ok, so I have been getting some flack for not posting. Let me just tell you, I have not weighed, but I know I can't have lost weight. I have not exercised, and the diet has been questionable at best.

A very nice person made me a strawberry cake last week. OMG! It was so good! But, what about my ASS says I need a big ole strawberry cake???? Makes great breakfast, by the way. Went to a crop Friday night (that's a gathering where everybody scrapbooks, in case you don't know). Well, everybody brings something to eat, and we share. OMG!!!! Let me just give you a brief run down of Friday night's menu: Homemade Paula Dean pimento cheese finger sandwiches, cucumber/cream cheese finger sandwiches, corn dip with sour cream-eat with Fritos, I took Subway (not bad), AND . . . . . cupcakes from Ivey Cakes!!! This is the place that made Carrie Underwood's cupcakes for her wedding. When you get through eating your cupcake, you realize your fingers are moist from the BUTTER all up in the cupcake. YES it was VERY good!!!!! But, also very fattening. We went a football game Thursday night. This equals cheeseburger for dinner. The worst part about that was it was WAY overcooked, so you ate all those calories, and it really wasn't very good. Wednesday was Fantasy Football Draft Party at Buffalo Wild Wings. We had wings and fries, and oh yeah . . . . FRIED PICKLES!!!! Saturday we went to the pool and we had barbecued shrimp--that wasn't too bad. BUT, we had dinner at Fletcher's Pizza in Donelson--yummy, but also very fattening.

I think that gives you a pretty accurate idea of the TRAIN WRECK that has been my diet of the last few days. Couple this with NO exercise, and you are probably starting to understand why I have not blogged!

On a positive note, although totally against my will, I am going to start walking every day. My neighbor called, and as much as I would rather put a stick in my eye, I really had no good excuse for NOT doing it. So, pray for me. I am going to start walking tomorrow. I asked her if she was going to go get the car and come get me if I couldn't make it all the way!!! LOL!!! (I say LOL, but I really wasn't joking) I will keep you posted!

Friday, August 20, 2010

What's on Your Plate?

Ok, so I have started reading Women Food and God. So far I really like it. I haven't had big blocks of time to read it, but that's ok. Its kind of deep, so its good to read a little and then digest that for a while. I really am enjoying it--I think because it makes me think maybe I'm figuring it all out.

Just one example; one retreat participant said to the author "everything we believe about our lives is right here on these plates." So, the next time you sit down to eat, take a look at your plate. Is it full of Bagel Bites, or maybe a big fat cheeseburger, slathered in mayo, and also covered with bacon??? Or is it full of organic fruits and vegetables? I'm just thinking if what we think about our lives is reflected on our plates, I want the organic fruits and vegetables because that would be the very best for my body. However, that is NOT what has typically been on my plate. Why is that? Am I not enough of a priority to MYSELF? If I had a child I would want them to eat as much organic produce as possible, yet I don't spend that extra money on myself. Does this mean I don't value myself? Or maybe I don't value my body? Like I said, its deep, but it makes you think. I like that.

Big weekend planned. Having friends over today, Sounds game tonight, cookout with friends tomorrow, and I'm not sure after that. Hope you have a good weekend. Ballpark food is probably NOT so healthy, so what will be on my plate tonight???? :-))

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Just wanted to post quickly. I am doing better, but still not 100%. I have fruit, but its on the counter and in the fridge waiting to be prepped. I had salad for lunch yesterday, but we had hamburgers for dinner. So, there is still room for improvement. Not sure what will be dinner tonight--maybe salad.

I have book club tomorrow night, and I have not read the book. Nor have I read the other book I bought. I have to do better. I want to read them both. For now, though, I have to go. I need to get ready for work, and if I have any extra time, I can cut up my cantaloupe.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Weigh-in Restart

Okay, so today I weighed for the first time in a few weeks. I have gained 4 pounds. Not bad--all things considered. I have decided I need to set some short-term goals. 100 pounds is such a large goal, and I realize it will take quite a while. In the mean time, I need to put myself on a little bit of a time line. For instance, my current goal is to lose 10 pounds by the end of August. That's a little ambitious, but I'm hoping I can lose the 4 I've gained, plus 6 more. We'll see.

I finally went to the grocery today. I could probably have gotten a few more things, but you need to have a "money" budget as well as a "calorie" budget. I DO have some fruit and some salad in my house now--just like the skinny people! That's good, right??? I have to cut up my cantaloupe and pluck my grapes tonight. I've learned if I don't do all the prep pretty quick after I buy it, I never eat that good-for-you fruit. So, that's the plan.

As usual, the least favorite part of this plan is the exercise part. So, I will keep you posted on that. I'm optimistic.

Tonight we are having whole wheat spaghetti with turkey meatballs for dinner. It's REALLY good. In fact, my beef-loving husband is the one who wanted it once he found out I had bought turkey meatballs. They are really good.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

I ate SO bad yesterday! OMG! It was ridiculous! I have NOT gotten with the program yet. I had FRIED catfish yesterday! (It was fattening as hell, but it was really good) On a positive note, I read 7 pages of Women Food and God last night. That's good, right? I actually did read something that kind of resonated with me. I really want to read that book. I feel like I'm really in the right mind-frame. However, I have a 644 page book club book I need to read before Thursday. So, I want to read Women Food and God so bad, but I don't because I need to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. And, I don't read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo because I really WANT to be reading Women Food and God. Thus, neither book is being read. Its a vicious little circle inside the mind of a procrastinator.

I need to go to the grocery store and I just haven't done it. I did eat some salad this week, but no fruit. Part of the reason for that is there IS no fruit in my house. So, I will take care of that. Plus, as much as I hate it, summer is winding down. Before you know it all those yummy garden vegetables will be gone. We all need to be enjoying them while they last. Soon we'll be eating those wretched tomatoes of winter in the grocery store. Uggghhh! I am hoping to get a watermelon and maybe a cantaloupe too. I hate when summer ends. The only good thing about it is FOOTBALL!!!!! Football is kind of like your little consolation present for summer being over. Here's some football.

Don't give up on me. I'm not. I'm going to lose this 100 pounds. Really. It is a process, and it is difficult to stay focused and change life long bad habits, but it CAN be done.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables

Well, I am moving toward healthier eating. I had salad last night--like the skinny people do. Not sure what we're having tonight. I may have salad for lunch today. But, I need to get more fruits and vegetables in. I can tell a HUGE difference when I am eating more fruits and vegetables versus when I am not.

If you think about it, the cave people ate plants and OCCASIONALLY ate meat. There was no refrigerator to store it. I don't know about you, but here at the Hollinsworth House, we are eating meat daily. My husband just cannot understand why anyone would want to be a vegetarian. (I find him very amusing sometimes. Its fun to say "I think we should stop eating meat" just to get a reaction.) I actually HAVE considered becoming a vegetarian, but I know I could never do that. I love steak, and fish, and shellfish, and chicken too much to NEVER eat them.

I do feel differently when I am eating more fruits and vegetables, but it is NOT an automatic thing for me. I have to make a conscious effort to eat more of these good things, and when I DO my body feels better. I can't explain it, but it really does feel better. Its almost like when I am NOT eating fruits and vegetables, my body is never empty--like its always working to digest something when its full of junk. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact fruits and vegetables are full of fiber, thus they travel through your system and exit. Your body has to work hard to digest processed food. I really try to avoid process food, but its not realistic YET for me to say I won't eat ANY processed food. That is my ultimate goal though. (as I sit here eating my Weigh Watchers fake Egg McMuffin) Ultimately I would like to eat no processed food, and everything organic. BUT, I know I'm a long way from that at this point. It is a goal to work toward though.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

People Watching
















Ok, so I was going to blog last night. Obviously that did not happen. I went with my sister to a consignment sale. Not just ANY consignment sale--Encores and More North. If you are a children's consignment shopper, this sale is a MUST. There was almost an OVERWHELMING amount of stuff. I believe they had approximately 1200 consignors this time. The sale is run by GREAT people, with Christian values. You can get just about anything you would ever want or need, and WAY cheaper than retail. Seriously, I REALLY recommend it to anyone who buys for children.

