Day 14 - Let them eat cake...and anything else

Whew, tonight I made it through two events where lots of food was served. ALL I HAD WAS WATER. It wasn't bad. I tried to mingle and keep my mind off the food. I was actually asked to serve cake at one point. This was hard because it was delicious looking double fudge cake. I was not tempted. I stayed focused. I made it up another hill. It feels good to stick with the program. Tomorrow is another day but I will stay focused and hope for good and positive results.

Tonight. Dinner will be a veggie burger on wheat flat bread with a slice of veggie cheese and a dollop of fat free mayo.

Chant: Eyes on the PRIZE.

Have a Veggie Good Night,

FitandSlim4ever.

Day 13 - Blue Skies and Fluffy Clouds

Have you ever taken a long walk on a beautiful day? A day when the sun is shining and the sky is perfectly blue dotted with fluffy white clouds. Today I looked up at the sky and felt the sun on my face and finally it all clicked. A healthy lifestyle is not a punishment or death sentence. A healthy lifestyle is a wonderful bonus for having the discipline to stay focused on your diet. During my morning walk I pondered my long history of yo-yo dieting. I have tried numerous diets and programs. I usually drop weight only to regain some, all or more within six months to a year. Why? I think it is because my weight loss efforts are not part of a total lifestyle change.  I have to make some hard choices about my weight. Do I want to live long enough to enjoy sunny skies? That is the question.

During the next 11 months I will work hard to develop and maintain a healthier lifestyle. I hope you will follow my blog and support me to the finish line. 

My challenge this week is to get through a demanding schedule of busy events without being tempted by the food table. Why is there food at EVERY meeting? Last night I ate lettuce while everyone else ate HUGE sandwiches on Italian bread (WITH CHIPS AND SUNDAES). Give me a little applause. I made it through the night. Tonight is another challenge. 

Good Book: Terry McMillian's Getting to Happy. That's my goal...getting to happy.

Have a Veggie Good Day, 

FitandSlim4ever

Day 12 - Balancing hectic work days with diets

It is very hard to balance a hectic schedule with dieting.  I think that you really have to do a lot of planning and preparation.

Trick One - Slice/chop all of your vegetables and store in plastic storage bags
Trick Two - Stock up on diet snack bars (WW has lots of choices)
Trick Three - Keep a few frozen diet meals in the freezer for the  busy days when you are tired
Trick Four - Load up on veggies. I like the Just for One packs
Trick Five - Eggs are lifesavers...really!!!

Tip:  Take a sip bottle filled with water to meetings. You can get your daily intake of water while working

Send me some of your diet tricks. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Have a Veggie Good Day,

FitandSlim4ever

Day 11- FALL IN LOVE WITH HEALTHY FOOD

Fall is such a wonderful time of year. I look forward to September because it feels like you are getting a fresh start for the last part of the year. Fall also means that colorful and healthy foods are in season. Have you ever tried a Pomegranate? You should select bright deep red poms. The bigger the better. Pistachios are another excellent choice. Pistachios pack a powerful punch and help protect the liver.

Tip: Having trouble sleeping? Eat a handful of walnuts and cherries. Let me know if it helps.

Challenge: I will hang "The Jeans" on the door and stare at them for 5 minutes. I will try to imagine myself wearing "The Jeans." (refer to earlier blogs for the jean story). I will repeat to myself -
I am going to get into "The Jeans." I challenge you to find something in your closet to to hang on the door.

I wish everyone a wonderful Sunday. New week - new start, new chance to make the most of our weight loss journey.

See you soon and have a Veggie Good Day,

FitandSlim4ever

Day 10 - Cleaning House

Today, I started cleaning out my pantry and fridge. I took all the pasta and put it in a bag. My niece Cherie is the recipient of pasta in every shape and size. Bon Appetite, Cherie.

It feels really good to give away food. It felt like a wonderful cleansing experience. There are so many people in the world in need of food so why hold onto food that you do not need.

