Token Fat Friend

Weigh-In Day

2010-03-15T11:03:00.003-05:00

Last weigh-in: 271.4
This week's weight: 271.4
Change since last week: 0
Total pounds lost: 21.6

So no change is better than a bad change, right?

I've started to get that walking itch. As I've said before, I really haven't been doing any exercise at all. I've been focused on getting my food right for so long, plus work has just about consumed me. So exercise has been spotty, at best.

But now, I'm ready to walk and get moving again. It's almost beautiful outside, so why not? Maybe that'll help me push over this invisible barrier I seem to be battling.

TFF

Weigh-In Day

2010-03-01T08:54:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 268.4
This week's weight: 271.4
Change since last week: +3.0
Total pounds lost: 21.6

I've been avoiding an update because I gained weight. I know that's wrong, but I was really upset. But I've convinced myself this is part of it. Up and down, up and down, up and up some more. Then back down.

I'm not happy, but I'm trying to use this encouragement as a reason to finally get back to working out - even if it's just walks around my neighborhood. But unfortunately, I'll be gone this week out of town, so unless I can find a gym or safe neighborhood, it'll have to wait.

But I'm ready. It's about to be spring. Gorgeous weather, calling my name.

On today's menu...

2010-02-10T12:46:00.004-06:00

Kettle Cuisine Organic Mushroom and Potato Soup

Their site for this soup: here.

Their description: Savory mushrooms sautéed in butter, garlic and thyme are good. When combined with freshly peeled potatoes and finished with herbs and light cream, they become undeniably delicious.

Nutrition Facts
1 container has...
140 calories
8g of total fat
3.5g of sat fat
670mg of sodium
14g carbohydrates
4g dietary fiber
4g protein

First ingredient
Water

Ups
- It's a very nice-sized bowl of soup for only 140 calories.
- Very creamy texture. With lots of mushroom pieces.
- You get 10 percent of your daily calcium. And 8 percent of your iron!
- I can pronounce everything on the Ingredients list.
- It's gluten free (and vegetarian), which isn't important for me, but for some of you, it will be.

Downs
- It has 670mg of sodium. That's 28% of your daily value. But it's perfectly salted, so I didn't feel like I needed to add any for good flavor.
- I did feel like I needed something else simply because 140 calories isn't a lot in my diet plan. But a nice salad would have been perfect with this.
- 3.5g sat fat? Can't figure out where that's coming in. All the different oils, maybe? But 0g trans fat--that's good!

Taste
Excellent. Very hearty, earthy taste. Which is exactly what I want from a mushroom and potato soup.

Verdict
Try. Hands-down try! This is such a good soup!

Weigh-In Day

2010-02-08T11:08:00.003-06:00

Last weigh-in: 271.0
This week's weight: 268.4
Change since last week: -2.6
Total pounds lost: 24.6

I totally did a little dance when I got off the scale. My goal is to be to 265 by March.

I can do it!!!

Try. Don't try.

2010-02-03T12:14:00.001-06:00

Lean Cuisine Macaroni & Cheese

Check out their site here.

Their description: Tender macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.

Nutrition Facts
1 package has...
290 calories
7g of total fat
4g of sat fat
630mg of sodium
41g carbohydrates
15g protein

First ingredient
Water

Ups
- For 290 calories, it's a lot of food - I couldn't finish it all.
- Very creamy texture.
- 15 grams of protein! Woohoo!
- I can pronounce just about everything on the Ingredients list. Except... phosphoric acid and disodium phosphate. And what's carrageenan?

Phosphoric acid - (info from wiki) Food-grade phosphoric acid is used to acidify foods and beverages such as various colas, but not without controversy regarding its health effects. It provides a tangy or sour taste and, being a mass-produced chemical, is available cheaply and in large quantities. The low cost and bulk availability is unlike more expensive seasonings that give comparable flavors, such as citric acid which is obtainable from lemons and limes. (However most citric acid in the food industry is not extracted from citrus fruit, but fermented by Aspergillus niger mold from scrap molasses, waste starch hydrolysates and phosphoric acid.)

Disodium phosphate - (info from wiki) Apparently it speeds up cook time???

Carrageenan - (info from wiki) Gelatinous extracts of the Chondrus crispus seaweed have been used as food additives for hundreds of years, though analysis of carrageenan safety as an additive continues. Since Carrageenans are extracted from plant matter, foods containing this additive are considered suitable for vegans. Also: Studies at the Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America, suggest that carrageenans might function as a topical microbicide.

Downs
- It has 560mg of sodium. That's 26% of your daily value, which... as I'm learning from research ...is an awful lot from one meal.
- One of the ingredients is being studied for its use as a sexual lubricant and microbicide. Really?

- Half of its fat content is from saturated fat.

Taste
It's a little underwhelming on the salt side, considering it has 630mg of sodium. But it has, overall, a good flavor. It's not a very sharp cheddar taste, but is instead a smooth cheesy flavor.

Verdict
Try.

If you like mac & cheese and want it fast or as a lunch option, why not? It's not terrible. Just... don't search wiki for the ingredients.

Try. Don't try.

2010-02-01T13:37:00.002-06:00

In today's edition - Healthy Choice's All-Natural Entrees - Lobster Cheese Ravioli

Nutrition Facts
(for 1 meal)
250 calories
6g total fat
2.5g sat fat
0g trans fat
580mg sodium
37g total carbohydrate
4g dietary fiber
8g sugar
10g protein

First Ingredient
Semolina Wheat Flour

Ups
only 250 calories - a great lunch!
easy to cook, good instructions
for a packaged meal, the sodium isn't too high (580mg)

Downs
the vodka sauce was incredibly watered down
there weren't a lot of pieces of green and yellow zucchini

Taste
I know it says the ravioli is lobster, but it's more of a generic seafood taste, and not really a good one at that. The seafood taste is coming from lobster puree (lobster claw meat, corn starch, canola oil), lobster base {lobster meat, salt, maltodextrin, autolyzed yeast extract, dried potato, corn oil, flavoring and space (paprika) extractive}, natural lobster flavor {yeast extract, maltodextrin, lobster meat, shrimp powder, pollock powder, whey powder, cream powder (cream, non fat milk, soy lecithin), salt, tapioca maltodextrin, potato maltodextrin, natural flavoring}.

What's pollock?
What's maltodextrin?

If not for the lobster part of this whole thing, it might actually be okay. But alas...

The verdict
Don't try.

It really wasn't satisfying, and I threw it away before I was finished. Nice try, Healthy Choice. I'm sure I'll find something I enjoy from you guys soon enough.

Weigh-In Day

2010-02-01T11:08:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 273.0
This week's weight: 271.0
Change since last week: -2.0
Total pounds lost: 22

Yay! We're headed in the right direction again!

