Breaking Goals and making new ones...

I can not believe how much I've changed and grown since I first started going to the gym in January.  I remember when I first started, I was absolutely terrified!  I was embarrassed about my size and sweating and looking like an idiot on the treadmill cause I was walking so slow.  I was also afraid of trying new work outs and I would only do the treadmill for a good 3 months before I even looked at anything else.  As I got stronger, I got braver.  I started setting goals for myself.  My initial goal when I first got on that treadmill was to just get to a mile on a steady basis.  I could barely do .8 miles in 45 minutes.  So as my strength increased my new goal became 30 min miles, then 20, then 15.  I finally got to 15 yesterday!!!!  But tonight was more than I ever dreamed...I did 2 miles in less than 30 minutes!!!!!  I was also at a pretty steep incline the entire time.  I'm so proud of myself!  I never stopped once.  I didn't even want to.  Each step made me feel so empowered!  I actually enjoy the sweat now because I know it's working and I am certainly not embarrassed anymore at all!!  I walk in that gym like I'm meant to be there and I absolutely love this new me!!  My new goal is set to jog/run for half a mile without walking.  This is going to be tough but I know I can do anything I set out to do...I will not let myself down!

Happy Anniversary to my new Life!!!!

I can not believe how fast a year goes by.  Over the past, short year my life has changed dramatically!  Exactly 1 year ago today, I walked into Weight Watchers scared to death, reluctant and hopeless.  I was in extremely poor health.  High blood pressure, borderline high cholesterol and probably one donut away from diabetes.  I couldn't even walk up the stairs in my house without becoming winded and needing a break before I carried on with whatever I needed to get done.  I was very lazy.  A regular couch potato.  I never, ever exercised.  I had horrific eating habits and could easily eat fast food for every meal.  I was also afraid of everything.  I would make up an excuse to skip school functions for my kids because I just couldn't stand having people stare at me.  I would get to a destination early just so I could circle around looking for the closest spot to park in.  I had become accustomed to my limited movement and maximum appetite.  I would watch weight loss t.v. shows (while sitting on my butt with a junk food) wishing that could be me, but never dreaming it could be.  I had even contimplated surgery.  That was before I walked through those doors of my first meeting at Weight Watchers.       

What a difference a year makes.  12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days.  That's all it took for me to completely change my life and become a new person.  I never thought in a million years that I would be blogging 1 year later with a 156 pounds lost and a near perfect bill of health.  No more blood pressure and labs are great!  I have gained so much more during these past few months than I ever thought possible.  I have gained confidence, power, strength but most importantly I am more healthy today than I have been in 20 years.  The outlook I have on life is so bright.  This life is better than the woman I was could have imagined or dreamed, watching other people living their lives and wishing it could be me.  It is me.  I am still amazed at how I can easily walk anywhere without pain and shortness of breath.  I have so much energy, I can hardly sit still.  I am always up and moving.  My body craves it.  My willpower is so strong.  I can easily pass on junk food and I use food for fuel rather than pleasure and never over eat.  I no longer get stares or whispers.  People treat me like everyone else, no longer feeling sorry for me. 

I have so many people to thank for helping me get through this past year.  My friends and family have been a catalyst to my success.  All of their encouragement and love pushed me through the more difficult days and gave me the boost I needed every week to continue success.  I will continue to take you all with me as I keep this journey going and look forward to my new, long life with you in my corner.  I am blessed and lucky and I love you all from the bottom of my heart.    

Cheers to life! 

It's been an interesting month...

I just realized I haven't blogged in a month!  I'm still losing weight and working out, but it's been a busy month...vacations and work...work and vacations.  I guess that's what I work for.  In the last month I have only lost about 6 pounds, which is nothing really special to report.  I am however, extremely happy about the progress I've been making on my work outs!  My trainer (I love saying that) has increased my workouts from a 10% to a 100%!  He has me running sprints on the treadmill, then I go to 4 ab exercises, the 4 core balance sets and then to the weight room for 8 different sets of weights with 2 sets each.  This is extreme sports to me.  I can't even believe my body is allowing me to do this.  When I started this weight loss journey in September of last year, I couldn't even go around my block without gasping for air and stopping at least twice and it still amazes me when I finish my hour and a half work out consisting of all those strenuous activities.  So I've been told I'm gaining muscle, but I just don't know.  I think it has to do with the fact that lately I have been saying oh one bite won't hurt and it's really not like me to do that.  So I will get back to basics and start over with my strict regimen and hopefully I can get over the plateau slump I'm in.  One thing is for sure, I could not do any of it without going to my meetings every week and definitely not do it without the support of my friends and family...love you all!     

Goal is set...now it's crunch time!

OK, I came out of the gate pretty strong with my weight loss...but now I feel like I am at a strange plateau.  I'm not gaining weight at all, but I am not losing a lot either.  I make really good choices with the food I eat, I'm at the gym a minimum of 3 days per week and I have never missed a meeting at Weight Watchers and yet, I'm still only losing a small amount each week.  I still have not gained any weight, but I'm always so fearful of that especially when I go to my meeting and only lose .4 pounds.  This could have easily swung the other way.  I'm in a phase right now where I am experimenting with different ways to boost my work-outs, metabolism, etc.  Anyway, I fully expect to continue on this journey with these ups and downs.  My next goal is 150 pounds lost by September 13th.  That's exactly 1 year from the day I started Weight Watchers.  I figured it out and I need to lose a minimum of 1.8 per week in order to meet this goal.  I think I can obtain this and in the past when I've had a very specific goal in mind, I have made it work!  Once again, I am so lucky to have the supportive family and friends to help me along and support these highs and lows.  Lots of love to you all!!

