Weekend in review

I finally got a lot accomplished this weekend. I whined about how sick I've been lately, so I figured I could brag about how I am feeling better.

On Saturday, I ventured into NYC with my fiance to spend the day with a great friend from my high school days. I had talked about how I was doing the 30 Day Shred and had great results on the phone with her. Well, when I saw her this weekend, she informed me that she ordered the dvd because of me. It made me so happy that I had that influence on her. I hope it brings her results as good or better than mine!

While in the city, we went ice skating. I am less than graceful when it comes to winter sports, and I have only been ice skating a total of three times now. Well, I fell twice. The first time was not so bad, but I made sure to make up for that landing by smashing up my knee pretty good on the second fall. I rested yesterday, but I plan to Shred later tonight. It's going to be fun with my nice black and blue knee.

On Sunday, the fiance and I finally took down the Christmas decorations. We also did the usual mundane weekend activities of food shopping, laundry, cleaning, etc.

One a side note: I'd also like to mention how much I love the NYC because the restaurants have to post the caloric content on the menus. It made eating out at a new place completely doable! We went to a french bakery for lunch and I had a quiche and salad. It was delicious and I am able to estimate about how many points it was based on the calories.

One Full Year of Weightwatchers

So yesterday marked my first "full" year with Weightwatchers online and I think I can learn from my successes and failures. I use the term "full" loosely here because I was not committed to the plan that entire year. Here's a little breakdown of my weight loss by month for 2008:

1/2 January: -6.4
Starting out is the best part thanks to those big first losses
February: -2.6
Only on plan for half the month
March: +0.6
WW, what's that? I'm drinking and eating myself silly on spring break!
April: 0.0
I didn't step on a scale once
May: 0.0
Again, I didn't weigh myself all month, but I did graduate with a Bachelor's of Engineering, a full time job, and a new apartment to move into
June: -6.6
Finally weighing myself again and thanks to the new apartment I got in lots of exercise by lifting, cleaning, and painting
July: -1.0
Weighed in, but was away in Chicago half the month for a training trip
August: -2.0
Only on plan for half the month
September: -0.2
Not on plan at all
October: -1.2
Trying feebly to get back on plan
November: -0.1
Fed up with no results and being so close to under 200lbs I kicked it into high gear at the end of the month
December: -5.3
Fully on plan
1/2 January: -1.2
Kinda on plan thanks to my illness

I did lose over 26 lbs in total, but it's hard to feel entirely proud of the effort when I know that I was a slacker for more than half the year.

Recipe: Baked Chicken, Pilaf, and Zucchini and Onions

This is a dinner favorite for me and the fiance. I posted a while back about zucchini and onions. Well, here's an idea to serve with that excellent vegetable side dish.

Lemon White Wine Baked Chicken
Makes 2 servings: 4 oz per serving- 4 points
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 20-30 mins

Ingredients:
1/2 cup white wine
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Juice of one lemon
Salt
Pepper
8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Whisk together all ingredients except for chicken in a baking dish. Place chicken in the mixture, turning breast to coat. Place in oven and bake for 20-30 mins depending on thickness until juices run clear.

I made Far East brand wheat pilaf as a side dish. It's delicious and very high in fiber. It makes a quick, no-fuss weeknight meal that is satisfying.

Enjoy!

Weighing in on my Weigh In

Last night was my weigh in. I don't go to meetings, so I generally strip down after work on Mondays and hop on the scale. This week I posted a -0.2lbs. I'll take it. I'll smile and wave like a Miss America 1st Runner Up and use it this week to post a big loss next week.

I really can't wait to leave the 190's because it will be the first time in 5 years I'm under 190 and I will get my next reward: 3 new bras! Woohoo! The girls could really use the unparalleled lift of a new bra. Wish me luck!

Body Comparison

I've been down on myself lately because of the fact that I had a slight gain and haven't been able to exercise with this illness. So, I decided to pull up pictures from this Christmas and last Christmas to remind myself of my progress and hopefully lift my spirits.

I don't even recognize that girl from one year ago.....

Old me (220 something pounds), Current me (194 lbs)

S I C K

I'm sick as a dog.... what a weird saying. Dogs don't usually get sick, or at least they don't let on that they aren't feeling well.

I haven't tracked my eating in 4 days, though it mostly consists of the 5 same foods anyway: water, orange juice, toast, chicken soup, and my favorite sick food: mac and cheese (don't worry strict weight watcher members, I am watching the portions) I also haven't been able to exercise. I am feeling fat and flabby again. It's very depressing.

I did manage to weigh myself on Monday on my own scale after being away for 2 weeks. It told me that I gained 1.3 pounds. That doesn't bother me too much because I was inconsistent in my eating and exercising. I knew after a few days back at home I'd take it right off, especially because I'll be adding more exercise to my daily routine.

Right now, however, this is stalled because of a stupid cold that turned into so much more. I am on 5, count em FIVE, prescriptions. I am currently on my second day off from work to nurse myself to health. I can't wait to get back to normal...

Structure Please!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this holiday season. I saw relatives that I have not seen in 4 years, I really got into the holiday spirit, and I got engaged, which I was not expecting until late in 2009

-BUT-

I need some structure in my day! It really is the key to my success. I need to walk in the door after work and immediately change into my exercise clothes, then cook a healthy dinner, unwind, and repeat. I throw in a few fun things during the work-week, something fun on the weekend, and always plan a larger event in the near future to keep me looking forward to something (maybe a weekend trip, a special dinner, or a party).
I like schedules, plans, and structure and my weight loss efforts are suffering without them. I think maybe I just like control (a little too much) and the fact that I can't plan my meals in advance, have free range of televisions and space to do my exercise DVD, or even get regular sleep is making me look forward to the end of this holiday "vacation" with family.