NOT so seriously, OMG it was some of the BEST people-watching EVER!!!! Do people NOT own mirrors???? Take the woman in the photographs. First, when your legs are fat enough to rub together in such a way that causes your shorts to ride up into your tutu, DON'T WEAR WHITE DAISY DUKES ON YOUR BIG ASS!!!! That's first. Second, its a CHILDREN'S consignment sale--I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR TITTIES HANGING OUT THE FRONT OF YOUR SHIRT!!!! Bless your heart. This is NOT attractive. Do you see me wearing shorts??? NO, because nobody wants to see my fat, white, cellulite infested legs. It is JUST not attractive. Capri pants are a big girl's best friend. Ladies, remember this.
As for my "diet status", I have been off the plan this week. Not totally. But, I'm ready. Really. Some things I have done very well this week, and some I have not. Some meals I ate perfectly, but other times I REALLY did badly. I know I cannot have potato chips in my house. They are like crack to me. I can't resist them. I have decided I will only have baked chips in my house. I will eat "real" chips only at social gatherings. It'll be like a treat.
I finally watched the Tony Robbins "Breakthrough" show. Wow. I used to listen to Tony Robbins, and I like him, but I see how the show would NOT appeal to the masses. I think he does good things, but the show just wasn't . . . ummm . . . I don't know what word I'm looking for. I would watch it SOMEtimes, but I don't think it will be topping the ratings chart. I was hoping this would be a show that we could all REALLY get something from. I do, however, recommend his CDs. I very much like his material.
So, I hope you don't think I was mean for what I said about the lady above. You will NEVER see me in shorts. I don't own any. I have capri pants. Walking shorts would be ok--you know, the long ones that come to your fat, little knees. You will NEVER see my knees (until I lose my 100 pounds) unless you see me at a pool. I haven't found a bathing suit that covers my knees yet.
I may start weighing in on Friday mornings. I will definitely start losing again. I'm also going to exercise. Its very important for lifelong health. I'm also going to put more lettuce in my life. I need to get back to having more salads at dinner time. Stay tuned for more weight loss. I promise its coming! Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Thank you very much for your encouragement. It means a lot to me. Somehow its helpful to know you are not alone in your struggles. I had a pretty good food day. I DID eat Chinese for dinner, but I only ate half. I will eat the other half tomorrow for lunch. Besides, it had broccoli in it, so that makes it healthy, right??? :-))

I HAVE to haul my ass to the Y----soon!!! Record-breaking heat does NOT make me want to exercise (because you KNOW otherwise I'd be there. LOL!!). As for my eating, I have been eating a sandwich for lunch, and instead of chips I have been eating one tomato and one cucumber--fresh from the garden. Delicious! Better enjoy all this fresh produce while we can. Before you know it all the GOOD stuff will be gone, and we'll be back to eating those God-awful tomatoes they sell in the winter at the grocery store. Bad. Bad. Bad.

I taped that new Tony Robbins show "Breakthrough". I haven't watched it yet, but I'm about to. I'm just curious to see if it has anything of value for ME. I almost never buy into any one's motivational "stuff" 100%, but most of the time I can find at least ONE good nugget. I'll let you know if Mr. Robbins had anything for me. Although, it IS 8:00 p.m., and I think the new season of Dark Blue just started. Might have to put Mr. Robbins off 'til tomorrow. :-))

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

So, how do you like that? I VOWED I would blog EVERY day, and then didn't blog for the next 4 days! I'm AWESOME! See, procrastination is a real issue for me. I absolutely WILL improve though--or die trying.

So, on a diet front, I didn't even bother to weigh this week. I am confident I did not lose weight. This is the part where I normally QUIT the whole "diet" thing. I'm not going to do that this time. I have to get back on track. I have to permanently change the way I eat and the way I think about food. I don't want to be fat and out of shape when I go on vacation. Nor do I want to be old and unable to get around because I didn't take care of myself when I was younger. Its time to get healthy. (Sounds good, right?)

Here's a little insight to how I think. Today has been a pretty good "food day". BUT, exercise has always been my greatest challenge. SO, I need to exercise today, BUT I promised my sister I would tag some stuff for consignment. That's what I will do tonight, and I don't feel like I can spare that 30 minutes to exercise. This is exactly the type of thinking that keeps me from exercising. Remember what I said in the first paragraph??? Procrastination is a real problem for me. They say KNOWING you have a problem is the first step to fixing the problem. So, what's step two? I still want to get Women Food & God. I WILL too, (here comes the procrastination) BUT I have a 644 page "book club" book to read, so I put my personal reading on the back burner. If you watch Biggest Loser you see a lot of contestants who always put themselves last. Maybe I do that. I never really thought I did, but these are two examples of me wanting/needing to do something for myself, and putting my stuff off to do other things. I'm a "people person", and I never want to disappoint anyone. Hmmm. I might be on to something.

Well, the next thing I'm going to be ON is a turkey burger. Dinner is almost ready. Hope you have a great evening.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

I swear I have eaten a hamburger every day for a week. I am NOT bragging. The first burgers we cooked because we needed to TRY these burgers before serving them at the birthday party. The next were actually AT the party. The LAST were leftover from the party. Oh my! AND, we STILL have four or five burgers left in the fridge.

There are also hot dogs. This makes me smile because the other night I fixed beanie weenies for dinner!!! I'm not kidding! Hey, Brian loves those damn Grillin' Beans, and we had several left over, grilled hot dogs. SOOOOOO, when life hands you leftover hot dogs, make beanie weenies!!! We spent a lot of money on the party, and there was all this leftover food, and yet no leftover money. Let me PROMISE you the grocery store is HIGH on my priority list for this weekend. I cannot WAIT to have salad for dinner, and maybe some fruit for breakfast and more at lunch. I love hamburgers and potato chips, but I only need to eat them occasionally.

I am making an effort to be more productive and proactive. I am the world's worst procrastinator sometimes, so my goal is to stop procrastinating. I have done pretty good this week. Its usually things for ME that I procrastinate about. I'm not sure why this hesitation to just take control, but I am working to overcome that. I believe all these things are somehow related to the weight, and I believe solving that mystery may be the key to losing weight permanently.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Gettin' Back To It

Well, the party is now behind me. I had a great time, and I THINK the people who attended enjoyed it too. I hope so. I love to host parties and events, but I always worry if people had a good time. Did we have what they wanted to drink? Or eat? Or whatever else would ensure they enjoyed themselves? SO, I know my stress level the week before a party is absolutely elevated. Consequently, I have eaten very badly this week. I have probably had 4 hamburgers (maybe 5) this week AND, there are more in my future! By the way . . . ALWAYS RSVP to invitations. I have not been AS good about this as I could be, but I PROMISE you I will be an excellent RSVP-er in the future. It sucks for the host not to know who will show and who will NOT. For instance, I will be eating hot dogs and hamburgers all week because we didn't know exactly who would come Saturday and who would not.