Beachin' summer day...

I had an amazing day yesterday at the beach with just about everyone I truly love here.  Missing my family of coarse and handful of other people... but overall everyone came out to Newport for a birthday party..yeah, I want to have my birthday at the beach too ;)  It was glorious and beautiful.  I love the ocean so much.  So peaceful and serene.  I was so relaxed.  The best thing about it was comparing it to my experience in the past.  Last summer I had the hardest time walking in the sand from the car to the water.  I had to stop to catch my breath, I was winded and I dreaded having to walk back to use the bathroom because I knew I'd have to tackle the awful walk back through the sand.  I was so debilitated.  I just lived with it for so long and accepted that I was no an active person.  I was wrong.  I did have an active person inside just hiding behind my weight.  This experience was way different.  I walked several times through the sand.  I ran through the sand.  I RAN through the sand....WTH???!!!  YES!!  That feeling was amazing.  This was nothing like I've experienced in a really, really long time.  I even surprised myself.  My body continues to amaze me as I find new things it can do that it could not before.  I am so proud of myself for this accomplishment.  I remember dreading summer in the past.  The heat, the outdoor activity, the bathing suit...gooo.  But now, I am so happy it's summer.  These are the months I will now look forward to from now on.  Yay summer!

Came through a plateau with flying colors...

I haven't blogged since I got back from vacation mostly because I was in a rotten plateau, something I've been dreading since say one of starting Weight Watchers.  Everyone warned me about it, but I stayed a step ahead of it at every turn.  So when I went to Disneyland, I thought all the walking would help me out in keeping the dreaded plateau at bay.  However, my body thought differently and it happened.  In fact, I only lost 1 pound over a 3 week period of time.  I was devestated each time I stood on that scale and only lost .2 or .4.  UGH!  So frusterating!  I was not going over my points at all.  So, a couple of weeks ago I got really sick and thought for sure I would gain weight, but I didn't.  I drank a ton of water, ate really fresh food and I ended up losing 11 pounds.  Thank goodness!!!  I finally went back to the gym after 19 days of being on vacation or sick and it felt amazing!  I really feel my body craves the gym.  I went 3 days in a row and then weighed in last Thursday for another 5.4 pounds!  I even had a stay-cation with my hubby and we had room service and cocktails and still came out with a "W" for the week.  I know it wasn't much of a plateau, but for me and the dedication I have to this journey, it was rough for me.  But now I know I don't have to be afraid of it because it will happen again and I will get though it. 

One thing the dreaded plateau can not take away from me is how great I feel.  I have so much more confidence in myself.  I feel so comfortable in my own skin.  I even bought a new bathing suit and didn't have to wear a cover up or stay wrapped in a towel by the pool.  Thats a first for me in years and years.  I couldn't be more happy and I'm looking forward to getting even more fit!  What a great summer this will be :)

Disneyland was the greatest!!!!

I had so many fears about this trip.  I knew I'd lost more than the amount of weight I set out to, but I was still nervous about not being able to fit on the rides.  I haven't been able to since I took Joe when he was 4 years old.  That's 12 years of waiting to go on Space Mountain and other fun rides.  It's one of the reasons I lost weight.  I started thinking about all the things I love that I was missing out on.  Parts of me that were no longer me because of my size.  So naturally I was fearful that I still would not fit.  I literally chewed my fingernails off the days leading up to our trip.  Not to mention my fear of being in pain like I was when we went in 2009 for Christmas.  We went for one day and I had to stop every few minutes to rest and when we were done with the day, I was almost completely debilitated.  I could barely move and every step felt like I would collapse.
This time was a complete turn around from that woman I was in 2009.  We went on our very first ride, Space Mountain, my favorite roller coaster, and I fit great!  No problem at all!!!!  I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness that I was actually on the ride again after so many years, I cried and laughed the entire ride.  We proceeded to ride it a total of 11 times over the coarse of the 3 day trip.  Every new ride I got on, I was a bit nervous at first but I fit fine in every one we rode.  The best part about the rides were that my kids and husband were so happy I was with them.  We got to experience that joy and thrill together as a family, the way it should be.  I truly felt normal.  Like the mom I should be.  One that can have fun with her family and be a part of every memory they have. 

I never got winded or tired either.  I mean sure, I was worn out by the end of the day because I stayed opening to close all 3 days, but I never had to stop and take a breath.  We must have walked 40 miles over the coarse of 3 days.  Up hill many times, one park to another, back and forth to the hotel, etc.  Never had to stop, not even one time.  In fact, many times I was leading the pack.  It certainly helps that I walk 3 miles 4 days a week uphill on the treadmill ;)  My feet hurt by the end of the day (so did everyones) but I was full of energy by morning and ready to go every time! 

