Roni’s Weight Watchen Page(s) - Take 2 (the rebuild)

Lost is on so I'm logging off. Popcorns popping!

Labels: journal, menus

Ok, you guys may be wondering why in the world I am weighing in day 5 of my week instead day 7.  Well, I learned a long time ago perfection isn’t worth it. I felt myself slipping. I thought I needed some structure so I began a week on plan without ‘officially’ weighing in. (For the record, I officially weigh in on the Weight Watchers scales) I started when I needed to start, not “tomorrow”, not “on Sunday”, not after my first week of classes because it would be “to hard”, I started now, well then, whatever you get my point. I made enough of those procrastinating remarks in the past and I never found success until I stopped putting off what I could do today EVEN if it was a Friday, or in the afternoon of a day I already pigged out on pizza.  Every choice is a new choice. It took me a long time to figure that out and lose the “all or nothing” mentality and honestly, sometimes I still struggle with it.

So you may be wondering how the weigh in went. This is another lesson is mindset that took a long time to master. I was UP! (144.6) After all my hard work these past 5 days I gained!  However, I am NOT going to let it get me down, especially after my morning scale reading. Remember that number on the scale is just a number. If you know you are making the best choices you can don’t let the scale derail you. It will catch up.

Alright, sorry for the preachy post today. Just know, I’m normally telling myself what it is I need to hear so I feel better. It’s like my own personal pep talk.

Labels: journal, menus

This morning I felt like Kelly Bundy. Remember the episode of Married with Children when Kelly said, every new piece of information pushes an old one out? Well it’s true, it happens. I think I have hit my maximum brain capacity.

This morning went off without a hitch. I ate breakfast with the toddler, packed a great lunch, hopped in car and headed to the day care on the way to work. It was a normal, happy morning until...

We arrived at the daycare and it was closed! Yes, CLOSED!

As soon as I made the discovery, it hit me. “OH! YEA!” I was told they would be closing many times over the course of the last two weeks. It just didn’t stick!

So, we turned around, headed back home and had a unexpected day. Not a good day, not a bad day, just unexpected.

The toddler and I decided to take a short shopping trip and hit the kitchen for a ton of cooking!

I experimented with a whole wheat pizza dough recipe, again. All of my attempts have been just OK so I’m not ready to post it yet. I’ll get it one of these days, I promise. I’ve been trying a few variations, some with yeast, some with out, some 100% whole wheat flour, some mixed with soy and/or oat flour. To be honest, I’m just having fun with it, hoping one of my attempts with be “it”.

Not being at work  also gave me a bit more time for dinner so I tried a recipe I wanted to for a couple of weeks now and paired it with an old favorite of ours, Balsamic Dijon Chicken Tenders.

So all in all it really was a good day. I’m just feeling “off” now that my schedule was blown out of the water and I’m super behind at work. When I feel “off” I tend to eat more. How about you?

Labels: journal, menus

L-o-n-g day, Short post.

My workday secret is lots of low points snacks to keep me going all day. It’s all about preparation!

Labels: journal, menus

I started my day in the kitchen, homemade sauce, meatballs, banana muffins, and some homemade soup. It was fun! There is something therapeutic about cooking for me, especially when I’m starting my week off.

Tomorrow is my first day of classes. I have a night class so that means packing a lunch and a dinner plus a boatload of snacks. It’s a long day but I always eat better when I’m distracted at work. It’s the busy factor.
Other news…

• No gym today. I’m still recovering from the step class. I’m SUPER sore!
• I’m rethinking my water bottle choice. I love them and the convenience but there seems to be a some evidence that suggest they can be harmful, even cause you to gain weight and some people are responding. Now I’m not normally one to hop on the hysteria bandwagon  but I’ve noticed some weird  things going on with me since using the bottle and maybe it is xenoestrogens from the bottles. (I’m not going to go into them, just think PMS when you aren’t suppose to have PMS) There really is no way to know unless I stop using them so I’m giving them a break for a few days. I’m also definitely not allowing the toddler to drink from it anymore.  (I went on a little research kick after a couple of comments on my original post – I’m such a geek!)
• Since I’m on a link kick, I might as well through this one out there. Apparently I’m doing something right…

  "People need to be aware that there’s not just initially doing the strict diet and losing weight," Dr. Cheskin said. "They really need to step back and see where the habits come from, and what they need to change for the long term so that they have a diet for the rest of their lives that helps them maintain the right body weight for their size."