Anyway. I will weigh in the morning--or maybe I will procrastinate until Tuesday! I know I will have gained. If the hamburgers don't get me, the salt-covered pretzels will. BUT, I really am back on track--you know . . . I'm going to start back on my diet TOMORROW! :-)) And, I shouldn't call it a diet. I should say I am returning to my healthier way of eating--like the skinny people do.

After a couple of weeks OFF my little program, I am REALLY looking forward to eating healthier. As I sit here now I feel bloated and gross. I have always eaten too much salt, but when I decided to change my evil ways, cutting back on salt was a priority. Today I have eaten several pretzels and some salty chips, and I am surprised just how nasty I feel. I also had to take a Prilosec yesterday. I almost never need them when I eat well. There definitely is a difference in how I feel when I eat junk versus good, healthy food.

Thanks for sticking with me. This is not a change that will happen overnight, but I can make little changes each day that will eventually take me to a much better(healthier) place.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I must admit I gained a pound this week. But, I have tried to eat salad or something salt-free and low in fat the night before weighing in, and I did not do that this week. I have not TOTALLY lost focus, but recently I have definitely NOT been as strict as I need to be.

To further complicate things, we are having a pool party Saturday and I have A LOT to do before the party. I mention this because this is a good example of a situation that brings me stress and PROBABLY makes me more likely to eat badly. I will "obsess" over this party until it is over--wanting every little detail to be perfect. I kinda want to be a little "Martha Stewart" when I have parties. (it would probably be more accurate to say REDNECK Martha Stewart) But, I have this list of things in my head--and on paper--that I want to get/do before Saturday. We'll see how this week goes.

I think a lot of overweight people are like me--maybe not the redneck Martha Stewart thing. They obsess over things, and rather than do something about the source of their stress, they eat their stress. I'm like Oprah now . . . I don't have stress. I ate the stress. I think it happens to a lot of people. I'm just not sure how many ever realize that's what's going on. Its quite a process to figure it out, but I still say if you are obese its not about your lifestyle or what YOU are eating. Its about what's eating YOU. Just my opinion--ought to be yours! LOL!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I only have a minute this morning--gotta get ready for work. I have eaten a few bad things in the last several days. Mostly I have eaten good, but there has been more bad in recent days than in many weeks. However, I am ready to get back on track. It is not realistic to think I will never eat anything "bad" again, but I certainly need to minimize the "treats". They really aren't treats for your body.

I also have to exercise. I know I don't like it, and I think I have built it up in my head to be much worse than it really is. So, that is something to overcome. If you exercise enough, you can eat almost anything you want. I certainly am not in that place yet.

Well, I must go get ready for work. Book club is tonight! The author is supposed to call in for our discussion!!! How great is that????

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Where have I been????

Well, mostly I've been at the pool. I was off work last week, so I went to the pool as much as possible. Being off work is not good for my healthy diet. I must confess, I gained two pounds this week! Its true.

Some of the changes I have recently made, I have continued to do consistently. However, some things I have been more and more lax about. If I'm honest with myself, this is usually about the point where I would just quit. . . . give up the quest to lose the weight. But, that's what has gotten me where I am today. So, I must CHOOSE to get back on track.

I saw some of Oprah yesterday. Its taped in my DVR. I plan to sit and watch it all. The show was a follow up (2nd show) about a book titled Women, Food, & God. I think I want to read that book. I am a believer that being overweight is LESS about what you're eating, and MORE about what's eating you. I believe that I am a very happy person, and I know other overweight people who also seem very happy in their lives, yet we overeat. For some, I think its pressure you apply to yourself to be perfect, to do everything flawlessly. For others maybe its a lack of control. There are many, many reasons. I can promise you, for people who are VERY overweight, its not a matter of counting calories and walking around the block. Its a matter of solving that mental puzzle. Once you do that, I believe, the lifestyle changes will be much, much easier. Its still a long road, but if you don't figure out what drives you to eat, I do not believe you can have lasting success. Just my opinion. So, while I want to change my bad habits, I have to solve that puzzle. Women Food and God appeals to me because its not about a diet. Its about making that mental connection. I don't know if it will lead you or me to the answers, but it can't hurt to try. I must have that book! :-))

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Funny how your vacation days just fly right by! I really didn't do anything productive yesterday. I made my bed. That's about the extent of it. Then I went to the pool about noon, and stayed until almost 9:00p.m. It was a good, hot day for it.

For whatever reason, my family seems to love to eat around the pool. We all do it. So, on my way to the pool I had to decide what I was going to eat--critically important. I didn't want fast food. I thought I might have Subway for dinner, so I didn't want it for lunch too. (I'm not Jared! If they gave me a great endorsement deal, I'd eat Subway 24/7. I can totally be bought--but I'm NOT cheap.) Anyway, I decided to go to Publix. I got a 1/2 sub--custom made for me with Boar's Head meat and cheese. It was SO good. It cost an arm and a leg--I may not be able to pay the house note, but it was really good! It wasn't that bad, but its hard to pay $6 for a 6" sub when you can get a 12" at Subway for $5. However, we eat a lot of Subway, so I need a change every now and then.

I am going to try a new recipe this weekend. I haven't decided what that's going to be yet, but I will keep you posted. I haven't even decided if its going to be healthy, or not. I feel like I make the same thing all the time, so I want to branch out. I have an obscene number of cookbooks, and yet I never make anything out of them. My new "thing" is to make one new recipe a week.

Well, I'm off for another vacation day. Not sure what I'm doing, but today I will get something accomplished. Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Well, I am off work this week, and trying very hard to be productive. I did pretty good yesterday. Not sure what I will do today. I am definitely going to the pool this afternoon. Brian DID come home and run on the treadmill yesterday. Today he wants to go to the Y. I'm all about that, but I do have friends coming to the pool. SO, I will make SURE I exercise in the pool in case I don't make it to the Y. Believe me, you can get PLENTY of exercise in the pool. If you don't believe me start swimming laps, and see how long you last. You feel like you've been swimming for hours, and its been like 4 minutes! :-))

Have no idea what we are having for dinner. I'm on vacation! What difference does it make?! But, I need to figure out what we're having. Oh well. We'll figure out something. As I've said before, if all else fails go to Subway! Only problem is I'm planning to have Subway for lunch! I've also been looking at a lot of cookbooks, trying to find new recipes. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not. Sometimes I think it makes you hungry(reading all those recipes)!

Well, as much as I would like to procrastinate, I think I should get busy. I want to do SOMETHING productive before I veg out at the pool all afternoon! Have a great day!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

**Week Eleven Weigh In**

Well, I stayed the same this week. I did not lose or gain, which is really a miracle. This having been 4th of July week, we spent a lot of time at the pool, and we ate pretty good--not pretty healthy, but not awful. Brian grilled chicken wings, and they were a huge hit. I took fresh veggies, we had salad, and I can't remember what else. Everything was good. I need to try some new recipes though. I saw a recipe for watermelon salsa. I'm thinking of trying something like that!

Ok, so Brian was running. He lost all kinds of weight, etc. When I started this healthier eating, and blogging, he QUIT!!!!!! WTF??!! So, today, he announced he is getting back on his running. Seems 2 of our nephews got on him in the pool yesterday, and he said he was all out of breath in just a couple of minutes(I didn't tell him he's just getting old). Sooooooo, now he's decided its time to re-dedicate himself to his running! This is good for me because he'll be wanting to go to the Y in the evenings, etc. Hopefully soon I will be putting up bigger weight losses! That's the plan anyway!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

God Bless Subway

All you do is pull into the Subway, tell them what you want, and before you know it dinner is ready!!!! So, by 5:00 p.m. today, I had dinner ready for my husband. I didn't heat up the kitchen, or dirty up a bunch of pots and pans (no dishes to wash). AND, we each got exactly what we wanted, how we wanted it. Seems like a win-win to me! Veggie subs are SO good. LOVE them. If you haven't tried them, you should. You may like it more than you think.



