Musings

Well, it's finally happened.. I got the dreaded letter from Weight Watchers asking me to remove the info from my website. So the Journal of a Non-Dieter website will come down sometime in the next day or three. Hopefully some of you will have time to save the info to your computer before I take it down.

Lots going on in my life right now and dieting is on hold, though I am still trying to eat healthy. Thanks for all your support.

Clarification: This blog is not coming down. My website with WW points info on it will be coming down. We can blog all we want about WW, but apparently they take offense to people posting point info that has been obsolete for a decade on websites.

Musings

Hey guys!

I am still here, believe it or not. :) The craziness has ramped up, believe it or not. I'm still hanging in there, while also giving myself person to take it easy. I've tried out some new snacks and expanded my repertoire a bit, so that's helpful. And with the nice weather we've been having, I've been getting out for a lot more walks and exercise with the kids.

I just spent a few minutes reading up on Wii and Wii Fit last night. I've always said no to having a game system up here, since it's bad enough that my kids want to plan on the computer all day (we limit it, and they have to earn time through chores). But the idea of something like Wii Fit is awfully appealing. The only thing is that it costs so much! I noticed that Barnes and Noble sells it online, though, and we usually get several B&N gift cards for our birthdays every year. I'm thinking that maybe we can hold out 'til then and use our GCs for that. It's only a few more months..

Does anyone use Wii Fit? Is it everything it's made out to be? For those of you with kids, how do you balance their desire to game with their very real need for outdoor time, free play, and real-world physical stimulation?

Musings

I've been really struggling lately, as you've probably noticed from my sporadic posting. I can blame it on being sick and being under a lot of stress, but really, I just haven't had the strength. I'm feeling kind of down on myself, but I'm also hoping I can get back on track.

With the warmer weather, it's a lot easier for me to get some exercise, just through walking with the kids. I may not be increasing my heartrate as much as I should be, but every half hour spent walking around the block is a half hour I'm not on the couch.

I've been tired a lot lately (my own fault for staying up too late), which makes it hard to be there for my kids. My boys have always been really independent and so long as I put in a little effort with them, they're more than happy to spend the bulk of their free time playing together without me. But lately Colwyn's been asking me to do stuff with him, rather than me initiating, which is a signal that I'm not initiating nearly enough. I feel bad that when he asks me to play with him, all I can think is, "How can I distract him so I can rest for a few more minutes?" I really need to get my butt in gear, both with going to bed earlier and with getting in shape so I'm not so tired and lazy all the time.

I'm off to google healthy snack ideas.. wish me luck getting back into the swing of things, and for anyone out there who is struggling, too, know that you're not alone. It's hard work!

Food Journal

251 lbs
28-33 points

1.5 cup skim milk - 3 points
1.5 cup frozen berries - 0 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 Smart Ones - 3 points
1 slice whole wheat bread - 1 point
1 tbs peanut butter - 2 points
4 oz lean pork - 6 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points
1 cup brown rice - 4 points
1 grapefruit - 2 points

Total: 22 points

Food Journal

251 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 slices cheese - 4 points
4 oz chicken - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 cup brown rice - 4 points
1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
5 oz chicken w/ sauce - 6 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point

Total: 26 points

Food Journal

251 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 tbs peanut butter - 2 points
1 Lean Cuisine - 7 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
5 oz steak - 7 points
1 cup rice - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 point

Total: 27 points

Musings

I think this is one of the few times I've ever been able to say, "Thank god it's Monday." :) It's been an incredibly busy, tiring, trying two weeks. The first week I was quite sick (I'm still a bit iffy, actually). The second, my mom was in the hospital with an ulcer, I was working on the new Journal of a Non-Dieter website, and I also had to make 170 cupcakes, a 6" round cake, and build two cup/cake stands capable of holding said baked goods. That was for my cousin's 16th birthday party, and I think it went over quite well. Here's a pic:



But, anyway.. the really big deal is that the new and improved Journal of a Non-Dieter website is now up and running. If you get a chance, take a look and let me know what you think. :)

Musings

Hey guys, I'm sorry I've been MIA. I'm revamping the whole Journal of a Non-Dieter website, and it's been eating up all my free time. It should be up and running within a day or two and then I'll get back to blogging regularly. I'm excited about the new site.. all of the content has been updated, including new restaurant info and a downloadable spreadsheet for point tracking.

So stick around, good things are coming!

Food Journal

253 lbs
28-33 points

1 bagel - 4 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2.8 oz tuna - 2 points
1 tbs mayo - 2 points
2 slices American cheese - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point

Total: 17 points

Musings

Ugh. I hate being sick. My kids have been taking turns with a mild stomach bug, and I came down with it yesterday. It wasn't too bad until last night.. I was up almost the whole night in the bathroom, and while I wasn't as violently ill today, I really had almost no appetite. Thankfully, my husband stayed home to watch the kids while I rested. He brought home Burger King at 2pm (they had all gone to the playground), which was the first thing I ate all day. I'm feeling a bit better now, but still kind of queasy. I'm skipping my Metformin tonight because I know it can cause digestive upset, and while I'm 99% sure it's just a bug, I figured I'd check.