No thanks to the cupcakes and cake I made this weekend (of which I've had a total of two cupcakes in three days and I'm bringing the others to the office so other people suffer). :)

Dear colleagues, you're welcome. Love, TFF.

Also - New rule for February - Mountain Dew is a weekend-only thing in an effort to get to NO MOUNTAIN DEW!!!!!

I can do this, right?

Try. Don't try.

2010-01-29T13:48:00.004-06:00

Lean Cuisine's Linguine Carbonara

Check out their site here.

Their description: Linguine pasta with savory bits of bacon, flavorful red and green peppers, peas and basil, all tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Nutrition Facts
1 package has...
300 calories
8g of total fat
2g of sat fat
590mg of sodium
43g carbohydrated
14g protein

First ingredient
Water

Ups
For 300 calories, it's a hefty meal
Only has 590mg of sodium, which is 25% of your daily value
Pasta isn't over done, has good texture

Downs
See below.

Taste
All I tasted was salt. The pieces of pepper didn't taste any different than the peas. It wasn't overly salty, as in I did finish the meal. But it was just one taste throughout.

Verdict
Neither up nor down.

I say - give it a try if you like quick meals that are still good. But if you're looking for big taste, let's find something else.

Try/Don't Try

2010-01-25T13:49:00.005-06:00

I figured out a way I can share more of what I'm doing without weighing myself down with worry over letting you guys down if I don't update every single day.

Introducing - Try. Don't try.

I do tend to try a lot of new things as I'm looking to get away from my bad habits (spaghetti) and into newer ones (steamed veggies and lean proteins). I also try a lot of new products through my work.

So, during my lunch hours, I will update you guys on something new I've tried recently. It won't necessarily be every single day, but at least twice a week.

This way, I can share foods you should buy in the grocery and try (or not) and great recipes I've found (or ones to avoid).

So for the inaugural post of Try. Don't try.

Jell-O Mousse Temptations

Nutrition Facts (from Chocolate Indulgence)
1 snack has...
60 calories
3g of total fat
2g of sat fat
0g of sugar
2g protein

First ingredient
Water

Ups
Only 60 calories. Come on, how great!
Convenient and easy to carry in your lunch
Texture is very light, so those of you who are anti-pudding might still enjoy this

Downs
Sucralose - oy! how I hate artificial sweeteners.
Sat fat is kind of high for a product like this.

Taste
I tried all three flavors... Chocolate Indulgence, Dark Chocolate Decadence, and Caramel Creme ...and my favorite is hands down Dark Chocolate Decadence. But if you're not a dark chocolate fan, don't come near it. It speaks to my dark-chocolate-loving heart. Chocolate Indulgence is great, middle-of-the-road chocolate for everyone else. And while I don't like caramel as a rule, Caramel Creme wasn't all that bad. It is sweet, a little too sweet for me, but it was good.

Verdict
Try

Weigh-In Day

2010-01-25T10:51:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 269.0
This week's weight: 273.0
Change since last week: +4.0
Total pounds lost: 20

We are NOT headed in the right direction. And I know what I did wrong. Last week was an incredibly, incredibly stressful week at work. Most nights I didn't leave until 8. So dinner was late, and when I get stressed, I eat. Eat whatever is in front of me. Last week it was nut mixes and lots and lots of Mountain Dew.

This week, I've made a vow to walk away form my desk no later than 5:30, go for a walk, decompress, eat well (no more late-night fast food), and get it back together as quickly as I can.

I can handle seeing that scale go up anymore.

Weigh-In Day

2010-01-19T14:47:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 266.2
This week's weight: 269.0
Change since last week: +2.8
Total pounds lost: 24

I promised myself I wouldn't be upset as long as I gained less than 5 pounds. Like I said last week, I had a stomach virus and hadn't eaten in several days when I weighed in. So to have lost almost 10 pounds and then only gain back 3? Well, I'll take it.

Here's to getting back to 266 very soon!

TFF

Small Victories

2010-01-16T16:51:00.002-06:00

I think, in this battle, everything is about small victories.

One pound at a time.
One piece of cake turned down.
One extra set of stairs taken.

Today, I had a small victory.

I was able to put on my jeans without sucking in or doing that oh-so-familiar jean stretch dance.

Small victories.

TFF

Weigh-in Day

2010-01-11T14:08:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 275.8
This week's weight: 266.2
Change since last week: -9.6
Total pounds lost: 26.8

I wish I could say I worked for that almost-10 pound loss, but in reality, I had a stomach virus, and I haven't eaten in a few days (not to mention everything else that was in me coming out). So that 266 is almost certain to creep back up as soon as I'm able to eat again. But I guess, here's to hoping I'll return to it soon enough.

And if I don't creep up, YEAH GO ME!!!

I've spent the last few days thinking about my weight loss. I'm only sorta dedicated to it. I haven't seen a gym in a few months. I'm eating well, but not so well as to be honest enough about it. Yet, slowly and steadily I'm losing some weight.

Should I start updating more? Should I not? Should I keep track of my calories even though that tends to stress me out? How do I find the motivation to get into the gym? I've only been updating this once a week, to let you all know my weight. Should I do more? As a tool to keep me accountable?

Up until now, I haven't really had to give much up. I've just been chipping away at weight loss. But I'm wanting to get in charge of this. I want to be at the steering wheel, not just a passenger.

How do I do it?

TFF

Let's be honest...

2009-12-29T11:24:00.001-06:00

After the holiday, I'm just glad it wasn't more.

Last weigh-in: 271.8
This week's weight: 275.8
Change since last week: +4.0
Total pounds lost: 17.2

Now, to get it back down... :(

Weigh-in Day

2009-12-22T22:57:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 271.6
This week's weight: 271.8
Change since last week: +0.2
Total pounds lost: 21.2

Not heart broken at all. I totally forgot to weigh until the middle of the day (post two meals), so I'm sure a lot of that was liquid and food.

And about the blogging what I'm eating, well this week was a bad week to start that. We taste tested over 300 foods at work, so it was almost impossible to blog that... Maybe that accounts for the +0.2. :)

Until next week... Happy Holidays!

Food Thoughts

2009-12-14T12:16:00.002-06:00

Foodie Girl has inspired me to start blogging my food again. Maybe that will make me more aware of what I'm eating. I may only do it again for a little bit, but enough to start watching what I'm eating again. I've just been eating, eating basically well, but not really being mindful. So this week, I'll start blogging again. (And maybe give up Mountain Dew? Or maybe that can wait for 2010...)

