Amanda's Heading to the Beach Journal! Feedback Welcomed!

[rcyannacci]

Hey! Looks like you've got a good week ahead. Good luck with the 4 miles today, and the water!

[Cruise04]

Good job on making those plans for the week. It's makes things easier sometimes to make those plans so you know what you need to accomplish. Hope your league had a good time!!!!

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[septbride2002]

Good Morning!
Well I got my 4 miles in yesterday (it was probably like 3.75) but I'm counting it anyway! I was doing great food wise until DH and I were STARVING after our walk. I had 5 to 6 triscuits w/pepperoni and cheese on them. Very yummy!

Water I think I got to 7 glasses.

Plan for today:
Food: 30 carbs or less
b: 3 eggs, ham, green peppers, mushrooms, cheese - (5)
l: leftover chicken breast, small salad (4)
s: cheese stick (1)
d: Taco Salad (?)
s: plain yogurt mixed with berries.
exercise: 2 mile walk.

Exercise Schedule for the Week:

Sun: Walk 4 miles - CHECK
Mon: Walk 2 miles
Tues: Curves
Wed: Rest Day
Thurs: Walk 3 miles
Fri: Rest Day
Sat: Rest Day

~Amanda

water: 8 glasses or more
vitamins: w/breakfast.

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, Amanda! :sunny: Way to go on that walk yesterday, and your plan for the rest of the week? Well, that looks well-thought-out and doable. I believe you're going to accomplish what you've set your mind to do! :Pinkbounc

So, are you like the Queen of Bocce Ball now, or what? :confused3

Erin

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, Amanda! :sunny: Hmmm, let me check the schedule. Last night you did your 2 mile walk, so today you're headed to Curves.
:cheer2: Go, Amanda! Go, Amanda! Go, Amanda! GOOOOOOOO! :cheer2:

Have a good day. :goodvibes
Erin

[septbride2002]

Ack! Don't check the schedule Erin! :) Did I mention that just like Disney the schedule is subject to change? ;)

I did not go for my 2 mile walk last night. I didn't get home until 7:30pm and by the time I ate dinner and allowed myself to chill on the couch for a bit it was 8:30 and dark outside. I decided that exercise was going to have to be lower on the priority list.

today I am switching out Curves for the 2 mile walk I missed yesterday. :)

Plan for today:
food 30 carbs or less
b: breakfast bar - 2
l: ?? Not sure. Might be leftover taco salad
d: ?? Again not sure. I left in a hurry this morning so didn't get a chance to check the fridge.

Exercise: 2miles
water: 8 glasses
vitamins: w/breakfast

Yesterday I earned :) :) :) for food, water, and vitamins.
I was a little over in my carb count but I made healthy choices all day long.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Way to go on making those healthy choices yesterday!! Long days + exercise = an overly exhausted Amanda. I think you were wise to save your miles for today. ::yes::

Today is a new day, dear Amanda, and we will do our best to live healthy lives!

:hug:

[lulu201]

:Pinkbounc :banana: :Pinkbounc :banana: :Pinkbounc :banana: :Pinkbounc Amanda, here's a bounce or two to celebrate TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF!
As my dear mother would say, "you can't burn the candle at both ends!" Getting home at 7:30 and then walking wouldn't be kind to yourself! It's good to modify the plan to take into account your daily needs.

Thank you for the cheer and :) you bring to my journal, too, Amanda. You're a good friend.:hug:

Now go out there and have a good day, you princess: you!

Erin

[septbride2002]

Exercise Schedule for the Week:

Sun: Walk 4 miles - CHECK
Mon: Walk 2 miles (deleted) - Check
Tues: Curves (deleted) Walked 2.5-3 miles - Check
Wed: Rest Day - Check
Thurs: Walk 3 miles
Fri: Rest Day
Sat: Rest Day

I've had a monkey wrench thrown into my plans. Normally my Bocce ball club plays on Friday nights - but this Friday there is an outdoor movie being shown by the courts so we can't play. So they bumped the games to Thursday night - a night I planned on walking. Games start at 6:30 and usually done by 8:30 so I'm thinking instead of walking on Thursday that I'll go into Curves before work. And perhaps I can get a 1 or 2 mile walk in on Saturday morning. I'll have to think about that.

That dang scale just doesn't want to move! And if I'm honest with myself I will realize that while I'm making healthy choices I'm not limiting myself and therefore I am maintaining and not losing. I just can't seem to get into the low carb living groove that was so easy for me last year. I think I'm going to take an idea from Erin and get a small notebook that I can track my food in all day long. That may help me to keep a count on the carbs easier.

But today is a new day with a new set of challenges. Yesterday I did okay in terms of carbs.
b: 2, l: 10 d: 5 s: gatorade for walk. Earning :) :) :) :)

Today here is the plan:
food: 30 carbs or less
b: yogurt - 5 carbs
l: Work is brining in pizza and salad. I'll have one slice of pizza and a big salad. - 10 carbs
d: Subway Wrap - 10 carbs
s: Fruit Mix - 5 carbs
total: 30 carbs
Exercise: Rest day
Vitamins: With Breakfast
Water: 8 glasses or more.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Your plan for the day looks great! Your adjustments to your exercise plan also look great! You are honoring your body while still being realistic and that is WONDERFUL!!

I've been researching job burnout for myself and read this article.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm
It really hit home for me. I thought I'd pass it to you, just in case it has any words of wisdom for you too. :hug:

Hang in there Amanda!

:love: and :hug:

[septbride2002]

TRUE STORY

So yesterday I'm minding my own business getting hungry for lunch. The pizza and salad comes. Only one problem it is just an itialian salad which means iceberg lettuce, mozzarella cheese, black olives and that's it. There is no way that #1 this salad is going to give me the vitamins and nutrients I need for the rest of the day plus no protein to make it filling. Therefore I was forced to choose 2 slices of veggie pizza, 2 slices of pepperoni, and 1 slice of sausage pizza. Keep in mind these are St. Louis style thin crust - which means the crust is about the density of a saltine cracker.

Feeling satisified but a little disapointed from my lunch I head into the afternoon. About 3 pm I hear thunder - it is going to storm. I have, of course, left open my sun roof since it is so bloody hot outside. I grab my security badge and car keys and head outside. Now it is about a quarter of a mile walk from the door of our building to the actual parking lot (okay this is an exageration but it is close). As soon as my foot hits the parking lot it starts to pour. The rain and the wind are almost blinding, and it is coming in sideways. I actually crouched behind a van to hide from the rain! Of course I was still getting soaked. I finally make it to my car - plop inside and close the sunroof. Now all fo this actually took place in about 2 minutes - in that time the inside of my car is SOAKING! Which is okay because so am I. I mean litterally dripping wet - my pants are wet and sticking to me, my underwear is wet, my bra is wet - and lucky me - I wore a white blouse to work.

Thankfully I found a small jacket in my car so I could return to the office with a little decency. So I wait about 25 minutes in my car for the rain to stop. Once it does I get out and walk to the building only to discover I can't find my security badge. I walk back to the car, search the car, search the parking lot - can't find it. I cannot get back into the buildng w/o it. So now I have to walk ALL THE WAY to the other side of the building which is seriously a quarter-mile walk.

I get to the front and call my assistant, "Please meet me at the front desk."

I had to sit for the rest of the day in wet underwear and bra. AND THAT is why I allowed myself Wendy's cheeseburger and fries for dinner.

Plan for today:
Food: 35 carbs
Menu - not planned
Exercise: Rest day - I was going to go to Curves, it didn't happen.
Water: 8 glasses
vitamins: With Breakfast.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Oh, Amanda!!! What a day you had!! I'm feeling bad for you but, at the same time, to be totally honest, I'm having a bit of a giggle. :p The mental pictures of you throughout the rain incident struck me as funny. Thank goodness you had that extra jacket with you! I can't imagine sitting at work in soaking wet clothes - I think I would have headed home, so you get props for sticking it out throughout the workday! ::yes::

So, today HAS to be better, right? :sunny:

I'm sending all the good vibes and pixie dust I can round up your way. I truly hope today is much better for you.

:love: and :hug:, sweetie,

[lulu201]

Oh my gosh, Amanda! :blush: What a story! Thank goodness it was 3 p.m. and not 9 a.m.!

Uh, maybe it's time to get an umbrella? :umbrella: :teeth: Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Love ya, kiddo--have a great, DRY, day!
Erin

[zurgswife]

OK...Amanada...you deserved a double for that afternoon....

[septbride2002]

Good Morning.
Yesterday was not good - ON MANY LEVELS.
However small victory - down a pound - yea for me! :cheer2:

Plan for today - just getting through it.
water: 8 glasses (only had 4 yesterday)
vitamins: W/Lunch
Food:
b: skipping, did have some coffee
l: ??
d: ??

Crazy day!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Just hang in there, Amanda, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You made it through 13.1 miles at Disney, you can make it through today. You're stronger than you know.

:hug:

[lulu201]

Hey, Amanda, how's it going? Did you have a chance for some R and R this weekend? You were due for some major "chill" time, that's for sure.

Whereever today finds you, know that I'm thinking about you and sending :goodvibes and :wizard: your way!

:hug:,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Well they say it isn't really a party unless you have to mop the kitchen floor. :) And mopping the floor is the only exercise that I got yesterday. I turned off my cell phone and slept on and off all day Sunday. I'm sure I could have done it all over again today. :)

Plan for today:
water: 8 glasss
vitamins: As soon as I eat something.
Food:
b: nothing - diet coke
l: Tuna Salad
d: Not a clue!
Exercise: 2 mile walk.

I need to get to the grocery store.

[septbride2002]

I am sick. I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat and by the afternoon I had a full fledge head cold. I've been sleepy and groggy all day today but I made it through work. Thankfully it was one of those rare evenings when I could come straight on home. :)

I came home and took a nap. Made grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner and went back to sleep for an hour. I'm going to be early tonight since I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. Such craziness!

I was going to go to Curves after work since it was rainy and gloomy here - but with the cold and everything I decided to come straight home.

~Amanda

[Tera]

Hi Amanda - I'm sorry your under the weather and hope you get better soon :flower: .

[lulu201]

:hug: for you, sick Amanda. :sick: Having a cold or bug is the last thing you need, isn't it? I hope you're able to give in to it as much as you can--rest, drink fluids, etc. I know maintaining your schedule is a top priority, but maybe you could take one eency weency day (or afternoon?) for yourself???

I know, I know, I sound like a mom, but what can I say? I yam what I yam!
:p

Love,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

:sick: :worried: Dear Amanda, I hope you're feeling better this morning. Rest, rest and more rest are what you need. Pare down that crazy schedule to the bare essentials, sweetie, and give your body the time and energy to heal itself.

Drink lots of fluids and try to have a good day. :flower1: :flower1: :flower1:

[toystoryduo]

Hope you feel better soon, Amanda. :hug:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning. I am feeling a little better today. I'm at worked armed with Kleenex, Orange Juice, and Day Quill. Carb counts don't matter today - I'm going for feeling better!

I have a long day ahead of me but not as long as some ;) I'm going to try and :moped: through the day. I'm staying at work during my lunch today to try and help our gasoline cost. My budget is screaming over the cost of gas right now.

I'll try to hit some journals at my lunch.

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

Good Morning! Today is another long day but I am feeling much better and prepared for it :banana:

I've been thinking about maybe switching to Weight Watchers Core program. If I'm honest with myself the low carb program just isn't working for me anymore. Or at least I can't stay in the guidelines of it anymore. After 2 years of being off and on I think I am just burnt out. The core program is low carb based but it also uses a point system as well. I'm going to ask my friend here at work to bring in all the information so I can read over it. I may decide to not try it if I don't think I'll be able to achieve the objectives.

