ROAD TRIP! Saturday W27

Saturday morning Matt and I woke up super early for us and hit the road around 7am. We were driving to Memphis for one of my best friend's weddings and also my little sister's wedding! It was a 12 hr drive so we wanted to get out early so we could see my fam when we got in.

I had a smart ones breakfast sandwich 4pts before we left. For some mysterious reason, my phone won't send this picture.

On the road I had more than a few of my road trip vices....

Chex mix 14pts- I had like 3 cups

Peanut Butter and Jelly- 6pts

2% colby cheese stick- 1pt

 About 14 reeces pieces 1pt

Crystal Lite Lemonade 0pts

While compared to a normal day- this is a crazy amount of points- I would normally have had fast food breakfast lunch and dinner on the road trip so I think that's a minor victory that I packed everything before the drive and had "healthier" options than I otherwise would have chosen.

Bear was a cutie and napped on his pillow in the back seat for most of the drive.

When we got in town, I had a red stripe 3pts and then we ate at McAllister's with the fam. I had chicken tortialla soup with tortilla chips. I didn't eat all the soup and only had a cup 6pts.

THURSDAY STATS:
Points: 35/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 12 left /35 weekly
Exercise: swimming
Weekly Weight Loss: -1.4 lbs / -28.4 lbs total

Hope to see less of each other next time!

Casey

Behind Just a Bit! Thursday Friday W27

Hey everyone, these past 3 days have been insane! Thursday and Friday I had to work and we were so busy with our normal business as well as having new hires come in for training I ended up staying late both days! I know that I had under 24 points each day because I remember writing it down, I just don't remember exactly what I ate..

I know I had english muffins with laughing cow cheese for both breakfasts. 2pts

Lunches were both smart ones, 4-5pts, and an apple or strawberries 1pt.

For dinner one of the nights I had another smart ones 4pts and the other night I had steak, asparagus, and mushrooms that Matt grilled- DELICIOUS- and about 10pts.

For some reason- can't find the pictures!

Soo much to do!! Wednesday W27

Tuesday night- I slept like a rock! Matt had made breakfast before I awoke from my coma and came out of hibernation. He made biscuits and I had one for 4pts.

I dropped Matt at work and then started my day "off" for the week. I had a million things to do and didn't think I would finish ever! It turned out, everything magically fell into place! Some of the things I did:

1. Dr. appointment for ear infection
2. Pick up prescription
3. Finish work in aerogel lab
4. Go for fitting at seamstress and get dress
5. Pick up sodas and snacks for the road
6. Schedule annual check up 
7. Eye brow wax and haircut
8. Buy tail light and pressure guage for car
9. Get new foundation
10. Stop by work and set up monitor for friend

I know none of that sounds like a lot- but it was just a run around so I was really glad when I finished. What's more amazing is that the hairstylist and seamstress were able to fit me in since I didn't have appointments with them! I took a break midway through and had lunch with Matt. We went to St. Maarten's. I had a turkey, tomato, and spinach artichoke dip panini with fries. I had 1/2 the panini for 6pts and all the fries 9pts.

I spent the late afternoon and early evening at the pool with Matt and Chris. We played volley ball and swam around. I'm counting the hour or more for +1 activity point.

After the pool, I had the 2nd half of my panini 6pts. It is the best panini I've ever had! (The Devonshire if you Charlottesvillians are interested).


I made baked potato fries for Jamie, Chris, Matt and I while we were hanging out and playing fat princess. I probably munched on a potato and a half 9pts with 1pt of honey mustard. I also had a really small glass of wine for 1pt just to appease our guests. I swear I said I wasn't wasting calories on alcohol no less than 7 times! Finally, I gave in and tried a sip of the Chardonnay.

WEDNESDAY STATS:
Points: 36/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 23 left /35 weekly
Exercise: swimming
Weekly Weight Loss: -1.4 lbs / -28.4 lbs total

Hope to see less of each other next time!

Casey

Tuesday W27

Same old, same old for breakfast this morning. 2pts for my english muffin with laughing cow cheese. I just can't help it- they're so good!

We had the 2nd round of interviews start today for the trainer position at LearningRx. The candidates we saw all did really well and I even interviewed one! So fun! I had ravioli 5pts for lunch, and Dargan bought Emily and I cookies for a treat so I didn't have my strawberries for dessert. The 3 oz. chocolate chip cookie- I looked up the nutrition before I ate it- was 110 calories and 2pts.

After lunch it was more work and more interviews. I'm getting really excited about having my first student!!