TFF

Weigh-In Day

2009-12-14T12:03:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 273.6
This week's weight: 271.6
Change since last week: -2.0
Total pounds lost: 21.4

Whoo hoo!!!!!!!! Maybe this weight loss doesn't count though. I've been sick all weekend (cold, allergies, something), so food didn't seem too interesting without the ability to taste it...

We'll see how I do next week!

Weigh-In Day

2009-12-07T11:50:00.001-06:00

Last weigh-in: 274.0
This week's weight: 273.6
Change since last week: -0.4
Total pounds lost: 19.4

Whoo hoo!!! I did a cheer in my bathroom this morning. I saw it even lower last week, so let's get down to that again!!

Make today count!!!

TFF

Weigh-In Day

2009-11-30T11:43:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 274.4
This week's weight: 274.0
Change since last week: -0.4
Total pounds lost: 19

Considering it was Thanksgiving last week... and a great weekend of football games and food... I'm happy.

Now, can I just break this 274 plateau to get to 265 before the end of the year?

TFF

Weigh-In Day

2009-11-16T16:32:00.002-06:00

Last weigh-in: 275.8
This week's weight: 274.4
Change since last week: -1.4
Total pounds lost: 18.6

It's a new day. :)

Weigh-In Day

2009-11-09T11:03:00.003-06:00

Last weigh-in: 274.8
This week's weight: 275.8
Change since last week: +1.0
Total pounds lost: 17.2

This is not the post I'd want to be making, but it's honest. I fell of the band wagon in the last two weeks, ate whatever I wanted, and now I'm paying for it. I had an out-of-town weekend where my food was very heavy, not altogether bad, but just not really what I needed. This week, I'm back to planning my menu, shopping well, and hopefully watching the number slide down again. I want to see the 260s before the end of the year!! That's my goal. I'll make it happen.

TFF

Not Eating Well

2009-11-06T10:56:00.004-06:00

I haven't been eating well, been eating just about anything I want in fact, and I've gained 5 pounds.

I had been eating basically well and losing weight. I wasn't necessarily watching every calorie, but I was aware. This past week I've been eating anything that comes in front of me. Not because I'm hungry, not because I need to, but just because I can.

I've got the weekend to turn this ship around before the weigh-in on Monday. We'll see how this goes.

TFF

Weigh-In Day

2009-11-02T10:48:00.003-06:00

Last weigh-in: 274.0
This week's weight: 274.8
Change since last week: +0.8
Total pounds lost: 18.2

I was lower than 274 yesterday, but I spent the day painting a friend's house and drinking whatever he had in his fridge, which ended up being mostly soda. Then for dinner, he bought us McDonald's. So all around, I'm really not surprised by that number.

I also spent the whole week eating snacky foods left over from my birthday party. No real meals until Thursday, so no real calories or nutrition for my body to work with. This week, we're back to good food!

And here's to next week and seeing 273 officially!

TFF

Why the gain?

2009-10-28T10:03:00.002-05:00

I've gained 2 pounds since Monday. Basically, I gained it in one day. I can't figure out why. I'm hoping it comes off before Monday.

Goal for this week: Finally get back in the gym!!!

Weigh-In Day

2009-10-26T11:06:00.002-05:00

Last weigh-in: 275.0
This week's weight: 274.0
Change since last week: -1.0
Total pounds lost: 19

I can't complain with one pound down. This weekend was my birthday, and I definitely ate some good sweets and non-diet friendly foods. But I still lost a pound!!!

Happy Halloween week, all!

TFF

Comments

2009-10-20T15:15:00.001-05:00

It's only 18 pounds, but I've gotten a few comments in the past week.

"Are you losing weight?"

"Looks like you've lost a few pounds."

:)

Weigh-in

2009-10-19T10:39:00.003-05:00

Last weigh-in: 275.8
This week's weight: 275.0
Change since last week: -0.8
Total pounds lost: 18

I'm actually surprised. I ate and ate and ate all weekend at a retreat. The food was delicious, and for the most part healthy, but there was a lot of it. And there was chocolate fondue. So the fact I lost almost a whole pound, I'm okay with that. I did see lower numbers last week pre-retreat, so looking forward to those numbers again this week!

Happy week!

TFF

Cravings

2009-10-14T22:30:00.002-05:00

I want a quarter pounder with cheese.

I need broccoli.

I am eating popcorn.

*sigh*

Rainy days and Mondays...

2009-10-12T14:02:00.003-05:00

...well they don't always get me down, but today almost did.

Last weigh-in: 275.4
This week's weight: 275.8
Change since last week: +0.4
Total pounds lost: 17.2

So that slight increase isn't affecting me at all! It's no big deal! I'll take care of it next week!

Still haven't gotten back into the gym. I know, I know. It's for no other reason than being busy with work and stuff around my apartment. I will get back in there! I'm itching for a good workout! And all that motivation from you guys last week has me itching to see better numbers!

Think I can get down to 265 by New Year's?

Until next time...

TFF

I couldn't believe my eyes!

2009-10-05T16:45:00.004-05:00

Last weigh-in: 277.8
This week's weight: 275.4
Change since last week: -2.4
Total pounds lost: 17.6

I saw 275 and almost fell off the scale! I can't believe I'm to that goal. I'm late getting there, but I'm here! Now if I can stay...

The surprising thing? I expected to report back about an awful weekend spent eating hamburgers, soda, a big slice of cheese pizza, and mexican food (which is what I did do) with an increase in the weight. But instead... it went down! How can that be?!

Maybe this is the motivation I was looking for!!! How long until I'm under 270???

TFF

The Honest Scrap

2009-09-29T11:31:00.004-05:00

The amazing fellow weight-loss blogger over at 100in12 gave me my first blogging award, The Honest Scrap. So here I am repaying the favor, putting up the award and about to pass it on!

The rules for this shindig are:

1. “The Honest Scrap” award must be shared!
2. The recipient has to tell 10 true things about themselves.
3. The recipient has to pass along this prestigious award to 10 more bloggers.
4. Those 10 bloggers all have to be notified they have been given this award.
5. Those 10 bloggers should link back to the blog that awarded them.

The 10 things about me:

1. I live in Birmingham, Alabama. War Eagle!!! (That's Auburn University for you out o' towners.)

2. I love the fall because it means the best time of the year is coming... my birthday! oh no. wait... the holidays! :)

3. I have played the piano since I was 9, but I'm no where near as good as I wish I was. I still find comfort in just sitting and playing for hours.

4. Traveling is by far the best thing on Earth. I would do it for a living if I could figure out how.

5. I make lists out the wazoo. Lists of things to do today, things to do this week, things to accomplish this month, etc. I don't think I'd get anything done if it weren't on a list somewhere.

6. Like 100in12, I love office supplies. The 10-pack of Sharpie Accent Liquid Highlighters was made for me.

7. I was born and raised in the same town (in north Alabama), and I have had some of the best friends a girl could ask for since I could walk. I am noting without them.

