Sharon's Journal -150 here I come!

[DoeWDW]

Sharon, are you sure your scale isn't as evil as that stepper??

Maybe it's time to cut back on sugar and anything made with white flour. Eat more real food and less processed food. I don't know - I'm just grasping at straws here! I want to see you celebrating after weigh-in - this is so sad!

No matter what, you're eating healthier and that has to count for something! Your exercise has been great! Please hang in there!

 

[sharoncity]

Thank you all for the support and ideas! You guys are the greatest!!!!
I tried Atkins back in Sept. While I lost 7 lbs in about 4 weeks, I was MISERABLE!!! I enjoy pasta, bread, fruits..... It was just too hard for me. And then when I went off of it, I gained it all back plus more!!! Basically, it is not a WOL for me personally. Unless it was a health issue like diabetes that forced me to do it.
I'm thinking maybe I should see a nutrionist. Has anyone ever done that? Does it help? I'm just trying to think of what other ways of eating I could go to, other than Atkins or South Beach. I'm not ready to switch yet. I really think WW can work for me, but I guess I should at least start looking at other options.
Thanks again guys! I think I may even go home and exercise again tonight to try to convince the scale that I mean business!!!!
Doe - I don't think I eat too much processed foods now. Sugars are from fruit and yogurt. I don't know - do you see something in my menus I'm missing? That why I'm thinking nutritionist. I've certainly got lots of food journals to bring with me!!
As I said in an earlier post and then again to DH last night - I'm gonna be the healthiest overweight girl in town!!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[sharoncity]

Wow! I've never gone this long without cheating! And when I say I'm sticking to program, I MEAN I'm sticking to program. I will be rolling that bear again today! And the scale this AM still said 173.5.
Monthly goals:
1) vitamins - 7/7
2) blessings counted - 7/7
3) cheat free - 7/7
4) exercise - nope, not last night 4/7

food for Wed was:

100 oz water
B- 1/2 grapefruit .5 pt, apple cinnamon oatmeal 2 pts
L- McDs grilled chicken salad 6 pts, fruit and yogurt parfait 3 pts, banana 1.5 pts
D- WW Fiesta chicken 4 pts
S- peanuts 4 pts, popcorn 1 pt

Total for the day 21.5 (target 22)
So I continue to follow the program to a tee. Maybe if I continue like this through next Wed I will see a big WHOOSH! A girl can dream, right?
I am going into work late this AM. DS is home sick and we are doing all sorts of juggling to find coverage for the day. Oh well, hopefully he'll be better before Easter and noone else will get sick.
I'm off to have some breakfast. Have a great day everyone!!

TTFN-
Sharon

 

[Strings]

Hi Sharon,

You are amazing girlfriend. Great job staying on plan. Your bear looks very nice. I saw your post about seeing a nuitritionist. I hope you don't feel like we are pushing you. I was only trying to brainstorm. You are doing an amazing job staying on program. I'm really proud of you.

Beth

 

[sharoncity]

Beth- No, I definitely don't feel like you are pushing me. I am trying to brainstorm too. Like I said, Atkins just isn't for me as a WOL. Props to you that you can do that!!!! (Like my cool terminology Marcia?!) No Need to worry Beth!

 

[sharoncity]

Well, yet another cheat free day is in the books! I am really in a groove this week! That is good, because I am really beginning to worry about Easter. We do a lot of traditional foods that we only have on Easter and they are definitely not OP! With my weigh-ins going so poorly, I am worried that just the one day off plan will have terrible results for me. Additionally, the foods that could be okay are full of salt, so I'll be retaining water like crazy! Next Wed weigh-in is not looking too promising.
Goals for yesterday:
1) vitamins - Yes! 8/8
2) blessings counted - absolutely! 8/8
3) cheat free - Yup!! 8/8
4) exercise - Nope! I really should have done some last night, but just plain didn't! 4/8

I will definitely have to work some exercise into my plans for today. Not totally sure what my plans are, but I will figure it all out. Have some errands to run, boil eggs and color them later, find food that is non-meat (always a challenge), get Easter baskets out of the attic........Its gonna be a crazy day!

Food for yesterday was:
100 oz water
B- 2 Eggo Special K Waffles with all fruit spread 2.5 pts
L- lean pocket chicken fajita 4 pts, banana 1.5 pts
D- chicken breast on George Foreman grill 7.5 pts
S - bagel 3 pts, soda cupcake 1 pt, Kudos bar 2 pts

Total for day 21.5 (target 22) So I was right on target yet again!

