Busy Bee. Wed W36.

Good gracious, I am tired! It has been a loooooong, but great day! My morning started with a photo op for my advisor's website at the Lawn. I am digging this cool weather. I had a bagel thin 1pt with laughing cow cheese and jelly 1pt for breakfast. Delish, although I am already missing the pumpkin spread!!

I got a rare treat today and got to work with the hubs!! (Or more like for the hubs) on a paper we are collaborating on. It was a nice change of pace to spend time back in the lab and not on my thesis. I finished the to do list for the paper which I had been putting off. It was a weight off for me and I think Matt's happy too. We celebrated with a lunch date! 

We went to Stix- a kebab place near school. I LOVE this place, but its not as low points as I normally have. I also don't generally get fries on the side, but I felt like splurging a little. I had 3 oz. lamb kebab over rice (I didn't eat all the rice), with cucumber sauce, and fries. I think all of it was 14 pts yikes! totally worth it!

I love stix. 

After lunch, I went home and plowed through some work on my thesis. I actually didn't hate writing today. I feel like I'm over the "I-hate-my-life-I-really-don't-want-to-do-this-yeah-I'm-not-going-to-work-yet" hump. I'm actually excited to make some progress. This was spurred on by the fact that I started using LATEX today. My thesis may not have stellar content yet, but it is BEAUTIFUL!! I want to play with coding it all day. 

After some major breakthroughs, we called the day quits (Matt was working on my paper revisions). I played a little castle crashers with Matty for a break and then hit the grocery and GUESS WHAT I FOUND!!! PUMPKIN PUREE!!!!!! There were no normal size cans left, but I did find gargantuan ones! Be still my soul.

The Loot

So far today, I talked to three of my besties- Andrea, Jes, and Allee. I have such a great group of girlfriends. They are my extended sisters. Wellllll, from Jes I hear that she walked the dog, did yoga, and walked to work; from Allee I hear that she kicked ass with a personal trainer at the gym; and from Andrea I hear that she is running 2-3 miles twice a week on top of soccer. Holy bejesus, when did we become work-out aholichs? OK so I am not going to be the only one left out. Its still raining here so I had to hit the gym....

Where I had a revelation....

I fell in love after two rendezvous with running...OUTDOORS. I am so sorry treadmill, but until I experienced true love I didn't know that what we had was just a shadow. I'm sorry to say that I have to break things off. We can still be friends, maybe even hook up occasionally, but I've moved on. 

OK- so background. I have never been a runner. I still don't consider myself a runner (but I will be). But I did start flirting with running back in January. I started the C25K program on a treadmill. I didn't dare go outside because I thought it would be harder. I couldn't have my ipod, I would have to propell myself forward instead of hoping up and down from foot to foot (gasp)...this did not seem appealing...and the worst part- when you run, you run AWAY from where you started...meaning if you get tired half way through- you STILL have to make it back!! Those were my thoughts about running outside. (Don't get me started on my fear of hills.)

Fast forward to June. I tried running outside. I went a mile and it was as terrible as I thought it would be. I thought I was going to die. Surely it couldn't have been only 1/10 of a mile I went! Surely not! I vowed to avoid this torture like the plague.

And now today- I signed up for a 5k. Which I assume they won't let me jog in place for 30 minutes and call it done. So it was time to brave the outdoors again. I mapped a 2.6 mile loop that goes by my work. I decided to slow slow SLOOOW snail jog as much of it as I could. I made it 1 mile the first time. I started out WAY too fast because I was listening to my ipod and not my body (Katy Perry makes me run at an 8 minute mile). I still liked it. I liked that I still had to go (and learn) the distance even if I wasn't running it. Take two- I left my ipod at home and jogged 2 miles. It was great. There were times I wanted to stop, but I knew where that 2 mile mark was! It was brilliant.