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Burger King Cheeseburger - 9 points
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pasta - 6 points
1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
3 oz ground turkey - 5 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1 grapefruit - 2 points

Total: 23 points

Musings

Some routine maintenance comments.. I get these questions all the time, though I answer them frequently in my posts and in the comments section. Once again...

I'm not purposely trying to eat less than my points range. This is what I eat in a day, when I eat according to hunger. Believe it or not, I can tell that 22 is less than 28, and I can't tell you how many times I've heard that it's 'incorrect' to eat less than my points allowance. Personally, I feel it would be counter productive to realize at 8pm that I'm 6 points short for the day, and try to cram them all in (hmm, 3 grapefruits, or 6 cups of grapes, or 4 cookies, or 3 Skinny Cows.. that all seems like a lot to eat at night, y'know?). And, yeah, I realize that I'm being a bit snarky. Sorry, I guess.

You can find your points allowances based on your current weight here. It's right there at the top of the main points page.

Please, feel free to bring on the constructive criticism. If it's something I find useful, I'll consider it, and if it's repetitive stuff that I've heard a million times, I'll most likely take it with a grain of salt (though maybe mention it in these too-frequent reminder posts). Sorry if that's too honest.

I wouldn't be blogging if I didn't want to hear from people, so for as long as I'm here, feel free to comment away. :)

Oh, and a shoutout to Manda (who commented), we homeschool, too.

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

1 bagel - 4 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points
1 grapefruit - 2 points
2 cups salad - 0 points
2 tbs lite vinaigrette - 1 point
1 apple - 1 point
1 1/2 cups beef stew - 11 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point

Total: 22 points

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

2 cups oatmeal - 4 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1 cup chili - 5 points
1 grapefruit - 2 points
6 oz. steelhead trout - 7 points
1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
3 chocolate chip cookies - 4 points

Total: 23 points

Musings

I had a comment in a previous entry that said how brave I was to blog about my weight loss journey, because it opens my choices up for criticism. And, y'know, this person had a point.. it can be really frustrating to be trying hard, only to see people commenting like, "Gee, you should really..." or "You'd lose more if only you..." Part of these comments come through email, from the Non-Diet website, too. The vast majority of people reading this blog haven't a clue who I am, so, yeah, it does kind of bug me to get these comments that seem to question my intelligence.. like I don't know it's better to do X rather than Y. Life is never simple; a whole host of variables come into play when determining what I will actually eat in a given day.

But, you know.. despite all these minor little irritations.. I absolutely love blogging about my weight loss. Why? I love the supportive comments, the ones cheering me on, the ones where people tell me nicely what worked for them, the ones that say they're inspired to make a difference in their own lives. Dieting is a lot of work, and it really, truly means a lot to see comments from these people who are helping me out along the way.

So, thank you to my regular commenters! You know who you are. :)

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
5 oz steak tips - 6 points
1 cup mashed potatoes - 4 points
1 grapefruit - 2 points
7 oz steak w/ sauce - 10 points
1 cup corn - 2 points
1 cup brown rice - 4 points

Total: 33 points

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
5 oz sliced turkey - 5 oz
1 slice tomato - 0 points
1 tbs mayo - 3 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 cup whole wheat pasta - 3 points
1/2 cup sauce - 2 points
1 oz sausage - 3 points
1/3 cup shredded cheese - 4 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points

Total: 27 points

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 pork chop - 5 points
1 apple - 1 point
4 oz honey garlic chicken - 5 points
1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
1 cup brown rice - 4 points
3 chocolate chip cookies - 4 points

Total: 23 points

Musings

My car is in the shop. Today was the second day, and I won't have it until tomorrow evening. Luckily, it's mostly all under warranty. The problem is.. I spaced out and didn't plan for lunches when I was at the grocery store, so I've been struggling, trying to come up with healthy things to eat. I'm so over my soup and toast kick, and since we switched to natural peanut butter, an apple and PB just doesn't hold the same appeal. I've also been making my own bread, and while it tastes great toasted with a smidge of butter (I've had a bite of my husband's), it's so-so for sandwiches. I can't believe I prefer store-bought bread to my own.. hmph. It's a lot of fun making it, though, and if I wasn't on a diet and allowed myself to snack on bread, I'd be all over it.

But, anyway.. my point is, it really stinks not having a car, even just for a few days. It's supposed to be really nice tomorrow, too, and I wanted to take the kids to the playground. I guess we'll just have to settle for our muddy backyard.

