Hello - Accountability Needed!

Well I started off the week just fine. Worked out 3 days in a row, took yesterday off. Was going to work out this morning but I'm just tired.   I weighed myself and I'm up another lb.   I think I'm suppose to go down!

I know my eating has not been wise, I have not been tracking. I think I've been lazy.  I will say with school having started, all the same task that have been on my plate all summer, life is busy.  I'm taking the boys out to classed 2 x a week.  While I have the sitter Tues. afternoons, which helps greatly with errands, I find I don't eat well on those days either.    I am not putting myself first and my eating, which I need to do in order to take me down these last lbs.

So I started logging again today.  Will be faithful all week with that and ask you help nudge me along.   Also meal planning - I must plan better!

P.S. I did measure myself and I have not lost any inches or lbs.   :)   Was hoping on the inches thing but no such luck.   

Hope everyone else's week is going better.  

Weigh In 8/13/10

Hello Mamas! 
It has been a while since I posted. I'm just not finding the time to write these days.
Well I am down .2 today.   So today marks a total of 22 lbs!!    YEAH!   It is exciting.

I do believe I've become motivated again after joining Lifetime. I am finding exercise a priority, it certainly isn't as boring as my little basement nook, and it's new!   So these past 3 weeks have been great and got me down to this 22 mark!   Also my food choices have been better since I want all this work to pay off.

I am excited to say that Bob is going too.  I think he is enjoying it.  He realized he was a little out of shape when he almost passed out in front of the trainer we were working with and needed to lay down and get a sugar pill from the trainer.   So he has done well. I am glad he is joining me in the fit journey.   

So another week ahead and hoping you are both going to have success too!!  I know your both on vacation so will miss you this week!   Will catch up on your return!   We need to plan dinner together again.

Mama T

update

Glad to hear Lifetime is working out for you Megan. I also prefer my workouts early in the morning. Getting up at 5:16 am ('cause 5:15 is way too early!) is sometimes hard, but I like that I'm done by 7am. Just need to get my non-bootcamp days going better.

Well, weigh in on Thurs was a .6 loss, which took me past 15lbs. Yippee! So excited! But, I do need prayers for this weekend. Merywn and Joel are going to be camping and when Merwyn's gone, I tend to stay up late and eat more. I have popcorn stocked, including 1pt carmel popcorn if you can believe it, so I have a healthy snack available. Theoretically... I should be set!

Enjoy your weekends!

lifetime

I'm so happy I have you girls to motivate me, even when we aren't posting on here as regularly as we should :) Because of both of you, God kept nudging my mind to find a way to work out...to see others doing it shows you you can too...so I'm on day 2! Yesterday, Terrie went with me at 6 am and I did 40 minutes...today I went by myself and did 62 minutes, burned 460 calories (plus whatever you burn after...wonder what that is???) and went 3.8 miles...I love going early and will probably go a tad earlier so I can shower there too...there is some kind of extra peace I get knowing I don't have any kids around who are going to disturb or interrupt me!!! I don't have that pit of anxiety waiting for the "ball to drop"! I can just stay on, as long as I feel I can, and see a nice accomplishment at the end...

NOW<>

Anyhoo, just want to thank you girls for setting such good examples for me...I really do appreciate it :) Have a great day!

weigh in on Wed

This week I went back to a Wed weigh in because of our garage sale starting Thursday and good news...lost another pound! Now, if I can keep going and at least lose .4 next week, I'll have reached 15lbs lost. Yippee! Gotta do better though than I have these last couple days though...I'm out of my routine with this garage sale, but it's over tomorrow! Another yippee! I don't think I want to do another one. Ever. We'll see though.

Also, I got myself outside to walk/run before Merwyn left for work. I had not been able to do that except for Bootcamp ('cause somebody's waiting for me there!). I did this morning though. Ok...givin' myself a 3rd yippee. YIPPEE!

Weigh in 7/23/10

Well exciting times this am -- just hit a low weight!!  I am .4 lbs lower than my lowest weight in MAY.   So that is exciting.

Although today I took the boys to Red Robin for lunch after a dental appt that went forever and we all got lectures on brushing and flossing.  
I did NOT want a salad, so ordered a chicken sandwich.   Caleb thought it looked pretty good so I gave him a bit, then offered him 1/2.  So my 8 pt sandwich could of been 16 - YIKES!   My own little portion control is Caleb!   Now I also shouldn't of had fries. So if I don't eat anything else today I will be in points.   Well I need some kind of dinner and maybe a snack or two at Elizabeths tonight.  So challenges are on the way. BUT oh did that burger and fries taste good!


Now CONGRATS to MAMA DUB!!!  Low weight and a 2.6 lbs loss on vacation.  YOU GO GIRL!!!
Cheering and smiling for you over here.


Have a great weekend!


Mama T

Check it!

Hooray for those Essenburg active family vacations! Even with s'mores most nights, I have lost 2.6 lbs getting me to a new low! Yippee! This is great motivation. I feel ready to buckle down!

no time to waste!

So, I've taken a WW vacation (practically) for the last 4 days and I can tell in my shorts!!! Of course, it's water weight and bloating...nothing that can't come off pretty quickly, but it's there and I DON'T like it!!

I'm going to get more diligent and prayerful about God's desire in my weight maintenance and loss...that I would really desire to eat as He wants me to eat...to see that not all indulgences are necessary, even if I want them/feel entitled to them! BUT, that I would also be content and patient as He works out spiritual disciplines along with physical disciplines!

With that, time for breakfast! Hope you are both doing well!!!

Weigh in 7/9/10

 A little late but here it is...
I weighed in up 2.6 lbs from 2 weeks ago.  I did not weigh myself on 7/2 as we left for vacation that day.  I did enjoy my food vacation of indulgences.  That would be ice cream everyday!!   YES I said Ice Cream EVERYDAY!!!   A new flavor too.    

So this week after returning home I decided that I MUST get SERIOUS AGAIN!!!   So I'm going to work out 5 days this week (OK while typing that I kept hitting the 4 button funny).  I have one day done.  I am going to do about an hour a day.   Thursday I did 52 minutes on my elliptical with some ab work on my ab lounger.   Friday - 53 minutes and some ab work.  Monday I've got to get back up and do it again!

So my eating since coming home has mostly been within my daily points allowance.  So far no ice cream! 

Mama W - enjoy your vacation!  Enjoy the smores and ice cream and that cinnamon roll you facbooked about. 
Mama M  - I know your doing great.  Your birthday is Thursday so enjoy it but I know your waiting for cake until after Saturday, but I still say enjoy your birthday!!

Mama T

Friday weigh in 6/25

Well I am down to my weigh in weight from 3 weeks ago, not my lowest weigh in weight from 4 weeks ago but still a loss.   It is hard to be disciplined and finding new fun filling foods is a must!!   I loved my Hungry Girl Broccoli slaw that was perfect.    I did pretty good this week but ice cream 3 times in one week is not beneficial to loosing weight.   I also exercised 3 times this week though :)

So maintaining but want to be loosing!  We will see where next week takes me and then we are on vacation at Bob's parents cabin for 5 days.   That will be a challenge.  I bought my fiber one bars for snacking already.  Those are the best for a 2 point value.

Have a great choice weekend!!!

Love Mama T

I'm here!

Hi ladies!

Goodness, I've gotten on here to post mulitple times, but gotten literally, pulled away, every time! Sorry I've neglected the board :0

So, this is a process, is it not??? Learning what we can and can't get away with, and forgiving ourselves (Wendy, how OFTEN I think about the statement you told us "it's about what you choose/decide next...")...I'm sure I'm up some, but you know, no scale to prove it...I know though!

This week has been very good...with VBS every morning, I'm on my feet the whole time, active and not hungry! Oh how it goes to show you, being busy is your best friend when trying to lose weight! I've still eaten all my points since I AM pretty hungry by the time I get home, but I've just been able to eat more points then usual at lunch (very nice :))!

I find my best lunch filler upper meal is Terrie's recommendation: Organic refried black beans, a piece of lowfat cheese on a flat out-3 pts and it's BIG! I usually dice up some peppers in it too! Dinners are mostly soup WW soup I've made and veggies...how I'm loving the fresh green beans!!

Anyway, I'm praying for you both...the Summer is way harder to stay on points...Wendy, with camping, Terrie with fun BBQ's and ice cream...well, it's hard BUT, I do find having the knowledge I have now (through WW), I am actually able to indulge sometimes and get back at it a lot faster than if I didn't have that knowledge!!

Okay, time for breakfast...have a great weekend friends!!

ditto

Up .4 lbs. Gotta find a way to break through, but so hard when vacationing! We're camping this weekend and then leave for 10 days on 7/7. Maybe maintaining is all that is reasonable until after vacation. I don't know...

I think I might switch to Thurs weigh in. There is a time I can make.

Have a good weekend all!

Weigh In 6/18/10

UGGHH!!  Up 1.2 lbs.   I am at my May 1st weight.  UGGHH!

Well to be honest I only just truly got back on the plan Monday, after weeks of cheating beyond what I should be eating.  Thinking I was doing weight watchers.  I am going to be diligent this week and this whole month!!  So we will see what next weeks weigh in is!

Have a good day ladies!!

Mama T

and again...

Stayed the same again, and just like last week, I was certain there would be a loss. Argghhh! Today, I'm blaming PMS bloat. It's also where my very dark and ugly mood has come from. Thank your stars you don't live with me right now. I usually have some irritability, but on rare occasions it's as if something ugly has taken up residence.

Anyway, that's where it's at. There has been some health improvement and the quickness of it leads me to credit the antibiotic. Hoping to be even more improved so as to go to Bootcamp tomorrow...which is not militaristic at all...I assure you. It's not Bootcamp but any exercise that causes illnesses to get worse in me.

