Ooops. I forgot to post this 2 days ago.
Week 9 is officially over!
Week 9 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: -0.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -14 lbs
I am quite content with the 0.5lb loss. I had a nice night on Friday night which included 3 glasses of wine (a lovely Malbec - yummy) and a higher-than-normal calorie dinner. I didn't overindulge but I did end up having a lot of points that day. Actually, if I recall correctly, I think I had almost double my daily points that day. Oh well, it was worth it.
This is the thing. I want this weight loss to be as pain free as possible. So far I don't feel like I have had to make too many changes to my diet or make too many sacrifices. I still want to be able to go out and enjoy myself. I just can't do it every night!
So, I'll take that 0.5lb loss. Thank you!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Week 8 Results
Week 8 is officially over!
Week 8 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: -2.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -13.5 lbs
YAY!! I am super excited. I was hoping that I would lose last week's gain and then some and I did. I know why I gained last week and I know I got back on track this week. I went to the gym twice for some low impact cardio and I was careful with what I ate. I did have the odd treat but that is okay too. This weight loss regime is not about starving myself or depriving myself, it is about learning to eat in moderation and watching my portions and increasing my protein while reducing my carbs.
I'm a happy girl! :)
Week 8 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: -2.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -13.5 lbs
YAY!! I am super excited. I was hoping that I would lose last week's gain and then some and I did. I know why I gained last week and I know I got back on track this week. I went to the gym twice for some low impact cardio and I was careful with what I ate. I did have the odd treat but that is okay too. This weight loss regime is not about starving myself or depriving myself, it is about learning to eat in moderation and watching my portions and increasing my protein while reducing my carbs.
I'm a happy girl! :)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Mommy, is this your size?
One of the things that I am NOT going to teach my children is to be obsessed with their weight and be unhappy with their body image. I spent most of my teenage and adult years worrying about what I looked like and what weight I was (sadly, I look back at those photos now and wonder why I was so concerned because I was a pretty healthy weight in my teen years). I don't want my children to grow up concerned about this.
Besides making sure they have a healthy body image, I don't want them to hear me discuss my weight and/or trying to lose weight. They see me choose healthy options when it comes to eating and they hear me discuss going to the gym at work but they won't hear me discuss trying to lose weight.
So, the other day, I brought my girls to the mall with me to do a bit of shopping. I was at one of my favourite clothing stores and I was looking through a rack of tops. I was in the XL section checking out their selection (which was pretty dismal). One of my girls (5-years old) was looking through the XS section and quite loudly said "Mommy, is this your size"? I would have loved to respond with "oh god, how Mommy wishes to be that size" but instead I just said "no, honey, Mommy is actually this size over here". She then proceeded to come over to my section and help me choose a shirt.
I was sort of laughing on the inside about that comment and the woman beside me in the XL section had a smirk on her face too.
Oh, the things kids say!!
Besides making sure they have a healthy body image, I don't want them to hear me discuss my weight and/or trying to lose weight. They see me choose healthy options when it comes to eating and they hear me discuss going to the gym at work but they won't hear me discuss trying to lose weight.
So, the other day, I brought my girls to the mall with me to do a bit of shopping. I was at one of my favourite clothing stores and I was looking through a rack of tops. I was in the XL section checking out their selection (which was pretty dismal). One of my girls (5-years old) was looking through the XS section and quite loudly said "Mommy, is this your size"? I would have loved to respond with "oh god, how Mommy wishes to be that size" but instead I just said "no, honey, Mommy is actually this size over here". She then proceeded to come over to my section and help me choose a shirt.
I was sort of laughing on the inside about that comment and the woman beside me in the XL section had a smirk on her face too.
Oh, the things kids say!!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Week 7 Results
Week 7 is officially over!