We have a holiday weekend coming up, so I'm already thinking about what kind of food to have at the pool. A friend has requested Brian cook his yummy grilled hot wings, so I need to think of what to eat with that. Someone suggested "baked" fries(in a comment on my blog), and that thought had crossed my mind too. So, I'm taking that suggestion as a sign. I'm planning to do those. I'm also thinking "marinated veggies". I have made them twice now, and they were a big hit both times, but I haven't gotten to eat very many of them myself. So, that's another thing I may fix. I'm also going to check some of my cookbooks--need to try some new things! I welcome any suggestions/recipes. I need all the help I can get! :-))

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Turkey Burgers for Dinner

Yep! That's right, Brian eats turkey burgers. Who'd a thunk it? (bad grammar on purpose) Mr. Beefeater not only eats turkey burgers, but he actually LIKES them. Someone asked me the other day if they taste like a hamburger. Let me be clear . . . THEY DO NOT TASTE LIKE A HAMBURGER. If you go into it thinking its going to taste like a hamburger, you will NOT like them. They don't taste like a hamburger, but they are a tasty, healthier substitute for a hamburger. We also eat some other "burger substitutes". We eat veggie burgers and soy burgers (taste like school hamburgers), and even fake chicken patties. I know some people are totally turned off by that, but don't knock it 'til you try it. AND, thanks to Brian's cousin, Christy, we are going to try a couple of other brands that we have not previously tried. I'm looking forward to it.

We've also stopped having fries or chips with our burgers. Tonight we will probably have those damn Grilling Beans that Brian loves so much. They are good, and luckily there are many flavors, so we have variety. Oh, and we may have a little bit of grilled squash too. We now substitute some other type of vegetable with more nutritional value than potato chips or french fries. That normally means less fat too. So, its a good swap. AND, when I eat a turkey burger and beans, I will NOT have acid reflux. That's a wonderful thing.

Monday, June 28, 2010

**Week Ten Weigh In**

Ok, I lost ONE POUND. I'll take it-at least I didn't gain. So, I believe I have now lost 19 pounds. I watched Jillian Michaels on "Losing It With Jillian" last night, and I realized I've GOT to pick up the pace. I would sign up for her to come live with us for a week, but I'm afraid I might DIE!!! :-)) I'm kinda like that guy the other night when Jillian called his house, "Tell her I ain't here." BUT, he lost 60 lbs in eight weeks. His wife lost 40 lbs. So, I need to pick up the pace.

It is a goal this week to get more fruit and vegetables into my diet this week. I have done significantly better than the old, unhealthier days, but I still have room for improvement. And, again, I must exercise more. I think I may start keeping a food journal and/or start writing daily goals. They say if you write down your goals it GREATLY improves your chances of following through. We'll see!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The last few days have kinda been a train wreck! I say that, and then when I think back, some things were very good, but some of my eating has been bad! But, I'm back on the program today. I have a lot I NEED to do today, and a lot I WANT to do. I'm thinking the WANT to do may win out! I have to get back on my "healthy living" plan.

I can't speak for other overweight people, but for me, I'm starting to realize control is a major component of my eating. I don't know exactly how it figures into the equation, but I'm a procrastinator, and I know that this reluctance to just take control has SOMETHING to do with the over eating. I haven't exactly figured out how that works, but I know its related. So, like today, I NEED to do certain things. HOWEVER, I may totally blow off those "need-to-do" things, and go to the pool. I don't know why, but I will do that. I've watched enough Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and Biggest Loser to know its all related. I just don't know HOW its related. If I figure that out, I may have the key.

SO, its time to get back on my game. Keep pursuing the answers and improving my life. I do realize that I am the only person who can make my dreams come true. Nobody else can do that for me--except the TN Lottery Commission, but that's something different! Have a great day!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Ok, I must confess I have been a little bad this week. I think my attitude is bad toward this "healthy eating/living" thing. Of course, it COULD be the PMS. I have eaten REAL bacon (and, oh my GOD it was good), and I have had ice cream--also good! Blue Bell may be the best ice cream ever--except for Haagen Dazs. AND, Blue Bell is $3.99 at Publix this week--still in a half gallon! Yes, my attitude has NOT been where it needed to be. This is bad. I am also going to the movies today. Popcorn is a big weakness of mine. I'll let you know what I do about that.

I think I'm feeling like I am not getting anywhere, so what's the point? But, at the same time, I also believe I'm not getting anywhere fast due to my lack of exercise. So, what to do? I think maybe my next phase will be to set a goal for each day. So, tomorrow I will walk 30 mins. on the treadmill. We are going to a family function an hour away tomorrow, and we need to be there no later than 2:00 p.m. I'm really thinking we should get there around noon, so we need to leave before 11:00, and I need to prepare my marinated vegetables to take. So, the treadmill in the morning is my best shot for exercise tomorrow. So, that is my goal for tomorrow. 30 mins. on the treadmill before we go to Nana's. Goal set. I'll let you know tomorrow how I did.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Cucumber Dip, Grilling Beans, and Serial Killers

Well, I don't know if I have anything worth blogging about. I have been thinking about how to get better/bigger results. It comes back to two things: 1). Exercise 2). Eating more fruit & vegetables. Sometimes I wonder if I should quit blogging. That's not to say I would quit dieting/eating healthier. I worry that I repeat myself too much. Don't know.

New challenge for this weekend. We will be having a family gathering at Brian's grandmother's farm. You know there will be lots of yummy, fattening food. I need to be sure to take a Prilosec. I'm not sure if I'll SKIP the unhealthy stuff, or just eat tiny portions. One thing I just can't skip is Vivian's cucumber dip. OMG! I love that stuff. Since there are cucumbers in it, its healthy right??? NOT!!! I'm pretty sure there's cream cheese, and I don't know what else, but it is REALLY good. Vivian's got it goin' on!

Tonight we are having grilled chicken for dinner. Not exciting, but we didn't plan ahead, so that's what we came up with. Surprisingly, I don't think we are having Bush's Grilling Beans with them! If I haven't told you, they are Brian's new favorite thing, and since they are easy, I don't mind fixing them--you open a can and heat them up. They really are good, but I feel like I have eaten 100 cans of them in the last 3 weeks. I recommend them. There are at least six different varieties. My favorite so far is the steakhouse ______ (can't remember the second name--just know its Steakhouse something). Brian loves the Texas Ranchero. They have jalapenos in them. They are good too, but not my favorite.

Well, I must go now. I bought #9 in James Patterson's Women's Murder Club Series, and so I have a serial killer to catch--he's killed 6 so far, and I'm just on page 130. There's also a movie star who seized an opportunity to murder his wife, and has not yet been caught. Lots to do tonight! Have a good evening!

Monday, June 21, 2010

**Weigh In Day! Week Nine**

Ok, I have GOT to change my weigh-in day. I never realized we socialize so much on Sunday. Geez! Yesterday was Father's Day, so Brian's parents and his uncle came over last night for dinner. Since Brian worked yesterday, and doesn't get home until 6:00 p.m., it was after 8:00 p.m. when we ate last night. AND, we ate pork chops! As for my weigh in, I did not lose/gain any weight. I stayed exactly the same. I'm tempted to weigh tomorrow morning again, because I believe that will change. I believe I will lose. Until I started weighing in regularly, and blogging it, I never realized we did so much socializing on Sundays. Oh well!