Gotta run to Joel's end of the year party!

6/14 update

Today is done. I did well. Stayed right on points at 23. Even ate out lunch at Subway - have got to remember Subway! Kids had the chips and I only had one chip from each bag - not my own bag!  Snack for a Fiber One bar -- need a stash of these.  5 in a box isn't very many when little guys think they are great too!  Had a good dinner and a cup of broccoli.  Fat free Cool Whip with Strawberries for my dessert. 

I am happy with my day!  First time in a long time!

I hope you all had a good day too!

Mama T

recipe!~

Okay, so in an effort to help us all stay on track, I HAD to recommend this FANTASTIC veggie dip (or it could be a protein topper)!!! I got it from my favorite Kitchen Parade site; just made it, and even without sitting a bit, it was super, super, SUPER good...plus FAST and EASY!!

Cucumber Dip with Feta (yes, real cheese!)

1 cup grated cucumber (seeds and skin too...unless the seeds are big, then remove and grate cucumber with skin)

1 cup low fat sour cream

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

fresh ground pepper

fresh herbs (which I didn't have, but if you bring some tomorrow Terrie, I'd love to add some chives and/or dill)

Stir all ingredients together in small bowl. Cut up veggies, for dipping, and eat! Would also be good on chicken or some mild fish (again, just my opinion)!

2 WW pts. per 1/4 cup (not bad I think!!!)

SO SORRY I've been completely MIA... Terrie, I am RIGHT there with you!!! You know, I was left with the cake at my house, SOOO my eating has been crazy...no veggies and not a lot of "real" food in general...the week of the birthday I did well, but, once the cake is finished...well, I just chose to not eat food since I knew cake was what I wanted...although, I have to say, one piece (rather than constant snacking on it) totally filled me up for the whole day...I used to be able to eat some at B, L and Dinner...not anymore, which I guess is good! I put 3/4 of what we had left into the freezer and just kept a small portion out for the kids...and I'm not craving it at all!

So, had cake all weekend and now I'm done...WW can get boring, huh?!? Like you said Terrie, we just commit to the "long haul" for the last few pounds and realize that there are now going to be more peaks and valleys, but the end is still in sight!! If it takes until November, but we've had some ice cream with our kids and BBQ's with friends, I think it's all worth it!

Now that I have my 20 year high school reunion to look forward to (July 17th), I do have some motivation...I think it's always good, at least or me, to have a "short term goal"! ALSO, we will be changing our insurance, so I'll have to have a physical WITH A SCALE...I'll now know the number I'm working with...I think we're not doing it until July, when I can have my "pre reunion" weight on the insurance too :) You know, gotta get the best rate and weight can determine a lot of that!!

I'll continue to pray for satisfaction, for cravings to be resisted and good food to truly fill us up! Terrie, I get hungry too...that is the hardest part...I CAN put off the temptations, but when I'm hungry with only 1 point left...very hard to hold back :( Praying for hunger to cease!!!

Wendy, I hope you feel okay after your workout...I know that is SO hard to do when you're sick. Why are you doing such a strenuous workout? Just for a change or did you want something more structured? Just be careful (which I know you will be)...OH, and I'd love to see some pics of your family room...I hear you're re-doing/adding on??? If you get a chance, post some photos on FB.

Okay, off to housework!!

GET IT TOGETHER

I have got to GET IT TOGETHER with my eating!!!
Since Friday I've gained a pound.  I just am hungry and I'm doing some snacking with wrong choices. I am not watching portions as closely.  I am kind of tired and bored with WW.   I just need to stick with it for another 12 lbs.  I'm thinking that will take me until November.   

SO....

I will be GETTING IT TOGETHER this week!   I enjoyed my cake on Friday at Olivia's Bday.  I had Panera Bread on Saturday. I've said I wanted to go to Panera for by Bday so I just went early.   I have no specific plans for my actual birthday since Bob is gone until late Wed.  I just want my presents at this point.

Onto the veggies, portion control and smart snacking!

I am writing this for accountability!!!

Mama T

Friday Weigh in 6/11

Been an interesting week. Not super disciplined but I was in points (including the extra). Worked out 3 days this week and I'm sore today to prove it.   BUT I'm at up .4.     On a side note: I weigh myself everyday and the scale has weighed me the same up .4 ALL week.   I'd think my scale was off but of course I changed the battery when I got the scale to make sure it worked accurately.

So hoping the work out will prove results this week.   I do feel good with the weight I've lost and these last 10 are HARD.  But if I keep at it, I'll drop them!

Mama Dub - sorry you had a disappointment this week.  I'll guess this Wed. you see a loss.  I'll be praying for you!

Mama T

and that was disappointing

Huh. My weight stayed the same. Bummer. More Bootcamp. More activity points. Leftover points allowance. Never ate my activity points. I was certain there would be a loss. Yes, disappointing.

An interesting bit o' info from the meeting...we are allowed 5 "free, no points" foods a day. After 5, it's more likely to affect weight loss so gotta start counting them.

Later Mama's,
Mama Dub

Friday 6/4/10 weigh in

Well I am down a pound from my low weight on May 8th!  It has taken a month to drop off a lb.  Crazy.   I did have a fairly good week for activity and eating. I did indulge in Dairy Queen (2 x).   A small 1 scoop vanilla is only 5 pts.   Not as bad as my small scoop from Culvers on Saturday at 8 pts.  There is really no recovery from an 8 pt add on in a day.   So yes I had ice cream 3 x this week!    BUT I also had my veggies, lighter lunches and less CHIPS!

Thanks for those tips from WW.  Like the idea on the activity points.   Also that french toast breakfast sounds good!   Too bad you were shorting yourself on chicken.  I definitely weigh my meat that is so hard to eye ball. Goodness I feel like I measure everything.  I just measured my 1 cup of cold cereal.   

Have a great weekend girls!  Keep up the good work!

Mama T

up and down and up and down

Hey Mama's,
It's been a while. Very busy and not much to report. Yesterday I finally got my weight loss down to what it was one month ago. I think I'm working on a serious set point here, plus, before this week, I haven't exercised in a few. I don't lose weight without exercise. I went to Bootcamp Tuesday and Today (oh my aching glutes, quads and hams!). I'm still have some cold symptoms although much improved. I'm wondering if it's something else. I may make an MD appt...

So, here to share some WW meeting tips I thought were interesting.

A 4 oz apple is 1pt. I didn't know that...had been judging it based on size.

Activity points earned are only about half of the calories burned. The idea behind that is so if you eat your activity points, you still have more burned calories.

A 1pt breakfast idea (I haven't tried this yet)...French Toast: 1 slice light bread, egg beaters, a dash of milk, vanilla and cinnamon. The leader makes a load up ahead of time and freezes them to put in the toaster as needed. Cool, eh?!

A non-meeting tip...I recently began weighing my chicken and low and behold, I had not been getting 3 oz. I had been cheating myself (weird it didn't turn into wt loss...).

Ok gals, I'm off! Hope to write about less of me next week.

Mama Dub

Maintanence

I've been in maintenance and didn't even sign up for it!  Ha Ha


So since April 30th I've weighed pretty much the same.    I'm still .4 about my lowest weight.   I've struggled with the extras, not saying No, making poor choices and having the dessert too!  Summer is hard with ice cream and fun foods. 
I've lost .6 this week - amazing!! Literally since I ate all my extra points, went into a -1 point mode and then had to exercise to get out of the deficit.   I couldn't leave a deficit on my tracking system.

NOW this week, I will enjoy a few of our weekend plans, take smaller portions and loose that .4 that crept back on me and is suppose to be off!  Then a new month starts and while I won't hit goal by my birthday I will sometime this year!

Enjoy your Memorial Day plans! Have a fun holiday and I'll be praying for  us to fill satisfied and full (without over eating)!

Thanks for walking this journey with me! 

Mama T

love ya Terrie! It's life...just life!! I did good, but had dinner with Kathleen Pierson, so ended up eating over points for the day too...

At least you ate some really good stuff! Nothing worse than throwing away extra points on something you eat to try and fill your real craving...which you usually end up eating anyway!!! You're doing great and a total inspiration, so just let it go and stat again tomorrow...I'll be better tomorrow too as I'm hoping to not use up the rest of my 35 bonus points...probably have 20 or so left, but I want to stay away from them...Olivia's birthday quickly approaching :)

Okay, back to the LOST pilot episode rerun!!

counting the points

I don't think I can count the total of points I ate today so I'll add a misc. and just make it 35 points and call it a day!

Homemade pizza that turned into calzones after Bob watched Diners, Drive In and Dives; pecan sticky bun from the Whole Food bakery as a treat; angel food cake with berries and real whip cream for dessert. 

Misc Food Items = 35 points

It was good though!!!

I am filling full - have not had that feeling for a long time. Like the stomach stretched full.   Not that this is good but it's that kind of full.

Now on track tomorrow! I must get on track tomorrow!!!

Mama T confession

me too!

I'm with ya Terrie...eating well, staying on points, but it's all I can do to not keep eating! Don't know what it is...maybe the gray, rainy day? Anyhoo, I haven't given in and have been drinking a ton of water to keep this nagging desire to eat, at bay!

Sorry for your headache...we had those insurances at one point...can't you get your prescription now and then get a reimbursement from your insurance when you get the card? Or, can't you get them to give you the info you need so you can pick up the prescription? It would seem, if you are covered, they should be able to help you out, without having the actual card...I know, insurances are a pain though :/

Wendy, I'm sorry there's heavy grief right now...I know there is always grief, but sounds like it's just a little heavier today/right now...I'll pray for Gods comfort and for the motivation to do that which will bring Him glory...whether it's in points or not...being sick NEVER helps...you just want to eat whatever might sound good...I'm glad you're taking a break from Boot Camp.