Week 7 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: +1.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -11 lbs
Oh frig!! That is my first gain in 7 weeks. While I am not proud of it, I can understand why:
1. I have had wine 4 evenings this week (heehee - oops).
2. I am bloated like you wouldn't believe. I even woke up at around 2am and felt like I had put on 5 pounds. That lovely time of the month is coming soon. Blech.
3. I had Halloween candy on Halloween night and a few times this week. Even though I tracked it, I still don't think it did me any favours.
4. I have been back at the gym for the past 1.5 weeks. I am not working out like mad but perhaps I have gained a teeny bit of muscle all ready.
Anyway, it sucks to see a gain but I hope I can pull a decent numbered loss next week.
Back to it!!
Week 7 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: +1.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -11 lbs
Oh frig!! That is my first gain in 7 weeks. While I am not proud of it, I can understand why:
1. I have had wine 4 evenings this week (heehee - oops).
2. I am bloated like you wouldn't believe. I even woke up at around 2am and felt like I had put on 5 pounds. That lovely time of the month is coming soon. Blech.
3. I had Halloween candy on Halloween night and a few times this week. Even though I tracked it, I still don't think it did me any favours.
4. I have been back at the gym for the past 1.5 weeks. I am not working out like mad but perhaps I have gained a teeny bit of muscle all ready.
Anyway, it sucks to see a gain but I hope I can pull a decent numbered loss next week.
Back to it!!
Saturday, November 05, 2011
French Fries & Potato Chips for Dinner
If someone told you that they ate french fries and potato chips for dinner AND they were overweight, you would probably think to yourself "well, no wonder you are overweight if you eat stuff like that for dinner".
The truth of the matter is, I actually don't eat french fries or potato chips very often. I never buy french fries to make at home so the only time I eat them is at a restaurant and even then, I don't choose them as a side dish all the time. The majority of the time I choose a side salad. I would guess that I probably eat french fries about 3-4 times per year. As for potato chips, it is probably even less. I don't buy them. I actually don't even like them that much. If I was given a choice between chips, pretzels or popcorn, the latter two would win every time. This isn't to say that I don't ever eat them. I may nibble on some at a party or get together if there is a bowl sitting out. They are definitely a treat. I would guess that I probably eat chips about 2 times per year.
So, why this post? Well, I did eat french fries and potato chips last night for dinner. Actually, the french fries was part of the main meal but the potato chips were just a last minute decision because I wanted try out a recipe that I saw a long time ago.
Let's start with the first recipe:
Homemade French Fries
Ingredients:
3 regular size white potatoes, peeled & washed
1 tsp olive oil (or whatever oil you have on hand but I only have olive oil)
Salt and pepper to season
Any other seasoning that you want (cayenne, garlic etc).
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Cut the potatoes into french fry size. Put them in a bowl of water for 15 minutes (this helps get rid of some of the starch and will help them cook better). Then drain the bowl and lay the potatoes out on a paper towel. Pat them to dry. Put them back into the bowl (that you have dried of all the remaining water). Add the oil and as much salt and/or pepper as you want. Toss it all together. Lay them out on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping them often. Some of the smaller pieces may burn if in for the whole time so each time I flipped them, I took those ones out and let my kiddies and I sample them.
There you have it. Low fat, homemade french fries. My girls and I really enjoyed them. Besides tasting like a little treat, I was happy knowing that my girls and I were eating homemade french fries that didn't need to be deep fried in order to taste good.
Now onto the next recipe, the potato chips. The only reason I even made these is because I was eyeing this recipe on a website that I frequent for years. I had never tried them so I figured that seeing as I was already washing the potatoes and cutting them, I would try this recipe too. Let's just think of it as an appetizer.
Healthy Potato Chips
Instead of posting the recipe, easiest thing would be for you to read this blog entry on one of my favourite recipe sites: Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
If you scroll down a bit, you will see the recipe for the potato chips. I used just one potato so my girls and I could try it out. They were quite tasty. Next time I will use more salt but they were pretty good. I would definitely make them again.
