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

Last week of classes is OVER!! That's right, OVER! **Breathing a sigh of relief**

Oh geesh, I have so much to tell you I don't know where to start. I think I'm going to have to do a list. It's just how my brain works...

1. The new weight loss community, Blog to Lose is going GREAT! I am having so much fun reading and participating it's my new favorite past time. (Now that I'm not dealing with an influx of automated SPAM , thank you very much!).
2. Food this week hasn't been so great for me. If you remember I had the pizza incident early this week and tonight I fell apart after dinner. HOWEVER...
3. On the workout front I'm kicking A$$! Running, spinning, lifting and even attempting the steep inclined wall a few times (didn't make it yet, but I'm close). I'm sore as sore can be but I FEEL GREAT!
4. I tackled a kitchen fear tonight and cooked a tuna steak at home! So glad I did! I'll be making it again!
5. One of my GreenLiteBites videos is being played on Cooking Light for Mothers Day! The toddler submitted it in a contest they had. Wasn't that nice of him? ;~P
6. I'm reading Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir and Jennette (aka as PastaQueen) will be stopping by here on her blog book tour May 23!
7. I have some big decisions to make career wise (Hmmm maybe this is why I'm excessively snacking?? - there's that stress thing again) My plans were to leave the college and embark on my own business adventures but now I have a long term project opportunity and the college may be offering me a really good position to stay. I know my problems could be worse but it's a little nerve racking when you have to make such big decisions. At least it is for me. I tend to obsess, over-analyze and freak myself becuase I think I'll make the wrong decision. I know this about myself and I still stress. However...
8. My home office is complete! I finally have a place of my own and a new computer. I so feel like and “official” blogger now. :~)
9. Oh! and MizFit linked to me (I'm glad she reminded me because I forgot!) on her Link Love and a Friday FREEBIE! post. She always has the most fun links!

OK, I think I touched on everything. I'm going to head over to the chat room and see if anyones in there.

Have a great night!

Labels: journal

Let's just say...

Stress + Pizza + PMS + 12 Hours at Work = DISASTER

Ummmm let's see....

I lost my cell phone today. I don't really care about the phone itself but all those numbers. AAACK! I don't even want to think about it.

It's the last week of classes. Which should make me happy but it's a super busy time.

I have an inbox full of messages I just can't get ahead on.

3 client projects that are starting to fall behind.

A house that is in constant state of messiness.

Oh and I'm a mom to a very active 3 year old (well, almost 3) who is showing all signs of potty train readiness and I have NO idea what I'm doing.

Now, if all that wasn't enough I launched my new weight loss community this weekend! I am SUPER excited about it but it has been a wee bit stressful as well.

So, on top of all that I haven't worked out since Saturday (I'm missing it) and I ate (OMG I can't believe I'm going to confess this) 6 slices of pizza over the course of 4 hours.

** Sigh ** No I don't turn to food for emotional support at all, nope not me, not at all.

Right now it's yet again after midnight, because I can't sleep after a long day at work without unwinding first. At least I'm not snacking. Oh yea, that's right, it's because I feel like a bloated overstuffed pig.

YUCK!

Tomorrow will be better.

PS Notice the new link in the top bar to the new community and GreenLiteBites.

Labels: journal

That's exactly what the toddler said to me when I walked in the door from a 30 minute run today. He looked so genuinely excited and interested in the run that I had a tear in my eye (I told you, a sap!). It was just so darn cute and I love the fact that I'm teaching him to be active and that exercise is fun. He watches me from the window and cheers me on and I love it!

Other news today, let's see... I've been spending a lot of time getting my new home office set up. Now that may sound sooo official, but it's just a new desk in my extra bedroom. But a desk I desperately need. Every night I work on my laptop in the living room. I have tripods and cameras all over the kitchen and more power cords then I can count on the couch next to me. I think I finally need my own space to work on my sites and my other projects.

Speaking of projects I'm working on a bunch of fun web site, which really, is my favorite thing to do. My semester is wrapping up soon and I'm counting the days, probably more then the students themselves!