I got off work later than usual and had dinner of Fettuccine with Greek Yogurt and Herbs (Check my recipes page!) for dinner. We split the nearly 3 servings left so it was 13pts instead of 10. Delicious- again.

I had 14 pretzels later for a snack for 2pts while doing laundry. I have a super busy day tomorrow to get ready for our trip! I'm getting really excited!! Also- I have been inspired to work a little harder at the weight loss- Darci from My road to Weightloss buckled down and lost 5.5 lbs THIS WEEK! So jealous!

TUESDAY STATS:
Points: 24/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 35 left /35 weekly
Exercise: none
Weekly Weight Loss: -1.4 lbs / -28.4 lbs total

Hope to see less of each other next time!

Casey

Plateaus: Monday W27

Monday I took Matt to work and had laughing cow cheese on an English Muffin for 2pts (of course).

After breakfast and dropping Matt, I cleaned the kitchen and got ready for work. Generally, I don't work Mondays, but we were hiring new trainers and I was working the hiring event. I made the Fettuccine with Greek Yogurt and Herbs for lunch 8pts and delicious! I love fettuccine!

The hiring event went well. We got a good haul of people to choose from. I think it's going to be a little competitive. I was starving by the time we finished so I stole a few more bites of fettuccine for 3pts before I got ready for my WW meeting. I am down 1.4 lbs! Yay, back to 170.0.

Weight progress so far- still working on it.

At the meeting, we talked about PLATEAUS. Something no one trying to loose weight wants to think about, but also something we all have dealt with at one time or another. I was surprised to find that there is actually a clinical definition of a "weight loss plateau." It is if you have averaged less than a .5 lb loss per week over the course of 4 weeks. 

Hooray! At least I haven't been wasting my frustration on nothing- I'm in the middle of a plateau and have been for 2 weeks now- granted a 2 lb gain in one week can do a lot to set you back. I definitely feel like its 2 steps forward one step backwards right now. Hopefully this 1.4 lb drop can set me back on track again.

Mentally, plateaus are one of the biggest hurdles to overcome as a dieter. If you feel like you're depriving yourself of food and you don't see it on the scale, you can think its fruitless work and rebound and actually go backwards in your efforts. The important thing to keep in mind- and what I tell myself- is that its just another day and another weight. Its not permanent and it will pass. By golly- its going to pass. You have to remember what you're doing this for. Yes, I would have liked to have lost 2 lbs per week for the 5 weeks leading up to weddings and dress fittings, but that isn't the ultimate goal. My goal is a healthy lifestyle that's manageable for me. Keep your ultimate goals in your mind when you are attacking plateaus.

After the meeting, I picked Matt up from work and we picked up one of our favorite pizzas from The Brick Oven- The Hot Tomato- a delightful pile of jalepenos, spicy tomato sauce, sliced tomatos, bacon, and spicy pepperoni on the Brick Oven home made bread. So good! I had 2 slices of a medium for 9pts. 

(They're on a small plate so they look really big)

I had a few pretzels 2pts before falling asleep on the couch for 3 hours!! I don't know why I was so tired!!

MONDAY STATS:
Points: 24/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 35 left /35 weekly
Exercise: none
Weekly Weight Loss: +2 lbs / -27 lbs total

Hope to see less of each other next time!

Casey

Fettuccine with Greek Yogurt and Herbs

So 10 pts...that's rough- but when you think about it- This is fettuccine!! Normally a 17 pt item for the amount I'm talking about. So when you get down to it, this is waaay better than it could be. Plus- I love fettuccine. This recipe makes 4 10pt servings so don't eat it all in one sitting!!

I also calculated calories for the calorie conscious out there- its 370 calories per serving- compare that to the 780 fettuccine alfredo will cost you at olive garden and you're doing yourself a favor eating this creamy concoction.

Thanks, CJ, for passing this along!!

What you need:

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (about a Tbsp)
• 1 1/2 Large Onions, thinly sliced
• Sea Salt
• 1/2 lb Fettuccine
• 1 cups Fresh Herbs (a mixture of chervil, basil, parsley, chives, and fennel frond) roughly chopped
• 2 oz Proscuitto di Parma, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 bunch Green Onions
• 1 cup Grated Romano Pecorino

Notes: The things I crossed out I either didn't want to spend $$ on or couldn't find so didn't use. It still turned out fine. I also used a mix of Asiago, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses to cut the points a little.

What to do:

• The day before: Heat the olive oil in large skillet. Add onions, toss well and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes or until the onions turn creamy and golden brown. Turn heat to low if onions darken too quickly. While cooking, add salt to taste, a little at a time. Put in refrigerator until the next day. 

