Mel's - Back to GOAL Journal

[MelanieC]

Ok, here is my back to goal journal.

I can't believe I let myself gain 24 pounds since last June. I think it started because I reached my goal in June but I gave myself permission to have a let loose 4th of July in Virginia and I didnt' jump back in right away. Then I didnt' go back to my WW'er meetings because I was above my 131 goal weight. Then August came along and Cheerleading started back up. The year prior I made it a priority to miss cheerleading on Monday nights to go to WW meetings. I didn't last year and by not demanding time for ME it proved to add weight back on. At first it was only a few pounds over and then it was 10. I kept telling myself hey it's only 10 and I can loose that in no time. Then it jumped to 20, but I was in denial. I kept telling everyone it was only 10 including telling that to myself. You believe it if you say it enough. Then I went to WDW for 2 weeks the last week of Nov/first of Dec and when I came back the scale was at 157 or 158. Too close to 160. That scared me and I tried to start WW again on my own. I couldn't do it. There were parties and events that kept popping up to keep me from doing good. I'd do good most of the week and then on the weekends I would fail. Luckily by doing good on the weekday's I was able to bring my weight back into the 154-156 range. A few times it even got as low as 152. I think we all know that we keep making excuses for going off track and until we are "ready" to loose the weight we will not do it. The day after Christmas I was ready.

12/26/04 was the date I really committed again. It felt right, it felt easy and I was ready. I did well until the night before I left for the Disney Marathon. I was down to 150. something and felt good. I took my kids to Applebees for dinner that night because DH was supposed to make Kielbalsa bean soup in the crockpot but forgot to soak the beans overnight. I didn't have the time to cook dinner so I took them out on the way home from Wal-mart. I ordered the oriental salad with grilled chicken and the dressing, almonds and crunchies on the side with a water. I had every intention of not going offplan till the next day. The dressing was so good I ate all of it and figured what the heck I'm doing the marathon in a few days I can't worry about what I eat. I even ate two of my son's mozzerella sticks. I didn't worry about what I ate while in Florida.

1/12/05 -I was back on track. I did good all week except for a dessert on Friday at a work luncheon and I had a few things I shouldn't have had on Saturday night. Sunday I did good.

1/17/05- My first official full week where I dont' have anything going on for a while that would interfere with me staying the course.

Monday 1/17/05

Breakfast
Whole wheat bread (1.5 pts)
Peanut butter (2 pts)
lunch
Homade pot pie soup-Pot pie dough-(6) 2 pts, Chicken (3pts), carrots (0), potato (1pt), chicken broth (0)
Dinner
Pork Loin chop (5 pts)
Woven wheat crackers (2pts) Cheese (4pts)
Milk (2pts)

Tuesday 1/18/05
Breakfast
Whole wheat bread (1.5 pts)
Peanut butter 1 tbsp(2 pts)
snack
whole orange (1pt)
lunch
2 slices whole wheat bread (3pts)
Peanut Butter 1 tbsp(2pts)
All fruit (1pt)
Soy Crips (1pt)
snack
whole orange (1pt)
Dinner
2 FF tortillas (3pts)
1oz FF cheddar (1pt)
homemade Salsa (0pt)
Milk (2pts)
woven wheat cracker (2pts)
Cheese (3pts)

So that brings me to today. I'll do today's on another post to keep it easier to read.

[MelanieC]

Wednesday 1/19/05-

Breakfast
whole wheat bread (1.5)
Peanut butter (2)
snack
whole orange (1)
Lunch
Salad no dressing (0)
veggies (0)
veggie pizza (7)
Dinner
egg (2)
whole wheat bread (1.5)
milk (2)
fat free cheese (1)
Snack
12 Woven Wheat crackers- (3)
1oz cheese (3)
Total - 24

I had a pizza party today at work (edited to add) and almost had one tonight for our cheerleaders but it snowed. I had to wing dinner so I did an egg over easy with pam and put it over a piece of bread with ff cheese.

Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)-I'm up to 5.5 now
Points (22) -24 (used 2 flex)
Exercise - Rest day on training program -
Calcium-(3) - Got 3
Vegggies/Fruit (6)- - Got at least 5
Stopped eating at (7pm)- -Yes
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- -made it in bed by 10:18
So we will see. I think this journal might be a good thing. It will give me a place to organize the above and post it each day so hopefully I will stick with it.

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Melanie,

Thank you so much for posting your "slip" in weight and how it happened. I really appreciate your honesty and you may not realize it, but it is soooo helpful to hear how others slip after making such great strides. Its a wake up call for all of us to stay vigilent. I am so glad to see you are back on track and you will have the weight back off in no time. Your menus look great.

You mentioned no eating after 7 PM. I keep hearing people make that commitment and it forces me to think. I know I need to make that change in my program. I rely so heavily on late night snacks as rewards and its slowing my progress. Yikes, I'm feeling the pressure!!!!!!!

Great job so far, keep up the great work!!!!

Sundie

[kayeandjim00]

Hi Melanie :wave2: I'm looking forward to reading your journal! I love reading about WW success stories and getting ideas for new foods to try. ::yes:: You really have accomplished so much and I know you'll be at Goal again really soon. Keep up the great work!

[toystoryduo]

Hi fellow FIRMie Mel!

Your plan sounds like a good one! You sound very focused and ready to go! Woohoo! Go Mel! Go Mel! :cheer2:

[lulu201]

Hi, Mel. . .I can't really stay and "chat" but I did want to welcome you and let you know that I'm glad you're here! :Pinkbounc I'll try to stop back around soon and talk awhile. . .

Erin

[MelanieC]

It's Thursday and I'm going strong. My scale this morning showed I was down to 151.6 (WW scale will be higher because of clothes and time of day) so I felt good.

Last night I was going to do yoga on my rest day but I decided since it was snowy and cold I would just do what they say and REST! Tonight it will be the treadmill. I need to get out my heart rate monitor and use it since it says to exercise in a certain percentage of my max heart rate. Now will I be able to figure that all out since I haven't used it in a year??

Thanks to everyone who replied so far.

Sundie I'm glad my honesty is helpful. I must also confess that when I went back to my WW meeting on Monday for the first time since I made goal I was really ashamed. I think that is why I never went back. I kept thinking that I must get back to goal before I go back in because I don't want to look like a failure after I did so well. Going back in this week felt just so shameful, but once my leader and receptionist (and other members) said they were glad I was back and had been wondering about me I felt better. It was like weight being lifted off my shoulders. Knowing that I could come back now without feeling like that failure. When I walked out the door I said see you next week to the receptionist. It sort of made me accountable that I would be there.

Today I plan on signing up for the Disney 1/2 marathon again next year!! I also plan on signing up for the Ocean City Maryland 1/2 in April. The Ocean City one looks so beautiful and goes into the Assateague State Park. I have always wanted to go to Assateague where the ponies are!! Just to be doing the 1/2 there will be so exciting.

My plans are to do the FULL Disney Marathon in 2007. Part of me keeps trying to say I want to do it next year, but I know I need at least two years to be able to do it right!! I am sure I could train and do it this year, but I don't want to be one of those people that I saw in so much pain they literally couldn't walk after the race. I need to get stronger and more in shape first. I want to have a full year at goal where I'm maintaining my weight not loosing weight at the same time I'm training. I don't think that's fair to myself to try to do both at the same time.

[MelanieC]

Thursday January 20, 2005

Breakfast
Peanut Butter (2)
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
snack
1 whole orange (1)
Lunch
My favorite Mexican Place-Veggie Burro with Refried beans (They make everything fresh here including thier own refried beans, salsa, chips etc.)
Flour Tortilla - (3)
Veggies -0
Cheese (4)
Guacamole -(1)
Refried Beans (2)
Salsa (0)
Chips 4- (1)
Dinner
1 cups Chili (3.5)
1 cup milk (2)
1 oz ff cheddar (1)
Snack[-eaten immediately after dinner to stop eating by 7pm
Cheese (3)
8 Woven Wheat Crackers (2)


Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 6
Points (22) + (3) AP's=(25)- at 26 for day (used 1 flexpoint)
Exercise - TM - 45 min
Calcium-(3) - Got 4
Vegggies/Fruit (6)- - got at least 4
Stopped eating at (7pm)- - yes
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- at 10:15pm

[Strings]

Hi Melanie,

I need to applaud you. You got yourslef back on program before you went completely out of control with the scale. That is awesome. You have a solid plan, and your meals look great. Good luck on the 1/2 marathons. I definatley think you will rock the 2007 marathon.
Beth

[kayeandjim00]

Wow Melanie the mexican restaurant sounds fabulous! Everything fresh? The food must be incredible! Just wanted to think you for mentioning the stopping eating at 7:00. I really think next week I'm going to try and work that into my routine. I know I shouldn't be saving points for the evenings just so I can snack. ::yes:: Keep up the great work! :cool1:

[plutosmyfav]

Wow :earseek: Your menu is awsome!!!! You are definitely back on track :cheer2:

Keep going :moped:

Sundie

[MelanieC]

Yesterday was my day to give blood and I was shocked to find out that I was deffered because of my iron. I usually have to get my iron checked twice when I give blood because I'm always on that borderline. I've been deffered before several times. I've just been eating so healthy lately that I really thought I wouldn't. The last time I was deffered I remember I was drinking a lot of water. I have really been drinking a lot this week. I wonder if there is any connection? I always feel bad when I can't give. :guilty:

My training went well last night. Here is what I did.

5 min warm up at 3 MPH (20 min mile pace)
32 min of training
alternating 4 min of walking at 4 MPH (15 min mile pace)
with 1 min of running at 5 MPH (12 min mile pace)
5 min cool down

Doing the running really makes the time fly. Those 4 minutes go so fast when you know you have to run again. It was easier doing this today than it was on Monday. I actually finished all sets of walk/run's. On Monday I walked the last two. I still felt very tired after the first 4 sets, but I could get through them. Really great workout and I feel great this morning.


DD12 (almost 13) snowboarded yesterday for a class trip and got home at 10pm last night. I was so proud of myself that i passed the time exercising, and I didn't overeat worring about her. I don't like having her out doing a potentially dangerous activity that late at night, but I guess now that she is getting older these late night activities will just increase. She goes snowboarding again in a few weeks for a second class trip. She had a wonderful time.