8. Cupcakes are my weakness. Especially these.

9. I am addicted to the Food Network. Especially Chopped and Ace of Cakes.

10. I enjoy entertaining friends. I wish I could do it more often. I go all out for parties with planning and organizing, just because I want my friends to know I care.

Now my 10 Recipients!

From Fat to Fit (though I think 100in12 already tagged her)
Creating Natasha
Diana at Fit to the Finish
Jo at 282.5
Carla over at MizFit
Stephen at WhoAteMyBlog
Jill at Jill's Real Life
Belly B Gone for her amazing openness
Michelle at SecretsofaFormerFatGirl
Lila Leeds at Same fat time. Same fat station.

Now off to do some work... and hopefully send them all a message!

It's getting harder.

2009-09-28T12:40:00.002-05:00

Last weigh-in: 277.8
This week's weight: 277.8
Change since last week: 0
Total pounds lost: 15.2

Well I guess it's better than going up. I need to get out of this rut. I haven't been to the gym in at least two weeks. I am so dedicated to this, but I find making myself do it getting harder and harder.

Where's my new motivation going to come from?

It's been a long time gone

2009-09-14T11:18:00.003-05:00

Last weigh-in: 279.6
This week's weight: 277.8
Change since last week: -1.8
Total pounds lost: 15.2

It's been a long few weeks. Work has been out of control. Personal life is perfectly fine, but I'm staying ultra busy with visits to friends, long work hours and catching up on life. Oh and Auburn football. :) War eagle!

My food hasn't been great, but it hasn't been bad at all. I notice this when I go spend the weekend with someone. I see what they eat and what their choices are, and then I realize how much different min are. I won't say better, but different. I also have gotten to where I can physically get very sick after eating too much. I've noticed that especially with friends lately. I hate to say no to their beautiful food, but I literally can feel myself being so full it's painful. So here's to learning to say no.

I'm looking forward to an excellent week. Gotta get back in the gym since I wasn't able to last week with all the long work hours.

And here's to Stephen for checking in and reminding me of my goal. :) I might just need to join your team after all.

Until later.

TFF

I haven't forgotten...

2009-08-31T14:14:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

I have been absent, but I haven't forgotten. Things are crazy. I am still working out as I can; food is okay. Weigh ins have been so so. I'll update later tonight, but just wanted to say that I am still here and still read you guys every day.

Thank you for all your past and future encouragement. I couldn't do it without you guys.

TFF

Rededicating Myself

2009-08-21T09:52:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 281.2
This week's weight: 279.6
Change since last week: -1.6
Total pounds lost: 13.4

I haven't really been dedicated the past few weeks. I have eaten relatively well, but I haven't gone to the gym, save Wednesday night (when I walked for a solid hour -- almost 3 miles -- and felt wonderful!).

But if I want to succeed, I can't keep making excuses. No more playing around. We're back on, and it's for real. I'm tired of only half way being dedicated as of late. Totally dedicated. It's my health, my body, my fight.

I'd like to see 275 by the end of August. That's the first goal.

And more updates. And I promise to keep my food list going.

Until next time,
TFF

Not a pretty day

2009-08-14T11:04:00.002-05:00

Last week's weight: 278.4
This week's weight: 281.2
Change since last week: +2.8
Total pounds lost: 11.8

I knew this was coming. I haven't worked out all week. I also didn't eat well yesterday (working lunch over pizza and dinner at a mexican restaurant--burrito, beans, cheese dips), so I'm not so shocked with what I saw on the scale this morning.

But that doesn't mean it hurts any less.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

TFF

A conundrum

2009-08-11T10:12:00.003-05:00

So this weekend, I sat around Friday and Saturday, weighed the next mornings and had lost 2 pounds! I ate well, didn't eat any crap sugar stuff, but also didn't exercise. Yesterday, I eat normal stuff, have a sweet or two, walk for 1.3 miles and gain 3 pounds since Sunday morning.

My only thought: I totally blew it on Sunday with two Mountain Dews. I was also running around the state seeing some friends, didn't eat regularly and drank those toxic drinks. Then yesterday I had some crap pop tart and sugary candies. Maybe sugar really is my problem. In that case, as an experiment, only my ounce of dark chocolate on occasion for the rest of the week! We'll see what happens!

I really just want to break through 275!

TFF

Friday Weigh-In

2009-08-07T10:09:00.002-05:00

Last week's weight: 280.0
This week's weight: 278.4
Change since last week: -1.6
Total pounds lost: 14.6

I feel better this week. I was actually at a lower point on Tuesday before I finally started walking again. Weird how that happens. Not sure if I'm consuming enough calories, and since I've been busy and unable to update myfitnesspal, it's hard to tell. I promise to get better at that so I can keep track of it. But still 1.6 pounds is 1.6 pounds. And next week, it'll be another 1.6 pounds and on and on until I'm where I need to be!

Happy weekend!

TFF

A return from the wilderness

2009-08-04T11:24:00.002-05:00

So sorry I haven't updated in a while. I was busy this weekend cleaning and organizing, and then I took the day off yesterday to spend time with a friend who came through Bham.

I've been listening to the advice of Robin and am trying to cut out carbs and breads and pastas and grains, etc. So far so good!!! I haven't made it to the gym yet again, but tonight, we have a pretty serious date set. I need to get in there and WORK.

I have a new goal: down to 260 by the end of the year! Think I can do it? Here's to hoping!

Note to self: Get better at updating myfitnesspal. That's the point of the web site, duh!

Until later.

TFF

Weigh-in

2009-07-31T09:50:00.002-05:00

Last week's weight: 278.6
This week's weight: 280.0
Change since last week: +1.4
Total pounds lost: 13

Sigh... Not great, but considering I only worked out Monday (after a week of not feeling well), it's not the end of the world.

Here's to getting back on top next week!

Tuesday in Review

2009-07-29T09:33:00.004-05:00

It's not going to be a good weigh-in this week.

First, lots of food to taste at work yesterday, so I had a lot of calories I didn't need.

Second, I skipped lunch so I think my body just started holding on to everything I was eating hoping I'd feed it more later.

Third, I haven't felt well these past two days. It stormed Sunday night and again last night, and though I love sleeping through storms, it's hard to sleep through thunder that throws you out of your bed and sets off 5 or 6 car alarms. Lack of sleep = lack of feeling well.

So fourth, I haven't worked out since Monday morning. I'm really hoping for a good workout tonight if I can power through the icky feeling.