Ok, I'm rambling now. Overall, I had a great day on all fronts, eating, exercise and getting things accomplished. I LOVE days that that!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Labels: journal, menus

A few people mentioned it in comments and now I definitely see the pattern. The day after I run, I'm STARVING! I mean nothing satisfies me. I just want to constantly munch. I'm trying to increase my protein but right now all my go to snacks are carbs. I have to start changing my habits, I think, and pack some cheese sticks and nuts. Any other ideas? You'd think I can come up with others. I mean, I was an Atkins girl at one time but I've since turned into such a fruit freak.

So this pattern isn't a bad thing, per say. I can deal with it. However, I have to listen to my body on the days that I do run.

I feel as if I'm not explaining myself correctly let me start at the beginning...

Yesterday I ran 2.5 miles. For the rest of the day I wasn't actually hungry. I mean I needed to eat but I didn't have the constant hunger pangs as I did today (now). However, I still ate a lot. Why? because mentally I was telling my body I should/could eat because I ran. Like it gave me some kind of permission to eat anything I wanted.

That's kind of stupid, isn't it? Why do I look for excuses to eat?

I mean if I'm not physically hungry and I have no desire to eat why force (maybe force is too strong of a word) myself. Especially when the next day my body is going to tell me to eat! Maybe I need a day to recover?

Who knows.

All I do know is after almost 3 years on this journey I STILL have to tell myself to listen to my body and be aware.

Labels: journal, menus

...I ran so far away.
I just ran, I ran all night and day…

Ok, sorry. That was stuck in my head all night. The reason you ask? Well, you guessed it, I RAN! Not only did I run but I did it outside in my hilly community. I’m not quite sure how far. I’m estimating about 2.5 miles but I never stopped to walk, not once! I held a nice steady jog pace. I think I started out too fast at first and then I slowed down and took my time. Based on my new iPod mix (see below) I ran for about 33 minutes. Not to shabby for this recent exercise convert and running newbie! ;~P

On the food front, I’m not as proud of myself. Ever since this weekend, I’m having a hard time shaking off the munchies. I swear when I eat more refined carbs and sugar (what I ate all weekend) fending off cravings is really tough for the next few days. I truly believe our diets really affect the way our bodies run and react which affects what we crave. I caved into some of those cravings today but I’ll be right back on track tomorrow. Especially because I’m totally prepared with a kitchen full of produce and a fridge full of leftovers for lunches. I made an experimental casserole today and I still have tons of watermelon leftover from last week.

So here’s the new running mix. Be warned some of these selections are explicit, but boy did it keep me going. And my favorite Smashing Pumpkins song got me sprinting for the last 1-2 minutes of the run! Hope you find it useful. :~)

Song	Artist	Album	Length
Eleanor Rigby	The Beatles	The Beatles 1	2:07
Keep the Car Running	Arcade Fire	Neon Bible	3:29
Peace Frog	The Doors	Morrison Hotel	2:57
Just a Girl	No Doubt	Tragic Kingdom	3:29
Guerilla Radio	Rage Against The Machine	The Battle of Los Angeles	3:26
Sabotage	The Beastie Boys	The Sounds of Science	3:00
Gone Daddy Gone	Violent Femmes	Add It Up (1981-1993)	3:05
Kick Out the Jams	MC5	Big Bang: Best of the Mc5	2:54
Crazy	Gnarls Barkley	St. Elsewhere	2:58
X.Y.U.	Smashing Pumpkins	Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness	7:07
Total Running Time:			34:30

Labels: journal, music, workouts

Sorry I didn’t post yesterday.  It was a long day. All my days seem long anymore. I can NOT WAIT until the end of the semester. Spreading myself too thin is getting old and I’m getting tired.

However, I FEEL good. I’ve been eating good, getting to the gym and I’m really starting to see results from my workouts (it only took 8 months!). I’m noticing muscles tone in my arms, my cardio capacity seems up (is that a term?) and I think I’m ready to start running outside to train for the 5k race.