[MelanieC]

Friday January 21, 2005

Breakfast
Milk (2)
Kashi Autumn Harvest Cereal (3)
snack
1 whole orange (1)
Lunch
Chili (3.5)
Dinner
2 slices Pizza (14)


Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 1 so far
Points (22) 26 Total (1 Flex point used)
[B]Exercise - FIRM Sculpting Tape
Calcium-(3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (6)- - 1
Stopped eating at (7pm)- -
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)-

[MelanieC]

In anticipation of being stuck in the house all weekend from the snow I went to Whole foods to pick up some of my healthy staples. I found these Kashi Granola bars that are all natural, have 4 g fiber and 5 g protien. One even has 300mg of Omega 3 (flax). They had 5 g fat but with the fiber it's only 2.4 (rounding to 2.5 points each. Not too bad. I may use these as something I take to the movies to have instead of popcorn.

With my chili for lunch I found a bunch of baggies of cut veggies left over from the Pizza party on Wed. So I loaded up a bowl of veggies. At least that gives me some more veggies for the day. I still have my orange to eat and I'm not hungry at all. Why is it then that these granola bars are CALLING MY NAME. I should take them off my desk.

[Strings]

Hi Mel,

Isn't it strange how one food will just call to us? Mine usually involves chocolate.

Great job on the treaddie. That is really impressive.

Keep up the great work,
Beth

[geetey]

Melanie,
Just wanted to stop by and say Hi! I am glad you are posting on the WISH Journal boards! You are always a great source of information for a fellow WWer like myself.

Like you, I am hearing the call of that Mickey medal but I know I am not physically capable of doing a full marathon in 2006. Maybe if I get enough of these pounds off (and I get clearance from my doctor), I can join you in 2007! :jumping4:

You are doing great on your training! Keep up the hard work! :cheer2:

[swilphil]

Melanie--It sounds like you are doing a great job. I like reading what your meals are. I'm not doing WW per se, but it gives me some good ideas. Keep up the good job with the running.

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Mel!! You are doing a fantastic job with your exercise and your eating!! Woohoo! You will definitely reach your goal!! Have a great weekend and be careful in the snow!

[lmhall2000]

MelanieC!

I remember when you got to GOAL!!! You can do it again and stay there!! You have it in you and you have the clothes to prove it! :)

I did the same thing, I lost 55 pounds then put 17 back on in a year! UGH! I'm not giving up my clippie though! I've got 39 more pounds to hit my goal of the 150's and I'm here with you through it!

It does get soo hard to choose wisely...holidays, birthdays you just feel like letting yourself eat "normally" (which is actually overdosing on sugars, chocolates and fatty foods for me) is a reward for all you do during the day. When I have a stressful day and have worked hard I think how good a homemade chocolate chip cookie would be...and how my kids would love it...and that yummy smell....why don't I feel that I'm rewarding them when I serve them fresh carrot sticks or celery? It's a mindset that's got to be changed.

You can do this and come to your journal whenever you feel weak and post it...I found that not posting helped me put the pounds on...I had the excuse of not having the time but I was fooling myself. I just didn't want to be disciplined while everything in my life was hectic and unpredictable. My eating became that way, too.

Stick to it and know that the foods you choose are a treat for your mind and body....and in time it will show your discipline through!

Tara

[MelanieC]

Saturday January 22, 2005

Breakfast
Grits (2.5)
Egg (2)
snack
Carrot bread pudding (2.5)
Lunch
Chilli (3.5)
snack
Carrot bread pudding (5)
Dinner
Whole Wheat Spagetti -2 servings 1 cup eaach (6)
Spagetti sauce w/groundTurkey 2 servings 1/2 cup each (6)
Snack
Carrot Bread pudding (2.5)
Total - 28 points



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 6
Points (22+3=25 (3 activity) 30 points (used 5flex points)
Exercise - Did long walk/run of training program
Calcium-(3) -
Vegggies/Fruit (6)- - 5
Stopped eating at (7pm)- Yes
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- -

[MelanieC]

My computer crashed today while I was trying to post recipes to a crockpot post and accidently posted here because I had two windows open. Spent the most of my "snow" day trying to get it fixed, getting DD12's computer hooked up to the internet. I'm on my computer now, but I don't know for how long. It keeps freezing or going to a black screen. Then it's also not turning on. Not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling I'll be needing a new one really soon.

[lizdotcom99]

Mel,
Just wanted to say :wave: and thanks for all your encouragement!! Sounds like you are on your way to another great year!! Keep up the good work!! And thanks for all your encouragement!!!

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Melanie,

Recipes are a great idea! Thanks!

Sundie

[MelanieC]

What a day! It started out really good! I made a recipe I had gotten at WW's on Monday with DS7. It's a really healthy dessert. Carrot bread pudding. It's very healthy, but definately not for the Low Carbers. It has whole wheat bread, eggs, shredded carrots, raisins, skim milk and a very small amount of sugar. I am going to reduce the sugar each time I make it from now on till I get to the lowest amount to keep it edible. I'm hoping that with the natural sugar in the raisins and carrots I can totally eliminate the sugar. Then it would be a very healthy recipe of things I eat anyway. I can't believe how good this recipe turns out. WW's said it was 3 points per piece. I doubled the recipe and made 16 squares out of it. When I figured it out using the ingredients I used (with my bread) It was just a tad over 2 points so I am counting them as 2 each, especially since they have so much fiber. They are a little addicting, as is anything that is sweet, but I'll take it because I've been looking for something I can keep around as a snack that is really healthy.

As you can see above, I accidently added recipes to my journal by accident while trying to post to the crockpot recipe thread. Then my computer crashed. I got my DD's computer up and running the internet as a backup. Right now I am able to use mine, but I don't know how long.

Last night I came home and found out the snow would start earlier today than I thought, so when DH came home we split the errands and each ran out. When we got back he had the pizza and since our living room is torn apart because we painting it we had to use the basement for family night. That means I missed my workout because I use the TV in the basement to workout. My goal is to do my crosstraining (FIRM video) excercise tomorrow.

Today I did get my training in. It was my long walk/run today.

I did a
5 min warmup at 3MPH
3 mile's alternating
4 minutes walking at 4MPH
1 minute walking at 5MPH
and a 5 min cooldown

I really wanted to stop running and lower my MPH during the first 20 -25 minutes. I pushed through the feeling and it got easier. I'm really glad I did. I always find the first 2 miles of a long walk the hardest. That's probably why I hate the 32 min walks because I'm still doing the hardest part, even thought it's shorter. I feel good that I pushed through wanting to slow down. I know if I can just continue this program It will get easier and my body will adjust. I love how I feel when I'm finished. Exercise is really great and it's funny how you learn to love it and love how you feel.

[lulu201]

:wave: Hi, Melanie. Just stopped by to see how you're doing and I see that you're doing a fantastic job! :Pinkbounc Exercise, healthy eating, posting recipes--you've got it ALL going on!

That carrot bread pudding sounds too good to be true. . .would you mind posting the recipe for that? I love bread pudding and I'm thinking if I just add a touch of splenda, I might be able to incorporate it into my diet, too.

I love reading your thoughts in your journal. You're a great example of a healthy WISHer!

Erin

[kayeandjim00]

Just wanted to echo the request for the recipe - it sounds yummy! It's great to find healthy snacks that taste so good. ::yes::

[MelanieC]

Sunday January 23, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Wheat Cereal (3)
4oz Milk (1)
snack
Carrot bread pudding (2.5)
Lunch
1cup whole wheat past (3)
1 cupt Spaghetti Sauce & turkey (3)
snack
Carrot bread pudding (2.5)
8 Woven Wheat Crackers (2)
1 oz Red fat cheese (2)
Dinner
2 cups Penne w/turkey sausage & Brocoli (7)
Snack
2 squares Carrot Bread pudding (5)
Total - 31



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22+2=24)(2 activity)31 points (used 7 flex points)
Exercise - Did FIRM Lower Body Sculpt 1 & FIRM Upper Body Sculpt
Calcium-(target 3) - 1.5
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 7
Stopped eating at (7pm)- Yes by 6pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- - NO - Ugg 12:58

[MelanieC]

Monday January 24, 2005

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bread (1.5)
Peanut Butter (2)
snack
Bannana (2)
Lunch
1cup whole wheat past (3)
1 cupt Spaghetti Sauce & turkey (3)
Pre-workout snack
2 woven wheat crackers (.5)
1/2 oz lowfat cheese (1)
Dinner
2 cheese Quasadilla's (8)
Snack
12 woven Wheat crackers (3)
1 1/2 oz cheese (3)
Total - 27



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 8
Points (22+3=25)(3 activity) 27 -(used 2 flex points)
[B]Exercise - Short walk/run of Training program.
Calcium-(target 3) - 4
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 3
Stopped eating at (7pm)- at 8:40pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- - 12am

[MelanieC]

My DH has been watching the tv show 24 this year. He brought home the first season from a friend at work and I made the mistake of watching the first episode. I'm hooked! Unfortunately we stayed up till 12:58pm watching some of them. We kept saying 1 more, last one! It's very strange to watch a TV show that you've never seen on DVD with an entire season at your disposal. I can't believe how good and addicting it is. The entire season is about 1 day (24 hours). It's done in real time and is a very good way to do a TV show.

I must make it a point to go to bed early tonight to recover. I think getting to sleep in Saturday and Sunday due to the snow storm and not being able to go anywhere really helped me to be able to cope today. I had plans on getting up at 5am this morning to exercise, but I forgot that idea when I realized how late it was.

Tonight is supposed to be my WW weigh in night. I am not sure if I'll go because the local side roads were still pretty bad this morning. I guess I'll see what they are like tonight. I would imagine they might be slippery because the melting snow from today will refreeze tonight. If I go it will be a late night because I need to get my exercise in as well. At least I don't have to pay if I miss now that I am a lifetimer.

I froze the rest of the breadpudding squares. I cannot be left alone with dessert if it's healthy. I craved it all weekend. Thank goodness they are gone. I also upped the points to 2.5 because I must have left out something when I figured the points. They should actually be 2.5 which is still decent. If I can get the sugar down to 0, then they would be 2. Luckily after eating too many squares I am still OP and had 15 flex points for the week left. I guess if you have to have something to cheat with once in a while and overeat it might as well be healthy and low in points. Imagine if it would have been Carrot Cake!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin & Kaye- I'll post the recipe tomorrow. It really was good, but unfortunately it was very addicting and It was one of those foods that caused me to overindulge. Thank goodness the whole pan was less points than 2 slices of a lot of other desserts.

[geetey]

Ick - don't you just hate computer problems? I have been battling with a virus and pop-ups lately. I hope I was successful this time because it took me over 5 hours to run through everything!!!

