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! :-))

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.

**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!

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!

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.

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!

**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?

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) :-))

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!

**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!

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!

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".

**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!

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!

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!