Cam's New Lease on Life Journal (comments welcome!)

[toystoryduo]

Hi Cam,

I hope your DS is feeling better soon. I bet he liked the presents that you sent him! I had a customer come into the store a few days ago who would send her kids little surprises in an empty 2 liter pop bottle while they were away at camp. She would put small keychains, little toys, erasers, coupons and money that would fit in the bottle. Then, she would cover the bottle with paper, address it, and mail it off. She calls it her "message in a bottle".

Congratulations on no late night eating last night!

I hope you have a great day!

 

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tracy! What an awesome idea about the soda bottles! DS would get a kick out of that, but I am pretty insecure about mailing something like that. However, you did give me the idea that I should check out the dollar store for stuff to send to DS when he heads off to camp in 3 weeks. I'll have to start stocking up now.

 

[keenercam]

I hope your DS is ok, Cam. I know how worrisome it is. Poor him, but as a mom, I know you're feeling it more than he is.

Sounds like you're doing very well.

Hang in there! August 3, bday, huh?? I'm 7/30 - we'll have to spend the week 'un-celebrating' together!!

Looking forward to celebrating with you, Julie! Hopefully, we are both much healthier and more fit than we were on our last birthdays!

 

[toystoryduo]

Thanks, Tracy! What an awesome idea about the soda bottles! DS would get a kick out of that, but I am pretty insecure about mailing something like that. However, you did give me the idea that I should check out the dollar store for stuff to send to DS when he heads off to camp in 3 weeks. I'll have to start stocking up now.

Hey Cam,

Maybe you could put the 2 liter bottle in a box.... It would be a message in a bottle in a box. The dollar store I work at is not a franchise store. It's independently owned and they have so much great stuff! I told my DH I'll have to be careful or I might just spend my whole paycheck there!

I hope you're having a wonderful day! Thanks for your support!

 

[keenercam]

Dinner at Outback
(ate yogurt right before I went) (1)

Salad w/chesse; taste of vinegarette dressing; removed croutons (3)
Grilled shrimp (dry) (4)
Grilled veggies, baked potato (dry) (4)
Taste of ice cream (2)
Bite of cheesecake (1)
Taste of fries (1)

Used 3.5 of my 4 APs today, but I feel no guilt or regret. Honestly earned, and every bite enjoyed.

I am 54 days cheat-free now!

 

[keenercam]

I have no idea what kinds of food will be available at the campus cafeteria for lunch today, so I can't really plan for it. I'll just try to be very cognizant of what I am eating.

B: 2 slices weight watchers toast (1); coffee w/creamer (1); apple (1); weight watchers yogurt (1)

 

[toystoryduo]

Congratulations on being 54 days cheat free, Cam! That is wonderful!

Have a great weekend!

 

[keenercam]

I haven't been here much first, because I was busy,and then because I wasn't working the plan and I was and to have nothing positive to report.

I thought I was going to get back on track yesterday, but instead had a bit of a carb binge last night.

Today is better. I had the right kind of breakfast and it has made all the difference this morning for my energy level and my hunger level. I just really have to remember this and keep it up. The sad thing is that I didn't even binge blindly or unconsciously. I did it knowingly and deliberately. What is with that? Why would I sabotage my own efforts? As of this morning, I am 15.8 pounds away from where I wanted to be for the DL 1/2 marathon. That stinks! My scale is slowly inching up instead of moving down.

Here is the plan for today:
B (at 7:45):
whole wheat flat wrap with 2 slices turkey (3)
coffee (1)

Total so far: 4 pts

Surprisingly I haven't needed a morning snack. By 12:15 I've had 57 oz water and I am now chewing sugar free gum to hold me until lunch around 1:15

Lunch:
salad w/2 slices turkey & 1/2 packet FF dressing (1.5)
turkey on lite english muffin (1.5)

Total for lunch: 3 pts

Snack will be
apple (1)
weight watchers yogurt w/flax seed meal (1.5)

Total for mid-afternoon snack: 2.5

Dinner will be a lean cuisine panini before I leave the office (6).
Total for early dinner: 6

I have a 6:30 hair appt and am hoping to get to the gym around 8:15. Once I get home from the gym I will surely need something else to eat. I have a pack of 2 granola bars in my bag and will split that before and after the gym to stave off hunger so I'm not voracious when I walk in the door.