You are doing GREAT, Melanie! It is funny how great it feels to exercise, isn't it? Too bad I can't lock that feeling into our brains for those times I fall away from it. I think it is easier just to keep doing it, rather than get back into the routine. I am really impressed with your running. Your next marathon time is going to be AWESOME! A new personal best!! :cool1:

[septbride2002]

I love reading your journal. You always have such good ideas and even though we are on two different plans, I love finding low carb recipes that work for WW's. I think it's good to throw in a few low carb dishes once in a while into my mix. Mostly I look for healthy all natural type recipes with recipes as close to nature as I can get. Your quiche recipe looks great. It might be high in points though. I'm going to look into that and see. I LOVE quiche

Melanie - it has been awhile since I've done WW so bear with me. I think you could lower the points in the quiche by 1) doing it with an egg substitute like egg beaters, 2) and use low fat cheeses. You should be able to add all the veggies you want without any points added. 3)And instead of cream you could use low fat milk.

Thanks for the post in my journal and have a great day!

~Amanda

[Minniespal]

Mel ~

I'm really enjoying reading your journal. As a fellow WW it is so nice to get some tips and recipes.

Have to agree with you about 24. I bought the entire first series on DVD and spent a full weekend watching. I was hooked afterwards and can't wait for Day 4.

You are doing so well.

[MelanieC]

Tuesday January 25, 2005

Breakfast
Milk (2)
Kashi Autumn Wheat (3)
Lunch
8 woven wheat crackers (2)
1 oz red fat cheese (2)
227g nonfat plain yogurt (2)
Pineapple (1)
snack
Bannana (2)
Dinner
2 Cheese Quesadilla (7)
Homemade Salsa (0)
8 woven wheat crackers
1 oz lowfat cheese
Snack
3 Kashi chewy granola bar (7.5)
Total - 29.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3.5
Points (22+2=24)(2 activity) 29.5 (used 5.5 flex points)
[B]Exercise - Crosstraining Firm Video's-Super Body Sculpt
Calcium-(target 3) - 5
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 3
Stopped eating at (7pm)- no- 8:40pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- -No 12:30am

[MelanieC]

Last night it started snowing about an hour before I left work. I left work 15 minutes early and I got home 40 minutes later than usual. I can't wait for Spring!

DH took off yesterday because his back was hurting from the snow. I'm glad because I would have been late picking up DS from his after school program. The bad thing is, he ate what I had planned to have for dinner while he was home. Since it was supposed to be my WW night, we planned on just having whatever for dinner. Luckily I was able to recover and made quesadilla's with ff cheese and homemade salsa.

I was able to get my workout in last night.

I did:
5 min warm up at 3MPH
walk/ran for 32 min alternating
4 min walking at 4MPH and
1 min running at 5MPH

This time the first two alternating times felt easy the rest felt hard (except the last one). I thought I was going to get off easy because it seemed so easy at first. I wonder if that is because I had a small snack prior to working out instead of just working out on an empty stomach. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it.

Well I watched 4 more episodes of 24 last night. I got to bed at 12am. I guess it's better than 1am like the night before. One of these days when I get done watching all of these, I am going to work on getting up in the morning to exercise. I know it will help improve my metabolism and I know I loved it last year. That sense of accomplishment when you walk out the door ready to start your day is incredible. I'm just happy at the moment that I'm consistently exercising again.

Minniespal- Well at least I know I"m not the only one who wants to watch these DVD's all one right after the other. They are just way too addicting!

Amanda,
I'll try to adjust the recipe and see what happens. I may have to make it for myself because I think DH balked the last time I made a quiche. THat was many years ago.

Terry- I dont' know how much I'll run in the next marathon since I'll be with Erin, Doreen and possibly Meme. I did run some in the Disney one, but it was mostly walking. I'm hoping that training with 1 minute running burst allows my body to be able to do the walking with less effort? Not sure.


Erin and Kaye- I forgot the recipe. I'll try again tomorrow.

[toystoryduo]

Hey Mel!

I hear ya about the weather! I can't wait for spring!!! :jumping4: :sunny:

You did a great job getting your exercise in last night!! Keep up the good work! :cheer2:

I'm proud of you too for being able to recover from DH eating dinner and making something that was OP for you! Way to go, Mel!!!!

I hope you have a great day today! :flower1:

[plutosmyfav]

Mel,
I know what you mean about healthy desserts. I keep reaching for it because I feel its ok. Grrr. You are doing so well. Your menus are great. I need to keep up with posting my food, maybe I'll aim at just weekends for now... You are an inspiration ::yes::

I've never heard of the tv show 24. Guess I better stay clear if I don't want to be addicted ;)

Sundie

[Auntmeme]

Hi Mel, great job on the treadmill :cool1: I don't do ww so can't help you there but your menus look fine to me, I think you'll lose that weight again soon :)

I thought your goal was in bed by 10? what's midnight about? girl sleep - you can watch the dvds later (they're yours :Pinkbounc ), I loved that show too but missed too much after the first season.

[Strings]

Hi Mel,

You are doing great with the treaddie. You are going to rock the marathon.

Great recovery from DH eating your meal. I could very well have gone completely off program in that situation. Awesome job.

I like 24, but lost track of it awhile ago. Please get some sleep.

Take care,
Beth

[geetey]

Terry- I dont' know how much I'll run in the next marathon since I'll be with Erin, Doreen and possibly Meme. I did run some in the Disney one, but it was mostly walking. I'm hoping that training with 1 minute running burst allows my body to be able to do the walking with less effort? Not sure.

That makes sense. Your 'natural pace' will simply be faster because of the run/walk training. Based on my results from my speed work training, I believe you are right and you will see the results you are hoping for!
You are doing great, Melanie!!

[MelanieC]

Wednesday January 26, 2005

Breakfast
Peanut Butter (2)
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
Lunch
8 woven wheat crackers (2)
1 oz red fat cheese (2)
227g nonfat plain yogurt (2)
Pineapple (1)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Dinner
Chicken Breast 4 oz(4)
Baked potato w/ spike season and a pinch of parmesean (2)
Carrots (0)
Snack
2 woven wheat crackers (.5)
Kashi Chewy granola bar (2.5)
Total - 22



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22) 22
[B]Exercise - None- Rest day
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 3
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8:40p
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 9:44 :banana:

[MelanieC]

I had 3 Kashi granola bars last night. I had the flex points for them but I only wanted to eat one. I really hate that kind of irrational binge eating. Why do we do that to ourselves? Why are some foods such triggers?

I must try to have 2 good days of eating just my target points. I've had too many higher points day's in a row where I have eaten flex points. The scale is stuck and I think that is why. I know I tend to see it move more when I vary having some high point days and some low points days. I can do it!!

Last night I did the FIRM Super Body Sulpt. That is such an awesome workout and my muscles really felt the work. I felt good when I was done.
Today is my rest day! Yeah! :banana: That should make me really look forward to my treadmill work tomorrow.

I finished the 1st season of 24 last night. Yes again I was up too late. I stayed up till 12:30 last night. :guilty: Unfortuntately DH will be bringing season 2 home soon. I hope season 2 isn't as addicting as season 1.

Terry- I sure hope that is what happens. For the actual Disney 1/2 next year I plan on trying to run some of that. I'd like to try to finish in just under 3 hours. I'm not sure if I can do it, but for now it's at least a goal.

Beth- Having all 24 episodes on DVD makes it too easy to watch them. Thank goodness I can get to sleep tonight. After Lost of course!

Meme- I know I should have been sleeping, but it was just too addicting. I kept saying just one more. Actually they aren't mine. DH is borrowing them from someone at work. That is part of the reason I felt I had to watch them so quickly. DH is getting season 2 from her soon. I'll try to not watch so many at a time.

Sundie- Posting my menu is hard but it keeps me honest and helps me plan my day actually. I also use my Palm Pilot to track my points.

Tracy- Luckily I try to keep things on hand for "fend for yourself" dinners.

[MelanieC]

I doubled this and made it in a regular square cake pan.

6 slices whole wheat bread
1 cup skim milk
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup raisins
3 tbsp sugar
1 egg separated
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Prep - Heat oven to 350. Spray an 8x8 nonstick baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In med bolw, soak bread (tear bread in small pieces) in milk until soft. Meanwhile, in a large bowl comine carrots, raisins, sugar, egg yolk and cinnamon. Add bread mixture, stir well. beat egg white until foamy with mixer. Fold egg whites into bread mixture.
3. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading to edges of dish. Bake until lightly browned and edges are crisp. 35-45 minutes.

Per serving 161 calories 3g fat, 3 g fiber. Makes 8 servings.

This says 3 points- but I counted it as 2.5 according to the bread I used.

I plan to try it without sugar sometime to see if the sweetness from the carrots and raisins is enough.

[Strings]

Hi Melanie,

I'll be watching Lost with you tonight. I think it is a rerun though. Of course, I will also be watching Alias.

Enjoy your day of rest. I am sure that I never look forward to the treadmill. that recipe looks yummy.

Have a good afternoon,
Beth

[MelanieC]

Thursday January 27, 2005

Breakfast
Peanut Butter (2)
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
snack
whole orange (1)
Lunch
3 oz chicken breast (3)
brown rice 1/2 cup (2)
carrots (0)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Dinner
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
Tuna patty-
Tuna (2.5)
egg (2)
Snack
8 woven wheat square (2)
1 oz lowfat cheese (2)
Total -



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22+2.5 AP points earned=24.5) 24.5
[B]Exercise - Did 32 min walk/run of training program
Calcium-(target 3) - 1
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 2
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7:45
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 9:40pm

[lizdotcom99]

Mel,
You are doing great!!! Kudos to you!!! Was it you that had info about the WW Core program as well? I would love to hear more about it if you have a chance.

I am trying to decide if I want to stick with SBD/Atkins or try WW again. I am not real crazy about my food choices now. In the past, I did really well with WW...until portion sizes got bigger and flex points became abundant!!

keep up the great work!! You seem to be doing very well with the program and your training!!

:banana: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :banana:

[Strings]

Hi Mel,

Looks like you are doing an awesome job! kepp it up.
Have a good afternoon,
Beth

[MelanieC]

Friday January 28, 2005

Breakfast
Peanut Butter (2)
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
snack
none
Lunch
3 oz chicken breast (3)
brown rice 1/2 cup (2)
carrots (0)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Dinner
2 slices pizza (14)
Snack
none
Total - 25



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22+2AP=25 )
[B]Exercise - Crosstraining Firm Complete Body Shaping
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 1
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8p
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:30pm

[MelanieC]

I got on the scale this morning at it read 149!! I haven't seen that since before I left for my family Disney vacation in November. Finally it's moving. I feel like I've stayed the same for a while. :banana:

My training last night was very tiring. It definately felt good though.