Today was a fun day. I went to a breakfast meeting and managed to have 2 poached eggs and 1/2 slice of toast...while dining with people EATING BACON. OMG. I love bacon. I was proud of myself for resisting the BACON. After breakfast I went to a meeting where my friends were eating sandwiches and dessert. I ate before I went to the meeting. It really helped. I managed to stay focused while my friend TA munched down on this wonderful chocolate delicacy with marshmallow and nuts. Thanks friend.

Tonight I walked with my friend GW for 2 hours. Go GW. We are really enjoying our fitness walks.

Well, it has been a long day so I bid you goodnight. Sweet Dreams and Tomorrow have a Veggie Good Day.

FitandSlim4ever.

DAY 9 - TODAY IS A GREAT DAY

What is the first thought to pop into your head in the morning? Do you give thanks for having another day on the planet? Do you fall on your knees and ask blessings for the safety and health of your family? Whatever your prayer, whatever your hope - start out thanking God for a GREAT DAY.

Two weeks into WW and I give thanks for a great day. I am thankful for the opportunity to get a "do over." A second chance to do things differently, to make better choices ... to select the high road...to choose  health and fitness over obsisty and despair. Today, I celebrate new beginings and fresh starts.

Here is to a new week on WW. Pray for me. I go forth with a humble heart and a spirit filled with might.

Tip:  Flavor soups with low sodium chicken, veggie or beef brotth. 

Action chant: Move it. U gotta move it. Motivate and Move it.

Have a great weekend. Happy TGIF.

Blessings and have a Veggie Good Day,

FitandSlim4ever

Day 8 - Week 2 /So Far So GoR

 Yeah for Me. I have finished my first week on WW. I actually lost weight. GO GIRL !!! Now, forward march. My WW leader told us that the program does not control us - we control the plan. In other words - We have enough flexibility to put together winning menu plans that suit our individual taste. So, this week I am going to focus getting into a routine.  More on this task to follow. :)

Quick Lunch idea for last nights grilled shrimp - 1/2 cut shrimp chopped, mixed with 1/2 blue crab meat, 1/3 mined green onions, a dash of seasoning,  1 tablespoon of low fat mayo, 1 tablespoon of tofu cream cheese, 1 1/4 cup colorful bell peppers sliced or chopped, one cup raw spinach. Mix shrimp, crab, seasoning, mayo, onions and cream cheese together. Serve over spinach leaves and garnish with bell peppers and cucumber slices.  For a side dish serve "Just for One" veggie serving. (1 pt).  You can add a 1/4 tablespoon of Remoulade sauce for color and taste. Remoulade is about 80 cal/7g fat for a tablespoon so use carefully.

I feel very good about completing a week on my new program. I look forward to sharing my progress in the weeks and months to come. I hope you will stay tuned and support my weight loss journey with INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS AND MESSAGES. POSITIVE VIBES ONLY.

Thought for the week:  My pastor says that we are called to do three things 1) do no harm 2) do good and 3) stay in love with God. Sounds easy right? Wrong. I am going to try getting through the week living by these three simple rules. I challenge you to do the same.

Peace and Joy to you and have a Veggie Good Day!

Fitandslim4ever

Day 7 - Finding Motivation in a Camp Fire Song

Do you remember sitting in a circle at camp and singing "It only takes a spark to get a fire going and soon all those around will warm up in its glowing..." I used to love that song...at the end we would shout "and I want to pass it on." Join me in humming or singing the camp fire song today. Sing it in the shower, car, gym, grocery, office - WHEREVER. When you sing the song you must exude positive energy. You are probably asking yourself - What does this have to do with dieting? Well, I am glad you asked. Dieting is all  about positive energy, state of mind and motivation.

REPEAT AFTER ME...Today, I will be positive. I will exercise, meditate, plan my meals and make a difference. Today - I will be a SPARK.  I will not be dragged down by negative forces, I will not be defeated by food. Today - I will FINISH STRONG.

Tip - eat an avocado (1/4 for WW) it is full of Good4u.  Shout out to my friend Gail for reminding me that "Life is not a dress rehearsal"

Now start singing and have a Veggie Good Day.

Peace and Blessings,  FitandSlim4ever.

Day 6 - Finish Strong

Who Dat?