Now, I should mention that the french fries and potato chips weren't the only items on the menu. We also had some veggies and meat as well (well, I had a vegetarian protein)!!!
So, if you are having a craving for a salty carb but a healthy one too, try one of the recipes above. They hit the spot!!
The truth of the matter is, I actually don't eat french fries or potato chips very often. I never buy french fries to make at home so the only time I eat them is at a restaurant and even then, I don't choose them as a side dish all the time. The majority of the time I choose a side salad. I would guess that I probably eat french fries about 3-4 times per year. As for potato chips, it is probably even less. I don't buy them. I actually don't even like them that much. If I was given a choice between chips, pretzels or popcorn, the latter two would win every time. This isn't to say that I don't ever eat them. I may nibble on some at a party or get together if there is a bowl sitting out. They are definitely a treat. I would guess that I probably eat chips about 2 times per year.
So, why this post? Well, I did eat french fries and potato chips last night for dinner. Actually, the french fries was part of the main meal but the potato chips were just a last minute decision because I wanted try out a recipe that I saw a long time ago.
Let's start with the first recipe:
Homemade French Fries
Ingredients:
3 regular size white potatoes, peeled & washed
1 tsp olive oil (or whatever oil you have on hand but I only have olive oil)
Salt and pepper to season
Any other seasoning that you want (cayenne, garlic etc).
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Cut the potatoes into french fry size. Put them in a bowl of water for 15 minutes (this helps get rid of some of the starch and will help them cook better). Then drain the bowl and lay the potatoes out on a paper towel. Pat them to dry. Put them back into the bowl (that you have dried of all the remaining water). Add the oil and as much salt and/or pepper as you want. Toss it all together. Lay them out on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping them often. Some of the smaller pieces may burn if in for the whole time so each time I flipped them, I took those ones out and let my kiddies and I sample them.
There you have it. Low fat, homemade french fries. My girls and I really enjoyed them. Besides tasting like a little treat, I was happy knowing that my girls and I were eating homemade french fries that didn't need to be deep fried in order to taste good.
Now onto the next recipe, the potato chips. The only reason I even made these is because I was eyeing this recipe on a website that I frequent for years. I had never tried them so I figured that seeing as I was already washing the potatoes and cutting them, I would try this recipe too. Let's just think of it as an appetizer.
Healthy Potato Chips
Instead of posting the recipe, easiest thing would be for you to read this blog entry on one of my favourite recipe sites: Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
If you scroll down a bit, you will see the recipe for the potato chips. I used just one potato so my girls and I could try it out. They were quite tasty. Next time I will use more salt but they were pretty good. I would definitely make them again.
Now, I should mention that the french fries and potato chips weren't the only items on the menu. We also had some veggies and meat as well (well, I had a vegetarian protein)!!!
So, if you are having a craving for a salty carb but a healthy one too, try one of the recipes above. They hit the spot!!
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Week 6 Results
Week 6 is officially over!
Week 6 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: -1.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -12.5 lbs
I was really scared to get on the scale this morning. If you read last night's blog post, you would know that I didn't have a great week last week. I treated myself more than I would usually treat myself. Blame it on birthday celebrations (not mine; my kiddies) and Halloween.
Even though I tried to track all of those extra treats, I was still pretty certain that I would gain this week (or, at least stay the same).
I did go to the gym yesterday (I'll blog about that another day) but seeing as it was my first day back in over a year and a half, I took it easy. I only walked on the treadmill for 12 minutes and then went on the stationary bike for 15 minutes. Maybe the few calories I burned helped me out a little.
In any case, I am chuffed!!
Week 6 results:
Weight Loss or Gain: -1.5 lbs
Total Weight Loss (since beginning): -12.5 lbs
I was really scared to get on the scale this morning. If you read last night's blog post, you would know that I didn't have a great week last week. I treated myself more than I would usually treat myself. Blame it on birthday celebrations (not mine; my kiddies) and Halloween.
