wednesday weigh-in: weeks 17-38

If you couldnt tell by the huge gap between the weeks in the title of this post, I have been a major slacker in updating you all on my progress with Weight Watchers. The last time I checked in on the blog was back in May. In short, I want to start off by saying that I have had positive results, however, it hasnt always been the easiest over the past few months, evidenced by my below progress report.

You can see there were a couple of weeks I skipped, and *gasp* a few weeks where i actually gained back more than I would have liked. That last spike, the week of Sept 19th, when i hadnt tracked a single thing for 2 whole weeks, and I undoubtedly gained a whopping 4.8lbs, that was my last straw. You see, basically since June Ive plateaued. Ive been in that grey area where i either need to step it up or give up. And i sure as hell was NOT giving up. As i stated in my very first check in, back in January, this time is different. Im not doing this for some grand event (graduation, wedding, etc), although those are good mini goals this time around, its not my main goal.

My #1 goal this time around is to do it for good. To make this a lifestyle change. To be healthier for me. For my son. For my husband. Yes, its nice to look thinner, but thats really not all that its about this time. A major perk, most definitely, but its more about being able to teach my son healthy habits. To be able to play with him outside without feeling winded. To be happier with myself, thus happier with my relationship with my husband.

Im officially back to pre-pregnancy weight, actually even less than that. And when i gained majorly 2 weeks ago, I told myself I needed to go back to basics. TRACK.TRACK.TRACK! And that is what I did, both this week and last week. Heres a little look at my tracking skills from last week.

I definitely made up for the minor setback the previous weeks by getting rid of 5.6lbs. I exercised 3 out of the 7 days this week, so that probably was a majorly influence as well. I love that weight watchers online lets you look at progress reports like this. I can totally tell where my weaknesses are. For starters, I need to drink waaaaaaaaaaaay more water. But thats always been an issue for me :/ and i think i may need to just start taking a multivitamin before i got to bed when i take my birth control, because I seem to forget taking it the majority of the time.  However, you'll noticed i tracked everylittle nibble, taste, bite, and snack. Even if I went over my points values a couple days. And yes, there were a few days i didnt reach my points plus target, but i honestly wasnt hungry and i need want to eat empty calories for the sake of reach my target.

Now, for what you really want to see, progress pictures. I always hate taking these kind of pictures, but in truth, its what i look for when i read someones diet progress, and considering i havent updated for so long, i figured i kinda owe it to you. So, without further ado, first are the before pictures i took when i joined in January.

And heres my "half-way" pictures. Same outfit. Same pale skin ;)

Its not a huge drastic change, but its my half-way point, and I am DAMN proud of myself! I have my next weigh-in this evening, so hopefully me jumping back on the bandwagon as helped me shed even more, but only the scale will tell....

So to do a quick recap

lbs shed this week: -5.6 (technically this was last week, i wont know till tonight what i did this week)

lbs shed in total: -33 

lbs still need to shed: 17

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs - reached on 6/6/13

•     reward: new rollerblades (I also got the BOB stroller and with the two its awesome!)

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag or maybe the 50mm lens ive been dreaming about :)

success: im a tracking maniac! lol, no but seriously, every tiny thing that went into my mouth i made sure to put in my tracker, even if i went over my points.

set-backs: i need to make sure I drink more the minimum amount of water each day. im horrible at this. plus need to start taking a multivitamin too

exercise: rollerblading with matthew in the mornings before breakfast seems to be the best for me. I feel so much better if i get it done early and dont have to worry about it for the rest of my day. Also, walked to/from my parents to swim in the pool with matthew, my neice and nephew. Every little bit of exercise helps!

One last picture, which Im kinda horrified and proud to show. I hate when any picture shows my stomach, but I couldnt not post it because it shows such progress for me! :)

sorry for the bit of underwear display, the pants literally are falling off me lol

So how are all of you doing with your weight-loss journey? Would love to her what has helped keep your momentum going when you hit a plateau or have a bad week!

wednesday weigh-in: week 16

So Ive been really proud of myself all week long. Ive made it a point to go out and walk everyday this week. Even saturday & sunday! Go me! I kind of made it a mommy & baby thing too. You see theres a local park in our neighborhood. Not real big or anything, but definitely holds some sentimental value. Seeing I used to play on that playground when I was little. And softball on the fields till I was in high school! So after I pick up matthew from my sisters I would rush home, throw him in the stroller (not literally) and then walk the long way around the neighborhood, with our final destination being the park. We'd swing a little, climb on the slide, and eat wood chips meet neighbors. Then walk the long way home. Yesterday I even made it a Mommy, Baby, & grandma thing! I convinced my mom to walk with us and then to come over for dinner while hubs was at his award ceremony for work.

