Oh man! When it rains it pours… and then it freezes and covers everything in a deadly layer of hazardous ice! Argh!
Just when I started recovering from Thanksgiving, my monthly pimple and crazy cravings flare up! I am up 2.5 pounds since last week which, wait… THAT TOTALLY RULES!!!
Today is Thursday! And last Thursday was Thanksgiving itself! I’ve made it through THREE huge feasts, plus the onset of my period and only gained 2.5 pounds! Woo hoo!
Okay, maybe it is a little weird cheering about gaining 2.5 pounds, but seriously, this past week was down right brutal!!!
Hopefully by next Thursday I will be back to my “Pre-Thanksgiving” weight of 145.50! I’ve been keeping up with my exercise, and my calories have been really good today! Then I’ll work on getting back to Pre-Aspartame Detoxification low of 139...
I should pick out some great rewards to work towards those goals! It’s been a while since I bribed myself decently! I better get to it!
Cheers!
Jess
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thanksgiving Flop.
Did I mention that I had THREE Thanksgivings to go to this year? One at my Aunt Linda's (Dad's side), the second at my Mom's and then Thanksgiving with my husband's family.
I did really well at two of the three, but the other one went really bad...
I was cajoled by my mom and sister into having a large glass of wine. I drink very rarely and at my size the booze hit me like a ton of bricks. Next thing I know my glass is refilled, and mom's offering me this HUGE slice of cheesecake! I am sure I would have had the will to resist if I wasn't intoxicated by that point. *Sigh*
When I fall off the wagon it takes me a day or so to get myself out of the ditch. It is so hard to get back to being healthy when part of you wants to eat everything containing chocolate in your house...
So how do I get myself back on track after a weight loss blow-out like this?
Well... I start keeping my food journal again. When I mess up I stop writing down what I eat. I don't like recording my failure, but then I don't know how many calories I've ate! Then I just keep eating poorly.
I carefully plan my meals and get back to writing everything down again. here is what I had today:
Tomorrow I will have about the same calories. As long as I continue to live healthy, even with "bad days," I will eventually be healthy!
I did really well at two of the three, but the other one went really bad...
I was cajoled by my mom and sister into having a large glass of wine. I drink very rarely and at my size the booze hit me like a ton of bricks. Next thing I know my glass is refilled, and mom's offering me this HUGE slice of cheesecake! I am sure I would have had the will to resist if I wasn't intoxicated by that point. *Sigh*
When I fall off the wagon it takes me a day or so to get myself out of the ditch. It is so hard to get back to being healthy when part of you wants to eat everything containing chocolate in your house...
So how do I get myself back on track after a weight loss blow-out like this?
Well... I start keeping my food journal again. When I mess up I stop writing down what I eat. I don't like recording my failure, but then I don't know how many calories I've ate! Then I just keep eating poorly.
I carefully plan my meals and get back to writing everything down again. here is what I had today:
| Oatmeal | 140 |
| Banana | 160 |
| Yogurt | 80 |
| 1/2 c. All Bran | 80 |
| Amy's Meal | 240 |
| 4 Dove Chocolates | 180 |
| Pasta | 250 |
| Boca Crumbles | 60 |
| Pasta Sauce | 100 |
| Mushrooms | 20 |
| Cheese | 20 |
| Ice Cream | 200 |
| Hot Fudge | 100 |
| Redi Whip | 70 |
| TOTAL: | 1700 |
Tomorrow I will have about the same calories. As long as I continue to live healthy, even with "bad days," I will eventually be healthy!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Making it through tomorrow...
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving - a Holiday that has become synonymous with Food, Family and Football.
Thanksgiving can be a very stressful holiday for those trying to lose weight. The combination of lots of “Only Once a Year” foods, and peer pressure from the family may lead to poor food choices and over consumption. :(
Many weight loss experts agree that losing weight during the holidays (Thanksgiving to New Year's) is nearly impossible.
They instead encourage a strategy to just maintain your weight over these difficult times.