Even though I tried to track all of those extra treats, I was still pretty certain that I would gain this week (or, at least stay the same).
I did go to the gym yesterday (I'll blog about that another day) but seeing as it was my first day back in over a year and a half, I took it easy. I only walked on the treadmill for 12 minutes and then went on the stationary bike for 15 minutes. Maybe the few calories I burned helped me out a little.
In any case, I am chuffed!!
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Challenge # 4 - Halloween & Kids' Birthday Celebrations
I have been having a difficult time staying within my points this week which makes me very nervous to step on the scale tomorrow morning.
My children celebrated their birthday last Thursday so between numerous celebrations for them and Halloween (yesterday), there have been many temptations in our house and in our lives lately!! Where to start?
1. Thursday night we took the kiddies out to celebrate their birthday. We let them choose the location and they chose a restaurant that doesn't offer many low calorie or low point items. I have already posted about this restaurant in the past (see my "OMG, the veggie burger is how much" post) and while their menu looks like they have some healthier options, the nutritional info on their website says otherwise. I was a bit worried about going again so I studied their website and tried to find a few other options besides the high fat veggie burger. I came up with two options which would have kept me within my points for the day. Unfortunately, what I didn't realize was that the specific restaurant they chose is one a "tester" restaurant. It is one of their restaurants where they test out new menu items. The options I chose weren't even on their menu. Quite a few new items were though. They even had a section with menu items that were fewer then 600 calories. Sounds good BUT there was not other nutritional info (i.e. fat, fibre, protein etc). In the end I ordered from the "less than 600 calories" section. It was a 1/2 portion of pasta with a tonne of veggies and a salad on the side. The meal wasn't anything special but it filled me up and I *think* I stayed within my points.
2. There were numerous other birthday celebrations which included some tasty little cupcakes. Everyone around me (adults and kids) said they were delicious. I ended up giving in and having half of one. Was it worth the points? I don't think so.
3. Halloween. Need I say more? Even if you don't like chocolate or have a sweet tooth, those little tiny bite size chocolates are very tempting. I think I ended up having about 5 or 6. Oops!!
So, wish me luck tomorrow morning. I would love to lose a pound (or two) but I would be very happy if I just stayed the same and didn't gain anything! Fingers crossed.
My children celebrated their birthday last Thursday so between numerous celebrations for them and Halloween (yesterday), there have been many temptations in our house and in our lives lately!! Where to start?
1. Thursday night we took the kiddies out to celebrate their birthday. We let them choose the location and they chose a restaurant that doesn't offer many low calorie or low point items. I have already posted about this restaurant in the past (see my "OMG, the veggie burger is how much" post) and while their menu looks like they have some healthier options, the nutritional info on their website says otherwise. I was a bit worried about going again so I studied their website and tried to find a few other options besides the high fat veggie burger. I came up with two options which would have kept me within my points for the day. Unfortunately, what I didn't realize was that the specific restaurant they chose is one a "tester" restaurant. It is one of their restaurants where they test out new menu items. The options I chose weren't even on their menu. Quite a few new items were though. They even had a section with menu items that were fewer then 600 calories. Sounds good BUT there was not other nutritional info (i.e. fat, fibre, protein etc). In the end I ordered from the "less than 600 calories" section. It was a 1/2 portion of pasta with a tonne of veggies and a salad on the side. The meal wasn't anything special but it filled me up and I *think* I stayed within my points.
2. There were numerous other birthday celebrations which included some tasty little cupcakes. Everyone around me (adults and kids) said they were delicious. I ended up giving in and having half of one. Was it worth the points? I don't think so.
3. Halloween. Need I say more? Even if you don't like chocolate or have a sweet tooth, those little tiny bite size chocolates are very tempting. I think I ended up having about 5 or 6. Oops!!
So, wish me luck tomorrow morning. I would love to lose a pound (or two) but I would be very happy if I just stayed the same and didn't gain anything! Fingers crossed.
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