Week 5 Weigh-In

I get up every morning and do the Body Test on my Wii Fit. I've noticed over the past week that my weight was fluctuating quite a bit from day to day, even though I was doing the test at the same time each morning! I'm thinking, though, that it's just the result of being a girl. I actually lost more weight this week than I have any other week since I began this journey. That being said...

drum roll, please.....................................

I'm down another 3.1 pounds! SQUEE!! That brings my total weight loss at the end of 5 weeks to 14.4 pounds. Wow. That even impresses me!

It also makes me wonder just why I failed every other time I've tried to lose this weight over the past 6 years. When it wasn't such a large amount, but only 20 pounds, only 30. Why could I not make the commitment stick then? Instead, like an idiot, I sit around bemoaning the illness that caused the weight gain until it becomes almost insurmountable. I've only got one thing to say to that - I am a DUMB ASS!

Oh, well, c' est la vie, right? I did it, can't change it, and have learned a lot about myself in the process. I've also learned a lot about the human body - how to read the signals that scream STOP! at the top of their lungs, yet are oh so easily ignored. I guess that may just be the reason that all of this happened. To teach me how to listen to my body and quit pushing it so hard.

Anyway, as I enter into my 6th week I find myself happy and content with the routine I've established. I'm much more active, don't tire out as much. My skin is clearer, my hair is shinier, and I'm just generally happy now. The gray cloud that hovered over me is still there - it will be until the weight is gone - but I've pulled ahead of it now and it's just trying to catch up. It can try all it wants, but it's not going to. I'm determined this time, and the longer I stay on track the more determined I find myself becoming. Okay, so goals...

1. The ever-present "exercise more". I've increased my activities A LOT, especially over the past week. The return of beautiful weather has helped, I've spent time 3 different days playing in my garden - affectionately named "The Burrow" - preparing it for spring blooms. The thing is, as I increase my activity, the more energy I have! Why not use it to be up and about more?
2. I still need to work on drinking more water. Especially this week. I've woken up the past 2 mornings with severe sinus issues, and I think that hydrating more during the day would really help this. I'll let you know!
3. Because of the sinus issues I'm having my 3rd goal is a little step away from the norm. I want to focus this week on taking better care of myself. I'm eating good, I'm exercising, but I've been awful about getting enough sleep! I'm getting older now, and going to bed at 1 AM and popping back up at 5:45 AM to get the boys to school and the hubby off to work is just not good enough any more! I've been exhausted for DAYS now, and I'm afraid that if I don't challenge myself to get it in hand that I'll end up sick.

Alright, that's if for this week's goals. Fingers crossed that I'll reach my first benchmark either this week, or next!

Hugs & chocolate~

Jenn

Food Journal (3/22/2009)

Breakfast (5)
1 bowl apples & cinnamon oatmeal
3 egg whites
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (8)
1 smoked turkey chimichanga
1 cup black bean & corn salad
1/4 cup guacamole

Afternoon Snack (2)
1 banana

Dinner (9)
1 turkey burger w/ light mayonnaise
100 Calorie Snack Pack Sun Chips
1 Weight Watcher's yogurt

Evening Snack (2)
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Food Journal (3/21/2009)

Breakfast (5)
3 egg whites
1 bowl maple & brown sugar Cream of Wheat
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (4)
Weight Watcher's Smart Ones Schezuan Vegetables & Noodles

Dinner (12)
Smoked turkey chimichanga
1/2 cup guacamole
1 cup black bean & corn salad
2 Tbsp. light sour cream
1/4 cup Weight Watcher's shredded Mexican cheese

Evening Snack (5)
1 margarita
3/4 cup 2% milk

Food Journals (3-19-2009 & 3-20-2009)

Two-for-one today, as I was too busy yesterday to sit down and post. I didn't do well these past 2 days, either - I was a point shy both days and didn't drink near enough H2O yesterday. Needless to say, I woke up this morning feeling lethargic and bloated. Lesson learned, I dare say. Who would've thought that hydration was so key to increased energy and weight loss?

3-19-2009

Breakfast (7)
3 egg white, low sodium turkey bacon & cheese sandwich
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (7)
Weight Watcher's Smart Ones Chicken Fajita Pizza

Dinner (9)
McDonald's Southwest Salad with grilled chicken
1 packet of Southwest Dressing

Evening Snack (2)
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

3-20-2009

Breakfast (5)
1 package of maple & brown sugar Cream of Wheat
3 egg whites
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (8)
6" Subway Club on wheat, no cheese
1 bag Baked Lays potato chips

Dinner (8)
1 cup chicken stir-fry
1 egg roll
1 cup brown rice

Evening Snack (4)
100 Calorie Snack Pack Fudge Stripes
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Food Journal (3/18/2009)

Another SQUEEful! moment from yesterday: I was getting ready to go out and be an awesome wife (I took the hubby out and let him buy new rims for his SUV) and grabbed my old, comfortable jeans to throw on. I had just done laundry, so they were fresh out of the dryer. Yeah, you know the routine, they're always just a little snug - not tight - but just snug enough that they stretch to perfect by the time you run out the door, right? WRONG! These puppies were saggy and baggy!! I started turning from side to side in the mirror looking, and then decided to experiment to see just how baggy they were. After pulling and tugging various parts of the jeans, I discovered that I could take them off easily while they were still buttoned and zipped!!!

This is the 5th week of my new healthy lifestyle, folks - that's right, I only started this on February 16th. It's been slow going, a little here and a little there, but it's working! Because of that I offer this suggestion - celebrate the little victories. Take pride in the way you feel. Even losing 1/2 a pound can result in holding your head higher, standing taller. It's so easy to lose focus on the positive, to become fixated on the fact that you're "dieting", on focusing on what you're missing - as opposed to what you're gaining. Fight it, people! Take pleasure in feeling your hip bones when you lay down at night. Enjoy the fact that your jeans don't leave ugly red marks on your stomach any longer. Notice that your knees and back aren't quite as stiff when you're up and about. That's what it's about and, after all, the little things will eventually all add up to something big!

Okay, enough of the PSA (lol), time for the food journal:

Breakfast (6)
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 Tbsp. peanut butter
1 Weight Watcher's yogurt
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (7)
Chicken breast
1 cup broccoli
1/2 cup pork'n beans

Dinner (11 points)
1 cup whole wheat spaghetti
3/4 cup meat sauce (made with turkey)
1 1/2 cups salad
2 Tbsp. light ranch dressing

Evening Snack (2)
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Food Journal (3/17/2009)

I just started my day by having to call and exchange my Old Navy order for a smaller size. *beams* It has made me so ridiculously proud of myself and what I'm doing that I'm almost in tears!

The best part? One more size to go down and I'll be out of plus size in bottoms!! I sure hope this great feeling lasts throughout the day!!

Breakfast (7)
Maple & Brown Sugar Cream of Wheat
3 egg whites
1 banana
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (8)
Weight Watcher's Smart Ones Pepperoni Smartwich
1 1/2 cups salad
2 Tbsp. light ranch dressing

Dinner (9)
Made a run for the border :P
2 Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft tacos
1 Pintos 'n Cheese

Evening Snack (2)
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Food Journal (3/16/2009)

Breakfast (5)
3 egg whites
1 slice low sodium turkey bacon
1 cup cantaloupe
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar

Lunch (16)
Penn Station 7" Aritchoke sub & small fries

Dinner (3)
Weight Watcher's Smart Ones Shrimp Marinara

Evening Snack (2)
8 oz. coffee
2 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer
2 tsp. sugar