Anyone out there???

Well, not sure if anybody will see this post but I felt the urge to write...so here I am!
I thought I'd share a few highlights since I last posted in July!
1) I ran another half marathon this year and I finished in 2:14:36. I'm thrilled with this as it was 10 minutes faster than last year!
2) My nephews are gorgeous. Little P is hilarious and says the funniest things!
3) I have maintained my weight between 150-155lbs this year. I've always strived for the 140's but have discovered I can't "live" if I want to weigh that and frankly, I'd rather live!
4) I have a new addiction for group exercise! I signed up for a boot camp and a cardio class for the fall session and find that I LIKE the thought of going. The boot camp rocked and I only ever missed 1 class which was right before I ran my half and didn't want to injure myself. Maybe I'll get an attendance award at the last class this week!?!?
5) Along the same lines, I have signed up for exercise classes for the winter session too. 3 classes this time around!
Apparently I needed to remind myself of some good things that I've done this year!

Anyway, just felt like jotting a few things down! Maybe you'll see me again before the New Year :) If not, HAPPY HOLIDAYS :)

It's go time!

Just waiting on the running partner and then there is a 6K planned for tonight. I'm hoping to do the 10 min. challenge afterwards. I find when I do it before, my legs are too jelly-ish. I will be back to report my progress.

Food highlights:
veggie burger topped with cream cheese and hot sauce (yes, I did!!), feta pita for lunch with tzatziki and hot sauce and tons of veggies. It was a hot sauce kind of day, I suppose :)

Tomorrow is my Friday. AND I'm leaving early to take my car to get serviced :( I had an oil change done and they found metal filings in the filter/engine. From what I understand, this is not good news...

Update:
-Run...check
-10 min. challenge...no check
-Pig out following run...check
Blah! I felt so hungry after the run. I had some multigrain cheerios and milk and then I had a piece of bread with PB and J. What's up with that?
-Pack lunch...check and uncheck. J's is done, mine is not :(

Turning the corner...

on my laziness! Today was a fairly uneventful day at work, thankfully!
I came straight home and made dinner as I was going running at 7pm and needed the time to digest! Dinner, dishes, lunches done so it was time for a challenge, I'd say :)
10 minute challenge:
10 pushups/30 squats
40 bicycles/30 reverses (again no lunges)
16 tricep dips/60 sec. wall squat (15 dips the second time around as I wasn't really meaning to do 16 anyway!!)
60 sec. plank
20 mountain climbers for fun?? (seen on another website and had to try!)

Then at 7pm it was off for a 5K. It was humid again - wasn't expecting that so it was a good sweaty run (tmi??)!!

Food highlights:
Mixed bean/salsa/hot sauce/goat cheese/hot pepper mixture with a high protein pita, new yogurt - liberte organic low fat vanilla flavour which was excellent! with multigrain cheerios and a bit of strawberry jam mixed in, spicy butter-lime shrimp

PS. anyone seen Jen???? :)

Lazy McSlackerton

Yep, that's me! I've been super slacking off on the 10 min. challenge as well as on my eating a bit :( So sad! But now is the time to get back into the routine.
Quick recap:
Thursday: L called me at work wanting a kid-free night out as she had a rough day with the boys! (Little P is definitely testing her!) So, she came to town and left the boys with Daddy for the night. Then we went out for dinner and drinks at the new Italian restaurant in town...and WOW, it was excellent! We'll definitely be going back. We sat at the bar (cause the place was packed) but that turned out in our favor b/c the owner was the bartender and gave us recommendations and then a free dessert wine! The whole dinner was fabulous but NOT calorie friendly!

Friday: Work...blah. Then drinks and appy's and subway for dinner with L & D.

Saturday: 10K training run (YAY)!! It was slow but felt good. Then we went to Costco for just a few things and to price out sheds and vanities. Had Sobey's sushi for dinner and watched the movie "Taken".

Today: All bathrooms cleaned. Showered and out for breakfast. Went to an open house for fun. Groceries. Home to help J install a light. Now just relaxing. I'm going to do the challenge today and I'm going to run tomorrow and I'm going to eat better.
SERIOUSLY!!!

Update:
10 min. challenge complete!
10 pushups/30 squats/repeat
30 bicycles/30 reverses/repeat (no lunges as knees are hurtin' from 10K)
15 dips/60 sec. wall squat/repeat
60 sec. plank
No idea on the time. I didn't pay any attention!

Go, go, go

Ahhhh, I feel so busy but I'm not really sure why. I'm just doing normal things but it seems so hard to fit it all in. What is up with that?
Tonight was a 6K run right after work. Then home to make dinner, do dishes, pack lunches, and vacuum. I sat down at 8pm. My life felt much less hectic when I was doing 12 hour shifts!
I tried to get Friday off but apparently that's not happening :( So...suck it up, Tara!!!
No challenge tonight...I did it last night and will do it again tomorrow.
Food highlights:
deviled egg, pita pizza, 6 dill pickle chips!, 1/2c. frozen yogurt

Hello Jello...LEGS!

Yep that's what the legs felt like after the challenge today! It looked a little something like this:
10 push ups/30 squats/repeat
30 bicycles/30 reverses/30 lunges/repeat
15 dips/60 sec. wall squat/repeat
65 sec. plank (complete with sweat dripping off my forehead!!)
Time: 11 minutes

No run tonight. Runs scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Should have gone for a walk but didn't :(

Food highlights:
toast with PB & J (i have it everyday but sometimes it just tastes better!), cucumber slices with hummus and a dash of frank's!, mixed bowl of strawberries and raspberries.
I'd like to say that my green smoothie was a highlight but something was a little off in it. I think it's the banana. I've tried putting it in to sweeten it up but I just don't like the taste :( I need to just stick with berries and pineapple, I guess!

Back to the grind :(

Weekends go WAY too fast. How sad! Again, we were fairly busy as family friends were down this way so we spent a lot of time at my parents. "The boys" were there as well so all was good!
I also have found a new summer drink...the raspberry mojito - hello refreshment!! It was super yum! And Preston liked to help me make them by eating all the raspberries! Too cute...
So we babysat after work on Friday so L & J and Mom and Dad could go out and celebrate their anniversaries! SO...no challenge on Friday :(
I DID do it on Sunday though! And I also went for a run. Between those two things, I somehow tweaked my back...ouch! That is why there is no challenge today. I hope to feel up to it tomorrow. We shall see.
Food highlights:
Raspberries, another goat cheese salad with strawberries this time, and my dinner salad topped with cuke, peppers, onions, lemon juice, hummus, salsa and hot sauce!!

Wow...

So on Monday, I weighed 5 pounds heavier than I did the previous week. OUCH. That's insane. I had a small freak out but decided to stick with my plan and just eat reasonably and excercise.
The verdict?
It worked. Back to my "regular" weight again this morning. THANK GOD!!
I did a short, HOT run tonight after work. And then vaccuumed the house...it was HOT too!
Time to relax!!!

Bonjour

Well, my 10 minute challenge looked alot like last night's!! I wasn't into it so much tonight so I kinda just went through the motions. Not good I suppose but since I've done it 3 nights in a row, maybe that's why!
Coop, J and I went for a walk this evening after dinner and before the rain. It was good. Great way to tire out a dog and myself! We let him off his leash at the little park at the end of our street and we both just ran around!
I guess that's all I have to report for today! I feel boring lately!!!
Food highlight:
Salad the same as yesterday for lunch and then a Mushroom, spinach, red onion, and goat cheese omelette for dinner...YUM!

Done and...almost done!

OK, 10 minute challenge make up session has been checked off the list. It looked like this:
9 push ups/25 squats
30 bicycles/26 reverses/26 lunges
14 triceps/52 sec. wall squat
All with repeats.
60 sec. plank
Time: 10 minutes on the dot.

Next up: short run at 7pm.
Dishes are done and lunches are already packed so I can hopefully go watch J's ball game at 9pm.
Food highlight today:
AWESOME salad consisting of green leaf lettuce, spinach, blackberries, 1/2 sliced fresh peach, fake chicken cooked in balsamic and maple syrup, and goat cheese, topped with Renee's pear and blue cheese dressing - major YUM!! I didn't like goat cheese the first time I tried it but since then I've had a few restaurant meals with it and I'm addicted :)

Playing Catch Up

but losing! It was another busy weekend here at the Smith household. I'm sad to say that I need to do some challenge make up days :( Friday, we ran 9K and we had company over before I even got home so no challenge time. Then we had a wedding on Saturday and had to be in Pontypool by 10am. I could not drag my butt out of bed in time to get in any excercise. Sunday = hangover so nothing then either!!
Today was work then groceries then dinner then lunches THEN CHALLENGE! Yay!
9 pushups/20 squats
30 bicycles/26 reverses/26 lunges
14 triceps/52 sec wall squat
60 sec plank

Run scheduled for tomorrow.
Food highlights:
veggie dog! (sometimes you just need a hot dog!), brussel sprouts, roasted mini potatoes.

