Wow it's been awhile.

I have gotten really bad at updating this. I have such good intentions then get busy and I forget (or put it off).

Let's see time for an update:

At my last weigh in I was.... drum roll please...

190.8!!!!

That is a total of 39.2 lbs lost from the time I started WW. It is a total of  91 lbs lost since the day I delievered the twins.

I have lost 6.5 inches in both my waist and my hips. 6 inches in my bust and 4 dress sizes. I am in an 18 and can fit into some 16s.

I'm kinda at another plateau but I tend to do that. Every 8 or 9 lbs I hit a plateau for a little while and have to fight to break through it.

I need to get better about working out. I think I've only done it 3 times this week. So I'm not really looking forward to tomorrow's weigh in. I have a feeling it will be a gain. But that is totally my fault (obviously) since I haven't been quite as good at tracking everything that I eat or exercising.

Here's to renewed determination!

Official Weigh In - LOSS

I had my official weigh in today and I am down to 197.6!!!! I broke through 200 lbs last week (I meant to blog about it but then got busy and forgot) I am down 32.4 lbs. I am so excited. My next goal is to get to 190.


For our anniversary this year (January 20) we are going to go to Las Vegas for a couple days and I plan to be 170 by then. That is 24 weeks away and only 27 lbs so I think its pretty doable. I can't even believe that 170 is only 27 lbs away. I'm actually closer to 170 than I am to 230 where I started. How crazy is that?


The other amazing realization that I had is - the day I delievered the twins I was actually at 281 so I've actually lost 84 lbs in the last 15 months (even though I don't really think it counts because part of that was babies, water weight, and all that relates to pregnancy) When I got pregnant I was 262 so even with that I've actually lost 65 lbs.


I really am feeling great.

Lane Bryant Review

So I went to Lane Bryant last night. The babies were asleep and my parents had Ben so I got to go by myself. (Woohoo!!) 

I wanted to get some new clothes that I felt good in and I knew they were having a sale. (It's about 8:30 and they close at 9:00) So I walk in and no one even acknowledges me. I look through their clothes and find a couple things I want to try on (Jim would be so proud of me). I took them to the dressing room and the girl puts me in a fitting room barely saying 5 words to me. I try the stuff on and was only happy with one skirt. I walk out and go find a bra I liked. I took it back to the fitting rooms and the same girl points to the room I just came out of. She said "that one is still available" So I go try on the bra and did not like it. But I wasn't feeling very excited about the clothes anymore. I had heard TONS of great things about Lane Bryant and their customer service. This experience was not living up to the hype. I put the bra back and go to the register to buy the skirt that I had found. No one was at the counter. But the Fitting Room Girl came up and said "did you need to be rung up?" I said "Yea" So she radio's (I'm not sure if that is the correct way to write that but you get the idea) for someone else and then walks away. I stood there by the cash register for about 5 minutes. No one came to the register. So I finally just put the skirt on the counter and left disappointed. I was upset with the lack of service I received but I'm not usually one to do anything about it. 

I called my friend Alisha to vent about it and she said "You have to call and complain" So I did. I called and talked to the manager. I told her what had happened and how disappointed I was. I explained that I have a 3 year old and 15 month old twins so I don't get out much by myself which made it even worse because I had actually been able to try stuff on and take some time for me. She apologized for the experience and said if I came back down to the store she would make it up to me. 

So today I finally got the babies to bed and Ben went up to hang out with my dad. I went back to the store today (cautiously optimistic) I walk in and go search for clothes. No one really pays much attention to me. I find the skirt I liked and a couple of shirts. I also grabbed a pair of their Right Fit Jeans (I had gone online a couple days ago and found out I was a RED) I tried them on and hated the way they fit. They were too baggy in the legs. I came out of the dressing room and the sales lady asked how I liked the Right Fit jeans. I said "I wasn't too sure about them" She looked over at them and said "You are NOT a red. Who told you that you were a red?" I said "Uh I looked online and figured it out" She said "No no no! Do you mind if I measure you?" I said "go right ahead" So she measured me and it turns out I am a yellow.  I tried them on and LOVE them! They fit so well. They are really comfortable and look so cute!

I went to the counter to check out. Turns out the lady who had just helped me was the manager I had talked to. She was awesome. She was so helpful and nice. In the end I walked out with $134 worth of clothes for $53. I got two shirts, a skirt and the Right Fit jeans. The shirts and skirt were all on clearance and she gave me a discount on top of that to make up for the lack of service I had received the night before. 

Overall Review - AWESOME. It started out as a horrible experience and I wasn't going to go back to them but they redeemed themselves. The discount really was just icing on the cake. I would have been happy with the service I received today. It really did make up for lack of service I had received last night. 