I was extremely sad to leave, but the memories we made on this trip will be something that we will have forever.  I wasn't afraid to be in pictures with my family.  I felt so proud to be there with them, in every line, on every ride, in every photo.  I'm so happy that I am a coaster rider again and I am so excited for our next trip!  We're planning it for some time in October and I'm hoping to have lost another 60 pounds by then.  That will make it even better, if that's even possible ;)        

100 Changes in 100 Pounds

I have been thinking a lot about how much has changed since I started my weight loss journey and while some of these things are extremely personal, I think they are important to share so if anyone sees anything on this list, they are struggling with, they can make a change.  I have never been happier and although some of the changes are big and some are small, they are ALL significant and important in every way!  I am looking forward to more changes and improving the changes already taking place!!

1. I can put both arms down at the movie theater
2. I can use all bathroom stalls without trouble
3. I can fit into a booth at restaurants
4. My chair at work stays up
5. I can walk my kids all the way to school
6. My back doesn’t ache when I’m walking at all
7. I don’t look for close parking spots
8. I can pull my pants up quickly
9. I can pull them off more quickly too
10. I have been able to buy smaller undies
11. I lost a whole cup size in my bra and 4 bust sizes
12. I no longer have to wear sports bra’s that goes over my head
13. I don’t sweat unless I’m working out, not just sitting in a chair
14. My ankles aren’t swollen
15. I no longer have to take blood pressure medication
16. I don’t have a hard time breathing
17. I don’t have a hard time sleeping
18. I can hold my daughter on my lap again
19. I don’t get winded walking up my stairs
20. I don’t get winded walking through parking lots
21. I get out of the car and walk into Starbucks instead of always driving up
22. I order skinny everything and fried nothing
23. I don’t have to wiggle into my seat belt or even move to get it on
24. My belly doesn’t come up to the steering wheel anymore
25. My feet don’t hurt anymore
26. My back doesn’t hurt anymore
27. I don’t get stared at while at the kids school…not even the high school
28. I am officially 2 sizes smaller in shirts and pants
29. Sometimes 3 sizes smaller ;)
30. My shoulders keep my bra straps up
31. I can feel and SEE my collar bone again
32. My legs are stronger
33. My fingers are smaller
34. My wedding ring is 2 sizes too big
35. I’m quicker when I walk
36. I say yes to my kids when they want me to play with them outside
37. I’m no longer lazy
38. I cook more often for myself and my family
39. I bring lunch to work every day
40. I can say no to fattening treats at work without wishing I could say yes
41. I eat healthy alternatives to the things I love
42. I no longer hide food
43. I don’t eat fast food
44. My undies and pants don’t leave painful marks on my belly
45. I can see my feet again
46. I touch my toes again
47. I’m not afraid to try new things
48. I’m not afraid to meet new people
49. I feel strength in my arms
50.  I have a jaw line
51. I’m losing my double chin
52. I completely lost the triple one : )
53. My glasses don’t fit
54. I love the taste of water
55. I joined a gym
56. I’m not afraid to talk to people about my weight
57. I like taking pictures more often
58. I can get off the couch easily
59. I can get in and out of the car easily
60. I can cross my legs “Indian style”
61. I can put my leg up on my other leg while tying my shoe
62. I can bend down to tie my shoes
63. I have no problem putting on my socks
64. I can bend my knees and put my feet up on the coffee
65. I don’t snore anymore (says my husband)
66. I track every bite of food I eat (whether I like the amount of points or not ;)
67. I am a positive person in my kids’ lives
68. My hubby has been getting healthy too watching me get healthy
69. I have inspired a dozen people to start Weight Watchers including my mom
70. My kids are making healthier choices
71. I inspire people to get fit through my blogs and posts
72. I have a belly button!
73. I have no more difficulty in the shower washing certain body parts
74. I have a personal trainer at the gym
75. I was approached by the owner of the gym to do a spotlight to motivate people
76. I care about my appearance more
77. I don’t have heart palpitations at night anymore
78. I can get up off the floor easily without having to hold onto something
79. I sleep really well at night
80. My feet are shrinking to a narrower and smaller size
81. I can paint my own toenails easily
82. I push myself to work harder instead of making excuses to stop
83. I have found a new love for fruit and veggies
84. I can feel my muscles moving when I walk
85. I’m not afraid of the word “fat” anymore
86. I can run around after my kids
87. I can feel the bones in my knees
88. I can shop at almost every department store
89. I can cross my arms across my chest
90. I don’t have a lot of time for TV. because I’m too active
91. My hubby can put his arms around me
92. I can fit my towel all the way around
93. I can see the bones in my feet
94. My wrists are smaller
95. I can feel the bones in my elbows
96. I am starting to see muscle definition in my upper arms
97. I can easily grab things off the floor
98. I no longer say the word can’t, only I can and I will
99. I have loads and loads of energy
100. I see a healthy future with my husband and my kids

I did it!!! I passed my goal of 100 pounds by Disneyland!!

