A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[pearlieq]

6/5/05

9:15am

--1 1/2 chocolate cake doughnuts
--1 1/2 cups scrambled eggs
--1 large english muffin
--1/2 medium cheese danish
--1 light 'n fit yogurt cup
--1 small sausage patty
--2/3 large sausage link
--1 carton chocolate lowfat milk

Definitely a breakfast for a lumberjack! I got a little caught up in the excitement of the event. Luckily there was tons of walking, and I was weighted down like a sherpa, so I also burned a lot.

1:00

--1 order nachos w/about 1/2 of the cheese
--1/3 large soft pretzel
--1 blue raspberry icee

I could have skipped this, but I was hot, tired, cranky and weak. It was pretty tasty though.

6:30pm

--6oz roasted turkey breast
--1/2 cup dressing (really good!)
--1/3 cup gravy
--1/2 cup peas and green beans
--2 T. cranberry sauce
--1/3 cup cream of chicken soup.

Yummy!

Had to add: DH is watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition and they send the family to WDW. They put them up at OKW and they're in the exact same room (1112, for those playing along at home) we were in on our trip in May. Cool!

 

[rcyannacci]

Morning! That's cool they were in your room; I always start tearing up when they send them to WDW...that show really knows how to tug at the heart strings.

Yum! That roasted turkey sounds great!

Hope you have a good day.

 

[pearlieq]

6/6/05

8:15am

--1 South Beach bar
--1 Light 'n fit yogurt cup
--1 apple

I had to get up early today to get a report out for work, but it was actually a nice morning and I didn't mind at all. I'm frustrated at the scale--it seems to be staging a mutiny. Even accounting for error in my calorie counts I should have lost a bit of weight and certainly not gained any. Mr. Scale does not agree. I'm chalking it up to extra food/water still being in my system, but I'm irritated because this had to happen when I was so close to a new clippie. Here's to getting things moving in the next couple of days!

11:00am

--2 servings trail mix
--1 chocolate muffin

12:45pm

--2 cheeseburgers
--1 6pc order McNuggets
--1 small order fries
--2 pkts honey
--1 cone
--1 chocolate milk

3:30pm

--1 LC lemon chicken
--2/3 cup peas
--1 serving trail mix

5:00pm

--1 brownie
--2 orange cupcakes
--1 short can pringles
--1 box Milk Duds

Yet another time I cringe as I'm writing this. I don't exactly know where the wheels came off the wagon today, but I'm still here, still trying.

8:30pm

--1/2 large cheese pizza

--10:00pm

--1 LC lemon chicken
--2/3 cup peas
--2 servings trail mix

OK, this was just a bad, bad day. Do I even need to mention that I skipped Curves? Time to move on...

 

[joelyfaithsmommy]

Ever since TigerCheer said the song of the day was "just keep swimming" last week, it's been stuck in my head...and that's what came to mind when I read your last few posts!!! JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!!!

Think of where you started, and where are you now...and JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!! I think you're doing GREAT and life is life, we have to live...that includes having some things some times that aren't the BEST for us, the KEY is that we JUST KEEP SWIMMING...toward our end goal!

YOU'RE AWESOME, keep up the great work!

hugs,
Jen

 

[pearlieq]

WISHing State of the Union - Month Three

Here I am again, 3 months into my WISH journey. Here's what's been happening in the last month:

1.) I weigh 9.5 pounds less than I did last month. I'm trying really hard not to be disappointed by this, as this past month was definitely a struggle. I was buying cat food the other day and I had a 12.5 pound bag. As I was carrying it I was thinking that it was heavy, then I realized I used to have the equivalent of 3 of them strapped to me at all times.

2.) I am completely and thoroughly humbled. This last month was really hard and I'm not nearly as strong as I thought I was. There were times I actually thought this was going to be easy. I now appreciate that it's going to be hard work every step of the way.

