DDA's New Year's Weight Loss accountability Thread

[ReAnSt]

I didn't gain or lose anything this week either. I was honestly expecting a gain, it was the first time since the middle of July I have not lost anything. However I am not bummed. The way my leg muscles have been hurting I am certain I gained muscle there plus I am bloated so I know both of those things aren't helping the numbers. Plus I didn't get my workout in last night before bed as I had a headache and went to bed early. I just gotta keep on swimming and making healthy choices.

Does anybody have lunch ideas for work. I am looking for something besides sandwiches, wraps and salads that is what I have been eating and I need some variety. I have access to a refrigerator and microwave. If it is something that needs to be eaten hot it should be something that reheats several times without issues as I sometimes don't get to eat it all at one time and might reheat it 2 to 3 times before I finish it. It can be something I cook ahead and reheat at work, also it shouldn't be messy to eat.

 

[rosiejo]

Does anybody have lunch ideas for work. I am looking for something besides sandwiches, wraps and salads that is what I have been eating and I need some variety. I have access to a refrigerator and microwave. If it is something that needs to be eaten hot it should be something that reheats several times without issues as I sometimes don't get to eat it all at one time and might reheat it 2 to 3 times before I finish it. It can be something I cook ahead and reheat at work, also it shouldn't be messy to eat.

Becky - do you eat while working rather than taking a lunch break away from your desk? I can't for the life of me think why - but I know that's bad. You might end up eating more than you need to or will try and eat to quickly and end up with indigestion. IS this is the case is there a way you can go away somewhere for 20 minutes so that you can sit and eat your lunch?


ETA: and if anyone needs a reason not to eat at your desk read this: http://monster.typepad.com/monsterblog/2005/10/is_eating_lunch.html

 

[Glynis]

I didn't gain or lose anything this week either. I was honestly expecting a gain, it was the first time since the middle of July I have not lost anything. However I am not bummed. The way my leg muscles have been hurting I am certain I gained muscle there plus I am bloated so I know both of those things aren't helping the numbers. Plus I didn't get my workout in last night before bed as I had a headache and went to bed early. I just gotta keep on swimming and making healthy choices.

Does anybody have lunch ideas for work. I am looking for something besides sandwiches, wraps and salads that is what I have been eating and I need some variety. I have access to a refrigerator and microwave. If it is something that needs to be eaten hot it should be something that reheats several times without issues as I sometimes don't get to eat it all at one time and might reheat it 2 to 3 times before I finish it. It can be something I cook ahead and reheat at work, also it shouldn't be messy to eat.

Have you tried taking a thermos of soup or chili? Those might be good for the cold winter days coming up.

I know you said you didn't want salad, but I just tried a recipe for salmon salad that was so yummy! Can you bring some leftovers from home? That's what I try to do for Alan. He's the only one who'll eat leftovers, so I try to make sure I make enough dinner for him to get one or 2 lunches out of it.

What kind of things do you like? I'll try to look for some ideas for you.

 

[ReAnSt]

Becky - do you eat while working rather than taking a lunch break away from your desk? I can't for the life of me think why - but I know that's bad. You might end up eating more than you need to or will try and eat to quickly and end up with indigestion. IS this is the case is there a way you can go away somewhere for 20 minutes so that you can sit and eat your lunch?


ETA: and if anyone needs a reason not to eat at your desk read this: http://monster.typepad.com/monsterblog/2005/10/is_eating_lunch.html

Well I don't have a desk, so I don't have to worry about that. Well we do have a desk in the office but I know it is clean as I am the one who cleans it. I work in a store and most days I am there from 7:30am or 8:30am and there won't be another employee there until 1:30pm or 3:30pm. I have been there days for 13 hours stretches by myself. Normally that is due to people calling off or somebody on vacation. I sadly don't get a break every day. Or it is after the time I would like to eat my lunch. Other days I am there from 1:30pm to 9:30pm at night. Overlapping times tend to be 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Therefore that would be when I get my break, these aren't the times I prefer to eat. I know picky aren't I.