Here is the results of my shopping experience. (The necklace and bracelet I made today) I love this outfit.   

Official Weigh In - Loss

Today I weighed in at 202.4. Technically that is a loss because my last official weigh in was 203.6 but I weighed in on July 15th and I was 202.4 so it's not reeally a loss. I think I've hit another plateau. I hit them periodically. I think I hit one at 219 and at 210. They are really frustrating but I just try to keep working through it. 

I continue to work out and eat right. I know it just takes a couple days to break through.

I just have to break through it...

I started out with my BMI at 38.3 and it's now at 33.6. Still obese but closer to overweight.

BMI Categories:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater 

I have to get to 179 to be just overweight. Either that or grown an inch or two. My goal is 150 which actually puts my BMI at 25. So I guess I should shoot for 149 which makes it 24.8.

 
I didn't quite make my goal of under 200 by my birthday (which is today. Happy Birthday to Me!! I can't believe I'm 32!!!) but I'm really close.

The weirdest thing happened today

Today was such a hard day. The kids were whiney, and needy, and throwing tantrums. I was overwhelmed and stressed and grumpy and I admit - not the best mom. Ben was in time out for a lot of the morning (and actually a lot of the night) This is not the weird part. 

The weird part is I was really looking forward to going on a walk tonight. I couldn't wait to walk. I needed it. I craved it.   It was weird because I've never had that happen before. I don't love walking. I don't enjoy exercising. I'm not athlethic. But I'm begining to. Its growing on me. I usually walk a mile or a mile and a half but tonight I walked 2 miles and it felt GOOD. I walked to the end of our street and just didn't want to turn around so I kept walking. I sweated, I burned, I was tired, I kept walking and it felt good. It was awesome.

I earned 7 activity points for it. 

I haven't had Jim take Pictures of me yet but here is an updated avatar until then lol. This is "me" at 202 lbs

Official and Unofficial Weigh ins - LOSS

I'm so sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. We were on vacation for 10 days and then life has gotten in the way.

But here is my update:

Official Weigh in on July 13:

203.6

total loss: 26.4

Unofficial Weigh in on July 15:
202.4
total loss: 28.6

I am 2.4 pounds away from my birthday goal. I want to be under 200 by my birthday July 20th. I'm not sure I'm actually going to make it because my birthday is in 5 days and that's actually a big loss in 5 days but I'm still going to try.

While we were on vacation I didn't tract anything. I pretty much ate what I wanted. I did eat less and tried to still eat my veggies but I licorice and candy and bascially just gave myself a free week. I didn't gain anything during that week. It was really nice to not tract anything or worry about what I was eating. I've decided every 5 or 6 weeks I'm going to give myself a free week. I think I really need it. Just a break from WW every once in a while. 

Official Weigh In - LOSS!!!

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, Today was the official weigh in day. In fact today was my 6th official weigh in. I'm down another 3 lbs!! I'm at 211.6!! That's a total loss of 18.4 lbs in 6 weeks


I've lost 5 inches in my waist, 6.5 in my hips and 6 inches in my bust. 

I started out wearing a size 42x32 pants or a size 22. Today I was able to wear a size 40x32 pants. I also tried on a pair of pants that were an 18 and I could zip them up!! They were tight but they zipped. 

I am so excited!! 

Unofficial Weigh in - LOSS!!

I weighed in today and I'm at 213.0!!! That is a total of 17 lbs! I am so thrilled. I am so close to having lost 20 lbs. My goal by July 20th (my birthday) is to be at 199 (I want to be under 200) It is looking like a pretty reachable goal! 14 lbs to go in 46 days I totally can do that. 

Jim and I are keeping track of our weight on a chart on the wall in the hallway. Everyday we weigh in then mark it on the chart. For the first time in YEARS my weight is below his. I will take a picture of the chart and post it once I get his permission. (since it has his weight on it too)

I'm searching for more low fat, low calorie recipes to review for you. As soon as I find some I will be trying them out and letting you know how they are. 

I need to have Jim take new picture of me to see if there is any difference. But he's not home tonight so maybe tomorrow night. 

Chicken Parmigianino Review

Tonight's meal was

Chicken Parmigianino

Ingredients:

2 large egg white(s), lightly beaten

1 Tbsp Italian seasoning

1 spray olive oil cooking spray

1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly pounded (four 4-oz pieces)

1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup dried bread crumbs

1 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce

1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

First, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray an 8-inch square pan with light cooking spray.

In a small, shallow bowl place the egg whites. In another shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs with salt and Italian seasoning and salt. Place the chicken in egg whites and coat each breast evenly. Then put the chicken in bread crumb mixture and evenly coat.