FINISH STRONG - I am going to adopt the motto of the New Orleans Saints. Finish Strong. I will FINISH STRONG this week.  The Saints won the Superbowl SO I can win at weight loss.

I am half way through the first week. It has been a lot of fun. Yesterday, I went to the grocery store to stock up on veggies. I bought sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash, broccoli and bell peppers. I plan to mix and match these veggies with the spinach, salad and mushrooms already in the fridge.

One fast solution for getting your daily veggie supply (5/day) is a veggie pita. I toss 1 tablespoon of oil with 1/2 cup of broccoli slaw, 1/4 cup of sprouts, 2 cucumber slices and a dash of salad seasoning. Add the veggie mixture to a pita and voila. You will have a delicious veggie pita for lunch. Serve the pita with a cup of low sodium/fat soup for a nutritious and filling lunch. You can also use one serving of wheat bread.

Tip:  Try Hellman's low fat mayo. I find that it beats other brands in the fat/calorie count.

Action:  I was tired and stressed out yesterday but I dragged myself to Curves. I managed to make it through the circuit a few times. I ended the day by taking a long walk with the dog.

When I am tempted to skip my workout I will remember to FINISH STRONG. I am going to tape a piece of paper with FINISH STRONG on my bathroom mirror.  I challenge you to do the same.

To my fellow warriors in the battle against the bulge...live life to the fullest, pray without ceasing, laugh loud and often and MOST IMPORTANT. Be good to yourself.

Peace and best wishes for a Veggie Good Day,

Fitandslim4ever

Day Five - Getting the hang of things

I survived the weekend.

Sunday night was a little hard. I dipped into my extra points to cover my pizza. It was worth it. I ate delicious pizza made with a wheat crust, uncured pepperoni and organic cheese while watching the new HBO series Boardwalk.  It is not as good as True Blood. I miss Bill and Sookie.

Sunday afternoon I walked more than 3.2 miles. I walked from my house to the riverfront where I met my friend Gail. Together we walked 2 miles in the park. I also walked the dog twice for at least 20 minutes. Thanks to my big brother Rod for giving me the pedometer.

Today, I had a WW frozen breakfast sandwich (4 points). The sandwich preparation is a little tricky. I find it best to take the sandwich apart and microwave each section separately. Bread (10 sec), Meat and Egg 20 sec each. I also add a tablespoon of low calorie butter substitute. The breakfast sandwich is a great option when you are running late in the morning.

I think the trick to staying on WW is planning and preparation. It is critical that I spend time working on menus and developing a "food routine."  My goal is to develop a five day meal plan with a variety of menus that are filling AND satisfying. This will help me stay on plan. I can also save my favorites online at WW.com. Recipes wanted so please share with us.

News Alert.  Judge Glenda Hatchett's new novel hit the newsstands today. Please pick up a copy. The book is called "Dare to Change." It will inspire you.

Happy dieting and have a Veggie Good Day,

Fitandslim4ever

Day Four - Getting Ready for An Amazing Week

Good Sunday to All,

This morning I received an email from a wonderful lady named Myrna. The email contained a message of inspiration that is right on point. Thank you Miss Myrna for jump starting my day.

Mark 5:26. ...and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse ,

 

Thought for the Day: Your Journey Will Have Obstacles

  

Reflection for the Day: Stay Focused On God And Go Forward

 

There is much to celebrate in the life of the woman with "an issue of blood". She pressed her way, touched the hem of the garment of Jesus, and was healed. Her journey ended in victory. While we rejoice in her healing we cannot ignore the years she suffered, twelve long years in which she simply grew worse. Her secret was simple. She stayed focused on the Lord and continued forward.

 

Your journey to success will have many obstacles. They will come from every direction but you must remain focused on the Lord. As you continue forward in the direction that He leads you you have no need to doubt. Remain assured that God's promise will be fulfilled.

Four days into WW and I can share a few lessons:

• Walking with a friend helps 
• Follow the rule of Thermodynamics - "burn more calories than you take in"
• Use the 35 extra points that help you splurge without getting totally off base
• Chop up fresh vegetables and keep them in ziplocks. This will speed up prep time
• Buy a produce keeper from Walmart. Keeps fruit and lettuce VERY fresh
• WW peach or strawberry yogurt is 1 point and will fill you up
• When you are tempted to cheat use a lifeline and call a relative or friend for support. 
• Butter buds can be added to help season food
• Tofu ice cream is so refreshing and a good evening snack. I like the ice cream sandwich

This week - positive energy. 