Dinner last night was great! I made a couscous loaf with some pan-seared eggplant slices, and though I enjoyed making it and it was yummy, I will never make it again. It made way too much (more than a single girl can eat), it isn't stellar enough (nutrition-wise) for all the work, and I'd like to think I can make something just as yummy much faster.
Here's the recipe in case you're interested: Couscous Loaf With Feta, Eggplant and Onion

Until the next post!

TFF

Picture of couscous in the process is the pic de jour!

Sugar, chocolate, and candy! Oh my!

2009-07-28T15:25:00.002-05:00

Today is not going to be a great day with my food. First, it's taste-testing day at work, and we're celebrating a going-away and a few birthdays, so lots of chocolate cake, fudge, and other no-good treats. Sticking to the fruit, a small slice of cake, and water! POWER THROUGH THE SUGAR!!! haha

Looking forward to a good dinner as I totally skipped lunch (by accident).

More later.

Food diary:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/tokenfatfriend

Weekend in Review

2009-07-27T09:11:00.003-05:00

I'm a little bit more than upset with myself lately. I started doing myfitnesspal.com to track what I'm eating, and I apparently have some work to do. I'm going to talk to my friend the diet editor some more this week, but I think I need help from an RD. I'm going over on daily sugar allowances in my first meal! One suggestion: instead of sugar, try honey or agave, right? Note to self: purchase something other than sugar.

Also: Sometimes I just need to give in to the urge to buy something totally junky at 1 a.m. in the morning after a night of celebrating and wedding partying. That one night was Saturday. No more for a while. :)

Well on to good and better things. I took a break working out Saturday and Sunday since I had company, but already back to it on Monday morning with a one-mile walk. Here's to losing some weight this week and getting one step closer to healthy!

Bad part of Monday: company lunch at a Mexican restaurant and birthday dinner at an Italian. Eh... chance to make smart choices!

Friday, July 24

2009-07-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

I discovered myfitnesspal.com today. It's a great way for me to know how many calories I'm consuming, how much sugar, protein, sodium, etc. But I am a bit confused because I assumed to lose weight I needed to eat around 1,500 calories a day, maybe a tad more. But it says I need to have 2,060. So I talked to a friend who is a diet editor at a national magazine, and she said the heavier you are, the more calories you require even on a diet/exercise routine. As you lose weight, you cut calories. That blows my mind, but we're going with it.

So then tonight I did a quick 1 mile workout with Leslie Sansome Walk Away the Pounds, and it said I gained 160 calories because of my workout. So now does that mean I need to eat 160 calories more? I'm so confused.

But nevertheless... Here's my food diary. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/tokenfatfriend

She suggested I needed to add more calories in snacks, but I have to be careful with the carbs and sugar and crap that often come in a packaged deal with packaged snacks. I also need more dairy and whole grains in my meals. Any suggestions? I don't like yogurt, but I do like Greek yogurt every once in a while. Maybe some homemade granola?

And here's to next week when I'll be trying out a different whole grain recipe each night!

E:
workout of push ups, crunches, jumping jacks and quad exercises this a.m.
Leslie Sansome's Walk Away the Pounds 1 Mile walk this p.m.

Mood:
confused

Friday Weigh-in

2009-07-24T09:41:00.003-05:00

Last week's weight: 280.6
This week's weight: 278.6
Change since last weigh-in: -2
Pounds lost total: 14.4

I'm not really sure what to think of it. I literally weighed myself at least 20 times because I never got the same number. At one point I was 273.2. The next time I was 280.6 again. I don't know. I went with this average, though I've been weighing myself all week and I've been in the 277, 276 range. So a little disappointed. (Maybe the ice cream was too much.) But I have been doing a lot of weights and push ups and such, so maybe I've just gained some muscle. Would love to be down to 275 by next week! Just want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.

Thursday, July 23

2009-07-23T21:36:00.002-05:00

I always pretend I don't like working out and sweating, but I think I'm secretly getting to where I do. :)

I had an idea today. Eventually, maybe within the next 2 weeks, I'll stop blogging what I'm eating and exercising and such and focus on other stuff. Then if I feel like I need to blog food and exercise for accountability, I'll do that. But I really do this food diary to make myself think, "Remember, someone is going to see that you're eating this spoonful of Nutella." I have that tiny little voice in my head that says, "But you don't have to tell them...." haha! So once I feel I've got my food under control, I'll probably calm down posting it everyday and jump to other things, things I find, read, like, etc. That way you're not coming here to read about my oatmeal. Every. Single. Day.

Until that time, here's my sorta great day on food and exercise. Had the snacking pre-dinner problem again. But this time it was because I was really hungry and my dinner took forever.

P.S. Jillian Michaels' Shred workout. WHOA!

B:
oatmeal with 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1.5 tbsps walnuts

L:
Healthy Choice Bacon & Smokey Cheddar Cheese
Publix almond bar

S:
100-calorie Milano pack
1 string cheese
handful almonds

D:
half boneless chicken breast, mashed potatoes (instant - yuck!), green beans

L:
small glass Naked Berry Well Being juice, small glass Trop50 oj, large glass milk, 3 glasses water, 2 glasses Crystal Light lemonade

E:
Jillian Michaels' 30-minute Shred video (WOW! Didn't actually do everything, but tried.)
1.4 miles on treadmill

Mood:
Excited

Wednesday, July 22

2009-07-22T21:54:00.002-05:00

I wish I could say today was a great day, and it was... until I got home. I was just hungry tonight, so I snacked. And not well.

Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

B:
oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

S:
Publix almond bar

L:
Healthy Choice Sweet Asian Potstickers

S:
100-calorie pack of Milano cookies

D:
(I had planned to have baked chicken, but it was still frozen, so...)
spaghetti pasta with feta and walnuts (see dinner from yesterday for full description)
2 pieces of parsley-parmesan flatbread

S:
1 string cheese
1 spoonful of Nutella
handful of almonds

L:
small glass of Naked Berry juice, small glass of OJ, 2 large glasses of (skim) milk, 2 glasses of water, 1 glass of Crystal Light lemonade

E:
1 mile on the treadmill, 10 girly push-ups, 16 crunches

Mood:
Bummed

Tuesday, July 21

2009-07-21T21:22:00.002-05:00

A great day! Ate a little heavy on the carbs, but oh well. Tomorrow's another day.

New thought: I'm going to have to cook dinner faster or move lunch back just a bit. I come home and I get the munchies. Before I know it I've had a handful of almonds, a spoonful of peanut butter and string cheese.

Tomorrow: start preparing dinner as soon as I walk in. Burn vanilla candle. Studies show people who burn vanilla candles (or have sweet scents like vanilla) while cooking are less likely to snack.

Note to self: Purchase truck load of vanilla candles.

B:
oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries, Viactiv chew (for some vitamin D and calcium!)