So today on the treadmill, I couldn't get my mind to stop bouncing around everywhere. I the first mile in 10:49. Not bad. Then I was going insane. All I was thinking about is how bored not focused I was and how much time I had left before the 2 mile mark. I decided to stop torturing myself (that way anyway) and switch it up. After a mile and a half of jog/run I changed to a 10% grade at a 3.5 mph walk and walked the last 1/2 mile. whew- tired. Finally, I finished out my workout with leisurely elliptical 5mph pace interval 7/3 resistance for 30 minutes. Totalled up its +4 activity pts.

Since my lunch was huge and insane, I had a smaller dinner of 2 oz. whole grain pasta with 1/2 cup marinara and a little ww cheese 5pts with some apple sauce and too much cinnamon 1pt.

I spent the rest of the evening in the kitchen!! I made green bean casserole, a bowl of my pumpkin spread to speed up my morning routine, some of this (another use of pumpkin! I'm obsessed! I used ff cream cheese to lower the pts and less sugar), and some of this! I had a taste of the pumpkin recipes for 1pt. I also got some potatoes ready for this! I absolutely love The Skinny Taste (previously Gina's Weight Watchers Recipes).

All ready for breakfast!

These will be waiting for me after work tomorrow. They are going to become chili potatoes!!

So after ALL that, I am completely beat! I am about to head to bed!

WEDNESDAY STATS: 
Points: 23/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 35/35 remaining
Exercise: none

Weekly Activity Points: 4/4

Weekly Weight Loss: +.2 lbs / -32.0 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

It is official- I am an addict. Tue W35.

I can't live without it...I think about it when I'm at work. I wake up with it on my mind. As soon as I finish it, I want more. I am going insane right now because my supply has run out...and I don't have a dealer in Charlottesville. Seriously people, does anyone have a connection so that I can get some more PUMPKIN PUREE!?!??! It's completely sold out at the THREE GROCERIES I went to!!! ...apparently, I am not the only addict around here.

Yes, you may have noticed that my posts have been oddly orange lately. Especially yesterday (with the goldfish). I don't know what it is, but I am loving the fall foods!! Today was no different..although I'm going to have to be creative tomorrow! I had a piece of toast with pumpkin spread on it for 2pts for breakfast.

Work was busy. I didn't get a chance to read the paper I had wanted to. :( More work for tomorrow! I had a Smart Ones Ravioli for 5pts for lunch.

I had an afternoon snack, repeating yesterday, of 2 baby cucumbers with cracked salt and pepper and balsamic vinegar and 2 Tbsp of humus 1pt.

After work, I was pretty hungry again. We had leftover fiesta chicken and rice bake 7pts for dinner with the baked squash 1pt I made over the weekend. Both were great!

I'll post the squash recipe later if anyone wants!

As a snack later I had another piece of toast with pumpkin spread and walnuts which officially killed my supply. I bought the only can I could find on Sunday between 3 groceries! And it was obvious why it was a reject. The can was so badly dented I had to knife my way into it after nearly breaking my can opener! But then, I didn't mind- we addicts will do anything for the goods.

I added some extra walnuts to this one so it is closer to 3pts!

I've got a headache and I plan to hit the hay early tonight. Have a great hump day tomorrow! I will be holed up working on my thesis no doubt!

TUESDAY STATS: 
Points: 19/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 35/35 remaining
Exercise: none

Weekly Activity Points: 0/0

Weekly Weight Loss: +.2 lbs / -32.0 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Monday W36

Monday morning, I had my delicious pumpkin spread on low calorie toast for 2pts.

I don't think this will ever get old!

After breakfast, I got started on my thesis. All my committee members agreed today! I made the most progress so far. It felt so good! Matt stayed for an hour or two to support and proof read. Thanks, hubby! We had fiesta chicken and rice bake for lunch that I made over the weekend for 6pts.