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 bagel - 4 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points
1 apple muffin - 7 points
1 pork chop - 5 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points
1 cup brown rice - 4 points

Total: 26 points

Musings

I'm just going to come right out and say it. I don't believe in weight loss surgery. I know that, theoretically, it's the best choice for some people, but every single person I know who's had it done used it poorly. My mom had gastric bypass last September, and she's lost nearly a hundred pounds since then. She now weighs a little more than I do. She looks fantastic and is able to walk a bit more easily. Unfortunately, her rate of weight loss has slowed dramatically, and I really think it's because of the fact that she never really changed her eating habits. She still eats unhealthy food, just in smaller, more frequent quantities. She still goes most of the workday without eating, then comes home and tries to binge, and just ends up getting sick.

Her boss had the surgery done a few years back and has now gained almost all her weight back. So too with a couple I know who both had gastric bypass.

It just seems futile, you know? How can a surgery really effect a change in eating habits? Because until you stop relying on food for emotional comfort, until you learn to cook and eat healthy foods, any weight loss will be temporary. And that's what I'm working on.. trying to find alternative ways to reward myself for getting through a bad day and transitioning to a whole foods, preferably local diet. It's hard work, sure. But I'm confident that if I can effect these changes in my lifestyle, that weight will stay off.

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
3 tbs raspberry preserves - 2 points
1 apple muffin - 7 points
5 oz chicken - 5 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points
1 apple - 1 point

Total: 25 points

Food Journal

255 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 blueberry muffins - 6 points
1 cup beef stew - 5 points
1/2 serving Bertoli shrimp scampi - 6 points
1 1/2 cup salad - 0 points
2 tbs lite vinaigrette - 1 point

Total: 22 points

Musings

Sorry I've been MIA. I'm still sticking pretty well to my points range. It's been crazy around here, I'll get back to posting regularly this weekend, I promise. :) Sorry!

Food Journal

256 lbs
28-33 points

Blew it yesterday, so I didn't bother counting points. Here's today:

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
3 tbs blueberry preserves - 2 points
1 cup skim milk - 2 points
1 1/2 cup mixed berries - 0 points

Food Journal

256 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
8 pieces spicy shrimp roll - 4 points
1 cup asparagus - 0 points
2 slices meatloaf - 16 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 tbs almond butter - 2 points

Total: 27 points

Food Journal

256 lbs
28-33 points

1/4 of Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast - 1 point
1/2 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
6 oz steak tips - 8 points
4 oz chicken - 5 points
1/2 cup couscous - 3 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
3 tbs blueberry preserves - 2 points
1 cup milk - 2 points

Total: 27 points

Musings

I'm currently reading the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. It's a really well-written, insightful, and info-packed book about everything related to growing food. She talks a lot about the food industry and what it has done to people by giving us the type of food it does. She talks about heirloom varieties of plants and animals, while going into detail about how they're not just upscale, snobby foods, but sources of nourishment that are vital to our well-being. All of this, against the backdrop of the story of how she and her family uprooted from Tuscon and moved to Appalachia, with the goal of only eating locally-grown foods for a year. There are recipes, funny stories, and enough scary facts to push you into action. It's a great book, and I highly recommend it, even if you're not wanting to grow your own food. It'll change how you look at what you put into your mouth.

I'd also like to note this Scratch Cooking blog. She's got some great recipes on there. It's not all diet-friendly, but on the whole I'll go for whole, fresh ingredients in a meal, rather than something processed and low-point.

Food Journal

256 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 100 cal. English muffins - 2 points
1/2 cup tomato sauce - 1 point
1 cup low fat mozzarella - 8 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 1/2 cups beef stew - 7 points
1 apple muffin - 7 points

Total: 30 points

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
2 tbs raspberry jam - 2 points
1 apple - 1 point
5 oz chicken w/ sauce - 6 points
1 cup pasta - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 point
1 grapefruit - 2 points

Total: 26 points

Musings

Someone sent me a nice long email a day or two ago. Several paragraphs. I somehow deleted it, I can't find it anywhere. I totally wanted to reply. If you're out there reading this and think that's you, please send me another note!

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
8 pieces spicy tuna roll - 4 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1/2 cup pasta w/ sauce - 3 points
1 cup corn - 2 point
5 oz BBQ steak tips - 7 points
1 homemade poptart - 10 points

Total: 31 points

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 cups grapes - 2 points
2 slices whole wheat toast - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
2 tbs raspberry jam - 2 points
1 cup sugar snap peas - 0 points
1 cup brown rice - 4 points
8 oz steak - 11 points
1 grapefruit

Total: 31 points

Musings

I've been having a really hard time lately. I think I mentioned that in one of my other posts. It occured to me that I had a lot easier time when I was drinking the regular Carnation Breakfast Drinks, rather than the No Sugar Added, so I switched back to those to see if it makes a difference.

Today was a bit easier, actually. I didn't spend all day thinking of how I'd like nothing more than to eat the dozen cookies residing in my bread drawer. So, maybe it'll help, after all.