Tonight was a really great night at Weight Watchers.  I only needed 1.4 pounds to get to 100 and I am never sure what I weigh.  But I hoped for the best and brought my family with me to be with me in the event I got to that big number.  When I got on the scale I was so nervous!  When she told me I had lost 8 pounds, I was so excited!!!  I finally got to that monumental number and I am so proud of myself!  I really feel like I accomplished something special.  My leader was so excited for me!!  We had a little celebration and I received a gold charm and a certificate.  I cried of coarse because I really am so thankfull to everyone and I wanted them to know how much their stories encourage and inspire me.  It was so nice having my family there to be a part of it and they were so proud and just beeming. 

My initial goal was to lose 100 pounds in a year.  It's been 6 months and 20 days and I've lost 106.6 pounds!  What an amazing feeling I have.  I have worked really hard and have been 100% dedicated to changing my life style and it's worked!  I've never had this amount of willpower in my life.  It's all made possible by my husband who allows me to leave 4 nights a week to go to the gym and my meeting and happily takes care of the kids while I do that.  My kids who are always so proud of me and wait by the door to see what my weight loss is for that week.  My family and my amazing friends who cheer me on every day, I hear your cheers every time I have moments of weakness.  My weight watchers friends and leader who I learn from every week.  Thank you all so much!!! 

I am ready to start round 2 of this journey and know I have the most amazing, loving, encouraging and supportive friends and family anyone could ask for!  I am so grateful and so blessed to know all of you!

Turkey Pepperoni Pizza Bites

I made these tonight for my family (my guinea pigs) and they were a big hit!  I must say I though they were quite delicious and a super healthy way to get that pizza craving squashed!

Ingredients (Makes 3 rolls, but of coarse multiple the recipe as desired)

6 Won Ton Wrappers
6 tsps Marinara Sauce
1/4 cup Skim Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
6 Turkey Pepperonis or 12 mini-turkey pepperoni's
1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Parsley Flakes
 pinch of ground black pepper

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Mix olive oil and spices together in a shallow bowl or on a plate.  Set aside.

Place 2 won tons (one directly on top of the other) on a clean, flat surface.  Dab a finger in the o.o. mixture and moisten all four edges of the won ton.  In the center of the won ton, place 2 tsps of marinara, a 3rd of the 1/4 cup cheese and 2 or 4 pepperoni's.  Fold won ton from one corner to another forming a triangle.  Pinch each side and brush both side with a bit of the o.o. mixture.  Repeat steps and ingredients for every 3 won tons.  Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Serve with additional marinara if desired (a little dipping is free points ;)

Each won ton is 2 points (80 calories).  You can make them even healthier by using only 1 won ton skin.  It makes it a bit thinner, but just as yummy!  It would cut the bite to 1 point (40 calories).  I would suggest baking for 8 minutes so they don't burn.
  

Rough week...but came out on top!

I kind of had a mini-melt down on Wednesday night this week because I was completely off my normal routine.  I felt like I got a gutter ball right after a strike compared to the previous week.  We had friends and family in town, and went out to eat several times and I had several cocktails.  I never, ever do this in my average week.  I am so hard core, that I almost never drink anymore.  I truly have been treating my body like a temple lately.  I also didn't have time to go to the gym and skipped it Monday and Tuesday night.  So, when Wednesday night rolled around I got a text from my friend Heather (she has been a spotlight before in previous blogs) she said, "Do not beat yourself up about the week you've had, sometimes life gets in the way"  I was literally bawling for an hour straight.  She opened up the flood gates of the stress I'd been feeling about having a bad week and the fear of gaining weight.  I was nervous all day Thursday, even contemplated skipping my meeting.  But, I realized it's part of the journey.  I can't always be perfect.  I have to live my life.  Having friends and family come visit, is normal and something I'll have to deal with.  So I went, shaking and anxiety ridden, to my meeting and actually lost 1.4 pounds!!  The feeling I felt was pride and amazment!!!  I realized while it wasn't a strike like my 6 pound loss the week before, it was certainly NOT a gutter ball.  I did make healthy choices when we ate out and I completely tracked and stuck to my points.  So, I guess I can live my life and participate in family time and not be so hard on myself.  I can assure you I will never cry over it again!

My hard work and determination really paid off this week!!

I'm not going to lie, last week I was a bit disappointed with my weight loss. 1.6 is not going to cut it if I want to lose 100 pounds by Disneyland on April 20th. So I decided this week was going to be boot camp for me. I set my goals on Friday to do the following: eat more veggies and a bit less fruit (I ate my fruit in the morning and veggies at night), I cut out restaurant's 100%, worked out following my trainers regimen, drank lots of water and thought positive thoughts all week! It felt like it was going really well! I was always satisfied and didn't have any sore muscles from my work outs. The results...an astonishing 6 pounds!!! I was completely thrilled!!!! I feel like I earned every pound of that weight loss! I can't wait to tell my trainer! Thanks to all my supportive friends and family, as always, you keep me strong!

I feel alive!