After lunch, it was more thesising, but by my lonesome. When Matt got home I was ready for a break. I went to my weight watchers meeting. Unfortunately I am up .2 lbs! Sad day. I'll just have to try a little harder this week! One thing I can say is that even if I'm up a little each week, I have my ultimate goal in my mind and it doesn't really throw me off anymore. It happens and its how weight loss is manageable for me. I can splurge sometimes and moderate myself others and still lose weight. Its not stressful at all. I think that's how a diet should feel- just slowly modifying, getting feedback from your body and the scale, and modifying a little more.

Today's talk was about the grocery store and how it can be a stressful place for some people. For me- its a health food inspiration. I will be on plan most of the week if I take the time to go to the grocery. Other people find it impossible to pass up the chips and soda! An interesting "technique" that was suggested for those types of people is to shop mainly the perimeter- where you find fresh produce, meats, and dairy. I thought it was funny that I hadn't really noticed that! Next week's topic is understanding your shape. I'm really looking forward to it!

After the meeting I came home and made the autumn banana sandwich for dinner again!! 4pts of awesome. I omitted the egg and just used normal toast this time and it was just as good! I grilled the nanners a little longer so they were nice and mushy!

I am obsessed with pumpkin lately!

After dinner, we played some castle crashers..and beat it. I was still hungry so I grabbed 2pts of goldfish. That didn't fill me up either- go figure.

Two bitty handfuls is about a serving.  Not worth it!!

So I got something more filling to nosh on while reading with Matt- humus and cucumber slices with pepper, salt, and balsalmic vinegar! This definitely hit the spot for 1pt.

Way better for me than the goldfish anyway!

So it has become clear to me that I will not be losing the 20 lbs I was hoping before my 23rd birthday seeing as I have only lost 3.8 of that amount. I need to make a new goal. I think I am going to focus on getting below 163 lbs. That's when I'll owe you guys another picture so that's going to be my focus. Its close enough that it feels achievable.

MONDAY STATS: 
Points: 15/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 35/35 remaining
Exercise: none

Weekly Activity Points: 0/0

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Sunday W35

Why after taking a day off plan (for me meaning a day where I use weekly points) is it so hard to get back on plan?? I started Sunday out OK with something I'd been wanting to try for a while. An autumn grilled banana sandwich.

Most delicious breakfast ever

I got this idea from Caitlin at The Healthy Tipping Point (remember to vote for her during the food blogger challenge!). I modified it some, and it turned out great. Jamie had a bite and gave it the thumbs up. 4pts.

Autumn Banana Sandwich:

• 1/8 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp peanut butter
• 2 pieces of low calorie toast
• drizzle honey
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground flax seed
• walnuts
• banana
• egg substitute
• Spray of nonstick cooking spray

1. Coat toast in egg substitute like for french toast.
2. Spray nonstick pan and grill toast and banana (cut into strips)
3. Mix pumpkin, peanut butter, cinnamon, and flax. 
4. Make banana sandwich. Top with pumpkin mix, walnuts and honey!

I also had a glass of ff milk with breakfast for 2pts. 

Perfect Breakfast

We said our farewells to Jamie, Chris, and Miss Hamlet as they got on the road back to SC. Matt and I enjoyed a lazy rainy day at the house. We weren't hungry by lunch time so we decided to have an early dinner. We went to Northside Grill for "The Best Burgers in CVille," and this was where I started to get off plan. I had a burger (lettuce, tomato, ketsup, mayo, and cheese) for 8pts and fries 7pts.

They are pretty good burgers!

And as always, I love fries. I should have baked myself some instead (hindsight being 20-20)

At home, we finished the day reading and enjoying eachother's company. I had a flax seed cracker with humus 1pt.

About 2/3 cup whole wheat shells and cheese 5pts.

A little ice cream (1/4 cup) 2pts, and a veggie cookie 1pt. I wasn't eating b/c I was hungry, just bored and chillin out. Oops. I'll work on it tomorrow.

SUNDAY STATS: 
Points: 28/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 16/35 remaining
Exercise: couch potato

Weekly Activity Points: 0/10

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Tailgate Saturday W35

I didn't exactly count points today. My sister and brother-in-law were in town and it was the Razorback game against Alabama. I'll try and estimate now that I'm going back on the points, but I didn't look up calorie info!

