Saturday, February 26, 2011

Weigh In and On my Way!

Well, I lost 2 lbs this week and made my weight loss officially 45 lbs total.  My goal of reaching 150 is getting closer even though its still far enough over the horizon that I can't quite see it.   I truly do not remember ever being that thin. 

While I have some to lose in other places, the vast majority of my residual weight now lies in my bust! It just refuses to budge.  I have dropped a couple of bra sizes in the around measurement (44-40), the cup size remains the same.  It this rate, I am going to be so top heavy, we are going to have to prop me up with a stick!  Oddly enough, I don't look disproportionate yet, but who knows what another 15 lbs is going to do.  Oh well, I will worry about that when I get there

Friday, February 25, 2011

Ya Never Know!

Today I was talking with an acquaintance that I thought had everything.  Beautiful wife, 3 gorgeous daughters, great job.  Life was good, right?!  Well, turns out beautiful wife is an alcoholic, a bad alcoholic.  They've been married 30+ years and she's been sober less than one of them.  He stands by her, go figure.  His dad died of melanoma and he has had cancers removed himself. 

The fairy tale...it doesn't exist.  A trick of smoke and mirrors and what we all envy...?  Really, its a joke.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Week So Far

...and its only Tuesday.  I have eaten well so far this week, without eating TOO well.  All of a sudden I seem to be struggling to get in my good health guidelines and I have no real reason for it other than not planning.  So, scarce on veggies and oils and even my beloved dairy is getting short shrift.  Its laziness.  I think I have winter doldrums and, as most of the rest of the country would be quick to say, "What winter?  There is no winter in Arizona!"

Today stunk.  2 meeting practically back to back.  3 hours!  Out of a 9 hour day that is generally pretty packed anyway and today was crammed.  It makes for a mad house.  Oh, and they fed us during the second meeting.  Pizza, for God's Sake!  Now, thankfully, I did have prior notice to this so I brought salad dressing from home (yes, they bought salad too, Thanks, Barb!) and ate salad like a fiend.  Then I went in for pizza.  It was ok, not my favorite.  The pizza are HUGE and are cut into squares instead of wedges so I had 1 - 4 inch square with salami and sausage (I think), no veggies, no nothing.  And another, about half that size, of Hawaiian style.  And then I also had a cookie!  Chocolate chip, no less!  I don't think I did horrible, I have done much, much worse.  But I will never understand why, once you enter the doors of corporate hell, you are doomed the eat this crap.  Continental Breakfast, Pizza for Lunch, and huge expensive and caloric dinners if you go out with the gang. 

I think its a conspiracy.  We just want to kill each other off with cholestoral and fat induced heart attacks.  Its the fastest way to a promotion!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Weigh In and What Jack Sh*t Said

Yesterday's weigh in put me down .2, again for the bazillionth time.  I feel like I am destined to be stuck where I am and that perhaps I should get a doc to sign off on my current weight so I can be done paying WW. 

I said that same thing to my WW Leader yesterday and she asked "What can you do differently?".  I am sure that there a multiple things I could do differently.  The codicile to that is "Do you want to?".  I didn't say that to her, but I did indicate that I am not miserable about the lack of discernable loss.  I think I am at "Maintenance in Training" mode.  Problem with that is I have 18 more pounds I would really like to lose!  And its not happening!

And then there is Jack.  Who manages to put things in such a remarkable perspective.  I am more than the number on that scale.  I look good, I feel good.  I have a new attitude that exudes confidence.  I see where I was and I know where I am and I will never go back, even if I never take another step forward on this journey.  I am not quitting, per se, I am just quitting beating myself up over it!

Welcome Alisonds!

Alsionds has decided to follow me around!  I am so happy to have followers. 

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Guess Who Got a New Camera?

And one she can use?  Rah, rah, f-ing rah! I missed having a camera!!  So tonite, my friends, I made yummies in the form of Shrimp and Pasta.  And it was lovely and it was on Plan, and both of us ate til we were satisfied and sent food back to the kitchen.  A first, I swear to God! So, want to see...?

This is Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Pasta with Shrimp.  The ingredients are:



What you see here are the prime ingredients.  I will post the recipe below.

I have no brand loyalty when it comes to herbs and spices and, while I rarely have fresh in the house, I can generally reach into my spice cabinet and find pretty much anything, from the most exotic to the most mundane of herbs and spices.   Anyway..

So start this dish up dicing onions and garlic.  I sprayed my pan with some olive oil and added those two together to sweat down a little.


While that was happening, I chopped some Roasted Red Peppers (from a jar) in anticipation of adding them shortly.  