Please pray I'll stay on points this weekend too...Steve is going camping with Owen, so it'll be me and the girls...fun, but makes me want to take my bag of M&M trail mix to the couch and eat the whole thing while he's gone, and the girls are in bed :0 We know that's not necessary, so pray I'll have a long term focus...Olivia's birthday is coming and I will, again, eat cake for a few days, so I need to stay very committed until then...thanks girls!

Okay, off to finish packing for their trip...yes, me packing for THEIR trip...course, if I let Steve, the car would be full of every possible necessity known to man, so I actually keep it more minimal (which means less washing and unpacking when they come home Sunday!!)!!

Chat later!

I shouldn't be hungry..

I had a sandwich round with ham, cheese, lettuce & tomato; 1 cup acorn squash; 1/2 apple; and some let over stir fry veggies (delish!) for lunch.  BUT I WANT MORE!!! 

So I'm writing this to be accountable.

I'm off to help my mom shop for a swimsuit.  She needs one for the summer and had no luck at Wal Mart yesterday, she took the bus.   But Kohl's is having a sale and she asked me to help her, so since she rarely flat out asks I will help her.   The boys will have a ball!   I will want to snack (packed carrots for me)!

I'm also having a headache today that was pretty intense (took Excedrin) and is still nagging. I did get a prescription for the Dr. this week for migraines, but don't have our prescription cards.  Bob had to reorder and we won't get those until next week.  I think I could use something a little stronger for this headache today.   We have odd insurance because his parent company is out of NJ.  Good insurance but everything is a different card.   Do you know anyone else with Aetna and Medco?  Who is Medco? Well they are my prescription company.   Anyway that's my rant for the day.  

At least I didn't eat anything while typing!

Mama T

Friday Weigh In 5/21/10

Well it's a .2 gain.  Not a huge surprise.   I've struggled for 2 weeks now.  I need more veggies and the RIGHT choices in foods.

So I'm where I was 3 weeks ago.  I just lost 3 weeks to loose weight as I'm where I was at 3 weeks ago. 
I keep thinking what if I wasn't doing WW where would I be?  So grateful to have lost 17 lbs. in total and not gained 17 more!   

So I will give this week a great shot with more exercise too!

Have a great weekend girls!

Mama T

wed weigh in

Weigh in was almost (so close) to what I was before the gain. Good enough. I gotta keep truckin' here, even though I'm back to not caring (it's the grief roller coaster). No exercise here until I am well. I think bootcamp was not a good idea when sick and I am worse now than in the beginning of it. Jessica has agreed to allow me to put things on hold, so I lose no money.

Gotta go- the floors are begging to be cleaned. Lot's of dust coming in from behind the black tarp!

How is everyone doing?

Had a good day today.   Monday & Tuesday I had cake both days. My mom was staying with us and she is this 111 lb woman who eats dessert every night so I felt I needed to have dessert.   So I made the yummy 6 minute chocolate cake and had a piece both days.  So over both days in points. I tried to eat less but was just hungry, cake is not very filling.

Today in points, right foods.  NOW to keep it that way. Bob is gone again tonight so no sancking here!!  Will watch American Idol.  LOST is recorded, we hope to watch it Thursday.

How was weigh in Mama Dub?

Mama T

I know...

Hey there!

Terrie, as I always say, that's why we do WW...a flub here and there is real life...mine was Sunday...went to Fox Hills golf club for brunch...I did fine until I saw the chocolate coconut torte...had a whole piece with no regrets since I really only ate a salad and veggies before that...but the waffle cone of full fat ice cream for dinner did me in LOL! That's all I ate all Sunday, but I"m sure it put me into the full use of my extra 35 points...hoping I didn't go over that, but, either way, not the best choices :) Oh well, what matters is "what you do next" and I"m good today!!

How nice that your Mom is there...I say don't even look at your doctor scale...no point! Just say "I choose to only recognize my home scale, so please don't share the number with me!" That's what I always did when preggo...no biggie! Save yourself the unnecessary angst!!!!!

I will pray FERVENTLY for us all...I am doing good with nothing after dinner, but REALLY want to stay in points and get some exercise now that school is much lighter for us too...I have until Olivia's birthday (the 12th or 13th of June) to feel good again...so pray for satisfaction and will power...good choices and the understanding that I do HAVE to say "no" sometimes!

Off to wash the floor...must count for some exercise I think :)

It's Monday

Are we all back on track from the weekend?
I will say I actually had an OK weekend.  Stayed in points and not a lot of snacking.  Note: I didn't say Friday I stayed in points.  Had some doughnut challenges on Friday.  

Looking to have a good week.  Hope you do too!

I have a regular Dr. appt today and I'm sure not looking forward to the Dr. scale. It's always higher then my morning weigh in.  Oh well, I know what I use as a measurement to loose weight.

My mom is staying with us for a few days.  Sunday - Tuesday so I can go to the Dr. and she enjoys some company. The boys are watching Let's Make A Deal with her right now and then Price Is Right.  They love to do that with Grammy.   School was very short today, reading and some writing worksheets. We are all done with math.  Oh this is my weight loss blog - well anyway that's my update.

Mama T

Friday Weigh In 5/14/10

Hi there!  Mama T weighs in at up .8 lbs.  So glad I enjoyed cake for everyone's birthday and Mother's Day then took a week off exercising.    But only .8 isn't bad, the scale didn't say that yesterday it was 2 lbs. So lost a little water retention and have been on points the last 3 days.  So a Friday weigh in is a good thing.   I'm OK with this as the cake was good and I've had some significant weight loss these past few weeks.

So onto another week - this one will include exercise!

Have a great day and weekend.   The sun is shining and I hope to get out today.

Yummy...

Isn't that a great title - doesn't it make your mouth water at the idea of what I might write about food!

Anyway, I am making bread! Again! This time successfully!  If you know me and I think you both do, you would of guessed that there is no way I will be defeated on making bread when I know I can.   The bread is on it's second rise so I know it worked.

So we are making baguettes for our fish sandwiches tonight.   Yummy!  There's that word again!

Truly it's just flour, yeast and 1 tsp of sugar.   Broken down it's 2 - 3 pts per serving depending on the portion, of course.  I will be baking fish, Jacobs favorite.  I made a spicy tater type sauce.  So it should be a yummy dinner.

I have not exercised this week and don't want to. The scale this morning was frightful. Tomorrow is weigh in so we'll see what it says.   I've been in points since Monday.

No snacking tonight.  I will finally be watching LOST tonight, since Bob has been gone both evenings.  I'll chime in on that topic later.

Have a great evening.

Mama T

I wish...

I could eat something...not cause I'm really hungry of course, just cause I'd like to munch on something :) But, ate my last few points in fat free pudding at 6:15, so I'm done for the night!

Hope you are both stayin' strong too :)

2 steps forward...

Weigh in not so great today. Wish I weighed in on Friday's so I had a little more time to deal with the weekend. But, it is what it is and we move forward.

We'll be having leftovers tonight because Merwyn's not home for dinner and to clean out the fridge. Both are low points options, so keeping on track.

Lost...could the brothers name be Esau perhaps? They seem to steal occasionally from the Bible. What about the mother saying to Jacob something along the lines of take this cup and drink? Is Jacob good? I don't know. He's not the smoke monster though and that thing is very bad. Only 2 episodes left...how will we get all the answers in that time?

No eating for me tonight either!

Mama Dub

well, that's that!

So, I was out all day yesterday, but came home starved and, of course, the cake was right there to help me out :P BUT, I decided to just have a little LESS than I really wanted, gave the kids some and just put the rest in the garbage!!! We had all had enough and, let's face it, I'm making another one in less than a month for Olivia's birthday!!! SOOOO, I needed to get it out of here, get seriously back on track, and lose whatever I gained before her bday rolls around!

Terrie, it'll be perfect time for you to take some cake HOME this time, since it'll be before your bday too (we're celebrating a week early due to the Milleville family reunion on June 16th...)!! I'll probably still make a big cake (just cause it's easier to decorate) but give some to people...I like to have a little leftover, but not a whole week's worth leftover!!!!

Good for both of you getting back on track...how was your weigh in Wendy? OH, and what did you think of LOST last night???? I thought it was pretty good...still don't know the man in blacks name though...and I"m starting to think Jacob might be bad...what about you??? Not sure, a lot to process still!!!!

So, I'm doing good today...usual breakfast and lunch, then I just had a popcorn snack...making bean soup for dinner, which is low points, but not sure what I'm going to give the kids...they love soup, but hate beans...Oy...hopefully, by next Tuesday I'll be feeling like I did LAST Tuesday :)

Hope your days are successful and satisfying...and, the no eating after 7pm is definitely working here...so, no snacking is my cheer!!!

No bread snacking here...

After writing my post I went to check on my bread and it didn't rise!!  How disappointing.  I must of killed the yeast with my water too hot? Or the yeast is old?

I still made my kids the pizza with it. Flat mushy cheese pizza is not my thing so I didn't have any. They didn't seem to mind.

But no bread, so no snacking on it.  One problem solved for me.

Mama T

Remember...

No evening snacking!!!

Hope your having a good day. We are making fresh bread. Whole wheat with flax seeds but still not low calorie. One slice is 3 pts.  But the family likes it and the weather makes you want something warm. I need to do some tweaking to the recipe to make is lower in points.   Will work on that.

Went out to Applebees last night with a friend of mine from lia sophia. Had their fantastic shrimp dinner at 290 calories and did have a skinny margarita. It was only 100 calories. Not normally my type of drink. Seriously can't remember the last time I had a margarita but it was tasty.   So did well.  The scale this morning said only up 1 lbs from Friday's weigh in.  My goal is to hit last Friday's number this Friday.   Simple joys!

Have a great night. Bob isn't home tonight or tomorrow night. Movie with guys tonight and bible study tomorrow. So that no snacking rule is huge for me!!!

LOVE walking this journey with both of you!

Mama T

Not to be left out...

And I make three!!!! Yep, lots of cake and trail mix this weekend...very glad I am not using my scale...I am sure I"m up a couple pounds, but like you both said "it is what it is"...I did give in and have a few bites when I gave the kids some cake after lunch...I wanted to kick myself EXECPT for the wonderful after effect: I am now SICK of cake! I ate a few bites and felt totally yucked out (new phrase...like it!?!?!?!)! Now, when I look at the leftover, it's making my stomach turn, so maybe those few bites were just what I needed!! I am now recalling this happened to me at Christmas too...after Vivienne's birthday...I ate all the cake I wanted for a few days, and then on a 3rd or 4th day, it just made me sick...

SO, I'm just going to have a light dinner, nothing after 7:00 of course, and lots of water...I didn't eat enough to have gone over points for the day (thankfully), so I think I'll end okay...wanted to do a walk, but have to make dinner instead...with no cooking all weekend, there are no leftovers around!

Hoping to end my week feeling as good as I did last Friday...if not by Friday, by Sunday I want that "lighter" feeling I was so enjoying!!

We're in it together...back at it :)

Feeling like you Mama Dub...

Had a great weekend, but up 2 lbs from Friday's weigh in.  Need to work to be at the same number for this Friday's weigh in.    I have taken out all extra points and will stay in points everyday this week to get there.  Some exercise too.  Although I didn't exercise today.

I enjoyed Cake, cake and cupcakes (Friday, Sat. & Sun).  Along with OTHER Foods not friendly to my points.

So it is what it is and I sure enjoyed it all!

Have a great week!!

Mama T

The weekend is over!

The weekend began on Saturday with a delightful number on the scale...I was quite surprised! Then, there was this mornings number. Ugh! How in the world can two bad days cause that, but weeks of good days barely show up?! Ok, putting it in the category of, it is what it is.

Friday night Merwyn brought home an ice cream cake. It was my idea...I gave him the coupon after all. What is a birthday without cake? It was yummy! And Joel liked it.

Saturday began with friends in the morning. I cut up some yummy fruit, but cinnamon rolls also showed up. Unannounced, mind you! Well, I ate some. I did. Did well the rest of Saturday, and then Merwyn and I went out to dinner at Crumpets in the Somerset Inn. I bid on and won this dinner at the fundraiser at Joel's school. We had the "Chef's Table" which was a mystery to me. Well, hold onto your hats...it means we sit at a table called the "Chef's Table" and he makes an appetizer for us. That's the only difference. Oh, and it's not a special "not available for anyone else" appetizer. He just decides. That's a lot of hype, eh? It was a nice quiet dinner though and the portions were quite reasonable. Except the torte. Completely unreasonable. And yummy. I have not allowed that "stuffed" feeling in a very long time. But actually, it wasn't an "I ate so much I'm going to burst" stuffed. Just very full. I didn't have wine because of the calories and, get this, only one roll. That's big news for me. I ordered salmon- excellent choice I think. I ate all my asparagus too.

On Sunday, we didn't do much. I think dinner might have been a bit high in sodium and with restaurant food (typically high in sodium), well that might be a big part of the scale this morning.

So, today I am at my office. I am sticking to my allotted points because I want to right this ship before Wed weigh in. I have my tracker all filled out, including the Ballpark frank I will have at Comerica Park later. I went to Bootcamp this morning, where it was crazy cold, hoping that the calorie burn will help too.

So, I'm hoping you all had a lovely weekend!

Mama Dub

Mama T weigh in 5/7/10

Hi Girls!
Well down another pound!  So I've lost 18 lbs.  It is incredible!  I keep thinking each week will be only .2 but then when I'm weighing myself through the week it is getting lower and lower.  CRAZY!

I am down about 2.5 inches in bust, waist and hips.  Should of done my thighs, need those to reduce a few inches too!

I will say with only having 21 - 23 pts. a day, not trying to eat over or use the weekly extra it is a challenge to say the least.  That's only 1,000 - 1150 calories a day (approx.).   Truly looking forward to final weight, should be by my birthday, maybe.   

Well I'll be using my extra points - all of them tonight at Owen's Bday party and on CAKE!!    Oh I think Mothers Day will have a few indulgences too!

Have a great birthday Mama Dub.   Enjoy your dinner and dessert.  I will when mine comes!

Mama T

weigh in day

One more pound down today. I wasn't sure what would happen because I've taken in a lot of honey this week in my tea and more cough drops than I can count. So, I'm pleased because of that. Also, in my history my body has not easily or quickly let go of weight. So, two weeks in a row with 1 lb loss is very good for me. Usually over the years, it's been typically 1/2 lb or so each week. So, want to do what I have to do to keep this going.

Challenges for this week...Merwyn and I are going out to eat Sat. night for my birthday. I bid on and won a dinner out at Crumpets at the chef's table. Not sure what it all means but I thought it sounded fun enough to bid on. So, my goal is to eat within points to save up my extra points for that dinner. And, in case there is cake too.

So that is my outloud stated goal.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Mama Dub

Hi!

Well I'm going to complain here... I'm tired. I'm tired of weighing food, measuring food and dreaming about food.   I don't think I've ever dreamed about food before.  Also if I wake up in the middle of the night I think about food and what I can eat.  Crazy. I'm going crazy.

Hope everyone has a good day! I'm sure I will but had to share that insight (although not significant).

Mama T

Hey ya'll

Not sure why I titled this post like that. Lack of creativity I guess.

Bootcamp was hard and cardiovascularly difficult, but the hardest part is that I have a hard time with step ups. Oh, and of course being lightheaded. Felt like a loser...a non exerciser when in reality I exercise a good bit. But, it is what it is and yes, I definitely need to eat beforehand tomorrow, but here's the conversation in my head...
If I eat at 5:30am, I'm going to be hungry around 9am...how many points can I afford to eat in the morning?
Now, a banana is only 1pt ('cause I always buy the smaller ones) but is a banana on it's own going to do the trick? Jessica the trainer gave me a Luna bar...those things are 3pts! It was tasty though. So, after my 3pt bar at 6:30am, I didn't eat anything else and did ok. Oh wait...I did have a yogurt. So, tomorrow I'm going to try to eat my one of my usual breakfasts and hope/pray it stays in me a long time.

Speaking of special monthly visitors...mine arrived 9 days early! Gotta love perimenopause. Explains the difficulty last week. Mama T- at WW meetings it has come up for discussion and leader said it does have an impact. Not sure why though...curious about the science behind that.

My weekend was pretty good points wise, but I haven't been logging the extra honey I've been putting in my extra tea since feeling sick. Not sure if that will derail me. Also, less exercise on top of it.

Man, am I tired!

Mama Dub

confession heard and appreciated :) I had a similar experience...did good with Melissa, but we got some cake saturday night. Then, when I got home on Sunday, hadn't eaten anything before I left, so I was HUNGRY when I got home...ate a good lunch, but had a twinkie...then, I had a no pudge brownie, which is ONLY good when they are fresh from the oven (you know, I don't like brownies much anyway)...then decided to have some fries with my Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich...I figure I went ? over, but I'm okay...I woke up NOT at all hungry which is good in the aspect that I won't eat over today :) This is why we do WW though...those cravings are ALWAYS going to happen, the goal is to minimize them and move on...I didn't eat after 7 at all last week (except for Saturday), and I'm telling you, that REALLY makes a difference too!

terrie, I totally think TOM effects our eating/cravings, as I experienced last week...I just couldn't get satisfied...as soon as my period arrived, I was fine...

Okay, gotta run but, we're in this together and I'm so happy about it!! Have a great day girls

confession...

I couldn't stop eating last night.  We had dinner at 5 and a great dinner at that.  Grilled pork loin, a salad, asparagus, watermelon.  Was full BUT about an hour later the cravings started.  Salted chips, butter pretzels, a banana muffin and ended it with 4 chocolate kisses.   12 points later and I was done and couldn't believe it.  
Weighed myself this a.m. up only .2  but need to make sure that doesn't stay on.   Did my elliptical today already and will stay in points today!

I think it's close to the time of the month, so it just wasn't stopping.  I knew what I was doing.  Maybe my body was just craving a little extra.   

Mama Dub does the WW meeting say anything about this?  Is it mental? 

Glad Boot Camp was a success for you.  I would suggest eating a banana before you go.  Banana's are consider Power Foods because of the many natural vitamins in it.   I eat 1/2 a banana before my elliptical workout.  You might need a whole because I'm sure your calorie burn is amazing.  Don't you wish you had one of the Body Bugs to calculate how much your working off?   Have you ever watched Biggest Loser where the contestants throw up - yikes.

Have a great day!

Mama T

success!

No mac and cheese hit these lips, thank you very much! I love it so and knew if I told you I wouldn't do it. Thanks!

accountability

I'm making mac and cheese...FOR MERWYN AND JOEL ONLY! I must not eat any of it. I will have something else. Right? Right!

Friday Weigh In

The scale is kind - down .8 lbs.   Just keep eating my veggies, drinking my water and trying to stay under points for each day then at the end of the day I find I actually ate all my points!   Not a lot of exercise this week.  Did 1 elliptical and 4 walks with the dog (low impact there).

So down 17 lbs. total.  This is very amazing to me.

Hope you have a good day!

Mama T

Weighing Your Food Raw vs. Cooked

Megan this article is for you!!!

http://ginaswwquestions.blogspot.com/2010/04/weighing-your-food-raw-vs-cooked.html

Wendy, what do you mean you "put salsa in"? You mean you measure 1/2 cup and add salsa before you cook it? On the stove top??? Sounds really good...and what a great way to spruce up egg beaters! I'll try that! It could be really good with a piece of the Sargento low fat cheese if you didn't have the Morningstar stuff (which I don't)!!

Have you guys seen the Thomas Bagel Thins at Costco??? I think I calculated them to be 2 points...great "treat" with a tbsp of peanut butter I think!!

Now, I JUST discovered the Healthy Grain Flat Out Flatbreads with Flax in them....8 grams of fiber, so one is only 1 point!! You both probably know about them, but I am thrilled! I use one, with 2 oz. healthy ones turkey (1 point for 2 ounces is a LOT of lunch meat), and one laughing cow cheese...today I added sliced cucumbers....SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD! It's 3 points for the sandwich, so I have room for another point of something :) I found these flatouts at Costco too, so I have a large supply at a good price!

Wendy, I bet you could find some quick alternatives for the office...like the Arnold round, or one of these flat outs and some lunch meat or ??? I'm sure you just want fast and easy!!

Okay, back to enjoying my lunch!

breakfast

I've tried Gardenburgers in the past. Sometimes the cost of those items gets me. Speaking of cost, I've been pondering discontinuing my frozen meals I have while at work. They are costly, even with coupons, but it's more the sodium deal. Since I work on Mon/Tues, it is right before my weigh in. It provides such a convenience for the office though. Still pondering...

My favorite breakfast...
egg beaters (I always put salsa in), Morningstar breakfast sausage and a thin bread. I've used both the Pepperidge Farms "Deli Flats" and the Arnolds thins- both are good. At Meijer, Pepperidge Farms was less $$ and I had a coupon.

Enjoy!

Mama Dub

New Food Option

Last night for dinner I had a Gardenburger - black bean and chipotle.   While I am not a lover of these veggie burgers, I thought I would give this a try.   So last night for dinner I microwaved one for my dinner.  Used the Arnold round, condiments and the veggie burger and it was GREAT!   Nice lunch option too I have decided. Very easy, tasty because of the little spice in it.   The pattie is 100 calories/ 3 grams fat/ 5 fiber for 1 point.   So for a  2 points you get a nice burger (fake) sandwich.   Easy and quick too. 

Though I would pass on.   I'm having one for lunch!

Mama Dub - thanks for the point tracker guide.  How nice to have in my kitchen so I don't have to walk to the computer to figure out the points and then get distracted.  

I did have a yogurt last night.  My fiber one - 1 pt yogurt.   Did a workout at 8:00 after kids in bed and just needed something.  I also did succumb to 2 cookies.  Just love chocolate chip cookies.  Today I will prevail over the cookies!!!!

Mama T

gripping the chair

Megan, I agree. Our cycles create quite and impact. And, as one gets older, things get a bit more erratic. Not good news I know.

Ok, so it's now 8:30...I'm home from church and really wanting to eat. I'm a little hungry,but just a little. So I'm writing here as accountability. I will not eat anymore tonight. Final answer!

Mama Dub

now it all makes sense

So, I was feeling a bit extra cranky...granted, it's been busy, having dance Monday night, BSF tuesday morning and then getting out with all 4 kids today...my cravings have been CRAZY although not as bad the last 2 nights, since I committed to nothing after 7:00...that's been great...

However, last week my cravings were crazy and probably why I realized I needed a tighter reign...I was just pushing the point limits everyday and had used my extras (or most of them) last week...

...but lo and behold, my Aunt Flo arrived today over a week early, and that NEVER, EVER happens...I'm usually a 5 week cycle, and then sometimes a few days late on top of that! So, when I found my surprise visitor, everything made sense! I think, when your body is "off" such as being late or early in the menstrual cycle, it intensifies the "symptoms"...more cranky, more cravings...at least, that's what I've noticed about myself!

SOOOO, I feel a bit of relief now and can see why I was craving and feeling the way I had been the last week...whew! Now I know I'm not losing my mind :) Just wanted to fill you in...oh, and I'm done for the night :)

Wendy, congrats on a pound gone....that's a pound of butter...good ridance LOL!!

cookies

Jacob wants me to make him cookies.  How do I resist thee?

weigh in wednesday

1 lb down. It's good. I'm pleased. Hoping for bigger things (or smaller?) when I begin Boot Camp on Monday!

Tuesday evening

Evening Mama's,
I was totally within points today, and yesterday for that matter. I earned 4 activity points this morning. The only thing that can get in the way of a loss at weigh in tomorrow is the higher sodium lunch I had today. I've tried to drink a lot to flush it out, so hoping...

Terrie, I'm interested in what you think of the latest HG book. I bought her first one and was disheartened by the difficulty in many of the recipes- time consuming. Seriously, I am not going to break out my food processor to grind up Fiber One cereal!

Oh, and whoever mentioned the banana/PB/thin bread breakfast...THANK YOU! Very yummy. I thought I'd tell you about one of my fav breakfasts... egg beaters, Morningstar Veg. Sausage and, added recently, Arnolds or Pepperridge Farms thin bread. 3pts! And yummy. Not in the microwave though... not a fan of that.

No new Lost episode tonight, but I do like reading the notes on repeat episodes. Who's good? Who's bad? Where are my answers?!

Night,
Mama Dub

I'm here :)

I think LOST is either a re run or they are playing the new episode at 10:00, so I can check in :)

So, 2 days, in points completely (no "fudging") and no eating after 7:00...funny how good it feels when you do it all correctly LOL! I have been eating real food to fill my points and just having 2-3 points left...I've had peanut butter to fill the 2 points rather than a bag of popcorn...I think that's better, since it's also eaten before 7 pm! We'll see on Friday...I'm thinking of weighting myself then OR on Sunday and then going on from there...I won't know what my exact loss is, but I'll have a starting point to look at...we'll see :)

So, have a good night girls...think how good you'll feel if you don' t take that extra bite :)

checking in

Hi - quick post.  Stayed in points, just got back from walking the dog (1 pt. activity) and now ready for some Biggest Loser or American Idol, can't decide.   
Mama Dub praying for a great weigh in tomorrow am :)

Mama T

Ho hum

Sorry Mama's. I'm not carrying my blogging weight (ha ha) here, but not much into posting these days.

Have been doing well in the evenings...including tonight. I come home from work hungry, so I did have popcorn...shared with Merwyn as usual. Feeling more in control of the evening time.

Hope all is well,
Mama Dub

Nutritional Supplements

As you know we are nutritional supplement people. Our budget includes these items.

Bob recommended I take a product called Fat Stat from the Dr Marshall/Quantum Nutrition which is our nutritional supplement product company of choice.   

Here is the link to what I've been taking:

http://quantumlightnutrition.com/weight_loss.asp



Off to go see Great Grandma Mathison in hospital so quick post.
So far on points.  I think I need a carrot snack though!

Mama T

it's life :)

Terrie, so funny! You know, I've read more than once that it's okay to take a day off and eat what you want...I think it's necessary for survival really! You are obviously in a lifestyle now that allows for a day, here and there, to just have some extra points! How good that it was on something so yummy and that you made good choices prior too it! I also think it helps keep additional cravings at bay, don't you? Once you've just had what you want, you stop trying to fill that craving with other things that EVENTUALLY lead you to just eating what you really wanted to begin with :0, you can just move on!!

I did pretty good yesterday...I really wanted Sushi, but decided to try and find better nutritional data online...SO, what I found out was that the 2 point rolls WW talks about are what you can get at Whole Foods! I found a site with general info, but it also includes the WW points per item!!! Now, I'm not a total Sushi lover...I enjoy it and it's good for something different...anyhoo, we got some 2 point rolls from Kroger (sounded almost identical to the Whole Foods rolls) and I had one chicken lettuce wrap from Sze Chuan...we had gotten the kids soup from there and Steve and I shared the wraps...there was a time I would eat that whole meal...knowing how many points chicken has, I held off to one!

Had about 5 M&M's and that was it!! I tried to just eat real food up to my points and not have dessert...guess what, it worked! I was full and didn't try to fill 4-5 points with FF pudding or Greek yogurt/granola! So, I'll keep on that mindset this week...eat more real food for my points and save just 2 or 3, in case I get a real sweet need, kwim??

Going to make a pork tenderloin in the crock for today...looking forward to a warm meal on this chilly Sunday! Have a great day girls...and I STILL say good for you Terrie...you look fabulous and deserve a treat :)

moving along

Just a quick note as I've been forgetting to do my nightly post. The last several nights/evenings have gone well. I'm working on being tougher.

Glad to hear of your successes!

Mama Dub

Oops!

Did I really eat an extra 12 points today?  Yep I did!  Loved every minute of my Strawberry Rhubarb pie - it was fantastic!!!  
Did also make a few poor eating choices when out.  But thank goodness for the good choice at home during breakfast and lunch!   I would of been at double the points without those choices. 

Tomorrow will truly get back on track and get some exercise. 

No snacking tonight I am full and just can't imagine eating anything else today.

Hope your day was better Mama's!

Mama T

Terrie, we have a great digital scale, I just haven't brought it up from the basement...Steve had it down there when he was doing Owen's derby car :) You know, I think if I was wanting to lose more I would have needed the visual of a scale, to really gauge how much I was losing, but I have not used a scale in ANY weight loss venture my whole life...I always have used my clothes as my barometer and it has always worked for me. I lost all my baby weight without a scale every time...so, for me, the number isn't as significant...sometimes I think it's a detriment because it can get me more concerned with a number than with my goal...not that the sign of pounds lost isn't motivating, but if you're someone like me who could get wrapped up in the number...well, again, the scale just hasn't been my favorite tool LOL!!

However, with what I want to lose by Olivia's birthday, it would be great to see it on a scale since the "looser feeling" won't be as great...I think I'd like to lose a solid 5 pounds, which personally, I think can be as hard as losing a larger amount, you know what I mean? I have to be careful to know it takes as serious an effort to lose 5 pounds as it does 25 pounds!!!

I had a good success at our dinner at church last night...I didn't eat everything...in fact, I ate very little of the Salmon, and NONE of the puff pastry it was wrapped in, I ate none of the buttered potatoes and only 1 small greek spinach triangle...AND, I skipped the Cheesecake all together!! Truthfully, I don't really like cheesecake...if they had had Costco cake there, than I would have been in trouble! Still, I was very pleased with just skipping dessert and most of the fat parts of dinner altogether...why eat what you don't really even like, you know?!?!

So, we'll see how this week goes...Terrie, I would like to know about the supplements and why you think they helped your weight loss...what did they do? Aren't they just for nutritional help??? Be gentle with my ignorance :)

Okay, off to play animals!!!

Food and Cooking Lessons I Learned Today

Thanks to my NEW Hungry Girl 1-2-3 cookbook I was inspired to try a new breakfast.

Cheesey Green Eggs & Hamwiches  -- with Terrie modifications

1 english muffin low calorie.  Food lesson 1 - this only has 100 calories  :)
2 slices of the precooked bacon. I buy at Whole Foods, has 40 calories 1 fat 0 fiber - 1 pt
1/2 c. egg beaters egg whites.  Did you know 1/4 c and 1/2 c are both 1 pt.   Go for the 1/2 c. 
    This is the major cooking lesson I learned  --  you can MICROWAVE eggs.  I have never done that before and it's fast and easy clean up
1 wedge of laughing cow cheese, my favorite, garlic & herb.

There is your 4 pt breakfast sandwich.  YUMMMMMMMY!   


I even made one for the boys, with out cheese and with real eggs - that can also be MICROWAVED too! 

So new food and cooking for the day.

Mama T

Well, I'm no Terrie :) but I did put on a pair of jeans that had been washed and had been too tight when I was still doing Atkins and they were looser yesterday! I know, I have GOT to just bring the scale up now...I"m ready for it, but I just haven't done it! Having those jeans looser helped me realize I have lost and I"m so thankful...I still think I'm missing something since I stay within points most days, usually only use 5 points of my extra points and eat TONS of veggies...

With Terrie's report, I'm guessing I need to cut back on the coffee a bit and lessen the points I leave for an evening treat...again, it's within points, but not a good choice AND not a good time!! I'll do that this week and see if I can improve!

Looser jeans ARE a success though...yea!

Weigh in 4/23/10

Well the scale is my friend this week!  Down 1.6 lbs.  WHAT!?!   It has been an interesting week. I am not surprised as I weigh myself every day, but surprised at the loss again.    I am trying to see what I've done differently, and this is it:

1.  Tried to go under points each day to really only hit on target at the end of the day.  But I did not go into the extra points.  
2.  Tried to eat the RIGHT foods not just staying in points with any type of food (cake, cookies, ice cream pizza).   Thank you spaghetti squash!
3.  Having only 2 cups of coffee each day. I was up to 3, but was not sure how that was effecting me (should that be affecting with an "a" -- I suppose I need to look that up if I'm to teach it someday).   I found I was more agitated and possibly a slight blood pressure increase when I get annoyed, challenged, irritated or mad so wanted to cut back.
4.  I've increased my supplements, per Bob's recommendation.  He is so smart.  

I did get 7 activity points, the slow way this week, with 1 elliptical and 4 times dog walking.   

I did have to re-adjust my points today as I'm under 160 now :)   So I lost 1 point.  Glad I am working at keeping under as now I need to.

Well have a great week.  I'll be praying for us this week.  

Mama T

ugh!

So, the day and night started off good...got a walk in with all 4 kids and ate way below points...loved Terrie's crab salad...then, Vivienne threw up...it all went awry after that :( SOOO, the 1 cup of 3 pts. worth of ice cream turned into almost 5 points...I had 7 points to use AFTER dinner, but, ending it with that much ice cream (even if I had the points) is not ideal...emotional eating at it's best :) Sticking with "what matters is what you do next" motto!!

My allergies are absolutely HORRIBLE right now as well...I'm sneezing and sneezing and sneezing...my nose is a literal faucet...so, think I'll skip folding the laundry and just go to bed! Glad you all did well...tomorrow will be better!!

Tues/Wed

I remembered this morning that I forgot to check in last night. Oops. I was out at Meijer after work so didn't get home until right at 9pm- time for Lost. But last night was good, so not a biggie.

Today at weigh in...have gotten myself back to my 10lbs loss. From 3 weeks ago. Ah well...it is what it is, eh? Glad to be back there. On to more. To help me with that...I was the first volunteer to take the "Group 3 month Tracker" home. Basically, each member (who wants to participate) can take the book home for a week and track in it. Extra accountability you know when someone else might look at it! I have one point left tonight and I am hungry, so will have 94% popcorn for 1 pt. And, Merwyn always shares it with me so likely less.

I also did some meal planning and was set to make Cajun orange pork chops. But, clearly not ready as a thought because I didn't read that they had to marinade for at least 8 hours. Ugh! So, I winged it and just grilled them with seasoning. Yummy anyway. Merwyn actually said it was his "sunshine" for the day (He's not being weird...we do sunshine and clouds at dinner...when we remember). Which brings me to something I wanted to tell you two about Aldi's...I've decided to avoid their meat too. These chops from Meijer were much, much better tasting.

Exercise has been tough because I haven't been able to make it to the Community Center much. And won't for the remainder of the week. And, the Wii Fit is getting boring. At least the stuff that's good cardio. Good news...my Wii Sport Active came in the mail today. Bad news...no time tomorrow or Friday to do it. Friday I am going on the kindergarten trip to the zoo so will work off points there.

Babbling is over. And my popcorn is done!

Mama Dub

Evening check in :)

I think I will have a yogurt, I have a few points left for the day.   Enjoyed a new crab salad that was fantastic and 4 pts. for 1 cup.  I can share the recipe with you Wendy.  I made it for Megan & I tonight as we had dinner at the park with the kids.    Not a huge portion but not bad for a dinner with some spaghetti squash and veggies.

Well when we left the park and Vivienne got sick in the car, I diverted to Target and JCP. Found some capri's in 1 size smaller than my normal pants.  That was pretty exciting.  The regular size just was too big.  Nice feeling!!!

I'm off to watch American Idol, have last nights performances recorded. Recording the results right now so I can watch only the good stuff.  The 2nd night they have some much "other" stuff I don't care about.

Only got a 20 minute walk in today for exercise.  Need to do more tomorrow.   

Have a good night!

Mama T

Monday night

Almost forgot to check in! Well, just ate some popcorn (94%) but I had planned to do so. Always come home from work HUNGRY, so I thought this was a good choice.

Terrie, got your prayer request update. Not bad news...sort of medium so far.

Gotta get back to dancing.

Mama Dub

Evening check in

Oh I think everyone is probably doing OK.
Wendy is at work.
Megan is at a workshop.

But just in case they have food out -- Just say NO!

I had a good eating day.  Had used only 6.5 pt after lunch today.   Thank goodness. We went to Sidetrack restaurant here in Ypsi Depot Town.  I had the fish tacos.   Came with 2  - only ate 1.  Had about a cup of rice and red beans - only ate 1/2.   Cod was grilled, had mango-pineapple salsa, a flour tortilla and some guacamole.  I ate all the guacamole!   Very yummy.  I think a good choice too!  I even have a fantastic lunch for tomorrow.   We did go next door for ice cream. Bob got one in a cup and I had 1/2.  So 4 pts for ice cream and figured 10 pts for dinner when I broke it down.  So not bad. Stayed in points.

I even exercised this am - 30 minutes on elliptical.

Hope your day was good.  I should have dropped some water weight with sweat on the testimony stand today :)

Mama T

oh well :)

So, I ended up having about 3 points worth of pretzels last night...but, as Wendy said, it's what you do next that matters :) I looked at my food journal for the day and saw I was right on points and thought "you know, I'm hungry and I haven't used my extra points this week"...

But, the good news (well sort of) was I woke up not hungry and was SOOOOO busy this morning (Olivia wet her bed, which she NEVER does, and Steve didn't finish the dishes last night...I was upstairs and didn't know it...so, I was doing laundry, dishes and bathing Olivia before 8 am!!!) that I skipped breakfast and am just now having a point friendly and tasty lunch...I know skipping a meal isn't the ideal, but after a snack last night, I needed to not eat as soon as I woke today :)

Okay, gotta clean up from lunch, but just wanted to give myself accountability and admit "out loud" last night...will help me be prepared for tonight :)

Hope you girls have a great day (after the trial...waiting to hear from you!!)

boy, we do good with a purpose :) I was just about to check in too... :)

Terrie, CONGRATS on another pound 'bye bye"! So wonderful!!!! Wendy, I'm with you...done for the night...had acorn squash, 1 chicken leg and a bowl of vegetable barly soup...some FF pudding for dessert! It really DOES help me mentally knowing I'll be posting on here and you are both "watching me" or waiting to hear anyway! Thanks for the accountability since I know the only reason I go to a bag of popcorn is habit!! Accountability is a good, good thing!

Think I am over by a point or two today...waited too long for dinner and had an apple and strawberries while waiting for dinner to cook...not the worst thing to eat, but a point IS a point :)

I too am praying for you, your lawyer and the truth to be seen tomorrow...hugs and support coming from the Lord through prayers! I trust Him to give you all He has planned...which we know is always for your good... :)

Ding Ding

Ding Ding goes the computer - you have mail.

Checking in on evening eating.

Had a good day today. Not a single splurge foul up!  Wow don't have too many of those days!  
Had my go to lunch - la tortilla wraps (2) for 1.5 pts.; 1/2 cup refried blk beans for 1 pt; 1 slice sargentos low fat provolone cheese for 1 pt. then tomatoes, hot pepper flakes, fat free sour cream & salsa  - nice burritos!  Then veggies.   This is a great very filling 3.5 pt lunch!