I did my short walk/run.

5 min warmup at 3MPH
32 min alternating
4 min of walking at 4mph
1 min of running at 5mph
5 min cool down at 3MPH

I also realized this morning that I should be doing the short walks at 3 min walking/1 min running. I'm tired enough having the 4 min walking rest in between. The long run this week is definately 4/1. It's much easier to keep track of that way. I'll try it next week and see how I do. Luckily it's still a few weeks off till they start adding 2 min of running in! I'm not sure how that will go.

I'm such a looser sometimes. Wed night I missed the pizza party (that was rescheduled from last Wed) for our cheerleaders. They called, but I was on the phone with the wife of one of DH's coworkers. I didn't check my voicemail when I was done and missed the call. I called last night to appologize. I feel like such a heel! At least I can apologize to all the girls for missing it on Saturday at the awards cerimony.

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo! Way to go Mel!!!! :cheer2: I'm glad that the scale is cooperating for you! All of your hard work and effort is paying off!! You go girl!! :cheer2:

Have a great weekend! :sunny:

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Mel,

Congrats on the scale victory!!!! Does this mean you made your 5lb challenge for January! Woooo Hoooo. Sorry to hear you missed the pizza night. I'm sure they will understand. Here's a cheer for you :)

http://www.livinglively.com/clipart/c2y_girl.gif

Sundie

[Strings]

Congratulations on saying goodbye to the 150's. That is awesome Mel. I am sorry about the pizza party. I am sure they will understand when you apologize.

Have a great weekend,
Beth

[kayeandjim00]

Congratulations on the loss Melanie!! :cool1: :banana: :cheer2: Hope you are having a great day!!
Thanks for the recipe :tongue:

[Minniespal]

Hey Mel ~

You are doing so well on your weight loss journey. Thanx for the recipe, I plan on making it tomorrow. Sorry to see but series 2 of 24 is even more addicting than 1, you will love it.

[Auntmeme]

Yippie for you Mel :Pinkbounc :cheer2: The scale is going down :Pinkbounc :cheer2: Your doing a great job with food & exercise - keep it up! Do you really walk at 5mph? The highest I can walk at is 4.1 & that is hard, when do you pick it up to a jog?

Have a super Sunday :sunny:

[lizdotcom99]

Yeah for you Mel!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Say so long to the 150's!! What an accomplishment!! Sounds like you are really working hard!! Keep up the great work!! You are such an inspiration to me!! I am thinking about going back to WW......not cure how much I like this LC thing...but time will tell!! You are rocking girl! Keep it up!!



:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[MelanieC]

Saturday January 29, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
none
Lunch
Wendy's Taco Supreme Salad (traded in chips for an extra salsa)
Taco Salad (8)
Sour Cream (1.5)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Movie Theatre Popcorn -ate small bag roughly (9)
Dinner
2 slices whole wheat bread (3)
Tuna Patty
Egg (2)
can of Tuna (2.5)
Snack
none
Total - 32.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)-
Points (22+3=25) 32.5 (used 7.5 flex points)
[B]Exercise - Crosstraining Firm Sculpt video
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 5
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:30pm

[MelanieC]

Sunday January 30, 2005

Breakfast
Peanut Butter (2)
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
snack
none
Lunch
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
2 slices whole wheat bread (3)
1 oz lowfat cheese (2)
1 cup tomato Soup (2)
snack
2-Kashi Granola Bar (5)
Dinner
2 cups Tortilla Soup
.5 oz Lowfat cheese (1)
1 oz Avacado (1)
Snack
8 woven wheat (2)
1 oz lowfat cheese (2)
snack
2-Kashi Granola Bar (5)
Total - 31.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 4
Points (22) 31.5 (used 9.5 flex)
[B]Exercise - Rest Day
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 3
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:55

[MelanieC]

Monday January 31, 2005

Breakfast
Peanut Butter (2)
Whole wheat bread (1.5)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Lunch
1 cup Tortillas Soup (2.5)
1/2 cup brown rice (2)
snack
4 woven Wheat crackers (1)
.5 oz lowfat cheese (1)
Dinner
3 "Pigs in a blanket" Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (9)
Snack
Kashi Granola Bar 2.5- Eat after WI
Total -



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22+2.5AP=24.5)
[B]Exercise - Short Walk/Run 50 min total
Calcium-(target 3) -
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 1
Stopped eating at (7pm)-
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)-

[pettyone]

Melanie--

You are doing such an awesome job & your WW menus look much more appetizing than mine!!! Sending you some :wizard: for continued success!!

I'm kinda interested in the stuffed cabbage...how do you make 'em?? (I'm a bit rumbly in my tumbly...)

[MelanieC]

Another week down!!

I was OP this week, but I did eat more junk than I would have liked and I really wanted my points to be lower over the weekend. Those Kashi Granola bars were again one of my weeknesses. Darn they are just too yummy.

Saturday I had two awards banquets, one at 9am-11am for DS7 for football and one at 1pm-3pm for DD12 for cheerleading. I also knew we had the movies planned for 4:50pm. I had my long run this morning 4 miles scheduled for this day and I knew if I didn't get up in the morning before my day began that I wouldn't get it in. I did it, I got up at 6am and did a little over 4.5 miles total! It felt really good knowing my exercise was done for the day! For lunch we ate at Wendy's and I felt I made a decent choice considering we were just grabbing something quick. DH got me my own popcorn (small) at the movies because he wanted butter. The bad thing about that is I ate every last bite. Each 3 cups of movie theatre popcorn is 3 points, so I just figured it as 9 points and moved on. When I got home, I felt like my body was oozing salt. I wasn't really hungry so I waited till later to eat. I was going to skip dinner all together because of this but decided to make something anyway to help take the taste of salt out of my mouth.

Sunday morning I woke up with the taste of salt still in my mouth! YUCK! After church we did grocery shopping and I was armed with a shopping list and had my meal plan for this week. It feels good to know we have healthy foods planned all week.

Sunday-Tortilla Soup
Monday-Pigs in a Blanket -stuffed cabbage rolls
Tuesday-Beef/Barley/Mushroom Soup
Wednesday-Lowfat fried rice with ground turkey
Thursday-Bean Soup
Friday-Taco Dip

I spent most of my lunch hours last week since it was too cold to go out working on my menu. Last night I made the cabbage rolls and they were in the refrigerator waiting to go in the crockpot this morning!

This morning I got up and did my walking. Note to self- get up a little earlier because I forgot to factor in the time it takes to get ready.

I also realized recently that I should have been doing 3 min walking/1 min running instead of the 4 min walking/ 1 min running. I think there was a point where it switched and I never picked up on this. I tried it today, thinking there was no way I was going to be able to do this since walking 4 and running 1 was so hard. I also was supposed to start doing 40 minutes now instead of 32. I upped both easily. I couldn't believe that i pushed through it and it was not easy keeping that pace, but definately doable and easier than before.
Here is my Exercise since Friday-

Friday- 1/28
FIRM Complete Body Sculpting

Saturday- 1/29
4 mile day
5 min warm up at 3MPH
4 miles -alternating
4 minutes walking at 4MPH
1 minute walking at 5MPH
5 min cool down

Sunday- Rest

Monday- 1/31
5 min warm up at 3MPH
40 minutes alternating
3 miles walking at 4MPH
1 min running at 5MPH
5 min cool down

Liz- Well I can't say so long yet to 150's. Today was 151, but I know that soon it will be gone forever.

Meme- That was a typo- It should have been running at 5mph. I think I would kill myself trying to walk that fast. My legs wouldn't know what to do if I tried to make them walk that fast. I do know that for the first 5 miles of the Disney marathon-walking outdoors I was able to keep a 14 min mile for each of those miles. I think walking faster outside is easier than on the treadmill with the belt moving.

Minniespal- We are now on episode 10 or 11 of season 2...........This show is just the best!! They really know how to get you hooked!


Kaye & Tracy- Thanks, although I'm up again! I think it was all the salt!

Beth- Everyone was just glad I was ok, they all thought something was wrong since I didn't show up.

Sunny- Yep, made my 5lb goal! Woo hoo!

[toystoryduo]

Hi Mel!

Sounds like you had a busy, but enjoyable weekend! :teeth:

Have a great week ahead! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[lulu201]

:wave: Hi, Melanie! Just a quick hello and a BIG congratulations for the terrific job you've been doing. You know, Melanie, you just seem to be one of those people who make up her mind to do something and then there's nothing stopping her. You inspire me, especially as a fellow WWer. Have a great Tuesday!

Erin :shamrock:

[pettyone]

Melanie--

I think I need to visit your journal AFTER lunch...looking at your menus always makes me hungry... :flower:

:wizard: (for continued success!)

[DoeWDW]

:wave2: Hi Melanie!! I've finally made it over to your journal - sorry it has taken me so long!

You've been doing a fabulous job and it looks like you are back on track! ::yes::

I used the treadmill at the health club last night and alternated walking at 4mph with an easy jog at 5mph. Somehow it seems easier than doing all walking. The jogging uses different muscles and my hips don't hurt as much. I think I'll try your formula of 4 minutes walking and 1 minute jogging, just to see how it goes.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday! :sunny:

[geetey]

Thanks for spelling out your meals for the day like you do. I am very interested in those Kashi granola bars. Just not sure if I should try one, if they are *that* good. ;)

I am glad the scale is moving for you! You are burning lots of calories with your training. I am sure your body is starting to reshape itself as well. Keep working it! You are doing GREAT! :cheer2:

[MelanieC]

Tuesday February 1, 2005

Breakfast
Barbara's Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
None
Lunch
2 Stuffed Cabbage rolls (6)
snack
8 woven Wheat crackers (2)
1oz lowfat cheese (2)
Dinner
2 cups Beef/Mushroom/Barley Soup (8)
Snack
Kashi Granola Bar 2.5
Total - 24.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22+2AP=24) - Used 24.5 (used .5 flex points-34.5 left for week)
[B]Exercise - Firm Super Body Sculpt
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- - 6
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 9:10pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:55pm

[MelanieC]

Wednesday February 2, 2005

Breakfast
Barbara's Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
None
Lunch
1 1/2 cups Beef/Mushroom/Barley Soup (6)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Dinner
2 1/2 cups Fried Rice (14)
Snack
None
Total - 26.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22) 26.5 (used 4.5 flex points- 29 left for week)
[B]Exercise - Rest Day
Calcium-(target 3) - 1
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 4
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11:55pm

[MelanieC]

I dit the FIRM Complete Body Sculpt last night. It is amazing how a sculpting video can really test your cardio capabilities. I got a Super workout and was really huffing and puffing by the end. Not only did I feel my muscles getting a fabulous workout, but I felt like I really pushed myself cardio wise. I guess that is one of the reason's why I like the FIRM and why I got such good results last year from the FIRM. I'm also noticing how your muscles must hold some sort of "memory" even if you stopped lifting weights for a while. I am finding that after about 3 weeks of getting back into the Firm (and not even doing them anywhere near as often as last year) that I am now starting to do some of the exercises with the 10 & 12 pound weights I was up to last year. It took me a lot longer then to build up to that point. It's good to know all isn't lost!