Tuesday I spend the day at an Earth Expo. I had a booth to talk about healthy recipes and I shared GreenLiteBites. Everyone was super friendly and they seemed to like my ideas and food photos. I brought a few squash and showed how easy they were to prepare. It was the first time I really did any kind of face-to-face marketing for the site, any site for that matter. It was fun.

Yesterday I spent working on my classes and projects. I have a few client projects I’m developing while working on a new community platform for us. I also created a new recipe as the husband was away on business and I had a ton of spaghetti squash from the expo. 

Tomorrow promises to be just as crazy. I’m planning a surprise trip for my 7 year wedding anniversary. I can probably tell you what I’m planning because the husband normally doesn’t read the blog. But knowing my luck he’ll glance at this post and ruin the surprise. So you’ll just have to wait. ;~)

My surprise does involves as overnight stay (that he knows) so I won’t be posting for a few days. I did record a video with the toddler today but it’s taking me awhile to get it online. I hope to post it before I leave.

Right now I’m off to bed. It’s before midnight which is a miracle!

Have a great weekend!

oh Oh OH! I forgot I may FINALLY be reaching my last original goal (scroll down to 2005). Weight Watchers called today to tell me they may use my story for Mother's Day! I may actually be a success story!!! How cool is that?

Alright now it’s time for bed. :~P

Night.

Labels: journal, menus

Today I didn’t do much except work but this weekend I took a step class, ran 5k again and cooked some good food (see my leftovers below). Now tomorrow I’m doing this green eating thing at an Earth day event on my campus. I’ve been making a slideshow of my favorite recipe from GreenLiteBites to have on display. Whatca’ think?

Labels: journal, menus, videos

I don't know. I get on this computer and then hours FLY by. I had a great day but now at almost 1AM, I'm hungry.

Bed or snack? ummmm bed! Well maybe I'll have a fruit leather on my way up.

Labels: journal, menus

So much for the early to bed concept, it’s just about midnight and I’m up playing with my brand new toy! I can’t believe I’m a MAC user now. Well, almost. I’m still writing this post on my PC but only because the new MAC isn’t completely set up yet. It will probably take me a few day, but I’m super excited!

Besides the new computer, I accomplished a lot today. First the toddler and I had a little fun in the kitchen making fruit kabobs. Then, it was off to the gym where I actually ran for 5K on the treadmill. I’m still in a state of shock! I mean, me, a runner. HA! When did this chubby, lazy computer geek with the short spiky hair turn into a skinny, active MAC user who runs for fun with a long ponytail flapping in the wind?? I mean seriously, it’s just crazy.

Ok, back to these M’s. We covered the midnight, the MAC, the Movie so onto the Music. A few people have asked what’s on my iPod for workouts. WOW that’s tough for me because I have SO much. I could probably do a weekly workout mix post. Hey, w-a-i-t a minute, that’s not a bad idea! I’m not making any promises but when I make a new mix, I try and post it. For now this is my running mix, and I’m happy to report it was just about long enough for my 5K!

Just so you know I always start and end with slower songs for a warm up and cool down.

Song	Artist	Album	Length
Mad World	Michael Andrews & Gary Jules	Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score	3:08
Debaser	Pixies	Wave of Mutilation: The Best of Pixies	2:52
Into Action	Tim Armstrong	A Poet's Life	3:42
Go, Go, Go	The Backyardigans	The Backyardigans: Born to Play	1:18
I'm Not Okay (I Promise)	My Chemical Romance	Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge	3:09
Party Up (Up in Here)	DMX	And Then There Was X	4:29
Sly	The Cat Empire	Two Shoes	3:54
I'm Shipping Up to Boston	Dropkick Murphys	The Departed	2:34
Bomb the Twist	The 5.6.7.8's	Bomb the Twist	2:26
Baby Brother	The White Stripes	Icky Thump	2:11
The Story	Brandi Carlile	The Story	3:59
Total Running Time:			33.30

Labels: journal, music

OK, sorry I don’t normally curse but I’m super excited!  Most of you know I’ve been considering signing up for a 5K run after my friend, the trainer, mentioned it to me a few weeks back. I’ve been talking about it ever since but haven’t started actually running.  See, I’m the type of person who need a goal, a reason to do something or I never actually get started.