Ok, so I finally mustered up the courage to tell my story to a personal trainer at the gym last week and we had our first official session on Tuesday night. I have been so excited about this all week (even though I was also terrified) to learn about healthy ways to tone my muscles. Well, let me just say I am still sore and it's Thursday. I did go on the treadmill last night but I had no idea how much weight training would kick my butt!! It's a good feeling though. I feel pride with every wince and painful reach. The fact of the matter is I would have NEVER seen a trainer 85 pounds ago. I hated sweating in front of people before and I especially hated feeling vulnerable by working out in front of other people. He had me doing bridges on a mat on the ground in the weight room and I did it with a smile on my face (ok a half smile). But it makes me feel so good knowing that I am showing commitment to this journey. I lost 1.6 this week. For me that is not typical and it made me upset at first. I honestly expected more. I ate healthy, went to the gym 4 days and made good choices. I'm not sure if it's because I'm gaining muscle or because I'm sore and my muscles are inflamed or if I just had an off week. But the point is, I feel good. I have never felt so alive and energetic! My sweet friend Heather said to me after my weigh in tonight, "screw the scale, just look in the mirror". Thanks Heath ;) So I will keep going and whip my sore muscles into shape and be proud that I have surpassed my own expectations so far and be proud of my accomplishments!!!

Spotlight...

This spotlight is really more of a flood light. It's on the amazing friends and family in California. If you want or need a confidence boost to feel like a million bucks seriously come here for a visit. Everyone made me feel so special. Nadina, who was the catalyst in this journey for me was so happy to see me and proud of me and always listens to my blabbing about weight loss. She is such a precious, vital part of this journey for me because she is who I thank everyday for my push into it. Nadi's dad, Marty, was complimenting me so much and kept telling Andrew he had a skinny wife. I'm not skinny yet, but I will be ;). Laila was amazing and noticed that I looked more narrow. She also commented on how I move quicker and with more ease. Matt was so great and said how good I've been and complimented me. Nadi's mom came over and said how proud she was and really loves reading my blog. Thanks Doris ;) I enjoy writing it. Matt's mom Sue was also so so sweet to me! She always tells me I'll be on a commercial someday. That would be super cool! My sisters reaction was the most special to me. She hugged me in the parking lot and I brought tears to her eyes at how different I look. She's is one of my biggest fans snd I am definetly hers! Overall this trip has been so wonderfull for my confidence. A lot of the people I talked to said how I've inspired them to eat healthy or work out. I never would have thought in a million years that I could make other people feel inspired. But the truth is they are all playing an important role in my journey, through their inspiration, love, encouragement, support and friendship. I really, really love you all. Thank you for helping save my life.

Spotlight...

So this spotlight is really on a couple of people. I touched on them in my initial blog but I really love the people in my meetings. My leader, Maria, is so sweet to me. She has always been so amazing and supportive, encouraging and kind. She makes me LOVE my Thursday night meetings. Also, Beth who is an assistant. She always gives me praise and a big, sweet smile. I know it is in their job description to be this way to an extent, but I have been to other meetings and no one does it better. It's just who they are. My mom's boss joined Weight Watchers and she goes to a different center. She had heard about a girl from another center who had lost nearly 80 pounds. So she asked my mom what my name was and when she said my name, she said they were talking about how well I was doing and they use my story as a motivational method. That makes me feel so special. It tells me they are genuinely proud of my accomplishments. This just makes me want to continue making them proud.

If I can be an example to people on will power, commitment, courage and determination, that is the best gift you can give to someone. Cause this works. I am living proof that your goals are reachable if you want them bad enough! I just hope one day, when I get to my goal weight I can inspire people on a bigger level. But for now, I am proud and inspired to be doing it in my little corner of the world.

I am getting more and more comfortable in my own skin...and I love it!

I'm really starting to feel more comfortable being me. I used to be so worried about people staring at me everywhere I went. People used to look at me when I would buy certain things at the grocery store. I knew what they were thinking, "Should she really be buying that" My kids school was the worst place for me. Kids would stare at me like I was some kind of circus show. But now people just smile. Kids treat me like any other mom at school picking up their kids. Maybe it's just my confidence but I don't see very many people staring at me anymore. Of coarse it's something I notice and look for. It would make me feel so awful before. Now it doesn't even matter because I know I will get to a point where it doesn't ever happen. It's not only that. It's so many other things. It's bending over to tie my shoes or picking something up off the floor, getting dressed, even showering. All those things used to be difficult for me. Today, I was driving out of the grocery store parking lot and I saw 3 runaway carts getting ready to hit someones car. I threw my car in park and ran to the carts to stop them and put them away. When I got in the car, I thought to myself, "Did I just run to those carts?" Yes, the old me would have been way too lazy, not to mention embarrassed, to stop them. I know that seems silly, but it's one of those aha moments that are significant in my journey. I am just looking forward to life!!!

Played tourist on the strip and it was AWESOME!!!

My hubby and I took the day off yesterday and played tourist on the strip! This is something I truly used to dread when we had friends or family come to town. I would always make an excuse to stay home because being on the strip always leads to a lot of walking. I used to get winded, my back would be throbbing and my feet would hurt with just a hundred steps. Well yesterday was a different story entirely! We walked everywhere!! According to my pedometer we walked nearly 30,000 steps!! My feet did not burn, my back felt fantastic and I certainly did not get winded!! I didn't even sweat and we never had to stop for me to rest!! What an amazing feeling that was!!! I was so proud of myself! We followed up our great day with taking the kids to Reforest Cafe and I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, salad and grilled veggies! My kids had such a great time and I love being able to enjoy family time instead of turning it down out of fear I wont lose weight. Because I know I'll still lose. I'm making very healthy choices and working out so much that I am confident I will meet my goals!!!