Last night I made up a calendar of menus. Some are more low carb then others. I got a new Rachel Ray cookbook and I am dying to try out the recipes!

Plan for today:
Food: no plan
water: 8 glasses
vitamins: w/ breakfast
exercise: May go for a 2 mile walk when I get home.

~Amanda

[rcyannacci]

Getting sick in the summer is the worst! Glad you're feeling better.

Enjoy your walk tonight!

[DoeWDW]

I must admit I've been wavering on low-carb more than I should be. I'll be watching your Weight Watchers Core experiment with interest and crossing my fingers for a great success! :cheer2:

I sure wish we could eat a seefood diet - if you see it, you can eat it! :rotfl2: Oh, if only the world were that simple..... :rolleyes:

Have a wonderful day today! :sunny:

[Cruise04]

Way to go on the pound off Amanda!!!! BRAVO!!!!! Sorry you got drenched but I do have to say your story made me laugh - more like something that would happen to me!!! And sitting in wet underware is NOT my type of fun either!!! ROFL

Glad you are feeling better and on to more weight loss!!!!!!

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: It's a bright and beautiful new day, Amanda! :sunny:

I hope that pesky cold has left and that you're feeling 100% very soon. Being sick in the summer is no fun.

May your day be full of happiness and laughter, even at work! ;) :shamrock:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning, Amanda! :sunny:

I hope you are feeling much better today. I'm sending some :wizard: and :sunny: your way. :hug:

[septbride2002]

I know summer is suppose to be my favorite time of the year but I'm over it. I'm ready for fall! I'm ready for comfy sweaters and veggie soup. I'm ready for cute jackets and wooly scarfs. I can't wait to wear my knee high boots and drink hot chocolate. I'm ready for the trees to turn colors and for the wind to leave my cheeks pink.

It is going to be steamy here in St. Louis today. Right now it is raining :umbrella: and later it will be :sunny: which means that at about 3pm when the rain and the :sunny: mix it will get humid which will cause the 90 degree temps to feel like a strangling 100.

Did I mention I'm ready for fall.

So last night I did my first round of grocery shopping - I'll have to go back this weekend because I forgot my grocery list. Right now I am doing a trial run with the WW Core plan. I'm really just eating as I want and then applying the plan to see how many points I'll go over.

For those who are interested the Core plan gives you a HUGE list of foods that you can eat all day long till your full. Then you get 35 points to go towards anything not on that list. The trick is that you only get 35 points per week! Plus you can eat your AP points. I'm going to get a notebook and keep careful track of what I eat in there since I can't always get to the WISH journals. Next week I'm going to try and follow the plan carefully. If I lose 2 lbs that week - I'll consider giving it another go. Which also means I'll need to weigh in on Monday :blush:

Plan for today:
Keep track of what I eat.
b: yogurt - (3)
bannana - free
diet soda - free
L: turkey sandwich
Water: 8 glasses (only had 5 yesterday)
Vitamins: :)
Exercise: If it is raining when I leave work I'll go to Curves, if not then I am walking 2 miles.

[Cruise04]

Good job on coming up with another plan Amanda. I really hope it works for you, I know I said that already.

It is gonna get steamy up here tomorrow. They said today high is suppose to be 85 but tomorrow is suppose to be 92 with heat index of 100-105!!!!!! :earseek: :earseek:

I'm with you - I'm ready for the fall!!!!!!

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[DoeWDW]

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement in my journal, even the ones in your best mommy voice. :hug: I just don't want to be a quitter, ya know? The happy thought of walking across that finish line with you in St. Louis has been very motivating for me. But I have to admit that you are right. When I really think about things long-term, one half marathon is NOT worth a major injury that could linger for a long time. I'll work on rehabbing my foot over the weekend and then we'll see.

Truthfully, maybe I should just switch sports - do you want to swim across the Mississippi instead?? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Just kidding!! :teeth:

I'm sorry to hear that Eric has pulled out of the Ironman. I know he was looking forward to it. Will we get to see Susan and Eric when we're there in September? How's their "little project" coming along?

I'm really interested to hear about your experience with Weight Watchers' core program. Think I'll do a little research. You know me - I love to do research! :banana:

Best wishes for a great day and try to stay cool.

[lulu201]

:Pinkbounc Oh, my gosh, for a brief moment in time I'm thinking of what it would be like if we were all on WW--all of us on the CORE program princess: princess: princess: ! Wouldn't that be just too cool????

I don't know much about it, but anything you can tell me, Amanda, I'd love to hear about!

Have yourself a great Thursday, Amanda.

Oh, and just for the record. . .I'm sorry and all that it's hot where you are. ;) Yeah, really I am. :rolleyes: But, I, for one, am not ready to get rid of my short sleeves and capri pants. If you're campaigning for fall, I am NOT signing your petition! :p Let the summer :sunny: continue!!!!

Just had to put in my 2 cents (seems I'm spending a lot on the WISH today!).

:hug:,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Good Morning! What a great night last night was. I was home by 6:30 which is way early! :) We made spaghetti and chilled all night. It was fantastic.

My weather prediction was 100% accurate yesterday. It was steamy out - so much you could feel the air move around you as you walked. :crowded: The same is predicted for today.

Plan for today:
continue to track points on the Core program.
Exercise: Curves after work.
Water: 8 glasses
Vitamins: taking them now :)

Tonight is our Bocce ball league so I'm going to take lots of water in order to stay hydrated. It is going to be a very hot night.

~Amanda

[lillygator]

Have fun at your Bocce ball tonight! and definitely take some water!

[pearlieq]

Good luck with the CORE program! I, too, was very curious to see how it worked. I hope it's a good fit for you!

I must say, a bocce ball league is the coolest thing I've heard of in a long time. Have fun! Be sure to stay hydrated. I'm sure passing out on the court would probably result in a foul or something...

[DoeWDW]

Amanda and Brian were chillin' last night!! YAY!! :Pinkbounc You two don't get nearly enough time to do that! You sound like you've got more energy today and I'm sure the relaxation last night helped.

Enjoy bocce ball tonight! I bet you'll find lots of reasons to laugh and have fun.

Love ya! :hug:

[Tera]

Hey Amanda - Good luck with the Core program. I think you will really like it.

Check out the WW website. There is a Core thread that gives food ideas.

As for the yogurt, if it's plain fat free, it's core. I wasn't thrilled about trying it, but I mix it with blueberries & some Fiber One and love it now. My favorite breakfast is shredded wheat, fiber one and either blueberries or bananas. You can eat the cereal only once a day, but it's very filling.

If you have any questions, ask away.

Have a great time tonight!!

[septbride2002]

Good Morning. Feels so good to sleep in! Our bocce ball team won 2 of the 3 games last night! Whoo hooo! Man was it HOT though. I had to come home at 11:30 and take a shower before going to bed. YIKES!

Today is a relaxing day. Nothing on the to do list except things around the house and a little grocery shopping.

To do:
1. Laundry
2. Pick up kitchen and Living room
3. Grocery Shop
4. Office Max for supplies

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, Amanda. :sunny: I hope you've got another "recharge those batteries" day ahead. I'll talk with you again in a week. Do good things for yourself, OK?

:hug:,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: It's a bright and beautiful Monday morning, Amanda! :sunny:

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as we both face our back-to-work Mondays. :hug:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning. Well today is Day 1 of the core program. I weighed myself this morning and I am holding steady at 165. Current stats are 165/165/150.

I've got my food journal started and I found the perfect notebook to travel in my daily planner. I am feeling stressed out and overwhelmed today but I am trying to steady myself. My feelings are from a deadline that I have today and I know I have all day to make it - however it still makes me nervous. I like to get things done now! :)

Goals for the day.
water: 8 glasses
vitamins: taking them now.
exercise: either 30 minutes and Curves or 30 minutes of walking = 1.6 AP's
Food:
b: coffee w/ cream =1.8 pts, apricot =0, yogurt = 3
l: tuna salad =0
d: Buffalo chicken breast w/ veggies = 3pt
s: Low fat popcorn = 0 pts
total 7.8pts - 1.6pts = 6.2 points.
35-6.2=28.8 pts

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

Do I like Core - well my scale being down 1.5 lbs this morning is definately a bonus for the program. :)

Yesterday was a successful day! I didn't get all my water in but I did manage to get in 6 glasses. I love being able to eat fruits without guilt!

I had to go back and edit my points last night because I realized that I figured them wrong. That's okay though - there are still plenty left.

Goals for today:
vitamins: taking them now
Water: 8 glasses
Exercise: Either 30 minutes at Curves or 30 minutes walking - depends on if I have to work tonight or not.

Food:
b: new favorite! Shredded Wheat w/skim milk and 1 Tbsp honey - 1pt
Coffee - 1pt
l: Buffalo Chicken Breast w/Ranch Dressing - 3pts
s: Apricot - 0
d: Salad - 2, small hamburger - 1.75
s: Grapes - 0 pts
total points: 8.75pts-1.6APS=7.15 points

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Great to hear you're enjoying the food! :cloud9: It's so much easier to stay on plan when you enjoy what you're eating. I've got more fruit on tap for my day today also (can't let YOU have all the fun ;) ).

I'll cross my fingers and hope that you don't have to work late tonight. :goodvibes

Have a wonderful day, Amanda! :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda,

Glad to hear that you like Core... :goodvibes 1.5 pounds down this morning is wonderful!!! :banana:

Hope you have a great day today! :sunny:

[rcyannacci]

Congrats to your bocce team! Well done you! I spent the evening in a pub drinking too much beer, so I'm impressed ;)

Have a great week, and good luck with the Core program. :)

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Everyone! Thanks to all who stopped by my journal yesterday! I am happy to say that the scale says I'm down another .5lbs this morning! That is 3 lbs in 3 days! Whoo Hooo :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

I have 21.56 points in my reserve still. And I do need to tone down the points eaten. We'll see how I do today.
Plan:
Water: 8 glasses (yesterday I only got in 4)
Vitamins: w/Breakfast
Exercise: 30 minute walk (1.65 AP)
Food:
b: coffee -1pt, yogurt - 3pts, apricot - 0
l: tuna salad w/glass of skim milk - 0
s: grapes - 0
d: Pork Chops simmered in Orange Juice and Soy Sauce - 1pt
Salad w/Ohana's honey lime dressing - 2 pts
Points: 7pt - 1.6AP=5.4pts
21.65-5.4=16.25

Oh! A non-scale victory today. They have brought in both breakfast and lunch for us here at work. Breakfast is Panera Bread bagels and muffins. I checked the points though and didn't want to waste 7 or 8 points on a bagel and cream cheese. Lunch is going to be from an italian resutrant - I'm sure the dressing won't be low fat, and the pasta won't be whole wheat so therefore I am skipping lunch and going home!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

You are a smart cookie!! Bravo for skipping the carby, high point foods!!

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc 3 pounds in 3 days!!!! YAHOO!!!! You gotta be lovin' your scale!! :love:

Keep up the great work AND the sunny attitude!! :sunny:

[rcyannacci]

Congrats! Way to stay on track!

BTW- if you have that honey-lime dressing recipe, I'd love to make it. DH and I both love O'Hana's anything! I've been making their stirfried green beans & red onions a lot too.