Snack: 2 crunchy kashi granola bars

Total for workout snack: 3

That will put me at 18.5 points and plenty left for something else to eat when I get home. I am determined that whatever I eat will not be chips or pretzels. If necessary, I will eat another lean cuisine meal or pizza or panini.

Food for the rest of the night was
bites of lasagna -- 3
egg beaters w/spinach, tomatoes, onion & 1 sl FF cheese -- 1.5
weight watchers ice cream cone -- 2
wasa crackers w/laughing cow cheese wedge -- 2

The wasa crackers w/FF cheese was my compromise on the carb addiction. Hey, it's hard to go cold turkey!

I did 3 miles at the gym tonight in 42 minutes. Those APs more than covered the lasagna tastes. Delicious.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

hi cam--Just wanted to come and say hi! You look like you are doing great my dear --keep it up!

 

[keenercam]

Thanks, Jen! You are a sweetie!

 

[keenercam]

So, last night after I posted here, I had 1/2 serving of fat free pringles. The only reason I didn't have pretzels, too, is because we didn't have any. Not sure why I did that but it was very limited and controlled and still very much within my points. I am not going to beat myself up over it.

I took my DL weight loss ticker out of my signature. I don't have time to update it on a daily basis and I really do need a daily accounting of where I am, weight-wise.

So, on 7/11 with 66 days left before getting on a plane to California, I had another 12.4 pounds to lose.

On Monday, with 60 days left, I was at 15.8 pounds away from that goal.

Yesterday, with 59 days left, I was at 15.4 pounds away from that goal.

Today, with 58 days left, I have 14.8 pounds left to lose.

Yeah, I know. Things are not going so brilliantly at the scale.

I know you've heard it before, and so have I, but I really have to buckle down. Food on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday was difficult with dinner at a restaurant, houseguests and a party and a memorial service and a restaurant buffet.

Monday, there were none of those issues, but my body wasn't ready to go cold turkey on the carb addiction.

Yesterday was better.

Today should be interesting. Business lunch. Hoping to find something satisfying but reasonable, points-wise.

B: reduced fat cheese omelette on whole wheat flat wrap (3); coffee (1)

--------------------
I noticed a couple of other things:
In June, I earned 40 activity points total. As of last night (7/18), I have earned 39 this month. I had set a goal to get more activity in this month, and I have done that.

My points usage this month is way too high, though, and I have to work on that. I have only had 5 days out of 18 where I ate at or below my daily point allowance. My goal is to stay at or below the daily point allowance and to use no more than 1/2 of my APs for the rest of the month. It seems I use almost all my APs and I have to stop doing that. Even though each of them represents 100 calories burned, and I use them as food points representing 50 calories, obviously, it would be better not to use 1/2 the calories I burned by eating the points.

We decided this week that we will surprise the kids with a weekend away to Williamburg Busch Gardens/Water Country 7/28-30. It will be the last weekend that they'll both be home until Thanksgiving, since DS13 leaves for performing arts camp on 8/6 and DD17 leaves for college before he gets back. WOW! I hope I am not an emotional wreck. Food could be a total hazard that weekend.

 

[goldcupmom]

Hang in there, Cam!! You've come so far. This is just a readjustment period. You're still doing AWESOME!!

You weekend trip sounds like fun!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Cam,

I think that you have accomplished a lot so far! Just think back to a year ago or even two years ago and think about how far you have come. You have done an awesome job, Cam and I know that you CAN and WILL make your goals! Remember, this is a journey with bumps along the road and successes to boot. Celebrate the success and learn from the bumps. (Did that make sense?)

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! I appreciate you very much!

 

[keenercam]

COUNTDOWN TO DISNEYLAND 1/2 MARATHON RECAP:
57 days to go and 12.6 pounds to lose
As of this morning -- 41 APs in July


Thank you so much, Julie and Tracey. I was thinking about you guys last night and how I wanted to be able to come here to tell you that the day went well, so obviously, I HAD to make the day go well, right?