Alright, I need sleep for my long day. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Labels: journal, menus

The toddler did it again! This time he acted like an old pro at picking winners. He even did a little showboating!

Help me congratulate Laura of The Pursuit of Healthyness, she was our blog winner!

The subscription winner has been notified (I don’t want to publish the email because of SPAM, so check your inboxes!) I will announce the name once I hear back from them. If they do not claim the prize in one week, I will pick another subscriber.

Thanks for making the contest so much fun! I’ll be back later with my journal posting.

PS - I totally forgot! If you didn't win and would like to purchase the scale use the promotion code WWATCHEN for 10% OFF!

Labels: contests

Most of you know I’m a maintainer and (not to pat myself on the back or anything) I’ve kept the weight off for almost 2 years. In the past 6 months I’ve been giving myself a little more freedom in the diet department, testing my maintenance ability and learning that you can really live, eat and be merry IF you pay attention to your body and make good choices. Losing weight is much different then maintaining a weight loss. I’m sure those who have reached goal feel the same way.

However, last night as I sat with the devil himself, eating for no other reason then to eat. I realized some old habits were creeping back in.

Yesterday evening we went out to eat dinner at a local Japanese steak house. After I was full, I continued to eat. Why? Because it tasted good?

That’s stupid. I already enjoyed the meal, I was satisfied and even though my conscious brain was saying, “ok, you’re full just stop and box it up.” My unconscious brain was saying “yeah, but you don’t want the leftovers at home anyway. You might as well eat it all now so you can start fresh tomorrow.”

Alright, so your unconscious brain doesn’t actually SAY anything but it sure did just keep shoving forkfuls of rice into my accepting mouth.

You get the idea and much like Amanda, I know I can DO THIS. I’ve done it before. I refuse to lose control now. I REFUSE to regain the weight AGAIN!

So I’m taking a step backwards and practicing what I preach. I will benefit from a week or two in what I call “weight loss mode”. This is where I follow Weight Watchers Flex, the plan that taught me so much about how to eat and balance my diet.  I’ll be counting points, going to weekly meetings and journaling along the way. 

I’ve missed a meeting this week but I’m not letting that stop me start my week. Today is day 1 and I’ll weigh in at a meeting when I can.

Now I could have waited until tomorrow as I’m going out tonight but NO that is ridiculous! Which is better for me? 1 day on plan or 1 more day off, eating just to eat because I’m off? It’s a strange mental game we play with ourselves, and I know I’m not the only one. Tomorrow I would have just said, ohhh ‘eff’ if I’ll start Monday when I get back to work, it’s easier then anyway. That cycle never stops! START NOW!

To help, I hit the grocery store and stocked up for the week. Check out my Fridge!

So follow along with me this week. We can all do it, 1 day at a time, we CAN DO IT!

Labels: journal, menus

;~P

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

I told you these contests were too much fun!

Labels: contests

I went with the Wonton Pizza Bites. :~)

Now I’m ready for bed.

Here’s a quick update…

• Morning scale reading: 145.5 (Yesterday:145.5 - Tuesday:146)
• Gym: Got a late start this morning. :~( But I have my first trainer appointment set up for next Friday!)
• Water: Check! One jug down!
• Points: ~28

Labels: journal

The other day I hit Bed Bath & Beyond.  Man I love that store!

They were having a big sale and as soon as I walked in I was immediately attracted to a large bin with these water cooler looking water bottles in it. They were huge! (74oz) With a great handle and a large sports bottle top.  I bought 2 they were just so COOL!

Now I have them in rotation. One’s in freezer filled half with water getting ready for tomorrow. In the morning, I’ll pull that one out, top it off and replace it with the other one.

Right now, I’m finishing off my 74oz. I lugged it to work, got made fun of, drank from it all day, lugged it back home, shared it with the toddler in the car (he thinks it’s great!), had it at dinner, it’s like My Buddy. You know, where ever I go, he goes...

Now that I successfully got that stuck in your head for the rest of the day I’ll move on (mission accomplished) :~P

The last two days have been great. I think the water is helping, immensely. Plus I’m working my butt of at work preparing for classes that start Monday. The next week or two is going to be crazy! On top of it all, the toddler isn’t feeling well. We have to go to the doctors tomorrow afternoon so that kills my cardio kickboxing class. :~( I’m going to try my hardest to get the gym before work so I can fit it in. We’ll see. I’m just too tired to even try and plan the day tomorrow.

I’m also racking my brain for a new weekly video post idea. I think all this class prep is sucking me dry. So if there is anything you can think of, I’m all ears!