It wasn't this bad before but they cut payroll and this is how we are operating right now. I end up eating between customers and therefore I don't get to sit down and eat all at once. Most days I do get to eat all at once but somedays I get interrupted. I know it isn't ideal, but it is what I am dealing with.

I'm not that picky I don't like pickles, cucumbers, bananas, red beets, sweet potatoes, most other things are fair game. Just looking for healthy and nutritious and not a ton of sodium. I sometimes do soups and leftovers, but most of the time the soup came from a can and is loaded with sodium and by the second or third time I am sick of the leftovers. Perhaps I should start throwing the stuff in the freezer and than eat in in a week or two. Then the rest of the leftover wouldn't spoil and I would have something different. Better yet for new ideas I think I will just wait until Glynis's blog is running.

Glynis- If you wouldn't mind sharing the salmon salad recipe that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Thanks for the Becky. I am eating my points but not adding back points that I am earning for excercise most days. I am overall very satisfied with the progress I have made, but it has been alot slower than I expected it to be. But, I know slow & steady wins the race so I will just keep .

I am boring with lunch so no real ideas for you. I have Subway 3 times a week & on the other 2 days I usually take tuna or a Lean Cuisine with a salad & a piece of fruit.

 

[Glynis]

I'm not that picky I don't like pickles, cucumbers, bananas, red beets, sweet potatoes, most other things are fair game. Just looking for healthy and nutritious and not a ton of sodium. I sometimes do soups and leftovers, but most of the time the soup came from a can and is loaded with sodium and by the second or third time I am sick of the leftovers. Perhaps I should start throwing the stuff in the freezer and than eat in in a week or two. Then the rest of the leftover wouldn't spoil and I would have something different. Better yet for new ideas I think I will just wait until Glynis's blog is running.

Glynis- If you wouldn't mind sharing the salmon salad recipe that would be greatly appreciated.

Ok. Here's the salmon salad recipe. I'm also including a couple of soup recipes. The soups are wonderful as leftovers, and since they don't come from a can, you can control the sodium!

Salmon Salad Pitas
1 salmon fillet (1 pound)
1/4 C. chopped celery
1/4 C. chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/4 C. reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 C. fat free mayonnaise
1 Tbs. minced chives
1 Tbs. minced fresh dill
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. white pepper
4 romaine leaves
2 whole wheat pita breads, halved

Place 2 inches of water in a large skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; carefully add salmon. Poach, uncovered, for 6-12 minutes or until fish is firm and flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon with a slotted spatula. Cool. In a bowl, combine the celery, cucumber, sour cream, mayonnaise and seasonings. Flake the salmon; stir into the salad mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve in lettuce-lined pita breads.

Baked Potato Soup
2 C. chicken broth
2 C. milk
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 C. flour
3 bay leaves
1/4 tsp. white pepper
1 large potato peeled and finely diced
1/2 tsp. salt

Heat chicken broth and milk in large saucepan over medium high heat to almost boiling. Remove from heat and set aside. Reduce heat to low. In large soup pot, melt butter. Add flour, stirring constantly 3 minutes to cook flour and make a roux. Gradually add milk mixture to roux, pouring in a slow steady stream, while stirring vigorously to blend and eliminate lumps. Add bay leaves and pepper. Add potato and salt and continue to simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Lightly mash potatoes and stir to blend. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve with sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onion and bacon bits.


I was going to include another one, but it's quite involved. If you decide you want it, and have the time to make it, it's totally worth it. PM me and I'll get it to you!

Here's one last recipe. This travels well, and can be reheated.

Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein
1 can unsweetened pineapple chunks
1 lb. chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp. ground ginger or 1 Tbs. fresh grated gingerroot
3 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
2 medium carrots, julienned
1 medium green pepper, julienned
4 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained
3 green onions, sliced
1 Tbs. cornstarch
1/3 C. soy sauce

Drain pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup juice; set pineapple aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken, garlic and ginger in 2 Tbs. oil for 6 minutes. Add carrots, green pepper and pineapple. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and chicken juices run clear. Stir in spaghetti and onions. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice and remaining oil until smooth. Stir into chicken mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

 

[my3princes]

Well I don't have a desk, so I don't have to worry about that. Well we do have a desk in the office but I know it is clean as I am the one who cleans it. I work in a store and most days I am there from 7:30am or 8:30am and there won't be another employee there until 1:30pm or 3:30pm. I have been there days for 13 hours stretches by myself. Normally that is due to people calling off or somebody on vacation. I sadly don't get a break every day. Or it is after the time I would like to eat my lunch. Other days I am there from 1:30pm to 9:30pm at night. Overlapping times tend to be 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Therefore that would be when I get my break, these aren't the times I prefer to eat. I know picky aren't I.

It wasn't this bad before but they cut payroll and this is how we are operating right now. I end up eating between customers and therefore I don't get to sit down and eat all at once. Most days I do get to eat all at once but somedays I get interrupted. I know it isn't ideal, but it is what I am dealing with.

I'm not that picky I don't like pickles, cucumbers, bananas, red beets, sweet potatoes, most other things are fair game. Just looking for healthy and nutritious and not a ton of sodium. I sometimes do soups and leftovers, but most of the time the soup came from a can and is loaded with sodium and by the second or third time I am sick of the leftovers. Perhaps I should start throwing the stuff in the freezer and than eat in in a week or two. Then the rest of the leftover wouldn't spoil and I would have something different. Better yet for new ideas I think I will just wait until Glynis's blog is running.

Glynis- If you wouldn't mind sharing the salmon salad recipe that would be greatly appreciated.

Chris takes a frozen dinner with him everyday. The smartones, healthychoice and lean cuisine all seem to be pretty balanced and most are weight watcher friendly . There are so many varietys that I'm sure you could find something you like. We just had Smart ones on sale for $1 each. That is way cheaper than I could make anything. I don't think I'd recommend reheating, but for that price you could throw the leftovers away. The other reason that I like them is that they are pre portioned so you don't eat more than you should.

Deb

 

[TinaLala]

Can I just say that DHs, Halloween candy and diets don't do a diet good!!

My kids went to a pre-Halloween trick or treating at my mil's campground a few weekends ago and boy I tried to be good. But I don't know what happened. All of a sudden I found candy wrappers in my hand and my mouth was munching on something. We get home and DH has the two monsterous bags of candy sitting on the counter for me to smell.

Well I tried to be strong. I really did, but in the end the results show it. I've been on the treadmill three times in the last two weeks. I've been trying to do other things around the house and yard to make myself sweat the candy out. I stepped on the scale the other day and after going up and down on the scale this morning I'm only up 1 pound!! Well it certainly taught me a lesson that me and candy don't mix and since I only have 42 more days left until my disney trip and 30 more pounds to lose I can't be goofing around!!

So starting Monday I will be back to my old friend Mr. treadmill and we will be doing 45 min work outs along with Mrs. Abdoer for 10 mins in hopes that we can beat this weight giant!!

10/18 - 238

 

[ReAnSt]

Chris takes a frozen dinner with him everyday. The smartones, healthychoice and lean cuisine all seem to be pretty balanced and most are weight watcher friendly . There are so many varietys that I'm sure you could find something you like. We just had Smart ones on sale for $1 each. That is way cheaper than I could make anything. I don't think I'd recommend reheating, but for that price you could throw the leftovers away. The other reason that I like them is that they are pre portioned so you don't eat more than you should.

Deb

Tahnks for the idea.


I don't mean the leftovers, I mean the food I don't get to eat before somebody comes into the store. For example yesterday I took leftovers, I threw them in the microwave when no one was in the store by the time the food was hot there were people in the store. It was 30 to 40 minutes before I got back to my no longer hot food. So I had to reheat it before I even got a chance to touch it.