So, take your weight Thanksgiving morning, and if you are that weight or less come January 2nd, YOU ARE A SUCCESS!!!
Last year I was able to maintain my weight through the Holidays. This year I hope to defy the experts and keep on losing through New Years!
Here are some tips to help you keep from Gobble-Gobbling too much tomorrow!
Weight Loss Holiday Survival Guide:
1. Don't arrive starving.
Eat before the big feast. Try a low calorie healthful meal with lots of fiber, protein, and “good fats” to keep you feeling full until dinner. I plan to eat an omelet made with 1 whole egg and 1 egg white, filled with spinach and mushrooms, cooked in olive oil, served with a zero calorie hot sauce and a piece of whole grain toast or maybe a small serving of old fashioned oatmeal sweetened with Splenda. That whole meal will leave me feeling full for hours, and only has about 350 calories.
2. Make time for exercise every day, especially on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving can be stressful, but don’t work yourself up, just workout! Get up early and do your normal workout routine, or start a new family tradition of taking a nice walk after the feast!
3. Plan your meal in advance.
You know what foods will be at Thanksgiving: Turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie… they’re a given! So make a plan in advance of what you will eat and stick to it! Allow yourself to indulge, but not pig out. Take larger portions of raw or steamed veggies and skinless white meat turkey. Enjoy higher-calorie foods (like gravy) in smaller portions. If you think you can skip it all together, without feeling deprived, more power to you! You may feel pressured by family to eat more, but you’ll be safe as long as you stick to your plan! You can eat what you like, just less of it!
4. Keep a food journal and write down everything that you eat.
Even on Thanksgiving you should still keep a record of everything you ate. A Food journal is an incredibly powerful tool, especially when you are tempted to overeat!
5. Do not eat food just because it is there.
Distance yourself from the hors d'oeuvre table, and save your calories for the foods you love. Munch on fresh fruits and naked veggies instead of high fat appetizers.
6. Do not eat “Second Helpings.”
The average American consumes 3,500 calories during their Thanksgiving feast. This is not something you’d want to repeat!!!
7. Eat slowly and savor every bite.
Give the food a chance to let you feel the satisfying feeling of fullness.
8. Enjoy a small serving of dessert.
Choose pumpkin over pecan pie and save a few hundred calories. Also, just eat the filling (no crust) to take in fewer additional calories and limit trans fats.
9. Stay Hydrated!
Make water your beverage of choice at Thanksgiving. Avoid eggnog at all cost! Water helps you feel full quicker, and helps you keep from over-eating. You can have one alcoholic drink, but Booze + Diet never equals a result you want. Only have one glass of wine.
10. Focus on the family.
Think about what you are really thankful for. Spend time catching up with Family and Friends instead of mindlessly gorging yourself! Remember, it is difficult (and poor manners) to talk with your mouth full! The more time you spend talking, the less time you will spend eating!
Thanksgiving can be a very stressful holiday for those trying to lose weight. The combination of lots of “Only Once a Year” foods, and peer pressure from the family may lead to poor food choices and over consumption. :(
Many weight loss experts agree that losing weight during the holidays (Thanksgiving to New Year's) is nearly impossible.
They instead encourage a strategy to just maintain your weight over these difficult times.
So, take your weight Thanksgiving morning, and if you are that weight or less come January 2nd, YOU ARE A SUCCESS!!!
Last year I was able to maintain my weight through the Holidays. This year I hope to defy the experts and keep on losing through New Years!
Here are some tips to help you keep from Gobble-Gobbling too much tomorrow!
Weight Loss Holiday Survival Guide:
1. Don't arrive starving.
Eat before the big feast. Try a low calorie healthful meal with lots of fiber, protein, and “good fats” to keep you feeling full until dinner. I plan to eat an omelet made with 1 whole egg and 1 egg white, filled with spinach and mushrooms, cooked in olive oil, served with a zero calorie hot sauce and a piece of whole grain toast or maybe a small serving of old fashioned oatmeal sweetened with Splenda. That whole meal will leave me feeling full for hours, and only has about 350 calories.