Hope you have a great day! :)

[septbride2002]

Ohana's Honey Lime Dressing
Ingredients

1/2 C honey
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 C cider vinegar
1/4 C lime juice
1/4 C diced onion
1 C canola oil

Method:

Place all ingredients except oil in food processor and blend until
smooth. Slowly add oil until it is well incorporated into the
dressing. Makes 2 Cup.

Good Morning! Would you believe that I am down another .5 lbs! I am down to 162.5 lbs! I may be out of the 160's by the end of the month! Whoo hoo! :banana: :cheer2: :banana: Stats right now are 165/162.5/150

This morning I tried on a pair of goal jeans - they are looking good. I think 5 more pounds should do it! :)

yesterday I decided to skip my workout. After a very long and stressful day at work I really need to just veg on the couch which is exactly what I did.

Plan for today:
Water: - 6 glasses (yesterday only got in 4)
Vitamins - w/breakfast
exercise - 30 minute walk for 1.6 APs
Food:
b: eggs, greenpeppers, mushrooms, and lean ham - 0 points! :smooth:
l: Pork Chop w/Orange Juice and Soy Sauce - 1 pt, Corn - 0 :smooth:
d: Cobb Salad - 2 pts for dressing.
s: Apricot/popcorn/grapes - 0
Total points=3-1.6=1.4
Flex: 14.65-1.4=13.25

We are going out to eat tonight but I've already searched the menu. The cobb salad has "A refreshing combination of fresh greens tossed in Culpeppers¹ own ranch dressing, topped with sliced egg, avocado slices, blue cheese crumbles, bacon bits, diced chicken and tomato." I'll be asking them to hold the blue cheese - blah!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I'm glad you and the scale are getting along so well and when goal jeans start fitting better, you KNOW you're on the right track!
:cheer2: :cheer2: Keep it up, Amanda!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

To half or not to half, that is the question. OK we have about 3 weeks until race day. Neither of us have been putting in the mileage to be ready. We've got a couple options. We can bust our butts to try to get ready in 3 weeks and risk injuring ourselves or we can just face the fact that we aren't ready and there really is no need to push.

We've both done a half marathon before so we don't have anything to prove. We were going to do this one for fun. I don't think it will be much fun if our bodies aren't ready - that sounds like a recipe for disaster AND a rotten way to spend someone's birthday ;) . At this point, I think I'm voting for just kicking back and having fun for the weekend and skipping the race. What do you think?

Thanks for the encouragement in my journal, sweetie. :hug: Seeing that scale number was quite a shock. :earseek: I'm doing a moderate good carb thing at the moment that is probably very close to WW Core. I think I'll be fine if I can quit eating late at night and quit drinking (which can give me the munchies somethin' fierce around TOM time :rolleyes: ).

Oh, and I totally agree about the bleu cheese - I think they should call it BLECH cheese. :teeth:

Love ya, :love:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:
The sun'll come out tomorrow.
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun.
Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow, til there's none.

When I'm stuck with a day that's gray and lonely
I just stick out my chin and grin and say
The sun'll come tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on 'til tomorrow come what may
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow
You're only a day away!
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Sending very sunny thoughts your way today, dear Amanda.
:hug:

[septbride2002]

Thanks for the song Doe!

I am very depressed today and not feeling very well at all. I hate it when life hands you a bunch of rotten stinking lemons. :(

My scale shows the damage I did yesterday - I'm up a pound. I know that if I concentrate on water and sticking to core that the pound will wash away. So I am trying to remain positive.

Plan for today:
Food:
b: eggs, ham, greenpeppers, and mushrooms
l: leftover pork chop and corn/greenbeans - 1
d: 6" sub from Subway - I need to figure the points.

I know I should count all my flex points to yesterday but I am not going to do that. I am going to pretend yesterday didn't happen and move on today.

[septbride2002]

I need to quit having bad days at work - they ruin my diet.

I am pulling myself back on the horse. Yes I screwed up but I know that WW Core is working for me when I follow it. Now I just have to keep following it.

~Amanda

[rcyannacci]

You are such a doll to post that recipe for me...thanks. I think I'm going to plan an O'Hana's dinner for Sun. night...I'll let you know how it goes.

What a crummy week! My eating is always the first thing to go when I'm disappointed or having a stressful week. You should have seen me during my exam period...I inhaled a whole cake...literally! The sugar high was great...until I crashed.

The best thing you could do right now, IMO, is to really take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting foods in your body that you know will make you feel better and not worse.

Sending you :) :) :) :) :) and hugs.

P.S. When you get really mad at the work people, I've found a dart board w/ pictures works wonders ;)

[lulu201]

:goodvibes I'm sending some good ole Monday morning :sunny: your way, Amanda. I hope it brightens your day. :)

How was the weekend? Your results with CORE are impressive, girl! I'm finding it very motivating! Thanks for sharing your journey here on the WISH.

What are you eating today?

:hug:,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

It's Monday morning and we're both back at work, but we're going to make the most of this day, right? There are good moments in even the worst days, so keep your eyes open for them. :earseek: :p

I'll send you a PM with our flight times. Our weekend of fun and celebration is coming up soon!

Take good care of you today. Do the best you can to make sure that you're satisfied with your choices when you lay your head down to sleep tonight.

:hug: and :love:

[septbride2002]

Another day working for the evil empire! :maleficen

Weekend was good although food was off the entire time. Lots of ice cream was consumed this weekend. :rolleyes:

However the stats are looking good 165/163/150. So I am going to continue with this core thing a little longer :)

Plan for today
The bank is refilled at 35 points!
b: shredded wheat w/honey, skim milk, and bannana - 1pt.
l: leftover pork chop, veggies - 1pt
d: Steak Kabobs w/peppers, mushrooms and zucchini. - 0
s: popcorn - 0
points - 2
35-2=33pts
No exercise today because I have a feeling we'll end up at the hospital to see my friends new baby after work. She was induced at 6pm last night.
Water: 8 glasses

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

I had such good intentions yesterday, and then it fell apart. I ate 14 points yesterday! 14! That means I only have 21 for the rest of the week! :scared1: And of course my scale reflected my bad choices. :badpc:

So here I am, another day - another pound! :)

Plan:
water - got 6 in yesterday, my goal is 6 more today.
vitamins - taking now.
exercise - Curves after work, gym bag is packed.
Food:
b: shredded wheat w/skim milk and splenda, 1 bannana - 0 pts
l: bunless cheeseburger, zucchini - 1 pts
d: Rio Grande Strip Steaks, 1 baked potato, small salad - 2pt
APS - 1.6
Pts 4-1.6=2.4 pts
21-2.4=18.6

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

We all slip up at one point or another. With all the stress you've been under, I think eating only 14 points is a miracle! Don't be too hard on yourself. You're just starting the Core program and changes like that take time.

Your food for today looks yummy! Take it one step at a time and you'll make it, sweetie. :hug:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda!

Sending you some :wizard: for your Wednesday! I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Amanda, I think you're doing an awesome job. You're planning your meals, you're keeping track of points, you're incorporationg exercise into your plan. . .you're doing great! And when you get a bit off track, you get back on--that's what matters!

Seize this day, Amanda, and make it into the best one yet! :goodvibes

:hug:,
Erin

[septbride2002]

My schedule is so off! Yesterday my best friend had her baby so instead of exercising I rushed off to the hospital! I never did make it to curves but I had a lot of baby cuddle time :cloud9: and I got to spend a good hour with my friend alone! It was great and put a huge smile on my face!

One downfall to the Core program for me is the 35 points in the bank. It is just to hard for me to plan a menu for each week. And I also don't like trying to spread them out over a week because if you use a lot on Monday it messes you up for the week. So from now on I'm going to limit myself to 5 points per day. That spreads them out through the week and will hopefully help me get into the routine of using them. Maybe once I'm a pro at the new plan I'll be able to bank some through the week for true indulgences.

Plan for today:
b: shredded wheat w/skim milk and splenda - 0
l: leftover steak and veggies/tuna salad - (2 to 3 points available)
s: sugar free apple sauce - 0
d: I'm thinking Subway - I'm not really in the mood to cook tonight. - 2 to 3
s: popcorn - 0
Points: 5 - 1.6 = 3.4
Exercise: Curves (1.6)
water: 8 glasses (really slacking on this lately).
vitamins: taking now :)

~Amanda

[pearlieq]

I hope yesterday turned out well! Your plan sounds quite yummy!

I really admire your perserverance--it takes a lot to come here, publicly admit you had a bad day, then pull yourself back up and try again. That takes a very strong person--be proud of yourself!

Have a great day today! :flower:

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

I think you are doing great on the new program. It takes tie to adjust to a new system and you need to ease up on yourself. You have figured out how to spread out your points, so you can make the plan work for you.

Baby cuddle tie is just as important as exercise.
Take care,
'Beth

[septbride2002]

What a nice surprise to see Beth in my journal! I've missed ya sweetie! :wave2:

If someone could find my motivation for exercise and give it back to me I would really appreciate it. I don't know what is wrong with me. Both Monday and today it would have been nothing for me to go to the gym and instead I went straight home. Both days my gym bag was in my car! :guilty: And it will be next to impossible for me to go tomorrow, Friday, Saturday - they are closed Sunday and Monday - Tuesday we are celebrating our anniversary, Wednesday is a birthday party - so it will be NEXT Thursday before I can even think of going again. I KNEW this and yet still managed to come home and sit on my butt. :rolleyes:

I ate 7 points today - dinner was at our Mexican Restruant and I am calculating 7 points for the regular sour cream and the chips. It is probably more then this - I'm being conservative :blush:

Water is good today - 5 glasses so far - hopefully will get another 2 before bed.

Withthe price of gas ($2.99/gal) right now I won't be coming home for lunch in order to conserve. So I'll have to pack lunches for the next few days. I hate that!

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

My poor scale is just bouncing back between 163 and 164. I know if I was following Core as good as I was last week then it would be out of the 160's by now. I wish I could find the motivation in me to do it.

Plan for today:
Vitamins: w/breakfast
Water: 8 glasses (yesterday I got in 7)
Exercise: either 30 minutes at curves or a 30 minute walk. (1.6 AP)
Food:
b: eggs, ham, greenpeppers, mushrooms - 0 pts
l: Turkey Sandwich w/hot pepper cheese - 2.5 pts, and banana - 0
s: 94% fat free popcorn - 0pts
d: Cobb Salad at resturants - est. 2 pts
total: 4.5pts-1.6=2.9 points
I may allow myself a small bowl of ice cream for 2 pts this evening but ONLY if I workout.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Ice cream as a reward for working out?? Now THAT might even get ME motivated!! :teeth: You've got the extra points, so I say get to Curves and earn that ice cream!! :cheer2: Just don't forget to measure your portion size, ok?? Rewards within reason! ::yes::

Best wishes for a bright and beautiful day, dear Amanda! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: It's Friday!!! :sunny:

Did you work out and earn that ice cream yesterday?

I hope you have a fun and hassle-free day at work and a wonderful, relaxing start to the long weekend!

:hug:

[septbride2002]

I failed miserably yesterday. Not only did I not workout - but I had my ice cream and 2 chocolate chip cookies! I don't know what the difference is from this week and last week but it is throwing me off kilter.

The good news is that this weekend I have a lot of control in what I eat. No plans away from the home - everything is here.

24 hours from now me and my 2 girlfriends will be spending a day at the spa. 5 hours of massages, pedicures, manicures, facials, and wraps. They also serve lunch and wine! YUMMY! I deserve this day!

I'm going lunch shopping over the weekend and I actually have some menu items planned.