S:
Publix almond bar

L:
tomato, basil, mozzarella quesadilla (see details in yesterday's dinner)

S:
handful of almonds
spoonful of peanut butter

D:
spaghetti pasta with a dash of olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, feta cheese, walnuts and a few sticks of homemade flatbread

L:
small glass of OJ, small glass of Naked Protein juice, large glass of milk, 2 glasses of water, 2 glasses of Crystal Light pink lemonade

E:
Leslie Sansome's 1-mile walk (morning); 1 mile on treadmill plus arm weights (evening)

Mood:
Relaxed

Monday, July 20

2009-07-20T21:34:00.002-05:00

Good day today, I think. Coming off a good weekend too. Had some ice cream this weekend, but really, I just needed a bit of a splurge. :) Worked out Saturday but not Sunday. I went to the grocery store on a Sunday afternoon; isn't that a lot like running an obstacle course?

Looking forward to a great week and a dynamite weigh-in on Friday!!!

B:
oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

S:
Publix almond bar

L:
Ethnic Gourmet Pad Thai with tofu

S:
1 part-skim mozzarella stick cheese
5 almonds

D:
basil, tomato, mozzarella quesadilla - 2 whole wheat tortillas, 1 roma tomato, 5 leaves of basil chopped, 1/2 cup italian cheese mix

S:
handful of almonds

L:
small glass of OJ, small glass of Naked Juice protein juice, large glass of milk; 4 glasses of water, 2 glasses of crystal light pink lemonade

E:
10 minutes on bike; 1 mile on treadmill

Mood:
calm.

Friday, July 17

2009-07-17T21:24:00.002-05:00

A pretty good day today. Looking forward to getting below 280 still, so I am going to try and squeeze in a workout or two this weekend. I feel like if I have the time, I should do it. If I don't, I'll know that I've been doing it when I could. And I know rest is important, so it will all balance out in the end.

B:
oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

S:
Publix almond bar

L:
grilled steak burrito with black beans
fruit and nut oatmeal cookie

S:
2 string cheeses

D:
1.5 cups cous cous with sauteed onions and diced tomatoes
4 black pepper and olive oil Triscuits
1 tbsp peanut butter

L:
1 small glass OJ, 1 large glass milk, 5 glasses of water

E:
20 minutes on bike doing intervals

Mood: Accomplished.

Weigh-In Day

2009-07-17T09:45:00.002-05:00

So.... drum-roll please...... 280.6 lbs! I've decided to start doing .numbers because I have a feeling I'll eventually be fighting to lose even .5 of a pound, so there we go. A loss of 3.4 pounds! I can't wait to get below 280. I think I can do it by this time next week!

Thursday, July 16

2009-07-16T21:25:00.002-05:00

What a great day after yesterday! Tried to get back into good food. Dinner was going to be delicious, but my chicken thighs were still frozen when I got home. So that will be for tomorrow.

Got in some great exercise and looking forward to a weigh-in tomorrow!

B:
Oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

L:
Chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A with waffles fries

S:
1 low-fat park-skim mozzarella cheese string

D:
1.5 cups whole wheat cous cous with sauteed onions and diced tomatoes
1/2 carrot carrots

L:
8 oz. Naked Protein juice, 8 oz. orange juice, 1 glass skim milk, 4 glasses water, 1 Diet Coke

E:
1 mile on the treadmill (started at low grade, worked up to 10 then back down), arm exercises

Mood:
Refreshed

Wednesday, July 15

2009-07-15T18:19:00.002-05:00

Not a good day today, guys.

First - I am totally and utterly exhausted from seeing Harry Pottery at midnight. (Though, it was totally worth it The show ended around 2:30, but we didn't get in until 3:00 which means I didn't get to sleep until about 3:30. I had to be up at 7 for work, and I've forgotten since college how to function on so few hours of zzz's.

Second - I met a friend at Panera for an early morning snack, and we split a cinnamon crunch bagel. Then I grabbed another whole grain bagle with sun-dried tomato spread for lunch. So 1.5 bagels today. Ugh. I feel like a boat.

Third - Dinner was just leftover spaghetti and meatballs, nothing healthy. I filled up quickly (I'm assuming from the bagels), so I'm chewing a piece of gum to get rid of the spaghetti taste. I think brushing my teeth would accomplish the same thing.

Because I'm so tired I don't know if I'll muster up the energy to go to the gym. Instead, I might get up in the a.m., do a workout video and get back on routine tomorrow night. (If I do exercise, I'll update this post.)

So all in all, not a proud day, but not all days will be great, I suppose. Until tomorrow!

B:
Oatmeal with 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

S:
1/2 cinnamon crunch bagel with honey walnut spread

L:
Whole grain bagel with a small amount (about 1/4 of the container) of sun-dried tomato spread

D:
Spaghetti and meatballs

L:
Small glass of orange juice, 4 glasses of water, glass of punch (pink lemonade, white grape juice and champagne) from taste testing

E:
None (will update if that changes tonight)

Mood:
Frustrated.

Tuesday, July 14

2009-07-14T19:49:00.002-05:00

Today wasn't the best food day (and since I'm writing this before Harry Potter, it might get worse). But exercise was good. And I'm feeling great. I am, however, having a little stiffness when I climb stairs. I'm stretching after working out, but maybe not enough. Any ideas?

B:
Oatmeal with 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

S:
100-calorie pack Milano cookies (work related, but made it my snack)

L:
Health Choice Smoked Bacon Cheddar Chicken dinner with broccoli and cauliflower. Sounds more decadent than it is, but it's good on the nutrition. Lots of grains in the rice.

S:
1 Public almond bar

D:
Spaghetti with meatballs; added diced tomatoes for a little freshness

L:
4 glasses of water, 1 Mountain Dew

E:
15 minutes on the elliptical; 15 minutes on the treadmill at varied grades

Will update if I add anything during the movie.

My Secret Weapon

2009-07-14T15:58:00.004-05:00

I found these bowls a few months back and love them. They are my secret weapon in the fight against over snacking. They're tiny, 4 ounce bowls; just enough for ice cream, nuts, chips, anything I want to snack on but need to control. And not only for you, but it's great to get others in your house in the habit of using these bowls to properly portion out things.

Until later!

Monday, July 13

2009-07-13T21:44:00.002-05:00

It feels so good to sweat!!! I just got back from the gym, and I feel great!

I have family coming down for the Harry Potter premiere tomorrow night, so I'm hoping I can hold them off from buying giant cokes and buttery popcorn. I may sneak in a snack of my own so I'm not tempted.