2. Make time for exercise every day, especially on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving can be stressful, but don’t work yourself up, just workout! Get up early and do your normal workout routine, or start a new family tradition of taking a nice walk after the feast!
3. Plan your meal in advance.
You know what foods will be at Thanksgiving: Turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie… they’re a given! So make a plan in advance of what you will eat and stick to it! Allow yourself to indulge, but not pig out. Take larger portions of raw or steamed veggies and skinless white meat turkey. Enjoy higher-calorie foods (like gravy) in smaller portions. If you think you can skip it all together, without feeling deprived, more power to you! You may feel pressured by family to eat more, but you’ll be safe as long as you stick to your plan! You can eat what you like, just less of it!
4. Keep a food journal and write down everything that you eat.
Even on Thanksgiving you should still keep a record of everything you ate. A Food journal is an incredibly powerful tool, especially when you are tempted to overeat!
5. Do not eat food just because it is there.
Distance yourself from the hors d'oeuvre table, and save your calories for the foods you love. Munch on fresh fruits and naked veggies instead of high fat appetizers.
6. Do not eat “Second Helpings.”
The average American consumes 3,500 calories during their Thanksgiving feast. This is not something you’d want to repeat!!!
7. Eat slowly and savor every bite.
Give the food a chance to let you feel the satisfying feeling of fullness.
8. Enjoy a small serving of dessert.
Choose pumpkin over pecan pie and save a few hundred calories. Also, just eat the filling (no crust) to take in fewer additional calories and limit trans fats.
9. Stay Hydrated!
Make water your beverage of choice at Thanksgiving. Avoid eggnog at all cost! Water helps you feel full quicker, and helps you keep from over-eating. You can have one alcoholic drink, but Booze + Diet never equals a result you want. Only have one glass of wine.
10. Focus on the family.
Think about what you are really thankful for. Spend time catching up with Family and Friends instead of mindlessly gorging yourself! Remember, it is difficult (and poor manners) to talk with your mouth full! The more time you spend talking, the less time you will spend eating!
Cheers!
Jess
Thursday, November 16, 2006
A day in the life.
Today I ate 1720 calories.
Oil - 50
Egg - 70
Cheese Single - 50
1 cup Chocolate Soy Milk - 150
1/4 c. Mixed Nuts - 200
Chicken Wrap with Blue Cheese Dressing - 260
1 Medium Granny Smith Apple - 80
3 Milk Chocolate Dove Promises - 135
1 French Vanilla Creamer - 45
6 Frosted Aminal Crackers - 140
1/2 c. Rice - 150
Chicken - 90
Mixed Veggies with Sauce - 180
Pinwheel Cookie - 120
============================
Total Calories 1720
Now I will be hoping on the Bike to watch some Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) DVDs!!! If you were really into MST3K, you should check out riff-trax!
Cheers!
Jess
Oil - 50
Egg - 70
Cheese Single - 50
1 cup Chocolate Soy Milk - 150
1/4 c. Mixed Nuts - 200
Chicken Wrap with Blue Cheese Dressing - 260
1 Medium Granny Smith Apple - 80
3 Milk Chocolate Dove Promises - 135
1 French Vanilla Creamer - 45
6 Frosted Aminal Crackers - 140
1/2 c. Rice - 150
Chicken - 90
Mixed Veggies with Sauce - 180
Pinwheel Cookie - 120
============================
Total Calories 1720
Now I will be hoping on the Bike to watch some Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) DVDs!!! If you were really into MST3K, you should check out riff-trax!
Cheers!
Jess
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Too White and Nerdy
I took an online quiz today and it confirmed what I already knew to be true.
I'm just Too White and Nerdy.
Modern, Cool Nerd
82 % Nerd, 73% Geek, 26% Dork
TAKE THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST
I ate 1820 calories today, and I am recovering nicely from my monthly biological weight loss sabotage.