So a few days ago, there was a running booth set up at the gym. They had a pamphlet for a local 5K event in about 6 weeks. I thought, “Perfect” that gives me 6 weeks to start running and training. Well, today was the day I started. I hoped on the treadmill I made a running mix for my iPod (I’ll post it later), I hit the 5K button, level 1 and away I went!

At first it wasn’t too bad (6 mph), then at about the 8 minute mark I got a cramp and I thought, “uh oh, I can’t do this” and turned it down to a walk (4.7 mph). Then a good song came on and I upped it to a level 3 (7 mph) and before I new it the song was over!! I couldn’t believe it! I must have had a smile on my face from ear to ear, 3 minutes zoomed by and I ran the whole time!!!  I had to knock it back down to my walk about 2 more times but I DID IT! I finished the 5K in just over 36 minutes. I don’t even have any idea if that good or not, all I know is I DID IT. Holy Crap! I really did it. LOL

Ok, seriously I didn’t think I could. Now I am SO looking forward to this run.
 
I guess I should start training outside, huh? I’m sure it’s way different. Any runners want to share their experiences? This is a really new territory for me.

I’ll be back later, I just really had to post about the run. :~P

Labels: journal, workouts

...makes Roni stop snacking before bed!

I’ve been staying up late, WAY too late and it seems that’s when I lose all control. I’ve snacked my way out of many a good day and I’m tired of it. Literally.  I’m making an effort to get to bed early all this week (that may mean shorter posts) but I have to change something up and get out of this snacking cycle.

Speaking of snacking, Andrew from Linda’s Diet Delites emailed and asked if I’d be willing to try a new product they have coming in, Chocolite Peanut Butter Cup Patties. All I have to say is Oh My WORD! They reminded me so much of the homemade chocolate peanut butter eggs my mother-in-law brings on Easter. The chocolate was delish, the peanut butter filling was dry and crumbly. It was just perfect!  Now you’re curious about the nutritional information, aren’t you?. Well, I was surprised to find out that each peanut butter cup patty is only 40 calories, 3g fat with 6g of fiber.  That’s 1 point for 2! If you are interested in trying them, you can get a free sample from Linda’s Diet Delites if you place a $30 order. Unfortunately, it’s the only way to get your hands on them as they aren’t available for sale yet.

Other Sunday news, I had an amazing workout this morning. An hour Cardio Blast class and a medium inclined wall climb. I even added an extra riser to my step and boy, am I feeling it now! I’m also considering signing up for a local 5K race in my area. I’ll never take it seriously and start running unless I sign up.

Ok, sorry for the disjointed post. I told you, I’m tired and I need to go to bed! I’m not sure I’ll even stay up for Dexter! And I NEVER miss Dexter. :~P

Labels: journal, menus, review

• eat your lunch outside while talking to a good friend on the cell phone instead of at your office desk reading your emails.
• come home and change into a t-shirt that you had to pull out of summer clothes storage.
• play in the sandbox with the toddler.
• fire up the grill, pull out burgers and cook outside for the first time in months.
• skip the gym for a L-O-N-G after dinner family walk.

Just thinking about the day makes me smile.  :~)  Man, I LOVE spring/summer. Sometimes I wonder why I don't live in a warmer climate.

Labels: journal, menus

So I’m taking it.

Not that type of ‘night off’. I actually had a really good day, food wise. I just don’t have it in me to type up a post. Then again I’m typing up a post now, aren’t I? Let me rephrase, I don’t have it in me to type up a meaningful post. :~P

The toddler and I did record a video tonight. It’s a bit long (too long, if you ask me, but I’m going to post it anyway) so it’s taking a long time to render. I should have it up by tomorrow on GreenLiteBites.

I have been trying to catch up on blog readings and one caught my eye today by MizFit. She answered a viewers question about watching the scale. Her perspective is something I needed to hear especially since I’ve been working out more and weighing in less.