My plan today is to do the best I can!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

OOoooooo! A Spa Day!!!!! Can I freely admit here and now that I'm envious???

If I can't have all that pampering, can I at least live vicariously through you? I expect a full report! :teeth:

Good for you for scheduling a day of pampering and relaxation with your friends! You've been working so hard for so long that your body truly needs some deep relaxation. Enjoy every moment of it, sweetie!

[lillygator]

You lucky girl - have a fun day at the spa!! Sounds wonderful!

[lulu201]

Oh, man! What a great idea--a spa day!!! Just revel in all the luxury, OK? :cloud9: You deserve it!

Much love,
Erin

[septbride2002]

my day at the spa was expensive but worth every single cent. I can't wait to do this again! This weekend I've been focusing on maintaining. I'm going to try and start fresh on Wednesday the 7th. I'm hoping to lose between 5 and 10 lbs this month. I think some of my positive self talk has actually backfired on me a bit.

Tomorrow DH and I are celebrating out 3rd wedding anniversary. We are going down to Forest Park for the day and we have dinner reservations at our favorite sushi resturant. I cannot wait!

~Amanda

[Cruise04]

Early Happy Anniversary wishes (ours was yesterday). Having a spa day sounds awesome - I'm glad you enjoyed that. We do need that every once in a while, no matter how much it costs!!! Good for you for doing that - you really deserved that!!!!

Good luck this week - you'll get your motivation back - I just know it!!!!

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[lulu201]

Wow, it sounds like you have a fun day planned! Congratulations on your anniversary! :love:

Enjoy your special man and your time together--
Erin

[keenercam]

Happy Anniversary, Amanda and DH! :cake: Have a wonderful day and don't worry about Wednesday until it arrives. Soon enough to get back on track! :cheer2:

[lulu201]

You know what? I really like the art museum pic in your siggie. Could you post a few more so that I can live vicariously through the photos as you and Doe tour the city together soon?

Hope you had a nice day yesterday.

Love,
Erin

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda!

Happy Anniversary to you and your DH! I hope it was a wonderful day for both of you. :goodvibes

I like the picture in your signature too. Very cool. :smooth:

Hope you have a great Wednesday! :sunny:

[lillygator]

Hi Amanda!
Congrats on your three year anniversary! :) Hope you have a great dinner!

[DoeWDW]

Many warm congratulations to you and your DH on your anniversary!! I hope you had a wonderful celebration! The two of you make such a cute couple! ::yes::

Well, it's Wednesday. Are you ready to start again or do you need a bit more time off? Listen to your heart, sweetie, and do what feels right to you. :hug:

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

I hope you had a fantastic anniversary. Congratulations.

You definately deserve the spa day. Did yor bring home any products so you can recapture that relaxed feeling?

Take care,
Beth

[septbride2002]

I did okay today until it got into the evening. We had a 1st birthday party to go to. I had a mini burger - seriously they were smaller then a white castles, 4 rye bread pizzas, a mini pepperoni pizza, and a lot of fruit. I also couldn't pass up a slice of cake with chocolate covered strawberries.

Good news - vitamins :)
exercise :)
water :)

I know I exceeded my 5 points but at least I did what I could when I had control of the food being served. Although I wish I would have passed up the chocolate cake.

I'm glad we celebrated our anniversary yesterday because I was a little meloncholy today. We've run into some very tiny money issues - really just a cash flow problem for the month, but it has sort of upset me. I know we will be more then fine come payday - I just hate taking money out of our savings account. But that is what it is there for.

Things have been kind of upside down lately. I'm having real issues at work. My 22 year old brother and his girlfriend are pregnant. This is his first child and her 2nd. She already has an 18 month old that my brother is raising with her. So I've been dealing with my family who never takes change well - while having to realize that my baby brother is having kids before me. My Dad is refusing to talk or be in the same room as my Mom at the moment. And with the holidays fastly approaching that adds stress for me. I don't like confrontation and I know there is going to be a lot of it in my near future. I almost feel invisible right now, which is rather selfish of me.

The good news is that everyone in my family is healthy. My Dad is doing much better. Brian and I are stronger in our marriage then ever. My brother's pregnancy is going well and so far everything is pointing towards a healthy baby. I'm working on a solution to my job issues, I have a roof over my head, plenty of food in the kitchen, clothes on my back, and friends by my side.

I know this has been a LONG and depressing journal entry and if you made it this far - God bless ya! :) Like I said I'm feeling a little meloncholy tonight.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

:hug: Melancholy is fine, on occasion. We all need time to reflect and just take in all the many different situations in our lives. I'm sure you'll brighten up in about a week. ;) I've noticed that a REAL hug from a WISH friend can brighten up even the gloomiest of days. :p

I'll be working on our itinerary today so look for info soon! The objective will be to see the sights and the area but not break the bank. :teeth: The really important objective will be to spend time with you and your DH, to enjoy celebrating your birthday with you! Since Sunday is your birthday, I think you should have a say in where and how we celebrate. PM me with your ideas!

Hang in there, Amanda! Things will be looking up very soon. :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe! I can't wait to see your itinerary! The great thing about St. Louis is that the majority of our major attractions are FREE! Or there is only a small fee. For instance our Art Museum is free unless you want to see the special exhibits and then they are $6/adult. I am so looking forward to your visit here - which reminds me, I need to clean!

Today was a great day! I used 0 points today! I'm getting ready to use 2 for a snack. But yep - 0 points. I'm behind in my water - I'll only get in maybe 6 glasses otday but I don't care because I had 0 pts! And I earned 1.6 aps so even though I'm going to have dessert - I've earned it! :)

~Amanda

[Strings]

Congratulations Amanda!

You sound like you have everyting in hand today, and the weekend is almost here.

Take care,
Beth

[DoeWDW]

:banana: Friday!! :banana:

One of the happiest words in the English language, dontcha think?? :teeth:

I'm sending :goodvibes your way today and hoping things are looking bright and beautiful in MO this morning! :sunny:

Oh, and don't worry about cleaning on our account! I am NOT going to be doing any white glove tests. :rolleyes: In addition, with my bad eyesight, I don't even see the dirt in my own house, let alone anyone else's. :rotfl:

[lulu201]

Hey, Amanda! :wave2: You sound like you had it in the bag yesterday. Way to go! :Pinkbounc Sounds like you're still liking the CORE program. :Pinkbounc

I hope you and Brian have a nice weekend together and get some down time.
Don't do too much cleaning for Doreen. . .if you do, she'll expect it at my house! :p

Take care, princess: Amanda!
Erin :hug:

[Cruise04]

Hey - if you can't be melancholy with us who can you be melancholy with then??!!!! :hugs:

Sorry to hear of the stresses you have going on but the important part is the strength in your marriage!!!!!

And GREAT job on the no points!!!!!! AWESOME

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[septbride2002]

Hi Everyone and thank you for stopping by! Last week was rough which is why I was sort of absent. I did not cook a single dinner at home last week - I felt like I was never there! This week is going to be different and therefore I feel that the control is back in my hands. I stepped on the scale this morning :scared1: my new stats are 166/166/150.

I've decided that doing month long goals are not a good thing for me. I'm going to concentrate on figuring out my goals week to week.
This weeks goal:
follow the Core program - 5 points or less everyday.
Exercise: Mon, Tues, Thurs, and *maybe* Saturday morning.
Water: I need to concentrate on my water.
Vitamins: I need to take my vitamin every single day - including weekends.

That being said here is my plan for today:
Water: 8 glasses
Vitamins: w/breakfast
Exercise: Curves after work.
food:
b: coffe (1.5) eggs, mushrooms, peppers, and ham - (0)
l: tuna salad (0)/Turkey Wrap (3)/Soup (0), 1 glass of skim milk (0), Grapes (0)
s: 94% fat free Popcorn
d: Turkey Burger (need to figure the points for the bun), Veggies

As my weatherman put it this morning - Summer just does not want to end. I'm hoping that the weather is better for Doreen's visit this weekend. Right now it is bloody hot!

Oh - my to do list for the week:
Empty Dishwasher and Reload
Clean out the Fridge
Dust the bedroom
vaccum the house
clean up kitchen
finish the laundry and actually put it away.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I hear ya on the weight thing. My scale was not kind to me either. Of course I was not kind to myself with the amount and kind of foods I ate yesterday. ;)

I'm getting really psyched for our weekend visit! I've been looking at lots of attractions websites, trying to whittle down the list of what to see and do. I also want to find some time to just sit by the indoor pool at the hotel and read, with occasional dips in the hot tub.

There's an interesting arts festival in St. Charles this weekend called Mosaics. It's free and might be worth a stroll, if we can figure out where to park. I figure we'll be doing enough walking that you will definitely be able to count it as exercise. ::yes::

Think about whether we should plan a couple hours of "girl time" at the mall or the arts festival, maybe Sunday afternoon while the NASCAR race is on. I love our guys but we've got to have some time to chat on our own, right? ;)

Heat and humidity do not bother us, but I did check the 5 day forecast and it looks like temps will be in the low 80s late this week.

I hope you have a wonderful day! :hug:

[DoeWDW]

Another quick note for you:

In Erin's journal you said you wanted to remember the 7 steps from "Your Last Diet". The woman who wrote the book (plus a couple others) has a wonderful website at www.radiantrecovery.com where she has lots of the information online. You may want to check it out!

[lulu201]

:hug:, Amanda. Thank you so much for the sweet words in my journal. You're a peach. :goodvibes

The picture in your siggie is beautiful. How far is downtown from the stadium? How far is where you live from the stadium? When people come to visit you do they always ask to go to the Arch (like people ask me to see the Liberty Bell)?

I hope you have a good day. Remember to take some time for YOU.

:hug:,
Erin


P.S. Radiantrecovery is a wealth of info!

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda!

I like your idea of changing your goals from monthly goals to weekly goals. I may have to try that myself. Please let us know how the change works out for you. :goodvibes

I hope you and Doe have a great time this weekend! Sending :wizard: for good weather and a fabulous visit. :Pinkbounc

Take care, Amanda! :hug:

[septbride2002]

Update on to do list:
Empty Dishwasher and Reload - CHECK
Clean out the Fridge - CHECK
Dust the bedroom
vaccum the house
clean up kitchen - CHECK
finish the laundry and actually put it away. - CHECK

I was a busy girl last night! :teeth:
Yesterday I ate 5.9 points, not bad! I am happy with that. I switched out to a bigger purse today so that I can carry my food journal with me. So now I'll be able to record EVERY LITTLE THING - hmmm...maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

The scale liked what I did yesterday and went down a pound 166/165/150.

Goals for today:
Water: 8 glasses
Vitamins: W/Breakfast
Exercise: Curves After Work (1.6 AP)
Food:
b: Coffee - 1.5 pts, fruit (0), yogurt -3pts
l: Leftover Turkey Burger on bun -2pts
s: popcorn or carrot sticks. - 0
d: Tossed Chicken Picata - ingredient breakdown
chicken breast - 0
chicken broth - 0
veggies - 0
1 cup whole wheat pasta - 0
s: ?
6.5-1.6= 4.9 pts.

I got a great new cookbook called 30 Minute meals with Rachel Ray - I've been trying to do at least 2 to 3 menus out of there a night. So far I've really liked everything that I've made. And they are pretty easy to make carb friendly. :)

Okay - so I'm off to start my day!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Oh, I like Rachel Ray! :) Do you ever watch her shows on the Food Channel?
I particularly like the one where she eats in different cities for under $40 a day. :p

OK, Amanda, it sounds like you've got the CORE thing going on AGAIN today! You're making this plan work for you! That's exciting! :Pinkbounc

Thanks for talking to me in my journal about my big slip yesterday. It helped take the sting out of it.