On the UP side, we served bread and potatoes with this meal. I, however, did not eat either. I had salad, a pork chop, and grilled asparagus. I DID eat a piece of pie. I know it was bad, but are you NEVER going to eat pie again? That's not realistic. I worked hard on that pie. It was kind of like quality control--I had to be sure it was good enough for everyone else! :-)) I was only thinking of them!

On the exercise front, I did some more walking/swimming/water aerobic-type exercising in the pool this weekend. However, I only did 20-30 mins. Not quite as much as last time. I'm not sure yet what my schedule is for today. I will try to get in some type of exercising today. Does housework count? If so, I cleaned Nan's house on Friday, and my house yesterday. I have definitely been busy.

Let me know how you're doing with your own goals. Any suggestions about weigh-in day?

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Brace yourself . . .

I actually woke up (without the alarm) and got on the treadmill at 5:30 this morning!!!! You skinny people are f-ing crazy (you can guess what the F stands for)!!! But, hey, it wasn't bad. Our treadmill is in the bonus room in front of the TV. I like to watch the news each morning. (Get the latest account on how many millions of gallons/barrels of oil are pouring into the gulf, ruining our environment. Only to have my father-in-law tell me its "not that bad", "the media is blowing this all out of proportion", "there have been worse spills than this", "in a couple of years you won't even know this happened", and my personal favorite . . . . wait for it . . . . "the ocean floor naturally releases a certain amount of oil each day" Really, Carl???? A few THOUSAND barrels????? I doubt it! I SWEAR I'm not making that up.) But, I digress. SO, I walked and watched the news. It wasn't bad. AND, I do feel good about myself after its over. Although I find myself watching the little timer on the treadmill--kinda like people in prison--just waiting to get your time served and get the Hell out of there!

I had a whole little debate with myself in the bathroom before I got on the treadmill. Do I get on the treadmill or go back to bed? Bed sounded much better, but what good is 30 mins. going to do me? Then I said to myself "Self, laying in bed is not going to burn any calories. You can't promise you'll workout tonight. You have book club. There REALLY is no good/fair excuse to NOT go get on that damn treadmill." So, I just got it done. I feel . . . how do I feel? I don't know. Good about myself for doing something I don't love to do, I guess :-)) I also seem to be full of myself this morning--more so than usual. LOOKOUT!!!

We ate steak last night. It is a fatty piece of meat--it just is. I love it, but it is not the healthiest choice. I am married to a man whose grandmother raises Angus cattle, so I am going to eat steak periodically--and I like it. BUT, in the past we would have had cheese covered, garlic-buttered bread, a baked potato or grilled potatoes drowned in butter and cheese and/or sour cream, PLUS the steak. Last night I had grilled asparagus and the steak. That's it. No bread. No potatoes. I was very satisfied too. AND, I didn't have indigestion/acid reflux. I could be wrong, but I think you have to make changes you can comfortably live with. I think our NEW steak dinner is a good example of doing that.

Time to go to work now. Hope you all have a great day! I worked out! na na na boo boo! (I told you I'm wound up this morning) :-))

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!

I have exercised!!!!! (do you hear the angels singing???) Went to the pool after work today. Walked/swam/did water aerobic exercises for NOT LESS than 45 mins. That's pretty decent. Definitely an improvement. Its the small victories :-)) Gonna try for more tomorrow. Two days in a row though, is that possible???

Food was good today. I had some fruit and a Weight Watchers version of an Egg McMuffin for breakfast. I had a Boar's Head chicken sandwich with lettuce, and some baked Tostitos for lunch. I had barbecue on a "sandwich thin" (they are wonderful if you haven't tried them--and some are 100% whole wheat) with some marinated veggies. Pretty good. WAAAAAYYY better than what I would have eaten in the past. PLUS, I exercised! I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now!

OOOOHHH! So, last night Brian & I were driving home, and he said he'd like to have a big, fat cheeseburger. Well, now that I have eaten better for so long, when I think cheeseburger, I think about the acid reflux and terrible indigestion I'm going to suffer with after eating it--kinda takes all the good out of it. SO, (this is the good part) in Mt. Juliet, beside the new Wal Mart there is a Five Guys (hamburger joint). Beside Five Guys is SUBWAY!!! So, that's where we went--he got a burger from Five Guys, and I got a veggie sub at Subway! I know this is a boring story, but its a good example of the changes I am making--even when there is temptation!

Monday, June 14, 2010

**Week Eight Weigh In**

Woooohoooo! I lost 4 lbs! I knew last week was water retention. Which means I really only lost one pound this week, but considering how much pizza I ate Thursday, and how little exercise I've done, I'll take it! So, that's 18 lbs total. Now we're back on track!

This has been a very busy weekend. We have been at the pool mostly. I've done an excellent job at NOT eating the chips and dips that I love so much. Yesterday we grilled chicken legs and had barbecue and I made marinated veggies instead of potato salad--which would have been really good. But, it would also have been VERY fattening. The veggies were good, and a nice change of pace. All this "healthiness"!

I have a busy day today. Going to a funeral, need to take some pictures and put out a sign for a real estate listing, and need to clean a house (not mine). So, I'm on the run again today. Brian's on vacation, so this will change our eating plan for the week. Not sure what's in store. (pretty sure he's cooking though!) I haven't even seen my Sunday paper yet to know what's on sale at the grocery, or what the coupons are. Being busy is sometimes hard on the ol' diet. I'll let you know what my challenges are. Let me know how you're doing. Hope you have a great day!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Well, the birthday is over. I AM trying to drag it out for the whole weekend if I can. BUT, I ate my ASS off last night! We went to Painturo's. They have incredibly good pizza--if you like thin crust, which I do. So, last night I ate all the pizza I wanted, and one cheese pinwheel thingy, and REAL coke--none of that diet shit! But again, my birthday is over, so today I was sipping the DIET Mtn. Dew at the pool :-))

I've been waking up at 5:00 a.m. for like a week now. I don't know if its the fact that the sun is up @5:00, OR if maybe God is trying to tell me something--you know, like "Get your ass out of bed and get on the treadmill!" I don't know. Maybe its just me being paranoid, but I'm starting to think there's a reason for this early morning rising. I haven't given in though. Not yet. I have not been NEAR my treadmill. Hey, I don't have any clothes hanging on it though. That's good, right?

That's all for now. I'm going to bed now. When you wake up at 5:00 a.m., you need to go to bed a little earlier than you normally would! PLUS, I DID have another birthday, and I'm pretty sure old people go to bed early. Have a great weekend. I'll keep you posted on my success or failure with milking the whole birthday thing!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Diet Blahs

So, I got an email today because I have not blogged since Monday. Hmmmm. Well, I'm not sure why, but I kinda have the blahhhhhs about this whole weight loss thing. That doesn't mean I'm quitting--I'm not. I am just a little burned out on all of this right now. I think its largely because I know the time has come. I MUST exercise, and I just can't seem to make myself do it yet. I can almost always come up with a reason why I should NOT exercise. I figured everyone is probably tired of hearing how I need to exercise, and then I never do. Anyway, I will overcome this LARGE obstacle.

On to better things! Tomorrow is my birthday! I'm getting older, and I don't know how good THAT is, but your birthday is like having your very own national holiday. (unfortunately, not everyone observes this holiday, but, hey, you can't have everything) The ONE day a year when YOU are a very important person. Its also a good excuse to get a bunch of old friends you don't see nearly as often as you would like. If you are REALLY good, you can drag your birthday out for a whole weekend, and some experts (Stephanie) can even get a WEEK out of it. I'm not quite that good! But, I digress!