 Before and after of the onions. You can tell the ones on the right are creamy and wilted.

I refrigerated mine for 2 days because I didn't have time to do the rest!

• The day of: Bring a six-quart pot of water to a boil. Season with salt and drop in pasta. Cook until al dente and drain, reserving approximately a half of a cup of water.
• Place greek yogurt in a large bowl and whisk in the reserved hot water. Toss the cooked pasta with yogurt until coated. Add caramelized onions, herbs, proscuitto, and green onions. Season with salt & pepper and toss well.
• Place pasta in a warm serving bowl. Garnish with pecorino and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve.

It was so delicious! I had some for lunch today.
 

Friend Remix: Week 26

I got up well before Matt this morning and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast while watching Its Always Sunny. (English Muffin with Laughing Cow Cheese 2pts)

After breakfast, Matt and I did some more laundry, and then I went to the gym. I did NOT want to be there! I thought I would do 2 minute sprints trying to speed my time...that didn't go well AT ALL. After the 1st two minutes at an 7.5 mph run, I thought I was going to vomit a lung. I was dying!!!! I switched to the cross ramp after only 5 minutes. 

I got in 30 minutes on it- hating every second....until....I Friend Remixed it up! I started listening only to songs that made me think of people. Each song helped me pick up my pace despite the devilish resistance I had set myself on. Here are just a few of the tunes (and the people) that kept me going:

Eye of The Tiger- Mary, Dee, and Cait (I pretended I was singing rock band with ya'll)

Slinky Girl- Matt

Rain is a Good Thing- Brad and Allison

Hey Soul Sister- Jamie

Toxic- Ryan Dalton

I've got a Theory (Buffy Musical)- Sammy

Here in this Diary- Shelby

After that playlist, I made it through my 30 minutes plus a little and was able to get out of the gym. I got +3 activity pts- lame.

Matt and I spent some time at the pool after that and left in time to watch the World Cup. Spain won- of course- they are incredible to watch. I had the leftover fiesta chicken bake 6pts for lunch with some broccli 0pts.

I spent most of the rest of the day planning for Shelby's lingerie shower that Jamie and I are throwing her. My fingers are covered in glue!! 

Here's a peak at the envelopes!

I did take a break to interview Matt for a LearningRx position and to eat dinner. I had a fat free hot dog on a potato bun for 3pts and some baked french fries I made for Matt and I 6pts. I had about 1pt worth of condiments with the dinner too.

Matt and I split this much fries

Now I am sipping on a beer 2pts and listening to Matt read me Harry Potter while Little Bear is growling at invisible intruders. Good night!!

 

SUNDAY STATS:
Points: 20/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 25 left /35 weekly
Exercise: unsuccessful sprints and cross trainer
Weekly Weight Loss: +2 lbs / -27 lbs total

 

Hope to see less of each other next time!

Casey

Saturday Week 26

Saturday, Matt and I got a lot done and then spent the rest of the day relaxing. We woke up late around 10 and played with Bear until it was an appropriate lunch time. I had Smart Ones Fettuccine Alfredo 4pts.

After lunch, I went to get my dress tailored for Shelby's wedding at Chong's. Chong-the seamstress- is really a really spunky Asian woman. Dress will be ready Thursday!! Matt went to get a swimsuit while I was getting fitted since his ripped on the river last weekend.

When we got home, I had a light english muffin with laughing cow cheese 2pts before going to the pool for a swim. 

When I got home, we cleaned house, did laundry, and played with Bear some more. I had to got to work for a bit in the aerogel lab. I didn't want to go, but I'm glad I got it done in hindsight.

For dinner, Jamie Harless came over and we had the Fiesta Chicken Bake I made last night. It was delicious!! I had some of that 6pts, a small serving of green bean casserole 3pts, some lemon garlic broccli 0pts, and a piece of toast 2pts. I had a small glass of Merlot too for 2pts.

We watched Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia and played cards- literally all night. We played an 18 hand game of spades! It lasted forever- and Jamie won. I had some bread and cheese later for 3pts and 4 small pretzels for 1pt.

So I just counted the weeks since I started WW, and it has been 26 weeks- right at 1/2 a year. I know ~30 lbs doesn't seem like a lot in 6 months, but I'm ok with it. They say if you loose it slow you're more likely to keep it off. I've lost on average 1 lb per week.