I also got up early and did yoga today! I was able to do all the poses on my yoga DVD without the blocks!!! I am sure I will feel it tomorrow. That "good" hurt that lets you know you did a good job and are building brand new, fat burning muscles!
This Yoga DVD is the DVD that helped me become active. I still get a nice workout from it 4 years later! Why does it still work after all these years? That's because it has different 4 instructors! Each demonstrates a level of yoga proficiency - Fully Modified Yoga, 1/2 modified, 1/4 modified, and Full Yoga. You just follow the instructor that fits your level. As you progress you switch to another one! :) It's great! :)
In the beginning, I couldn't even REACH the yoga blocks!! I had to use folding chairs to do an even more modified than fully modified yoga. Soon I became more flexible, and my weight continued to drop!
I'm going to head to bed!
Cheers!
Jess
I'm just Too White and Nerdy.
82 % Nerd, 73% Geek, 26% Dork
TAKE THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST
I ate 1820 calories today, and I am recovering nicely from my monthly biological weight loss sabotage.
I also got up early and did yoga today! I was able to do all the poses on my yoga DVD without the blocks!!! I am sure I will feel it tomorrow. That "good" hurt that lets you know you did a good job and are building brand new, fat burning muscles!
This Yoga DVD is the DVD that helped me become active. I still get a nice workout from it 4 years later! Why does it still work after all these years? That's because it has different 4 instructors! Each demonstrates a level of yoga proficiency - Fully Modified Yoga, 1/2 modified, 1/4 modified, and Full Yoga. You just follow the instructor that fits your level. As you progress you switch to another one! :) It's great! :)
In the beginning, I couldn't even REACH the yoga blocks!! I had to use folding chairs to do an even more modified than fully modified yoga. Soon I became more flexible, and my weight continued to drop!
I'm going to head to bed!
Cheers!
Jess
Monday, November 13, 2006
Trick of the “Lite”
Argh! I fell for the old "Trick of the Lite.”
That’s when you end up eating lots of “fake” treats, trying to satisfy your cravings with “healthy alternatives.” But you just end up eating way more calories of lite junk trying to satisfy your craving than you would have just having a small portion of what you really wanted in the first place!
*Sigh*
Real treats are so much more satisfying to me, even if they are in tiny doses. My body can really tell when it gets the "good stuff." (Which most people trying losing weight call the "bad stuff.") Sheesh!!! I even say "Eat Real Treats" twice in My Weight Loss Tips Section!!!
I love Aaron so much. ;) He is so smart! :) Life is better with Chocolate. :) REAL Chocolate!
That’s when you end up eating lots of “fake” treats, trying to satisfy your cravings with “healthy alternatives.” But you just end up eating way more calories of lite junk trying to satisfy your craving than you would have just having a small portion of what you really wanted in the first place!
*Sigh*
Real treats are so much more satisfying to me, even if they are in tiny doses. My body can really tell when it gets the "good stuff." (Which most people trying losing weight call the "bad stuff.") Sheesh!!! I even say "Eat Real Treats" twice in My Weight Loss Tips Section!!!
4. Try to Limit Sweets.
Please note, I did not say cut them out! Natural Sugar is the safest sweet, and it is a beautiful simple carbohydrate for your body to create energy from! Don't get sugar-free or "lite" treats. (Unless you are diabetic...) A TREAT should be a REAL treat!
ANDPlease note, I did not say cut them out! Natural Sugar is the safest sweet, and it is a beautiful simple carbohydrate for your body to create energy from! Don't get sugar-free or "lite" treats. (Unless you are diabetic...) A TREAT should be a REAL treat!
28. Go for Quality Over Quantity.
Honestly, who wants one cup of "LITE" frozen lime sherbet for 100 calories, when you can have ½ a cup of Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream for 300? Yeah, it is half the amount, and three times the calories... but it's a MILLION times the pleasure!! Remember - some calories are just worth it!