Last night we had a new recipe. It was a beef mushroom and barley soup recipe that I made in the crockpot. It was good and my kids even liked it, but it was missing something. I converted it myself to a crockpot recipe. I think it need a little more liquid because it was a tad too thick. It also needs something in the way of spices. It was sort of bland. I had searched online until I found a recipe that looked low fat and had healthy simple ingredients. It also called for Lima beans that were tasty, but I may leave them out next time because I think the barley might have been enough starch wise. I have to do some more searching to find some other spices to put in. It just felt like it needed something.

Tonight I'm making Fried Rice. My mom used to make Fried rice when I was a kid and it was so good. It was basically rice (white), hamburger, egg and scallions. I'm making mine with brown rice, ground turkey, egg, shredded carrots and scallions. Wish me luck that it tastes good!! I'm not sure what to expect! Hopefully it will be edible enough to eat.

I bought Barbara's shredded last week and had that for breakfast the last two days. Yesterday I was full all the way till lunch time and had no thoughts of food at all in the morning. I am hoping for the same results today.


Thanks for everyone's comments- It's fun coming back and reading them!

Doreen- I agree that the running helps take the shift off certain muscles and it does make it easier. I think that is why I like it. Plus, you know you only have so long until the next time that you run that I find the time goes faster.

[geetey]

Melanie,
Can you tell me more about Barbara's shredded wheat? I really like shredded wheat but have found it doesn't 'stick' with me very long. We *just* got a Traders Joe's so I can finally shop there! YEAH!

[Strings]

Hi Melanie,

You are doing great! The soup sounds yummy. I may have to make a batch of soup soon.I agree that muscles must have a memory. I am back to lifting my previous weights after 3 months off. I've been back to lifting just 2.5 weeks, so I am pretty happy with that.

Keep up the great work.
Beth

[lulu201]

:sunny: How are you doing today, Melanie? :sunny:

Just a quick question for you: when you do your treadie time, how do you figure your AP? Do you figure at a high intensity level? I know that when I walk at 4.0 for 3/4 of a mile and run at 5.0 for 1/4, I'm working hard! Just wondering how your figured yours. . .

Erin

[MelanieC]

Hi everyone,

For the questions:

Terry- I bought the Barbara's shredded wheat at Whole Foods. I would think TJ's would have it too. This morning I had Kashi Autumn Harvest (my favorite type of shredded wheat of all). I'm doing a test to see if I stay as full on this one. So far I am. I tried the Barbara's because I've been trying to get as many of the foods I eat to fall under the WW core program. Just to see if eating those types of food help. The Kashi does have an all natural sugar in it (not a whole lot- it says lightly sweetend) but the difference makes it 1 more point than the Barbaras. That is sort of a big difference in points for cereal even if it tastes just a tad better. What I notice is that as I'm sitting here writing this I'm thinking about the sweetness and how good it was so I'm sure the sugar is more of a trigger food. In keeping with that only eating 1 bowl mentality, on a weekend when I would have more time to eat the Barbaras would keep you from craving another bowl because it's not sweet.

Erin- For my treadmill AP's. I usually figure off medium intensity (even though the actual workout is usuall very high intensity) I have a hard time justify getting that many points. I also have a tough time figuring it out on my FIRM workouts. I usually go by how intense it felt while doing it (the Firm ones). If it felt too easy and I didn't break a sweat I might not give myself any. If I felt like I had a really good intense workout I would give myself 1, 2 or 2.5 depending on the length. AP's are so confusing.

[MelanieC]

Thursday February 3, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Wheat (3)
Milk (2)
snack
Low fat cheese (2)
8 Woven wheat crackers (2)
Lunch
1 cup fried rice (5.5)
snack
FF plain yogurt (2)
Pineapple (1)
Dinner
2 Cheese quesadilla's
4 ff tortillas (3)
1 oz ff cheddar (1)
salsa (0)
avacado (4)
Snack
None
Total - 26.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)-
Points (22 + 3 AP's=24) 26.5 points (used 1.5 flex-27.5 left)
[B]Exercise - Week 4 short walk/run
Calcium-(target 3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 4
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 9pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:45

[MelanieC]

Tracy asked for the stuffed cabbage recipe:

* Exported from MasterCook *

Cabbage Rolls-TNT

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Beef Connolly Family Favorites
Crockpot Main Dishes
Meat Dishes TNT
Turkey

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 head cabbage
1 Pound Ground Turkey
2 cans tomato sauce -- 15oz each
1 1/2 cups brown rice -- cooked
salt and pepper
1 green pepper

Cook Brown Rice

Boil cabbage for about 15 minutes

Cook & drain turkey,

Add brown rice to turkey. Make 10 even round balls. Salt & pepper meat.

Place turkey mixture in the middle of each cabbage leaf. Roll and hold with toothpicks.

Pour 1 can of sauce in bottom of crockpot. Place cabbage rolls in crockpot and pour 2nd can of sauce over the top.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per serving: 1910 Calories (kcal); 46g Total Fat; (21% calories from fat); 109g Protein; 265g Carbohydrate; 359mg Cholesterol; 3421mg Sodium
Food Exchanges: 14 1/2 Grain(Starch); 11 Lean Meat; 8 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates

NOTES : Makes 10 cabbage RollsWeight Watcher Points:

W/Ground Turkey
Cabbage: 0
Tomato Sauce: 0
Ground Turkey: 1 lb= 24 points
Brown Rice: 1 1/2 cups= 6 points
Total= 30 points divided by 10 rolls = 3 points each

Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0
__________________

[lmhall2000]

WHAT A GREAT THREAD!!! You're posts will really inspire and it's great to see what you're eating...there is much more variety than what I'm doing...I've got to try some of your recipes! :) You'll get back in shape before you know it at this level of commitment and enthusiasm!!!

Keep up the great work!!!!

Tara

[MelanieC]

Last night I made the fried rice. It was such a hit and my kids couldn't get enough of it. DS7 had 3 helpings and DD12 who is usually always a 1 helping girl unless she LOVES something had 2. Thank goodness DH was working late because there wouldn't have been enough he was eating dinner with us. Since he wasn't I had enough for my lunch and a 1 1/2 cups for him for today.

I cooked 1 cup(uncooked) rice the night before and refrigerated. I also wish I would have cooked the ground turkey, shredded the carrots, cut the onions and scallions the night before too.

Cook 1 cup rice (the 1 cup is uncooked, it will make several cups after it is cooked). Brown 1lb ground turkey with one onion. In wok or other large non-stick pan use 1 tbsp oil to cook 2 eggs. Move eggs to the side of pan. Add 1 more TBSp of oil to pan and add cooked rice. Add 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup petite frozen peas, 1 bunch of scallions chopped and continue to stir. Mix the eggs into the mixture until completely mixed. I added ground ginger.

It needed Soy Sauce, but I didn't have any. DH swore we did but it was terryiaki sauce.

It was really delicious and a definate keeper. I don't usually use oil when I cook (DH will, but using it scares me!) I decided that for only being 7 points total in the recipe I should add it. I may try scrambeling the eggs in the microwave first next time and eliminating 1 tbsp. Maybe that is why it was so good?

Didn't get to bed till 11:55pm because DH wanted to watch 2 more episodes of the 24 second season. I think this one is better than the first. It is so good! Because I got to bed so late I decided I would exercise tonight instead of this morning.

I'm feeling the signs of "TOM" coming. I am expecting it starting from today on. Oh how I hate it! Luckily the scale was nice to me this morning. 148.4! Woo hoo! I love seeing new numbers. Keep em coming! I did resist having a Kashi Granola bar for snack after dinner since I was already using 4.5 flex points. I guess the scale rewarded me for being good.

[geetey]

Hi Melanie!
Sorry to keep asking so many questions, but shredded wheat falls in the CORE guidelines? I just assumed all carbs were out for the CORE plan. I might try and find the info about it.

That's great about the rice and your kids! Don't you love when you find something healthy and they love it? We had OhMom's stuffed pasta shells last night and my kids LOVED it! The whole family did. :lovestruc Unfortunately my dd has a rice allergy, otherwise I would try your recipe. Thanks for inspiring us to try new things!

[Strings]

Hi Melanie,

You are doing so well. The fried rice sounds good. In my journal you mentioned starbucks. I know Erin has done WW, and her drink of choice is a nonfat sugar-free vanilla latte. The nutritional info for all their drinks is on their website.

have a great weekend,
Beth

[kayeandjim00]

Hi Melanie! :wave2: Your rice sounds so yummy. It's always great when the family loves food that's good for them too. ::yes:: Hope you are having a great day!

[MelanieC]

Friday February 4, 2005

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bread (1.5)
Peanut Butter (2)
snack
none
Lunch
FF plain yogurt (2)
Pineapple (1)
8 woven wheat crackers (2)
1 oz lowfat cheese (2)
snack
Kashi Granola bar (2.5)
Dinner
Taco Dip
FF refried beans - 1/2 can (2)
2 oz lowfat cheese (4)
salsa (0)
avacado (4)
Sour Cream (3)
2 oz Taco Meat (Ground Turkey) (3)
Tomatoes (0)
Snack
Prior to dinner
4 Woven Wheat crackers (1)
Cheese low fat (1)
pickles-bread & butter 3 (.5)
Pickle - Dill (0)
Total - 31.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22 + 2 AP's=24) 31.5 (used 8.5 flex)
[B]Exercise - FIRM Super Body Sculpt
Calcium-(target 3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 5
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 9:30pm

[MelanieC]

I think Liz had asked for Info on Core.

