Week 17 - Lost in Cyberspace

I have been lost in cyberspace for the last 7 days. I forgot the password for my blog and had an bear of a time trying to sign in to access the blog. OMG what a nightmare.

All is well. I am BACK.

So, How was Christmas? Did you stay on plan? Christmas was much harder than Thanksgiving. I think it is because Christmas celebrations last for days whereas Thanksgiving is one day.

I have decided to go easy on myself this week. Last night I went to a party for a family member. I ate a little bit of the shrimp fried rice and 2 chicken wings. I had a diet coke and skipped the birthday cake. I brought a tote bag with some magazines and book so that I could keep myself busy while everyone else was CHOWING down. I sent all of the leftovers from Christmas Eve and Christmas home with family members. The only dangerous item in my house is the box of pralines that my neighbor gave me. I hid them on top of the fridge. Out of sight out of mind.

My brother gave me a new pair of NIKE sneakers for Christmas. YEAH! I love them. Thanks big brother.

It is good to be back on the blog and back in touch with you. Have a wonderful week. I will continue to share my weight loss journey with you in the new year.

Tomorrow I will have some recipe ideas for holiday dishes...until then have a Veggie Good Day,

Fitandslim4ever

Week 15

Happy Holidays, It has been hard keeping up with the blog during this busy holiday season. I will have to put a note somewhere to remind myself to do my daily entries.

I am on Week 15. I love WW. I am living proof that it really works. YEAH!!! If you are not a member maybe you should consider joining WW in the new year.

 I plan on starting my annual candy making blitz. I find it to be a very relaxing and fun experience. Do not worry...I will not be tempted to eat the candy. I do not have much of a sweet tooth. I plan to make my regular heavenly hash and a low calorie WW has recipe. Yummielicious. The WW recipe does not include nuts. What? No nuts? I am going to have to splurge and add some nuts to the WW recipe. Ssh - do not tell my WW leader.

Tip: Reduce the calorie and fat content in your favorite recipes by using reduced fat/calorie items. Also, pack your snacks when you go shopping.

Suggestions: Kraft Fat Free Cheddar, Hellman's Fat Free Mayo, Soy Milk and Tofu Cream Cheese

Goal: Stay focused - Stay on Plan

Have a Veggie Good Holiday Season,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 81 - Reaching out

Reach out to old friends. It is so easy to lose track of old friends. Today - pick up the phone and call someone. Make an effort to connect with long lost friends. It is important to stay connected.

I want to give a shout out to my dear friends JR and DH. You are always so supportive of my weight loss efforts. Thank you. To all of my sister friends - I love you. 

A special hug to R-OB for her success on WW. Go- Girl!!!!

Have a Veggie Good Day,

FitandSlim4forever

Day 80 - Looking Good At 80

Hello,

Can you believe that we have been blogging about weight loss for 80 days? This really has been a journey. I have learned a lot over the past 3 months.

1) WW really works
2) WW is easy and hard
3) You have to focus on daily affirmations and mini goals
4) There are a lot of low fat/reduced calorie meal options
5) It is easier to diet when you have a lot of support

Tip:  Fat Free Whip Cream is 0 points. You can add a dollop of whip cream to a bowl of fruit. Yummie.

Challenge: Give one of your favorite holiday recipes a  low fat/reduced calorie makeover.

Tip: Order sweet potato french fries instead of white potato fries. Order salad dressing on the side and skip the restaurant condiments on deli sandwiches. A lot of calories are hidden in mayonnaise and sauces.

Mini Goal: Try something new...a vegetable or fruit that you have never eaten before. I am going to try cooking acorn squash.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Days75-79 Building A Line of Defense

I have been on WW for 14 weeks and I am 2 pounds away from losing 10% of my body fat. YEAH!!! My next task is to build mental and physical lines of defense. First line of defense - Make sure that there are no high calorie foods or snacks in my house. I tried to clean out all the Thanksgiving leftovers and sweets. Second line of defense - Review my exercise routine. I need to make sure that I am working all of my muscle groups. Third line of defense - Avoid the temptation to eat on the run or away from home.

Real life example - I recently went to an event that involved a great deal of walking. At the conclusion of the walk I was thirsty and hungry. I also had a STRONG urge for a hamburger. I thought about the burger all the way to my car. I sat behind the steering wheel debating whether or not to stop at a restaurant for a burger or go straight home. I decided to go home and eat a veggie burger. I baked a cup of sweet potato fries and sprayed them with cooking spray to make them crispy.  I managed to avoid the urge to splurge by talking myself "off of the temptation ledge."

It is hard to make lifestyle changes BUT it is worth it.  Challenge: Avoid the urge to splurge this week. It will be difficult during the holiday season. Try to find low calorie versions of your favorite foods. We can do it.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 75 - In the middle of nowhere

Have you ever felt like you were stranded mentally in the middle of nowhere? That is how I feel today. How can I feel this way when my schedule is jammed with meetings and events. Why do busy people often feel like they are stuck in the middle of nowhere? Maybe it is because we move so quickly that we never really appreciate the moment. We never stop to smell the roses.

Today, I am going to carve out some quality time to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Sounds shocking right? I am going to come home and relax. What is the point in running yourself ragged?

Challenge: Focus on yourself. Treat yourself to an iced coffee or another low calorie treat. Go Christmas shopping or drive by your local Christmas light display. Focus on YOU.

Tip:  BE GOOD TO YOURSELF and have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever.

Days 71-74 - Whirlwind days winding down the year/D-Day remembered

Can you believe that the year is almost over? Christmas is around the corner. You better watch out. You better not pout - holiday sweets are coming to town. They tempt you when your sleeping, sugar plums dance in your head. Fat and calories will greet you so be good for goodness sake!

Today, we remember D-Day and the valiant troops that faced the Japanese war planes on December 7, 1941. My dad remembers listening to the radio announcement that Pearl Harbor was under attack. He will never forget hearing on the radio that the US fleet was on fire.

I have been to Pearl Harbor. It is a beautiful place. It is hard to imagine the air filled with smoke and the waters on fire. My heart breaks for the men that faced death in the dark waters on that infamous morning.

Take a few minutes today to give thanks for the brave men and women that protect our country at home and abroad. We owe them our thanks and respect.

Please keep Elizabeth Edwards and her family in your prayers. May she rest in peace.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 70 - Looking forward to the weekend

My blog for today is dedicated to GW and GRD. You are both dear friends and I am praying for you.

What are you going to do this weekend? I am hoping that the weather is cool and breezy. I am also looking forward to several events. I have already started planning my strategy. I will  have one drink and fill up on the salad and vegetables. I will try to stay away from sweets. How are you planning to survive the holiday party season?  Please write and share your strategy with us.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 69 - A whole new GIG. Week 13

I missed WW class this week because of work. My friend ROB picked up my materials. Thanks ROB - you are the best. I am very impressed with what I have seen so far. I think the new program is going to be very popular.

I am now in week 13. I have to work hard to stay focused and motivated about the plan. I am glad that WW is offering something new to generate excitement. Everyone needs to change lanes once in a while.

I look forward to learning new things. Stay tuned.

Have a peaceful and Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 68 - Dawg gone tired

Southerners love to say that they are "dawg gone tired." What does that mean? I say it all the time but tonight I feel it in my bones.  These are the days when we have to stay focused and connected to our support system. WE HAVE TO FIGHT TO STAY ON PLAN.

Challenge: Use your lifeline. Talk about your struggles. Reach out to friends and family.

GET SOME REST and Have a Veggie Good Night and a great day 2mrow.
FitandSlim4ever