Fell off the Wagon...but still losing

After a week of Jillian, with three workouts a day, I decided that was dumb.  She has in her program, Body Revolution, that after the first week, it's only one workout a day.  I think I'll get back on the wagon with that.  Let's see what it does to do one DVD a day, and then an extra activity like walking and more.

Taking my nephew to Disney next week, so that will surely let the pounds go - with all the walking!  Looking forward to being out and at my favorite place.

I've been doing well on food, as I am not eating the calories I was at Christmas.  No one is!  Ha!  But, I'm just not buying the bad stuff to keep, and if I do, it's only because of a guest or something, and I buy what I am able to ignore.  That's a very important tip!  I do have some sweets, but mostly dark chocolate - lower in fat, calories, and sugar, high in anti-oxidants, and delicious!  I also have the Weight Watchers yogurt bars in the frozen section.  They are good when you are craving something sweet.

So, starting again, and I plan to get 100 off this year.  I really want it.  Here I go!  Stay tuned...

JJ Day Two

Ha!  I didn't wake up today with the energy I had yesterday.  I was sore, tired, and not into anything.  I had to drag myself out of bed, make myself eat breakfast, as I usually don't, and push myself to exercise.  All day was a struggle - until I did my workouts, and then I had more energy and I wanted to make dinner...

Speaking of food, today I had:
Scrambled eggs, avocado, and tomato
Salmon for lunch
Salsa Turkey patty with carrots, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, and avocado.

I did not get my snack in today, as I needed to make dinner earlier than usual, so if I get really hungry, I can have the snack, although it's supposed to be after lunch.  It's celery and almond butter.  I have done the workouts, and I am full of extra calories for today, so the out-of-place snack won't be too bad.

Workouts:  Secret morning extra activity, Jillian's DVD 2 from Body Revolution and the Cardio.  Tomorrow, I have to do two cardio DVDs, giving my muscles a rest.  Sunday is a rest day.  Only one this week.  I can't wait.

I can report that between yesterday and today, I have more energy, I am happier in general, and I started back on my novel.

Hmm... maybe there is something to living well!

Halloween and Weight

Candy has a LOT of calories, sugar, and fat.  If you think it's worth the extra weight and the beginning of your descent into holiday madness and the dreaded 10 pounds or more holiday weight, then go ahead and eat your kid's candy after they go to bed.  After all, they won't miss it.  They don't need it.  You do, right?  And those snack sizes are a joke, too.  You actually eat more of them than you would have if you had just eaten a regular size bar.

What do you do?  Two ideas:

1.  Put your child's candy into sandwich bags, and put them in a basket or Tupperware out of sight, like in the top cabinet.  Keeps it out of mind, and you can just grab a portioned bag for the kids when you want them to have some.

2.  Have a party, it's safer, better for snacks, and more fun.  Invite some kids over- and adults, and have a traditional to theme party.  Send the food home with guests.  Ask people to bring their own "carryout" bag, or use your own, and put leftover candy, cookies, and other sweets in the carryouts.  Don't take "no" for an answer!  Remember, you also control the snacks at your own party, so it should be easier to make a few healthy options as well as the junk.

Here are a few ideas for food arrangements that are more healthy than others...

Losing on Vacation!

I suppose it was the all of the increased activity, but I also watched, for the most part, how I ate.

The loss was one pound on a two-week vacation, and I love it.

I would have sworn I would have gained, as I couldn't control everything.  But more often, I said, "No, thank you," and I didn't feel bad about it.  I just would say no if offered a second helping or dessert.  That's not to say I didn't love my Grandfather's homemade peanut butter-chocolate pie, or Kendra's pumpkin cookies with cream cheese chips... they were worth it.

I broke my soda rule on one leg of the trip, but it tasted good at the time, and I drank ONLY water on the next leg, so I must have flushed all that out!  LOL  Anyway, I also ate vegetarian at one home, so Darlene's chili, jalapenos, green tomato relish, and spaghetti squash were excellent and helped.  I ate more on the first leg, but I was famished after the drive and was the most active I've been for a while.  Why?

This Floridian was not used to all the hills and stairs!  I haven't lived in a two-story house for 20 years, and it is flat here.  But, all that exercise helped me to be more active.  I was on-the-go every day, and there was never really a complete down day.

I've NEVER lost weight on a vacation.  Check off one more victory!

Motivation When the Scale is Stalled

You simply keep going.  I've tried to analyze it, get out of exercise, not eat (thinking I would lose more), and more... but the fact is that you have to do two things: exercise and eat plenty.  Yes, calories must be considered, but they are not the only factor.  Drinking water helps flush and cleanse your body and blah, blah, blah ... you've heard it all, right?  Well, it's unfortunately true.

You've got to rid yourself of processed foods as much as possible.  Eat fresh and you'll lose weight.  If my husband did not insist on meat, as he is a typical carnivore, then my grocery bill would be even lower.  I have saved money since eating healthier.  You wouldn't think so, but switching out berries for ice cream or tea for soda, with no sugar, can save money.  Ice cream is expensive and so is soda, pop, or coke - whatever you call it.

Where's the motivation?  Keeping busy with all of the above can give you the motivation to see it on the scale.  Losing over 30 pounds now did something for me.  I am more motivated.  Getting my body rid of toxic food has done it as well.  I still eat fried food every once in a while, but have cut it out for the most part.  I had a diet coke the other day.  It tasted gross.  When I can get rid of a bad habit, I do feel more motivation.

I can do stairs with more ease.  That alone is reason enough to keep going.  That, and I'm not dead yet.

Another One Down

It's coming off slowly, but it's staying off.  I mean staying off.  I may fluctuate during the week, but the solid 26 is gone.  I hope for good!  Exercise is a priority this week.  I want to lose 2 or more pounds by next week, and the only healthy way is to exercise more; besides, I've slid back into my old routine of no structured exercise.  I do loads of forced exercise, but my body must be getting used to it, because that alone is not taking the pounds off.  Back to the hamster wheel!

I eat well now.  I've cut out most all fast food, although sometimes I have a craving.  It doesn't taste as good anymore, so I've given most up, except for frappuccinos.  I love them.  I make allowances for them.  I have about one a week, so it's a treat and not a daily thing.  Besides, it's too expensive!  I eat a whole heck of a lot more veggies and fruit.  They are staples now, not a chore anymore, and less expensive than the junk.  I ate a bowl of berries last night for dessert, and I was completely satisfied.