OK, enough. I’m off. Remember? ;~)

Labels: journal

Doesn’t everyone just love Friday? Especially Fridays in the spring, when the weather is getting warmer and the farm stands start to open. I am so ready for summer. 

Anyway, what made my Friday so fabulous?

Well, I solved the childcare issue, had a great morning with the toddler, got something accomplished at work, bought a crap load of fresh produce for the weekend, made an awesome dinner, and went for a really fun, really long, family walk. I also had a guest post published over on the diet blog at Diets in Review (they review like every diet known to man and have a nice Weight Watchers write up, it’s a pretty cool site) and started development on the new community.

Now it’s off to bed early!

Labels: journal, menus

Let me start at the beginning. I feel like I have a TON of stuff to get out of my head.  If you believe it, I’ve been taking cryptic notes since Tuesday about what I want to tell you and now I can’t decipher them. Tells you a little about my note taking and penmanship ability. Chicken scratch, my mom would say. 

Anyway, my entire schedule has been thrown off since losing day care 2 weeks ago (long story).  Last week it didn’t matter as I was on Spring Break but this week has been crazy! Two full time working parents juggling a two year old without full time care is insane, but I must admit, FUN!

The toddler and I have been spending a bunch of time in the kitchen. It all started on Tuesday night with some pizza making. Nothing is more fun then making pizza at home with a little helper. Well, that may not be true, there was also dancing, going to the farm stand, taking walks, playing hide and seek (with a clearly visible 2 year old), having tickle matches, giving and getting piggy back rides and buying humongous lollipops at the mall. We also made some pasta, tried a papaya and invented a new smoothie! I think I tuckered him out so much that today he started his day with a bit of the sniffles.

Changing gears a bit, being home a little more allowed me to workout out some plans for the community. I have already started development on a new and improved system that I’m REALLY excited about! I will post development updates on the community news page (with major advancements being mentioned here as well.)

On my weight front, I’ve been doing well. Until, that is, my insatiable monthly cravings tonight.  Ummmm let’s see, I ate a half a bag of Sun Chips and a way too much Ben & Jerry’s Cookie dough (full fat). I finally demanded my husband remove the chip from site and he packed up the ice cream for me. As I said I think I’m fighting normal craving coupled with tired cravings, not a good combination. It’s stopping NOW!

I was able to weigh in yesterday with my favorite leader (the one I lost a majority of weight with). I stayed exactly the same, and that’s ok with me. A few days ago, I had a huge confidence builder while working out with my trainer friend.  She asked if I knew my body fat percentage after discussing how the scale had been 5 pounds over what I want it to be. I know I’ve been working out hard but it’s difficult for me to remove my self from that number on the scale (I’m working on it). Anyway, she had me hold the little gadget thingy and viola! A number appeared on the screen. I had NO idea what it meant until she says, WOW, you should be proud 19% is a great number.  Apparently, that’s on the low side. I guess all the weight training is paying off!

Honestly, I think my biggest problem is my skin. I still have a bit extra in places and I equate that to fat in my head. I know it’s not true but you know how it is fighting years of body image issues. As always, I’m a work in progress, body and soul.

The only other thing I can think is a job update.  I have 5 weeks of the semester left and then I’ll be self employed. I’m more then excited and counting the days. I’ve been building client relationships and projects for the last few weeks so my transition will be smooth. It’s going to be an adjustment but change is good!

OK, I think you are sufficiently “caught up”. I’m going to post my food journals this weekend. After tonight’s snack attack and with my weekend track records I need some accountability.

Hope you are having a great week!

Labels: journal

• Started my day with a little baking.
• Off to mommy time at the gym. Awesome workout
• Cleaned up the house, did laundry, normal chores stuff.
• Answered my first ‘Ask Roni’ question.
• The toddler and I hit the local farm stand for our weekly produce supply.
• Picked up Chinese food for dinner.
• Watched Ice Age with the toddler.
• Shared some ice cream with the husband.
• Going to bed early as I have to go back to work tomorrow. (I’ve been on spring break

Labels: journal, menus

I weighed in today. BLEH! Up 2 pounds. It wasn’t a surprise considering