B:
Oatmeal with 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1/4 cup blueberries

S:
Publix almond bar

L:
3 pieces of pork loin (about 1/2 inch thick), 1/2 cup green beans, dab or horseradish mustard on pork

S:
Handful of olive oil and black pepper triscuits
1 ounce goat cheese

D:
3 pieces of pork loin (about 1/2 inch thick), 1/2 cup green beans, 1/2 cup creamed corn, 1 fruit and nut oatmeal cookie

L:
5 glasses of water

E:
15 minutes on elliptical, 3/4 mile on treadmill at incline for first 1/2 mile

Until tomorrow!

The Weekend

2009-07-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

So I wasn't very good at posting what I did this weekend, though none of it was bad. (I promise to keep it updated this week.) I didn't work out Saturday but did do 15 minutes of elliptical, 10 minutes of treadmill on an incline and 10 minutes of bike on Sunday. Food was good. Made some baked chicken, a pork loin, some fresh green beans, some roasted squash and have it ready to go for the week. Overall, it was a great weekend, and I'm looking forward to an amazing week!

Especially Harry Potter!!!!

Friday, July 10

2009-07-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

Today was a good day! I was on a bit of a high because of the weigh in. I got up and worked out this morning, did a mile walk with the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds tape. It's a great workout even if you are doing it at home. I wanted to get it in since I wasn't able to go to the gym Thursday night, but then I also went to the gym after work with my roommate. I did 10 minutes on the elliptical then 10 minutes on the treadmill at an incline/grade of 12. It wore me slap out. But I felt great after!!! I did a few small weights as well, but I was in a hurry so I'll focus on that again next week.

My job requires me to try a lot of different foods, so sometimes that works against me. I'm working to control it and keep track of it so I'm not eating too much. I'll make the taste tests count as a snack or something.

Looking forward to next week!

B:
Oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, handful of blueberries

S:
Almond bar

L:
Baked chicken breast with lemon pepper seasoning (salt free), salad with 2 tbsp dressing and 2 tbsp feta cheese
1 nut and fruit granola cookie

S:
1/2 a serving (27 pieces) of Pepperidge Farms S'mores Goldfish (only 75 calories!)

D:
Grilled chicken breast with pico de gallo and melted cheese on top, 1 cup of rice, 1.5 cups of black beans
1 nut and fruit granola cookie

L:
Small glass of orange juice, large glass of skim milk, 5 glasses of water

E:
20-minute (1 mile) Walk Away the Pounds
10 minutes on elliptical
10 minutes on treadmill
a few arm weights

Weigh-In Day

2009-07-10T11:02:00.003-05:00

So Friday morning has come again, and I weighed in at 284 pounds. My first weigh in was 278 pounds, and I just knew that couldn't be right. I was having a hard time standing still on the scale (mostly because I think I was falling back to sleep standing there). So I tried again and got 284.

That's a loss of 5 pounds in one week. I'm actually really surprised and feel really great! I'd like to be down to 275 by July 24. Small goals. One at a time.

But big celebration for 5 pounds gone!!!

Thursday, July 9

2009-07-10T10:58:00.002-05:00

Sorry, again, that I'm posting on Friday, but crazy day yesterday.

It was a good day. I didn't get any exercise in, but I will make it up this weekend. Promise!

B:
Oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed oil, handful of blueberries

S:
Publix almond bar

L:
Chicken fingers and fries from Jack's. (Bad choice. Had to grab it between meetings.)

D:
Grilled chicken fajitas. Made 1 taco with grilled chicken, grilled onions, guac sauce, sour cream and pico de gallo. Had a few piece of chicken and a bite of black beans. I was full, so I put the rest up and will have it for dinner later.

L:
small glass of orange juice, large glass of skim milk, 1 medium diet coke, 5 glasses of water

E:
none

Wednesday, July 8

2009-07-08T22:51:00.002-05:00

Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7-8-9!!! Happy 7/8/09!

Today was a good day. I went to the doctor yesterday for a yearly check up, and it wasn't pretty. I hadn't been to the doctor in almost 3 years, and in those 3 years, I gained 23 pounds. My blood pressure was high, 130/100. I'm a little nervous because this is the first time it's been high. So now I'm ultra determined to get healthy! But now that I'm back in my normal routine, my diet was good, my exercise was great, and I'm looking forward to losing some weight!

I'm working out late at night. I'm not a morning person, so it's great for me to work out. BUT... it's around 9 p.m. before that happens. Thankfully, it helps me go to sleep and rest well. But I wake up just completely starving and end up being really hungry for lunch early in the morning. So tonight I ate a slice of toast before bed, hoping it helps get me through the night until my oatmeal in the morning. Is a slice of toast really the best snack? What about a bar with fruit and nuts?

B:
1 pack of oatmeal with 1/2 tablespoon Flax Seed Oil stirred in

L:
Half sandwich from Publix: Wheat bread, turkey, American cheese, lettuce, green bell pepper, onions, pickles, mustard

S:
1 ounce of cheese, 8 Triscuits

D:
Boneless chicken breast seasoned with Mrs. Dash's lemon pepper, 1 small can of green beans, salad with shredded cheese and 2 tbsp Tuscan Italian Dressing
1 Pepperidge Farm Fruit and Nut Granola Cookie

S: slice of wheat toast with 1 tbsp Nutella

L:
Large glass of milk, 1 Mountain Dew, 3 large glasses of water

E:
25 minutes on the stationary bike, 10 minutes on the treadmill, a few arm exercises

Tuesday, July 7

2009-07-08T22:47:00.002-05:00

Sorry I'm doing this on Wednesday. It's been crazy with traveling. I had a great day, and a great workout! Food was not good at all since I was on the road. But being back at home will definitely help!

B:
Bowl of Captain Crunch, skim milk

L:
Cheeseburger with ketchup, mustard, onion, pickle
French Fries

D:
Chicken fingers
French Fries
Texas Toast

L:
3 glasses of water, 1 Mountain Dew, 1 Diet Coke

E:
15 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the bike, arm weights

New layout

2009-07-07T08:47:00.001-05:00

I wasn't really happy with my last layout style. Too busy, too close together. I'm not sure I like this either, but it's getting there. I need to bring out my old HTML books from college so I can manipulate the code to get exactly what I want. But then, I might totally destroy the page. Ha!

Monday, July 6, 2009

2009-07-07T08:35:00.002-05:00

I felt great today, but my arms are so sore. Haha! I didn't have the greatest food day, but again, I'm traveling, so I've got to learn on-the-road eating tips. I didn't get any exercise in because I didn't get to the place I'm staying until around 9:30, and I was just too tired. But still, a good day.

B:
none - was late waking up

S:
Kettle Brand Tuscan Cheese potato chips (about 1/2 cup)

L:
Chicken Box from Guthrie's (chicken fingers, french fries, slaw, slice of bread)

S:
Cinnamon Crunch bagel from Panera

D:
Chicken tacos (3) and rice from Mexican restaurant

L:
3 large glasses of water, 2 large glasses of Coke

E:
None - traveling

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, July 5, 2009

2009-07-06T11:05:00.003-05:00

With the holiday, my routine and plans were all thrown. But once I'm back in the swing of things, food choices and exercising will be a bit easier. Sadly, it'll come later this week, as I will be traveling Monday and Tuesday. It's hard to control what's purchased when it's not my home or when I'm on the road, etc. Part of this experience will be learning how to make those decisions when it's not my comfort zone. But otherwise, Sunday was not a particularly good day, especially with food. I did get in some great exercise though. I felt totally alive after it.

B:
Chicken biscuit from McDonald's

L:
none

Snack:
2 brownies (homemade)
About 1/2 cup homemade guacamole (avocado, 2 tbsp corn, half-a-lime juice, sea salt) and tortilla rounds

D:
Macaroni and cheese (about 1.5 cups)

L:
1 Diet Mountain Dew, 2 glasses of water with fresh lemon and lime

E:
10 minutes on elliptical, 10 minutes of intervals on stationary bike, worked on arms with weight

Fabulous 4th

2009-07-04T21:00:00.002-05:00

Of course it's a holiday, so I didn't do well. We grilled steaks and ribs. I ate a small portion of steak and about 1/4 of a pork rib. Had a salad too. It needed more veggies, but we threw it together last second. I nibbled throughout the day as I was cooking, so I don't feel too great.

But will get back on board this week. Going grocery shopping tomorrow, so I'm making a list of meals for the week. This helps me with my budgeting and my plans for cooking.

Happy Fourth of July, all!

Breakfast:
bowl of Pops and skim milk

Lunch:
chicken sandwich with half a chicken breast on whole wheat bread with cheese and mustard
about 10 lightly salted potato chips

Dinner:
small steak, 1/4 pork rib, small potato with butter, spoonful of cottage cheese, salad with croutons, shredded cheese, and fat free caesar italian dressing.

Dessert:
2 frozen mini York peppermint patties

Exercise:
none except walking around stores

Liquids:
2 glasses of water, 1 Diet Mountain Dew

Who Ate My Blog?

2009-07-03T20:03:00.004-05:00

I found this guy via Twitter a few weeks ago. He is my motivation to get up and get started finally. I follow his web site every day, and his progress is my inspiration.

(My blog probably also looks a lot like his. Yes, it's true. His looks and flows really well, so why mess with a good thing? I'll try my best to be different, just in case he has claims or copyrights. Haha!)

My Plan

2009-07-03T19:22:00.003-05:00

-- Start with exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Slowly increase aerobic exercise and add weights.

-- Eat a nutritious, filling breakfast.

-- Make lunch count; not just junk to fill a void.

-- Dinner needs to be light, healthy, and easy.

-- Increase my vocabulary of foods. I often avoid fruits and foreign veggies, but in order to max out my food-based vitamins and minerals, I'll try to add one new item to my menu each week.

-- Weigh everyday but post only weekly weigh-in totals. I've read a good bit of science saying people who weigh every day have a better success rate. Might have something to do with having that number (good or bad) on your mind.

-- Up my water consumption from about 2 glasses a day to at least 5 (for a start).

-- When dining out, push half to one side and save it for later. (This saves money too!) I'll also ask if a friend would like to split something.

-- Salad dressings will be served on the side. This way I can lightly dip the lettuce into the dressing and put it in my mouth first. I get an immediate taste of dressing without having leaves coated in fat and calories.

-- Dessert is a luxury, not a necessity.

-- Fruit can be a dessert too.

-- Give up Mountain Dew. I've had at least one Mountain Dew a week for the last 8 years. It's a ridiculous waste of calories, and I get no nutrition from it.

-- Find fun things to do on weekends and down times. Looking forward to doing something will keep me from watching TV and loading up on snack foods.

-- Use this web site and the community I join (hopefully) through this web site to stay accountable.

(Will be updated and revised as I progress. Will also have beginning pictures and progression pictures added as soon as I can remove faces.)

Getting Started

2009-07-03T18:59:00.004-05:00

I work around very healthy people and have a great understanding of how I can work to lose weight, eat right, and most importantly, get healthy. It'll be a slow process because, after all, I've been fat for 24 years.

Meds are out. I took prescription weight loss pills in high school, lost nearly 80 pounds and gained it all back (plus some) in college.

Weight loss surgery is out. Yes, I know plenty of people who have had it and look great, but after all my research, I've decided we just don't know enough about the long-term side effects to risk removing a portion of my stomach. Plus, I also know quite a few people who have gained back every bit of the weight they lost.

Self-loathing is out. I'll remember that I am beautiful even if most people wouldn't agree. I'll learn to love what I am going to be and that I'm willing to fight for a change.

Exercise is in. I'll start with walking videos, treadmill, elliptical and build myself up to possibly running. When I'm more comfortable in the gym, I might seek out a personal trainer to help with toning and hitting problem areas.

Healthy eating is in. I've got great resources for healthy cooking, organic, all-natural foods. I love to cook new things, so that won't be a problem. And I know of great restaurants in my area so I can eat healthy without zapping my small food budget.

Healthy rewards are in. I'll reward myself with new exercise videos, great workout clothes, new running shoes or smaller-sized clothes, not food and sugary treats.

Why It'll Work This Time
It's not like I haven't spent years of my life thinking, "I need to lose weight." I have. And I've tried weird things like only drinking Slim-Fast (lost 20 pounds, gained 30 pounds). But this time, I'm dedicated and serious. I don't like losing my breath when I walk a block. I don't like not fitting into a seat on the airplane. I don't like worrying if I'll set off an alarm if I squeeze into a crowded elevator. This time it isn't to be popular or pretty; it's to be healthy.

My Motivation

2009-07-03T18:42:00.004-05:00

It's not easy being 300 pounds at 24. Friends go skiing in the winter and swimming during the summer. They're in serious relationships, getting married, or having children. They wear beautiful suits to work and cute tops to dance clubs.

I weigh 300 pounds. I haven't been in a relationship for 5 years, and I can't climb the stairs without panting. I wear a size 24 pant and XXL top.

I avoid going anywhere for fear of people looking at me and making comments. I definitely don't go out to bars anymore. My friends all get free drinks, and I get ignored. When I'm in public, all I can think is, "I weigh 300 pounds."

I am doing this for my health. All of my family is large. My grandfather and father are diabetic. I don't want to have a heart attack at 30 and die young. I want to be able to pick up and go to the beach without buying coverups or making an excuse. I don't want to think of reasons to avoid eating in public.

I don't want to be skinny; I want to be healthy. And I'm doing this so I can be proud of myself for taking a stand and taking control of my life.