First, a weigh-in update... I gained 2.2 pounds when I returned to Weight Watchers after the holidays on January 9th. I was disappointed but not expecting anything different. The next week I lost 2.2 and was ecstatic! Then, the following week I had a one pound gain. Ugh. I was so mad. I felt terrible and I was very angry with myself. I sat through the meeting sulking a bit and realizing that the few weeks during the holiday season had brought back old habits and they are hard to change. So I went last Wednesday to weigh-in. And.... I lost 1.8 pounds. Yeah!!!!! Then another loss of .6 pounds today. I have reached a new total weight loss of 12.8 pounds (at Weight Watchers). It is slow going but I'm happy.
One of the things that has been sticking with me the last few weeks is something my WW leader has said several times. "I love food more than I hate being fat". WOW.... The light bulb went on! I have been mulling that statement over in my head realizing that I do love to eat more that I hate being overweight and out of shape. The problem is: How do I change that? I am so proud and happy when I have success on the scale but that feeling doesn't stay with me very long. Once I'm home, I start to think about snacks, what I'm going to make for dinner, and what I need from the grocery store. Our life revolves around food!
One of the ways I'm trying to change that is not to have any junk food in my house. Just ask my husband and kids. They often stand in front of the refrigerator or pantry looking for something and complaining that there is nothing to eat. Actually, there is tons of food in the house, just nothing they want. I tell them to eat a carrot or banana or have a turkey sandwich. They want ice cream or pizza or chocolate chip cookies. I can't have those things in the house. I'm the one home during the day and I don't want to be tempted. Last week I made some pumpkin spice muffins for a treat. They are an old weight watchers recipe. All you do is take a box of cake mix, I used spice cake mix, and a 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree. Mix it well and spoon into cupcake tins. Bake as directed and you have a 3-4 point treat that is delicious. I tried making it once in a 9 inch square pan but the center turned out soggy so if you try to make this recipe, use the cupcake pans. I snacked on these when I wanted to have a treat and they were very satisfying. I'll have to make some more soon because my kids liked them, too.
Also I'm trying to make sure I walk more. My walking buddy, Ricki, is pushing me to walk hills and do lunges and walk faster. When the weather is bad, we go to the mall and walk for an hour which makes for a nice change of scenery. It's nice to have an exercise buddy to motivate and make the time fly by. Lately, when the weather is good, we have started hiking in the local hills. I have lived in this area my whole life and never knew there were such beautiful hiking trails near by. I am really enjoying walking the trails and seeing other people walking and mountain biking in the area. I noticed that everyone is so friendly. Everyone we pass says "good morning" and smiles. It's a great way to start my day.
My goals this week is to continue to add more fruits and vegetables to my diet. I plan on making veggie soup. It's so easy... I start by sauteing a large onion, several stocks of celery, two or more garlic cloves in a pan sprayed with olive oil (not Pam, I use a spray bottle you can add your own oil to). Then add any 0 point veggie such as mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, can of diced tomatoes, and anything else you want. Cover with 100% fat free chicken broth, add seasoning (bay leaf, basil, salt and pepper, etc.) and simmer until all the veggies are tender. I think it is very satisfying and delicious. If I feel I have not eaten well during the day or snacked too much in the afternoon I will have a huge bowl of veggie soup for dinner.
I plan to keep doing what I'm doing and keep the number on that scale going in the right direction. I must persist and not give up.
Thanks for reading. Peace,
Karen