Umm, yep...it still hurts!

This HAS to get easier soon!! I was so hurtin' after the plank at the end of the challenge...frig!!! Going back for a second though...I was supposed to run today but L needed someone to help her shop for the wedding this weekend. Who better than me to help a girl out?? We just went downtown Lindsay and ended up finding something at Sweet Annies in half an hour!
All the boys were waiting back at our house and we got Wild Wing for dinner. I usually get fries with wing sauce to dip in but I wanted to be good so I had a veggie pizza sub from Mr. Sub :) Yay!
L and family hung out for a while. Yay for nephews :)
THEN, I did the challenge. Numbers were random today:
9!!! push ups/26 squats/repeat
30 bicycles/26 reverses/26 lunges/repeat
13 triceps/52 sec wall squat/repeat
60 sec plank
Whew!! Done in 10 minutes...crazy.
Food highlights:
Pizza sub!!
Everything else was pretty boring!

Ouch!!

Well, I almost cried when doing the ab portion of the toning challenge this evening! I first went for a 5K run. Then home for dinner. Then dishes. Then the CHALLENGE!!
My theme tonight was 13...(except for the pushups!!!) everything I did was in multiples of 13:
8 pushups
26 squats
REPEAT
26 bicyles
26 reverses
26 lunges
REPEAT
13 dips
52 second wall squat
REPEAT
52 second plank (double ouch on the abs!!)
I'm so happy that this is so quick (10 min tonight) and I can totally feel it working :)
I've been experimenting with not "counting" my points. I still have an idea in my head but I'm attempting to eat when I want to as long as it's reasonable and excercise. So far I've been maintaining and I'm happy with that. A little fluctuation is OK with me as long as I stay in the 5 lb range that I feel good in. We'll see how it goes. I'll report my weigh in on Thursday and we'll see where it's at!!
Food highlights:
-Green smoothie - berries, pineapple, few small slices of banana, soy milk and a scoop of berry amazing grass
-Veggie tzatziki sandwich
-Yummy salad with a bit of ranch dressing and a lot of Frank's!! It's weird, I can't get enough Frank's lately...I NEED it on everything!!

Wow...I've been gone a long time :(

Well I'm back...and my only reader knows it's been a busy time for the family! I need to try and be accountable and get my butt (and abs) in gear. To do this, I have challenged Jen to do a strength workout every other day for 30 days??? I need to keep doing it after 30 days but maybe we'll find another workout to mix it up a little after 30 days.
I'd like to say that I just completed it and it was easy...but it wasn't!! That 9 minutes just kicked my ass!!!! Just what I need :)
For the first round I did 8 real pushups (it hurts my knees to do girl style...and yes, 8 is a little sad!!) and 25 squats and repeat. Then 26 bicycles, 20 reverses, 20 lunges and repeat. Then 12 chair dips, 40 second wall squat and repeat. Finished off with a 45 second plank. We'll see if I can improve those numbers as we go along!! I was surprised how weak I am...I don't do any strength stuff at all. Just run. This will be good!!!
Anyway, now that the workout is checked off my list, I need a shower and then I need to see my cutie nephews!!
Later Gator!

So...I'm up.

o.6lbs heavier this week. Not surprising considering my run yesterday was rained out. We were ready to go in the misty rain but as soon as we were ready to go...down pour! So what did we do instead? Had a couple of drinks of course!
I'm not worried. I think I'm happy with my weight. Notice the "think". I seem to be able to maintain here without trying too hard and that's important. Those are my thoughts today. They may change tomorrow. I'd like to be under 152 so I need to make sure I behave this week and knock off a bit.
Good luck to Jen!! And happy long weekend to her!

Allergies...where did you come from???

I have never had to know the suckiness of allergies...until this year!! What is up with that? I have never been allergic to anything and probably have often told other people to suck it up. How bad can it be? Well, I'm here to say...I'm not a fan! Whatever is floating around in the air making my head feel like it's going to explode - GO AWAY! OK, I feel better just sayin' that!
This weekend was fun. Not sure that I did so great on the food front all weekend but that seems to be how my life works. Little P loved his battery operated tractor from us! He just has to get used to driving it! Too funny!
I ran today after work. Just a little 5K but it felt hard. Note to self - head exploding = bad running day!
Food:
B- toast with PB and J (4)
L- hummus sandwich (3), cottage cheese (1), yogurt (1), raspberries (0)
S- melbas with hummus (3)
D- BBQ'd veggie dog (1) on a bun (2) with peas (1) and a cuke/tomato/pepper/shaved parmesan salad (2) with balsamic dressing (1)
I have a tasty new recipe to try but wasn't feeling like the work tonight so I'm aiming for that tomorrow!! Have I mentioned I love BBQ season?? Oh and have I mentioned my head may explode?!?!

Where have I been?

That's a good question!! I baby sat Little P on Sat/Sun. Went to my parents on Sun/Mon. Worked Tuesday and then swam with Little P at his lessons as Daddy couldn't go. Then went for a run afterwards, then went to J's ball game. Worked again on Wednesday and had to work OT until 630. Then had a seminar at 7pm. Home at 930...in bed by 10! Worked on Thursday, then ran after work, then made dinner. Didn't eat until 7pm. Then chatted with my mom about P's bday that we're celebrating on Sat!!
What was my food like? I cannot even recall! I do know that I didn't really eat much on Wed. cause I didn't have time! You know you're busy when you don't have time to eat! This is especially true for me...I ALWAYS have time to eat :)
Good thing about being busy?
You lose weight without trying!
I'm down 0.6lbs. Not much but due to the fact that I haven't counted points for a week...I'm happy.
Here's hoping for some downtime this week!

Blah!

That about sums up my week. I've felt like crap for most of the week. I've given in to food cravings (especially when coming home from work...I was starving this week). I've been tired. I haven't wanted to make dinner. And points?? What are those?
What do you get for all that? GAIN of 2 lbs.
Yuck. Why do I do this to myself? Has this gain made me change my ways today? I'll give you one guess...

From bad to worse!

Yes, I had MORE issues today! Medium pizzas were $3.99 @ Pizza Nova today. I had 3 pieces for lunch. How dare my coworker take advantage of my biggest weakness??? I love pizza, what can I say? The right answer to that is NO!!!
So anyway, I'm not so sure about the scale this week :(
No run today but I did manage a 30 min. walk with Cooper.
Food:
B- toast with PB & J (2), yogurt (1)
L- 3 pieces of pizza (10?), fruit cup (1)
D- Egg salad sandwich (5), sugar snap peas (1), veggies and dip (1)
J's first ball game of the season is tonight @ 9pm. I think I'll watch the start of BL before I go and the end when I get home. I can't believe that it's 3 freakin' hours long!
GO MIKE!!!

Not a good girl :(

This was NOT a good eating weekend!! Easter rules did not apply and they should have. I cannot even estimate how many points I ate.
Sunday was likely the worst...let me list a few things: cheese and crackers, lots of full fat tortilla chips and buffalo "chicken" dip, caesar salad, not one but TWO pieces of strawberry glazed pie and one small sliver of lemon meringue pie. OUT of control, I tell you. As Jen has said, the scale is punishing me big time.
Hopefully I have enough time to recover from this. We shall see.
Today has been better. 7K run certainly helped.
Food today:
B- toast and PB and J (3)
L- veggie sandwich (3), cottage cheese (1), cup of soup (1), fruit cup (1)
S- pita chip crumbs (2?)
D- veggie burger (5), tomato soup (3), veggies and dip (1)
That's it for a Monday!

Blogger found...what's the reward??

I found myself...sorry Jen!
It's been super busy around here lately. I've been trying to get my house in better order due to hosting a work event tonight. It will be the first time some work friends get to see the place!
Also, I've been helping paint Little P's new bedroom! It looks awesome. He's going to have the coolest 2 year old's bedroom around!
Then, hair night was on Tuesday evening. I left right after work to get to Port Perry in time and then L and I went for dinner afterwards.
And we've run 4 evenings this week which also cuts into my blogging time! I feel like I've hardly sat down in the evening all week!
Anyway, on the weight loss front...I lost 1.2lbs this week. This sort of amazes me as I've been having a hungry week! I am more than happy to take it though!
This coming week looks to be crazy as well. Work event tonight, b-day dinner on Friday, taking J's mom out for breakfast on Saturday for Mom's day, going to the cottage Sat. for the delivery of the new boat and staying over there and then Mom's day for my Mom on the Sunday! Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it!
Anyway, that's your update.
I will try to be back to "normal" on Monday!
Happy Weekend!