All I Can Say Is....WHAT???!!!

I can't believe I have lost 70 pounds!!!! It's so amazing, crazy and unbelievable!! When I first started this journey I never dreamed I'd get this far and every step was a great accomplishment. When I got to 15, 20, 50 pounds...Each milestone was special to me and something to be proud of. I think the best part for me is having a support system. I am so lucky to have an amazing husband who has always loved me for who I am and kids who run to the door on Thursdays to get my weight, best friends who cheer me on and keep me brave and friends through facebook who give me kind words and tell me how much I inspire them. Yep, each of these people have encouraged me in so many ways that there is no chance I'm letting myself or anyone else down! I will keep reaching for my goals...I know I can do it!! I've come so far and nothing can stop me now!!

I can't stop smiling :)

I am on top of the world right now!! I feel like I am making all the right choices when it comes to my life. There are so many moments throughout my day where I catch myself just smiling and I catch a glimpse in the mirror and the girl looking back at me is saying, "yes, yes..you are doing this and your doing so good!" I feel so confident. I'm not afraid anymore. Yesterday at the gym I was terrified! I might have been shaking actually. And today, I walked right in feeling like I'd been there a million times before. I even ventured off to do weight training and in front of people no less. I could have NEVER done that a few months ago. The fact is that I'm not afraid to try. Because I know in the long run it's only going to make me stronger and healthier. Look at how afraid I was to go to Weight Watchers in the first place, now I walk in there and interact and enjoy the people there. Even though I know I have a long road to go, I feel like I have already come so far and no one can take that away from me. I push myself harder and harder and I know I can do that. Cause I can handle it. I am so proud of myself and I just can't stop smiling!!

Great, great day!!!

I joined a gym!!! This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time now. I used the treadmill today and felt really awesome! It was a little intimidating at first but everyone that's there just wants to work out. I opted for joining at the YMCA cause it's more family oriented. I was on the treadmill for 30 min and walked a mile and a half. I might have kept going but I wasn't prepared for an hour. I had no water and my pants kept falling down (yep their too big!). I will bring my kindle next time, a full bottle of water and make sure to wear the right clothes and I will push a little further. I just love the feeling of knowing I am making my body healthier! I will not make excuses not to go to the gym. I can do it, I am strong!!

Southwestern Style Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe is so delicious!! My friend Amber made this amazing soup over the weekend, completely by scratch and with no recipe and it was amazing!!! It's very low calorie, low points and you would never know it! She brought me a couple of Tupperware bowls of it and my family loved it too!!! It's very filling and so versatile!
Ingredients:
1 pound of pre-boiled or grilled skinless, chicken (17pts)

1 cup of Kidney Beans (5pts)
1 cup frozen corn (4pts)
2 cups chicken stalk (2pts)
8 cups of water
6 oz can of Contadina Roasted Garlic tomato paste (0pts)
14.5 oz can Del Monte Basil, Garlic and Oregano Diced tomato's (0)
1 whole zucchini cut into 1/2 inch circles, then cut again (0pts)
1 whole carrot, cut into 1/2 inch circles (0)
1/2 cup of uncooked onion petals (0)
1 tsp chili powder (0)
1 pkg of taco seasoning (2pts)
1 tsp of garlic salt (0)
1 tsp of ground pepper (0)
2 Tbsp Corner Bakery Brand tortilla strips (0)

Combine all ingredients except corn and tortilla strips in a large pot.  Bring to a boil, then set to simmer, cover and set to low for 4-5 hours, stirring every hour.  About an hour before the soup is done, take out the chicken and shred it.  Replace the chicken and add corn for the last hour.  Add tortilla strips right before serving.  Some alternate suggestions to add are; squeeze lime at the end before serving, rice to the pot or cheese on top,  This amazing soup is only 3 points for a 1 1/2 cup serving and the ingredients make about 10 servings!!!  Thanks Amber!!!

Spotlight...

I really want to put the spotlight on my husband, Andrew. He really has been so supportive. I have put him on and off the "Let's get healthy" bandwagon so many times throughout our marriage that he must feel skeptical when I bring up a new way to do it. But he hasn't shown it. He is so proud of me! He makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. Especially lately. He compliments me on how great I'm looking all the time. I'll be just standing in the living room and I'll hear, "dang babe, you are looking so good!" I really do need to hear that stuff. It makes me know all my hard work is visibly paying off. The other night I was reading in bed and he was watching tv and he put his hand on my knee and said, "honey, what is this hard knot on your knee?" I said, "Awww, sweety thats my bone!" LOL, thats still so funny to me! And yes I do love that he could feel it ;) So, thank you baby, I love you so much and I'm looking forward to becoming your hot new wife soon :)

Interesting day for me..

Well today was odd. We had a football get together and it was the first time in a long time I seriously did not crave any of the fattening foods we had for our guests. I usually want to partake in the chicken wings and pizza but I really just wanted a healthy salad. It's really nice to know that my body craves good food now rather that just me trying to trick it. Something about that just really makes me feel so empowered! I'm sure I'll have a day when I want the food thats bad for me but my determination and willpower will not be deterred. I will acheive my goals! I feel very strong!

Feeling so empowered on this beautiful Friday morning!