Spritz a large skillet with light cooking spray and add oil; heat over medium-high heat. When heated, put the chicken in the skillet and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink in center (approximately 4 minutes per side).

In a baking dish<>

Garnish with some fresh basil or oregano leaves.

Enjoy!

Servings: 4

Weight Watcher Points Value = 5 (WW POINTS)

CHANGES

The only change I made to this recipe was I added spaghetti noodles. That made it 9 points instead of 5.

JIM's REVIEW

3

He thought it had too much Italian Seasoning. If it had less Italian Seasonings, it would have been a 4. He also said it needed more sauce on the spaghetti noodles. But that was my fault not the recipes. I could and should have given him more sauce.

MEL'S REVIEW

4

I think it could have used a little less Italian Seasoning but not too much less.

OVERALL

We will definitely be doing this one again but next time I will only add ½ Tbsp of Italian Seasoning instead of the full tablespoon. It was a quick and easy recipe. The chicken was really juicy. Next time I will probably use spaghetti sauce instead of plain tomato sauce.

I got this recipe from

http://www.laaloosh.com/2008/03/10/low-calorie-chicken-parmigina-recipe/

Official Weigh In - LOSS!

Today was my official weigh in day!! I'm down to 217.2!! That's a total loss of 13 lbs in 3 weeks. I am so excited. My next goal is 207, which is only 10 more lbs.

I've made sure to eat all of my points lately. I'm even allowing myself to go into my weekly points every once in awhile. 

I also ordered some cookies and muffins from here: pennys low fat desserts. They should be here Wed or Thursday. I ordered their sampler pack. Included in their sampler pack are: One each of the muffin tops: Almond Poppy Seed, Carrot Raisin, Chocolate-Chocolate Chip, Apple Cinnamon and Orange Cranberry. Also one each of the Cookie flavors: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter. They only have 2 points each and look pretty huge. I'm excited to try them and hope they are as good as they advertise to be. I promise to review them once they arrive!

Working through the pain.

I am so sore from working out. I've walked a mile every day this week and most of the days last week. My feet are killing me.

I wake up every morning so stiff and sore but I'm trying to work through it. I'm trying to just keep exercising and hoping that I'm going to see results.

But for now - I'm SORE!

Baked Chimichanga Review

Tonight's meal was

Baked Chimichangas

8 ounces ground 90% lean beef or turkey

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 cup chunky salsa

1 teaspoon chili seasoning

8 (6-inch) flour tortillas

1/4 cup no-fat sour cream

Heat oven to 475 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil-flavored cooking spray.

In a large skillet sprayed with olive oil-flavored cooking spray, brown meat and onion. Stir in garlic, 1/2 cup salsa, and chili seasoning. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture into center of each tortilla. Lightly spray tops with butter-flavored cooking spray.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

For each serving, place a chimichanga on a serving plate, spoon 2 tablespoons salsa and 1 tablespoon sour cream over the top.

Serves 4 (2 each) Serving size - 2 chimichangas

Per serving: 276 cal, 8 fat, 2 fiber

Healthy Exchange: 2 bread, 1 1/2 protein, 3/4 vegetables

6 WW points

CHANGES

Added 1/2 cup shredded cheese to meat mixture

Added 3/4 cup shredded cheese to the top

Used 1/2 tsp chili powder instead of 1 tsp chili seasoning

I didn't have 90% lean beef so I used 3/4 lb of 85/15 ground beef

I used garlic powder instead of minced garlic

I put about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture into mine and a little over a 1/2 cup into Jim's. On top of Jim's I put about 1/2 cup of cheese and on mine I put about a 1/4 cup.

This changed the points to: 12

(wow. I changed alot. It's almost like a different recipe now lol)

JIM's REVIEW

3

He thought it had too much onion. If it had less onions it would have been a 4.

MEL'S REVIEW

3.5

I agree with Jim on it needing less onions. I loved how crunchy the tortillas got. The edges of mine were like baked chips.

OVERALL

We will definately be doing this one again but next time less onions. It was a quick and easy recipe. It had a lot of flavor. For Jim's dinner I served it with a side of beans with cheese on top.

I got this recipe from
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/wwbeef/baked-chimichangas.html

Not official Weigh In - Loss

Even though my official weigh in (WI) day is on Mondays, I actually weigh in everyday. Since I work out of the Wii you have the option to weigh yourself when you start so of course I do (since I have no patience to try to wait until Mondays).

Today I weighed myself and I was down 2 lbs!!! For a total 11 lbs lost!

I also measured myself as well.  I've lost a total of one inch in my waist. 5.5 in my hips and 3 in my chest. (Jim's not excited about that last one lol)


I made sure to eat all of my points yesterday. I'm going to work on doing that everyday. I'm not sure whats for dinner tonight. Any ideas?