I was searching the internet last night, looking into other diets and came across Body for Life. I ordered the book to read. It sounds pretty inspirational even if I don't switch over to the plan. But I'm thinking that could be my backup plan if I don't see results by the end of this month after staying OP so well. Oh, question - how much weight loss do you think I should see by end of April to say WW is working? I think 5 lbs. 1 or 2 lbs after all this effort just isn't gonna cut it for me. I think I need to see some real progress. What do you guys think?
Okay, I'm off to get some chores done. The is out here - I hope it is for you guys too! Have a great Friday!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[toystoryduo]

Sharon,
Good morning! Congrats on rolling that bear over! You are doing a great job on your goals too! I think with all of the running around that you are doing today, you can count that as exercise. Whew! I'm tired just reading it!

My friend is a fitness trainer and she recommended the book Body for Life to me. She said that the information in the book helps you learn how to begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle that lasts the rest of your life. I have been meaning to get a copy of this through our local library, but I just haven't had the time. Please let us know what you think of it.

I agree with what everyone else has said. I think that it might help to stick with WW through the end of April. If there is no change in the scale, then maybe it's time to find another program.

I'm with you on the carbs though. I have a hard time giving up my carbs. Someone suggested to me that I replace the bad carbs with good ones. For example, eating whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Eating whole grain pasta instead of regular spaghetti. I'm not sure if it has made a difference in my weight or not, but I feel better knowing that my food choices are a bit healthier than before.

Whatever you decide Sharon, please know that we are here for you and we are cheering you on towards your weight loss goals. With your positive attitude, you will accomplish your goals! You can do it Sharon! Keep on keeping on!

Tracy

 

[marsh0013]

oh gosh sharon, sorry i never got to check in with you after your date with the scale! that just stinks . i really wish i knew what to tell you sweetie . hopefully, you'll either start to see a break through, or you'll find something that really does work for you. seeing a nutritionalist could help, i'd love to be able to do that, to get a professional's opinion on what should work. who knows, i just know that this is not fair to you and so very frustrating i'm sure.

and it really made me smile to see you say "props". hehe . i think i remember seeing you said it on someone else's journal too, but i just forgot to comment! you're too funny girl, i love it!

i'm probably gonna be mia for the next few days what with all the holy days and easter that my family does. so i hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful easter!

 

[luvmy2sams]

Hi Sharon!

Thanks so muchh for helping me through my "vacation" week. I love your terminology, even though I wish it hadn't happened so soon into my program. I appreciate all the support and encouragement you throw my way more than you'll ever know.

I hope that DS is feeling better so that you are all able to enjoy this Easter weekend. *** to you all that everyone gets and remains well. Being sick is no fun!

I think looking for a 5 pound loss, considering how faithful and hard you've been working your program, is a good measure of whether or not WW is working for you. I can't imagine your frustration level, and I'm so proud of you for sticking with it! Bravo to you!

Maybe the book you ordered will offer some new ideas for you. I'm another one that could NEVER do Atkins or South Beach. How in the world would I survive without pasta? It would be ugly!

I hope you have a weekend!

~Angela

 

[vald1977]

Hi Sharon,
Wow! I'm impressed with that bear ! I think 5 pounds is a reasonable amount to lose in a month. I'm a little stressed out about Easter myself but here's my plan. If there's something I want that's not OP, I'm going to allow myself to have it but just a teeny tiny portion. That way I don't feel deprived but I still won't do too much damage. Good luck with the rest of your day . We will be doing the egg coloring later today too.

 

[luvmy2sams]

Good morning Sharon!

I hope you survived the onslaught of Easter goodies! Have a wonderful Monday!

~Angela

 

[sharoncity]

Hi All!
Yes, I did survive Easter okay Angela. I had about 3 pieces of candy throughout the day. So, all things considered, not too shabby!
I'm not going to go into detail for the last 2 days. I will be concise and say Saturday was a tough day for some reason. It was not cheat free because I used 6 flex pts. I was just really hungry and made a few poor choices. Sunday however was cheat free! I ended the day at 25 pts, which was 1 flex, 2 APS, 22 target. So I am still very pleased with my bear.
Goals for the month:
1) vitamins - yes! 11/11
2) blessings counted - yes! 11/11
3) cheat free - 1 no, 1 yes 10/11
4) exercise - 1 no, 1 yes 5/10

I need to get my butt in gear and exercise tonight and tomorrow to meet my exercise goal of 3 times this week! That will be tough!
I am having a tag sale this weekend. I will need to get stuff from the attic and cellar into the garage during my evenings this week. I think that will count as regular exercise if I do it for like an hour straight.
Today is going along very well! I don't forsee any problems with rolling my bear tonight, but never say never!
Have a great one!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[DoeWDW]

Sharon, you're doing so well at sticking with WW - that scale has just GOTTA move!!

I'll look back through your journal menus for the last few weeks - maybe I can spot something.....

Glad you made it through Easter!

Have a wonderful Monday!

EDIT: 3:45 PM
Sharon, I've gone over your menus since late February. I noticed that you're probably eating more processed food than you realize.

Breakfast usually included honey nut cheerios (processed, white flour, sugar), oatmeal (I'm guessing these are the packets of instant oatmeal - processed, sugar), bagel, english muffin, kudo bar - all are processed foods. Often you also include a piece of fruit, like a banana or 1/2 grapefruit.

Lunches - lots of quick food like Wendy's chicken strips, Lean Pockets (both processed), chicken noodle soup (I'm guessing this is canned - processed) at least 4 times per week. You also have some very good lunches mixed in there.

Your dinners look pretty good most of the time.

Your snacks - lots more kudos bars, bagels, cheese nips, pretzels, reese's pieces - processed food about 1/2 the time. but healthy stuff like fruit, peanuts, etc. the other half.

That's why I though you might want to cut down on the sugar and other stuff you're getting in processed foods like kudos bars, instant oatmeal, commercial bagels & muffins, sugared cereal, Lean Pockets, etc.

If you're like me, you have almost zero time for breakfast or lunch so the processed foods are quick & easy. I understand that - I tend to rely on protein bars when I have them in the house because I can just grab them & go. If you can eat that stuff and still lose weight, then no problem. But there may be things in those processed foods that are making it hard for your body to let go of the weight.

I don't know what else to recommend for you for breakfast - you could eat cottage cheese or yogurt with your fruit. I've been eating a piece of string cheese and an apple with peanut butter on it. If you want oatmeal, use regular oats and put your own cinnamon, sugar, raisins, berries, or whatever else sounds good. It cooks almost as fast in the microwave as the instant stuff. If you want cereal, pick one with less sugar, like Total or Special K or regular cheerios. Try them with some fruit on top - berries, bananas, peaches, etc.

Lunch - use a darker bread (I see you like rye - YUM!) with lunch meat like turkey, ham, roast beef, etc. I make burgers on my George Foreman & freeze them - then take them to work & microwave them for lunch. Lunch is definitely tough when you're not at home!

I don't know if any of this helps. If I'm way off base, I'm sorry. I know you're doing a great job and eating much healthier than you have in the past. I also know that you're frustrated with the scale and I'm only trying to point out things that might help. I won't be offended if you don't use any of my ideas - you have to do what works for you, Sharon.

Whatever you do, I'm sending extra for your week and for your next meeting with the scale.

 

[sharoncity]

Doe - can I just say you are an angel?!!!!
To spend all that time going through my journal, pointing out what I have been missing!! Thank you for that!
You are definitely right, breakfast and lunch are on the fly for me. Me and the two kids have to be out the door by 7:30 in the morning. I've been pretty good about getting my grapefruit in, but it takes a lot of prep the night before to have that kind of time in the morning. Remember when your kids were in grade school?! I am going to try to be a little better about the processed foods. I know I personally can't eliminate them, but perhaps I can at least cut back!
Thank you again for pointing this out to me. Don't take offense if I don't get the hang of it right away - old habits die hard!!
You are just so wonderful!!!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[septbride2002]

Hi Sharon! Just to add on to what Doe is saying about processed foods - I've noticed that when I cut them down to a minimum the weight has come off faster. So here is some ideas that I do that may be able to help you out. It takes some preperation though.

On Saturdays or Sundays I chop up lettuice, ham, turkey, hardboil eggs and slice em. Then I put the lettuice in individual sandwich baggies and mix the other stuff together and put them in other sandwich baggies. Then in the morning all you have to do is grab your lettuice bag and extras bag along with some salad dressing and you have lunch! Other lunch ideas are sandwiches on a darker bread (rye, whole wheat) like Doe suggested. I also like fruit with natural peanut butter. Make a little extra at dinner so that you can throw some in a tupperware container and have it the next day for lunch.

Breakfast is harder - I tend to grab lunch meat for breakfast, or celery and peanut butter, hard boiled eggs, or I make an omelet (if I have time). Here is one of my favorite things to do though.

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Brown a package of sausage and drain. Whip together a dozen eggs in a bowl and then add brown sausage into bowl, mix in 1 cup of Cheddar cheese - mix together well.
Pour into muffin tins and then cook for 10 to 12 minutes in oven until tops are getting brown. Let cool.

You'll get about 10 to 12 muffins depending on the size. I throw them in sandwich baggies and in the morning I microwave them for about 30 seconds and they come out hot and fluffy. They are great and easy!

~Amanda

 

[vald1977]

Hi Sharon,
Glad to hear your Easter went well . Good luck with the yard sale. I need to get going and put one of those together sometime soon. Hope you have a great day despite the grey skies. At least it's not snow, right ?!

 

[sharoncity]

Well, my new book came last night. "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips.
It is a very well written book, very inspirational. The before and after pictures are absolutely unbelievable! It sounds like a very well balanced plan that I could easily follow except for one major drawback. I would need to go to a gym 3 times a week for 45 min of weight training. I need to sit down and figure out if I could truly do that. My schedule is very full between home, family and work. I have never before been able to carve that kind of time out for myself. But if I am determined enough, I think I could make it work. I need to sit down and assess if I truly want to do this and then discuss with hubby if he will help me make it happen. WW is just not working for me right now. I don't know why not, but I am just about ready to throw in my towel.

Back to yesterday and goals. I had a good day.
1) vitamins - yes 12/12
2) count blessings - yes 12/12
3) cheat free - yes 11/12
4) exercise - no 5/11

Since I didn't exercise yesterday, I didn't meet my exercise goal for the week. How can I expect to do this other program if I can't manage to exercise at home even? I really need to work on this aspect of my life!
Food for yesterday was right on target points wise
100 oz water
B- banana 1.5 pts
L- oatmeal 3 pts
D - tacos 11.5 pts
S - kudos bar 2 pts, peanuts 4 pts

Total 22 pts

The peak at the scale this morning was not good. I was up yet another .5 lb. We shall see what it says for tomorrow. i was on program totally this week. There is NO way possible I could have gained weight!! I didn't even cheat for Easter (although I did cheat Sat, but not too bad) There is something that I am doing that has to be throwing this off. I am going to try harder to follow Doe's suggestion of cutting back on processed foods. I won't be able to eliminate them, but perhaps have less of them.
That's it for now. My mood today is somewhat ambivilant. Lots of grey skys and rain here in CT. Yuck! (But at least its not snow like Beth! )
TTFN-
Sharon
P.S.
I took so long writing this that Amanda and Val stopped by while I was typing. Val - thanks for stopping in. It really helps to know I have people checking on me!
Amanda - thank for the ideas and recipe. I will definitely make that breakfast muffin. DH started Atkins on Mon so he would love that! I'm not sure how WW friendly it is, but I'll run the pts. Maybe I could have that once every few days. I do need to get back to the salads, but I am hesitant because it caused me a lot of tummy troubles the last time I was salad happy. I guess I'll just have to try it and closely monitor it. Thank you again!!

 

[septbride2002]

Sorry Sharon sometimes I forget that not everyone is on a protein plan You could probably make it with Egg Beaters and turkey sausage to lower the points. Or forget the meat and just make it with eggs and low fat cheese.

~Amanda

 

[luvmy2sams]

Good morning Sharon!

I hope that the is shining in your neck of the woods this morning. If not, I'd be happy to send some your way.

How are preps for the tag sale going? We're having one on the 24th, and I'm dreading all the work I've got ahead of me.

I know how difficult it is to make time for yourself, especially with the kiddos nipping at your heels. I have the same problem. Since your DH is starting on Atkins, maybe he'll be over-the-top supportive of your efforts and will take over kid duties so you can have some extended exercise time in the evenings. I'm sending *** your way that your talk with him will be very productive. Don't feel guilty about carving out this time for yourself. If you're not healthy and taking care of yourself, you're not doing anyone any favors. It's so hard to make exercising a priority when there are so many other things to be done, but once you make that decision and commitment, everything WILL get done. I promise.

Please do not throw in the towel! You're working on mixing things up a bit, and I know that you're going to find that one glitch that will make all the difference in your weight loss. You've been doing a marvelous job, and I don't want you to throw all of that progress away!

I hope your weigh-in goes better than you're anticipating it will. I'll check back in later and will bring my sledge hammer, if needed.

Have a good day!
~Angela

 

[Strings]

Hi Sharon,

I actually find it easier to exercise somewhere besides home. It takes effort to go to a gym. You have to plan what to do with the kids. Once all that effort is made, I'm committed to going. At home, I'll see the laundryto fold, or Kate will need something. I hope DH can help you out. I give you alot of credit. A few people would just give up, but not you. You are searching for a program that will work for you. I know you will find it and committ to it. I'm proud of you.

WW and Atkins at the same time. That's a ton of cooking and shopping.

I really hope you can find the program for you. Remember, if you are adding weight training, your weight might go up for a few weeks because of muscle gain. But you will lose inches. Be sure to measure before you start and then monthly.


Beth