Back to my regular scheduled programming!

Well...HI!
So sorry that I've been MIA since being back from Vegas! It's been a whirlwind as we didn't land in TO until 630AM on Sunday morning so there wasn't a whole lot of time to get organized for the week. That means it looks as though a tornado has passed through the house but I'm just not caring!! Here's hoping this weekend is productive!
Vegas was awesome! The weather was amazing and we got to see lots and even had time to relax by the pool a bit! It was sad to come home to reality :( I hope to get some pictures up at some point over the weekend!
I did weigh in this week and I'm sorry to say that I gained 3 pounds! I weighed in when I got home and I was up 4.6 so I guess I recovered a little. SO game on this week to get back down to where I like to be.
I ran on Mon/Wed and will be going tomorrow as well. I've decided that I need to do something to tone up more as well. Maybe just as easy as some sit ups/push ups/squats on my off running days??? We are, afterall, approaching bathing suit season!
And for fun, food today:
B- egg (2), toast (1), miracle whip (0)
L- veggie sandwich with sprouted grain bread and cream cheese (3) - (Jen, I've been meaning to ask if Wendy and Barb's hummus is still at your grocery store??? It's gone from here and I couldn't be more upset!!!), cottage cheese (1), yogurt (1), orange (1)
S- 4 melbas (1)
D- nachos made with guiltless gourmet tortilla chips (4), salsa, peppers, tomatoes, veggie ground meat (1), 1/3 c. cheese (3), light cheez whiz (1)
S- baked lays and low fat dip!!!

Maybe I mis-spoke...

I said I was hoping for a loss but a STS would be just as good.
Guess what???
I STAYED THE SAME!!!
YAY for Easter rules :)
I'm still at goal weight for VEGAS! AND some of my summer clothes are too BIG!

GOOD LUCK JEN!! I think we've got this!

Here's hoping for a loss...

Fingers crossed for Jen and I! All is said and done for this week. I just have to wait until I wake up and see what my dear scale says. Hear that scale...I'm being nice to you...your turn :)
Another run in today after work. It felt fast and got the heart rate going. Felt good.
Food:
B- egg and toast (3)
L- tzatziki sandwich (3), cottage cheese (1), yogurt (1)
S- lemon bar larabar (4)
D- tuna pita (4), perogies (3), peas (1), salad (0)
S- 3 marshmallows (1)

4 in a row...

going on 5! Runs that is. Yes, I went for a run/walk today after work with my cousin. It wasn't hardcore but it was something. The routine has made today easier. I'm just hoping with all hope that I can lose this week. That will make it seem so successful...and that's how I'd like it to feel!
Anyway, BL is on already so I'll give you a quick food recap:
B- hard boiled egg (2) on toast (1) with ff miracle whip (0)
L- tzatziki sandwich (3), cottage cheese (1), yogurt (1), orange (1)
S- V8 (1), cheese string (1), cheese while making dinner (2)
D- pita pizza (5), cauliflower/spinach cooked in balsamic vinegar with a sprinkle of feta cheese (1)
S- craisins (1)

Yay BL...go Kristen!

Harder than I thought!

Well, it's "girl" week here and that has made today a bit more challenging than I thought. I'm craving bad food but have done my best to behave. I also have some wicked pain but with Advil, I'm dealing.
Got a run in this morning again. Not sure how far as we went on the trail and I wasn't wearing my ipod. We did run for 47 min. though. Not too bad.
Food today:
B- egg (2) on toast (1) with ff miracle whip (0)
L- "chicken" nugget sandwich - ww bun (2) topped with tomato sauce (0), fake chicken nuggets (2), ff cheese slice (1) all toasted in the toaster oven with a spinach salad on the side (1)
Treat for today - 2 of J's reese minatures (2)
S- melba toast (2), handful of marshmallows (1)
D- veggie lasagna (6), brussel sprouts (1), salad (1)
S- small piece of mccain cake - oops!!! (3), marshmallows (2)
Now I NEED to stop eating! I'll ruin it all on what's supposed to be my EASY day!
As you can see, I'm technically over my points but there was good runs done 3 days in a row and I'm HUNGRY! So I will chalk it up to the activity and count some of those points as being used. We'll see how that works. Here's hoping for a better food day tomorrow!
Hope Jen is having fun at her Easter :)

Scale check PLUS updates!

Up 1.8lbs! OOPS!
You know what that means? A 6K run this AM by myself. Just me and the Ipod. 6K in less than 40 min. I'll take it! Especially since I ran a 5K about 15 hours ago! The run was not liking me much. It was super windy out. And I had about 3 bouts of nausea thouroughout but hey...desperate times... :)
Food so far:
B- hard boiled egg (2) on toast (1) with ff miracle whip (0)
Post run- protein shake (2) (yogurt - 1, crystal light - 0, 1/2 scoop protein powder -1, handful of frozen berries - 0)
Lunch and Dinner are unknown at this point!
I'll be back!
So lunch was definitely minimal = 1 piece toast (1) topped with hummus and hot peppers (0), yellow pepper strips (0), a few strawberries (0)
At J's family dinner I sat by the veggie tray to start!! I will count (1) for dip! However, let's remember there were drinks - rum and diet coke = 12 total for the day. YES, I have a problem :) I'm OK with it! Dinner was surprisingly a buffet style!! There were more people there than expected so we couldn't all sit at the table which meant buffet!!
D- spinach salad (1), coleslaw (1), small piece of veggie lasagna (2), 3 bites of stuffing (1), corn (1), 1/2 bun (2), turnip (0), veggie nuggets (3?)- J's sister's BF is a vegetarian and makes his own out of soy! AND my treat for the day = dessert! J's mom calls it Cherries in the Snow. It's basically a trifle with angel food cake, a cream cheese, cool whip, sugar mixture and canned cherries (4???).
SO...I think I did OK. I realize the drinks aren't a great idea points wise. But hey, that's life!
Another run is planned for tomorrow. That should be 3 runs in 3 days. No excercise on my hardest day which is understandable I think!
Onto MONDAY!

Hardest day OVER!

Well, Friday is over as well as most of Saturday. Yesterday was very challenging. I'm not sure that I conquered it as well as I could have but it was my MOST trying food day of the weekend. Luckily it was on the Friday. I'm hoping to recover. 1st step to recovery = 7pm run!! I'm actually looking forward to it!
Friday details:
1. Lee's family came over and ended up staying over. That means 3 meals (lunch, dinner, next morning's breakfast) with company over. I wasn't planning on that.
2. My parents were here for lunch AND dinner as well!
3. Our little downstairs bathroom got new flooring and a toilet installed! Hopefully there will be a sink in on Monday if Ty shows up! He didn't come yesterday :(
4. Good choices: B- toast and cheez whiz (3), L- grilled fish (3), small serving of fries (3?), broccoli salad (2), veggies (0), fruit and low fat fruit dip (2), D- chili casserole (6), broccoli salad (2), spinach salad (1). Now that wouldn't be so bad if there wasn't a #5 in this post!!! Please note in #5 that there was cake but there WAS NOT ice cream!!
5. Bad choices: B- none, L- none!!!!, D- whole wheat dinner roll with melted cheese (4?), cake - my treat for today! (5?) AND...wine (12 probably). I did however have some water in between as well as some diet pop. I tried!! Total flex points used = 21. Therefore only 14 left for tomorrow.
6. Excercise was also a bit of a problem. I did go out and run/walk with Cooper while J did the same with Little P in his push-able car. It was funny...he was killing himself laughing. He liked that Cooper and I were running beside him!
7. Good thing about tomorrow - I'm bringing a salad!
8. Bad thing about tomorrow - J's mom tends to "dish up" everyone's dinner rather than it being buffet style which makes it hard.

Saturday's eats:
B- 5 bites of scrambled egg (2), bun with melted cheese (4), 5 bites of leftover fries made into homefries (2?)
Treat- FF, SF Caramel latte!!! (3)
D- Sobey's veggie sushi (6), V8 (1)
Planned snack after run: shrimp and sauce (2), veggies and dip (1)
PLUS - plenty o' water/crystal light to try and counter act that sodium!! The challenges never end!!

Baffled but ELATED!

I'm at a loss for words...maybe that's what's helped me lose this week!
I am DOWN 3 FREAKIN' POUNDS!! Yes, you read that right. I must have stepped on the scale 5 times and each time it confirmed a 3 to 3.4lb loss! I even weighed myself here at work on the "real" scale. It showed me down 2 but that's with clothes and shoes on!!! SO, welcome body to goal weight again :)
I'm not even going to attempt to explain it or rationalize it cause I have no idea how this has happened. I just need to focus and make sure it STAYS OFF! I am going to do my best to blog over the weekend and stay accountable. I may even have to go for a run by myself but right now, I'm willing to do anything to keep this weight off for our VEGAS trip!!!
Skinny vibes going out right now to Jen!! Good luck :)

Kitchen is closed!