:hug:,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

New cookbooks are fun!

You're doing great with your points, Amanda! Looks like you've a healthy day going today. ::yes:: Way to go!

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

You are doing great on this program. Since you like Rachel Ray, you should checkout www.foodtv.com. She used to have a lemon/garlic/rosemary chicken recipe. Definately yummy.

Have a great evening,
Beth

[lulu201]

:cheer2: Hey, Amanda! Hey, Amanda! It's a NEW DAY! Go and grab it! Go and grab it!:cheer2:

What's that "tossed chicken piccata" recipe all about? Is it from your new cook book? I LOVE chicken piccata! Tell me more!

Just think: Only a few more days 'til you're touring the town with Doreen and Todd!

Have a happy Wednesday, princess: Amanda.

Love,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Good Morning! The chicken picatta was excellent - although I think I may have had to much garlic. It was super garlic tasting! Whowsa!

I did okay yesterday, I ended up indulging in half a cup of ice cream. Total points were 11. I'm okay with that. One day at a time right? I know I ate the ice cream because DH hurt my feelings yesterday. I'm unusually sensitive at the moment.

Today's plan:
Exercise: Rest Day
Water: 8 glasses (only did 4 yesterday)
Vitamins: W/breakfast
Food:
b: either eggs, mushrooms, ham, and peppers (0) or fruit and yogurt. (1.8)
l: leftover chicken picatta. - 1
s: 94% Fat free Popcorn - 0
d: Healthy Choice beef and vegetable soup - 0
s: ?

To do list:
dust the bedroom
clean up a spot in the carpet
straighten up office and guest bedroom
go to the grocery store for some fruit and veggies

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Amanda! :sunny:

WISHing you a wonderful day today! :sunny: The chicken picatta sounds good! :goodvibes

Take care, sweetie! :hug:

[DoeWDW]

I'm really glad you've got a rest day today! You'd better save up some energy for the weekend! ;) Do you think St. Louis is ready for the two of us together???? :banana: :banana:

Tomorrow I'll be packing and Friday we'll be there! Can't believe our trip is finally so close!

Sometime during the weekend, maybe I can have a peek at your new cookbook. Heck, maybe Sunday you'd rather the two of us make dinner instead of going out. Ya never know what we might whip up!

Sorry DH hurt your feelings. :hug: Hope you're feeling better.

[septbride2002]

The scale is holding steady at 165 lbs. Think maybe if I cut out the ben and jerry's ice cream that it would go down? I've been picture perfect on this program except for the ice cream. Of course now it is all gone and I have no excuses! :)

I had to grab the :umbrella: this morning because it is raining here. The weather is nice and crisp - it actually feels like autumn! I've got on a cute little outfit paired with a denim jacket - I feel HOT! :cool:

Plan for today:
water: 8 glasses (manged 7 yesterday)
vitamins: w/breakfast
exercise: Curves - 1.6APs
Food:
b: fruit and yogurt - 1.8 pts.
l: ? Not sure yet. Might be tuna salad.
d: ? Not sure yet. I've got my Rachel Ray cookbook here to flip through and find something. Or I might hit the grocery store on the way home and pick up some soup.
s: ? I need to pick up snacky items.

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

B&j Can be a diet killer. Have done me in many times.

I hope you are having a relaxing evening. Have a great time this weekend with Doe. We'll want all the gossip.
Take care,
Beth

[lulu201]

Good morning, Amanda! Today the fun begins for you and Doreen! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc I'm sure you guys are going to have a great time!

:hugs: and :love: to you both--
Erin

[toystoryduo]

Have a great weekend with Doe, Amanda! :goodvibes

[septbride2002]

Hi guys! I've done some reflecting and I think I need to take a short break from WISH. This isn't good-bye forever, in fact I plan on still posting in your journals, I just won't be keeping one for myself. All will reveal itself in time, I just didn't want anyone to worry!

Take Care, Love Ya, Mean it!

~Amanda

[rcyannacci]

Enjoy your break, and take care! :)

[septbride2002]

Well I'm back on the wagon. The reason I needed to take a little break was because I believed I was pregnant. I was 9 days late and counting and thought for sure it was done. But, mother nature gave me a nice surprise this evening when aunt flo showed up. So it was not to be. I'm a little sad, and disappointed - but I know it will happen when it is meant to. I indulged myself a little tonight with some leftover cheesecake and 2 glasses of red wine. I couldn't post in my journal because I so wanted to say - I'm pregnant and the baby wants Ben and Jerrys! ;) I was posting menus and then completely ignoring them. So as I said - I'm back on the wagon!

Going back to the CORE program because it seems to be working when I actually use it. I'm afraid to step on the scale after my week of bad behaviour so we'll avoid that to next week. Yep - just call me chicken little.

~Amanda

[Strings]

:hug: Amanda,

I had suspicions when you posted. I'm sorry that it didn't work ut as you hoped. You are right, it will happen for you. As for the cheesecake and wine, you enjoyed it, and that is ok. Congrats on getting right baack onto a program that works for you.
:hug:
Beth

[lulu201]

Hey, Amanda. Here's a :hug:. Like you said, it'll happen. . .and if a little medicinal cheesecake helps in the meantime, so be it. Try to pamper yourself today if you can.

Love,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Good morning! Thanks Beth and Erin for your kind words they made me :)
I'm feeling better today then I was yesterday. I'll be the first to admitt that this possible pregnancy had me totally shocked and stunned. I didn't know if I was happy or what! LOL! What really aggravated me was the not knowing! Now that I know I feel like I'm back in control - or as much as I can be.

Plan for today:
Exercise: Curves after work - 1.6APs
Water: 8 glasses (only got in 4 yesterday)
vitamins: already taken :)
Food:
b: coffee - 1.5, bannana, yogurt-1.3
l: salad - 0
s: fruit
d: spaghetti - no points for noodles but I need to figure the points for the sauce.

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

Okay so my menu didn't go quite as expected yesterday - but it also wasn't horrible either!

It was sort of a stressful evening. My SIL and her family came over and that always stresses me out. I had 2 glasses of wine to soothe my nerves ;)

Plan for today:
Exercise: Rest Day - I've gone to Curves 2 days in a row though!
Vitamins - Dang, forgot to take them this morning!
Water: only 4 glasses again yesterday, I need to increase this.
Food:
b: eggs, ham, greenpeppers, mushrooms, and 1 slice of cheese - 1pt
l: leftover Caribbean Jerk Chicken, veggies. - 0
s: Pears - 0
d: I think it will be an everyone fends for themselves night.
s: Popcorn because I'll be watching 2 hours of Lost tonight!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Ok, Amanda,

Who do you think is hotter, Jack or Sawyer? We would have a great time together, WdW, Harry Potter, and Lost.

I hope you throughly enjoy your evening.
Take care,
Beth

[Tera]

Lost? Did someone say Lost? We LOVE Lost :Pinkbounc My oldest actually put it on the calendar :goodvibes

[lulu201]

Can I be in the "Lost" club? I have to admit I'm a newbie--last night was the first episode I've seen--but I'm trying to make up for it. DH's got the entire first season coming from Blockbuster! :) Hopefully it'll start arriving this weekend. . .it could be a Lost Marathon for me!

Amanda, have a great day! I see the light of the weekend peeking out of Friday's tunnel!

Erin

[septbride2002]

Beth - what a silly question, Sawyer all the way! Although I use to lust over Matthew Fox (jack) when he was on Party of 5. I swear no other actor can cry as good as he can. :)

Yesterday was okay - got 4.5 glasses of water in, instead of just 4 :rolleyes: Oh well. - BABY STEPS!
It was nice to come straight home after work and relax. We sort of did the snacky thing last night. Which means grazing. But I'm okay with that. I've been brutally honest in my food journal the last couple of days ;)

I have not so relaxing evening ahead of me tonight. We have dinner plans with friends, a run by the office to get some paperwork, and then over to a friends house to drop off some info. I'm hoping to be home by 9pm.

Plan:
b: bannana and low fat chocolate milk.
l: spaghetti
d: Cobb Salad
Exercise: Rest Day
Water: trying for more then 4.5 glasses ;)

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

We'll just forget yesterday happened, okay?
New day! Lots of water is needed to tone down the bloat!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

:hug: for your stressful day yesterday. :( Sure wish I could be there to help cheer you up. I'm going through Amanda Withdrawal. ;)

Todd and I sure had a wonderful time with you and Brian last weekend. :cloud9: Thank you so much for all you did to show us your beautiful city. :flower: I also came home with lots of Disney decorating ideas! :teeth: Did your neighbors find that Mickey bathroom sink yet? ;) If not, I'll send you a link to pass on to them.

Now we're back to reality and it sure is busy!! Your schedule always amazes me. I'm very happy to see that you've gotten some down time to hang out and watch TV. I've never watched Lost but know several people who eagerly wait to watch every episode.

The weekend is almost here. Please tell me you'll spend some time just relaxing. You know I can't resist using my Mom-voice! :teeth: I worry because I care. :love:

[septbride2002]

Okay - time to get honest, my size 12 jeans are TIGHT! :crowded: I need to get back on the wagon and big time. Yesterday I did better, but not great. I got in my 8 glasses of water which was essential. Normally I would wait until Monday to get back into the swing of it all, but I've decided that there is no time like the present.

My weekend is not super busy. My Dad is coming over today, I need to do some light housework, go to the DMV to get my license renewed :rolleyes: , and find a birthday gift for my Mom. Tomorrow my Mom is coming over for her birthday. I've decided the meals I'm going to cook will be super easy. Tonight is one of Rachel Ray's 30 minute or less meals, and tomorrow I am doing ham in a crockpot. :cloud9:

Exercise will be sporatic. I'll try to get in a brisk walk tomorrow before my family arrives. I'm thinking just a mile should be enough.

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

Yea! I actually kept to my word and took a walk this morning! About 1.5 miles I think! Yippie! Of course it starting raining half-way through so I look like a drowned rat, but that's okay! :cool1: :umbrella: :cool1:

Yesterday I did pretty good. I ate healthy items, but I ate ALOT of them. I made an AWESOME stuffed porkchop recipie - I'll post it later when I have a bit more time. It is so good! It was a huge recipie but only took about 35 minutes to put together, an actual traditional weekend meal.

Today my Mom is coming over for her birthday. I have a ham cooking in the crockpot right now - YUMMY! We'll have the leftover mashed potatoes from last night and some veggies. Mom is brining pineapple upside down cake (we are celebrating my birthday as well which was last weekend).

So plan - light breakfast and lunch, big dinner! :)

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Hey, Amanda. Welcome to Monday. :teeth: How was the ham last night? You did a lot of cooking this weekend, didn't you?

Do you have a busy week ahead? Here's some :wizard: on it all. Have a great day.

:hug:,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

The ham sounds so yummy!! I hope you've got plenty of leftovers to carry you through the beginning of this week. Don't sweat it if the scale is up a bit, since ham has lots of sodium and may cause water retention.

I'm sending an extra :hug: your way, sweetie, just in case you need it.

Ease into the workweek. :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda!

Sending some :wizard: for a great Monday and a wonderful week ahead! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Morning Wish Buddies! I'm glad I cooked all that comfort food this weekend because I was in need of it. My mother announced yesterday that she is engaged. :crazy2: I'm going to gather my thoughts for a few weeks and then have a nice long chat with her because I just do not think this marriage is a good idea. It was a stressful evening because my brother and his girlfriend are also having some money issues and I can feel my brother starting to sink in quicksand. Part of me wants to reach in and pull him out, but I know that is just giong to enable their problem more. However the little mother in me (who always took care of her wittle brother) wants to come to the rescue. So needless to say I settle in for the evening with some Bailey's over ice and watched TV till I went numb. :) I'm also reading a book that Doe recommended - Eragon. So far it is pretty good.

Plan for today - get rid of the tummy! LOL!
b: shredded wheat w/honey and splenda - 1 pts
l: Healthy Choice - Clam Chowder - ?
d: It will be a fend for yourself night. I'll probably have the leftover pork chop and some stuffing.
s: Lemon Italian Ice
Exercise: ?
Water: 10 glasses

I am suppose to meet up with a friend of mine who hurt me a few weeks ago for dinner tonight for a talk. Seems like I'm talking to everyone a bit these days ;)

I guess not every weekend can be as great as last with Doe and Todd.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Well, it COULD be if you'd move to PA. ;) :teeth:

Thanks for the fashion advice. I've always stayed away from flat front pants because of my tummy pooch, figuring the pleats hid it better or at least gave me a bit more room in that area. :p I'll have to give them a try.

Take a few deep breaths today and focus on all the blessings in your life - Brian, your beautiful home, good neighbors, a job that pays the bills, etc.... Maybe it will take the edge off the worries circling in your mind.

Love ya, :love: & :hug:

[lulu201]

Good morning, Amanda. Wow, did you have a Sunday night--an engagement and personal debt all in one evening! I hope yesterday was a chance to recover! Wait, though, weren't you meeting a friend for a "talk"? How'd that go? You know what? You've gotta find someone to hang out with that just wants to talk about trivial stuff! Oh, maybe that's why you come to the WISH? :p

Yeah, so when are you and Brian going to visit PA? We could have one heck of a "girls day" at the mall Doe and I hang out at. Hmmm, maybe you should be looking at your spring calendar? :teeth:

Anyway, have a good day, Amanda, and try to keep your :) .

:hug:,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe and Erin! Thanks for stopping by. The talk with my friend went well. He really hurt me a few weeks ago and I really didn't think we would ever talk again. But after finally receiving a genuine apology I decided it was time for us to talk face to face. It is so much nicer to see one's face when they are telling you to pull your head out of your butt - which is pretty much what I told my friend last night. "knock it off, you are being a jerk." were pretty much my exact words. We are okay now for the moment, although I think it will be awhile before I feel like we are close again. I'm glad we talked because I was devestated over throwing a 14 year friendship away. Not to mention he is in all my dang wedding pictures! ;)

Last night was great. I decided to skip Curves so that I could take a 20 minute nap before meeting with my friend. It felt great! I got home about 8pm and Brian and I watched a couple of sitcoms. Everyone should be watching "How I met your Mother" on CBS. It is hysterical!

I am starting to feel human again princess: and alot of my bloat from yesterday is gone. Thankfully! I did okay eating wise - I did have a piece of pineapple upside down cake. I couldn't resist!

Plan for today:
b: yogurt - 1.8, coffee - 1.3, bannana - 0
l: Chicken and Vegetable Soup - 0
s: Apple - 0 maybe some peanut butter for protein
d: ham, cheese, and pepper Calzones. Doesn't that sound YUMMY!
Exercise: Curves
Water: 10 glasses (only did about 6 yesterday)

~Amanda

[rcyannacci]

You are so sweet to stop by my journal...I've been a bad WISHer lately with my schedule.

I also love "How I Met Your Mother"- it's so cute! I've been taping it so I can watch it later. It's still early, but I love the writing...they aren't trying to do too much, and they've created some good characters. Plus, I love the tall guy from Freaks and Geeks...he's hysterical!

Shrimp in Buffalo Sauce...very easy, and better for you than Chicken Wings because it eliminates the whole frying thing. Just steam 1 lb of shrimp and mix with sauce (1/2 and 1/2 mixture of Frank's Red Hot sauce and melted butter...there's the calories), and serve with celery and blue cheese dressing.

Glad you had a good talk with your friend. That should be a relief.

Hope you have a good week!

[Cruise04]

Amanda you are doing great at getting back to things. Glad that your talk with your friend went well. Friendships are important, as I'm realizing more and more each day when I see dd not having true friendships at school - just breaks my heart. And I hate hearing when people have been hurt. So the mend has begun but let it take as much time as you and it needs.

Keep up the good work - you're doing great.
Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[DoeWDW]

Just keep taking those baby steps, Amanda, and you'll be feeling good in those pants very soon! You're doing great!

Glad to hear your chat with your friend went well. It can be hard when you've been hurt but a true friendship should be able to weather the storm. I hope things get back on track with him very soon. :hug:

I am impressed that you skipped Curves in favor of a nap when you knew you were tired and had a stressful evening coming up. That is the way to listen to your body and honor the need for rest and rejuvenation in the face of stress.

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

I am so glad to hear that the talk with your friend went well. Broken friendships take time to heal, bt the biggest and hardest step is the first one. Take all the time you need.

I am sorry the weekend was so stressful. You are right to let your brother sort out his finances. You can be a support and make suggestions, but don' bail him out. It will set a pattern that will be hard to break. Good luck with the talk with your mom.

Keep up the good work. Those pants will be fitting soon.
Beth

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, dear Amanda, good morning to you! :sunny: :sunny: I hope this finds you with a sunny heart this morning, friend, and if it doesn't, know that your WISH friends are here to lift you up. :goodvibes

What's on the agenda for today? Whatever it is, I hope you find the joy that's waiting for you.

With love and a :hug:,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Last night we got a lot done - the laundry is finally under way and the kitchen is spotless. It goes so much faster when I ask DH to help. The Calzones last night were awesome! I took refriderated pizza dough and spread it then and then sliced it in half. On one side of the dough I put your choice of cheese, ham, peppers, mushrooms and then folded the other side over. Then you bake in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. DELISH! And very easy and simple to make. DH liked it as well so I will be doing it again - and probably soon.

Yesterday I consumed 7.7 points.

Plan for today:
b: yogurt and bannana - 1.8, coffee - 1.5
l: ? I might hit Subway.
d: ? Might be an everyone fends for themselves night. I'm thinking of making a ham and pepper omelet. - 0
Curves after work
Water: 8 glasses ( I got in 6 yesterday)

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

The calzones sound yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us! :goodvibes

Hope you have a great Wednesday! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Those calzones DO sound yummy!!!! I'll have to keep that recipe - maybe we can make 2 different kinds. The kids can make their "plain version" and then DH & I can make one with lots of veggies! Do you use any tomato sauce or would that turn the calzone into stromboli?? :confused3 Can you tell I don't know italian cooking very well?? :rotfl2:

I'm feeling GREAT today in one of my new outfits. Thanks for your encouragement and your fashion hints. The pants I have on have a flat front. They look pretty good and fit well too!

Best wishes for a wonderful day!! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

You can warm tomato sauce in a bowl and dip the Calzones into it. :teeth:

Morning Wish Buddies! Yesterday was an okay day. I did good on water - 8 glasses, and exercise. But my food was a little off. I consumed 16 points yesterday! :eek: I just couldn't get satisified last night. This has been a problem for DH and I lately - no matter what we eat for dinner we are hungry again at 8:30. And then we start to snack.

Plan for today:
b: eggs, ham, green peppers, and mushrooms, coffee - 1.5
s: apple/bannana - 0
l: tuna salad/soup/sandwich - 1 to 2 pts
d: A friend is coming over for the season premiere of Smallville. We will order pizza and a salad. I'll be eating the salad, maybe one slice of pizza.
Water: going for at least 6 glasses.
Exercise: Curves after work!

I've been reading some articles about water consumption. And that actually while 8 glasses is recommended you can actually over drink on your water. And that some people are able to get away with less water. I will tell you that after 6 glasses of water I already feel like I'm a fish. I think I'm going to lower my goal to at least 6 glasses a day and if I drink more then that - it's fine. :)

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda! :wave2:

Hope your Thursday was a good one! :goodvibes

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

I hope that you are enjoying your evening with friends. We wil be watching Smallville after Alias. Those calzones sound wonderful, btw.

Take care,
Beth

[septbride2002]

I was doing great until our pizza place of choice didn't have any salads available. Oh-oh! So I ended up eating a lot of pizza. So I was high in points yesterday, thankfully my weight has been at 165 all week long.

Plan for today:
To do the best I can.
Drink my water
And try not to get overwhelmed.
Alot of meals are out of my control today. :(

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Just do the best you can today, Amanda. I'll add one of my favorite lines from the latest Freaky Friday movie - "Make good choices!". :goodvibes

It's Friday, girlfriend, and the weekend is almost here! :banana: I hope you have some fun planned but also some R&R on tap.

[rcyannacci]

What is it with pizza places not having good salad?!?! Must be some sort of carb conspiracy ;)

HOpe you have a great weekend!

[septbride2002]

Hello Friends! This weekend was not a weekend full of good choices but I did have a great time. I did manage to get in some R and R. Our team also won the boccee ball championship! :banana: We won a whole lot of nothing, but we got some bragging rights!

2 of my girlfriends and I are going to sign up for a 10 week Yoga class starting next week. It is for one hour on Thursday evenings. So we went on Sunday and bought our Yoga clothes. :) I also got a cute new outfit and some sexy new undies. I decided to take my own advice and get some things that will help lift me up.

So a few weeks ago when I fell of the wagon big time I gained my typical 5 lbs. I've lost that 5 lbs but my jeans are still tight which makes me think it all just landed in my stomach and is not going away. I plan to up my exercise at Curves for this week and to do some ab work. I'm also going to TRY and count points and be good this week. I know Core works, now I just need to apply it everyday and not waiver. I forgot my food journal, but I'll pick it up when I go home for lunch. Which speaking of - I have NO idea what I'll have for lunch today. I need to get into that fridge and figure out some meals.

Okay - so this is a long journal entry! Thanks for making it this far.
Plan for today:
Exercise: Curves
Water: 8 glasses
Food: Make the best choices that I can.
b: coffee - 1.5 pts,

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Yoga sounds like a great class for you, especially after a day of work. I've never taken a class but from other people I hear that you usually leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Congrats on the bocce ball league win!! Woo hoo!! :Pinkbounc

I hope you have a wonderful Monday, sweetie! :hug:

[DoeWDW]

Amanda, you asked about the movie, Just Like Heaven. We really enjoy watching Reese Witherspoon and in that respect the movie was good. The rest of the actors were ok and the plot was fair. It's basically a fluff movie that would be fine as a DVD rental, unless you just want to get out of the house and sit in a dark theater for an hour.

As far as the Sisterhood books, I didn't strongly identify with any particular one of the characters but I did identify with each of them in their own way. It left me wishing I had a group of close friends like that when I was growing up. :p

I hope you have a good Tuesday! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Yesterday I did okay - I could have done a lot better. I need to get back on the wagon - I"m not sure what wagon I'm getting on, but I need to do it. The ladies at Curves are following the curves diet and they have a meeting every Tuesday. Maybe I'll join them and see what it is all about. Right now I am trying to figure out if I want to attempt low carb again or if I should continue trying to attempt Core. I wish I could find a diet where I could eat pizza and ice cream everyday. :)

I'm in my bigger jeans today :( I'm hoping it will motivate me to follow at least some program today.

Yesterday I earned :) :) :) for vitamins, water, and exercise.

Plan for today:
b: ?
l: ?
d: ?
I know - looks appetizing doesn't it?
Exercise: Curves after work
Water: 8 glasses.

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda!

Sending you some :wizard: for this beautiful fall morning. Hope you have a wonderful day today! :sunny:

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

I hope you are having a great evening. I hope you had something yummy today.

I want to see the movie too but Won vetoed it.

Take care,
Beth

[septbride2002]

Well the bigger jeans didn't work to motivate me to eat healthy :rolleyes: Here is what my food looked like yesterday:
bannana nut muffin
Peanutbutter and jelly sandwich
several diet sodas
6 glasses of water
half of a chicken parmesean dinner
bowl of chicken tortellini soup
small size frozen custard.

Yep - that looks healthy. I did go and workout at Curves though so I at least did that much. Yesterday I was shown www.flylady.com website - I love it! I shined my sink last night and it looks so pretty! The site is suppose to help you develop routines when it comes to cleaning. I probably won't be able to accomplish the entire program but I can at least do some of the things. The main goals I'm focusing on right now is.
1. Keeping my sink clean
2. making my bed every morning
3. putting away what I get out.

Today is sort of Off Kilter due to needing to attend a wake. :guilty: I was going to go to Curves after work but I over slept today and didn't have time for a shower. So now after work I'll need to go home and freshen up before leaving for the wake. I'm thinking I may go to Curves either Thursday night or Friday morning. I have to go at least 3 times a week - we are playing the game of Survivor. In order to stay on the island you have to go to Curves 3 times a week AND get weighed and measured every month. Whoever is the last person on the island wins one year memebership!

So plan for today:
Exercise: Rest Day
Water: 8 glasses
food:
b: shredded wheat, honey, splenda, skim milk - 1 pt
l: probably leftover chicken parmesean
s: apple
d: Somthing on the go. Maybe Subway.

I need to get to the grocery store and pick up some healthy items for the house.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Flylady is an awesome site, as long as you start slowly and don't get overwhelmed. The idea of cleaning routines is a great one! Maybe I'll go home and shine my sink tonight.

Having the right groceries in the house can make all the difference in the world in my eating. I hope you can get to the grocery store soon and stock up on yummy healthy foods.

I'm with you on the tight jeans, unfortunately. :hyper2: We're going to drink our water today, right??

:( Sorry you have to attend a wake. Often I see people that I haven't seen for a while and it's a positive experience in the end. I hope you can find a silver lining in this cloud.

I'm sending :goodvibes your way from Harrisburg PA. :hug:

[Cruise04]

Hang in there Amanda - something will fit with you and then you will just take off and running!!!! You are doing well by at least recognizing that you want to do this and need to do something. And you are still going to Curves (hey that is cool about "Survivor" and the one-year membership!!!! something to definitely go for) and keeping up with vitamins and water. That's great!!!! Hang in there.

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris

[septbride2002]

When in doubt pick up a book. Last night I dusted off a book that I haven't read in a long time called "The Diet Trap." It is a great book and the things I underlined are still the things I struggle with today. This book is all about leveling out your body chemistry and taking care of yourself so that you lose weight. Some how I lost that goal along the way. The junk food I've been filling myself with has not only helped me gain weight, but it is dragging me down.

Interesting note she mentions that when you have a lot of fat cells (like me) they will actually signal your body to feed them. Therefore making you crave more food and more fat.

So today my focus is on healthy foods - not neccessarily low fat or low carb but healthy. However it will take me longer to break the caffine habit.

Goals for October:
1. Rev up my metabolism by eating 6 times per day and working out at Curves 3 x's per week, Yoga 1x per week.

2. Healthy foods - making healthy choices.

3. De-stress. When we get stressed our body craves fuel. This is esepcially true for me at work where it seems I get stressed out in the afternoons. I will need to impliment deep breathing exercises as well as do a quick walk around the building. :)

Plan for today:
Water: 8 glasses (only got in 5 yesterday)
Exercise: Curves
Food:
Healthy and Happy foods!
b: apple and coffee.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Amanda, sounds like a great book! In all my reading, I have to agree, they talk about body chemistry being a key. When your body chemistry is out of whack, it's so much harder to eat right and exercise.

I posted to a thread on the CB this morning where I said that, for me, this weight battle goes way deeper than "eat right and exercise". When I'm not stressed, when I'm confident and calm, I actually crave healthy foods and I enjoy extra movement. The key for me is in limiting my stress and being proactive when handling the stresses I can't get rid of.

If we keep working at this, figuring out what works for us and what doesn't, and sharing our experiences, eventually we WILL be able to tame this weight beast! ::yes::

:hug: for your day, dear Amanda!

[rcyannacci]

Great plan! That's been my focus too; healthy, whole foods instead of processed stuff (especially sugar...although I haven't always succeeded on this front ;))

The Curves Survivor game sounds like a blast! Great prize! The combo of Curves and yoga sounds like a good one; let me know what you think of the yoga class. I've thought about taking one at school, but I'm too chicken ;)

Have a great day!

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

It seems like you have figured out a solid plan. I am trying to cut out the processed junk as well. It is everywhere, and tht mkes it tough.

Keep on fighting the good fight,
Beth

[lulu201]

Hey, Amanda! :) Here's a big :hug: for you and an extra-large helping of :wizard: .

Yep, I have to get in on the discussion here--it seems that all I've read is leading to the same conclusion: body chemistry is KEY for some of us. I'm glad that you mentioned the title of your book. . .it sounds like something up my alley! Guess a trip to the library is in my future!

I'm still struggling with the caffeine issue. Processed junk is everywhere, and so is caffeine! I've had to learn to say no to the diet coke and iced tea at meals out and go for the old "water with lemon." Still, though, I cometimes find myself caving and having that yummy D. Coke! :p Maybe we can come up with a caffeine-elimination strategy together?

So, what are your plans for the weekend? In case you haven't heard:

It's Friday!

Erin

[septbride2002]

Thanks Doe, rcyannacci, Erin and Beth for stopping by my journal! You ladies are awesome. I got a little further in my book last night and it says to fuel your metabolism in the morning you should eat your first breakfast within 30 minutes of your waking up. She says your breakfast should contain, wholewheat, fruit, and protein but I can space it out over 2 smaller meals. So right now I am eating PB&J on whole wheat bread and in a little bit I'll have some Natural applesauce. She has some menus in her book but to be honest they all sound a little complicated to make in the morning before I've had a cup of coffee.

DH and I are off today so that we can get some much needed errands done. I have a busy weekend as usual ahead of me. I am hoping to fit in Curves today so that I don't get kicked off the island!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

A day off for BOTH of you??? WAY TO GO!! Now THAT'S the way to start a weekend! ::yes:: :teeth: Enjoy every moment!

Your book sounds very interesting. I've got a few others on the reading list at the moment but I'm going to write down the title for later.

Breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up??? How am I supposed to eat anything at 5:45 AM??? :p Of course if I need time to eat before I leave the house, I'll have to wake up earlier than 5:15. Hmmm, it IS worth a try, since my current habits aren't working too well. ;) I'd try just about anything to get my "thin" size 12s to fit again.

:rockband: FRIDAY PARTY!!
and let's not forget
:cheer2: GO CARDS!! :cheer2:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda!

I hope you and your DH enjoy your day off! :goodvibes Have a great weekend! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

I've got a plan for the week! Or at least I hope I do. I made Beef Stew tonight for dinner so I have enough of that to get me at least 2 lunches. I did have to use some flour to thicken it up, but I'm not going to fret over it when there is so much other yummy things in the pot like carrots, celery, and potatoes.

I went to the grocery store today and stocked up on healthy items to eat. Lots of Healthy Choice Soups, Whole Wheat Bread, lean turkey meat, and chicken breast.

Exercise Plan:
Mon: Curves
Tues: Curves
Wens: Curves
Thurs: Yoga
Fri: Rest
Sat: 2 mile walk

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Sounds like you have a great week planned ahead of you! :goodvibes Have a great Monday! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Wish Buddies! Today is day one of five. I'm going to see if I can make it the next 5 days and then I'll figure out something from there :) I need to lose weight - even my fat pants are starting to feel tight on me.

Plan for today:
b:WW toast w/pb, yogurt, apple
l: leftover beef stew
s: pear
d: Chicken and Brown Rice dish, veggies
s: popcorn

Exercise: Curves and 8 minutes of Ab work.

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:cheer2: Go, Amanda! :cheer2: Here's a big load of :wizard: for Day #2. You can do it!

:hug:,
Erin

[septbride2002]

I did great yesterday - add a glass of red wine to my list and I met everything. God I love having a plan - it makes me feel so centered. :)

I've been using the flylady website and while I haven't been following it word for word I have been taking bits and pieces and adding it to my life. My sink is always clean - LOVE IT! My hot spots in the kitchen and living room are picked up at the end of the day. My clothes are set out for work the night before and my bed is always made. :goodvibes LOVE IT! :goodvibes

My food plan for today:
b: yogurt, apple, WW bread w/sugar free preserves
l: tuna salad on wheat crackers, glass of skim milk
s: Pear/Grapes
d: Grilled Chicken Salad w/Ranch Dressing
s: popcorn or fruit
Exercise: Curves and 8 minutes of Abs

Stats:
166/166/150

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hmmm I may have to start doing flylady myself. It certainly sounds like you have your life under control. Congrats on a great day yesterday. I hope today is better.

Take care,
Beth

[lulu201]

Ahh, the joys of a clean sink. I'm feeling that kitchen love at my house, too, Amanda. Thanks for reminding us all about the flylady. :flower:

OK now, how did it go yesterday? Are you up for another round of healthy living today? You're in my thoughts and prayers as you strive to treat yourself RIGHT! :Pinkbounc

Have a good one,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Yesterday was another successful day! Remove the 8 minute abs and the popcorn and I stuck to plan! I am going to have to alter my plan a bit today for 2 reasons.

1. They are bringing BBQ into work for a contest my team won. I was part of the success and I want to partake in the food. So I had to modify my menu a bit - but I did bring in WW bread to make my sandwich on instead of using their buns.

2. No Curves today. My right shoulder feels like I strained it so I am going to skip the Curves workout. The good news is that it looks beautiful outside so I may get home and do a quick 1 mile walk.

Plan for today:
b: 1 slice of cheese, apple, yogurt
l: BBQ pork or chicken on WW bread, skim milk
s: Fruit
d: Pork Chops simmered in Apple Juice, stuffing (small portion), Veggies, skim milk
s: popcorn/fruit
Exercise: 1 mile walk and 10 minutes of Ab work.
Water: 6 glasses

The scale has rewarded me for being so good. Stats: 166.5/165/150

Feeling good and centered again today - clothes were ready to go this morning, bed made, sink clean, hot spots are still hot but I'll put them out tonight when I get home.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

It's great to see how Flying is working for you! I'm impressed! Isn't it amazing how a clean area in your house can make you feel so good and motivate you to clean just a little more? :goodvibes

Congrats on that scale moving downward!! I know that it's because you are eating the right foods in the right portions (way to go on bringing your WW bread!!) and you are exercising, but I'm inclined to think a LITTLE of your success might be tied to your beloved Cards and their winning streak. I'm doing my best to support them - I've got Amber Bock beer in the fridge and wore my Cards sweatshirt to the store the other night! Go Cards!! :cheer2: Cheering for your favorite team burns calories!! :cool1:

I hope you have a wonderful day! :cloud9:

[septbride2002]

It's great to see how Flying is working for you! I'm impressed! Isn't it amazing how a clean area in your house can make you feel so good and motivate you to clean just a little more? :goodvibes

Congrats on that scale moving downward!! I know that it's because you are eating the right foods in the right portions (way to go on bringing your WW bread!!) and you are exercising, but I'm inclined to think a LITTLE of your success might be tied to your beloved Cards and their winning streak. I'm doing my best to support them - I've got Amber Bock beer in the fridge and wore my Cards sweatshirt to the store the other night! Go Cards!! :cheer2: Cheering for your favorite team burns calories!! :cool1:

I hope you have a wonderful day! :cloud9:

:rotfl: :rotfl: You actually bought Amberbach! I'm so proud! :banana: Our Cardinals are doing well, hopefully they can kick some Astro butt and go to the World Series again. Last night we watched the Angels vs. White Sox came - Go Angels!

[rcyannacci]

Enjoy the weather and your walk today! Great plan to bring your own bread in for the BBQ.

Have a great day! :)

[DoeWDW]

:cheer2: :cheer2: GO CARDS GO!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

It's funny how one weekend visit, a new sweatshirt and friends who are avid fans can turn me into a Cards fan! :teeth: I didn't watch the game last night but I did eagerly listen for the score this morning.

I hope your shoulder is feeling better and that you got outside for a stroll last evening. We've had rain non-stop for days and days so I'm glad to hear your weather is better, since your weather now is usually my weather in a few days. :sunny:

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday, Amanda!!

:love: and :hug:

[septbride2002]

Doe the weather is wonderful here - so give it some time and you to will have sunshine! :)

My Cardinals played well last night! So excited! :Pinkbounc

I did good yesterday. I probably ate more then I should have at both lunch and dinner but I did manage to go for a 1.5 mile walk and drink my 6 glasses of water. I forgot to do my ab work :rolleyes: I need to add this to my night time routine.

Again my house looks so nice right now. My sink is cleaned - for a whole week! My hot spots are out, my living room is picked up, my bed is made. I took 5 minutes to do a room rescue last night in my office. But my guest bedroom/scrapbooking room is still out of sorts. That room won't be clean clean until my latest scrapbook is done. Fortunantly I have time this weekend to dedicate to it.

Plan for today:
b: shredded wheat w/honey and skim milk. Fruit or fruit juice - whatever I can get downstairs.
l: tuna salad on wheat crackers, skim milk
s: fruit - pear
d: Going to Culpeppers resturant - they have a great Cobb Salad that I plan on ordering.
s: Grapes

Water: 6 glasses
Exercise: Curves but I am skipping the arm machines. It still really hurts.

The scale was kind again as it hovered under 165lbs but not quite at 164. So stats: 166.5/164.5/150

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

Ah! I have the whole house to myself this evening and I would love to just sit here and enjoy it. I end up varying off my menu today - but really only for lunch. Part of me says go to Curves and workout it will make you feel better. The rest of me says enjoy the peace and quite while you have it. So hard to resist either idea...................... I really would love to take a nap on the couch.

menu for the day that actually happened:
b: shredded wheat w/honey, 2 servings of 100% orange juice
l: half of a Chimichanga and about 1/2 cup of mexican rice. Some chips and salsa, 2 glasses of water
s: none
d: garden salad, 5 buffalo chicken wings, 2 glasses of water

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

I'm glad I got off my lazy butt and went to Curves last night because the scale was up a bit this morning. But that is okay - I can't expect to lose everyday especially when I endulged a bit. The important thing is that I get back on track today.

Plan for today:
b:WW toast w/PB, apple, yogurt
l: tuna salad on Wheat Crackers
s: Pears
d: Pizza - 2 slices

We have bocce ball tonight so no exercise for me. It is going to be cool doing this so I think when I get home I'll have me a cup of hot chocolate w/skim milk.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

:( So sad about the Cards last night. :( I figure they just wanted to inflate the Astros' egos, so they'll crash harder when they get whooped in Houston. :goodvibes

You were a Curve-y girl last night!!! WOO HOO!! :Pinkbounc Way to go on getting that exercise in! I bet you slept better last night because you worked out.

Best of luck at bocce ball tonight and savor that hot chocolate!

:hug: and :love:

[septbride2002]

Happy Sunday everyone! Well yesterday was suppose to be my day of cleaning the house and putting out the fall decorations. That when out the door when my girlfriend called me and said - we are going shopping! I had so much fun. Two girlfriends and I hit Mimi's Cafe for lunch where we had 2 bottles of wine, split two appetisers between us and 2 desserts. Bread Pudding - yummy! :p Then we hit some stores. I didn't buy much - mostly fall decorations for the house. Then we got back in the car and drove down the highway singing Dixie Chicks at the top of our lungs - got some mochas and headed home. We had a blast. Thankfully my kitchen sink and hot spots were all out! ;)

Today I need to get back on the wagon. The good news yesterday is that my size 12 jeans were fitting again - HOORAY! I would like to fit in a brisk walk later today but I'm not sure how realistic that is.

:)

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Sounds like you had an awesome day yesterday!! :Pinkbounc

Yes, now it's back to reality, especially if you'd like those size 12s to KEEP fitting. ;)

Bravo on the Flying!! It's amazing how a few areas that are clean can really lift our mood! Once it's clean and uncluttered, only a few minutes a day can keep it that way.

You are in the groove, dear Amanda!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

:hug: for your day, Amanda. Keep on keeping on!

Erin

[septbride2002]

:mad: :mad: :mad:

I'm seeing Red ladies! The Cardinals are blowing it. I didn't have to exercise yesterday - watching their pathetic try to play baseball got my blood pressure up quite enough. AUGH!

My week is sort of Off Kilter. Brian's step-fathers, mother died. Did you follow that? So we have the wake tonight and the funeral tomorrow. So no Curves for me today. I'm thinking I'll get up early on Tuesday and go workout before the funeral.

Workout Schedule for the week:
Mon: Rest
Tues: Curves
Wens: Curves
Thurs: Curves/Walking
Fri: Rest
Sat: Curves/Walking
Sun: Rest

Menu for today:
b: eggs w/ham, greenpeppers, and mushrooms, granola bar
l: leftover porkchop, and greenbeans
s: pear
d: ??? I'm really not sure. It might just be a turkey sandwich. while we drive down to the wake.
water: 6 to 8 glasses

stats: 166.5/165/150
~Amanda

[septbride2002]

Yea! The Cardinals won last night! We still have a chance! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Now they come back to my beloved Busch stadium where hopefully they can finish off the Astros!

Last night DH and I didn't get to eat dinner until 9:30 at night. And at the point we wanted just anything. I ended up having a fried chicken sandwich at Buger King. I don't want to even THINK about the calories and fat in that.

The scale is up today but I know part of that is due to my late night meal, no exercise, and lack of water. I'm sure that by the end of today it will be back down. I'm getting read to go to Curves shortly and I'm bringing a bottle of water with me to the funeral.

The rest of the afternoon is sort of play by ear. We may go out to eat with my in-laws and it will be there choice. I'll make the best choices that I can. But I'm feeling very centered this morning so I don't think I'll waffle on my healthy eating.

b: yogurt and fruit
l: ?
d: ?
exercise: Curves
Water: 6 to 8 glasses

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amanda,

I watched the Cards win last night and was thinking that you would probably be a little happy this morning. ;) I kind of felt bad for the Astros though. They reminded me of my Cleveland Indians last night. :(

Hope you have a wonderful day! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: GO CARDS!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Let's hope they can keep it together and send those Astros packing! I'll have to check the schedule to see when the next game is.

My condolences on the loss of DH's step-grandma. :(

I hope your day is going well. I'm sending :goodvibes your way. I know the world doesn't always seem fair, but know that you've got a friend on your side in PA. :hug:

[goodeats]

Amanda, have you thought about going to a regular gym (like Ballys or 24 hour fitness) instead of Curves? I would imagine the price would be similar if not less, plus you'd have more options. Not only the hours would be longer and open 7 days a week plus most holidays, but you could take aerobics/swim/cardio equipment/ plus tons of weight equipment. I know I would get bored stiff with Curves.

Just a thought.

[Strings]

Hi Amanda,

How is our DH doing? Was he close with his step-grandmaother? Please give him my condolances.

It sounds like you had a good afternoon with your girlfriends. You definately deserved an afternoon out on the town.

Take care,
Beth

[DoeWDW]

:( Well, your beloved Cards didn't make it to the Series but they did have a heck of a season this year.

Sending :goodvibes and :sunny: your way for a happy Thursday.

[septbride2002]

Hi guys. I am sorry about the Cardinals - it was a depressing evening. But ya know what we still had the best record in baseball for 2 years in a row and no one can take that away from them and us.

Okay - big surprise - I'm doing Atkins induction for a week, starting today. I need a week to get all this junk out of my system and I need to lose the water weight. I figured if I could manage it for a week that would be all I needed to show enough of a drop that at least my jeans will fit :(

I've also managed to throw my back out. I was on a heating pad all day yesterday and it looks like it will be more of the same today. No working out for me until this heals.

~Amanda

[lulu201]

You know what? You have a great attitude about those CArdinals. :hug: Where'd you learn such sportmanship? Bocce Ball? sorry, they lost.

Have a good day, Amanda, and good luck with induction.

Erin

[septbride2002]

You know what? You have a great attitude about those CArdinals. :hug: Where'd you learn such sportmanship? Bocce Ball? sorry, they lost.

Have a good day, Amanda, and good luck with induction.

Erin

The Cardinals fans are known as the best in baseball and we take that title very seriously. We've even been known to applaud and call for curtain calls for other teams if they make a good play. Last night we politely applaud the Astro's winning the game. No boos, nothing thrown out on the field. It is after all just a game and even when we lose, we enjoy watching a good game. It really is something we instill to every generation of fans.

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Amanda,

I'm sorry to hear about the Cards, sweetie. :hug: I agree with Erin: Cardinals' fans are some of the best fans in the world: very respectful and exhibit great sportsmanship. ::yes::

How is your back today? Is the heating pad helping to alleviate some discomfort for you? Sending some healing :wizard: your way. :goodvibes

I hope you have a peaceful, relaxing weekend! Take care! :hug:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning. My back pain is off and on today. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn't. I'm hoping that by not working out this weekend that it will be healed enough to start working out next week.

I'm down a pound this morning - whoo hoo!

Plan for today:
b: eggs
l: tuna salad
d: ? Not sure yet - might be chicken ala amanda.
water: 8 glasses (managed to do this yesterday)

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I sure hope your back is feeling all better very soon! :goodvibes

Gee, if you haven't been going to Curves, does that mean you got kicked off the island in their Survivor contest?? :(

:cool1: Kick that extra pound to the curb!! :cool1: YAY!!

[lulu201]

:guilty: sniff. Wiping away a tear. . .

[MagicalMom]

:guilty: sniff. Wiping away a tear. . .


:guilty:

[toystoryduo]

:guilty: Miss you, Amanda! Sending a :hug: to you.

[DoeWDW]

:( More tears being shed here.

[lulu201]

Anybody got another tissue? :guilty:

Erin

[toystoryduo]

We miss you, Amanda! :hug:

[Cruise04]

Hope you are doing okay and that your induction week went well for you. Sorry to hear about your back hurting you. And now I'm too late but sorry that the Cards didn't get very far. The Astros were definitely a good team and made playing the White Sox very exciting.

Hope you get to feeling better soon if you haven't already (your back).

Keep on :banana: :banana:
Chris