I had my meeting last night and I lost 3.2 pounds!!! What an amazing feeling!! I really feel as though I can do anything!! I set my mind on a goal and I'm only 22 pounds away from my 85 goal by April 20th for Disneyland!!! I love it! I was able to eat out 3 times. I always shy away from restaurant's because I feel like it weakens my resolve, but I was really able to enjoy life this week and be a part of my family's festivities. I just made really smart choices, like ordering lettuce to replace my turkey burger bun at TGIFridays and choosing salad instead of fries at Nathan's birthday party. I even ate steak and sweat potatoes fries at our football get together. All I can say is, it works and I'm going to get where I want to be!!!

I had to go out clothes shopping today....

I was getting dressed today and I was having a hard time finding a shirt that fit me and I came across a shirt I bought the weekend before I started ww and I had shoved it in the back of my closet cause it was too small and now it's too big!! That's awesome!!! So it prompted me to go out shopping for smaller, yes SMALLER clothes!!! This is a big deal for me because part of the reason I started ww is that trying on clothes was a nightmare for me and often left me with zero purchases but plenty of tears. This experience however, was a lot better!! Everything I tried on fit and at 2 & 3 sizes smaller!!! I never thought in a million years I would ever love clothes again but I do and it's only going to get better!!! Yippy!!!

I am turning in my journal tracker and going to eTools

When I initially signed up for Weight Watchers I paid for the 10 weeks in advance and bought a 3 month journal type tracker.  I loved it.  I wrote every single thing I ate and every bit of activity I did for 120 days.  But for the past couple of months I've been paying week to week hesitant to sign up for the monthly pass.  The monthly pass is $49 per month and gives you access to both meetings and online eTools.  I have been so scared to make the switch because I really love my tracker.  But I guess out with the old in with the new is sort of a theme in my life lately so, I started it yesterday and census is...I love it!!  It's so user friendly!!  It has amazing features, points values for restaurants, recipe builders, online community, lots and support and so much more!! Yes, I still look at my journal tracker with fondness but this is really as amazing and they say that people that use eTools with meetings lose 50% more weight than the average person, heck, I'll go with those statistics any day!

What an amazing week!!!

I feel so great right now! I had lost 1.8 pounds last week which was still a loss but I knew I could do better than that. So I set my weekly goal to eat healthier points, add more activity and cut out restaurant food completely and I lost 4 pounds this week!!!! The weeks when I lose that much seriously send a rush through me! It feels so good to see my hard work pay off! I use my pedometer to track my steps and my goal was to walk 5,000 to 6,000 steps per day which is about 2 - 2.8 miles. It wasn't easy because I sit at a desk 8 hours a day for work. But I took every opportunity to boost those steps up. I walked my kids to school, I walked around my office building, I parked as far away as I could at the store and even walked in place at the fax machine. Setting weekly goals is so important in this journey for me cause they are less intimidating and definitely easier to achieve!  My goal is to lose 85 total pounds by April 20th.  That's my family's big Disneyland trip!  So far I've lost 60 pounds and my goal is becoming more and more possible!    

Spotlight...

It's hard to say who gives me the most cheers on Thursday nights (weigh in) cause I have so many cheerleaders...but I have one friend who really knows how to make me feel like a million bucks...my friend Heather. I just adore her! She always calls me a rock star even when I don't have a great week. She always tells me how great I'm looking, which really boosts my confidence to keep on going! Thank you Heather, so much!! I look forward to Friday and our walk around the office!

Healthy Enchilada's...yum!

I have been dreaming of Mexican food for a while now. I love it so much, but with all the cheese it does not like my body. So I made enchilada's that fit into my pointsplus plan!! A meager 6 points for 2 of them!!! Oh yeah, they were so good!!!! Here is the recipe:

3 pieces of grilled or boiled chicken breast
12 small corn tortillas (Kroger brand are best..2 for 1 point)
1 med. can of red enchilada sauce
1.5 cups of reduced fat shredded cheese (I used Kroger brand Mexican blend)
3 Tbs. olive oil or spray (I have a pump I bought at w.w. that sprays out exactly 1 point)

Make an assembly line of the ingredients: First prepare and shred your pre-cooked chicken, set aside. Then pre-cook your tortillas in a pan with oil. It work's best to use a spray olive oil, put aside. Grab a plate and make 6 separate 1/4 cup piles of cheese. Put sauce in a bowl.

Now that everything is ready, pour a thin layer of sauce in a glass baking dish. Put aside. Take a tortilla and drop it in the bowl of sauce covering it completely. Put about 1 ounce of chicken in the tortilla, add 1/3 of 1 of one of your cheese piles (so basically 1/3 of a 1/4 cup) over chicken. Add a bit of sauce if desired. Roll it up, leaving it open at each end. Put in baking dish, seam side down. After you've made 2 enchiladas, pour a Tbsp of sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of your pile of cheese over the top of the 2 tortillas. Repeat this step until all are in the pan!

Point break down:
1 point for 2 tortillas
0 point for sauce
2 points for 1/4 cup cheese
2 points for 2 ounces of chicken
1 point for oil

That makes 6 points for 2, yummy, delicious, incredible enchiladas!! Enjoy!