K, that's it for tonight. The only thing allowed this evening is water! I've had my food for the day and I'm getting pumped to go running at 7pm despite the snow on the ground. The sidewalks appear a bit clearer. Judging from the scale this AM, there is still some hope! Maybe I confused my body over the weekend and it kicked up the metabolism?!? One can only hope :)
Food today:
B and L - replica of yesterday (7)
S- hard boiled egg (2) on sprouted grain bread (1) with a bit of FF miracle whip (0)
D- chili (5) - it's gone now!, salad (0) with feta cheese (1) and balsalmic vinegar (0), another piece of sprouted grain bread (1)
S- motivate protein bar (4) - I was only going to have half but went back and got the other half!
Now just awaiting my running partner and then it's out for a quick run.
Here's hoping everyone has good luck tomorrow on the scale :) Fingers are crossed!

NOT conducive to running :(

What is going on? Is this April or am I confused? This snow is super depressing. It better be cleared up by the 17th at least!! Obviously no run today. The road just got plowed moments ago for the FIRST time since it started snowing so you can imagine what the sidewalk looks like. Apparently they think that nobody really lives on this street!
So, on to Easter weekend...it was seeming like it was going to be kinda easy foodwise. My extended family is not getting together until NEXT weekend as it is better for everyone so the only hurdle was going to be dinner with J's family. Turns out now, we are having a 3 way b-day party (mine, mom's and J's) on Good Friday and there will be takeout fish and chips involved!! You see, on the 18th is when my extended family will be gathering and then on the 19th, J and I are going to TO to the Jays game and staying over because on the 20th...WE'RE GOIN' TO VEGAS, BABY!! So that is what is interrupting the whole birthday celebrations. Whew! Anyway, I now forget where I was going with that...
Oh yeah, Friday will be hard but I know that there is grilled fish on the menu so I will at least aim for that and maybe I can get a salad to go with???
OK, on to today:
B- oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), orange (1), yogurt (1)
S- V8 (1), cheese string (1 - glad I bought those for J!!!), dill pickle (0)
D- HUGE ass salad (0) drizzled with fresh lemon juice and topped with hummus (0) and hard boiled egg (2) along with chili cheese fries!!! (6) - ff fries topped with veggie chili and a drizzle of light cheez whiz. It felt SO bad but tasted SO good!!
S- apple tea (0), fruit leather (1), probably some popcorn or smartfood 100 cal pack later for BL!
One day closer to a LONG weekend :)

Getting there...

It seems to be a slow process, but I'm slowly trying to get back on track. I didn't do much point counting on the weekend. I'm OK with that. I'm again questioning my need to be at a certain number. That seems to happen every so often. I will plug away at it for a bit more though and reassess.
Yesterday was cleaning/running/grocery shopping day, in that order! Luckily for the Loblaws customers and staff, there was a shower thrown in there prior to leaving the house! Unfortunately there was some sad news at the grocery store...it appears as though the Wendy and Barb's hummus is no longer there :( So what's a girl to do? Make her own 0 point hummus I guess! Chickpeas + lots of lemon juice + garlic + water + pickled hot pepper "juice" + a splash of olive oil = very garlicky goodness!!
Food today:
B- steel oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), orange (1), chocolate birthday cake (5) - which made me feel sick!
S- V8 (1)
D- veggie chili (5), ww toast (1), plus a weird combo of 2 melted marshmallows (1) with whole grain cereal mixed in (1)
S- 100 cal Smartfood (2) - have I mentioned that I LOVE smartfood? I was so excited to see it in 100 cal packs!

My apologies!

Busy, busy! In weigh-in news: Up 0.6lbs. Blah!
Jack and Jill coming up on the weekend. AND I'm drinking at it! Therefore, maybe next week will suck too! I'm having an "I don't care" period so I guess I'll have to deal with it when I start to care again. I'm aware that this is a bad attitude. Just not sure how to get out of it. Being busy does not make it easy either.
It will get better!
In more uplifting news, Jen has done it again! Visit her for inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!

Come ON!

I'm sorry if I offend anyone but Tara on BL makes me throw up in my mouth a little. PLEASE SHUT UP!!
K, I feel better now.
Bye.

Monday and Tuesday Bite the Dust!

Yay, almost to hump day! Time is flying by these days. This weekend was busy. Dinner guests on Friday, Saturday AND Sunday. Drinks were kept to a minimum. Food was OK. Veggie pizza and salad on Friday. Burgers/pasta salad/snowpeas/angelfood cake on Saturday. Veggie edge pizza and a few breadsticks on Sunday! I'm sure I could LIVE on pizza and subs...no question! Ran on Friday and was supposed to run Sunday but it was yucky out!
Yesterday and today were running days instead. Tomorrow will be a day off and then back at it on Thursday!
Food today:
B- ww toast and PB and J (3)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt/cereal (2)
S- handful of chocolate covered raisins (2?), V8 plus (0)
D- veggie pizza sub (10)
S- SOMETHING during biggest loser (2-3)

Running rocks :)

Down 1.6lbs this week! So exciting! And Jen is down AGAIN!!! Go team :)
5.5K run after work today.
Food:
B- oats and choc. chips (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt/cereal (2)
S- motivate bar (4)
D- J's mom's bday cake and ice cream (6???) then tomato soup (3)
S- Combos (6??), fruitbites (1)

Food couldn't be more random but I went for a run right after work and we were supposed to go for cake after dinner. I didn't have time to make dinner so we went for cake right away! Hey, whatever works, right??
Points aren't as bad as I thought but maybe I underestimated the cake?? Who knows!

Good point!

Jen had a good point about my points yesterday! They weren't high enough. So after reading that, I did have some more fruitbites (1) and some 100 cal popcorn (1) and a cheese string (1). Very random snacks, I realize! I only had a 1/2 larabar that I grabbed in the AM leftover from the weekend when I tried it. The rest were downstairs and at 7am, I just didn't think about it! But I've already restocked the cupboard so I can have a motivate bar before/after tomorrow's run!
Today has still been a blah day. Again, not sure what is up. A touch of a cold perhaps? No excercise today. I should have taken Cooper for a walk/run but couldn't find the energy.
Anyway, food today:
B- steel cut oats with choc. chips (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt/cereal combo (2)
D- veggie burger (2) with cheese (1) on sprouted grain bread (2) with a big spinach salad (0) and 1/3c. tabuli salad (2)
S- fruitbites (1), 1c. organic cereal (2) with 1/2c. milk (1)

Short and Sweet!

For some reason, I'm exhausted today. Can't quite put a finger on why that is. So I will give a quick food summary and tell you that I did go running even though I felt exhausted. We ran the trail by W's after work today. 33 minutes. It was very windy on the way back so I think we lost some time fighting the wind!
Food:
B- steel cut oats with choc. chips (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt/cereal/2 strawberries (2)
S- 1/2 cinnamon roll larabar (2)
D- 2 eggs (4), 2 pieces toast (2), veggies and dip (1), V8 plus (0)
S- 12 fruitbites (1)

Off to veg for tonight!

What's a girl to do?

What is the right decision when your mom has you over for breakfast and makes you homemade waffles??? Tara's answer - EAT 2!! It was one of those situations where breakfast was breakfast AND lunch so maybe that minimized the damage but I have no idea how many points they are! Anyway, weekend is over and while there may have been some indulgences, it shouldn't break the bank, so to speak.
Activity = 30 min run on Friday + 5K run on Sunday + dog walking tonight (walk/run intervals!!)
Food for Monday:
B- steel cut oats (2) topped with 9 choc. chips (0!!)
L- Spinach salad with cuke, green pepper, balsamic vinegar (0) topped with 1/3c. tabuli ie. couscous type salad thing (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt/fruit/cereal (3)
S- timbit (1), V8 plus (0)
D- pasta surprise! = ww pasta (6), green pepper, broccoli, grape tomatoes, spinach, sliced up veggie burger (2) in tomato sauce (0)
S- cukes and vinegar (0), celery and light cheez whiz (2)

Too much Biggest Loser?

I will admit, I was hoping for more this week. I thought maybe I could replicate some of the 5-6lb losses!!! (yeah right!). I lost 1 lb.
Let's recap the week...
Regularly running again? Check.
Food on track? Check.
Downward direction on scale? Check.
It's a start (or maybe the 20th start??).

Food today?
B- cheesecake oats (2)
L- guess? (6)
S- post 30 min. run)- chocolate motivate bar (4) - I was skeptical of this one cause I don't usually like TOO much chocolate but today, it certainly hit the spot! Kinda like a brownie in there. YUM!
D- minestrone soup (3), grilled cheese (3)
S- baked chips? fruit bites? DEFINITELY cherry limeade!!!!