 

SATURDAY STATS:
Points: 23/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 25 left /35 weekly
Exercise: nadda
Weekly Weight Loss: +2 lbs / -27 lbs total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bake

THIS IS STOLEN!!! Not really- its borrowed, but credit for this quick and delicious dinner entree goes to Darci from My Road to Weightloss. Its just too good (and too easy) not to repost. The recipe makes 5 servings at 6pts each. Add a veggie side item and you've got your whole meal!

Note: Since I have been making this recipe, I find myself dumping in the whole bag of rice to make it more filling, and just have more substance. If you find the need to do that also, the new points value is 7pts, it is 370 calories, and 8 points plus values. More complete nutrition info is 370 calories, 5.6 g fat, 2.1 g fiber, 37.8 g carbs, 35.4 g protien.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 can 98% ff cream of chicken soup
• 1 c salsa
• 1/2 c water
• 1 can whole kernel white shoe peg corn (I use frozen for lower sodium)
• 3/4 c uncooked minute brown rice (If you use the whole bag of rice, about 1.5xs amt required, like I do then the alternate points value is listed also)
• 5 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 c 2% shredded cheddar 
• 8 drops tabasco (these are optional, but Matt and I like it Spicier)

What to do:
 
Mix soup, salsa, water, corn, and rice in baking dish. Top with chicken and sprinkle with paprika and cheese. Bake @ 375 for 45 minutes.

 Before and after.

Enjoy! And go comment on Darci's blog and tell her what you thought!

TGIF!!

Friday was a work day again. I got a ton done which was nice. I love being busy at work. I had pb&j for breakfast because I was out of breakfast food!! 4pts.

I had a killer headache at work. When I went to buy supplies for the center I felt extremely faint and dizzy. Blah. Sooo I treated myself to chick-fil-a with Matt for lunch instead of eating the 2nd pb&j that I had made for my lunch. (We really needed to buy groceries!!) I had a kid's meal 6 pc nugget with sm. fries for 12 pts. (490 calories for you calorie counters.)

I was at work until a little after 6:30 today when Matt and Bear came and picked me up. I got home and went grocery shopping- so necessary!! I have all sorts of things I'll be making soon so get ready for my fantastic food week coming up! Hopefully I can shed a few last pounds this week!

I made spagetti for diner. Matt had been craving it. I didn't have enough points to have meat sauce on mine so I made mine without meat and his with meat. It was still pretty good 8pts. 

I am spending the rest of the night cooking, cleaning, and resting! Tomorrow is going to be a fun day too- except the aerogel lab portion of it- ew.

FRIDAY STATS:
Points: 24/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 25 left /35 weekly
Exercise: nadda
Weekly Weight Loss: +2 lbs / -27 lbs total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Thursday Grill Out

Grilling out is going to kill my diet. I do so well until beer and mac-n-cheese are involved! I had a slimfast for breakfast before work 4pts.

Everything went well at work during the day. There was a lot of traffic in and out of the center and a lot to get done during the day. I had Santa Fe Style Chicken Salad for lunch for 5pts.

Matt and little Bear came to pick me up at work. It was a nice surprise to get both of them at the end of the day! The kids at the center loved Bear. :) happiness. 

During the day Matt had asked me if I'd like to grill out with Brad and Allison in the evening. I said yes and by the time I got off work I was worried about the decision. I took over some low fat hamburger meat 96% ff 2pts and low calorie buns 1pt to make a 4pt hamburger (1/2 slice of cheese 1pt). I was happy about the forethought of bringing my own supplies since everyone else was having 9pt bratwurst. I also had mac-n-cheese (the devil) 4pts- I had less than a cup, and some corn 1pt. Grilled summer corn is AMAZING!! Then I had a lotta' beer for 10pts. 

 

 Grilling out is one of my favorite summer-time activities. What do you enjoy when the weather's hot?

When we got home we played fat princess, munched on chips 6pts- not great- and read Harry Potter before calling it a night. 

WEDNESDAY STATS:
Points: 34/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 25 left /35 weekly
Exercise: nadda
Weekly Weight Loss: +2 lbs / -27 lbs total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

 

Boring Lab Day

Today was a pretty boring day. I spent most of it in the aerogel lab switching out chemical washes every two hours for 9 hours. uhg. I spent the downtime on facebook which is obvious from the number of things I posted today. I hate working in the aerogel lab in the summer. If you use the fume hood, it gets sooo hot!


Anyway, I wrote earlier that I weighed in today and was up 2 lbs. blah. The one good thing that came out of going to WW was that I got free breakfast! 2pt multigrain ranch crisps. They were alright and got something in my stomach before work.