Labels: insights, Tips

A few people sent me a link from the NY Times entitled In the Fatosphere, Big Is In, or at Least Accepted and wanted to know what I thought.   

Why my opinion?

I don’t know, but, OK, I’m always up for sharing my 2¢ :~)

The article showcases fat acceptance blogs like Shapely Prose and The-F-Word. There is a huge online community and they have an RSS feed called the fatosphere.

My first response was cool, to each there own. I envy their self-confidence. Big IS beautiful IF you are confident and happy in your own skin.  I hate to use sizes in an example as they are very arbitrary but, I’d much rather see a happy, healthy, confident women wearing a size 18 then a depressed, malnutrition, insecure size 2 any day.

However, fat acceptance is skirting a fine line for me. It’s intertwining body image, health and fatness, and that can get confusing. A thin person can be as, if not more, unhealthy then a fat person and vice versa. So why focus on fat acceptance and create a fatosphere. Shouldn’t we be spreading the word on health acceptance, teaching people proper nutrition, the benefits of whole foods, how great it is to be active? Shouldn’t we be creating a healthosphere?

In my case, I was fat for one reason and one reason only, I ate too much. It's plain and simple. I was unhealthy, tired, inactive and depressed. I used food as an escape and made unhealthy choices. Some people may not have considered me “fat”. I averaged a size 14 for the majority of my 20’s. But size is just a number. I overate. I didn’t exercise and I was overall unhealthy. Someone else who had my same habits might have been a size 2 or even a 22. The point is, I was unhealthy, my size was irrelevant.

As with any issue, there are going to be to extremist sides. Those that feel all fat people are so by choice and they need to lose weight and those that think all fat people should be, excuse the pun, fat and happy. I, just as with most issues, like to think you need to realize that one size does not fit all.

Overall my feeling is this…  if people are happy and healthy that’s all that matters, size truly is irrelevant.

Labels: insights, links

“Once I started, I figured I’d blown it anyway, so I might as well have everything I like”

How many times have you said that?

Be honest, come on.

I’ll help you get started.

I just did it….  Sunday!

Yup, Sunday. I went out the night before, drank a bit, overindulged, nothing major but way more then I normally consume. The next morning I tried so hard to fight that feeling. Normally it’s hard, but boy it’s even harder when you only had 4 hours of sleep and a have hangover with a 2 ½ year old! Slowly through out the day I picked, and picked and picked. Then I went to a movie with the some friends had some popcorn came home and discovered the husband and the toddler ordered pizza. PIZZA of all things. Most of you know about my Pizza Addiction, so I won’t reiterate. Let’s just say, even though I wasn’t even the tiniest bit hungry I ate the leftovers slices. ALL OF THEM.

What is wrong with me?!?

Well after the pizza ‘incident’ I sat down to read a new magazine I found while grocery shopping this weekend called Eating Well.  Flipping through the pages of some interesting recipes and pictures I come across an article entitled Change the Way you Think About Food. I thought the magazine was mostly about recipes and preparing food, so I didn’t expect to see such weight loss inspired story.

Anyway, I began reading it and was immediately drawn in. It was the most insightful article about the binge eating cycle I’ve every read. It even described exactly what happened to me Sunday night…

“anytime we see or smell food, several systems kick in simultaneously in various parts of the brain to make sure we don’t miss the opportunity to chow down. The brain’s reward and motivation system gets fired up (“I must have that pizza now!”), while centers of the brain that link to emotion and memory switch into higher gear (“The last time I had pizza, it made me happy!”). At the same time, the brain’s pleasure centers are activated (“Pizza is yummy!”), with the most high-calorie foods causing the most stimulation (“Pizza with double cheese and pepperoni is even yummier!”). The result? Too often we dig in, hungry or not.”

I mean seriously, they even used pizza in their example. It’s like they were writing it to me, about me!

The article goes on to describe, what it calls,  the “almost eating disorder” (which I have, without a doubt!).  It continues with the science on why we overeat, why diets don’t work and how we can take control. It really is the most comprehensible article I’ve ever seen on the subject.

After I finished it, I just knew I had to share it with you. I immediately looked the article up online and I was EXCSTATIC to find it so I can share it with you! If you ever experienced that cycle of eating just because it’s there or binging because you ‘already overate’ this is a MUST READ! 

So I guess you can figure out pretty easily my weekend didn’t go so well. Actually I had a great weekend I just ate a bit more then I wanted to. I did get a TON of work done and I had some fun going out with the husband one night and seeing a movie with friends the other. Plus today we took the toddler out all day and had a blast at the mall. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, I just wish I didn’t eat so darn much!