My birthday relates to my blog BECAUSE . . . . . . you have to have a "birthday dinner". Its like a LAW--especially in the South. C'mon! And, I'm all about a birthday breakfast and lunch too! LOL! SOOOOOOO, I have to decide WHERE to go, and WHAT to eat. I have decided that I'm going to eat anything I want to on my birthday. I think your birthday should be a "freebie". Having said that, as I think about where to go, I am automatically thinking of what I'll eat--and how fattening it is. This is progress!!! Until a few weeks ago I would have ordered something terribly fattening and THEN thought "Wow, I shouldn't have ordered that. It's very fattening." Now, I'm thinking of that in advance. Even so, I am going to eat something BAD if I want to.

I'm actually STARVING right now! So, I'm off to round up some dinner! See you soon! Leave comments--I love them!

P.S. (do you p.s. a blog???) I think blogging may have helped me with my "diet blahs".

Monday, June 7, 2010

**Week Seven Weigh In**

Well, bad news . . . . I gained THREE POUNDS! Dammit! I have to say I'm actually not terribly troubled by this. On Sunday nights (the night before weigh in) I normally serve salad for dinner, or maybe a veggie sub from Subway. However, I scored some beautiful T-bones in the manager's special section at Kroger. SO, while I'm thinking lets eat salad 'cause I'm weighing in tomorrow, Brian is thinking let's grill a big, juicy steak.

My friends who have had lap band surgery tell me it takes your body as long as 72 hours to fully digest and process a big slab of beef. Plus, Brian puts sea salt and pepper on steaks before grilling. So, I'm hoping this gain is the steak and possibly water retention from the sea salt. It always sucks to gain, but I have eaten pretty well otherwise, so I really believe this does not truly reflect my efforts this week.

Now about exercise. I totally SUCK! I never went to the Y. However, I did get a lot of swimming (really swimming) in on Saturday. So, I feel okay about counting Saturday as a day I exercised. If you never swim laps, try it. You think "Oh I can do that all day". I bet you can't--unless you are in some hell-acious good shape. I know I was surprised how quickly I was ready for a little break! I challenge you to try it :-)) (Hey, its what the skinny people do)

This week I am going to try something new. I love to get up before work and watch the news. My plan is to get up, get on the treadmill, and walk while I watch the news. Tomorrow will be my first day, so I will blog in the morning, and let you know if I held up my end of the deal!

Never give up!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

What To Eat At The Pool??

Well, its Saturday morning. I'm soon off to the pool. Have you ever noticed how you just have to eat when you're at the pool or on the lake? I'm not sure why this is. Its not just overweight people either. My mother even munches on the water, and she's not at all overweight. The trick is to find healthier snacks.

I have to tell you, my favorite thing is chips and dip. I LOVE it. However, this love for chips and dips is a lot of what has made me fat. I have been trying to figure out better snacks--that are also satisfying. If I'm thinking I want chips and dip, a bowl of fruit is NOT going to suffice. Last week I took Chex mix--its baked, so it has considerably less fat than chips. Its still salty and crunchy--so its a decent swap. Sometimes I take baked Tostitos and salsa/guacamole. Yesterday I took a bowl of fruit and some chicken salad w/fruit & Reduced Fat Triscuits. I would love to hear some of your ideas.

I must go now. As much as I don't want to, I need to do a little housework before I spend the day at the pool. It sucks, but I guess its necessary :-) Have a GREAT weekend!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

It's Hump-Day!

Well, it Wednesday morning, and I don't think anything super-exciting has happened. Monday after weighing in, I went to the pool again. We still had that smoked turkey/barbecue left, so that's what we ate. It was very good. I am learning I can eat a sandwich only--no chips, and it fills me up. On workdays I take a sandwich with fruit instead of chips. I like the fruit a lot more than I thought I would.

Obviously, its "pool season". So, we will be at the pool as much as possible. I'm trying to remember when we're just hanging out in the pool, to walk, swim, or exercise in some way in the water. A lot of the time we are in the water talking, so why not walk while you talk? I HAVE been doing that. Now, I might need to buy a Super Soaker. Brian has one he puts ice in. It seems to encourage running. When people see him with it, they run. Then he has to run too, in order to shoot them with that ice water! Until now I've never realized that he's kinda encouraging exercise--kinda like a personal trainer--but a LOT more fun to watch!!! LOL! (He doesn't shoot me--he has to live with me, and I have threatened him with physical violence) Hmmm. Something to ponder I guess.

I have to exercise today, or I don't stand a chance of meeting my goal. So, I don't know if I'll go to the Y, or get on the treadmill. I'll keep you posted. I wish now I had said 30 mins of in the pool exercise instead of treadmill. I may change that, but we'll just see how today goes. See you soon!

OOOHHHH! I taped the new Jillian Michaels show--you know, where she moves in with them. I can't wait to watch it. I like Jillian, but the thought of her living with me is a little scary!

Monday, May 31, 2010

**Week Six Weigh-In**

I must say I was in shock when I stepped on the scale this morning. I just KNEW I was going to lose weight last week, and I didn't. This week I was just hoping to stay the same because I knew I'd eaten things this weekend that I wouldn't normally eat. I LOST 3 POUNDS!!!!!! So, I am now down 17 pounds in 6 weeks. I should have exercised more. Then, I could have lost more, but 17 pounds is good. I'll take it!

I told Brian I REALLY want us to go to the Y this week. So, it is my goal to go at least twice this week. (baby steps) Ideally I will also get on the treadmill. Since I've done such a bad job with exercise, I think I'm going to set small goals and then reward myself if I accomplish them. For example, this week my goal is: Go to the Y twice, and walk on the treadmill twice (min. 30 mins). If I achieve my goal, I'm going to . . . . . go to a movie I want to see OR buy myself one new article of clothing. Small goal, small reward, but something I would really enjoy.

I still can't believe I lost THIS week. Last week I had done REALLY well with my food. THIS week, I've been in some social situations that were challenging. Friday night I went scrapbooking. Everyone brought finger foods (my personal favorite). So I tried to minimize munching, but I still ate things that were not so healthy. Saturday we went to Center Hill Lake to the houseboat with my brother's family. More chips and dips. If you don't know, chips and dips are ABSOLUTELY my biggest weakness. I LOVE chips and dips. BUT, I really tried to minimize the junk. I ate a turkey burger, and VERY few chips. Yesterday was the pool at my mother's house. We had smoked turkey barbecue, and there were more chips. (Side note: I reccomend Stroud's Turkey Barbecue--its juicier than other brands I've had.) Again I tried to limit my junk, but this is way more exposure to the junk food than I need! :-))

Today I'm hoping to go to the pool again--if the weather cooperates. Please remember our servicemen and women who give of themselves so that we may enjoy our many freedoms. I'll keep you posted on my goal.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Restaurant Reviews and Better Choices

Ok, I ate Mexican food last night. It was good too. The tiny little town of Mt. Juliet now has (I think) SEVEN Mexican restaurants. I LOVE Mexican food. One of the newest is called Don Pancho's, and it is literally ONE MILE from my house! (they deliver too! But, I digress) The food was good, the atmosphere great, but the service we received SUCKED! Our waitress was struggling last night. However, you are probably not needing a restaurant review.