Also Terry here is the list of Core foods. Shredded wheat is core as long as there is no added sugar. Barbara's is just 100% whole wheat nothing else.

The plan rules
1. Eat as much of the core foods as you need to feel satisfied.
2. If you want to eat foods that are not on the core foods list use you 35 weekly points allowance.

Vegetables
Fresh, frozen or canned (without added sauce, fat or sugar)
Tomato paste purees and sauce

*Vegetables cannot contain ingredients that are not core foods. (ex regular refried beans, pork beans, corn in butter sauce, dried tomatoes packed in oil, French fries, and sweet pickles are not core foods.) Vegetable juice is not a care food.

Fruits
Fresh, frozen or canned (without added sugar)

*Canned fruit must be packed in water or juice (not syrup) and drained before eating. Unsweetened applesauce is a core food, but sweetened is not. Dried fruits are not core foods. Fruit juices are not core foods.

Soups
Fresh, canned, frozen, or homemade soups made only with core foods
Bean soup (lentil, split pea)
Bouillon
Broth based soup
Tomato soup
*Creamed soups are not core foods.

Starches Grains and cereals
Whole wheat pasta or brown rice or potatoes is limited to 1 meal a day
Barley
Buckwheat
Bulgur
Cornmeal (polenta)
Couscous
Kasha
Popcorn (airpopped or 94% fat free microwave popped)
Quinoa
Rolled oats
Starch vegetables (peas, corn)
Cooked hot cereal (any plain variety that does not contain added sugar)
Puffed wheat, puffed rice, shredded wheat, and 100% bran cereals that do not contain added sugar, are limited to 1 meal a day and must be eaten with fat free milk or plain fat free yogurt.

Lean meats, poultry, fish, meat substitute and egg products
Beef
Bottom and top round roast
Bottom and top sirloin steak
Eye round roast
Flank steak
Filet mignon
Organ meats (liver, brain)
Round steak
Round tip steak and roast
Sirloin steak
T-bone steak
Tenderloin roast and steak
Top sirloin roast

Lamb
Leg roast
Loin chop or roast
Organ meats
Sirloin chop

Pork
Canadian style bacon
Lean ham
Loin chop or roast
Organ meats
Sirloin chop
Sirloin cutlet
Tenderloin roast

Veal
cutlet
Loin chop or roast
Organ meats
Round steak
Sirloin steak

Poultry chicken and Turkey
Fresh, frozen or canned
Organ meats
* trim any visible fat and remove skin before eating

Fish and shellfish
Fresh, frozen or canned any variety
*Canned varieties must be packed in water or broth or tomato juice, not packed in oil

Meat substitutes
Dried beans and lentils
Tofu, any type
Vegetarian burgers, frozen

Egg products
Egg, whole
Egg substitutes
Egg whites

ETA: *Ground beef with no more than 7% fat,or ground turkey or ground chicken is limited to 1 meal a day.

Milk products and dairy substitutes
Milk products
Fat free cheese
Fat free cottage cheese
Fat free milk
Fat free sugar free pudding
Fat free sour cream
Fat free plain yogurt

Dairy substitutes
Soy milk (plain)
Soy cheese
Soy yogurt (plain)

Weight watcher smoothies or fat free sugar free instant hot cocoa or reduced calorie dairy shakes is limited to once a day.

Oils, Condiments, and Extras
Oils
Fat free dressings
Fat free margarine
Fat free mayonnaise
Nonstick cooking or baking spray

Include 2 teaspoons of Olive, canola, safflower, sunflower or flaxseed oil each day

Condiments
Baking powder
Baking soda
Capers
Cocktail sauce
Extracts
Flavorings
Herbs
Horseradish
Hot sauce (pepper sauce)
Ketchup
Lemon juice
Lime juice (unsweetened)
Mustard
Salsa (fat free)
Soy sauce
Sugar substitutes
Taco sauce
Teriyaki sauce
Vinegar
Worcestershire sauce

Extras
Gelatin (unflavored or sugar free flavored)
WW fruities

Beverages
Coffee (without sugar)
Tea (without sugar)
Diet soft drinks
Club soda
Seltzer (plain or unsweetened)
Water or mineral water

[MelanieC]

Today is Friday - Woo hoo!

Last night I had avocado on my quesadilla's. I ate an entire avacado and it was only 4 oz so it was 4 points. That was the first time I was satisfied after eating 2 of my quesadillas. I usually still feel like eating more, but this time it felt differnt. I'm thinking there might be something to this adding good fats to your diet. I've heard that your level of feeling full is increased when you do, maybe it's true!! I'm having one tonight. I was going to have sour cream, but I've decided that for 3 points for 4 tablespoons of sour cream I'd rather have 4 points of avacado. For 1 more point there is so much more substance, more nutrients and I read it has the highest fiber of any fruit?? Go figure!

It's 2:55pm now, and I'm hungry. I have flex points and I don't know why I'm trying not to eat them. Last year I was a huge advocate of eating all the points I was given. I also don't drop down to 20 target points when I reach 150lbs. I keep my target points at 22. I refuse to eat less than 22 points per day! Guess what- I got to goal eating more! I think I will have a snack now so I don't do something stupid when I get home and eat something I shouldn't. I was trying to keep my points down so I could have a good dinner with the family and feel like I was splurging. We are having "taco dip" tonight. Its basically just ground turkey taco meat, refried beans, sour cream, low fat cheddar, tomatoes and salsa. I won't eat the chips and I'll bake a corn tortilla with pam and eat it like a tostada. 1 corn tortilla is only 1 point.

Off to eat my snack because I'm hungry. I probably need the protien!

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Mel,

I'm glad to hear you refuse to drop to 20 points, I do too!!!! It will be a long time before I am supposed to, but I already decided 22 is my minimum (that's where I am now). Avacado sounds delicious, I'll have to see if it has that same effect on my appetite! Use those flex points :) LIve it up, its Friday :rotfl:

Sunny

[MelanieC]

Thanks Sunny! - I have to get better at eating my flex. Last year I always used them up! I'll remember that tonight and try to live a little!! It's so hard sometimes to let ourselves splurge.

I had my snack. I have about 43 minutes to make it before going home. Once I leave work I'll be ok. The snack really took the hunger pains away- Thankfully!

[lizdotcom99]

Thanks for the list Mel.. It sure is nice and LONG!!
I am swtiching from lo carb to core.....but want to keep my carbs lo but need some for all the activity I am doing. Who knew this would be so easy?

About being hungry....I agree to go with the good fats. Being lo carb for the last month I have noticed that after I eat some protien or meat, it takes me while to get hungry again. Today I started core and found that I have been quite hungry. Had oatmeal for breakfast with 1/2 of a banana. 1 cup of ff cottage cheese and some celery and just had peanut butter and an apple. Need to get to the store to get some chicken breasts as I thinkI NEED to eat the protien more often.

Another quick question or two or three or four for you....
I LOVE that you journal your food! What kind of peanut butter are you eating for 2 points? I just had 5 points worth of peanut butter....2 TBS. It was quite tasty on the apple that went with it!! Totally worth using 5 of my 35 extra points for. Is there anyway to get the books without joining WW.....I have the flex program ones, would love to get the core ones...anyway to do that?

Hope you are having a great day! Thanks for keeping me in the loop with the CORE program.

Keep up the good work!! You are doing awesome!!

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[MelanieC]

Saturday February 5, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
none
Lunch
2 Kashi Granola Bar (5)
snack
None
Dinner
Red Lobster Ultimate Feast
Mashed potatoes (4)
4 Fried Shrimp (4)
5 Shrimp Scampi (3)
Maine lobster tail (2.5)
Snow crab legs (3)
Cheddar Bay Biscuit (4)
Salad w/dressing fork dip method (2)
croutons (3)
Snack
None
Total - 35.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22 + 4 AP's=26) 35.5 (used 9.5 flex - 9.5 left for week)
[B]Exercise - 5 miles on TM - Long walk/run
Calcium-(target 3) - 1
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 2
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:00pm

[MelanieC]

Sunday 6, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
none
Lunch
Egg (2)
Grits (2.5)
shredded potatoes (3)
snack
Kashi Granola bar (2.5)
Dinner
small piece of chicken buffalo strip with blue cheese dip (6.5)
Quesadillas
4 tortillas (6)
1 oz FF cheese (1)
whole Avocado (4)
Salsa (0)
Snack
None
Total - 31.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22) 31.5 (used 9.5 flex - 0 left-end of week)
[B]Exercise - Rest Day
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 4
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:30pm

[MelanieC]

Monday February 7, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
Banana (2)
Lunch
Whole Wheat Bread (1.5)
2 oz Turkey Breast (2)
brown mustard (0)
8 woven wheat crackers (2)
1 oz lowfat cheese (3)
snack
None
Dinner
Quasadilla
4 tortilla (6)
FF Cheese 1 oz (1)
Whole Avocado (5)
Salsa (0)
Snack
None
Total - 25.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22 + 3 AP's=24) 31.5 (used 8.5 flex)
[B]Exercise - TM Short Walk/Run - 50 min total
Calcium-(target 3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 6
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 9pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11:00pm

[MelanieC]

Tuesday February 8, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Harvest (3)
Milk (2)
snack
Kashi Granola Bar (2.5)
Lunch
Chick-fil-A
Chargrilled Chicken sandwich (5.5)
snack
None
Dinner
Spagetti
Whole Wheat Pasta 2 cups (6)
Spaghetti Sauce w/ Turkey 1/2 cup (3)
Snack
Walnuts 7g (1.5)
Pickle - Dill (0)
Total - 23.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 3
Points (22 + 2 AP's=24) 31.5 (used 8.5 flex)
[B]Exercise - Rested (TOM) was supposed to be FIRM day
Calcium-(target 3) - 1
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 5
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11:15pm

[MelanieC]

Wednesday February 9, 2005

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bread (1.5)
Peanut Butter (2)
snack
Bananna (2)
Lunch
Spaghetti
1 cup Whole wheat pasta (3)
Spaghetti sauce & ground turkey 1/2 cup (3)
snack
Grapes 1 cup (1)
carrots 1 cup(0)
Dinner
Quesadilla
4 tortillas (6)
1 oz FF cheese (1)
whole avocado (5)
Salsa (0)
Snack
None
Total - 24.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 1
Points (22+1.5 AP=23.5 ) 24.5 (used 1 Flex point- 32 left )
[B]Exercise - FIRM Tough Tape 2
Calcium-(target 3) - 1
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 8
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:30pm

[MelanieC]

Hi Liz-

I eat all natural whole foods brand (365 brand) peanut butter. Only ingredients is peanuts and salt. I like to keep my ingredients list short in my foods. I eat one TBSP of peanut butter for 2 points. You have to seperate the oil when you first use it but it stays mixed together after that if I keep it in the refrigerator. Don't pour off the oil or it gets dry. Very tasty!