One the onions and garlic started to tenderize, I added a pound of peeled, deveined shrimp.  I let these cook for a couple minutes and then added the red pepper and the juice of a couple lemons.

Then I added some parsley, thyme, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. I covered it and set it aside for a minute. 

In the midst of all of this heat of creativity, I managed to get some angel hair pasta on to cook also.  I am not happy with this!  I had purchased a box of pasta that said it was 14.5 oz.  I weighed out 4 servings (2 oz each) and it was the entire box!!  How could that be?!  Me thinks I got rooked.  I am going to have to investigate this!  Anyway, pasta is boiling, so once its not quite al dente, I am going to move it into this pan of shrimp and spices.  I tossed them together and let them sit a minute or two while I put together a simple salad.  This was really good for about 11 P+.  I am not a big pasta fan, but I really liked this.


Here is the recipe:

Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Pasta with Shrimp

PointsPlus™ Value: 4
Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 cup(s) vidalia onion(s)
2 clove(s) garlic clove(s), minced (medium)
1 pound(s) shrimp
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup(s) fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried sage
3/4 tsp table salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 item(s) bell pepper(s), Jarred is ok. (medium)

Instructions
Preparation

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a paper bag; fold to close tightly. Let stand 20 minutes. Peel and chop; set aside.  (I used a jar of Roasted Red Pepper and skipped this step!)
3. Cook fettuccine according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well. Set aside; keep warm. ( I used Angel Hair Pasta because that was what I had on hand.)
4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic to pan, and cook for 4 minutes or until the onion is tender, stirring frequently. Add shrimp to the pan, and cook for 2 minutes. Add bell peppers and 1/4 cup lemon juice to the pan, and cook for 4 minutes or until the shrimp are done and half of the liquid has evaporated. Add chopped parsley and the next 5 ingredients (through 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper) to the shrimp mixture. Remove pan from heat. (I did not use the butter and simply sprayed my pans with some olive oil)
5. Combine cooked fettuccine and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large bowl; toss well. Add shrimp mixture, tossing gently to coat.

Nutritional Information

Calories:378
Fat:10.5g (sat 3.3g,mono 4.6g,poly 1.7g)
Protein:20.7g
Carbohydrate:51g
Fiber:4.9g
Cholesterol:96mg
Iron:4mg
Sodium:573mg
Calcium:91mg

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Yummy + Brussel Sprouts = Lost My Mind!

Ok, the Sprouts and I have had a long standing detente.  I don't eat them and they ignore me!  Works out just fine for both us until now!  I found this recipe for Brussel Sprouts with Pecans and, while I didn't use any pecans (subbing bacon bits instead), I have decided that not only do I like Brussel Sprouts, but the little SOB's better grow legs and learn to run 'cause I can't get enough of this.  Its so good.  Give it a shot!

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000522381

Saturday, February 12, 2011

17 Posts to 300 and a Giveway!

I am approaching 300 posts and intend to celebrate with a really awesome giveaway!  Its a favorite thing of mine (or a duplicate of) and I know that the winner(s) will be thrilled.  Stay tuned!!

Weigh In and Worn Out!

Well, after this crazy ass week, I was up .2!  That's quite alright, it certainly could have been much, much worse.  I did not eat badly, I just didn't have alot of opportunity for careful monitoring of portions and some of the things I ate were less than stellar, but never was I out of control, for even a minute and I am quite proud of that.  I ate well when given the opportunity and used moderation when the choices were more limited.  I guess that's what learning to watch your weight is really all about, isn't it?

I am exhausted.  4 days of pacing hospital halls like a caged animal just makes me want to collapse.  I am much to ADD to sit around doing nothing for incredibly long periods of time, so I walk.  Until I wear myself out.  And then I sit for awhile and then I walk some more.  Lather, Rinse, Repeat.  For 4 days!  Blech! The really down side of all that pacing is I forgot to put on my damned pedometer and at least get some measurements of all the ground I covered in that time frame.  Dummy!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Hospitals!!

The business that kept me from eating properly yesterday was my stepdad.  He was scheduled for angioplasty today and we went to the VA hospital, per instructions, for a pre-op workup.  He determined that was the optimal time to point out that he had this thing that was hurting him "right here" on his left side, at which time the cardiologist pulled the brake rope and tossed us all, head first,  into a nightmare that could only be born in a hospital.

The cardiologist told us that he wanted my stepdad admitted for some further testing, but there were no open beds in the hospital.  So he notified the attending in emergency that he was sending him down for a CT scan and then wanted him admitted.  Off we went to emergency and they settled my stepdad onto a gurney and I went home. 