Once again, I intended to take baked Tostitos with me, but I forgot. So, I only ate ummmm, less than 10 chips. I ordered fajitas. I'm not saying they are LOW FAT, but it is definitely a better choice than the fajita nachos I normally order!(They are smothered in cheese, and they are SOOOO good.) I don't put the sour cream on my fajitas, and no cheese. I had the opportunity to eat a lot more, and also to eat some of Brian's fajita nachos. However, I actually refrained from all of that. (This is me being kinda proud, and also kinda surprised.) I can honestly say I remember thinking "If I eat too much, or too much fried and high fat stuff, I will have acid reflux and be miserably full". And for maybe the first time, I could have easily cheated, and I didn't even WANT to. That's a GREAT day for me. Hopefully, it is the beginning of a new, healthier way of thinking! (This is me being optimistic)

This weekend will probably be a challenge. Lots of socializing, and this IS the South, so of course socializing = FOOD!!!! And, for anyone who doesn't know this about me, finger foods are my ABSOLUTE favorite. But, I plan to make better choices in what I take to anything I attend. I'm not saying I'll be taking carrot sticks and water to all events, but BETTER choices none the less.

Have a great, SAFE Memorial Day Weekend!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings . . . Really???

So last night we went to Buffalo Wild Wings. It seems they play Cornhole on Wednesday nights, and Brian loves to play Cornhole. THAT menu is very hard to negotiate if you are trying to eat healthy. Oh my! Think about it, they really cater to men who are drinking and watching sports. These men aren't worried about eating healthy, in fact, they are probably offended by it!

It took me forever to figure out what to eat. I DID finally find salads on that menu. I have been in the past when I couldn't find salads. After reading the menu for what seemed like an hour, I chose (grilled)chicken flatbread with buffalo sauce. I'm thinking this gives me the hot wing flavor I like, but in a much healthier way. And, of course, there would be no fries. OK, well in case you are like me and don't know this, when BWW says FLATBREAD, they don't mean flatbread like you see at Subway. No. Instead, it is basically a pizza on a tortilla with buffalo sauce instead of pizza sauce, and it is covered in cheese with grilled chicken on it. Let me just say, it is VERY good. However, the "covered in cheese" part was not really what I was going for in trying to be healthy. Guess I should have gotten the Blackened Chicken Salad, but how many salads can a person eat?!!

So, in summary, not only did my husband leave cheese-covered, delicious pizza at my house on Sunday, THEN ate pizza in front of me Sunday night. Last night he took me to Buffalo Wild Wings, where even flatbread is fattening! Is he out to get me? I believe he's been a huge obstacle this week! Its a good thing he's cute :-))

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

I Need Some Comments, or a New Diet Book. . . or Something!

I have to admit I'm still a little bummed about NOT losing weight this week. It would be very easy to quit right now. I have done without a lot of things I would LOVED to have eaten, and yet I did not lose weight. All that salad for NOTHING!

Then I check my blog, and there are no comments. I didn't realize just how much I count on those comments to motivate me. Its always good to know other people can relate. Or, if you can't relate, maybe you have something inspirational to say. We have to all stick together.

I saw Oprah talking about a new book called Women, Food, and God . I thought about buying that, but do you know how many diet books I have???? OMG! I have most of them--if they are even the least bit practical. I don't buy the ones that tell you to eat cabbage soup all day. Or, the eat all the meat and cheese you want diet books. But, I'm pretty sure I have the rest of them!

Well, I'm through pouting now. Its not really doing any good anyway. I just need to get off my ass and do something. Leave some comments sometime--so I know I'm not just blogging for myself! It keeps me accountable when I know you are watching :-)

Monday, May 24, 2010

**Week Four Weigh-In**

Booooooo! I lost ZERO pounds this week. I did not GAIN, but I also did not LOSE. So, this means that in the last 3 weeks I have lost 1 pound. Hmmm. Part of me says I might as well just eat what the HELL ever I want to, because I'm not losing anyway. BUT, part of me knows I WILL lose if I continue to eat in this healthier way.

I believe it all comes back to exercising--or my LACK of exercise. I KNOW my diet is much better, but I still have not begun to exercise regularly. That is possibly the most important part for me. I'm sure you are tired of hearing that, because I am tired of saying it. It truly is the hardest habit for me to form.

And, by the way, I drowned my lack-of-weight-loss-sorrows in some more breakfast pizza. (Note to self: don't take home the left-overs, trusting your husband to take it out of the house, because he WONT. In the future we will just throw it away.) Oh well, we are moving forward. I will let you know when I start exercising.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Did he REALLY leave that pizza here????

OMG! We had pizza for dinner last night. Let me say it was SOOOOO good. I only ate two pieces though. (that's my new pizza rule--only two NORMAL size pieces) Somehow the leftovers came to my house. I gave Brian instructions to take that to work this morning and feed it to everyone there. HE LEFT THE PIZZA HERE!!!! NOT GOOD! So, in a moment of weakness I had pizza for breakfast. I woke up hungry. I walk into the kitchen, and there is that yummy pizza. I LOVE pizza for breakfast. So, I had two pieces (new pizza rule) for breakfast. I feel pretty guilty about that, but I know I can't dwell on it. Tomorrow is weigh in day, so I'm thinking fruit and salad for the rest of the day today.

I'm going to the pool today--at least that is the plan right now. So, I'm thinking maybe I'll do a little swimming for exercise. Although that water is pretty cold right now. If it was any colder we'd be doing the Polar Bear Plunge! (maybe not THAT cold, but its pretty cool) How much swimming is necessary to swim off two pieces of breakfast pizza? Probably A LOT! Huge mistake. Should have eaten my orange. Too late now, and I really don't enjoy purging--if you know what I mean.

Well, say a little prayer to the weight loss Gods for me. I weigh in tomorrow morning. Hopefully the number will go down again. We'll see.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Salad, Salad, and More Salad

I think my eating has been much better this week--not that it was bad before, but there were more situations in which I ate things I would have otherwise avoided. This week seemed much better. Still no exercise. Wanna hear my excuses? I had book club last night, real estate meeting the night before that, etc., etc.

I had a real estate class Tuesday, so I am working today. Normally I am off. Normally I sleep a little later on Friday. However, today I am up. I'm eating an orange and a Weight Watchers Egg McMuffin, then its off to work. Not sure what I'm taking for lunch. Probably chicken and dumplings. Don't panic. Brian makes them with low/no fat flour tortillas. I'm not going to tell you they're like your mama made, but they're good--REAL good, and they are not nearly as fattening.

I was responsible for the food last night at book club, and I decided to do salad. I took a variety of add-ins. Tracey also helped, which is good. It gave me an opportunity to try a new salad dressing I would not have bought, but everybody that tried it, liked it. The salad was a HUGE hit. They ate it all. I felt guilty because I didn't take more salad. I realize I should eat more salads, so I am paying a lot more attention to menus and recipes. Trying to learn new combinations. Last night, one thing I took that was a little out of the box for me, was tortilla strips, corn, and black beans. I loved it, and other people liked it too. Salad with fruit is the next thing I will be experimenting with. Send me your salad suggestions. I love salad, but I need variety.

Have a great day! Eat salad :-))

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Exercise & Choices

I'm STILL not exercising. It truly is my greatest battle. I feel good about my food choices, but the exercising (or lack there of) is definitely a challenge. When I think about WHY, I can make all kinds of excuses about unexpected things coming up in the evenings. However, the AB-normal is NORMAL for us.

Last night, for example, I unexpectedly went to a real estate meeting that lasted from 6:30 until 9:00 p.m.(I did not eat dinner first because I did not have time, and I really didn't expect it to last so long. I was ready to gnaw my damn arm off by the time we got out of there. LOL!) Tonight I have book club. The reality is THIS is my life, and it is unpredictable. I just have to figure out a way to make exercise a priority for me, and make it work around my irregular schedule.