OK, I can’t dwell on it. It’s over. I did it. I’m moving on!

So all this work I’m talking about, let’s see, I finally added a new template to the community, I announced a recipe contest on GreenLiteBites, updated my workout and weight progress pages, and worked on a logo for my new company site (don’t worry I’ll announce it soon.)

After a weekend working on fun stuff, tomorrow is back to work. Although I don’t want to prepare for classes I welcome the set schedule again. I need a little bit of structure to get out of the eating funk I’ve been in since the new year.

Oh! and one more thing before I go! Today I received a note from the gym that I lifted over 500,000 pounds since I started working out in August! And I signed up for a personal trainer! I’ll let you know when I have my first session! Free weights... HERE I COME! :~D

Labels: journal, links

I’m loving this new blog contest trend! It’s so much fun!

William from EatSmartProducts.com has graciously donated 2 Eat Smart Nutrition Scales for readers of my blog and this time everyone has a chance to win, not just other bloggers!
In case you are wondering, the EatSmart Scale is not your normal kitchen scale. It allows you to enter codes to calculate not only weight but the nutritional information for most food items. It displays calories, fats, carbohydrates and nine other nutrients!

Ok, here’s the deal... 

1. Each blogger who copies and pastes the code below in a blog post by Jan 27 gets assigned a number and entry to the contest. Be sure to post the link to your blog in the comments to guarantee your entry.
   
   <p>Check out <a href="http://weightwatchen.com/">Roni</a>&rsquo;s new contest! I can win a <a href="http://www.eatsmartproducts.com/coupon/WWATCHEN/">Nutrition Smart Scale from Eat Smart</a> and so can you! <a href="http://weightwatchen.com/2008/01/eatsmart-scale-contest-giveaway.html">Click here for details</a>!</p>
   
   It will look like this...
   
   Check out Roni’s new contest! I can win a Nutrition Smart Scale from Eat Smart and so can you! Click here for details!
2. The other winner will randomly be selected from my subscription list. This way all non-bloggers will still have a chance! If you don’t yet receive my newsletter fill out the subscription form on the top (right) of this page. If you already receive the emails you are already entered!

That's it! Some questions you may have...

Do I have to live in the US to enter/win?

NO! Enter away!

What if I have a blog AND subscribe to your newsletter?

Well I guess you have 2 ways to win, now don't you!

Will the toddler pick the winners again?

YES! Hopefully I can get the toddler to participation again, he was such the little helper last time! :~P

Let me know if you have any other questions and GOOD LUCK!

OH! and if you want to purchase a scale (of course wait to see if you win first!) use the code WWATCHEN when you check out for a 10% discount!

Labels: contests

It’s been a long time since I posted a book review so when Lindsey from Da Capo Lifelong Books asked me to take a look at Sexy in 6, I agreed.  To be honest, I never expect much from fitness books. Call me strange I don’t find much enjoyment reading about how to do exercises, I’d much rather read about diet/food or new recipes. It’s just where my interests are.

Anyway, I received the book about a week ago.  It sat in my kitchen for a few days, moving from counter to counter. Finally I peeked at it on Thursday and I’ve been reading bits here and there every chance I get! The book has a little bit of everything! Success stories, workouts, nutrition, recipes, shopping lists, snack ideas, even a chapter on (SHhhh) sex. Everything is organized nicely, it’s easy to read and it even has a DVD with 6 minute workouts! Perfect for busy people and we all know we are ALL too busy.

Seriously, I don’t think I’ve every seen a more comprehensive book with great resources on overall fitness and weight loss. To top it off it’s very affordable, I believe on Amazon right now you can get it for under $20.  

If I have to say anything negative at all, it would be that the images are black and white, but that is hardly a show stopper.

So if you are looking for some new workout moves, want to brush up on some nutritional concepts, pick up some new recipes all with a sprinkle if inspirational stories this is the book for you. I’m super psyched because some of her workouts involve a exercise ball and I’m looking for some new ball moves.

Does anyone already have the book? Want to share your opinion?

Labels: BookReviews

It snowed today! For as much as I complain about the winter there is just something fun about snow.  It's white, fluffy and I get to take frustration out on the husband in the form of a snowball fight. :~P

While I was out shoveling the driveway I was thinking of all the things I do to increase my activity level. Some of these are rules I’ve made for myself and some are goofy things I do around the house. When I started Weight Watchers these were my main source of exercise, remember back then I wasn’t the gym rat I am now.