I had lunch with Matt. I had a ceasar salad for 5pts.

The 10 minutes it took to eat the salad wasn't enough of a break to keep me going so we went and got sodas from Subway around the corner. I got a ddp 0pts and a peanut butter cookie while there. I looked up the pts of the cookie when I got back to the lab- 5pts!!! Not worth it, but I was glad I had something other than the crappy salad.

After work, Matt and I were both starving. I made baked fries with old bay and Lowry's seasoning salt. Deeelish. Matt and I split the 2 potatoes worth- 4pts. 

We ate these while waiting for the chicken to dethaw. Matt cooked chicken breasts for dinner and I had 2 oz. chicken on a flat out w/ one slice of Colby Jack cheese 5pts.

I had a small spoonful of peanut butter for a snack later for 2pts. Bear ate some of it when I finished.

It is my dad's birthday today so I called and sang to him with Matt. Best dad ever. Now, Matt and I are alternating between reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to each other and playing Fat Princess...which I now love.

I'll post an updated picture when I am down 5 lbs. So when I am at 166.4. Just remind me!

WEDNESDAY STATS:
Points: 23/24
Weekly Allowance Points: 0 left /35 weekly
Exercise: nadda
Weekly Weight Loss: +2 lbs / -27 lbs total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Weigh-In: Hiding My Face In Shame

So before work this morning, I sucked it up and went to Weight Watchers to weigh in. Let me tell you- it wasn't pretty. Drum-roll please...

I'm up 2 lbs. 

Current weight: 171.4. 

Total Weight Loss: -27 lbs

Current Mood: Irritated

Sign: Libra

You get the picture. I am frustrated with myself and my weight gain. I am supposed to be losing 2 lbs per week- not gaining it! Ahh! So back to basics. I am going to plan meals before I eat them, then record what I've eaten, and stick to my points allowances. I am going to avoid using weekly points for food. I will only use them for drinks on special occasions. Those were my rules when I started and it looks like they are going to have to be my rules again. UHG. 

So despite my frustration, I know that 2 lbs isn't the end of the world. Its just a number and another week. I just want to get back to the place where losing weight is my priority again. I've gotten kind of comfortable in my slightly pudgy, 170 lb, size 10 body. Its pretty far away from where I started around 200 and sz. 16. But the important thing for me is that its not far enough. I am training myself in life skills of weight-loss, exercise, and follow through for the long term and stopping here is not an option- if I act like that, I'll never run a marathon (which I am going to do). 

I'll post food for the rest of the day later. Just wanted to update you on the weigh in. 

All Work and No Play

Tuesday was business as usual. I felt mostly healed save for a few sore muscles and the now purple evidence of Sunday's excitement on my arms and legs. These bruises have got to go away in 2 weeks or Andy will kick me out of her wedding!


I got up pretty early and made biscuits for breakfast. I had one for 4pts. Trust me- these are not filling foods. I was hungry by 10 am!

Despite being hungry only an hour after getting to work, we had a lot of foot traffic in the morning so I managed to wait until noon for lunch. I had a ddp 0pts and a baked chili potato with cheese 8pts. I love it when I wake up early enough to make something for lunch.

We had a slow stent in the middle of the day while Dargan was talking to some brain trauma folk checking out the program. Then things picked up and I was busy busy for the rest of the day. I had planned on staying late and making some calls, but my brain was toast at the end of the day and I needed to get outta there. I wanted to talk to my family since my grandmother's funeral was in the morning and I couldn't go. 

I got to have a nice conversation with my dad about family and the funeral. He was riding around the lake in the golf cart while I was talking to him so he kept putting me on hold to talk to people who were out and about. I swear he knows everyone. It was nice to talk to the family. Grandma is in heaven- probably dancing or causing a ruckus- but we miss her for now.

To get out of the house for a bit, we went to Guad for some chips and queso. I probably had 24 chips 6pts and 1/4 cup queso and salsa 4pts.

I'll put the pic up later. My phone doesn't have service now.

I spent the rest of the night chilling with Matt and Little Bear and talking about Shelby's upcoming wedding with Ramjie. Can't wait to be in Memphis and see everyone!!! I didn't have dinner because the chips pretty much filled me up.

PS- I got my first student at LearningRx today- she's about my age so I am a little terrified....we start training Aug 3rd.

TUESDAY STATS:
Points: 22/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 0 left /35 weekly
Exercise: nadda
Weekly Weight Loss: weigh in tomorrow/ -29 lbs total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey