Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What a Year!

2015 was my year, that's for sure!  

Let's review.  I went to the doctor on February 16 and found out that I was in the high risk for diabetes. I weighed more that I ever have in my 40-something years.  I decided right then and there that I was going to do something about it and joined Weight Watchers on February 21. 

Since then, I have found that I can be happy AND healthy.  A repeat blood test 6 months later revealed that I was no longer in that risk zone! Hallelujah!  

Sharing my success with my family was incentive for them to jump on board.  My mom joined WW in June, my sister in September!  And because mom is doing it, so is my father.  Its become a family affair!!! Each week we share our "scale and non-scale victories" via group text.  We encourage and celebrate and acknowledge each step of the path towards wellness.

Apparently, I have encouraged a few friends to also join in on the journey to a healthier life.  My cousin asked me if I talk about WW to people and I told her sometimes I feel like a preacher who walks up to people to talk about Jesus, only I would talk about WW!  "Let me tell you the ways of Weight Watchers...you too could live a skinnier life".  Ha!!

I have found joy in so many ways that I contribute to losing weight.  I have rediscovered my love for shopping for new clothes (sorry hubby!).  I actually like to exercise (what?!?!).  I can take long walks without the pain in my feet that I used to have!  I have found new ways to fix meals without carbs and still feel satisfied.

We experienced some events that shook our world (not in a good way) and it was the first time I discovered that I could be an emotional eater.  I had to make a conscience decision to stay away from food (and alcohol) to dull the sad emotions, knowing it would just make me feel worse.

I understand the "Beyond the Scale" concept behind the new WW plan.  Because it's NOT just about losing weight.  It's about how you feel inside and out.  I weigh a lot less but I also: feel better about myself, feel and think healthier, look better, move easier.  It's a whole package of wellness.  

As I move into 2016, I have my last small weight goal set - which really isn't a small goal if you think about it.  I have my sights set on reaching my goal weight by my birthday.  

I plan to continue to try new foods, new exercises, new clothes (sorry again, hubby!), and new adventures.  I have several big events in the coming year that I plan to attend with my head held high and with a "smoking hot body" (as hubby calls it). 

Here I was thinking that 2015 was my year.  Come to think of it, 2016 will be too!

Happy New Year!



Tuesday, December 22, 2015

SmartPoints

This is my second week on the new plan and I have been reflecting on the last two WW meetings since it rolled out.  Joining the frustrated and bewildered, I harbor no ill thoughts towards WW.  I do wish that when it was rolled out, everything was in place and worked automatically.  But, that's pretty unrealistic.  There are always growing pains.  In a month or 2, it's likely that we won't even remember PointsPlus.  

Anyway.  Yes, the first meeting was a debacle. Our normal leader wasn't there.  The poor sub was bombarded and I think a bit scared of us.  We are a very vocal group.  And active group.  New plan, different leader was a recipe for disaster.  I know that I was kind of pissy because my app wouldn't work.  I knew in my head that it would eventually but like everyone else, I was scared of the new.  There was a lot of bitching and voices raised.  I felt bad for our sub leader.  We will probably never see her again.

Flash forward to the next meeting.  Our leader was back (yay!).  People have had some time to adjust.  I heard mixed reviews.  Some people lost weight, some didn't (normal), people shared tips (normal) and then there were some who are just NOT happy.  For me, I didn't notice a huge difference in my day.  Maybe because of the way I have been eating all along, it just fits into the new program nice and neatly.  But one gal stated that "everything I eat doubled in points".  I have to ask myself, what are you eating that doubled?!?  Somehow that tells me that she's just not eating the right "stuff".  She says that WW never felt like a diet until now and that it's too restrictive.  I disagree.  

Like my leader-lady said, there is a science behind this.  More protein and less sugar promotes weight loss.  So, yes chicken breasts went down a point (or 2) because it's protein.  And chocolate went up to 12 points because it's sugar.  I think it makes PERFECT sense.  The program is designed to steer us towards a healthier way of eating and a healthier lifestyle.  

I for one, am happy.  

Monday, December 21, 2015

Undone

Christmas just might be my undoing this year.  I am struggling with my willpower.  I honestly thought that I could bake cookies and simply not eat one (or two...or lick the bowl/beaters or both). But, I am human and most humans faced with an unrealistic challenge often fail.  And, I have failed.  

This is Christmas!  So here is what I am figuring out.   Sweets, goodies and big meals are going to happen.  I am going to enjoy my season WITHIN REASON.  I will have a cookie.  Not 3 or 4.  I will make up my mind that I can be satisfied with just 1.  I will enjoy my Christmas Eve/Christmas Day dinners by allowing myself an indulgence yet still being mindful.  And if I slip up - I will just dust myself off and get back on track.  

My parents are coming (YAY!!!) and while that might have been another challenge all in itself (because in the past all we seemed to do is eat), now that they are also on their own journey's, it will be a breeze!  So, so SO proud of my parents and my sister!

I was up a pound at Saturday's weigh-in.  I wasn't devastated because I knew I earned that pound.  A lot of food came into the office and then we had a holiday party. I missed a work out.  So, I wasn't too surprised. I know what I need to do.










Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Before, During and Beyond the Scale

     

Before           During

My friend suggested that I post before and during pictures of me since I began my journey.  The before picture was taken the week after I joined WW.  The during picture is from October (I am 6 pounds lighter now).  When I look back at pictures of me (the few that are out there) I can't believe the difference.  And when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror or reflection now, I am shocked that it's actually me!  I can't wait to see what I look like (and how I feel) when I get to my goal weight!

Almost a full week into the Beyond the Scale program and I'm really not finding it THAT different, other than I have 4 more daily points to play with. And those 4 points have been helpful this week as it has been a challenge.  Like the classic Christmas song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year"...cookies!  candy!  parties!! I keep reminding myself that my goal is within reach.  

I am still struggling with eating out at restaurants that I don't know or consider "safe".  When you go to a burger joint, you have a burger.  Right?  I ordered the kids size on lettuce (no bun) and topped it with sauteed mushrooms and red onions.  But no cheese. I tried to turn a scary eating situation into something less scary.

I have to get through the next 2 weeks without losing control.  Easier said then done.  



Saturday, December 12, 2015

10 Things....

10 Things I Never Thought I'd Say:

1.  Let's take a walk.
2.  No thank you (to dessert).
3.  Where are my leggings?
4.  The large shirt is way too big!
5.  Can I please have a box for 1/2 my meal?
6.  The skinnier the jeans, the better!
7.  Yum!  I love roasted spaghetti squash!
8.   I need a smaller bra!
9.   I'd like my burger wrapped in lettuce, please.
10. I feel skinny!!!

So happy to have said these things at least once.  If not more.  

This week begins the Beyond The Scale program.  It's different though I am not really sure how much so for me.  I pretty much do a lot of protein and veggies.  It's a good thing I am not a choco-holic.  Chocolate jumped more than 1/2!  WOW!

I know that once WW gets all their issues ironed out, it will be a fine program.  The focus is not just the scale but on your well-being overall.  A lot of touchy-feely kind of stuff.  Whatever works.  


Sunday, December 6, 2015

Just How DO I Do It?

I get asked all the time "how I do it"?  How do I?  Lots of planning. Lots of self control.  Lots of willpower.  

Always a planner and list maker, I took planning a step further by making a full menu (including breakfast, lunch and dinner) a week in advance.  I create my grocery list from that menu and total the points for each day.  This way I know how many points I have to "play" with (snacks and sneaks).  I use the notes app in my phone, my calendar and Pinterest.  I find this is makes life easier because it's one thing I don't have to think about every day.  Sure, there are times that I don't feel like fixing what's on my list.  Usually, I can rearrange the meal or switch days around.  But, for the most part, I stick to my list.

Once upon a time, saying, "No" to food was never in my vocabulary.  I never met a chicken wing, doughnut, french fry I didn't like.  Now, I am much more selective in what I eat. That's not to say that I don't eat things I really enjoy - ON OCCASION.  

This weekend we celebrated our 12th anniversary.  We went to a pub for lunch, where I enjoyed every bit of my really-not-healthy lunch.  With no regret.  And we ended the evening with a piece of cake.  Also, no regrets.  Because I have to live. Right?  Right.

After the devastation on the scale last week, I got back on track and succeeded.  Scale Victory!  I am so excited!  I am one step closer to GOAL!  YAY!