Aaron was the one who dragged me back to my senses. He basically said, "Jess, you need REAL treats. You would not be eating so much "fake stuff" if you just had some of the real thing!" He then took me to the store where we bought individually wrapped chocolates for REAL treats that won't break the calorie bank! (65 Calories each for Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares. *drools*)Honestly, who wants one cup of "LITE" frozen lime sherbet for 100 calories, when you can have ½ a cup of Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream for 300? Yeah, it is half the amount, and three times the calories... but it's a MILLION times the pleasure!! Remember - some calories are just worth it!
- Note: This tip assumes you would prefer the chocolate ice cream over lime sherbet. If you prefer the lime sherbet, more power to you! :)
I love Aaron so much. ;) He is so smart! :) Life is better with Chocolate. :) REAL Chocolate!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Period Puff and more Halloween pics.
I was 144.75 this morning. Thanks Period. Stupid body.
I am doing okay though, and looking forward to the weekend!!! :)
Here are some more pictures from Halloween.
My sister and her Hubbie were "Smokey and the Bandit." Becky was the Jackie Gleason character Beauford T. Justice. Lydel was an amazing accurate (almost spooky) Burt Reynolds as "The Bandit."
FUN FACT: Smokey and the Bandit was the #2 movie of 1978, after Star Wars.
Here is a picture of Becky, Jessica Starks as a Pirate (YAR!) and me in the Wonder Woman costume.
I guess Becky and I are still stuck in the Late 1970's...
I'll write more later!
Jess
I am doing okay though, and looking forward to the weekend!!! :)
Here are some more pictures from Halloween.
My sister and her Hubbie were "Smokey and the Bandit." Becky was the Jackie Gleason character Beauford T. Justice. Lydel was an amazing accurate (almost spooky) Burt Reynolds as "The Bandit."
FUN FACT: Smokey and the Bandit was the #2 movie of 1978, after Star Wars.
Here is a picture of Becky, Jessica Starks as a Pirate (YAR!) and me in the Wonder Woman costume.
I guess Becky and I are still stuck in the Late 1970's...
I'll write more later!
Jess
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Just My Luck...
October is Breast Cancer awearness month so to promote cancer awearness and raise money I agreed to shave my head for this great cause.
Everyone at work was like:
"WOW! You have NO HAIR!"
"You look so COOL!"
"I'm so jealous; I could never get away with that!!"
I also received lots of comments at a Friend's Wedding yesterday:
"I can't believe how feminine you look even without hair!"
"You look so confident!"
I think I look pretty cute too! And Aaron LOVES it.
We were visiting friends last night and Aaron was kissing and "petting" my head. We were then teased that Aaron likes it so much will make me keep my hair buzzed off! ;)
Here's what I look like:
So of course Friday (4 days after buzzing off my hair) I get the e-mail from People that they want to go ahead with my story! (D'oh!) I said that's wonderful... but I'm bald...
They were totally understanding, and said that they'd "keep me on file" for next time. Awesome! I will be even more more toned and healthy by then..and NOT bald! ;)
Cheers!
Jess
Everyone at work was like:
"WOW! You have NO HAIR!"
"You look so COOL!"
"I'm so jealous; I could never get away with that!!"
I also received lots of comments at a Friend's Wedding yesterday:
"I can't believe how feminine you look even without hair!"
"You look so confident!"
I think I look pretty cute too! And Aaron LOVES it.
We were visiting friends last night and Aaron was kissing and "petting" my head. We were then teased that Aaron likes it so much will make me keep my hair buzzed off! ;)
Here's what I look like:
So of course Friday (4 days after buzzing off my hair) I get the e-mail from People that they want to go ahead with my story! (D'oh!) I said that's wonderful... but I'm bald...
They were totally understanding, and said that they'd "keep me on file" for next time. Awesome! I will be even more more toned and healthy by then..and NOT bald! ;)
Cheers!
Jess
Thursday, November 2, 2006
2 Pounds Down in October.
Since I am back to my old routine, I thought I would post the results for October! I lost 2 pounds in October! I’m nearly recovered from the weight I gained "falling off the wagon" and from kicking the Aspartame habit.