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 1/4 peppers - 0 points
1 1/4 cups dirty rice w/ ground beef - 8 points
1 grapefruit - 2 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points
6 oz cod w/ breadcrumbs - 7 points
3 cookies - 4 points

Total: 25 points

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

1 glazed chocolate cake donut - 7 points
1 cup milk - 2 points
1 English muffin pizza (both halves) - 5 points
1 grapefruit - 2 points
1 1/2 red peppers - 0 points
1 1/2 cups dirty rice w/ ground beef - 9 points
2 cookies - 3 points

Total: 28 points

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 whole wheat english muffin - 2 points
1/2 cup lowfat mozzarella - 2 points
1/4 cup tomato sauce - 1 point
2 cookies - 3 points
10 oz steak tips - 12 points
1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes - 6 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points

Total: 28 points

Food Journal

257.5 lbs
28-33 points

2 cups grapes - 2 points
1 whole wheat bagel - 4 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points
2 cookies - 3 points
Smart Choice Sweet and Sour Chicken - 4 points
1 Italian Sub - ??

Well, I did good until dinner. I don't even want to know the nutritional info for the sub..

Food Journal

258.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 slice cheese pizza - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
5 oz steak - 9 points
1 tbs stir fry sauce - 1 point
1 cookie - 2 points
1/2 cup ice cream - 4 points

Total: 23 points

Food Journal

I blew it today. I'm incredibly pissed off at real life stuff. I'm not going to bother writing down my points for today.

Just so you know.

Tomorrow's another day..

Food Journal

258.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
2 cups beef stew - 10 points
2 cups smoothie (froz. berries & milk) - 2 points
1/2 cup brown rice - 2 points
1 cup peas - 1 point
1 lean pork chop - 3 points
stir fry sauce - 1 point

Total: 22 points

Musings

Well, that's frustrating. I just got a call saying that my appointment to see the nutritionist this afternoon has been canceled. I was really looking forward to going and getting some good ideas. Hmph.

So, here's my question for all you wonderful readers. Does anyone have any good suggestions for websites that have articles about healthy eating, weight loss, exercise, etc? Bonus points if they're entertaining as well as informative.. :)

Food Journal

258.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 cup beef stew - 5 points
2 cookies - 3 points
2 cups mixed vegetables - 0 points
1 tbs butter - 2 points
9 oz. trout - 7 points
1 cup milk, 1 cup berries (smoothie) - 2 points
2 slices whole wheat toast - 2 points
1 tbs peanut butter - 2 points
2 tbs raspberry jam - 2 points

Total: 28 points

Food Journal

258.5 lbs
28-33 points

1 cup grapes - 1 point
1 slice cornbread - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
1 tbs raspberry jam - 1 point
7 pieces spicy sushi roll - 4 points
3 oz chicken - 3 points
1 cup asparagus - 0 points
1 1/2 cup roasted red potatoes - 6 points
2 cookies - 3 points

Total: 28 points

Musings

Whoever thought that being overweight would impact furniture selection? My parents and my in-laws gave us enough money at Christmas to buy a new couch and loveseat (our current ones are hand-me-downs from my parents, are at least 8 years old, and are ripped and stained--thanks kids and dogs!). We went looking today, and do you know what the deciding factor was? My weight! Couches that didn't have enough back support, that let me recline too much, were automatically out of the running. When we have company over, the last thing I want them to see is my big fat belly sticking out because I can't sit up straight on my own couch! How odd is that?

We picked out a nice leather couch and loveseat. We ended up going to the discount place because it was the only way we could afford leather, and with the way my kids spill things.. oy. Anyway.. so, it's from the discount place, but for $120, they guarantee to fix any stains, burns, punctures, tears, etc, and will even replace the piece if necessary.. for 5 years! So, not bad, really. And best of all.. they'll be delivered before our next playgroup. You have no idea what a relief it will be to not be embarassed about our nasty couches when we have people over.

Food Journal

258.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
2 slice whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
1 cup skim milk - 2 points
5 oz chicken - 5 points
1 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points
1 cup mashed potatoes - 4 points
1 piece cornbread - 4 points
4 peanut butter cookies - 6 points

Total: 29 points

Musings

This has been a frustrating day all around. First, I was quite disappointed that I only lost 2 pounds in the last week and a half. I guess I really need to start exercising more.

Secondly, my husband just told me that he's taking a 20% pay cut instead of getting laid off. I mean, I'm glad he still has a job, but we're just barely getting by as it is. We were planning on taking some of our tax refund (what's left after paying off the bills we're behind on) and taking the kids to Disney World.. but now I don't know if we'll be able to.

Now we definitely won't be able to afford a gym membership, either.

It's tempting to say, "Oh, well, since I'm having a crappy day, I'll treat myself to an ice cream," but I'm trying my hardest not to.

Food Journal

258.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
Healthy Choice soup - 2 points
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tbs butter - 2 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1/2 cup homemade mac & cheese - 5 points
1 1/2 cups chili - 7 points

Total: 20 points

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
Meatloaf - 8 points
Ketchup - 2 points
1 apple - 1 point
12 pieces spicy sushi roll - 6 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
2 chocolate chip cookies - 3 points

Total: 23 points

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
2 cups salad (lettuce, cucumber, etc) - 0 points
1/4 cup feta cheese - 3 points
2 tbs Newman's Lite Vinaigrette - 1 point
5 oz chicken - 6 points
1 cup summer squash - 0 points
2 cups grapes - 2 points
1 oatmeal cookie - 3 points
1 peanut butter heart - 4 points

Total: 21 points

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1 apple - 1 point
1 bagel - 5 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points
2 oatmeal cookies - 6 points
1 1/2 cups green beans - 0 points
1 big slice meatloaf - 12 points
ketchup - 2 points

Total: 31 points

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 apple - 1 point
1 tbs peanut butter - 2 points
1 bagel - 5 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points
7 oz salmon - 8 points
1 banana - 2 points
1 tbs peanut butter - 2 points

Total: 24 points

Musings

It's back to work, post Valentine's Day. I meant to eat healthy meals yesterday and just cheat on whatever chocolates my husband got me, but my grandmother, aunt, and cousin came up for a surprise visit, which always means Chinese food for lunch. I'd had a healthy breakfast, so I didn't feel too horrible about my full plate of fried goodness. I also had a somewhat healthy dinner - the steak and peas were fine, but the saucy pasta was a little more than I would have done normally.

And the chocolates, oh my.. I know it's only been three weeks, but clearly my body wasn't used to so much sweets. I actually gave myself a stomach-ache, when I know I didn't actually eat more than I would have normally.

Well, anyway.. it was nice while it lasted, but I'm glad to be back in the saddle.

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup chili - 5 points
6 pieces spicy tuna roll - 3 points
1/2 cup pasta (with some olive oil and parmesean) - 3 points
1/2 cup asparagus - 0 points
1/2 cup scallops - 1 point
1/2 cup shrimp - 1 point

Total: 15 points

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

1/3 slice of pizza - 3 points
2 cups salad (lettuce, cucumbers) - 0 points
2 tbs greek dressing - 4 points
1/4 cup feta - 3 points
1 small banana - 2 points
1 tbs peanut butter - 2 points
steak picado - 10 points
1/3 cup Spanish rice - 2 points

Total: 26 points

Musings

My butt hurts. Ouch. The baby actually let me have a little time to myself yesterday.. I got in 15 minutes of weights, as well as the first 15 minutes of an exercise video. I liked this one.. I found it on Comcast's On Demand, it was one of the Biggest Loser ones.

But, like I said.. ouch.

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 large banana - 3 points
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
1/4 cup feta - 3 points
2 cups salad (lettuce, cucumbers) - 0 points
2 tbs Newman's Lite Vinaigrette - 1 point
1/4 cup almonds - 6 points
A few tastes of frosting - ? points

Total: 19 points

Musings

I've been getting this question/comment a lot to my posts, so I thought I'd address it here.

I am aware that I'm eating under 28 points daily. Believe it or not, when I add up the points, I can tell if I'm under. ;) But, seriously.. I know you're not supposed to eat under your points range. I get that. I know that, in theory, the best way to lose weight is to stay in your range. I also know that I'm not hungry at all during the day, and that most days, I finish my dinner and then have to scramble to find something to eat to get myself at least close to my points range (like tonight when I was at 20 points after a filling dinner). I don't know for sure, but my guess is that I'm eating a lot more protein, and thus feel fuller on less points than someone who is eating her full points-worth of refined carbs.

I've done WW quite successfully in the past, and my lapse had nothing to do with how many points I had been eating (we had a death in the family, and my whole family went off their diets). When I did WW successfully before, I ate the same way, except that I took all those little uneaten points and splurged on a take-out dinner every Saturday. I was also more diligent about weighing food and calculating points back then. Now, knowing that I have a little bit of leeway, I don't worry quite as much about whether I actually ate 4 or 6 ounces of chicken, I just guess.

And, y'know.. it seems to be working out quite well for me so far.

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup chili - 5 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
5 oz chicken - 6 points
1 cup mixed veggies - 0 points
1/2 cup brown rice - 2 points
3 chocolate chip cookies - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points

Total: 25 points

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
Healthy Choice Chicken & Rice Soup - 2 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
2 tbs butter - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
1 tbs mayo - 2 points
2 slice cheese - 4 points
5 oz tuna - 4 points
2 chocolate chip cookies - 3 points

Total: 27 points

Musings

I'm trying to fit exercise in to my daily routine, but it's really hard. Between chores and homeschooling and just trying to enjoy my children, I don't get too much time for myself, and when I do, I tend to want to take a breather, just relax a minute, you know? I've been able to do a bit with my free weights here and there, but I forget a lot, so I need to look up some good exercises to do with them. We have Comcast and I've fooled around with some of their On Demand exercise videos, but I'm super uncoordinated.. anything with a rhythm or complicated movement is difficult for me. Especially since I've also got the rugrats underfoot.

We're thinking of joining the Y when we get our tax refund. There are a zillion other things we should do with the money, but I think that this is important. I know it will be hard to actually get to the gym, but I'm hoping that having a bunch of good equipment waiting for me will motivate me. I just have to decide whether I want to get up super early and go before Doug goes to work, or whether I want to drag myself out when he gets home.

Anyone have some good tips on exercising with little kids around?

Food Journal

260.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 slice ham - 3 points
1 slice cheese - 2 points
1 cup grapes - 1 point
1/4 cup TJ chili lime cashews - 6 points
6 oz haddock - 4 points
1 cup green beans - 0 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points

Total: 27 points

Food Journal

262.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 small blueberry muffin (homemade, whole wheat) - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
5 oz chicken - 5 points
1 bagel - 5 points
2 tbs cream cheese - 2 points

Total: 23 points

Food Journal

262.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
Healthy Choice Gumbo - 2 points
2 oatmeal cookies - 3 points
5 oz chicken - 6 points
1/4 cup almonds - 6 points
1 cup brocoli/cauliflower - 0 points
1/4 cup couscous - 1 point

Total: 23 points

Food Journal

262.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
6 oz honey mustard chicken - 7 points
1/4 cup cauliflower - 0 points
1/4 cup TJ chili lime cashews - 6 points
1 1/2 cup chili - 7 points
1 slice whole wheat toast - 2 points

Total: 26 points

Musings

I'm still sick. Argh. I'm hoping that I'll wake up in the morning feeling a lot better. I had my follow-up appointment with the nurse practicioner today and she did a rapid strep (and regular culture, too) which came out negative.

The appointment went well. She seemed pleased with the amount of weight I've lost and her only suggestion after looking at my food journal was to eat more 0 point foods. I'm sure I could, but I'm really not very hungry during the day, the way I've been eating. I think the key for me is that I drink the breakfast shake very slowly over a few hours (I keep it in the fridge). Just two or three sips makes me feel full, and when I tried to chug it all right upon waking, I'd feel sick. So I spend all morning taking little sips when I pass by the fridge and don't feel hungry at all until lunchtime. Then it seems almost like a rush trying to fit in enough points to get close to 28.

Anyway. My blood tests all came back pretty normal. The one that was a little off I wasn't really expecting her to catch, and it's not a big deal anyway. Just to be really thorough, here are the pertinent results, with the norm in parentheses:

Insulin - 17 (6-27)
Glucose - 82 (70-105)
Cholesterol - 163 (<200)
Triglyceride - 115 (<150)
HDL - 52 (23-92)
LDL - 88 (<100)

According to those results my coronary risk is below average. Nice, huh? So, I'm also not diabetic or really even pre-diabetic, but she agreed to put me on a low dose of Metformin. My father's diabetic as is his mother, and because I have a few signs of PCOS and the low milk supply, I was more than willing to give it a go. I know GI upset is commonly reported as a side effect, so if it's bothersome I'll just go off of it, it's not like I really need it.

I go back in 3 months, which will be a nice additional motivator to keep up with the weight loss. I figured it out today and there are 20 more weeks until the beginning of July, which means if I lose 3 pounds a week, I'll make it to 200 lbs. I think with sensible eating and exercise, that should be well within reach.

Food Journal

262.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
apple muffin - 7 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
3 chocolate chip cookies - 4 points
6 oz honey mustard chicken - 7 points
1 cup garlic cauliflower - 1 point

Total: 26 points

Food Journal

Still sick. Yesterday was horrid. The insanely high fever I had last night seems to have broken, though, and I'm feeling marginally better. Still have an insanely sore throat. I'm tempted to use the albuterol inhaler I got last year when I was pregnant and ended up in the ER with difficulty breathing, due to another cold. It's comforting to know that I have it, at least.

Still not counting. Will hopefully pick up tomorrow. I weighed myself this morning though and was shocked and pleased to see that I'm now at 262.5. I thought that the ice cream I'd been eating had ruined it for me, but I guess not.

Food Journal

I'm sick today. I'm not counting, because while I did eat healthy meals (soup, toast, salmon, veggies, etc), I've been having popsicles, cough drops, and even ice cream. My throat hurts way too much to abstain.

Musings

My plan to cook mainly from scratch (for the kids especially) is progressing nicely. I've made two batches of cookies that the kids have loved (unfortunately, I can't help snacking a little, too). I made homemade poptarts and apple muffins for breakfasts. They've also had eggs and pancakes some days. My husband made a batch of homemade chicken nuggets and I made meatballs. So, over the last week, they've probably had about half the amount of processed foods they normally do.

And when they do have processed foods, I've been trying to give them healthier options. I went shopping at Trader Joe's and got them crackers and chocolate syrup that don't have high fructose corn syrup. I also traded in our ketchup, and I was pleased to see that Goldfish do not have HFCS. I didn't buy a single thing today that had HFCS in it. I also saved $70 by buying things on sale and using coupons (total amount was $200, but that included two weeks worth of dinners as well as stuff like toilet paper, detergent, baby wipes, etc - stuff we don't buy every week).