For breakfast, I had a piece of oat toast (low calorie) with pumpkin puree, 1 tsp peanut butter, honey and walnuts for 2pts.

New Favorite!

For lunch, when the Jamie and Chrises got here (we have two guy friends here named Jamie and Chris and my sister and brother in law's names are Jamie and Chris) we had birthday cake and icecream while they opened presents and watched the 1st half of the game. I had a teeny piece of cake 5pts. 

For the second half of the game, we went to B-Dubs for wings. Unfortunately the game turned south at the end, but we were in good company at least!

Sister and I

Jamie and Chris, sister and husband

The boys- Jamie, Chris, and Matt

I had 5 wings 10pts and a side of fries 5pts. I also (gasp) had two beers 6pts. After the game we played some cornhole and hung out at the house watching the SC Auburn game. I had another beer there 2pts. The puppies enjoyed being the center of attention.

Miss Hamlet and her pig hoof

FRIDAY STATS: 
Points: 30/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 21/35 remaining
Exercise: corn hole

Weekly Activity Points: 0/10

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

I'm famous! Friday W35

Today was a lot of work and not much play. I was busy all day, but I was in a commercial shoot which was kind of fun!

I had a smart ones for lunch 4pts.

I broke down and had one of the hershy's bars with almonds. I had half at work and split the other half with Matt after work for 3pts.

So good! Haven't had chocolate in forever!!!

After work, we went home and had the last of the chicken veggie orzo pasta 8pts (I had a smaller serving, but added a little feta). Then I dropped Matt at a friend's house before I got to work!

I went to the grocery, then came home and got cooking. I made chilli to freeze. I made fiesta chicken and rice bake. I made veggie cookies (bad idea). I had one for 1pt. I even roasted an acorn squash!! I was EXHAUSTED when I finished. I picked Matt up pretty late and came home to finish the corn hole sets before the game tomorrow. Then I crashed.

FRIDAY STATS: 
Points: 16/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 28/35 remaining
Exercise: Cooking!

Weekly Activity Points: 0/10

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Sister and Brother in Town! Thurs W35.

Hey bloggies! I've had a pretty awesome work day today. I woke up and walked to work with the hubs and bear! +2 activitiy points! I had a pretty good and busy day at work! I only had time to check my work email for 15 minutes all day!!!

Lunch was a Smart Ones already in the work freezer. I had Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans for 6pts.

It looks kind of yucky, but its alright for a microwave meal.

Look what I've been working on at work!

Yes, CHOCOLATE! Chocolate care packages for the charlottesville school teachers. Holy cow I have wanted some of this the past few days. I've still been good!!! No chocolate yet!

Guess what else I was tempted with today. Cupcakes! A student who works at a cupcake bakery brought a maple cinnamon cupcake to me and a few other trainers!

Buuuuut, nope- I didn't eat it either!! I gave it away. That took will power. It was super adorable though so I had to take a picture. I love the little maple leaf!

We had a staff meeting after my shift today so I worked a little late. Matt and I went out to eat for a treat for dinner. We went to Cobb's, and I got a 10" (small) pizza. It was spinach, tomato, and artichoke. My favorite!! I had 3 slices for 11pts, and a diet dr. pepper 0pts.

Favorite Pizza

Delish!

After dinner, we went home and worked on the cornhole sets. Not going to lie- they look AMAZING! Buuuuut...you're going to have to wait to see pictures until they're finished tomorrow! Just in time for GAME DAY on Saturday!! Salty and Harley came over and started their own corn hole set.

I of course watched the Grey's Anatomy season premier. Its my guilty pleasure. After the opening Jamie, Chris, and MISS HAMLET showed up!! I was a good girl, I didn't partake in the wine, although I really wanted to. This is my detox and running month and I'm sticking to it...even if it kills me. We chilled and chatted and watched the puppies play...mostly Hamlet run around like a crazy kid. I loved it.

Overall, I must say its been a great day! I'm catching up on some Biggest Loser action right now. I need to head to bed SOON!

THURSDAY STATS: 
Points: 17/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 28/35 remaining
Exercise: Walking to Work

Weekly Activity Points: 2/10

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Sorry I missed you!

Hey everyone! Sorry I missed you yesterday. It was a weird day. I was working on my thesis, left my cell at the work the day before, and was generally unorganized all day.

I went to the gym for an hr +5 activity points.  I am so sore!

I had about 27 points for the day so, 4 pts over.

Casey

Back on [the] Track. Tue. W35.

Tuesday was a day. I woke up and tossed a slim fast in my lunch box for breakfast before heading to work. I got half way through it (2pts) and my stomach went nuts! I don't know what it was but all day it felt like I was being stabbed in the gut.

Evil slimfast

 I had a super busy day at work. 2pm had rolled around before I knew it and I hadn't eaten lunch! Although it felt like Clash of the Titans was going on in my body, I thought food might help. Nope- but I ate anyway. 4pts for my broccoli fettucini alfredo from Smart Ones.

When I was updating our facebook page at work (ps- check us out on the radio tomorrow at 8:30 WCHV 94.1), I noticed a message from my friend, Andrea who is running a 5k with me on the 18th of October. 

She ran 2 miles all because I told her we were going to run a 5k when she comes to visit over her fall break. So, I decided that I needed to get my butt out and run too. This is not a decision I was planning to make today...The last time I exercised regularly was...well you probably remember as well as I do- beginning of June when I was doing my C25K plan religiously. I have been sick, and then procrastination station. I was not excited. I didn't even know if I could still run 2 miles without coughing up a lung...

But I ran anyway...

with my stopwatch

And I did 2 miles...

In 24.58 minutes

So this isn't a great time or anything. Its a slow jog, but I didn't want to walk at all during the 2 miles. I'm not thrilled with the time, (plus I think it was a little longer, I can't remember if I mapped 2 miles at one sign or the next, but a block apart max) but I'm also not upset with it. Its definitely something I can work with this month. I fast-walked the rest of the .6 miles home in my loop. +3 activity points. I also met two awesome walking buddies on my run. I passed them twice- they were walking the opposite way. My PR job personality hadn't worn off so I paused (during the last .6 mile walk) and talked to them for a bit. Adorable.

  Do you prefer to run alone or with a friend? 

I prefer to run alone, myself, but that may be because I am not fast enough to keep up with any of my friends!! Also, I like to let my mind drift while running. I don't think I could talk if I wanted to.

All in all, I was able to write andy back telling her I'd done the same. Hooray for friendly encouragement/competition!

For dinner, Matt and I had some more of the low fat baked ziti for 8pts. I had about 1/2 of this piece of baby water mellon for 1pt.

I cut my thumb pretty good while slicing :(

After dinner, I chilled out and watched Sunshine Cleaning. I think I liked it. It was a little sad. Definitely an indie film. I'm going to clean a little and get to bed early so I'm tip top for thesis writing tomorrow. Each word I write is like pulling teeth! They're just not coming out.

TUESDAY STATS: 
Points: 15/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 32/35 remaining
Exercise: jogged 2 miles

Weekly Activity Points: 3/3

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey

Best Weight Loss Advice Bar None

So Ben from Ben Does Life was featured in The Healthy Tipping Point yesterday, and it is well worth the read. He lost 140 lbs in only 11 months. He has an amazing story. The main take away from the interview from me was his advice on how to start your health journey. I couldn't put it better myself. I also love the video, which you can find below.