You would think...

that the night before weigh would be easier. You know, extra motivation to be good so that your true effort shows on the scale. Why is it that I cannot get food out of my brain tonight? I'm guessing it has something to do with a frustrating day at work but still!! It's going to take all that I have to behave myself. Here's hoping it works!
Food today:
B- cheesecake oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), fruit/yogurt/cereal combo (3)
S- 2 rye crackers (1) topped with chili sauce (0 but there was alot of sodium in it!) 1/2c. cereal and milk (2)
D- pita pizza (4) and spinach salad with sauteed red onion and mushrooms in balsamic vinegar (0)
S- sugar cone (1), fruit bites (3)

Happy weigh in day tomorrow :)

Hummus...

the condiment of the MONTH, I think! I can't seem to get enough of it :) You've probably figured that out since it's been my lunch staple forever!
Today was great! Awesome weather. Quick 30 min. jog after work. Extra stair running and crazy planks after a yummy dinner...AND it's BL night! Yay!
I'm not one for St. Patty's celebrations but the green beer on Jen's page did look refreshing!! Speaking of Jen, she was kind enough to give me some of her precious stock of crystal light and I can't put into words just how much I'm loving them!!
Food today:
B- strawberry "cheesecake" oats (2) - I added some berries and a touch of ff cream cheese stirred in with brown sugar splenda.
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), V8 (1), berry/yogurt/cereal mix (3)
S- protein bar post run (4) - smores variety = very yum!
D- grilled portabello (0) on sprouted grain bread (2) topped with....HUMMUS! (0), salad with strawberries and almonds (2), ff fries (2), 3/4c. peas (1)

New addictions...

1. Motivate protein bars
2. Cherry pie larabars
3. Costco organic cereal
4. Fruit bites :)
Yum, such good food finds this weekend! Most were Jen's recommendations and man, was she right! Thanks Jen!
It's sad that it's Monday already. But the show must go on! Yesterday was another 35 min. run. I mapped it out and it turns out that it was almost 5K. Not so bad for just restarting! And what awesome weather the last 2 days. Can't wait for tomorrow. Another run is on the agenda. I also took Cooper for a jaunt today after work. Weather definitely makes a world of difference :)
Food today (alot the same as usual!):
B- steel cut oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich on stonemill sprouted grain bread (yay, I found the bread again! - 2), cottage cheese (1), V8 (1), 1c. berries with yogurt and 1/2c. organic cereal (3)
S- 1/2 cherry pie larabar (2)
D- veggie burger (no bun - 2) topped with hummus (0), spicy noodle salad (5), spinach/strawberry salad with almonds and spicy white balsamic dressing (2) - YES, big dinner!!!
S- veggie plate already prepared for later (1 for the dip)

The last 5 pounds...AGAIN!

Well, I gained 0.4lbs, which means I'm back again to needing to lose my last 5 pounds!!! WTF!? I know that I screwed myself up after Tuesday's dinner out so it's my own fault. But still somehow frustrating. Maybe I like this 5 pounds afterall!?!?
Running is on the agenda for tomorrow (I'm off work again!) and then again on Sunday if the weather holds out. I'm thinking that will be the key to my success and I need to get at it!
Food today in my lunch bag is:
B- steel cut oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), strawberry/yogurt/all bran (2), 1C. grapes (1)
D- ??? - I'm thinking breakfast for dinner may be in order
And I might need to go buy more low fat chips for TV night - finally some NEW episodes are on!

Hump day

Well, last night was hair night. Maybe I lost weight from all the hair I got cut off? I wouldn't know yet as I didn't have time to weigh myself this AM as I slept in!! I woke up at 7:50 and am due to work at 8am! Luckily I did get my hair done last night as I was able to get away with not washing/drying/straightening and was to work by 8:30. I didn't have time to pack lunch though but ended up with a 6 inch veggie sub from subway - yum!
Food today:
B- rye toast with PB and J (4)
L- veggie sub (5), yogurt (1)
S- low fat chips and dip (5?), piece of rye bread (1) - couldn't stop snacking, oops!
D- pita pizza (4), spinach salad (1)

Last night after our hair, L and I went for dinner. I may have blown my calorie budget but was starving. I was starving today too. Not sure what's up with that. Good weekend followed by a crappy Tuesday/Wednesday probably will not help the cause.
Last night's food : 1 caesar, spicy lime shrimp, lasagna rollups with salad plus a few bites of L's poutine.
Oh well, Sutch is life.

Monday? Already?

So, I don't know where the weekend goes. It's sad really. But, money is good so off to work I went. What a depressing morning after the weather yesterday!
My excercise motivation is apparently tied to the weather as I couldn't make myself do anything today. Tomorrow is hair day (yay!) so no excercise then either. Maybe Wednesday??
Food today:
B- steel cut oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt with 3 strawberries (1), 1c. grapes (1)
S- V8 (1)
D- veggie burger (2) on ww bun (2) with ff cheese slice (1), ff fries (3), spinach salad (0)
S- sugar cone (1) + ???
After dinner I was lucky enough to receive a phonecall from Little P. He had the phone and when L asked him who he was calling, he said "Auntie"! Love it! I learned that he had fun at daycare, drove in the "caa", played with his friends, and "no" it is NOT bath night :) I adore him!!!

Acceptable weekend?

Not perfect but I'm thinking it was OK!
Friday night is usually pizza night. Instead, we had subs. I also had some "healthy" chips later on with our wine!
Saturday was We Will Rock You day. It was great! And we went to an Italian restaurant afterwards - I had a vegetarian multigrain pizza and a Calabrese salad. I also had 2 caesars and a bit of wine.
Today we went out for breakfast (jeez, maybe we just need to stay home for a while!!). I had french toast and homefries (15???). I did housework and some laundry and then...I went for a RUN!!!!!! Wooohoooo! It was a walk/run as I went with someone else but that's OK. It was something and it was a fabulous day out! For dinner we had cheese tortellini (7) with salad and a piece of bread (3).
Overall, I feel like the weekend was better than usual so it's a start. Lunches are packed and ready to go and I have fruit and veggies in the house :)

Yay Rick!

I was doubtful but i was wrong to be!!
Woohoo!

Baffled

OK, it's not huge but somehow it's a loss??? I lost 0.6lbs. Maybe that will be enough to motivate me because imagine what I can do if I actually follow the plan??? So far that thinking has worked for today. I do have some snacks for later though.
My food today, you ask?
B- oatmeal (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt and all bran buds (2)
S- 1 piece of bread (1) - weird carb cravings today!, small glass of Clamato (1) - weird salt cravings too!!
D- tomato soup (3), grilled cheese- mmmm, more bread!! (5), brussel sprouts (1)
S- baked chips and dip (6), 1 reese peanut butter cup (2) - I'm trying to wait for the good tv before I break into any of this!

I completed my civil duty tonight after work and I made John too! We voted and hopefully our guy wins...I have my doubts though...

Damage control

That's what today was all about. Veggies in the house makes all the difference, that's for sure!
Other than my food, I can't think of much else to report...so here you go:
B- oatmeal (2)
L- veggie/hummus sandwich on sprouted grain bread (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt and strawberries with all bran buds (2), ww oatmeal cookie (1)
S- cheese while making dinner (2)
D- pita pizza (5), spinach salad with strawberries and chickpeas and balsamic vinegar (1), sugar cone for dessert (1)
S- not sure but I will need something!

This weekend is set to be yet another challenge. We are going to see We Will Rock You and then going for dinner on Saturday. In the grand scheme of things, this should be fine however I also have a problem behaving myself on Fridays. I guess that's something I have to deal with though. I think I'm having trouble because when I'm at goal and running, I can have 2 off nights but right now - NOT working!!

UNinspiring :(

That about sums up my life! I have not been a good blogger, weight watcher or excerciser. I haven't had any veggies in the house since Friday and I didn't care. I FINALLY made myself go grocery shopping (after having to buy lunch at work today). Hopefully that will kick start SOMETHING!!
I was the shopping queen on the weekend. I went shopping on Friday at Yorkdale and Vaughan Mills. I bought a cute pair of flats, a new pair of runners and some bath and body works wall flower thingys. Oh and some pj's on sale at the Gap.
Saturday, I went shopping again with my cousin in Markham! I bought socks, a scarf, and a curtain rod...all on SALE!
I forgot to add that on Friday, I also bought some chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory store. I ate chocolate covered strawberries on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They were awesome but I shouldn't have gotten them! My willpower is out the window.
Anyway, here's what I ate today (before my grocery shopping)
B- oatmeal (2)
L- salad with oranges and dried cranberries and sesame dressing (4?), 2 tbsp. broccoli salad (2?), 5 tortilla chips and salsa (2), weight watcher cookie (1)
S- 100 cal popcorn (1)
D- meatless chicken fingers (5), perogies (3), peas (1)
S- sugar cone (1) - weird...i know
Tomorrow's lunch is packed. It WILL be a better day!

The right direction.

Well, I lost 0.6 lbs. Better than a kick in the pants, I suppose. We all know that weekends are my problem. There are no big plans for this weekend so maybe I can hold it together???
Today I decided to have 2 desserts at lunch time. Good news is that I did turn down dessert at dinner! Food was otherwise acceptable for the day.
I took tomorrow off on a whim after a busy day. W and I are going to go shopping or something fun. Saturday WILL be thank you card day. I have been putting it off FAR too long!!
A shout out to JEN for her inspiring loss this week :) Keep it up!!!

Temptation

Today was harder than the last two. That happens I guess. I did well though. I fought off most of it :) Still no excercise. Today was a nicer day but W had to go get her hair done. The thought of going for a run on my own did flash through my head and then it flashed back out. Soon, I tell ya!
Food today-
B- steel cut oats (2)
L- hummus sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), yogurt/strawberries/all bran buds (2), 1 piece of chocolate covered salted caramel (2- oops!)
S- celery and hummus (0)
D- spinach/pepper/onion/cuke/egg salad (2), chickpea burger (4) on pumpernickel (2)
S- candy cane green tea, grapes (1)
S2 for BL- strawberries and grapes (1) with 1/4c. yogurt (0.5) and all bran (1)

In case you're wondering, the chickpea burger was 1/2c. chickpeas mashed up + splash of worshistshire sauce (sp??) + splash of hot sauce + balsamic + chopped onion + chopped green pepper + garlic powder + a bit of flour to try to get it to stick. I heated up some PAM in the non stick skillet and "fried" it. I think I flipped it too soon as it didn't stay together at first. I left it for longer on the other side and that helped. Then I added a piece of fat free cheese to get it more stuck together (oops - processed food!!).
Confirmation of last night's snack = hard boiled egg (2) and yogurt/fruit/allbran (2.5)

When you're on a roll...

why change things? Today, my breakfast, lunch and snack was EXACTLY the same as yesterday! A bit boring but I decided not to mess with it. I have been off yogurt for a while now but I'm really enjoying it this week with the berries and bran buds in it. My green grapes are really crunchy too...just the way I like them!
Dinner tonight was a big spinach salad with red pepper, cukes, onion, tuna (3)- yes I had the whole can!, egg (2), 2tbsp. hummus (0) all topped with balsamic vinegar mixed with splenda/lime juice/garlic powder/salt/hot sauce/red pepper flakes. Along side of this, I had a portabello mushroom (soaked in balsamic then grilled up in frying pan) on 2 pieces of pumpernickle bread (2) topped with hot peppers, mustard and ketchup. Dinner was awesome!!!
I just finished having some candy cane green tea and 1/3c. of dried apricots (1).
Total points so far = 16.
I'm thinking I might have a hard boiled egg for snack later? Maybe more grapes? We'll see - right now I'm full!

PS. last night I had some vanilla shreddies and 1/2c. skim milk for snack. Cereal may have been breaking the rules!!!

It's on!

Foodwise that is! I did well and only ate things that were good for my body today. The night isn't over yet but since I've come this far, it would be a shame not to finish through!
Food today:
B- steel cut oats (2)
L- veggie/hummus/pumpernickel sandwich (2), cottage cheese (1), vanilla yogurt (1) with 3 strawberries (0) and all bran buds sprinkled on top (1)
S- 1c. grapes (1)
D- lemon and dill tilapia (2), baked potato topped with leftover chili (3), peas (1), spinach salad with balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp. hummus on top (1), veggies and dip (1)
Plus I drank more water today than I have in a long time. I also bought some of those sugar free water based drinks. Not sure if they're all that good for my body but I need something other than water to drink!
On to tomorrow. Excercise would be good. I just can't seem to make myself do it though!

Ok, i'm starting NOW!

Jen and I had a challenge and so far, I'm failing :( Sorry Jen! I knew that Friday and Saturday would be hard. Today also turned into a bit of a write off due to having both sets of parents over for dinner. I've been in the kitchen most of the day just snacking.
For dinner we had veggie chili, homemade oatmeal bread (that didn't rise properly - gah!), spinach/strawberry/feta salad with homemade balsamic vinegar dressing. I made veggies and dip for appetizer as well as some crackers and asiago dip and red pepper dip. For dessert I made cherry chip diet sprite cupcakes!
This evening I've been at work to perfect my breakfast and lunch for tomorrow. I made a pot of steel cut oats so I have 4 days of breakfast ready to go. I taste tested it and it just might go into the regular rotation. It's only 2 points per serving and it's warm and comforting for this snowy weather! I also prepped some veggies for my hummus/pumpernickel sandwich. And I prepped my dessert - 1/2c. vanilla yogurt with 3 sliced strawberries. I bought the little packs of all bran buds to go on top. I also washed up some grapes. Should be set.
Almost time for bed. I'd like to see some of the good Oscars but it's just too friggin' long!!!

As predicted

I'm up 1 lb. No excuses. It is what it is.
It was snowing and blowing in the big L town today so no run. No excercise at all actually. I've already settled on the couch for TV night. I discovered I can watch ER at 7pm on an east coast station. Then Survivor at 8, Grey's at 9 and Private Practice at 10. Yes, that is pathetic. Do I care? No.

Not a productive week,

weightloss wise! I'm fearing that there may be a considerable gain this week. Last night I went to a retirement dinner at Hobart's. Being good actually flashed through my head at the onset of the night but...didn't end up working out! I had a caesar to start and a glass of wine with dinner. We shared cheese fritters for an appy and then I had french onion soup and caesar salad for my dinner. And if that wasn't enough - I shared (hey, at least I shared!!!) amaretto cream cheese stuffed "ravioli" in a cherry bing sauce. The "ravioli" was actually puffed pastry pockets. SO good. Ok, enough talk about that because now I want to go back there for more dessert!
So, I was debating not recording my weight tomorrow but what exactly will that accomplish?? Nothing, I'm guessing. So I will face the numbers.
AND I already have plans for a run after work. HEAR that Mother Nature??? STOP snowing!!!!!!!

I think I might be...

SCREWED!! I messed up this weekend! To sum up, there were a couple drinks + pita chips + pizza on Friday night. Then, on V-day - thai food + Starbucks. Then on Sunday - there may have been fries and mozzarella sticks. I just couldn't seem to will myself to be good. I was a bit depressed that I had to work today. Maybe that had something to do with it??
I've been feeling burnt out lately and I have banked time to take a day off at work. Problem is, our part-timers and casual workers are busy and can't pick up any of the days I want off.
I have 2 Fridays booked off in March though and I've got a week booked off in April. I'll have to focus on that.
I stopped at Loblaws on the way home today and got a few veggies and healthy eats. Time to be back on track (even though I'm afraid it's too late for this week).
Food today:
B- 2 pieces of rye toast with PB & J (4)
L- spinach and strawberry salad (2), 1 rye bread (1), med. cottage cheese (1), chocolate craving (2)
S- 2 slices fat free cheese (1)
D- black pepper and garlic shrimp with multi-coloured peppers (2), perogies (3), corn (1), carrots and dip (1)
S- maple tea (0), dried apricots (1)
On to tomorrow!

Wow, what progress!

I lost a whole 0.6lbs. Yes, I know, I should SLOW down...I'm on fire - yeah right!!
Oh well, I suppose it's still in the right direction. And I did have 2 beers the night before weigh in. (and they were very tasty in the frosted mug!)
So I will report my food today as I need to continue to stay on track.
B- ww bagel with pb & j (4)
L- hummus/veggie sandwich (2), med. cottage cheese (1), 1c. grapes and strawberries (1)
S- handful of pretzels (1), V8 (1)
D- 2 eggs (4), 2 slices rye bread, toasted! (2), homefries (2), pb on one slice of my rye toast (2)
S- tea

Some days you just need a drink!

That day is today! We have some cuts going on at work and people are being stupid about them. My coworker W is heading over at 7pm after her shift for a beer or two! Good news is, I've only consumed 16 points of food today. That leaves enough for 2 or 3 beer! And I realize it is my own fault if this shows on the scale tomorrow!
Food today:
B- steel cut oats with brown sugar splenda (2) - MUCH better today. I quite liked it!
L- 6" veggie sub with FF sweet onion sauce (5), 1c. grapes and strawberries (1)
S- Pringles sticks (2)
D- Veggie burger (2) with ww bun (2), spinach salad (1), dried apricots (1)
S- beer (4-6), veggies and ff sour cream dip (0)

Lazy, lazy.

I'm having a lazy day today. I'm thinking that the gazelle needs a rest tonight! I just don't feel like doing anything. I also don't feel like making lunches for tomorrow. And dinner was a stretch as well. What's up with that???
Eats:
B- back to the usual! (the steel cut oats were not sweet enough for me, have to add some brown sugar splenda next time!) (3)
L- portabello and hummus sandwich on rye (2), blue menu tomato and red pepper soup (1) - I don't recommend it!, 1c. grapes and strawberries (1)
S- rye crackers (1) with hummus (1), handful of Pringles Select (1), 2 chocolate covered ju-jube thingys (1)
D- grilled cheese (3), tomato soup (3), dill pickle (0)
S- dried apricots (1)

Today was kinda high on the sodium. I'll have to chug more water and take it easy tomorrow. There is likely a Biggest Loser snack on the horizon. Not sure what it will be!

Monday already?

Man, the weekends fly by! It sucks that it's already another work week. But hey, I guess at least it's 1 day down! Looking forward to Friday :)
The week is still a success following today. Excercise is done. I think I'm starting to get rug burn from doing my planks! Oh, and my elliptical isn't exactly and elliptical...it's a gazelle. You see infomercials for it sometimes. It was cheap but you really have to work to make yourself sweat. It doesn't really have any resistance so it's basically like your just moving through the air. There are variations you can do on it to make it harder so I try to do that. Definitely not like a good run...but it's something!
Food is prepared for tomorrow's lunch. I'll have to think about dinner though!
Food today:
B- steel cut oatmeal!!!!! (2)
L- portabello mushroom and hummus sandwich on rye (2), carrots and dip (1), blue menu mediterranean cottage cheese (1), 1 c. grapes and strawberries (1)
S- 2 rye crackers (1) with tzatziki (1), veggie broth (0)
D- steamed shrimp thing (3), perogies (3), spinach salad (1), green beans with parmesean and garlic powder (1)
S- maple tea (0), cheesecake bar (2), dried apricots (1)...
I feel like I missed something but I have a couple points to play with so I should be good!

Foreign territory!

An on track weekend? I guess there's a first for everything!
Here's the quick recap:
Friday - had a veggie pizza sub for dinner from Mr. Sub (they have mushrooms and pineapple there to go on it, then I got it grilled!). It was pretty tasty! Later on, while watching Lost, I had some Pringles select chips (4) + a beer (3) which I used flex points for.

Saturday - I had to renew my passport so we were up and at 'em fairly early. Stopped at Tim's for a tea and a bagel with light cream cheese (8). Later in the afternoon after Costco shopping = Skinny Cinnamon Dolce latte (3), Larabar (4). Then came 2 caesars (6) + greek salad (4?) + Fries (10?). Total - 35 points (13 flex points used)

Sunday - excercise and grocery shopping! I did 40 minutes on the elliptical plus situps and planks. Then went grocery shopping. I got some cheesecake delights that Jen had already discovered and I think I'm in love with them! I've done well to have only had 1 so far!
Food today:
B- the usual!! and I'm not even at work! (3)
L- pumpernickel bread (2) with hummus, dill pickles and hot peppers (0), 10 Pringles select chips (1)
S- dried apricots (1), cheesecake delight (2), fruit leather (1)
D- meatless chicken nuggets (5), ff fries (2), peas with becel spray, garlic powder and a sprinkle of parmesean cheese (2)

Lunch for tomorrow is prepared and ready to go. Might have some more dried apricots later for a snack and maybe a little something else...

Thanks for the kick :)

Jen gave me a kick in the butt. I need to stop making excuses and just get at it. Yesterday was damage control at its finest! And I'm pleased to report, it sort of worked - I lost 0.4lbs this week. Not sure what that's about but I will not dwell on it. I need to be motivated and get to work and maybe this weight loss thing would actually work!
Yesterdays Eats:
B- same as usual (3)
L- hummus sandwich on pumpernickel bread (2) - yummy bread(2) + hummus, spinach, cukes, red pepper and hot pepper, carrots and dip (1), 2 clementines (1)
S- muffin (1)
D- pita pizza (5), spinach salad (1)
S- tea (0), jellybeans (2)
Total - 18

Good thing about yesterday evening is that I went to my cousin's to help her pick out summer clothes for her trip and took my tea and wasn't at home to eat mindlessly. Note to self - you can do it!!!!!!

Struggling

I'm not going to lie. It isn't going well this week. I'm having girl issues. So I'm feeling like crap and kinda pigging out. I'm having difficulty with motivation right now and I'm not really sure why. Maybe because I can't run? But I could excercise in some other way. Just can't make myself do it. Maybe I just need to maintain until the weather gets nicer? I'm not sure what's going on, I just know that it isn't going well!!

Cut to the chase

I gained this week. Up a lb. Not a surprise.
Last night I munched throughout the entire evening. Had a handful of marshmallows, a handful of cereal, some melba toast with mustard (not sure what's up with that??), more marshmallows. Bizarre evening.
Today hasn't been much better.
Tomorrow is a new day.

Sick

I'm sick of winter.
I'm sick of snow.
I'm sick of cold.
I'm sick of no sun.
I'm sick of not being able to run outside.
I'm sick of thinking that food will make it better.

I'm hungry today. I'm not excercising. I need some willpower cause I'm just not motivated today for some reason. I haven't wrecked everything yet...but there's still time.
Food:
B - (3)
L - ww bagel (2) with cream cheese (1), spinach salad with apple (2), cravings cheesecake (1)
S - 1 rye cracker with tzatziki (1)
D - tuna casserole (5 - smaller serving tonight!), brussel sprouts (1), veggies and dip (1), handful of jellybeans (1)
S - maple tea (0), ww cookie (1)

All work...

and no play! That's what it's feeling like this week! Some changes that directly affect our department are happening this week and that's making me stressed. I, of course, am the one that has to facilitate these changes and some people aren't on board. I love my job, I love my job, I love my job....
Good news - there was some excercise done this evening. I have a toning video that lets you pick 10 min. toning sessions to do. Tonight I did thighs, arms and abs for a total of 30 min. You gotta start somewhere!
Food:
B- guess??? (3)
L- tzatziki sandwich - ww bread (1), 2 tbsp. tzatziki (1), spinach, pepper, cuke and hot pepper, veggies and dip (1), chocolate craving dessert (2)
S- 2 rye crackers (1) with tzatziki (1)
D- tuna casserole (6) with spicy green beans (1) and brussel sprouts (1), 6 mini jellybeans (1)
S- 100 cal. popcorn??

Giving it another shot!

So the regroup kinda fell through yesterday unless you can count sitting on the couch all day?! So I scraped together a processed lunch and off I went this AM. Following work, I did the groceries and now I'm set. If only I could muster up the energy to excercise, it would be a banner day!
Food:
B- SAME!!!! (3)
L- mushroom cup of soup (1), melbas (2) with cream cheese (1), veggies and dip (1), cravings cheesecake (1)
S- rye crackers (1) with hummus (0)
D- veggie burger (2) on ww bun (2) with 14 fat free fries (2), brussel sprouts (1)and coleslaw (0) - this dinner is one of my fav's! It feels like you're cheating and you're not!!
S- apple cinnamon tea (0), tapioca pudding (2), carrots and spicy ranch dip (1)

Regrouping

Ok, so it's probably well known that I don't do very well on weekends. I was trying to make this weekend an exception. Sadly, it wasn't!
Foodwise: not awful until too many drinks took their effect - then, there may have been jelly beans and chocolate. Then, well feeling a bit hungover this AM, McDonalds breakfast made perfect sense. Oops.
Alcohol wise: 10 drinks??? 'Nuff said!
Excercise wise: I DID do some excercise. I did a toning video yesterday morning and I can definitely feel it today!
So as usual, I hope that I didn't get too out of control and look to today to meal plan and grocery shop (if I can get off the couch). Hopefully, with a lot of hard work, I can muster up some sort of loss by Thursday.
This process would be a heck of a lot easier if I didn't do this to myself!!!!!!

I'll take it...

I'm down 1.4 lbs this week and I'm not complaining! After a less than stellar weekend, the willpower through the week and probably the treadmill time has worked :)
I was inspired to be good today so I will report my food. I also had some pics but I can't get them to load properly :( Oops!
Food:
B- same (3)
L- lean cuisine cheese canneloni (4), spinach/apple salad (2), muffin (1), clementines (1)
S- 8 melbas dipped in tomato sauce (2)
D- shrimp in white wine sauce with added yellow/red peppers (2), baked potato (2), peas (1)
S- ???

I'm excited to report that when I made my spinach salad this AM, I used up the last of one of those jumbo pre-washed containers of spinach. I ate the whole thing!!! J may have had a bit but mostly, all me!!!