On the UP-side, I watched Biggest Loser Tuesday. That is very inspiring. It makes you want to jump up off the couch, grab a kettle bell, and get on the treadmill. However, I resisted that urge, kept my big ass ON the couch, and just cheered them on! But, seriously, it really is inspiring. It helps to keep you focused, and remind you it IS possible to lose weight in a big way, and change your life. Its all about choices we make each day. Take it day by day. I need to CHOOSE to exercise. What do you need to CHOOSE to do? Maybe we can help each other.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Eat Your Bananas & Oranges

I am tired, and I don't really know why. I had a real estate class today. You know I'm not good at being still and quiet. Maybe that's the problem! I ate a healthy breakfast, then stopped for some kind of fancy latte I think they called "french toast". It was SO good (white choc & cinnamon with a double shot of espresso-no calories there). I knew I'd never stay awake without major caffeine :-))

I did not pack my lunch because I didn't know if I would have a place to store it, so I went out for lunch. So, what to get??? Try to stay healthy. So, I decided on one of those stuffed potatoes from Whit's. I got my baked potato with smoked turkey in it, and I did not eat the butter or the sour cream--you know, the GOOD stuff! I didn't eat any of that, but I have to say it was very good, even without the butter and sour cream. (You know, the skinny people don't eat that) For dinner we are having salad . . . again. But, I don't mind. Honestly.

I went to Target Pharmacy this afternoon ('cause I know you dying to know every little move I make). After my doctor's visit last week, I discovered I have low potassium. So, I am now taking some kind of prescription potassium. I guess I need to do a little online learning about low potassium. I also went to Aldi for some bananas.

AND, Dr. Oz said on yesterday's show that vitamin C helps your body burn fat. The first two weeks of my diet (when I lost 9 lbs and 4 lbs) I was eating an orange a day. SOOOOOO, I bought a big-ass bag of oranges at the Aldi! Hey, can't hurt anything to eat an orange or two, right?

AND, lookout book club, I'm doing food Thursday, and in case you haven't noticed the pattern, I'm eating the shit out of salad and fruit! ('cause that's what the skinny people eat) So, hope you're in the mood for salad and fruit! LOL!

Monday, May 17, 2010

**Week Four Weigh-In**

Well . . . . . I lost ONE POUND, and I'll gladly take it. So, overall, I'm down 14 lbs in 4 weeks. That's not bad. I know there are things I could have done better, but there's no way you are going to live the rest of your life and NOT ever treat yourself. I have treated myself more than I probably should have the last two weeks, but that's ok. I'm still averaging over 3 lbs. per week. That's good.

Not sure what this week holds. I must start exercising. The Y has been closed here. It was flooded. I'm not sure if its open yet. I guess I should probably check into that. The two things I most need/want to work on this week are 1). exercise, and 2). eating more fruits.

I wish I had something funny to say, but I can't think of anything. The only thing I'm thinking of now is how HUNGRY I am. So, I'm going to fix a Weight Watchers English Muffin Canadian Bacon Breakfast Sandwich (fake Egg McMuffin). They're pretty good--and fast. Thank you for your comments. I appreciate them. Have a good day today!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Pre Weigh-in Jitters

Well, weigh in is in the morning. I didn't lose last week, so I am feeling the pressure to lose. However, I KNOW I have eaten some bad things this week/weekend. Having said that, in the past I would have eaten MUCH worse than I did this weekend.

I've eaten a salad 3 out of the last 4 days. I truly am making changes--lasting changes. I'm eating salad at Hooters--instead of FRIED hot wings, and french FRIES. I'm eating salad at Red Robin instead of a big fat juicy HAMBURGER with BACON & CHEESE, and bottomless FRIES with ranch dressing. That is a HUGE difference. Oh yeah, there's something else I'm NOT eating . . . . PRILOSEC! Since I don't eat all that fat anymore, I almost NEVER have acid reflux. I can honestly say I don't miss it either! :-))

Brian and I ate salad for dinner tonight. Tomorrow night we are probably grilling turkey burgers. (really BRIAN is grilling turkey burgers--I just EAT them) Normally, we would eat Mexican with lots of chips and cheese dip, or maybe pizza and hot wings, or maybe some kind of casserole with red meat, and lots of cheese, and cream soups. SO MUCH FAT!!! So, I know we have definitely made big changes, positive changes. Now each day I just have to CHOOSE to eat better stuff, and I must get better/more regular with my exercising.

Well, wish me luck for tomorrow morning. I would be happy to lose even ONE pound. We'll see what happens.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Traveling and Crab Legs

I have had a great weekend already--and its really just getting started. Brian & I visited my very best friend in the world yesterday. She happens to live in Dallas . . . . Georgia. We had such a great day yesterday. But, this is the south, and we are very southern. So, this means we EAT!! If you're from the south you know that when two great friends get together, we eat. And, with a three hour drive, you will probably go through a drive thru.

I guess the story starts Thursday evening. ('cause I know you want all the gory details. lol) I picked up our dog/house-sitter, who doesn't go out for dinner the way we often do. SO, it was only the good southern hostess-ly (pretty sure that is NOT a word) thing to do, to take her out to dinner. We went to Hooters. I DID eat fried pickles. (VERY bad, but oh so good) However, I had a grilled chicken caesar salad for dinner. Let me just say there was evidently a dressing shortage at the Hooters, because I searched that bowl high and low and finally found ONE piece of lettuce with a little dressing on it. I'm NOT kidding. I was eating lettuce and grilled chicken. Luckily, both were fresh and good. I finally asked for some dressing. However, because I am really trying to think like the skinny people, I only used a very tiny bit.

Then Friday morning we are on the road @7:00 a.m. So, what is breakfast? McDonald's Egg McMuffin. English muffins have almost no fat, Canadian bacon is extremely low in fat, poached egg is good for you. The only bad thing is the cheese---and that caramel frappe I had WITH my egg mcmuffin! Not much fat, but PLENTY of sugar and calories. I was needing the caffeine though.

I have to admit I was wanting to eat lunch at this AWESOME Mexican restaurant here called La Parilla. OMG! It is SO good. THAT is what I was hoping was lunch. However, hard as I tried to SIN on my little trip, nobody else was cooperating. We all went to Sam's to get stuff for dinner, and so Brian immediately went to the snack bar for a Nathan's hot dog. (You know you can get that fat hot dog, a drink, and probably a car for like $3.00) Then before we leave, Shelley and Shelbi got those soft pretzels. Jim had already had a little snack. C'MON PEOPLE . . . WORK WITH ME!!! So, of course NOBODY is hungry but Lisa! (Probably God looking out for me when I'm not looking out for myself) I ended up eating a healthy little sub from Publix.

For dinner we had crab legs, which are pretty low in fat. HOWEVER, you DO dip that in butter, AND please remember we bought them at Sam's. So, we bought a TEN POUND BOX of crab legs!!!! LOL! I'm NOT kidding. Ten pounds, AND, I didn't mention that the guys and Shelbi bought steaks, so Shelly and I ate MOST of the crab legs by ourselves. We could not finish, but we gave it our best shot!

So, we are heading back today. We will stay for lunch at LaParilla! Can't wait! I normally would get nachos fajita, but I will probably get fajitas--that will keep me from eating all those fried chips, and that gallon of white cheese that is SOOOO good. So, fajitas may not be GREAT, but they are certainly FAR better than nachos. These kind of little choices are what will bring me long term success. It gives you a treat, but without going totally overboard. I feel like that's what I've done they last couple of days. And, because I weigh in on Monday, I will be eating lettuce and water on Sunday!--like the SKINNY people!