Goal: Move it and lose it.  Until tomorrow have a veggie good day.

Fitandslim4ever

Day 3 - Staying focused over the weekend

Happy Saturday,

Last night I tried a recipe for Weight Watcher's enchiladas. It turned out to be a hot mess. I used veggie cheese and 2% velveta. The low cal tortillas were hard and the veggie cheese does not melt well in the oven. OMG. Never again. There is nothing worse than wasting your precious points on a bad dish. Needless to say I was still hungry so I had a 1/2 of banana. This morning I ate egg substitute with 1/2 cup of mixed mushrooms, broccoli florets, green onion, white onion, bell peppers and a 1/2 slice of American cheese.

The hard part about dieting is keeping focused and motivated. I am going select a piece of clothing that does not fit. Let's call this piece of clothing my "tier one emotional goal." My tier one emotional goal will serve as a daily motivator.

I have chosen  a fabulous pair of jeans as my tier one emotional goal. I love these jeans. My goal is to wear these jeans during the Christmas holidays. On the day I wear my jeans the bad enchilada dinner will be a distant memory...ahead blue skies, lots of vegetables and a new healthy lifestyle.

I KNOW I CAN DO IT.

Activity for today:  I spent 1 hour cleaning up leaves, pulling leaves and sweeping the patio. Later today I am going to clean rust off of my bicycle and take a walk by the river.

Tonight, I am having grilled shrimp with a salad for dinner.

My theme song.  I will survive as long as I have food to eat I know I'll stay alive. I have all my family and friends and lots of support. I will survive.


Blessings and Peace to All

Day 2 - I am on my way

Oh happy day. I am into the second day of my weight watchers journey. This morning I had a delicious 5.5 pt breakfast consisting of a 1 egg substitute omelet with spinach, mushrooms and grape tomatoes. I tossed 5 spinach leaves, 2 grape tomatoes sliced vertically and a tablespoon of mushrooms in a saute pan coated with cooking spray. I added 1 1/2 slice of american cheese and I served 1 oz of turkey sausage (6 small round slices) on the side.  1 oz of meat is NOTHING :)

1egg - is 2 pts, 1 tablespoon quick egg substitute is 1/2 pt, 1/2 slice of american cheese single is 1//2 pt, 1 oz turkey sausage is 1.5 pts, the spinach, tomato and   mushrooms have 0 points.  Voila.

My breakfast was delicious and very satisfying.

As for action. I walked the dog this morning and I plan on going to CURVES later today.  It is not so hard to be healthy.

Prayer for today. I pray for the courage to keep moving and losing. I pray for my family and friends. I pray for those that are so supportive of my efforts (shout out to GW, JR, TA, LM, DH and Dad for lifting me up in love, friendship and support). My friend Diane always says "when you get ready to do it - YOU WILL DO IT." Thanks D for being such an inspiration. I admire your workout ethic.

To those that elect to scorn or laugh at my blog. Who cares. Positive people welcome. All others see the haters blog.
Peace and Blessings, Fitandslim4ever  in progress.

Day One on Weight Watchers

Dear Kindred Spirits,

Today, I started Weight Watchers. I was a little scared and intimidated by the discussion about counting points. Our group leader was great. I got excited just listening to her 50 pound weight loss story.

So, starting today - September 16, 2010 I hereby commit to blog about my weight loss journey for one year.

I will not tell you my starting weight. My mother used to say that "a woman that tells her weight and age will tell anything."

So, stay tuned. This morning I had an omelet made of one egg and 1 tablespoon of egg substitute. I used cooking spray to season the pan and I added a pinch of pepper. Before removing the omelet from the pan I added 1/2 slice of american cheese. I also had 1 turkey frank cut in half. I must admit. It was very tasty. I had a Special K fruit crisp for my morning snack.

Yours truly, FitandSlim4ever