So, yesterday was pretty good, even with a lot of stress and potential for loss of focus.
B: reduced fat omelette on whole wheat flat wrap (3);coffee (1)
L (applebee's): 1/2 portion of apple walnut chicken salad w/no dressing and no bleu cheese (greens, grilled chicken, less than 1/2 green apple, and few candied walnuts) (4)
S: WW mango shrimp on pita (threw most of it away, drained light coconut milk off, 1 shrimp, didn't like the mango -- so mostly a pita with some celery, taste of mango and 2 shrimp) (2)
S#2 (while shopping): soy crisps (2)
D: LC roasted garlic chicken pizza (6); succotash (1); tastes of leftover lasagna (3)
dessert: fat free pringles and 6 pieces of chex from chex mix (2)

I went to the gym and earned 2 APs riding the bike for 40 minutes. And I didn't use them. So I was right on target points-wise for the day.

Scale was down 2.2 this morning.

Recap--
12.6 pounds to go to Disneyland 1/2 Marathon -- 57 days
APs earned in July -- 41 (have exceeded June)


Food today:
B (8 am): reduced fat omelette on whole wheat flat wrap (3); coffee (1)
L (1 pm): ww pork & rice recipe (7); succotash (.5)
S (5:45 pm): 2 lite english muffins with 2 slices light turkey & 1 wedge laughing cow cheese (4)
D: LC panini (5); grilled chicken on whole wheat flatbread (3); 1/2 svg FF pringles (.5); few tortilla chips (1)

I am going to squeeze in a visit to the gym tonight before a meeting with DD's college roommate and her mom. I have to do 40 minutes walking and then 4 sets of speed/form drills of 30 seconds/1 minute. I am actually looking forward to it.

Last week's overall pace for the 40 minutes was 14:08 (2.83 miles)
and then pace for the speed drills was 12:30 (.48 miles)
I hope to be able to do at least that, and maybe a bit better.

---------------------------------------------
Squeezed in my training session. 40 minute walk & 4 sets of w1min/jog30sec.
Mile 1 (with warmup) -- pace 13:56
mile 2 --pace 13:30
.91 miles -- 13:49 pace
Pace for wogging 2.91 miles was 13:45

drills 4.2mph/6.2mph for total of .48 miles in 6 minutes -- pace 12:30

Overall pace for the 46 minutes total was 13:34
---------------------------------------------

As of tonight, I am up to 45 APs for July

 

[keenercam]

COUNTDOWN TO DISNEYLAND 1/2 MARATHON RECAP:
56 days to go and 12.0 pounds to lose
As of this morning -- 45 APs in July

The scale was down another .6 this morning. Keeping my fingers crossed that this is a trend.

We had a very productive get together last night with DD's roommate and her mom. The girls are going shopping for matching comforters today, but DD will shop with her Godmother on Tuesday for most of the rest of it. They have decided that their colors will be pink and white and black (though they may have a few purple accents).

Food today:
B: grilled chicken w/light ranch dressing on flat wrap; coffee (5)
L: greens w/grilled chicken (4); bread dipped in oil (2)
S: light hotdog (1); corn (1) and salsa (0)
D: LC panini (5)
S: pc of soft pretzel (2)
late night snack after bowling: pasta w/meat sauce (4)

Total points: 24
APs earned -- 1 for bowling

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Cam,

You are doing a great job...congrats on the loss!! That is great. You can lose the 12 pounds for you DL half marathon....I just know you can.

Keep up the good work!!!

Have a wonderful evening

 

[keenercam]

ENTRY FOR Saturday, 7/22
COUNTDOWN TO DISNEYLAND 1/2 MARATHON RECAP:
55 days to go and 11.9 pounds to lose
As of this morning (before 5K)-- 46 APs in July

5K this morning -- results: 44:20 -- pace 14:18
overall placement -- 363/567

Food for Saturday:
B before race: cereal w/milk (3)
after race: piece of pretzel & lemonade & SF ice pop (1.5)
egg beaters w/FF cheese (1.5)

L: veggie pizza (7)
D: turkey burger; lite hot dog; italian roll (9)
peppers, onions, bites of steak and sausage; piece of chicken thigh (7)
few chips, fat free pringles, chex mix (4)
bites of birthday cake (3)

Total points -- 36
APs earned today -- 4

 

[keenercam]

COUNTDOWN TO DISNEYLAND 1/2 MARATHON RECAP:
54 days to go and 11.9 pounds to lose
As of this morning -- 50 APs in July

Well, yesterday's food was much worse than I thought as I was eating it.