Spotlight...

I have so many amazing people in my life who are encouraging me every single day. So I thought I'd pay some special attention to someone new every so often so I can share how important people are in this journey. My amazing friend Amber. She has been such a huge part of this for me. She truley makes me brave. She encourages me to try new things. She always has some sort of recipe pulled up on her computer with the points value and anytime I come over to her house she always has some new food for me to try that's low calories and point friendly. I tried tori at her house for Bachelor night... We work together in the same office it's nice to know I have someone here helping me 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Thanks Ambah!

My journey begins....

So, I think about this term a lot when people ask me what I am doing to get healthy.  I've narrowed it down to the 4 W's (dubs); Working out, Will Power and Weight Watchers.  I have lost 56 pounds to date.  I began my journey on September 15, 2011.  I will never forget that date because it was the first day of the rest of my life.  The day I started Weight Watchers.  I have tried 100 different styles of weight loss and none of them worked (as you can see in earlier posts). 

It all started when I went to Walmart to try on a pair of pants for work and the size I normally fit in easily did not even go past my hips.  I pretty much vowed to never try on clothes again at that point, but since I have to wear clothes, I decided to call my best friend, Nadina, who lost weight on Weight Watchers and ask her how the points worked.  She gave me the formula but really encouraged me to go to the meetings.  I remember thinking, "yeah right!  I will be so embarrassed and I don't want to have some crazy, Richard Simmons wannabe telling me I can do it, like sweatin' to the oldies"  So I yeah, yeahed her and tried to do the points on my own.  She didn't let me yeah, yeah her.  Instead, she looked up the meeting and called me to inform me of where and when to go and what times she knew I'd be able to.  It was a Thursday night and right up to a half hour before, I was making every excuse in the world not to go.  I was pulling into my drive way on Thursday night at 5:40 and guess who calls me to see if I was going to a meeting?  Yes, Nadina.  All I could think of was, Seriously?  She is not going to let me blow this off, is she?  So I told her I was going and I actually went.

The meeting started at 6:00.  I got there and I was so embarrassed.  I told them I just want to check it out, but I was NOT signing up yet.  So, I stayed for the meeting and I really liked the leader, Maria.  She was engaging, funny, so kind and she was extremely motivating.  Before the meeting ended, I joined.  I paid for 10 weeks in advance.  I got weighed...oh the weigh in was bad.  I was way heavier than I even thought was possible.  I cried.  In fact, I cried all the way home.  Of coarse I called Nadi right away and she was so supportive.  She encouraged me and told me I can do this.  I needed to hear that.  I needed her nudge.  Ok, it was a full on push...but I thank God for that push every single day.

When I got inside the house, I was still crying.  I went to Andrew, my husband, and told him this is a matter of life and death and I told him how much I need his support and his help.  He agreed and has been very helpful and extremely supportive.  I have so many amazing people in my life.  I feel like one of the lucky ones.  I lost 11.4 pounds in my first week and I was sold!  After that meeting, I was crying..again, but these were tears of pure joy and a little bit of disbelief.  I remember calling Nadina and my sister Chrissie and just bawling my eyes out.

The next week was not quite as successful.  I lost less than a pound.  But it wasn't discouraging.  It just made me re-evaluate the points I was eating.  I realized eating grilled chicken, red potatoes and veggies are way better and more satisfying than eating 3 taco's even though it's the same in points.  Once I changed my points to healthier points, I started losing a minimum of 2 pounds per week. 

Then I started adding activity.  I started out doing very little.  Parking farther at the store, walking a bit faster at the mall, etc.  I remember when I first started working out with an aerobics video, I could only do 10 minutes without getting tired.  Once the weight started coming off, I increased it little by little until I was easily doing 45 min to an hour.  I walk a lot!  I started walking my kids to school, which is huge for me cause I used to get tired walking down my drive way (that is not an exaggeration).  The day I walked my first mile, made me so happy.  Me, a mile?  That's just crazy talk.  Not anymore...I walked 2 miles yesterday and it felt amazing!  It's funny really.  I used to think of ways to get out of walking anywhere.  Now I look for opportunities to exercise.  If I am waiting for a friend to pick me up, I say, just pick me up down the street, I'll be walking. 

I no longer view myself as a lazy person and I like the person I'm becoming.  The "improving" me is excited to go play with her kids at the park, go places, do things.  I don't sweat anymore (unless I'm supposed to) which is a big deal for me, cause I would sweat just sitting in a chair.  I also stopped taking blood pressure pills when I hit 50 pounds...Yeah!

It took me 100 days to lose 50 pounds!  I still can't believe it.  That's where the willpower came in...for sure.  I choose not to eat cheesecake and I choose not to eat french fries.  The best part is, I know I can if I want to.  That's what I love about Weight Watchers.  You do not deprive yourself.  I am the biggest advocate for them.  Remember how much of a skeptic I was at the beginning of this story?  Well now Thursdays and my meeting are my favorite day of the week!  I have been consistently losing 2-3 pounds or more per week and I haven't gained an ounce.  I will keep on going.  I love how I feel.  I love looking at my improving body in the mirror.  I love all new energy I have.  But most of all I love that I am going to be able to watch my kids grow up and be an active part of their lives for a long, long time.