This morning I got up and called the hospital to find out what room he had been sent to, only to find out he was still in emergency and there were still no beds in the hospital.  Daammmnnn!  I wouldn't treat a dog like this, much less an 82 year old man with a heart condition!

So, to try and shorten this, all the addtional testing is done and any aggravating factors have been discounted and they will do the angioplasty tomorrow.  He will have to stay in the hospital until Friday and then he will be released to me at which time I will bring him home to alleviate the aggravation of having to drive across town and walk a mazillion miles across this huge hospital complex (because parking sucks!) so he can drive me batty in my own home for at least another week. 

I am so blessed! 

In-N-Out Burgers

Well, whodda thunk?! 

In-N-Out recently moved into our town and, while I was curious, I have managed to avoid sampling their wares.   I mean, I am a Weight Watcher.  Cheeseburgers and Fries are not part of my normal fare. 

Yesterday circumstances had me away from home without so much as a banana in sight and I was so very hungry.  I had only consumed about 5 PP earlier in the day and around 6:30 pm, headed home, I saw an In-N-Out! It was pure serendipity (isn't that a fun word?) but I decided that now was as good a time to try them out as any.  I had PP to spare and a cheeseburger would fill the bill. 

Well, guess what?  The In-N-Out cheeseburger is only 13 PP!  Hot Damn! Fries are fries and way too many PP to even talk about.  I ate about 1/2 a serving and pitched the rest in the trash.  But that cheeseburger was really, really good and well worth 13 PP.  I don't intend to make it a habit, but its nice to know its available in a pinch!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Boundless Energy

One thing I have noticed and not commented on much is my energy level since getting rid of this weight.  I am like a machine, I tell you!  Its crazy.  I have so much energy.  I have been doing laundry and buzzing around the house all day.  My husband thinks I am a changeling, because honestly, I am usually looking for ways to get out of housecleaning, not multiplying my cleaning by 10!  I have some hand washing to do yet and other than that, all the laundry is done.  I have done dishes.  I have taken apart 2 bookcases, sorted all the stuff and re-organized them.  And, of course, dusted as I went along. 

Who is this person? 

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Weigh In and Milestones and Eating New Things

I haven't posted for a while, but I am doing great.  I was down 1.2 today, HOT DAMN.  I have so struggled sometimes, and rejoice when the loss is significant like this (as opposed to a .2 loss).  I feel great and I can't wait (I almost typed weight!) until spring when I can quit dressing like the Michelin Man.  I am now into a size 14 pants from an 18W/20W.  That's a 14 with NO W!!  Are you kidding me?! I don't ever remember wearing a 14.  Ever! 

I had to take a sweater back to the store because it was too big.  Another giant NSV.  I am busty and tops are (were) a problem.  I have often been 2 sizes larger on top than on my pants or skirts, and dress or sets have been almost impossible for me to buy.  So anyway, I bought this gorgeous sweater made even prettier by being on sale and low and behold, it hung on me like a gunny sack.  A very attractive gunny sack, but still!!  I took it back and exchanged it for the next size down.  (I hate to try clothes on in stores, a phobia born of trying to buy clothes that look nice on an obese teenager, with critical parents standing by.  Its murder on ones self esteem.  I hate dressing rooms and mirrors. So I don't try things on.  I buy them, take them home, try there and take them back if necessary. Silly, but something I may never recover from!)

Trying new foods! What fun!  So last week it was bulgur.  I have made this before and it wasn't so hot!  But that was my fault!  I didn't give it a chance!  This time I researched recipes and found ones that interested me and kind of concocted my own mix of flavors that appealed to me.  I made a bulgar recipe that called for green onions, tarragon, parsley, garlic and chicken broth and a bit of orange juice and zest.  OMG, its all I ate for lunch for 3 days.  1 cup cooked bulgar = 5 PP.  And it was good and it was filling and its flavorful and I bought more bulgur at the store today.  I am hooked.

I also bought a couple of Pepino Melons.  Unremarkable little boogers and certainly not worth $4.99 a lb in my opinion.  Oh well, win some, lose some. 

I am so happy that I have the opportunity and the wherewithall to try new things and that I am the kind person that enjoys doing so.  I have an adventurous pallet and I consider that a great asset in the weigh loss journey because I am not stuck only eating certain things or denying vegetables cause "I hate veggies" or "You ate what?!".  I will try anything once and if something I can adapt to my life and I can afford it, what the heck, I just expanded my horizons.