Weight Watchers Southern Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

So it turns out that you are supposed to use ALL your points. It doesn't help if you leave some left over. I was thinking I was doing a good thing by not eating all my points everyday. Not so much.

So I'm gonna start planning out my meals for the week. I'm also learning how to cook better :) (Poor Jim. I'm trying out all my recipes on him. He has to rate them on a scale of 1 - 5. 5 being something he really enjoys and 1 being something I probably should never make again.)

Tonight I made
Weight Watchers Southern Style Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

- Pam Butter Flavored Non-Fat, Nonstick Cooking Spray

- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt

- 1/4 tsp black pepper

- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

- 1/2 tsp granulated onion powder

- 3 oz buttermilk

- 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs, crushed finely

- 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, four 4-oz pieces*

* You can use chicken wings and drumsticks with this recipe as well, just make sure to remove the skin

Directions:

Preheat oven to 365ºF. Lightly coat an 8 X 8 X 2-inch baking dish with the butter flavored nonstick, non-fat cooking spray; set aside.

Combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper together in a medium-size bowl. Place buttermilk and corn flakes crumbs in 2 separate shallow bowls.

Roll chicken breast halves in flour mixture and evenly coat each side. Next dip chicken into buttermilk and then corn flakes crumbs.

Place coated chicken breasts in prepared baking dish. Spray chicken with a light coating of the Butter Flavored non-fat cooking spray. Bake until chicken is tender and no longer pink, about 25 to 30 minutes (there is no need to flip the chicken during baking). Makes 4 servings.

Each serving = 4 Weight Watchers Points

REVIEW

On the Jim scale it came in at a 4

My review:

It was really easy to make. It came out really juicy (which I sometimes have trouble with when it comes to baked chicken.) I did make some minor changes to mine. The chicken breast I had were larger so it was a total of 7 points instead of the 4. (I needed to use more points up so it worked out well) Since the chicken was larger I increased the cooking time to about 40 minutes instead of the 25 - 30 minutes. I also Paprika instead of Cayenne pepper. I also used 1 tsp of regular salt instead of the 1/2 tsp of Kosher salt. Overall I gave it a 5. It tasted great and it was really easy to make! (This is coming from someone who not too long ago posted this http://tiggrrl72077.blogspot.com/2008/08/help-me.html)

I forgot to take pictures of it but next time I will.

I got this recipe at http://www.laaloosh.com/ They have tons of WW recipes. I plan to try many more of them and I will review them as I go.

Weekly Weigh in - Gain

Today was my weekly weigh in. I'm up 0.6lbs. I was having a really hard time with this all morning (ok it's only 9:45am but still - I was up at 5:30) Then Jim called. The first thing he said was "Muscle"

I said "what?"

He said "Muscle weighs more than fat so if you're building muscle, it would make sense for you to have a gain."

I hadn't thought of that. Let's hope thats what it is because I'm not sure what else I can do. I walk a mile every night. I exercise most mornings. I'm eating healthy.

Today's weight was 221.6. I was hoping to be under 220. Here's to another week

sigh

Hello Weight Watchers

So I've decided I'm tired of being fat. For Mother's Day this year I asked for a subscription to Weight Watchers online. 

I'm really loving it. I've decided to start this blog to keep track of my progress.
My starting weight was 230. My total goal weight is 155. That's 75 pounds. I weigh in once a week. My weigh in day is Monday. Last Monday I weighed in at 221! I lost 9 lbs. YEAH!!

Tomorrow is my second weigh in. I'm a little nervous. I've really been working hard at this. I walk a mile every night with my mom and in the morning I work out on the Wii fit. 

I'm allowed 33 points a day and then I have 35 weekly points I can use whenever. Last week I used 9 weekly points. (That means I went over my daily points by 9) Here's how the week breaks down

Mon 5/4 (The day I started the program) 35.5 points
Tues 5/5 - 28
Wed 5/6 - 23.5
Thu 5/7 - 29
Fri  5/8 - 29.5
Sat 5/9 - 31.5
Sun 5/10 - 39.5 (This was Mother's Day so I expected to go over points)

You also earn activity points by exercising. Last week I earned 22 activity points.

This week I didn't use any of my weekly points YEAH! Here's this weeks breakdown
Mon 5/11 - 31.5
Tues 5/12 - 29.5
Wed 5/13 - 31.5
Thu 5/14 - 31
Fri 5/15 - 28
Sat 5/16 - 30
Sun 5/17 - 27


Activity points - 27


And here are the dreaded before pictures. (actually they were taken today so techincally they are "during" pictures lol) I refuse to put on a bathing suit right now. NO ONE (not even me) wants to see that lol

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