Things are looking up...

the scale is going down. One pound to be exact. That makes 6 in all! I started a week long "detox" diet yesterday -mainly fruits, veggies, rice and some lean protein. It seems very healthy but what a shock to the system! Yesterday my stomach protested and today my head but I slept better last night than I have in a really long time. I'm looking forward to benefits later in the week. I don't know that I'll stay on such a restrictive diet much longer than a week but I really needed another kick-start as well as to purge my daily consumption of junk food. I was having a hard time allowing myself "just one" candy or cookie when 3 looked so much better. So, for this week... I'm on the wagon! I was also really bummed to find out that my Pilate's classes have almost doubled in cost- too rich for my blood- and next Monday will be my last class. My instructor looking to get out on his own especially after losing several clients due to the price hike- hopefully something will come together soon for him but until then we may look at joining the Y as a family. I've been slacking on walking but I plan to pick that back up this week as well. Perhaps I'll even pull out the exercise tapes.

A Day Late

... a dollar short and nary a pound has dropped. In other words I maintained again this week, which is actually a good thing. I'm aiming for another pound lost next week- again, exercise, diet and more water are my goals.

Weigh in Week ???

I've lost track of the weeks!!! I haven't gained anything but this week was a week of maintaining. I did see a lower number earlier in the week but at weigh-in this morning I'm the same as last week. I'm not displeased (could be worse) and I know where I can do better for next week- weighing after the weekend is a killer!
Since I didn't post goals last for last week and I wasn't as successful as previous weeks, I'm going back to posting a few goals... if it's in print I'm less likely to fudge.

1. Exercise- Pilate's twice, 5 minutes daily on the mini trampoline, 3 short walks, 2 long walks
   
2. Diet- watch those darn sweets! Replace them with fruit. Pre-plan meals.
   
3. Water- drink more... at least a glass before each meal.
   

Yummy Brunswick Stew

I'm posting a low fat recipe for the recipe swap over at Tales from the Scales where I'm participating in the Weight Loss Challenge.

I'm not sure if this counts as traditional Brunswick Stew but it's really yummy and easy! I'm also guessing on the ingredient amounts as I've adapted this from different recipes and use the eyeball method here.

Chicken Broth -homemade or canned (to cover 1 inch above ingredients)
2-3 Chicken Breasts (cooked and cubed) -leftover chicken works well too
1/2 bag frozen corn kernels
1/2 bag frozen cut okra
1/2 onion chopped
bay leaf
1/4 tsp thyme
1 can petite diced tomatoes juice and all
1/4-1/2 cup katsup (or substitute tomato paste)
salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a stockpot bring to a low boil then turn down heat and simmer, covered on med-low for about an hour. This soup gets better the longer the flavors are allowed to meld.
Other Brunswick Stew I've had includes lima beans but I'm not a big fan. If you like lima beans, however, you could bulk this up by adding a small package of frozen beans.

Weigh in Week 4

Woo-hoo! Down 3 for week 4!!! That brings the total to 5 pounds lost.
Did well with my goals last week and while I didn't actually count points I did keep them in mind when choosing what to eat. My goals for this week mimic last week's with the addition of not eating after 7pm and cutting down on foods with high fructose corn syrup.

Week 3 Weigh In

Weigh in this week is a little disappointing. I was expecting to have been down 3 pounds because that's where I've been every morning since Friday but this morning I'm only down a pound. I know a pound's a pound but it's not 3. I also know why the scale reading is not as pleasing this morning... I skipped lunch yesterday, ate late and topped it off with apple pie and ice cream- glad every day's not Memorial Day.

My goals from last week-

• Pilate's twice- only went once as the studio was closed yesterday.
• Count points- I didn't really do this one at all. I did, however, watch what was going in (other than the apple pie mentioned previously) so with better planning this week, I expect better results.
• Walk 3 times- this one I aced! -at least once a day (with the dog)
• Cut soda- I haven't even had a sip since Friday!!!
  

Goals this week-

• Drink more water- have a glass upon rising and one right before lunch.
• Plan meals and count points- "automate" breakfast and lunch.
• Walk 5 times at least around the block and take 2 longer walks- start to time walks.
• Pilate's twice.
• Pay attention to sweets and snacks... next week's goal to replace half with healthier options.
  

Week 2 Weigh In

This is actually week 1 for me but I'm down a pound. This week's goal is to walk 3 times, do Pilate's twice and begin to cut sodas. I'm also going to start counting WW points again- I was counting then vacation happened... excuses, excuses! Jumping back in with both feet.

May Day Weight Loss Challenge

I'm a week plus late but we've been out of town. Last week was not a healthy-eating week and I'm starting 2 lbs higher than I was before we left town but here goes...

My goal is to lose 30 lbs. I'm still hanging on to baby weight but my "baby" is 6! I did lose with Weight Watchers several years ago but have gone back to not exercising and terrible eating habits- before that I was always a "skinny girl".
My plan is to count points again, exercise (walk and pilates) and cut sodas and sweets (ok, maybe an occasional sweet but NOT daily!)
My weaknesses have just been listed... sodas and sweets.