This is getting serious...

tonight I measured my salad dressing!!! What is this world coming to? It's always something that I haven't really paid close attention to but it all adds up, right? So tonight for dinner, I had exactly 2tbsp. of dressing for 1 point. Go team!
As you may have guessed, the scale preview this AM was up a little. It's going to be close so I'm pulling out all the stops! I may even do some little excercises later while watching TV. I don't have blinds or curtains on my window so I feel a bit silly doing a workout video - we'll see!
Last night's snack was another muffin (1), and popcorn (4) - need to stay away from the sodium tonight though!!
Food today:
B- same (3)
L- hummus sandwich (1), celery/carrot sticks with dip (1), mushroom cup of soup (1), pudding (1), b. choc. chip muffin (1)
S- apple cinnamon tea (0), 8 melbas dipped in salsa (2)
D- pita pizza (the old faithful) - high protein pita (2) with sauce (1), yellow pepper, onion, hot pepper and pineapple with a sprinkle of feta (1), spinach and green apple salad with feta and 2 Tbsp. balsamic dressing (2), dessert = muffin (1)
S- more tea? + ???
Photo evidence:

I remembered!

I have some food pics for you today, Jen! They aren't overly exciting but hey, I took them!
Last night's run on La's treadmill was great! I ran for 35min. The last part of the run was at 6mph with a 2.0 incline. Not that I know if that's good...I usually run on the ground :)
Afterwards, I had a snack of french vanilla pudding (1) and baked dill chips (4).

No excercise today. Food so far is good. Here we go:
B - the same (3) - I might actually switch this up someday!
L - hummus sandwich (1), leftover roasted veggies (1), carrot and celery sticks with spicy ranch (1), chocolate cravings dessert (2)
S - 1 c. grapes (1), V8 (1) - no, I didn't eat them together!!
D - pasta creation involving whole wheat no yolk noodles (5), red pepper, spinach, hot pepper, feta and parmesean cheese (1) - it was just a little of each!, carrot and celery sticks with dip (1), cukes and vinegar (0).
S - candy cane tea (0), banana choc. chip muffin (1) - YUM!

Here's the photo evidence of dinner! - it seems to be in reverse order, oops! And just for fun, here's my new kitchen and my little P :)

Where to start??

Well, the weekend was a bust. Weight loss? Point counting? What is that?
Friday lunch did not go as planned as I was in the back of an ambulance on my way to TO with a patient. On the way back we stopped at Swiss Chalet. What is a vegetarian supposed to eat at Swiss Chalet? I was starving. I ordered a greek salad...which is not bad. And then, before I could close my menu - my "inside my head" voice said aloud - could I also get an order of poutine??? I was shocked! But it was good! Friday for dinner = Subway. Then after that, I did a tae bo workout video.
Saturday was hair day. We had to be in Port Perry by 9:30am. So much for sleeping in! Then we went shopping around in Port. Then we went to the Piano Cafe for lunch. I had quiche and soup. It was good. Then, Lee and I came back to my house. My cousin and my brother's ex met us here and we had drinks and went out for dinner at the Olympia. Everyone came back and we had more drinks and watched Sex in the City. Fun, but not good for the WW plan!!!!
Sunday did not get any better. We went to the boat show in TO with my parents. It involved an egg salad sandwich, fries, a Lick's veggie burger, onion rings and lastly, a hot fudge sundae!!!!!! WHAT THE F*&%^^*!!!!!
SO, on to today. At 630am, my loving scale did not show any gains. I'm sure that's going to catch up but I'm going to do everything I can to prevent it. I'm off to my cousin's to excercise at 8pm.
Food today:
B - the usual (3)
L - hummus sandwich (ww bread, hummus, spinach, red pepper and hot pepper) (1 - believe it!?), roasted veggies with a squeeze of lemon and feta (1), pumpkin dessert (1), 2 clementines (1).
S - blueberry green tea
S2 - ww cookie (1), cukes and vinegar, celery/carrots drizzled with a touch of ranch dressing and Frank's hot sauce (1), cup of vegetable broth (0) - Yes, I'm weird!
D - eggs benedict (2 slices ww bread, 2 eggs, lemon/mayo sauce) (6), spinach salad (1), V8 (1)
S - candy cane green tea (0), ???

Drumroll, please...

Down 2 lbs! Yippee! That's exciting.
Plus, I got a cheque from the sale of our house. Also exciting.
Then I actually kinda, sorta followed plan again today foodwise (which I usually have a hard time doing). This, as well, is exciting!
I'm even going to report my food today. This might be a first for a Thursday.
B - ww toast with PB & J (3) - what a surprise, eh?
L - lean cuisine cheese canelloni (4) + spinach salad with clementine (1), jello pudding (1)
S - 13 baked Old Dutch Dill Chips (2)
D - Pita pizzas (8)
* and then I gave in to the store bought muffin that has been staring at me all week (8???)
* and I'm probably going to be eating more of the previously mentioned dill chips!!!!

On the verge...

of losing control!! Wednesdays are hard. I'm tired and I want a day off and I don't want to make lunches anymore! Or dinner, for that matter :( But so far, I'm making myself stay on track. I need to see what tomorrow's numbers will bring.
No excercise today. It's too icy/cold to be running these days (i need a treadmill but refuse to pay the price!). And work is sucking the life out of me these days so I have no motivation to think of anything else to do! I know, shouldn't be an excuse. But today...it is!
Food today:
B- ww toast with PB & J (3)
L- curry cauliflower soup (2), egg white omelette with onion, spinach and a few sprinkles of cheese (1), veggies and hummus (0), pumpkin dessert (1)
S- 2 rye crackers (1) with cream cheese (1)
D- lemon/dill tilapia filet (3), roasted potato, red pepper, zucchini concoction (3), pumpkin dessert (1)
S- candy cane green tea (0), ???
Onto Thursday!!!
PS. Notice the sucky updated weight ticker :(

Wow, 2 days in a row :)

I'm on a roll, people (or person)!!! Watch out!
To answer a few questions that my fabulous reader has...
1. yes, it is the crustless pumpkin pie recipe. I make it in a 9x9 pan and cut it into 16 squares. Then, voila...1 point per piece.
2. The cauliflower soup was really good I thought. Really easy - saute 1 small onion in 1 tbsp. olive oil (i probably didn't use that much) then add 1 chopped granny smith apple, 1 garlic clove and 1 tbsp of curry powder (i used 1/2 tbsp and was happy with that). Cook until curry powder turns deep yellow. Then add 1 head cauliflower chopped in 1 inch pieces and 4 cups veg. broth. Simmer x 20 min. Cool x 20 min. Blend to desired consistency. Serves 6 @ 2pts. per serving. Recipe out of Vegetarian Times Magazine!

OK. Today was a good day. Very busy at work which seems to be the norm lately. Good thing about that is I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off so I'm getting lots of walking in!! 2nd thing, I went skating again today. We did interval skating (skate really fast from blue line to blue line x 2 laps then normal x 2 laps and repeat). It was a good workout. I could feel it in my butt and that is awesome!!
Food:
B - ww toast with PB & J (3)
L - curry cauliflower soup (2) with spinach salad (spinach, clementine, red pepper, sweet onion, small bit of feta and mixed vinegar dressing) (1), pumpkin dessert (1)
S - jello pudding (1), homemade ww cookie from my cousin (1)
D - chili (4) and 13 baked tostitos (2) and salad with spinach, cuke, sweet onion, feta and ranch dressing (2), 2 pieces pumpkin dessert (2)
S - candy cane green tea (0) and ???

Note: last night cut back and only had 13 chips for dinner (-2 points). Then for snack I had veggies dipped in spicy ranch dressing (2) + 4 melbas (1) + 2 clementines (1). I was hungry but I stayed with the plan!!!
YAY! Go Team Jen and Tara! Hmmm, we need a better name for our "team" :)

Time to 'fess up!

Well, hello! Not sure if my one reader is still out there, but if so...LONG time, no see!!!
I need to get back on track.
Confession - I have gained 6lbs. over the holidays (which = 8lbs. above my goal weight, which also = 12lbs. above the lowest I got to over the last couple years). This is not acceptable and something must be done now!!! No excuses.
So yesterday, planning and prep was underway. Grocery shopping done. Heck, even got some excercise in! (we went skating!)
Food today:
B - ww toast with PB & J (3)
L - curry cauliflower soup (2) with spinach salad (spinach, clementine, yellow pepper and a touch of feta cheese and balsamic dressing (2), jello pudding (1)
S - 4 high fiber crackers with salsa and hot peppers (2), piece of ww pumpkin dessert (1)
D - Chili (4) with 27 baked tostitos (4), piece of pumpkin dessert (1)
S - Candy cane lane green tea (0) & ???
Pretty good start. Let's hope I can not have the evening binge that is happening all to often lately. Just say no!!!!!