1. Snow shoveling – I guess I should start with what inspired the post. I ALWAYS go out and shovel the driveway after a snow storm. I don’t even care if the husband helps (although I’m happy to say he normally does). Here’s my logic, it has to get done anyway, it’s a GREAT workout, and I have a reason to go outside for some sun on a cold day without being cold. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true! Shoveling snow keeps you warm on a cold day! Oh and nothing beats coming in for some hot cocoa!
2. Counter Pushups – I LOVE popcorn, ok so your thinking what the heck does that have to do with counter pushups, and, wait, what’s a counter pushup anyway?? Well, in my microwave, popcorn takes 2 minutes to cook. Instead of going back into the living room to wait, I hold on to the edge of the counter, step back and do pushups. The further away from the counter the more intense the pushup. Just try to do those continuously for 2 minutes. They get TOUGH!
3. Squats and knee lifts – Everyone knows how to do a squat and a knew lift right? Well why not do a few while you are brushing your teeth? What else are you doing besides standing there and looking in the mirror for 2 minutes? Might as well burn some calories! And if you’re curious I do do these all the time, just not when the husband is in there with me, he already thinks I’m a big dork.
4. Five Story Rule – I can’t remember if I told you this one yet. I made a personal rule about 3 years ago to ALWAYS take the stairs if I have to go up or down 5 stories or less. I will seek out a stairway while carring my luggage if I have to. I’m always shocked at how many people take elevators when they are going up one flight. On campus I see college kids go out of there way to hop on the elevator in a 3 story building! Come on people!
5. Dance cleaning – I know you ALL know my obsession with the house dancing. But seriously what’s more fun then dancing?!? You pick the music, you create the moves, just do IT! Get those arms up, those legs up and SING! It’s your house who you trying to impress? And if you have a toddler even better! Pick him up, swing him around and dance while you are carrying him. I used to strap ‘the baby’ on my back, vacuum and run around the house like the dancing queen. 
6. Basket shopping – Does anyone use the basket at the grocery story anymore? If I’m alone and not doing a big shopping I always grab a basket instead of a cart, even if I know I need milk! The funny thing is usually by the end of the trip I have too much for the basket and I’m struggling to get to the counter. I probably look like an idiot but I burn way more calories carrying all the extra weight then I do pushing it around.
7. Family walks – When the weather is nice the three of use try to go for an after dinner walk every day. It’s get’s us out of the house and away from the TV, even if it’s only for 20 minutes. Plus you get great family time!
8. Parking far away – I know, it’s so cliché, but seriously think about it. How many more steps can you get in just by parking further from the entrance of a store. Plus think of how much time you’ll save not driving around looking for a close spot! You do it, don’t you? Even though there are perfectly good spots ‘too far away’.
9. Get an exercise ball – These things are fabulous. I sit on it and balance while watching TV. I do crunches on it during commercials. I even let the toddle play with it and he balances whiles holding my hands (we take turns). It’s just a fun thing to have around and it get’s you off the couch while watching TV.
10. Lunch walks – If you are lucky enough to have a lunch break at work take it, and walk around your building a few times or in my case the campus.  I love when I get a co-worker to go with me and we get to chat. Nothing beats getting out of the office during a long workday.

So there you have it, 10 stay active tips. Remember you have to start somewhere where and every little bit helps!

Labels: Tips

I wanted to post my journal real quick. I’ve been working on a longer post about activity, my weekly video post and I’m running out of time tonight.

I also wanted to let you know I have some more contests coming up! I’ll be announcing 1 here and 1 on GreenLiteBites over the weekend! So keep an eye out!

Labels: journal

It’s true… a failure, a loser, a big fat loser.

But…

in a GOOD way!

I mean, you have to TRY to FAIL and trying is half the battle. Right?

I stared at that crazy inclined rock wall for about 10 minutes before I got up the nerve.  I thought it was time. I’ve been practicing for weeks, I’ve been circuit training, working hard but apparently, it wasn’t enough. Not yet anyway. Don’t worry, I’ll get it. I have a whole year to meet that new years goal and I WILL!

Labels: journal

SNAP OUT OF IT!!
Avoid the post dinner, tired, bored and a little ‘out of it’ snacking cycle. You can feel it coming.

Cheer up!

Yes it’s cold, Yes it’s winter, Yes you are frustrated at work but food doesn’t make any of that go away. You KNOW this!

OH! and don’t read articles like this and looking for an excuse to indulge in pizza and ice cream!