2.18.2010

Here we go!


Do you ever just *feel* smaller? That's me today. I have literally zumba'd my butt off lately and it's been the BEST! I'm missing my strength training, but I also needed to take a break from it for a bit.

Things are just really clicking with me in the weight-loss world. The one SINGLE thing that helps me the most is PLANNING my MEALS in advance. Oh my goodness. I can' t tell you the days I've counted points, thinking I would be good, and then come up short when it's dinner time.

Here's the pattern I follow.....

~first, I take into consideration any exercise planned for the day, and when I may do it (because I earn extra points for exercising, although I rarely use more than 3 of them)

~I start with breakfast, making sure to include a carb and some form of protein

~Then I decide on what's for dinner.

~Fill in lunch next - This is what I do....I pick out one or two weight watcher recipes for the week. Last week was a 'California Wrap'. I prep everything as far in advance as possible, and usually for only a couple of days ahead. I had really struggled with lunch in the past, and making my lunch in advance has been so beneficial. It's something I never had done as a stay-at-home mom.

~Last, I calculate how many points are left (usually 6 or so) and I plan on 2-3 snacks for the rest of the day.



I wanted to share a delicious recipe that I cooked for the family last week. I served this with a side of collard greens for a complete meal.



Chicken Sausage & Apple Skillet


Cooking Spray
6 (3oz) chicken-and-apple sausages (such as Al Fresco)
1 small onion thinly sliced
3 McIntosh apples, each cut into 12 wedges
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray Add sausages; cook 7 minutes or until done. Remove from pan. Cut each link into 4 diagonal slices; keep warm.

2. Reheat pan over medium-high heat. Add onion; saute 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add apple; saute 2 minutes. Add sausages and remaining 3 ingredients; simmer 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates.

Yield: 6 (1cup) servings

173 cal/ 5.7 fat/ 2.7fiber (2 points)

2.16.2010

Still in the game!

I'm hanging in there! Weight loss has been slow, but definitely in the right direction. I'm at 2.7lbs and 2.3 inches lost for the month of February. I'm dealing with the monthly "bloat" and I just feel so gross and icky.


I have had the best workouts last week, and this week will only be better. I made a conscious effort to go to more zumba classes, even if they were in the evening. I just burn SO many calories that it's crazy to get on the treadmill anymore!

I took today off as my rest day, but here are my eats....

B - muscle milk, banana
S - 1 egg + 3 whites, arnold sandwich thin, coffee w/skim milk
L - California Wrap
S - grapes, string cheese, diet coke
D - teriyaki pork stir fry
S - apple, pb

2.01.2010

Tuesday's Stats

BMR + Calories Burned = (1637 + 0 ) = 1637

Calories Consumed = 1492

Calorie Deficit = (145)

Ratios: 25.8% protein, 53.5% carb, 20.7% fat

Water consumed = 8 cups

Hours of Sleep = 9!!



Yesterday was my rest day from the gym and I really needed it. Heck, I could take another rest day today as well, but I better get back at it. There are lots of abs in my routine this week and that's where a majority of my soreness has been. I dropped another 1.5 inches this week!! The scale really has me confused though. My weight fluctuates so, so much it's ridiculous. I weighed Thursday morning and I was down 2.3 pounds from the week before. I weighed again yesterday morning, and I was back up 4 pounds. Grr! I know it's impossible to gain that much weight in that short of time with my eating and workouts. I guess I really hold on to my water!


Here's my progress so far. I like the tape measure WAY more than the scale!


Chest Waist Hips Thigh Bicep
41.8 37.2 49.5 27.8 13.8
41.5 37 49 27.2 13.5
40.5 36.2 48 26.5 13
41.2 36.8 48.5 27 13.2
40.5 36.2 48 26.5 13
40 36 47.5 26 13
39 35 47.2 24.2 12
38.6 34.8 47 24 11.8
38.6 34.5 47 23.5 11.5
38.2 34 46.8 23.2 11.2