I know I can safely lose a pound or two each week, and there are 8 weeks left in 2006. I might be able to start the New Year at a new low! :-) Losing weight over the Holiday’s is not impossible… but it is *really* hard to do. Perhaps the Holiday weight loss battle has already begun at your house with a big bag Halloween candy tempting you. (Curse you “FUN SIZE”!!!)
Last year I decided to “tread water” over the Holidays, opting to just try to be the same weight (or less) come January 2nd than what I weighed the day before Thanksgiving. I weighed 147.50 the day before Thanksgiving, 2005. On January 2nd, 2006 I was 144.00! Success!
Today, Nov. 2nd, 2006 I was 143.25. My weight has been about the same for a while now, but my body’s composition has really improved!!! Here are some pictures of me in my Wonder Woman Costume from Last Halloween and This Halloween for comparison!
Pay close attention to my hips/thigh region. Also, my breast did not get bigger (I WISH!) my waist got smaller. ;)
Halloween 2005
Halloween 2006
As my profile states, “I’ve lost it all naturally” by just eating right and exercising!
Over my lunch break the other day I read an article on the MSN Health and Fitness - Diet & Fitness section about “Costly Calories.” It was about the businesses who profit from people trying to lose weight.
With 1/3 of the adults in America falling into the category of “Overweight,” and another 1/3 actually “Obese” that is a large (no pun intended) market they can try to get money from!
In 2004 Americans spent $46 BILLION on diet products and self-help books!!! *FAINT*
But even those who did lose weight via their “skinny schemes,” two thirds (2/3) of them gain it all back in a year once they stop “the program.” And 97% will gain it back with in 5 years! That leaves only a 3% success rate! :-(
There is no "magic bullet" for weight loss. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!! The only way to really lose weight and keep it off for good is to eat less and move more. Simple words, but it's so hard to do!!! Luckily, things have been going really well for me right now! :)
I hope things are going well for you too!
Best Wishes!
Jess
I know I can safely lose a pound or two each week, and there are 8 weeks left in 2006. I might be able to start the New Year at a new low! :-) Losing weight over the Holiday’s is not impossible… but it is *really* hard to do. Perhaps the Holiday weight loss battle has already begun at your house with a big bag Halloween candy tempting you. (Curse you “FUN SIZE”!!!)
Last year I decided to “tread water” over the Holidays, opting to just try to be the same weight (or less) come January 2nd than what I weighed the day before Thanksgiving. I weighed 147.50 the day before Thanksgiving, 2005. On January 2nd, 2006 I was 144.00! Success!
Today, Nov. 2nd, 2006 I was 143.25. My weight has been about the same for a while now, but my body’s composition has really improved!!! Here are some pictures of me in my Wonder Woman Costume from Last Halloween and This Halloween for comparison!
Pay close attention to my hips/thigh region. Also, my breast did not get bigger (I WISH!) my waist got smaller. ;)
Halloween 2005
Halloween 2006
As my profile states, “I’ve lost it all naturally” by just eating right and exercising!
Over my lunch break the other day I read an article on the MSN Health and Fitness - Diet & Fitness section about “Costly Calories.” It was about the businesses who profit from people trying to lose weight.
With 1/3 of the adults in America falling into the category of “Overweight,” and another 1/3 actually “Obese” that is a large (no pun intended) market they can try to get money from!
In 2004 Americans spent $46 BILLION on diet products and self-help books!!! *FAINT*
But even those who did lose weight via their “skinny schemes,” two thirds (2/3) of them gain it all back in a year once they stop “the program.” And 97% will gain it back with in 5 years! That leaves only a 3% success rate! :-(
There is no "magic bullet" for weight loss. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!! The only way to really lose weight and keep it off for good is to eat less and move more. Simple words, but it's so hard to do!!! Luckily, things have been going really well for me right now! :)
I hope things are going well for you too!
Best Wishes!
Jess
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