 

[Steffy]

Not only are the pictures from this trip going to be vastly different, but the trip itself will be unlike any I have ever taken to WDW. I won't need an extension for the airplane seatbelt. I won't have to worry about the lap bar coming down too far for comfort or not far enough for safety. Eating in restaurants will be so much easier (yes, I said easier!) because I won't have to worry about fitting into the small spaces that they have for people to sit in anymore. I won't have to turn sideways and lift my fanny pack up over the turnstile to get into some of those older rides. If I see a shirt that I like I can buy it without having to look far and wide for a plus size or a man's style. I will not have trouble getting in and out of the swimming pool. I could go on and on... But I don't need to because some of you have been in that place too.

I am so proud to have you as friends. You may not know this, but I don't know if I would have done this as easily without you here to talk to and commiserate with and report to. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also wanted to tell you something else. The next to the last time I got to be with my Mom before she died she looked at me and said, "You are so beautiful to me in so many ways. I wish you would lose some weight so that your family can love you as long as I have." That was in December 2005, and I made up my mind I would do something about it. I did not set a New Year's Resolution because this was something more important than that. I set a new Life Goal. And I was able to tell her when I saw her the last time in January that I had started the diet on January 16, and had already lost 12 pounds.

Even though I never saw her again, I know that she knows what an effect she had on my last 9 months. It has been lilke a rebirth for me. And my decisions have influenced others to make Life Changes too. My sister, who has always been a much larger woman than me (she is 6 feet tall to my 5'4") has also started exercising and watching her weight. She has lost 32 pounds since my Mom's funeral in April.

Some of you have PMed or emailed me to tell me that you knew you could do this too and you have! I did not set out to be an inspiration and I still don't feel as if I fit that role at all. But I do know that I have made dear friends and we have helped each other become even more beautiful, powerful, healthy women. That makes me happier than you will ever know. May you have many tens of years left for your families to love the spectacular women you are.

Wow Elin...

I love you too....

And I am so happy you made your goal for this trip.....

 

[Steffy]

Elin that is a wonderful story. I want you all to know that you have greatly impacted my life too. Tonight at Weight Watchers they asked how each of us celebrate our losses. My response was to tell them that I rush home and update my friends on my success. They asked if these were people that I met on the weight watchers site and I said "heck no, these people actually care about me and celebrate my success with me"

Thank you all for your support and encouragement

Deb

Deb, congradualtions on your success. I love you too....

 

[Steffy]

So I'm down another 2.8 pounds this week for a total loss of 52.2 pounds. Finally after losing 50 pounds people are starting to notice. Within the past week I had 4 people say something, before that 0. I've known I hide weight loss and gain well, and I think that proves it.

Congradulations Becky! 52.2 pounds is almost my granddaughter! You go girl!!!

 

[Steffy]

I have been thinking about what Elin said in her post, about what she wants to experience differently at WDW. I went through all that when I went to DL in June. I have to say, the first time I was able to go through the turnstile without turning sideways was an incredible feeling. Being able to fit on California Screaming without feeling totally squished by the bar made me want to cry. It's amazing how much better my confidence and self esteem were this last trip!

That's what I want for all of us on this thread! We are amazing women, always have been, but we've been held back by the weight! NO MORE! We will show the world what wonderful people we are. All they will have to do is look at the glow coming from us to know that we are special!

That is so nice Glynis. I can't wait to experience WDW differently. I have 6 more weeks until my trip. Realistically, I could lose another 10. That would be something..... I think I'm going to make that my goal. I stilll will have to turn sideways, but maybe I maybe I will be able to lower the bar a little better.....

 

[Steffy]

Guys I just checked in to see how everyone was going on and have been touched by the stories and am proud of how you have all done. I should stop by here more often - you guys are so motivational!

I have some good news to share myself - I've been sticking with my daily excercise and stopped worrying about my weight and then I got on the scales and they actually said the magic number! 133lbs It's fluctuating between 132 and 137 - which I think may be more about the scales than me - but I'm happy. I still can't fit in some of my holiday clothes from last year but that's fine as I really was too skinny then.