"As far as someone is struggling, here’s the thing, just find a spark. Fall in love. Start a blog. Do something drastic. But do something. Don’t go in half-heartedly and tell yourself you’re going to try to be healthy. And the big thing, I’ve found, is TELL SOMEONE. Tell everyone if you have to. The natural thing might be to be too embarrassed to tell people, like they’ll know you’re overweight or something, but that’s the thing… they already know you’re overweight, and they will be thrilled when you tell them you’re changing your life. I promise. Oh, and take lots of pictures. You may hate them now, but they’ll be awesome in a few months."

More is Better. Mon. W35.

I ran errands all morning for LearningRx and skipped breakfast. I'm not really a breakfast person and didn't eat breakfast much during college. I more or less do it out of habit and "because you're supposed to" rather than out of hunger. The theory that breakfast "jump starts your metabolism" isn't true, but I still don't like missing it more than a day a week. It feels like I'm doing something taboo.

I started in on my thesis mid day. Bear and I had lunch outside which was nice. I love that the weather is cooling off. Its running weather! I had a smart ones ravioli for 5pts. 

Outside on the porch

Bear thought he would get some. He was mistaken.

Today, and for several days recently I have noticed I've had a case of the "If some is good, then more is better"s. I bought sunchips at Sam's and found myself measuring out a portion 2pts...and then another 2pts...and then 1/2 another 1pt...I wasn't even hungry after lunch! 

The thesis writing went alright. I have a work station set up at home that is working for me right now so I feel good about working at home. I didn't get on hulu all day, which is a first!!

My work station- and new planner with deadlines for myself. 

After picking Matt up from work, I went to my Weight Watchers meeting. I had 2 nilla wafters with a little peanut butter before it.

I love these!

 We talked about the skill of asking for help when you need it. I think I'm pretty good at doing this with weight loss and exercise since I ask all of you for help all the time! So I tried to think about the concept for other areas of my life. 

PS- there are two FOOLS who have joined my Monday night ww meeting. They love talking about themselves and monopolizing conversation with tips and tricks for losing weight. Ummm...I'm just going to say, I'm sorry, but if you haven't lost any weight and have been going to meetings longer than me, I don't want to know your tips and tricks. They obviously suck. This is mean, but come on! There are other people in the meeting who don't have loud mouths and who I can learn from. Seriously, one woman during the "celebrations" part decided to take 5 mins (of a 30 min meeting) to tell the group she had gained .6lbs and was happy it wasn't more. She proceeded to talk about how she's about to marry her 2nd husband yadda yadda...umm this is a weight loss meeting. Shut up. I would like to hear what Kathy (our leader) planned to talk about instead of what none of your friends will listen to.

On a lighter note, I am down another 1.6 lbs bringing the running total to -32.2 lbs. Hooray. At the meeting, all of the snack bars were on sale so I picked up a box of the 1pt peanut butter ones. When I got home, Matt had made dinner! Love him. He made more chicken veggie orzo, but this time he added roasted asparagus. It was delicious. I had a cup and a half 8pts. 

After dinner, I decided to try the peanut butter bars 1pt. They were an EPIC FAIL. 1. They were a little melty 2. The peanut butter part tasted like the crappy halloween candy in the orange and black wax paper wrappers and 3. It made my tummy hurt. Gross.

Avoid at all costs...even if they are on sale.

So along with the more is better theme, I drowned my violated tongue in 2 cans of diet dr pepper 0pts but lots of sodium, and some baked tortilla chips and guacamole 5pts. It was not a high point for me. My tum tum hurts now.

Moral of the story: More is not always better.

I did however enjoy the rest of the night working on our corn hole set. Its shaping up, but there's still a lot to be done. I want to finish before the game against Alabama this Saturday. 

Adding Razorback Red

Bear thought he would help

Taking up the breakfast table. 

I'm going to round out the night reading and writing some more on my thesis as I feel moved (hah).

MONDAY STATS: 
Points: 26/23
Weekly Allowance Points: 32/35 remaining
Exercise: nadda

Weekly Activity Points: 0/0

Weekly Weight Loss: -1.6 lbs / -32.2 total


Hope to see less of each other next time!
Casey