A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[contempgal]

Sorry you got pulled into the unwanted meeting. That always puts a damper on your day.

Your dinner last night does indeed sound yummy. Corn is a major fave of mine and I adore corn casserole and corn pudding.

 

[pearlieq]

6/22/05 - moving on

8:30am

--1 light 'n fit yogurt
--1 light string cheese

I think I'm going to try to pull back on carbs for most of the day today and see if that helps to stave off the afternoon binge. I'm feeling a lot better today, which is good because there's lots to do!

11:30am

--1 ww bagel
--2 T strawberry cream cheese
--1 large chicken quesadilla

1:00pm

--1 big grab Doritos
--2 chocolate dipped oatmeal cookies
--1 Snickers

7:30pm

--7 small fish fillets
--small bit meatloaf
--1 piece pizza
--1 taco
--2 cheddar biscuits
--2 pieces orange chicken
--1 T. rice
--1 piece German chocolate cake
--2/3 c vanilla soft serve
--2 T gummi bears
--2 oatmeal cookies
--1/4 lemon bar
--1 taste strawberry cake

When am I going to learn--buffet = bad!

10:30pm

--1/2 slice cinnamon raisin cake

Because, you know, I needed more food...

 

[goldcupmom]

I'm glad today is off to a better start. I can relate to the hormone whackos. NOT fun at all!

Hang in there. This too shall pass!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!



Maybe that will help brighten your day and make the last couple become but a distant memory. Even though you feel that your eating is out of whack a bit, remember that it is still so much better than it was in the past. You will get back on track in a few days and the emotions will be better. Been down that road and I agree, I don't know how someone copes with it on a daily basis. I too feel fortunate.

Have a great day and go get some !

 

[pearlieq]

6/23/05

8:30am

--1 1/2 pieces cinnamon raisin cake
--1 light string cheese
--1 light 'n fit cup (didn't get eaten)

So where has all of my motivation gone? I was so driven for a couple of months, and now I just can't seem to rouse myself to care. I don't get how I went from 60 to 0 like that. It doesn't make any sense. Did I push too far? Do I just need to be stronger and slug through it?

12:30pm

--4 oz chicken breast
--1 wheat roll
--1 light 'n fit cup (leftover from breakfast)
--1 1/2 cup green beans and carrots in honey sauce.

I had forgotten how handy a Foreman grill is. I haven't broken it out in months but it made some darn good chicken today! I'm feeling a lot better--a lot of the yuckiness has passed and I feel like me again. I'm having a rather stressful day at work, but I'm coping. I really can't wait to be done with this job--there was a reason I resigned in the first place!!!

I'm skipping Bunco tonight. I honestly just don't think now is the time that I need to go up against a buffet of sweets and appetizers. Plus, I'm still strugging to get the point of the whole Bunco thing. So 12-16 women get together once a month to play a mindless dice game. So every month we go over to someone's house, overeat, and make small talk. It's not like you're going to form a real friendship with someone when you only see them once a month, but you've already covered all of the small talk topics in the first couple of months. It's just getting boring fast. I think I'm going to go out tonight and get a few things for the house, and maybe try to find a new purse. I want a brown leather mini-backpack type thing. I like having the extra space without having to lug around a big handbag. Maybe I'll treat myself to Panera for dinner. The idea of doing that just appeals to me so much more than sitting around someone's living room saying "So, how are the kids?" while trying to avoid the taco dip.

4:30pm

--1 serving turkey taco mix
--2 whole wheat tortillas
--3 prunes

8:30pm

--1 strawberry poppyseed salad
--1 french bread roll

I've taken the advice people have mentioned and I took almost the whole afternoon to reread my journal, and everyone was right. It is eye opening and a very effective tool to jolt oneself back on track. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of what worked for me and what didn't and what I really want out of this. I'm feeling pretty good right now. I'm grateful I've been able to maintain as I've been "wandering the desert" so to speak, but I really want to get moving again. I think I need to go back to Fitday for now--it was really helpful to keep track of what I'm eating in hard numbers, instead of just eating what seems to be "healthy". I think Fitday did a lot to help me acheive portion control.

I went shopping this evening. I picked up some stuff for the house and then I stopped at the Avenue. I found this dress I had tried on a few weeks ago, now marked down 50%. It's one of those 10 pounds and it will look awesome dresses--it's cut really well and hangs on me right, it just needs to be a bit looser! I really want to be able to wear it around DC. A little something to look forward to.

10:30pm

--1 piece cheese pizza

DH is coming home late from from work and he wants pizza. I talked him into Dominos instead of greasy pizza from our local shop. I may have 2 slices, I may pass depending on how I feel.

I would up only having one, and I was fine with it. This turned out to be a darn good day, which is awesome because I really needed it!

 

[keenercam]

Okay,pearlieq, here's the thing. You are right where I have been in the past, too many times to count. You are going to have to get yourself back to a place where you have found motivation and success before. I haven't had a chance to read your most recent journal entries (except your smorgasbord dinner yesterday). Buffets are bad. We all know that. We all go to them anyway. There is a strategy for buffet dining, but you don't need to focus on that now. Yesterday is gone. A distant memory. You need a plan for today! Can I suggest you get rid of the cinnamon raisin cake? Give it to a friend (some of us "offload" that stuff to our offices) or take it to the outside trash. You had some last night and you had some this morning. You do not need anymore. You know how it tastes and it has served it's purpose in bringing pleasure to your life. Now it must die a quick and calorie-free death. And do NOT do what I have done in the past -- "I'll just eat the rest and then it will be gone and I'll start fresh". You do not need to "finish any 'bad' foods" before you start fresh. The fresh start means getting rid of the temptations.

Geez, I sound so mean. I don't mean to. You have done so great and I don't want you to feel like you are backsliding because disappointment is sometimes hard to get past. Go back and read your journal and find what inspired and motivated you before.

We're here to help. I wish I could give you a real hug, but will have to settle for sending you a . Come on, kiddo. You have inspired so many of us. Let's get going again!

Have a wonderful day!

 

[Lesli54]

I know, I am responding again.

I read your latest post, where you are concerned about your stalemate and lack of motivation. So I just felt like you needed some more encouragement. Keenercam is right about rereading your journal. You have made such wonderful progress in so many, many different areas since you began this journey. Everyday, you inspire me, when I see that you are still sticking this out. I figure, if you can do this, so can I. Maybe it is because we both live close together or maybe it is the fact that both of us took a look at a family member (your mom, my gran) and said "I don't want that for myself". What ever the tie that binds, it doesn't matter, there is still inspiration.

Personally, I think you are just going through a rough patch, being stressed from work and TOM approaching really compounds a situation that isn't that bad in reality.

To get your motivation thoughts back on track here are some things to think about.
1. You had lunch with your mom the other day. Are you so comfortable with where you are now that you are willing to accept similar health concerns? My guess is "no".
2. You have enjoyed getting alot of hard physical labor done as you get your house in shape. Are you ready to go sit back in your chair only wishing that some fairy would come along and get it done for you. My guess is "no". (Although, if you find that fairy, send her my way. )
3. You have been in such a better mood and more up beat since you started this program. Are you ready to go back to fewer days of feeling good about yourself? My guess is "no".
4. You have been to WDW lately and really enjoyed the parks so much more than you had in the past. Are you willing to give that up before your next trip later this year? My guess is "no, you want to feel even better."
5. You have enjoyed buying some new clothing. Are you really ready to go back to buying from a very limited selection? My guess is "no."

There are so many other motivators, but maybe this will help jump start the thinking process. It's like dragging yourself out of bed when you don't feel good, sometimes, you just have to do it in order to feel better. We all reach points were we need to re-evaluate the situation and maybe now is that time for you. It seems that the 3 month mark is where new wears off (it's happening all over the board), but hey, when was the last time that you could say you stuck with a weight loss plan for more than a few weeks, let alone 3 months?!

Ok, off the motivation kick (soap box, if you will ). On to better days and here is a little and to get you through the rough patch.

 

[Mykelogan]

Ok Pearlieq! Let me start with a big hug! I think that Cam and Lesli54 have given you some great advice on motivation. I just wanted to add that your notes to me have helped me get my motivation rolling, so I hope to return the favor if I can. You have made some great changes and choices for yourself so far, and I think feeling like you have hit a rut is natural occurence in these long journeys we all undertake. I think if you use the tools that have worked already, reflect on what you have written, and write more about how you are feeling now so you can explore, you will find the motivation was in you all along!

Sending you good vibes!
Mike

 

[jay-nee]

Just catching up on journals (long, long overdue)...

Sounds like re-reading your journal helped, believe me, whatever works, right?

There are going to be bumps along this path, that's what WISH is for - support! You will get back on track. You can do this because you know what it takes.

You have done so well. Don't let this stop you from continuing your journey with us. You may have to modify a few things that weren't working for you and helped to de-motivate you, but you will find your motivation and soon.

Keep up your great work. Don't worry about the little road bumps, that's what makes life interesting!

Happy Friday!

 

[pearlieq]

6/24/05

8:15am

--1 piece cheese pizza
--1 hashbrown
--1 bacon, egg, & cheese bagel (only ate half!)

So, this has been a challenging morning. DH is on a different schedule today, so he had to run out this morning but he was able to come back home right afterwards. I had just gotten up, gotten logged in for work, and decided on 2 pieces of pizza for breakfast. It was a bit of a splurge, but I figured it would be fine--I could balance it out no problem.

So, I finish the first piece, and not 2 minutes later, DH walks in the house proudly carrying a bag of McD's as a surprise treat. Uh oh. He just looked so pleased with himself and it was so thoughtful that I didn't have the heart to tell him no. So, I ate the hashbrown and I'm going to eat the sandwich. I'm going to put the juice away for later. This will be a bit of a challenge to work into my day, but I did get him to agree to eating dinner in tonight, so at least I can make something light. I'll find a way to make this work.

OK, shh, but I actually managed to get rid of half of the sandwich. DH left the room to deal with a printer problem, and I just wrapped up what was left and tossed it! Yay! Part of the problem solved and no feelings hurt!

10:00am

My work projects were all stalled, so I snuck out to Curves! For the first few minutes I wanted to just get off and get back in my car and go home, but then the endorphins kicked in and I feel great! I missed that exercise high!!!

1:00pm

--4 oz grilled chicken breast
--1 1/2 cups carrots and green beans
--1 light wheat english muffin
--1 T. light cream cheese
--1 light 'n fit cup

See, this illustrates why I try to keep breakfast in the 300 calorie range. I'm still hungry at the same time for lunch, my body does not realize that it had 600 calories for breakfast. It didn't compensate at all and I'm hungry again, right on time.

Work is driving me crazy!

3:00pm - 6:00pm

--1 1/4 cup reduced sugar fruity pebbles
--1/2 cup 1% milk
--1 sugar free pudding cup
--1/2 chicken & cheese quesadilla with 1 1/2 T. barbecue sauce

I let the stress of work get to me and therefore I got snacks, but I was able to nip it in the bud, and share the quesadilla I made with DH. So, more than I should have eaten but not catastrophic. I got rid of the rest of the flour tortillas--too tempting. From now on I'll just keep the smaller whole wheat tortillas in the house.

8:00pmm

--1/2 barbecue chicken wrap, minus some of the tortilla
--the chicken and tomatoes from the other half of the wrap
--1 cup fresh fruit.

I was in no mood to cook, but this illustrates how eating out can be really hard. I didn't want just plain chicken and veggies, but I don't want to be eating pasta because it gets me all carby. I didn't really want a sandwich either. The only thing that really appealed to me was the hamburger, but it was 8oz so I passed. I wound up getting this wrap after staring a the menu for 10 minutes trying to find something decent. The wrap was very odd--it was chicken, tomatoes, and what looked like chopped slices of cheese mixed in a barbecue ranch sauce. Just waay too rich. I took it apart and just tried to pick the chicken and tomatoes out.

Either way, I'm pretty happy with today!

 

[goldcupmom]

AWESOME tossing job, Pearlieq!!

SEE, you CAN do this!!

Sounds like you are having a good start this morning! Just hang in there!

I'll be thinking about you when I hit Chicago on Sunday afternoon, and again on the 9th.

Just keep on taking one day at a time and I KNOW I'll see(read) a change when I get back on 7/10.

Take care!

 

[joelyfaithsmommy]

that was so sweet you didn't want to hurt feelings...great job getting rid of the goods...hope you have a SUPER weight loss day!!!! You're on your way!

Hugs,
Jen

 

[Lesli54]

Oh! You're BACK ON TRACK and sounding really positive again! I am so glad.

It looks like taking a break from life yesterday and contemplating things is what you really needed. It is amazing what shopping for clothing can do to the spirits (when you are in losing mode that is ). Good job on getting rid of the McD's. I consider that a HUGE success. Obviously, you want more out of life than food. Good for you!

Have an AWESOME day!

 

[Mykelogan]

Good job Pearlieq!
Most of the times we read about people "sneak eating" and you have mastered the much healthier "sneak not-eating!"

Mike

 

[keenercam]

Hey, Pearlieq! GREAT job on not eating that entire sandwich. Didn't that feel great? A while ago, I met a fellow WISHer who told me she had taken to "tasting" foods that she couldn't have in quantity. She'd convinced herself she didn't need an entire serving or more, that once she knew what something tasted like, she could put it down. Isn't that fun? I have really tried to incorporate that and the "one bite left" policy and the "sharing is better" concepts into my eating -- I only eat part of something and stop when I feel I have gotten the pleasure out of the taste; most of the time I wasn't stopping when I was full.

I have also tried to leave some food on my plate and any meal that I didn't plan ahead of time and count ahead of time.

Finally, the first thing I do when I get something like a candybar, is break it into pieces and share it with whoever is nearby. DD bought me a "Take 5" limited edition white chocolate candy bar two nights ago. I had already had dessert, so I put it on my dresser and enjoyed the anticipation of having it another time. Last night, I ate half and gave the other half to DH (if he hadn't wanted it, I'd have put it in the fridge for another time). There is something SO SATISFYING to eating less than you were going to. So, you have obviously mastered THAT, with your "sneak not-eating" this morning.

Keep up the great work, sweetie!

 

[kris1973]

Great job on tossing the food. Tried to catch up on your journal but it has to many pages LOL....it's gonna take me a few for that so I am working in reverse. Soooo keep up the great work your doing great. Wanna loose a few for me?

Kristin

 

[TPCShauna]

Hiya Pearlie!

I'm so sorry you've been having a rough week. I was in your shoes before my mini-break so I know exactly what you're going through. What worked for me is really thinking hard about what I wanted. As much as I didn't want the struggle any more, I knew that I didn't want to go back to my bad habits, constant heartburn, upset stomach and weight gain. I don't want to lose (or gain as the case may be) all that I have accomplished so far.

You've been so inspirational and helpful to me. Just knowing that you and I started in pretty much the same place and that you are making this work too helps me to make it work for myself. I have a very selfish reason for wanting you to be successful because your success shows me that it can be done.

Hang in there and have more of your food tossing sessions. You'll be feeling better in no time at all! Have a fabu weekend and just keep losing!!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

Looks like you had a great day yesterday, even with the stress of work. There was a couple of jobs that I went back to because they needed the extra help for a bit and it really reminded me of why I moved on. Actually, there is only one job in the world that I would return to (only left to raise children), because I was the only one who did my job and so therefore was pretty much on my own and 95% of the people were great.

Keep up the good work.

 

[pearlieq]

6/25/05 - Weigh In

322.0 - Up .5 lb from last week.

I'm a little surprised at this, but I'm writing it off to TOM, who should be here any minute. I think next week will look a lot better.

Goals for next week:

1.) Again with the exercise. I've gone the last couple days, but I was not consistent. I'm OK with not going to Curves everyday as long as I do something (walk, ellipitcal, etc.) but I've got to get into a daily habit.

2.) I need to start working through afternoon binge time. I was doing pretty well for several weeks, but I need to start focusing on this again. So far what's worked best is to have a substantial snack between 3-4 and to get busy.

 

[pearlieq]

6/25/05 - Can't wait to get moving again!

8:30am

--3 prunes

A little fuel for Curves!

10:30am

--2 whole wheat english muffins
--2 eggs
--2 slices of canadian bacon
--2 slices 2% American cheese

I accidentally gave myself the wrong sandwiches. I meant to only use 1 slice of cheese on mine and give 2 to DH, because I figured he'd complaing about only one slice. I accidentally put my eggs on the muffins with full slices instead of half (he likes his eggs beyond overdone, so I usually rescue mine early). I didn't even notice until I was halfway through eating one. The funny thing is, he didn't notice either--he just kept saying how good they were! So, lesson learned--only one slice for each of us from now on!

Today should be a fun day. I had to work last night and this morning, but I'm finally done, so we're just going to hang out and have a good time. We're thinking of going to the movies--there's a few things I want to see. Other than that, my only agenda item for today is to get a Dustbuster! The kitties insist on taking pieces of their food out of the bowl and eating them on the floor. That's fine, but there's always a leftover chunk they don't eat, so after a few hours my floor is covered with crumbs!

4:35pm

--2/3 kids popcorn (no butter)
--1 oz serving on mini M&M's

I got caught waiting a long time after my movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (pretty good--at bit simple and 2-dimensional but not a bad way to pass a hot Saturday afternoon) ended and DH's showing of Batman Begin (he really loved it!) got out and I was starving so I broke down and bought a kid's pack at the concession stand

5:30pm

--2 cups assorted veggies
--3/4 cup chicken breast
--1/2 cup soba noodles
--1/4 cup peanut sauce
--1T. oil
--1/4 cup mango sorbet
--1 banana wonton

We went to Stir Crazy after the movie and wow! is this restaurant a keeper! Their stir fry was really, really good, the atmosphere was nice, and the service was great. It was so nice to get a healthy enough meal at a restaurant and actually have it be something I want to eat.

9:30pm

--1 meatball sandwich
--4 cheese sticks

We caught a late dinner. It was a little heavy, but at least I didn't get cheese on my sandwich and I split the appetizer with DH.

12:00am

--2 cups reduced sugar fruity pebbles
--2/3 cup 1% milk

I've stayed up way too late watching Sports Night, and I got a little snacky. Time to head to bed!