The only problem with me making cookies and muffins from scratch is that it can be hard to resist. I made the kids and my parents pancakes this morning and didn't even feel the need to eat one myself, but the muffins I made were just too good to pass up. I guess I can console myself with the fact that, while it was high in points, it was free of additives and other junk.

Food Journal

266.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
Healthy Choice Gumbo - 2 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 4 points
1 tbs butter - 2 points
1 apple muffin - 7 points
6 oz chicken - 6 points
1 cup salad greens - 0 points
1/2 cup cucumbers - 0 points
4 small grape tomatoes - 0 points
2 tbs light balsamic vinaigrette - 1 point
3 blackberries - 1 point
2 chocolate chip cookies - 3 points

Total: 28 points

Food Journal

266.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1 cup chili - 5 points
1 homemade chicken nugget - 1 point
panko haddock - 6 points
1/2 cup mashed potatoes - 2 points
1/2 cup zucchini & yellow squash - 1 point
1 cup milk - 2 points
3 chocolate chip cookies - 4 points

Total: 23 points

Musings

I lost 3.5 pounds this week! Woohoo!

This morning was really busy, we had our homeschool group over to do some Imbolc activities. There were 8 children here in additon to my own three. Boy, am I tired! The kids all got along really well, though, and I figure all my rushing around has to count for some exercise, right? ;)

Food Journal

266.5 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 lean pork chop - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 point
1/4 cup rice - 1 point
1/4 cup TJ Chili Lime Cashews - 6 points
6 pieces spicy tuna roll - 3 points
1 cup ice cream - 8 points

Total: 27 points

Food Journal

269 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
2 slices whole wheat bread - 2 points
1 tbs mayo - 2 points
1 slice cheese - 2 points
5 oz tuna - 4 points
1 lean pork chop - 4 points
1 cup peas - 1 points
1 cup rice - 4 points
1 oatmeal cookie - 3 points

Total: 26 points

Musings

Okay, so I made the pop tarts that I referenced in this post. They were a lot more work than I expected, and only came out so-so. The kids liked them alright. I was frustrated to see that the jam my husband picked out from the store has high fructose corn syrup, especially after reading about mercury contamination. Needless to say, we won't be using Hershey's chocolate syrup for the kids anymore. I was planning on trying to eliminate all the HFCS from our diet anyway, this just gives an added incentive.

Food Journal

269 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
1 cup milk - 2 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points
4 oz chicken - 4 points
1/2 cup couscous - 2 points
1 cup peas - 1 points

Total: 27 points

Food Journal

269 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup - 4 points
3 oatmeal cookies - 9 points
1 1/2 cups chili - 7 points

Total: 24 points

Musings

Budget constraints can make sticking to a diet pretty tough. We have, like.. zero cash right now, just barely enough for a grocery trip. Ground beef was on sale, as well as beans and canned tomatoes, so I'm making a monster batch of chili. I have a bunch of different size containers that I'll use to freeze it in.. some containers will hold enough for a family meal, and other smaller ones will be for single servings. I'm hoping having some easy, microwaveable stuff in the freezer will help me at lunchtime on the days when I'm out of my regular stuff. I must say, I make a mean chili.

I also got some cans of Healthy Choice soup. We had been buying the little microwaveable bowls because they were on sale, but they weren't this week. Figures. I could always put what I don't eat into a container and save it for the next day, I guess.. I hope it keeps. I've never done that before.

I got more whole wheat flour and other baking needs so I can make some delicious muffins for the kids' breakfasts. I'll post the recipe when I decide which one I'm going to make.

It sure would be nice to have an unlimited food budget and a huge chest freezer, though. Maybe I should start looking on Freecycle for a freezer. Well, probably not, since we don't have anywhere to put it. I wonder if they make ones that can go outside.. hmm.

Recipes

With three children age 5 and under, we've relied a lot on convenience foods. I'd really like to get away from that and start cooking from scratch, especially for the kids. I'm hoping you guys will have some suggestions for me, especially for recipes that are kid-friendly, easy/quick to make, and still healthy. General websites and/or books on this topic would be greatly appreciated, as well. I'll also try to post things that I find here.

For now, I have two links:

Low Carb Chicken Recipes

Homemade Pop-Tarts

Food Journal

269 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
3 oz chicken - 3 points
1 cup carrots - 1 point
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
8 oz haddock - 6 points
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta - 2 points
1/2 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points

Total: 21 points

Musings

Joanna commented on an earlier post, asking about my nursing difficulties. I guess I was kind of vague in that entry, so I'll elaborate here, for anyone who's curious. I can't see a way to put this under a cut, like on LiveJournal.. if anyone knows, let me know (via comment) so those not interested don't have to hear the details. :)

With my first child, I had an easy, uncomplicated delivery. I had an epidural but no narcotics. The baby was healthy and alert, and nursed well right away. He had a great latch and a strong suck. I didn't suspect there were any problems until a visit to the pediatrician showed he had lost too much weight. We went to a lactation consultant (LC) who weighed him before and after nursing, and I was horrified to find out he had only gotten 1/4 of an ounce in 20 minutes of pretty vigorous sucking. We started supplementing at the breast, while I pumped to try to increase supply. Being that this was my first, and I was totally overwhelmed, we only continued for about three weeks. The LCs I saw were unable (due to hosopital policies) to give me any information on herbs to up my supply, and I wasn't able to put the energy into researching.

My second baby was just as healthy, born after another easy, uncomplicated delivery. Again, epidural, but no narcotics. He was healthy and nursed well from the start. I was prepared this time and had a better supplementer on hand (Lact-Aid), but he seemed to be doing so well. Alas, after a week, we found out he had lost too much weight. We went to the lactation consultant and, after a test weight, I was crushed to see that he had only gotten 1/4 of an ounce as well. This time, I had done more research ahead of time, so we got a pump right away and I began taking fenugreek and eating lots of oatmeal. I talked to Dr. Newman, who is an expert in these things, and he gave me some information on breast compressions and suggested I try a drug called domperidone, which is not available in this country. We couldn't afford the dom, so we struggled along, but my supply never improved. We quit after about two months.

My third baby was born, healthy and alert, after a fantastic homebirth. She was a natural at nursing. I had high hopes that this time would be different, because I had done a few things during pregnancy to try to help. Starting at about 20 weeks, I drank alfalfa and red raspberry leaf tea daily. At about 30 weeks, I started taking shatavari. At 36 weeks, I started taking goat's rue. When the baby was born, I added in (among other things) nettle, blessed thistle, fenugreek, red clover, fennel, marshmallow root, Reglan, and Metamucil. I didn't pump this time since it had absolutely no effect the previous times and only served to make me more stressed. Once again, she lost too much weight, but I was surprised to see that when we did a test weight, she got 1/2 an ounce after a good nursing session. That was double what I'd made before, and a victory of sorts. I continued with a rotating schedule of herbs, and was able to eventually produce about ten ounces a day by 3 months. Still not nearly enough, but an improvement. We quit at 6 months, by which time I could only convince her to nurse once at night.

I don't know why I can't produce milk. Possibilities are PCOS, insufficient glandular tissue, and possibly hypercortisolemia. I'm anxious to get my test results back in a week and a half, so I can hopefully get an answer. It's just horrible not knowing. I have had my prolactin levels checked, and they're sufficient, so things like Reglan and fenugreek, which serve to raise prolactin levels, don't work for me. I had the most success with shatavari, alfalfa, and Metamucil. If we decide to get pregnant again, I would take alfalfa and Metamucil daily throughout pregnancy, and start shatavari around 25 weeks. I would also ask my doctor if she could prescribe progesterone supplements, since there has been some evidence that, if it's taken throughout pregnancy, it can increase glandular tissue enough to let some women have a full supply. I'm hopeful that if I can lose a significant amount of weight, it would help, as well.

It's been an extremely stressful and traumatic experience for me. We've also dealt with thrush and my last two babies both had periods where they rejected the breast. I don't know why I push so hard to make it work. I'm lucky enough to have an easy time conceiving, carrying, and delivering babies. I'm very grateful for that. I just wish my body would work the way I want it to.

Food Journal

270 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1 apple - 1 point
2 tbs peanut butter - 4 points
Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink (NSA) - 2 points
1/2 cup brown rice - 2 points
1 cup shrimp - 4 points
1 chocolate chip cookie - 4 points

Total: 21 points

Food Journal

270 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
Healthy Choice Country Vegetable soup - 1 point
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tsp butter - 1 point
1/4 cup almonds - 6 points
8 oz barbeque steak tips - 14 points
1/2 cup mixed vegetables - 0 points

Total: 27 points

Food Journal

270 lbs
28-33 points

Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink - 4 points
1/2 cup corn (leftover from boys' lunch) - 1 point
Healthy Choice chicken noodle soup - 2 points
1 slice whole wheat toast - 1 point
1 tsp butter - 1 point
1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 4 points
1 cup brown rice - 6 points
1 cup chicken pot pie - 9 points

Total: 28 points

Musings

Yesterday I went for my physical. I was hoping to get some advice on losing weight, and also to have some bloodtests done to determine why I've had such difficulty with milk supply when nursing. The appointment went great. I have an appointment to see a nutritionist and I got all the bloodtests I wanted. I think it helped seeing someone who admitted she didn't know much about reproductive issues, nursing in particular, because she readily agreed to whatever I asked for. I'll go back in two weeks to get the results, and if I need to go on Metformin or something, we'll do it then.

The nurse practitioner suggested that I keep a food journal, which I have quite a lot of experience with, so that shouldn't be a problem. I've been toying with blogging about this weight loss journey for a while, so here we are.

My current weight is 270 lbs. I'm 5'2". My goal is to be at 200 lbs by July 1st. It's a stretch, and I know I'm going to have to work really hard, but I think I can do it. There's a possibility that we'll want to try to get pregnant around then, and I think that losing as much weight as possible by then could only help in regards to my supply when the baby is born.