The book I have I got from a meeting. You can join for one week and not go back. I think there is still free registration going on now. Also check out the WW board www.weightwatchers.com go to community. (The Weekly points allowence board is a great source for core). Also check out www.dwlz.com . There is a core board there. Also try Kippy's site for Hard Core: http://wwkippy.proboards40.com/

check out this site: http://jopax.home.mindspring.com/id15.html

Hopefully this will help you out. I'm still doing flex, but trying to slowly introduce core foods to my menu. I like the principle, but I use mostly Low fat cheeses instead of all the ff. I do like FF cheese on my quesadillas though. I don't miss the fat at all. - probably because I use a homemade salsa that is pretty spicy.

[MelanieC]

I didn't have time to post for a few days. I did well over the weekend and even had dinner at Red Lobster for valentines day. DH has his Guard Weekend next week so we did it early. It was yummy!!

I did my 5 mile walk on Saturday! I got up before we went out. Thank goodness I did it early because we suddenly realized at 11:30am that DS had baseball signups that ended at 12pm. We rushed there and got there exactly at 12pm. I even had to run around the building because it wasn't at the front entrance of the High School.

WI at WW on Monday night was good. I lost 1.2 pounds!! Woo Hoo! :banana: :banana:
I got up Monday to exercise too! I did 50 minutes total.

5 min warm up 3MPH
40 minute alternating
3 min walking 4 MPH
1 min running at 5 MPH
5 min cool down 3 MPH
I even did the last minute of my running at 6MPH! Hard to believe I did that at the end. I can feel a huge difference in my walking and running. I remember when I first started this a few weeks ago, I was very tired after 20-30 minutes. Now I'm doing a full 40 min and was able to go faster at the end!

Yesterday I woke up to my TOM. I was supposed to exercise but I got it when I woke up at 5:30am so I held off. I came home and my meds had worn off and I had horrible cramps. I decided to take yesterday as a rest day. I'll try to make it up today.

It feels good to see the scale go down and know I'm continuing to exercise consistantly.

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Mel,

Awsome job on the 5 miles! And you are picking up speed, too. I love seeing your progress ::yes::

Keep going :cool1:

Sunny

[wilderness01]

Congrats on the 1.2 pounds that you shed. :banana:

[Strings]

Congrats Mel,

You are doing an awesome job. 6 MPH on the treaddie, and loss just before TOM. Keep up the great work.
Beth

[MelanieC]

Thursday February 10, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
Banana (2)
Lunch
2 whole wheat bread (3)
2 oz Turkey Breast (2)
1 oz lower fat cheese (3)
snack
.5 oz walnuts (2.5)
1/8 cup raisins (1)
Carrots (0)
Dinner
Polenta (2)
Tuna patty
Tuna (2.5)
egg (2)
Bread (1.5)
Snack
cracker (.5)
Total - 26.00



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 2
Points (22 + 2 AP's=24) 26 (used 2 flex points-29.5 left for week)
[B]Exercise - 3.5 miles on TM (55 min)
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 2.5
Stopped eating at (7pm)- Forgot what time
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- forgot what time

[geetey]

Melanie -
:banana: Congrats on your loss! :banana: That's great - especially as TOM is appearing! I bet next WI brings more good news. :Pinkbounc
You are doing great with your training. It is impressive to see your times improving. Keep it up! :)

Thanks also for all of the CORE info. I will be checking out the links soon. :)

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Mel!!!! :cheer2:

[Strings]

Hey Mel,

You are doing a great job. Have a great weekend,
Beth

[septbride2002]

Look at you! You are doing so awesome! I love how you have a list for things you strive for. Maybe I should do that. Instead of goals that I miss I can stive for something and not make it. I like that way of thinking better!

~Amanda

[Auntmeme]

CONGRATS ON THE LOSS :cheer2: Way to go :Pinkbounc You are doing so well! Your tm time & your eating plan are really working - keep it up and you will see that scale continue to go down!
Have a wonderful weekend :flower:

[MelanieC]

Friday February 11, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
none
Lunch
My favorite mexican restaurant
Veggie Burro w/ refried beans (10)
snack
none
Dinner
2 slices mushroom pizza (14)
Snack
none
Total - 28



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22 + 1 AP's=23)
[B]Exercise - FIRM Super Body Sculpt
Calcium-(target 3) - 4
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 4
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10pm

[MelanieC]

Saturday February 12, 2005

Breakfast
Oatmeal (2)
.5oz walnuts (2.5)
1/4 cup raisins (2)
snack
none
Lunch
quesadilla
tortillas (3)
1 oz ff cheddar (1)
1 cup butternut squash soup (2)
snack
8 woven wheat crackers (8)
1 oz low fat cheese (2)
Dinner
3 oz 95% lean hamburger (3)
2 slices whole wheat bread (3)
blue cheese (3)
corn (1)
shredded potato (baked) (2)
Snack
coconut popcicle (2.5)
Total - 31.00



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 4
Points (22 + 2 AP's=24) 31 (used 7 flex points 17.5 left for week)
[B]Exercise - Long walk/run 3 miles (total 3.5 miles)
Calcium-(target 3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 3
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:30pm

[MelanieC]

Sunday February 13, 2005

Breakfast
Grits (2.5)
Egg (2)
Milk (2)
snack
none
Lunch
Quasadillas
4 tortillas (6)
FF cheddar cheese (1)
1 whole Avaocado 4.5 oz (4.5)
snack
Tabbouleh (3)
Dinner
Fried Rice (9)
Snack
none
Total - 31



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22 ) 31 (used 9 flex points 9.5 left for week-today is end of week)
[B]Exercise - Rest day
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 7
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11:30pm

[MelanieC]

Monday February 14, 2005

Breakfast
Shredded Wheat (2)
Milk (2)
snack
1/4 oz almonds (1)
nectarine (1)
Lunch
1/2 cup Edamame (2)
2 cups Tabbouleh (6)
snack
1 cup grapes (1)
1/4 oz almonds (1)
Dinner
Quesadilla
4 Tortillas (6)
1 whole Avocado (4.5)
1 oz ff cheese (1)
Snack
none
Total - 28



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22 +2 AP's) 27.5 (used 4 flex points (31 left for week)
[B]Exercise - 50 min on TM (3.5 miles)
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 9
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 9pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 12:30am

[keenercam]

Melanie -- congrats on doing such a great job! I love reading what you are eating every day -- it is giving me all sorts of great ideas for meals. I love mexican and like to see that you are eating those things. Isn't WW awesome? :flower: Keep up the great work! :cool1:

[MelanieC]

Wow - another week down and things are going well.

Saturday I either got sick from having a hamburger or from having a sugary snack. I'm not used to eating either, so who knows.

My scale showed 146.6 yesterday morning and with WI being tonight do you think it would stay at 146........of course not! I was at 147.8 this morning. So who knows what i'll see tonight.

I had lunch a bit ago and I'm stuffed. 2 cups of Tabbouleh was way too much, especially with a 1/2 cup soy beans. I'm stuffed. I still have grapes and a few almonds to eat this afternoon. I'll see how I feel. Maybe I'll just eat the grapes. I won't be eating till late and I don't want my blood sugar to drop. Who knows, maybe I'll be hungry later.

[pettyone]

My scale showed 146.6 yesterday morning and with WI being tonight do you think it would stay at 146........of course not! I was at 147.8 this morning. So who knows what i'll see tonight.


:wizard: 146 :wizard: 146 :wizard: 146 :wizard: 146

Good luck on your weigh in!!!

[DoeWDW]

:love: Happy Valentine's Day! :love:

Mel, you are doing a fabulous job!! That weight is steadily melting away and you're eating good food and continuing your awesome exercise routine! Way to go!! :cheer2:

I'm happy to hear that the walk/run stuff is getting easier. I had a bout of shin splints last week and have done nothing since Friday. I'm headed back to the health club tonight but I may scale back from the 40 minute walk 3/run 1 alternating and do a shorter time or just more walking and less running. I'm having a hard time sticking to only 1 minute of running. :teeth: It just feels so good!

Also, I find that running at 5 mph is harder than running at 5.5 mph. What's up with that? At 5 mph I feel like I'm plodding along but at 5.5 mph I feel like I'm getting a more natural stride.

Do you do your FIRM tapes only on the cross-training days?

Enjoy your Valentine's Day! I hope you and your DH find time to celebrate your love, even if it's just a warm hug and some words of appreciation!

[MelanieC]

Tuesday February 15, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Wheat (3)
Milk (2)
snack
1/4 oz almonds (1)
Banana (2)
Lunch
1 cups Tabbouleh (3)
snack
1 cup grapes (1)
Dinner
Quesadilla
4 Tortillas (6)
1 whole Avocado (4.5)
1 oz ff cheese (1)
Snack
none
Total - 24.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 4
Points (22 +1 AP's=23) 24.5 (used 1.5 flex points (30 left for week))
[B]Exercise - 40 min on TM
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 7
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11:30pm

[MelanieC]

Wed February 16, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Wheat (3)
Milk (2)
snack
1/4 oz almonds (1)
Pear (1)
Lunch
1 cups Tabbouleh (3)
snack
1 cup grapes (1)
1/4 oz almonds (1)
Dinner
Quesadilla
2 cups Chili Mac (8)
Snack
Eaten while cooking dinner
8 woven wheat crackers (2)
1 oz low fat cheese (2)
Total - 24



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 6
Points (22) 24 (used 2 flex points (28 left for week)
[B]Exercise - Rest Day
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 6
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 8pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11:30pmpm

[MelanieC]

Thursday February 17, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Wheat(3)
Milk (2)
snack
None
Lunch
Sushi Restaurant
Miso Soup (2)
1 Maki California Roll (4)
1 Maki Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll (3)
Banana dessert (2)
2 slices of an orange (0)
snack
Baby Carrots (0)
Dinner
Quesadilla
4 Tortillas (6)
1 whole Avocado (4.5)
1 oz ff cheese (1)
Snack
Kashi Granola Bar
Total - 30



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it :sunny:
Water (8)- 8 :sunny:
Points (22 +2 AP's) 30 (used 6 flex points (22 left for week)
[B]Exercise - 53 min on TM (4 miles)
Calcium-(target 3) - 2
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 6 :sunny:
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10:00pm :sunny:

[MelanieC]

Friday February 18, 2005

Breakfast
Kashi Autumn Wheat (3)
Milk (2)
snack
pear (1)
Lunch
1 cup Chili Mac (4)
snack
apple (1)
Baby Carrots (0)
Dinner
3 slices pizza hut veggie pizza (14)
Snack
none
Total - 29



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22 +2 AP's) 25 (used 1 flex points (21left for week)
[B]Exercise - FIRM Maximum Cardio burn plus abs & 15 min on TM
Calcium-(target 3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 4
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 7:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10pm

[MelanieC]

Wow another week almost down. I've been doing great. It feels so good to be in control and exercising consistantly.