It seems on Saturdays when I do a race or a long training session, my appetite is huge. Sure, I could have done without the chips & cake and even the pizza, but considering we were at a family barbecue with lots of very tempting food, I did pretty well bringing a huge veggie tray with fat free ranch dressing for dip and bringing my own light hot dog and turkey burger. I also only ate one italian roll for the burger and ate the hot dog without a roll/bun.

So, even after the fact, I can see what I did right and where I went wrong. I really should have had a lot more water. The scale was friendly this morning, showing no gain at all and holding at the loss I've managed this week. I am sure it is because of the 5K and the relatively early end to eating last night. Those were the first flexpoints I used this week.

Today will be much better. I am at work, so that always makes it easier.

Food plan for today:
B: whole wheat flat wrap w/lite cheese omelette & salsa; coffee (4)
L: garden salad w/fat free dressing (1/2 packet) (.5); LC panini (5)
S: soy crisps (2); apple (1)

I may want to go to the movies tonight and have some unbuttered movie popcorn, so we'll see what the evening/dinner brings.

Yesterday was pretty productive. We got up and did the 5K and then DH and I went shopping for stuff for DD's dorm room. There were a lot of things we will pay for and won't let her use her graduation gift cards to get. So, we got her laundry detergent and dryer sheets, her tool kit for hanging pix and putting stuff together, bed risers, over the door hooks, some desk supplies and other odds & ends. I need to check her shopping list and get it organized for her before she goes shopping with her Godmother on Tuesday. She already got her comforter (really cute pink) so that is one of the major expenditures taken care of.

This process is fun, but it is also anxiety-provoking because DD keeps making bad judgment calls about letting us know where she is and not answering her cell phone. UGH! It will probably be easier when I don't know exactly what she is supposed to be doing that she is not doing.


--------------
It's about 6 and I am heading home. Planning to go to the movies with DD. Hoping to hold out and not eat tons of popcorn. At least it won't be buttered.
I also plan to cook some chicken or turkey breasts on the sunbeam grill when I get home so I'll have good protein for breakfasts this week.
__________________________

Instead of going to the movies, I rented some for a family movie night and picked up "movie candy" for everyone.

Food last night:
D: grilled chicken (2); broccoli, cauliflower (0); few baked fries (2)
Dessert: fat free pringles (2); 100 calorie popcorn (2); movie candy (3)

I didn't do too badly with the candy. As a matter of fact, I'm sure I've estimated high on the points. I had about 8 reese's pieces, 5 raisinets and about 12 sno-caps. Having everyone give me just a few of their candies kept me satisfied but controlled. And I didn't gulp them down by the handfull; I had everyone put a few candies in the smallest glass dish I could find and then I just ate one at a time. I will have to remember that for next time.

 

[keenercam]

COUNTDOWN TO DISNEYLAND 1/2 MARATHON RECAP:
53 days to go and 12.3 pounds to lose
After workout this morning -- 53 APs in July

Well, I dragged myself out of bed this morning at 6 and went to the gym to do my 50 minute walk on the treadmill. It was 3.4 miles so it was 14:42 pace.

The good thing is that I don't have to go to the gym tonight. I have to do xt tomorrow and a friend is going to be visiting, so I may try to get to the gym early tomorrow again.

My weight was up .4 this morning, but I know it was bloating and late night snacking, so I'm not too worried.

Food for today:
B: turkey on english muffin, coffee w/cream, watermelon (5)
L: grilled chicken, broccoli, cauliflower (2); soy crisps (2)
S: carrots w/fat free dressing (1)
D: DD's leftover lean cuisine (3); 2 lite EMs (2); sauce & 2 meatballs (5); fat free mozzarella (2)
dessert: chips (3); sorbet (2)

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Cam,

Sounds like you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work! Hope you have a fabulous week!