Basically, I was feeling good about myself. Considering last week i gained .2lbs (oops did I forget to update last weeks post, my b). And Ive been eating healthier all week. You should see the amount of veggies I have accumulate this week! But back to my point, feeling good, and then all of a sudden I step on the scale this morning. The morning of my weigh-in. The scale Im not supposed to step on, because I weigh in at the meeting not at home. And it looks like Ive gained this week too. How is that possible? I was so good? And its so disappointing. :(

Im not going to get too emotional about it until I weigh-in tonight at the meeting. Hopefully my scale is off/broken? :/ I would hate to feel defeated after all the effort I put in this week. Wish me luck.

lbs shed this week:  -.8 (not too bad, better than gaining like I thought I would)

lbs shed in total: -17.2 

lbs still need to shed: 32.8

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades (I need these ASAP!!! i want to rollerblade so bad! im hoping my want for these will turn into more motivation!)

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: exercising everyday this week! eating lots of veggies.

set-backs:  not tracking every day. I do good Thursday & Friday, then the weekend comes and i try to remember in my head but forget to put it in my app, and then by Monday Ive just stopped tracking altogether.

exercise: lots of walking, even if it was only for 20 mins I made sure to do it everyday this week.

wednesday weigh-in: weeks 13/14/15

So lets forget about the whole blogging hiatus i took over the best 2 weeks. Not even really sure what happened. I guess life just gets in the way. Oh well.

The past couple of weeks have been all over the place, including my diet. (i just shivered as i wrote that last word, we all know i hate calling it a diet). Week 13 I did get up and move, aka exercise. I think I did this more so because I knew I would probably gain some weight during week 14 because of Tortuga. And it worked. Week 13 I lost some weight. Unfortunately, as I had expected, even with the amount of walking we did, and let me tell you my legs were hurting for the next 3 days, I still gained for week 14. It wasnt even a whole pound, so i cant get too upset, but still, i would have like to be surprised and lost weight that week. 

 

That basically catches us up to this week. Im not going to be all depressed right now and make excuses for why Im not following the plan religiously. Im just going to say that I need to work harder on myself. I need to make myself, and my body, a priority. I also need to not be so lazy. Go figure. Ive been debating trying to get up earlier in the mornings and walk or exercise before Matthew gets up. But you see i love sleep. :/ and that idea would cut into my precious sleep. You see my problem here? Guess its time to put my big girl panties on and just do it!

Also something i just want to note to myself right here. I know I personally can feel that Ive lost weight, but it sure feels dam good when someone else brings it up. This past friday we had friends over for our normal wine night, and a friend of ours who hasnt seen us in a couple weeks complimented me and said I looked good, and asked if I had lost weight. I always feel awkward when someone compliments me. I dont know what it is, but i never really know what to say back. Of course I said thank you, but you see Im in that transition time, where Ive lost a few pounds, but not nearly close to what I want to loose. And my pants are starting to feel loose, but not necessarily noticeable by an outsider. I guess its just something I need to learn how to do, accept compliments.

 

lbs shed this week: -2.6

lbs shed in total: -17.4

lbs still need to shed: 32.6

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: did you see the above? down 2.6 more lbs!!

set-backs: none really

exercise: Walked with mom around the neighborhood 3 nights this week

 

lbs shed this week: +.8

lbs shed in total: -16.6

lbs still need to shed: 33.4

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: i would take .8 as a success considering I basically took off for the weekend not caring what I ate or drank

set-backs: gaining a little bit of weight

exercise: Walked ALOT to and from the music festival

 

lbs shed this week:  (will update after meeting tonight)

lbs shed in total: -16.6 (will update after meeting tonight)

lbs still need to shed: 33.4 (will update after meeting tonight)

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: we shall see :/

set-backs: not following the plan like i should be

exercise: whats that? lol

wednesday weigh-in: week 12

Im so disappointed with myself for this past week. I feel like not only am I failing myself, but Im failing all of you who continue to follow along as I try to shed some pounds. Every week I talk about the same things: tracking, exercising, starting over, not giving up. And that last one really is true. Im not giving up. I know its now excuse, but this past week there were definitely some distractions with Easter.

Again, I know its no excuse. And I want to do this. I want to get healthier. I havent gained back any weight since Ive started this journey, and unfortunately I feel like that night has finally come.  I technically dont know yet, as my meeting is tonight. Im dreading getting on that scale. But if were being honest here, i know what I ate, i know what exercises i didnt do, i know how uncommitted I was this week. But thats just it. Whether its been 1 day, 1 week, or 4 weeks, tomorrow is another day. I will push through this. As long as I dont give up Im already doing better than I did yesterday. We cant change the past, but we sure as hell can help shape the future.

Ill make sure to update my stats as soon as I can, although I doubt they will be anything good.

Till next week......

lbs shed this week: +.8  (not as bad as I thought, but still a little bit of a setback)

lbs shed in total: -14.8

lbs still need to shed: 35.2

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs (little less than 10lbs to go! really looking forward to this one!)

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: knowing that Im not going to give up, no matter what!

set-backs: easter, and the usuals (tracking, exercise, etc)

exercise: none

wednesday weigh-in: week 11

Late as usual, but did you really expect anything else? :/

This one will be a quick one though. No change this week. Guess i cant be upset. I didnt gain, so therefore Im still on the right track. Technically no relapses. But I still feel like I could have done so much better. And the truth is I could have.

When I stepped onto the scale last night, it actually did go under my previous weeks' weigh-in for a second, but it didnt hold long enough to be counted as that. The lady who weighs me in asked me very nicely, "Did you track this week?" "Track? whats that?" lol. I sound like a broken record, but that is what is going to make or break this lifestyle change.

Im already doing better today. Ive made a challenge to myself to track every single thing. Even if I go over my points values on any of the days, I am going to track it. It will definitely be hard this week with Easter on sunday. There is going to be lots of chocolate bunnys and a magnificently smelling ham at my moms house for Easter dinner.

Oh yeah, and I should probably do some kind of exercise.......

lbs shed this week:   0

lbs shed in total: -15.6

lbs still need to shed: 34.4

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs (little less than 10lbs to go! really looking forward to this one!)

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: i guess not gaining could be considered a success

set-backs: same as last week, Not tracking, no exercise, easter candy

exercise: none

wednesday weigh-in: week 10

This really should be called Thursday weigh-in, seeing as my meeting is technically wednesday night and I never really get the chance to post either on the correct day, or with all my updates. But Thursday weigh-in just doesnt have the same ring to it ;)

So this week, I was semi bad again. It didnt necessarily work against me, but I know I need to get back into the rhythm of things. You see, I didnt track, at all, again. However, I think since I didnt track, I was more conscious about what I actually put in my mouth. Does that make sense? lol. Kinda like I knew I was doing bad, so if I ate alot on one day, then I didnt eat as much the next day. Like I was balancing it out. I actually think this is the process of making it a habit. Being conscious of everything you put in your mouth and knowing when and when not to overindulge in something. Which in the end, it worked out in my favor, I shed another 2lbs this week! Yippie for me!!

I was really looking forward to staying for the meeting last night, but unfortunately I didnt get to due to hubby making dinner plans with his mom and sister. Some people can follow the plan by just doing everything online or via their cell, but to me, the program works so much better when you participate in the weekly meetings. That and I feel more accountable, specifically standing on that scale. Sad to say, but if I were to just weigh myself on my own scale (which ive come to the conclusion its literally 4.5lbs off) then if Ive gained its kinda like "Oh no big deal, its only a pound or two," but if I weigh in at the meeting, its someone else telling me, with a disappointed look on their face "well this week you gained, is there something you can contribute this gain too?" Umm yeah, the 3 Reeses peanut butter eggs I ate for breakfast?!?!? those things are addicting by the way.

But anywho, I did good this week, and I plan on getting on track, literally, by tracking everything I put in my mouth. Yes I know I said that last week, but im going to keep telling myself that and maybe it will eventually stick. That and exercise. I was able to get the Zumba Wii game when it was a groupon recently and I just got it in the mail the other day. Im kinda excited to try it out. And whats even better, weigh watchers just added it as an exercise in eTools so I dont have to guess my activity points values.

Also, I know 15.6lbs isnt alot when youre trying to loose a total 50lbs, but let me tell you, when i logged into track my weight and looked at my little progress chart, just to see the little line going down AND never going up, it just put me in a much better mood and gave me a great little confidence boost for the day!

lbs shed this week:   -2

lbs shed in total: -15.6

lbs still need to shed: 34.4

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs (little less than 10lbs to go! really looking forward to this one!)

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: another 2lbs down!

set-backs: Not tracking, no exercise, easter candy

exercise: none :( but hoping to start the Zumba Wii

p.s. dont forget today is the last day to enter my giveaway! (not alot of entries so theres a good chance you could be the winner!!)

wednesday weigh-in: week 8/9

I know....Im a week behind. But in my defense last week was absolutely crazy. I didnt even blog once last week. I took the red eye out Wednesday morning to NYC for work, stayed the night, worked thursday, and then hopped on a plane back Thursday night. Which means I missed my regular Wednesday night meeting. I figured I would just go on Saturday morning and weigh-in, but then hubs and I decided it would be a nice weekend to get away for a little while. So Friday we packed up the car, baby, dog & all, and headed to a friends house up in Okeechobee. Ill post another time about how we enjoyed the weekend, but lets just say i took a lil mini "break" for this here diet lifestyle change.

Which as you can tell, probably doesnt mean I did to good, considering its basically like skipping 2 weeks worth of healthy living. And to top it all off, I cant even give you my stats for this week yet either. Again, Im going to be missing my WW meeting tonight. My sis just so happens to have tickets to a Matchbox20 concert tonight at HardRock and invite me to go with. So you wont get my stats until I go to the Thursday meeting tomorrow night, but I didnt want to miss checking in with you all for another week.

I hate to disappoint you myself, but the past week I havent tracked whatsoever, nor did I exercise at all. I know its boring to read "no progress" but I want to be held accountable. I dont want to slip right back into old habits, and if I dont start back new tomorrow morning, then I will feel like I have failed. And I havent.

                                                       Source: weightwatchers.com via Weight on Pinterest

When you are in the process of changing how you eat, there are most definitely going to be some setbacks, celebrations, and days where you just cant resist that ice cream! but thats ok. Dont let the one indulgence ruin the good you are becoming. Just know that you will have to work a little harder if you arent going to do the whole "absolutely no fat/carbs/sweets/junk/etc." Is that  reality anyways? When you deprive yourself of something, you actually end up craving it so bad that one day you overindulge waaaaaaaay to much. At least in my experience thats how it works.

So, im unfortunately expecting no weight loss this week. Im actually anticipating at least a 3-5lb gain. But we shall see. For those of you on a weight loss journey, what keeps you going when youve had a bad year month week day?

updated: I cant believe it! I actually shed 1.2lbs this week! I am absolutely ecstatic right now! I totally went into tonights (thursday) meeting expecting to have gained weight in the past 2 weeks. I guess because I was so aware of the things I was eating, that I didnt overindulge in those things. Just goes to show that once healthy eating & proportions becomes a daily thing, a habit if you will, then it just comes naturally

lbs shed this week:  (updated) -1.2

lbs shed in total: -13.6 (updated)

lbs still need to shed: 36.4 (updated)

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet, but with the stats im anticipating, i just cant bring myself to be rewarded this week lol)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: none :(

set-backs: NYC, Okeechobee, not tracking, the list could go on for a while.....

exercise: none :(

wednesday (er thursday) weigh-in: week 7

Ill just come right out and say it, I got rid of 1.6lbs this week! I personally thought I would have gotten rid of more since I stuck to the plan so strictly this week, but you know what, Im still very proud of my self for getting rid of any weight! Which means I also reached the first goal WW sets for you, my 5%. And funny thing, I guess Weight Watchers actually thinks Im losing weight too fast?!?! (ironic right?) I got this little notice when I tracked my weigh-in on eTools.

For those who really wanna know my weight, you can technically do the math,
but Ill never actually say the number to you lol

I guess youre only supposed to lose 2lbs or less averaged weekly. It makes sense, but Im not sad that im losing more. lol. This also means that my daily PointsPlus target changes too. It only changed by 1 point, but I think its significant to realize here, that as you make successful steps in your weight-loss journey, its still important to reevaluate your daily intake and routines to help you continue shedding the lbs.

Couple of things Im proud of myself for this week. First, I did actually exercise! One day on the elliptical, one day doing a video, and I tried to do a third day. I busted out the old roller-blades, but unfortunately I found out once putting them on that they are both broken. To the point I cant use them and will have to buy a new pair. :( It kinda made me sad. I was really looking forward to going rollerblading during my lunch, and honestly I cant afford to get a new pair right now. (i looked them up on SportsAuthority.com and they are at least $100). And then I realized, I could totally make this my next reward for my 25lb goal! Not only is it something I want, but it will also be a great idea to motivate me to exercise. win-win.

The next thing Im proud about, the ability to walk past the donuts at the grocery store. You know, the ones they purposely place right on the end-cap in front of the fruit section. The oh-so-delicous Entenmanns' ones that have the crumb topping. With a huge sign that says "BUY 1 GET 1 FREE." I actually turned around and went back to get them. But as i stood there in front of the display, I asked myself, "Do I really need these? Or just want them? Is the taste of them so good for those couple of seconds that I would be willing to sacrifice my weight loss this week?" And the answer was no. So I proudly walked out of that store without them. No one else was proud of me, but you know what, Im not doing this for them, Im doing it for me! And then I remembered a saying I heard long ago in one of the WW meetings from the previous times I joined:

And its honestly so true!

Last but not least, I am proud of myself for tracking every single thing that I put in my mouth. The first week or two its easy because everything is so new. But by the time you past the 1 month mark, you get a little lackadaisical on the whole thing. And then come the time to input it all you may for get that you ate four two of those pecan clusters. ;) So this week I made sure that was one of my priorities, and Im happy to say I did stick with it.

lbs shed this week:  -1.6

lbs shed in total: -12.4

lbs still need to shed: 37.6

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (i really do have to schedule at least one of these)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: umm hello did you read above? 1.6lbs, 5%, exercise, no donuts, and lots of tracking. oh and one little thing I forgot to mention above, im wearing my pre-baby jeans! they are very snug, but you best-believe i squeezed my tush in them this morning!

set-backs: broken rollerblades :(

exercise: elliptical and video. I wanna start walking too! maybe around the neighborhood after dinner?

hows your weight-loss journey going? leave a comment with your link if youd like to share, Id love to read about it. we all need to support each other and if a little blog hop will help then so be it!

p.s. dont forget you enter my giveaway, lots of chances to enter, and not alot of entries so good chance you could be the winner, but you only have till midnight tonight! Enter Now

wednesday weigh-in: week 6

Wow, i guess I spoke to soon about the whole exercise issue. This week I didnt get on the elliptical once. But if I want to really be technical we did spend most of the weekend outside walking around. We went to the Coconut Grove art Festival in Miami on Saturday. Then on Sunday I took Matthew to the local Italian Festival with my sis and her family. I also bought the Weight Watchers "Punch" workout kit last night at BJ's, so Im oing to try and do it tomorrow during my lunch break.

And if were being extremely honest here, I was absolutely horrible with tracking this week. I think what started my downhill spiral was Valentines Day last Thursday. My mother-in-law came over to watch Matthew while me and hubs went out to dinner and the movies. And lets just say, I thought I did well with dinner until I actually looked up the points for the entire I selected. Note to self: Check points values before ordering, not after. Salad is not always the healthiest option, sometimes one of the lower carb options available on the menu is a better choice.

But needless to say, since I didnt track that night, I kind of just didnt track at all this week. I know it absolutely inexcusable, but as Ive always said, this week is a new week, so just do better starting now!

Sorry this weeks post is so short. As per usual, majorly busy today at work and trying not to be late for my meeting tonight so I should probably head out now.

lbs shed this week:  -.4

lbs shed in total: -11.2

lbs still need to shed: 38.8

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit? hair salon?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: none as of now, we will see once I get on the scale tonight if that was a success

set-backs: no exercising and not tracking

exercise: technically none, but did walk alot of the weekend

wednesday weigh-in: week 5

I did it! I actually exercised this week. It may only have been once, but you know what? You gotta start somewhere. Remember the elliptical I got last year? Well it had found a new home in Matthews closet. You know, so it would be easier to bring out and use, opposed to siting in the laundry room. Well yeah I dusted it off and brought it out to help me with last weeks goal of moving more. I was only on it for 18mins while I caught up on one of my shows. Lets just say 18mins was hard enough for me. Thank god my machine has a bike seat because I dont know how I would have been able to do even those 18mins standing the entire time. Can you say out of shape? yeah......

i think the 5.04 means miles, but i feel like thats way to high of a number for being done in 18.25mins

Unfortunately, I honestly didnt have any other time this past week to blog clean sleep exercise with how busy work is. I know its not an excuse. And I need to make sure I "make an appointment" to exercise. I think if I write it down or put it in my work calendar then it will feel more like a necessity than if I just say Im going to do it. And it seems like my only "free time" to do it, is going to be during my lunch hour. Which is completely ok with me, i just need to make sure I stick to it.

At tonights meeting my leader made it a point to remind us that making something a routine helps it become easier, almost automatic. She said that technically speaking we should each be aiming for at least 14 activity points a week. I was flabbergasted. 14? I would be happy to get 1! And then she explained that if you are normally sedentary (thats me lol) then you should try just exercising once a week for 30 days. And after 30 days it will become a routine. Then you can add more days as you go. This way you wont feel overwhelmed and if you are able to do it more than the once a week during those first 30 days then great! So Im going to commit to that and hope for the best!

Oh and I forgot to mention one lil thing about this week.... I got to my first goal!!! Im not going to say its from the exercise, because honestly I doubt it is. But I am going to say its from my hard work. My self discipline. And my recent obsession in finding new easy low point value recipes. Ive been having so much fun making meals lately. We even had my mom and day over for dinner for the first time at our house on sunday and I made the entire meal myself. Baked Chicken, fresh roasted veggies, and sweet potatoes! It was absolutely delicious! (Oh and if you caught the whole first time eating dinner at our house thats a long story, lets just say their house is just so much easier, and bigger, and heck normally the food is already made, but after 2.5 years living in our house, i figured it was about time)

lbs shed this week: -2.4

lbs shed in total: -10.8

lbs still need to shed: 39.2

first goal: 10lbs - YAY!!! go me!!

•     reward: changed my mind, the hair salon is going to be kinda expensive, so Im thinking a mani/pedi this weekend and possibly using my massage certificate from my baby shower (before it expires lol)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit? hair salon?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: meeting my first goal of shedding 10lbs!

set-backs: i think I can say there were no setbacks this week :)

exercise: brought out the elliptical and plan on doing it again this week, wish me luck!

wednesday weigh-in: week 4

This week Ive come to realize that even if I do get rid of the amount of pounds I want to, my body itself is not going to go back to the way it was before I was pregnant. Not that I had a great body before, but its just different now. I had stretch marks before, but not in the places I have them now, particularly my stomach. And even with dropping close to 35lbs off the bat thanks to breastfeeding, I now have extra skin in areas I dont want either.

I really dont mean to start this post off in a negative manner. Because honestly thats not what Im trying to do. Im proud of my body and what it endured in order to old a precious life for 9-10 months. I wouldnt take that back for the world. But with this realization, that Ive changed, in more ways than one, Ive also realized that Im going to have to work even harder to get back in shape.

Which means, I hate to say it, because I honestly dont want to, but I need to start exercising. The eating healthy part has always come relatively easy for me with diets. Its the working out part that I tend to slack on. And being a mom (i know thats not an excuse but bare with me) i feel like i never have time to do it. Again i know thats not an excuse, but when i have extra time i like to relax. I feel like im always tired. Ironic i know because its know that exercise actually helps increase your energy levels.

So basically Ive come to the conclusion i NEED to MOVE! Funny how tonights meeting was all about creating our own moving plan. I was so glad I stayed for the meeting even though my sis and bro-in-law werent able to. Besides talking about getting started moving, i got to listen to alot of the lifetime members talk about what has and hasnt worked for them. I needed to hear this because although i didnt gain this week I also didnt get rid of a significant amount either.

My mini goal for this coming week is to exercise at least once. I know that may not sound like at lot to some of you but for me it at least gives me a starting point.

Any advice from those who lack the motivation to exercise but have found something that works for them, PLEASE share!

lbs shed this week: -.4

lbs shed in total: -8.4

lbs still need to shed: 41.6

first goal: 10lbs

•     reward: maybe a trip to the hair salon?

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: exploring different healthier recipes

set-backs: ate way to many frozen meals this week. Wish I wouldve cooked more, but i just felt like i didnt have the time this week. And not exercising. :(

exercise: none, but i am going to this week, so you better hold me accountable

wednesday weigh-in: week 3

So not sure if everyone saw that I updated last weeks weigh-in on Saturday, but I ended up gaining slightly. It was only a small amount so Im not going to kill myself over it, but it still does get me down a little. I told myself a few thing after I got on that scale 1) at least you didnt gain more and 2) that just means I have to work harder this coming week. Which I wish I could say I did, but I have a feeling I didnt. It isnt anything in particular, but to start with it was a shorter week between weigh-ins (Sat - tonight).

One thing I am so very proud of myself for this week is that I started to explore more with healthier recipes, both cooking and baking. And yes there is a major difference, I can bake basically anything, cooking on the other hand I tend to completely and udderly destroy not do so well with. But thanks to one of my lovely readers (thanks samantha!) i found a couple of awesome sources for healthy recipes. This week alone I made Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Muffins (perfect for portion control), an Apple Cinnamon Tart, and a Slow Cooker Apple Bacon BBQ Chicken. (notice I have a thing for apples? lol) I made sure to have the hubs try each one, and even made some for my sis and bro-in-law to try as well to get there opinions. Mostly good reviews, a few minor tweaks needed for others.

I also realized that although I have blatantly stated that Im following the Weight Watchers program, I havent really talked in depth about how it works. Not that Im a professional when it comes to it, but I figured for those of you wondering exactly how it works I could maybe give you a  little insight.

1. First you get a personalized daily PointPlus Target.
• Its based on you height, weight, age and gender
• You must eat your daily target points, but if you go over you have a weekly points allowance you can borrow from (but no rollovers lol)
2. Every food has a PointsPlus value
• Its calculated based on the foods content of protein, fiber, fat, and carbs
• They even have a calculator and barcode scanner in the app that makes it super easy for you
3. Fresh Fruit and most veggies are 0 PointsPlus value
• So STOCK up!!!
• And try to eat at least 1 fruit or veggie with each meal or snack (this has helped me ALOT!)
4. You can even earn MORE points each day for activity
• These points swap one-for-one with food points, but you can also choose not to swap them, its up to you
• You can figure out how many activity points youve earned a few ways
1. The pocket guide you receive during your first meeting gives a a great chart that calculates using your weight, duration of activity, and level of exertion
2. If you have eTools there is a whole database of activities that you can just plug in
3. Or if you are an ActiveLink subscriber you can wear the little device and it monitors your daily activity and automatically syncs with your eTools

I also found this great comparison chart on the difference between Weight Watchers and all the other quick fad diets and thought it was a great reference. I know Ive personally been one to fall for quick fix diets and they never work for me in the long run. As Ive mentioned before, weight watchers is a lifestyle change!

 I hope this helped answer any of your questions. If you want to know more about any particular topic just comment below and Ill try to answer the best I can.

On to this weeks summary

lbs shed this week: -2.8

lbs shed in total: -7.6 

lbs still need to shed: 42.4 

first goal: 10lbs

•     reward: maybe a trip to the hair salon?

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: exploring different healthier recipes

set-backs: i admit, i stepped on my home scale multiple times this week. I know i shouldnt, but i guess since im doubting my progress this week i wanted to see if i was doing better, but it only made me feel guilty for every little thing i put in my mouth.

exercise: none this week, but I think its about time to start incorporating it into my routine. im thinking walking, rollerblading, or maybe even bike riding (i saw a cute little seat that matthew can sit in while i ride!)