DH was supposed to eat Sunday's leftover's on Monday but he got the kids fast food instead. This caused me to feed the kids the leftover's on Tuesday and since there wasn't enough for me I had to abandon my cooking plans for the week. Wed night I made one of the new recipes I had planned. It was Chili Mac and it was really good. The kids loved it. Last night it was just me and my son so I made him eggs and grits and I had my old standby quesadillas. I don't know why but I crave them constantly. Now that I've added avocado's I want to eat it every day. It's probably the white flour in the tortillas that is causing me to crave them. I'm loving eating the avocado's though and my body is thanking me. I think I needed to add a little fat into my diet as I really wansn't getting a whole lot.

I probably should try the whole wheat ones again at Whole foods, I think I remembered that they didn't work well as quesadillas. The whole wheat ones are only .5 more in points per tortilla but they are all natural and whole wheat. I think I'll try it soon so I won't feel so guilty about eating them. Like everything else I switched, I'll get used to it soon.

Yesterday I upped my speed on my workouts as well as changed the running to 2 minutes instead of 1.

5 min warmup at 3MPH
40 min alternating
3 min walking at 4.3 MPH (was doing 4MPH)
2 min running at 5.5 MPH (was doing 5MPH)
8 min cooldown at 4MPH
total of 4 miles

Today I did the FIRM Maximum Cardio Burn plus abs and added a 15 min workout on the video to make sure I was keeping my heart in the "aerobic zone" for long enough.
10 min walking at 4.5 MPH -wow is that fast!!
5 min cooldown at 3MPH
Total of 1 mile

Tomorrow is my long workout for the week. 6 miles (total of 6.5 ) with cooldown. I'm looking foward to it and I will be doing 2 min running segments.

[MelanieC]

Doreen,
Yep so far I've only been doing FIRM on cross training days. I've read though that I should be doing cardio instead of Weights though so I'm going to add 3 days of weights - FIRM plus throw in 2 days of a cardio FIRM tape for my crosstraining.

[ohMom]

WOWSER melanie you are a speed machine!! walking at 4.3 and 4.5 is cooking!

and - looks like it's paying off too, you've lots a bit of yourself since I saw you in january now haven't you! WTG!!!!!!!

[MelanieC]

Saturday February 19, 2005

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bread (1.5)
1 Tbs Peanut Butter (2)
Milk (2)
snack
prior to workout
.25 oz Almonds (1)
1/2 cup Grapes (.5)
Lunch
Quesadilas
4 Tortillas (6)
Avocado 1 whole (4.5)
Homemade Salsa (0)
Fat Free Cheese (1)
snack
None
Dinner
Applebees WW menu
Chicken Sandwich w/ fruit (7)
Augrautin Onion Soup (3.5)
Snack
none
Total - 29



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 5
Points (22 +4 AP's) 29 (used 3 flex points (14 left for week)
[B]Exercise - 6.5 miles on TM
Calcium-(target 3) - 3
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 7
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 6:30pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 10pm

[MelanieC]

Sunday February 20, 2005

Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bread (1.5)
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter (2)
Milk (2)
snack
None
Lunch
Quesadillas
4 Tortillas (6)
Avocado 1 whole (4.5)
1 oz FF cheese (1)
snack
4 Woven Wheat Crackers (1)
1/2 oz low fat cheese (1)
Dinner
Chili Mac 2 cups (5)
Snack
none
Total - 24



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 6
Points (22 ) 24 (used 1 flex points (12 left week ends today)
[B]Exercise - Rest Day
Calcium-(target 3) - 2.5
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 6
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 6:45pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 12pm

[MelanieC]

Monday February 21, 2005

Breakfast
Smoothie
227 grams Plain FF yogurt - (2)
1/2 Banana (1)
1/2 cup Orange Juice (1)
Berries (1)
snack
snack before workout
1/2 cup grapes (.5)
.25 oz almonds (1)
Lunch
Tomato Soup (2)
Grilled Cheese
2 slices whole wheat bread (3)
1.5 oz american cheese (4.5)
snack
None
Dinner
Jamaican Jerk Pork Stir Fry
3 strips (3oz) Pork - (4.5)
Sweet potatoes -(3)
Apples (.5)
Brown Rice (4)
Snack
none
Total - 28



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 6
Points (22 +2 AP's=24) 28 (used 4 flex points 31 left for week)
[B]Exercise - 4 miles on TM + FIRM Super Sculpting
Calcium-(target 3) - 2.5
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 6
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 6:50pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11pm

[MelanieC]

Tuesday February 22, 2005

Breakfast
Smoothie
227 grams Plain FF yogurt - (2)
1/2 Banana (1)
Berries (1)
snack
.5 oz almonds (1)
Lunch
2 slices Rye Bread (4)
Provolone (1.5)
4 oz Turkey (4)
Baked Lays (3)
Chocolate chip Cookie (3)
snack
.5 oz almonds (1)
Dinner
?
Snack
none
Total -



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 2
Points (22)
[B]Exercise - FIRM Super sculpt blaster
Calcium-(target 3) - 1
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 1.5
Stopped eating at (7pm)-
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)-

[MelanieC]

Monday February 21, 2005

Breakfast
Smoothie
227 grams Plain FF yogurt - (2)
1/2 Banana (1)
1/2 cup Orange Juice (1)
Berries (1)
snack
snack before workout
1/2 cup grapes (.5)
.25 oz almonds (1)
Lunch
Tomato Soup (2)
Grilled Cheese
2 slices whole wheat bread (3)
1.5 oz american cheese (4.5)
snack
None
Dinner
Jamaican Jerk Pork Stir Fry
3 strips (3oz) Pork - (4.5)
Sweet potatoes -(3)
Apples (.5)
Brown Rice (4)
Snack
Popcicle-Coconut (2.5)
Total - 30.5



Here are the things I want to strive for each day:
Vitamin-- took it
Water (8)- 6
Points (22 +2 AP's=24) 30.5 (used 6.5 flex points 28.5 left for week
Exercise -4 miles on TM + FIRM Super Sculpting
Calcium-(target 3) - 2.5
Vegggies/Fruit (target 6)- 6
Stopped eating at (7pm)- 6:50pm
Went to bed at (No later than 10pm)- 11pm

[MelanieC]

What am I thinking.

Last night I had a coconut popcicle. Ok so that's fine, everything in moderation right. Well why oh why did I have a cookie and a bag of baked lays for lunch. I also ate a sandwich that I didn't plan on having. I even brought my own lunch to work. We ended up having a meeting that I didn't realize and it was from 11am-1pm. They provided lunch and because I went past my usual lunch of 11:30am I got hungry and just ate it.

So now I've got exactly .5 points left for the day and I still have to eat dinner. We have leftover's tonight, so maybe I'll just have a bowl of cereal. Filling, will help fill my dairy and it will only be 4 points. That's only dipping into my flex by 3.5. I don't want to eat all my flex so early in the week. Taryn's birthay is this weekend so I'll probably end up having pizza twice. Maybe Saturday I'll make Quesadillas instead. About the same points as pizza but more satisfying to me.

I didn't go to WI this weekend because we were off, and I know my WW leader wasn't there. Since I'm lifetime, I dont' have to pay to make up so I figured it would be ok. I woke up at 9:30am yesterday and since I read and then exercised. I didn't eat anything until 12:30pm and it threw my meals off. I ate everything later than usual. Because of this I felt like my WI wouldn't have been good anyway. I think I was about a pound down according to what the scale was in the morning this week and what it was in the morning of last week.

My scale is just hoovering now and I"m ready for a new number. Come on 145!! I know it will be soon, and I'm ready. I've been seeing 146 & 147 too often now. Lets shake things up and give me a reason to stay away from the cookies. I'm still trying to figure out why I ate it. The good thing is, it's only one cookie and today is only one day. One day does not define how I eat. At least I make good choices the rest of the time. I will do better tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Exercise is going well.
Saturday I did 6.5 miles and this weekend will be 7.5. This week I am adding more workouts, mostly weight lifting workouts. I was doing them as my crosstraining and then re-read that I can do those in addition. I'll add more cardio firm to my workout and I'm going to only have one rest day a week for now. 2 rest days just feels like I'm not moving enough. I'll take it week by week and add the rest day if I feel like it's too much.

[Strings]

Hi Mel,

Sorry that yesterday didn't go as planned. I know that you want to save your flex points for the weekend, but they are there for when things don't go as planned. You do very well planning your meals, so I am sure you will still have enough flex for the weekend.

Have a great day,
Beth

[lulu201]

Melanie, I'm sending some :sunny: for your day. Did you get lots of snow?
It won't be long and we'll be walking outside again, right? RIGHT????!!!

Melanie, you're doing so well--you must be feeling fantastic! Enjoy Taryn's birthday this weekend.

Erin

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Mel,

Don't you hate when your day goes like that? Too bad we don't get "do overs" :rotfl2: But you have a great plan in place now and I'm sure you will see 145 Sooooooooooon :wizard:

Sunny

[wilderness01]

Hope today is a good day. :goodvibes

[lulu201]

Hi, Melanie. :wave2: Hope everything's OK with you and yours. I have to admit I'm a bit concerned 'cause I haven't seen you around! :confused3

I was walking on the treadie this afternoon and was thinking about you and all the fun we're going to have walking the OC Half. 6 weeks and we're there!

Erin

[MelanieC]

Hey guys,

Well keeping up with this journal started getting overwhelming for a while with training and life. I'm still here!

I"m off to Ocean City tonight to do the 1/2 marathon with Doreen and Erin.

I'm excited and can't wait.