So here's a little for all of us

YAY Clare!!!

 

[Steffy]

Elin that is fantabulous. Yeah for you Have an awesome trip!!!!!! Tell Mickey & give him a hug for me.

Good luck with your weigh in Deb.

Clare..........keep up the good work. I have been excercising pretty consistently now for about 2 months & I feel alot better (even though the scales aren't really moving any faster as you can see below).


Well.......ladies. I gained a 1/2 a pound at my weigh-in tonight. I just can't break that 40lb barrier for anything. I excercised 4 times this last week & I just don't seem to want to budge. My body seems to like right where it is at the moment. The problem is that I don't . I am going to keep on swimming , but I am started to getting a tad bit frustrated.

Melanie, I love your attitude! Yes, just keep swimming.

Maybe you could vary your menus. My leader says that sometimes your weight loss slows if your body has gotten used to a routine. 40 pounds is wonderful!!!! I so want to be there!!! Hang in there. Maybe your body just needs a readjustment and it will be off to losing weight again!!

 

[my3princes]

I just weighed myself at home. According to my scale I have lost all of the weight that I have gained over the last couple of years. I am at my lowest weight from our Atkins diet. Now it is like starting from a clean slate. I hope I can lose what I wasn't able to lose before. I really think that I can do it.

Deb

 

[Disneygrl36]

Thanks for the positive vibes Steffy.

Deb that is so awesome.......you can do it.

We are going to Chattanooga for a quick trip to celebrate our birthdays a bit early-my hubby & my bday are one week apart. Leaving in just a bit. Going to stay in a B&B, have afternoon tea (one of my favorite treats & I have saved points all week) & go to the aquarium. Should be fun.

My WW leader shared a recipe & I tried it & it is great. I made a batch & froze most of them & they are great taken out & thawed for breakfast.


Pumpkin muffins
1 spice cake mix
1 15 oz can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling the real stuff)
1/2 cup of egg substitute

Mix together & bake at 350 for 18 minutes

Mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar & 2 tbsp of orange juice & drizzle over the top

Makes 24 muffins 2 pts each

Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend ya'll.

Yummy

 

[TinaLala]

I just read that some people are on the Atkins diet. Just becareful!! I was on Atkins for a year and lost 50lbs, however I also lost my gallbladder in emergency surgery. You definately need to be conscious of the fat content of the things you eat.

Well the . monster has greeted me at the door and the chocolate craving has hit. I used the motto that a lot of you passed on and had some chocolate, but not the fist fulls that I usually crave. Haven't been on the treadmill all week, however I just picked up two new books and starting Monday the walking starts up again. Only 40 more days to go until my Disney trip so it's lockdown time.

WAY TO GO!!! To everyone who is being strong and keeping the pounds off. You should definitely pat yourself on the back for a continued job well done.

 

[tink2020]

Hi all! Just got back from 8 miles with Kyle. I am a little frustrated that I'm not able to run hardly any of it (I think I ran maybe 3.5 miles of the 8, not even 50%). The good news is that our overall pace (average) was 14.6 min/miles! My goal is/was 15min/mile for the whole thing, so hopefully we can keep it up. I can't believe that marathon weekend is approaching so quickly!

I hope everyone is doing well this weekend

 

[Glynis]

Hi all! Just got back from 8 miles with Kyle. I am a little frustrated that I'm not able to run hardly any of it (I think I ran maybe 3.5 miles of the 8, not even 50%). The good news is that our overall pace (average) was 14.6 min/miles! My goal is/was 15min/mile for the whole thing, so hopefully we can keep it up. I can't believe that marathon weekend is approaching so quickly!

I hope everyone is doing well this weekend

I'm sorry you aren't able to do what you want to do! Still, your pace sounds good! I'm a little nervous, because I haven't been able to do any walking since I hurt my foot. However, that seems to be all healed up, so I'm starting again tomorrow. I'll start slowly, and see what I can do!

It's good to hear from you! I miss you a ton!