3.) I now appreciate it's going to actually take hard work and effort on my part. For a while I felt like I was just riding a rollercoaster--some days it worked out great--I was craving exercise and wasn't that interested in food. Other days it was bad and I didn't want to exercise and I wanted fast food. It was always something that was happening TO me, not something I was controling. I finally get that I'm going to have to make a conscious effort to work myself past cravings and push myself to exercise.

4.) The novelty has worn off. At the beginning it was fun and I was losing quickly, even when I had bad days. I now realize that this is going to be a long journey, and that sometimes I'm just going to have to slog through it.

5.) I have come to appreciate the huge differences in my body, metabolism, and attitude caused by hormonal shifts. The difference in me during the week before TOM and the week after is mind-boggling. At least now that I know what's coming I can try to work around it.

6.) There are certain foods which I just can't handle having around the house right now. I'm finding I need to cut them out completely and either forego them or only have them in controlled portions away form home. They just trigger me too much and it's too hard to try to reign in. So far these foods include: baked goods, baked beans, and nuts (especially sweet or candied)

7.) I'm starting to get the concept that cravings don't have to have consequences. I used to automatically indulge cravings, thinking that resitance was futile. Now I realize that I sometimes I can ignore them and find something else to do. It was kind of powerful to realize that just be cause I spent the last 2 hours thinking about going to McDonald's doesn't mean I actually have to do it.

8.) I'm seeing more physical changes. My face and legs are smaller. I can feel my collarbone.

9.) I am getting healthier. My cholesterol and triglycerides are slightly down and my liver function is completely normal.

10.) I no longer have to worry about booths in restaurants. There was a time I had to request a table because the booths were so tight. That really didn't feel good, but now I'm happy to say I can slide right in wherever I go!

11.) Since I'm down to a 24 on top, I can shop at tons more stores. Once I could only shop at The Avenue because they were the only ones who carried a 30/32. Then it was Lane Bryant and the Avenue, but finally I can shop at most department stores, Target and the like, and anywhere that carries a plus size section. This is so much fun!!!

12.) I'm more productive and getting more done, mostly because I'm not as content to sit and veg as I once was.

13.) I have more physical confidence. Before I wouldn't really help with landscaping work or run around with little kids because I didn't think I could. Now I'm much more inclined to think "why not?" and join in, and I usually do pretty well.

14.) I fit comfortably into the seat at our movie theater without having to raise the armrests.

15.) My grocery bills are about $30 cheaper each week. I hardly ever venture down the aisles anymore except to get a few specific products.

16.) Showers are shorter. I think this is because I do it much more often with working out, but also there's just less of me to wash!

17.) I'm not always the largest person in the room anymore. This is actually kind of strange to me, since I've been used to that for so long. It's something I realize intellectually, but don't quite feel physically. I'm within 10 pounds of the weight of my workout buddy, and I'm about 3" taller than her, so I realize in my head that I probably look thinner than her, but I still don't see it or feel that way. I don't want to get caught up in comparing myself to other women, but it's strange to realize I'm not the biggest anymore.

 

[pearlieq]

Ever since TigerCheer said the song of the day was "just keep swimming" last week, it's been stuck in my head...and that's what came to mind when I read your last few posts!!! JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!!!

Think of where you started, and where are you now...and JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!! I think you're doing GREAT and life is life, we have to live...that includes having some things some times that aren't the BEST for us, the KEY is that we JUST KEEP SWIMMING...toward our end goal!

You know what struck me about this is that sometimes I look down at my ticker and I think "swim, fishy, swim!" I think you're on to something here...

Thanks for the support. I means a lot!

 

[TPCShauna]

Just read your three month summary and I must say that it looks impressive. I think the best part of the whole thing is that you are being honest with yourself on how your WL works for you. Admitting that it's not easy is the hard part but once you make the realization, it really helps to formulate a plan.

Great job on being so very self-aware!!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Pearlieq

I think your summary is very good. Its important to do assessment along the way. I'm cheering with you... "swim, fish, swim"!!!!

Sunny

 

[contempgal]

1.) I weigh 9.5 pounds less than I did last month. I'm trying really hard not to be disappointed by this, as this past month was definitely a struggle. I was buying cat food the other day and I had a 12.5 pound bag. As I was carrying it I was thinking that it was heavy, then I realized I used to have the equivalent of 3 of them strapped to me at all times.

Kudos on losing 9.5 pounds this month. That's a cool observation about the cat food. I don't think any of us realize just how much weight were carrying around. I often worry about my ankles and knees because I know I'm putting so much stress on them with my weight.

2.) I am completely and thoroughly humbled. This last month was really hard and I'm not nearly as strong as I thought I was. There were times I actually thought this was going to be easy. I now appreciate that it's going to be hard work every step of the way.

3.) I now appreciate it's going to actually take hard work and effort on my part. For a while I felt like I was just riding a rollercoaster--some days it worked out great--I was craving exercise and wasn't that interested in food. Other days it was bad and I didn't want to exercise and I wanted fast food. It was always something that was happening TO me, not something I was controling. I finally get that I'm going to have to make a conscious effort to work myself past cravings and push myself to exercise.

4.) The novelty has worn off. At the beginning it was fun and I was losing quickly, even when I had bad days. I now realize that this is going to be a long journey, and that sometimes I'm just going to have to slog through it. [/QUOTE]

How very true............there are days when I think it is going to be easy but then there are days that I realize that it is going to be very difficult. I just have to keep telling myself that this is my life and I am the one in control of it. I think being humbled really helps.

7.) I'm starting to get the concept that cravings don't have to have consequences. I used to automatically indulge cravings, thinking that resitance was futile. Now I realize that I sometimes I can ignore them and find something else to do. It was kind of powerful to realize that just be cause I spent the last 2 hours thinking about going to McDonald's doesn't mean I actually have to do it.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10.) I no longer have to worry about booths in restaurants. There was a time I had to request a table because the booths were so tight. That really didn't feel good, but now I'm happy to say I can slide right in wherever I go!

11.) Since I'm down to a 24 on top, I can shop at tons more stores. Once I could only shop at The Avenue because they were the only ones who carried a 30/32. Then it was Lane Bryant and the Avenue, but finally I can shop at most department stores, Target and the like, and anywhere that carries a plus size section. This is so much fun!!!

Ok, points 10 and 11 are totally motivational to me.......I have experienced and am currently experiencing both. I almost always request a table because I'm scared I'll have to squeeze myself into a booth. It's embarrassing and I hate it! The same thing goes for airplane seats.

And yes, there are limited places I can shop right now. That's why the whole bridesmaids dress thing was such and ordeal for me. I'm so glad that you are seeing (and feeling) these changes. I'm so happy for you!!!!! You are such an inspiration.


Pearlieq, congratulations on month 3 of your journey! Keep up the good habits. Keep up motivating us. Keep up the good attitude!!! We're behind you all the way.

 

[pearlieq]

6/7/05 - Regroup

8:30am

--1 light 'n fit w/fiber yogurt cup

OK, I don't know where yesterday's fiasco came from, but time to put it behind me. Like I used to say, it was a visit to my old neighborhood, but I'm "home" now.

The only good thing that came out of yesterday was that DH had a crummy day at work (I promise it does get good...) and called me and said we simply have to go to WDW again soon. Yay! So, I'm going to skip tagging along on his business trip in September and we're going to WDW either Dec 3-4 and staying through the 9th! I was only able to get 3 nights at SSR, but I'm hoping the waitlist comes through for the other 2 nights. There's 6 months, right? If we can't get in at SSR, I'll probably just pay cash for a couple of nights at either POFQ or CSR. I can't wait, and this will be great motivation!

12:30pm

--1 baked potato
--1/2 cup salsa
--1 cup 2% cheddar cheese

4:00pm

--1 ww bagel w/ 2t. butter and 1.5 T jelly
--1 large bag trail mix

6:30pm

--6" meatball sub
--6" chicken breast sub
--Big Grab bag Doritos

9:00pm

--1 large Snickers
--1/3 pint Cherry Garcia

Ugh...

 

[septbride2002]

There is NOTHING like Disney at Christmas time. I loved our trip last year - I am so jealous right now. I hope SSR opens up for you - were none of the other DVC resorts open?

~Amanda

 

[pearlieq]

SSR was the only resort showing any availability at all! She originally had 4 nights, but in the 90 seconds it took her to check the other resorts and tell me there was nothing, we lost 1 night! So, I've got 3 nights confirmed and my fingers crossed for the other two.

How were crowds when you went? I know the DVC resorts will be packed to the gills, but I hear that otherwise it's pretty quiet. This will be my first MVMCP, so I'm really stoked!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi pearlieq~

I just read your 3 month summary (your WISH state of the union... I love that! ) and I am so inpsired by all that you have accomplished. I think that honestly assessing where you are and where you have been is a very helpful component to the weight loss journey. Great job pearlieq!

That is so cool that you are going to WDW in December! We're going too! We went last year in December and it was sooooo awesome! The decorations were up, the weather was great, and the crowds were minimal! Woohoo! This year, we're staying at our timeshare (can't book it until July though ) and BCV!!! We are sooooo looking forward to our vacation!!! I bet you are too!

Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

6/8/05

8:30am

--1 small wheat roll
--1 small peach
--1 light string cheese
--1 light 'n fit yogut cup

I feel pretty bad about yesterday, especially missing exercise. My workout buddy finally confirmed what I've been expecting and quit. I feel bad for her, but I'm trying not to take her problems on as my own.

Anyway, back to basics. My one goal for today is to get back to Curves. I honestly think that's more important than anything I may or may not eat today.

2:15pm

--1 harvest burger
--1 whole wheat bun
--1/4 cup 2% mozzarella cheese
--2 T. pizza sauce
--3/4 cup grape tomatoes
--1 apple

5:00pm

--1 ww english muffin w/1t. butter and 1 T. jelly
--1 LC peanut chicken
--1/2 cup peas
--the rest of the Cherry Garcia

7:00pm

--2 servings chicken tetrazzini
--3/4 cup mixed pineapples and mandarin oranges
--2 1/2 pieces of banana bread

I got ambitious and actually cooked last night! I didn't make it to Curves, mostly because I was tired and they were expecting really rotten storms. I should have gone. I also really, really need to stop the afternoon snacking. This is something I've done since I was in grade school, and it's a large part of why I am where I am today.

I've kind of been taking the week "off" and it's felt really nice. Without the Cherry Garcia and the extra banana bread, this would have been a pretty decent day, and it felt so much more relaxed than when I'm in "eat the absolute minimum possible" mode. Missing the exercise is a problem, though.

In all honesty, I feel kind of lost at the moment. A lot of my motivation has deserted me. I actually caught myself thinking the other day that I was pretty happy where I was now--I've solved many of my big, intolerable problems (not being able to shop, not being able to fit in booths, seats, etc.) I'm not really happy with that line of reasoning, and I'm on the fast track to losing all I've gained. I guess I could say I'm in a slump.

 

[pearlieq]

6/9/05

8:00am

--1 light 'n fit w/fiber cup
--1/2 piece banana bread
--1 South Beach bar
--1 peach

I may put away the South Beach bar for a while--the banana bread was more than enough from the carb department.

So, I'm still trying to figure out where I am. The exercise and the afternoon carb-fests seem to be the biggest problems right now. I know I don't want to chuck it in and just eat whatever I want. I don't like how that feels or who I am when that happens. I also know that regardless of how I'm eating or what I do for weight loss I need to exercise. I can't really get away from that.

I just feel like I'm at a crossroads. Losing my workout buddies really shook me, because it was a big motivation to go meet them and they helped make it fun. I can do it on my own, or go with the other girl from our neighborhood, but it's just not the same.

12:00pm

--2 servings chicken tetrazzini
--3/4 cup mixed pineapple and mandarin oranges

This day turned out pretty busy at work, which is nice. It's good to feel productive. On the other hand, I just spoke to my boss, and it doesn't sound like they're going to be letting me go as soon as I had hoped. I appreciate the extra work, but I was looking forward to being done! Oh well--it pays for the WDW trips!

4:00pm

--1 light string cheese
--1 apple
--2 servings chicken tetrazzini

7:00pm

--1 beef & cheddar
--2 chicken strips
--1 small order curly fries
--7 or 8 small potato wedges

8:00 - 12:00am

--4 brownies
--2/3 can pringles

Yeah, it was a banner night...

 

[Desiree]

Yea, Unfortunately exercise is the necessary key. I'm just waiting for the moment to kick in that I start actually enjoying going to exercise because of the way it makes me feel. I know that day will come. I just hope it comes soon enough!

Sorry to hear about you loosing your workout buddies. I know the extra motivation sure helps but in the meantime I'm sure all of us WISHers will pick up the pace and help you stay on target in the motivation department!

Have a great day today!

 

[TPCShauna]

Oh Pearlie! I wish I had words of wisdom but I'm in the same place that you are right now. I want to take a break from dieting but that's the top of a slippery slope down and back to where we came from.

Do you think a mini-break would be all that bad? Like a couple of weeks not watching everything like a hawk but not being crazy and eating everything like we used to.

For what it's worth, I'm in the same place you are right now. Be strong and all will work out!

 

[calena]

Don't be discouraged. First of all... look again at your month assesment. Remind yourself of where you have come and what you have learned. You are making progress. Stick with it. I know it is so easy to lose focus. I do this too, but the only way we are going to reach the end goal is to perservere. I am doing South Beach right now and it is working for me... I am learning when I think back on my eating past that carbs are a real issue. I also know what it feels like to lose a bit, fit into different clothes and feel better and then quit, but we need to do this for health and be consistent and reach the goal. I am in here with you on this because I am right there too.

That is great about going to Disney. Have you been to WDW in December before? What is the weather like and the crowds in early December?

 

[goldcupmom]

WOW!! Can I relate!

I originally joined WW w/ a friend. Right about the time my MIL discovered Cancer & died, friend quit. That's when I began the slippery slope that led to gaining back all but 13.2 of the 38.6 lbs I'd lost. I have finally learned that I can do this w/o someone physically with me - besides....I have all you guys, right?

It's very easy to get discouraged and everytime I would have to travel with DS, I'd come back and have trouble getting back on track. Seemed to just get worse each time. I remember the morning my scale hit 160 (my lowest), I almost felt like it was over and I could now do anything I wanted - and promptly started gaining. I think we just have to remember this can't work if we think of it as a diet because diets have beginnings and ends. This is a lifestyle, a life long journey to good health and a happier, smaller us.

Maybe a different eating strategy for a while would work.....maybe doing WW or SB or Atkins briefly would give you another boost. At WW today we were talking about what it feels like the first couple of weeks when you start and are so gung ho. Just wish we could keep that feeling going.

Hang in there! We CAN do this together!

 

[contempgal]

I can relate as well. It is so hard to keep motivated and get out there every day to exercise. If you've noticed in my journal, I have toned the exercise down a bit. When I first started, I was doing 40 minutes on the bike and walking every day........now I try to get some sort of exercise in every day. I'm kinda doing this on purpose because I don't want to get burned out and stop.

It's so tempting to just go back to the same habits of before but then we have to think about how we've committed to something that we are doing for ourselves.........we deserve this!

You have done and continue to do so very well! We all have slip ups but its not going to kill us..........just keep believing and knowing that we are here to help whenever we can.

We're behind you 100%!!!!!