Dinner chicken breast on grill, only 4 oz for me.  Asparagus grilled, fresh veggies and 1/2 c watermelon.

So I'm a little hungry and thinking of snacking so I thought I'd check in here with you both.


Hope you had a great day too.

Mama T

Sunday checkin' in

Pretty good day points wise. Had a yummy stir fry dinner- I definitely like my vegetables when stir fried! But, I am now ready to discontinue eating for the remainder of the night.

Terrie, I will be thinking of you and praying for you tomorrow. Hoping you have a peaceful nights sleep. I have a points finder I will be mailing out to you.

Megan, I have points finders for Melissa. Do you want me to mail them to Melissa or to you?

Goodnight Mama's!
Mama Dub

oops!

New habits hard to break it! Forgot to post for tonight- had a friend over. If I had remembered, I wouldn't have eaten that 1pt treat...but it was just one point. But I wasn't hungry...just wanted a treat. Well, Megan's post reminded me and so I am done!

Had a tough time earlier in the day...got too hungry when Sabrina's vet visit went long. But I reigned it in after. So many challenges...everyone doing well! Nice to hear the reports.

Terrie, I thought of you often today. Hope it was a nice day of rememberance.

Enjoy the rest of your evenings!

Mama Dub

I hear ya!

So, Wendy, how are you tonight??? Are you out and therefore not tempted? Hope you're resisting the unncessary...I'm trying...eating my 94% FF popcorn, but REALLLLY wanting something bad...I won't!!

Terrie, you did good! I had a similar experience last night...had Owen's Blue and Gold Cub Scouts dinner and they served Lee's fried chicken with all the fixins' OR deep dish pizza :( I ate a bowl of spaghetti squash and salsa before we went cause I knew it wouldn't be good there...I ended up just eating a few bites and a crust of one piece of pizza, and 1/2 a biscuit from Lee's...THEN, they brought out the irresistable...you know...Costco Carrot (and others) cake!! Thankfully, they cut them in very small pieces, so I ate my small piece and didn't feel too bad...I had at least 10 points left before I got there, so I'm hoping I only went a few points over...

Terrie, I think I'd like to have you enter my meals one day and see what the points come out too...as I said, I eat so many veggies...lots of 0 point veggies, but I still think my points are coming out close to my daily quota...

Okay, off to watch TV with the man...big day of moving all the beds around and we'll have a bit more to do tomorrow...think we're staying home from church...have a good night friends!

Onto the NEXT DAY

I knew that motto would come in handy.   We had Pizza last night. We were going to go out but Jacob said he was dizzy and a little feverish so we stayed in ordered Pizza.  Bob brought it home from Cottage Inn.  Oh that is good pizza.   I ate a cup of broccoli before he came home.  Also made a side salad.  So I had one piece of the chicken feta pizza and 3 cheese bread slices.    Now me the non evening snacker - grabbed another cheese bread slice at 8:00.    That is not me!  But it was good. Way over points.  Will not weigh myself until Monday!

So onto the NEXT DAY!   Breakfast so far was my normal oatmeal, apricots and coffee.

Great job Mama Dub on no evening snacking.  

Have a great day WW girls.

Mama T

Friday night check in

Congrats Terrie on the loss. I was afraid the sodium in the food might derail you. Perhaps the water you drank helped, eh? I am thinking about you tonight as your relive last year this time. Will think about you tomorrow also!

Ok, now to Hungry Mama biz...It is 8:15 and I'm logging in to say no more food tonight!

Enjoy!
Wendy

Friday Weigh in 4/16/10

Hello!!

Oh movie and dinner was so much fun!!!!!  I can't tell you how great it was to get out with the girls!!!

Well I need to do that every week before a weigh in as I am down a whole pound today!  WHAT!?!   Yesterday my scale said only .2, as you may recall from last night.  So I get on the scale expecting that same and it says a pound from last week.  I even moved it around the bathroom floor thinking it was off. But NO it kept coming up the same (sometimes it varies).   So I am down 14.6 lbs so far.   Truly amazing.  I have really been trying this week - lots of veggies, minimal meat, not a lot of cheating, staying in points if not down 1 pt. for the day.  I also worked out on my elliptical this week, as you know I was missing him for 2 weeks as it need a new crank.  So exciting news and I'm excited.   Now next week I think I'll expect a .2 loss.

Have a great WW weekend!   I'll be checking on you Mama Dub after 7:00 :)  Mama M too :)   Check on me for chips :(

Mama T

no more candy!!

You know, I don't really even like candy...I mean, I don't crave it...it doesn't tempt me in the stores, but when you have a BUCKET of chocolate sitting up on top of your fridge...and I DO mean a FULL bucket, it is SO hard to resist!! Thus the lack of posting!!!!

I have tried to be mindful of how much I eat...I've even started eating a piece and just spit it out so I can get the taste but not all the calories...I've been eating well "food wise" though...didn't go out the whole weekend, which is a rarity, and that was good...and when Steve's parents called and wanted to come for dinner on Friday, I ate before they came so they wouldn't wonder why I was eating Acorn Squash, peas and chicken and they were eating the super fatty cheesy chicken and rice dinner I made for the kids!!!

So, I'm continuing to track and see where I can improve...I know I didn't lose anything over the last week-2 weeks, but I don't think I've gained anything too significant...what I know is that I feel better when I'm more controlled and eating all the healthy foods I actually love!

If we can just get the candy somewhere out of my sight, I'll be better...if you think of me, just pray my after dinner/after bedtime cravings for something will lessen and I will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to only eat what will benefit His temple, I'd appreciate it!!

Have we decided on Thursday??? Time? Place? Think I'll maybe get a sitter...looking forward to seeing you both!

groovin' again

So far, I have been tracking like I should. I don't think this will lead to weight loss this coming Wed because I was so off track, but getting back on track is key.

I wanted to share this recipe with you both. It was delicious and although 7 or 8 points (can't remember), it includes your meat and starch. Very easy to make also! http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Chicken-Orzo-Skillet-2

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Mama Dub

Friday weigh in 4/9/10

It's been a slow weight loss but down .4 lbs.   It has taken me 2 weeks to loose 1.8 lbs.  It went off, it went on and off.   It is a down and slow and steady will win the race. Limited exercise as my go to elliptical is broken.  Easter Sunday consumed 2 days worth of points.  I think "what" I eat not "just don't go over points" is key for me and exercise.  

Still going for that goal, it will just take a while.  I truly am learning how to eat healthier and make better choices. So this is a lifestyle change.   But I sure love chips and cake!

Elliptical repairman will be here Monday evening. Praying it gets fixed!

Have a great weekend!

Our dinner / movie night is Thursday!  Can't wait. We need to decide where.   

Mama T

Present...sort of.

Hey Mama's,
Didn't mean to abandon. Truth is I've been struggling a bit on the plan since my return from Haiti. Trying to get back in the groove and the most important part is tracking, which has been half hearted to say the least. I'm trying to find the gumption to keep keeping on when I'm having trouble caring. Well, I care big picture (I want to lose weight) but don't care little picture (do I want to put this into my gullet.).

Last weeks weigh in was a small gain, .4. Not sure what tomorrow will bring but I'm trying to drink a lot of liquids to rid my body of the sodium from Sunday and Monday. Easter ham is good but loaded, and I usually have a SmartOnes frozen dinner when at work and it was loaded too.

I've been able to exercise more, so hoping it offsets other things. We'll see.

Glad to hear of your continued successes!

Mama Dub

Hi !!

Terrie, big Congrats on ANOTHER loss!!! That is just amazing...you are doing so good...truly, you are an inspiration!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!! Now, you can enjoy Sunday knowing even a little "mess up" still allows you to produce good results the next week...awesome!!

So, in moving all my clothes into my "new and improved" Master closet, I got to try on things I haven't tried on in ages (just cause I couldn't see them) and things are a bit looser...I know I don't have a big goal and wishes I was there already, but I see it's working...some of the clothes were pre Owen!!!! I really should get a scale out so I can see what my losses are...maybe I'll do that next week!

What I wanted to tell you is my new FAVORITE, super filling, super delicious breakfast is: One of the Arnold Sandwich Thins multi-grain circles (one circle is 2 pieces and only 1 point for the whole thing...I buy mine at Costco), with 1 tbsp. of peanut butter and 1/2 a banana, thinly sliced to cover both circle halves...oh my goodness...i can't even tell you how yummy it is and how incredibly filling!!!! The whole thing only equals 4 points! Great for a fast breakfast or even lunch!!

Okay, gotta run...kids getting a little crazy...have a blessed Easter girls! Thank the GOOD LORD He loves us, as we are, and will one day give us the restored perfect body that glorifies Him completely!!!!

Friday Weigh in 4/1/10

Hi Mama's!

Well it was a good week. I really tried to get my veggies in.  Did not succeed on the milk but did get the veggies!  Thanks in part to Spaghetti Squash. I had never made it before and Megan said it was good and filling. I know Wendy also made it a while back too.  So I made it Monday -- yumm!!!   Had it for lunch the next day too. Fantastic.  Bought another at the store on Wed. and may make it tonight for great leftovers on Sat. before Easter dinner.

So I lost the weight I gained back on the scale last week, .8 lbs.,  then dropped .4 lbs this week.   I am happy with that.  :)

I have been on WW now for a full 3 months.  Here are the total stats (and this feels great!)

Lost 13.4 lbs.
and
2 inches each off my bust, waist and hips.  
(I take my measurements the first of the month only).

Not excited about the bust thing, but whatever.   It all goes in proportion, so interesting how the body works. 

So the next 3 months will be interesting. I don't think I'll loose another 13 lbs but 8 - 10 would be fantastic.  Just keep plugging away and eating my veggies.   This has been such a great journey for me.  Learning about portions and the amount of food I was putting in my mouth daily.  I truly can't believe I've lost weight. 

I hope you have had a great week and enjoy your weekend and Easter celebrations!!

Mama T

Hello Mama's

Where have we been?

How are we going to survive Easter Dinner?  

Mama Dub -- weigh in yesterday???

Have a great eating day!   Just prayed for all of us.

Mama T

Dairy Products

So I'm going to analyze my intake this week and make sure I'm getting the recommended daily items.  My online program has these catagories:

8 liquids
3 milk/milk product
8 fruits/veggies
3 healthy oil
1 activity
2 proteins
1 whole grain

Well I have no trouble with the whole grain (so will work or decreasing that).
I can't get the milk/ milk products in.  I wished eggs counted here :)
What do you do to get your milk/milk products in?
Does the Almond Non Diary (milk substitute ) count?  It's not that great but only 1 point vs. 2 with regular milk.  I don't really like milk to just drink.

Thanks! 
Answer whenever you can.  I'm having a home day. Bob is gone and the boys don't want to go shopping and the budget doesn't say I can go either :)   But I really want some cute Easter decorations -- I'm hosting Easter dinner.

Mama T

Friday Weigh in 3/26/10

Not the news I wanted but what can you do.... up  .8 lbs.

Now I read that you may experience a gain at some point in your weight loss journey. That you never loose every week to look at the month.   So I will do that.   

To analyze my week:  Friday - TGI Fridays; Sat - Bavarian Inn; Sun - Thurs - over a few points each day with probably not the healthy choices in my meals.  Probably a little more fat then usual.   Needed some more veggies.    I did get 11 activity points. I did my Jillian Wii 2010 - 2 days - she hurts you.  It more strength than cardio.  My cardio and heart rate really are highest on the elliptical.   But the Wii program gets me doing stomach and arm and leg strengthening.  I am truly sore.  Top of thighs and inside.  I will keep my exercise going as planned.

Really if .8 in back on it will come back off. So I'll take it back off this week.

Have a great weekend girls.

Thanks for all the meal tips Mama M - love ideas and new things.

Mama T

meals

so, I already shared this with Terrie, but thought I should put it here too!

I made oatmeal with diced apricots, cinnamon and 1 tbsp. of honey today...sooo good! Super filling and the texture of the apricots was right up my taste bud alley! If you're looking for a filling change, I give this my vote!

Also, those Zucchini straws I posted on FB are SO fantastic too! To think a whole zucchini amount it only 1.33 points??? I may have eaten a few more, but at most 2 points worth, and that was a ton! I'm definitely going to try her crepes on there sometime too...Gina is a good little wealth of tasty knowledge!

Last, my newest favorite side dish and lunch is Spaghetti Squash (which is 0 points) with 1 triangle of Laughing Cow cheese and spices of choice (a little s & p, cayenne and dried basil)...again, super tasty, filling and LOW points...if I have any cooked veggies or chicken in the fridge, I add that too!

Okay, my "second last" item is the restaurant size bag (10 lbs ??) of chicken breasts at Costco...now, they say no horomones, but I'm sure you'd know more about that Terrie...HOWEVER, the breasts are all weighed out to be 4 oz. (which I still weighed after cooking to be sure), but only 100 calories and 1 gram of fat, making the whole breast 2 points! That is great diced on the squash too!

So, there we go...I think I'm staying on and very close to points everyday, but exercise just is not fitting in over here...even when I get up early, I can barely finish shower and BSF before the kids are down here, and during the day, things have just been taking longer...I'm looking to the Summer as a more realistic time to add exercise regularly...I have no idea where my loss is, but I"m not at goal...what I know is I haven't put ON any weight and I love what I get to eat!!! That's success to me!!!

Blue Ribbon time

I earned my blue ribbon today at my meeting by reaching the 10lb mark! Hoorah for me! Getting back into the exercise mode after a few weeks away from it helps a lot, I think.

Mama T- that OJ thing from Jacob is hilarious! Too funny.

Mama Dub

You know you talk about points too much at home when...

Jacob spills orange juice in the morning and tells his Dad that is 5 points :)

Mama T

Yummy Dessert - Chocolate Crepes

I just made these Chocolate Crepes with Strawberries for dessert!  Oh my yummy!  At 2.5 points each well worth using my last few points of the day on this!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/02/chocolate-crepes-with-strawberries.html#comment-form

Bob thought it was great.
Caleb ate 1 1/2.
Jacob well he said it was OK -- truly that child cannot be from me!

Mama T

My weekend

• One day of workout logged

• 15 extra points used

• Groceries shopped for and meals planned to stay in points for the day!

Those are the stats, now for the details!

Found out I was going to Frankenmuth as I shared.   So I was able to log 3 activity points on my elliptical.   I ordered the crab stuffed white fish, with rice and steamed vegetables.  While this was a better choice than all the others, I should of just had a plain piece of fish baked.   I did not eat all the rice.  I did find out even if you order off the "other" menu it comes with all the sides. So had noodle soup, some of the cranberry relish and applesause. I did have smaller portions and did not have seconds!  I did enjoy the 1/2 cup of ice cream.  So I used about 12 extra points in that meal (I think).   Expensive meal and since we were invited by his parents as they had free March birthday meal coupons we went. They offered to help pay but we said no it's OK.  Well $65 later and gas, I wanted to cry (not really). That is 2 nights eating out. We blew our whole eating out budget for the week, remember we went to TGI Fridays by choice on Friday.   So will have to cook all my meals until next payday on April 2nd.  

So grocery shopping I went on Sunday.  I bought the Laughing Cow Cheese wedges. Megan mentioned those to me.  I had one at lunch as a spread on my turkey sandwich -- YUMMM!   Thanks for that recommendation.

A quiet week planned here. I hope :)

Have a great day and I'm praying we are all satisfied with our portions and choices are healthy.

mama T

New website with recipes

I found this website with recipes and WW points!! 
WOW it looks like it has some great recipes.

Also the Spinach Lasagna Rolls I made last week are on here. She has a beautiful picture.  Mine didn't look near as yummy but tasted great.

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

Bookmark this one girls!

Dinner date for April 15th!

Set the date aside and I hope this works for us! We will figure out timing/details closer to the date, unless anyone else wants to figure that out - which is OK.

TGI Friday's

TGI Friday's has a shrimp/broccoli meal that is super good and only 250 calories equals 4 points.  We went last night but did the 3 courses for $12.99.  Mistake -- third course was dessert.  YUMMY, YUMMY White Choc. Mousse Cheescake!!  I did share it with Bob and the kids had Bobs Brownie/ice cream dessert.  Still dessert was 730 calories - 1/2 was 8 points by itself.    Didn't I just say yesterday I wasn't going to do this!   We went out to eat after we traded in our Commander AND Durango.  Got a 2004 GMC Envoy with 80,000 miles and a $236 car payment.  The smallest payment we've had in our marriage.  Crazy stupid before I know.  Anyway, great car, not 100% Dave Ramsey but we just reduced our debt on cars by 50%. :)   We will be able to pay it off in April.   What a savings for us.   Also Wendy it can pull a small trailer has a tow capacity of 5750 lbs.    So that is why we went out to eat, hours at the dealer.

So for our dinner/movie out we can think of TGI Fridays as an option.

Pray for me today though.  We were just invited by Bob's parents to go to Frankenmuth today.  Is there anything healthy on their menu???   Yikes!    I'll let you know.  Off to work out!!!

Mama T

Let's Get Together!

Applebees for dinner?
Movie for fun!

Are you up for a dinner and movie?  

I was thinking Thursday is a good night. Does anyone have any blocks on their Thursdays?  
April 8th?  April 15th?

Just did a check for Applebee's and there aren't too many locations your way Wendy?  Why not? We have them all over here in Canton, Westland, Northville.  
What would another restaurant option be?   I guess anywhere with a Salad ???

Need some planning help.   What movie theatre??

Mama T

Week 11 Weigh In

Yes week 11!!  I can't believe I have been doing this for 11 weeks.  How time flies when your starving yourself. No just kidding.  I love that about WW.  I am not starving myself. I do indulge but I know I'm doing it. I am eating less but still feel full.  However those yummy chips and cake call my name!

Well to stats for my 11 week weigh in. I have dropped another pound. So down 13 lbs.  I am just so excited!
I have 13 more weeks until my birthday (june 17th) and it would be great if I could drop another 10.  I will be so close to goal weight and would be very comfortable with that weight. 

I think if I keep that in mind I should be able to stay on it.
I will say that cheating, or having that extra sweet, is easy on this plan as you have those extra points for the week. So I need to not think about those points as a way to have those items.  But it's nice!!

I hope you both have a great day!

Happy staying in points to YOU!!!

Mama T

Hi!

 A quick new post! 
Busy day today, had to take Bob to the office (turning in lease car).   Taking mom to the Dr. and then dropping off 7 bags of clothes/blankets/bedding to Salvation Army and mom wants to shop there. That is why I'm doing it today she loves to browse the Salvation Army. The A2 one is pretty good.

Well my eating has been over points each day, but not over my weekly additional points balance.  I am eating healthy until the ice cream calls me.  It is left over from Jacob's birthday - I really should of just thrown it out! Next time I will.  1 half cup is 4 points, well by 7:00 I don't usually have 4 extra points, maybe 1 but not 4 :)

I have worked out Sun, Mon & Tues.    Not sure it will fit in today, but hope so!

Well off to do my stuff.   Hope you all have a a GREAT DAY!!!!

Mama T

P.S. We all need to get together one evening.  What should we do?

Hi

Started a post but was interrupted by various things.  Will write tomorrow am.   Miss talking to you girls :)
Have a good night!

Mama T

Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Hi Girls!

I made this for dinner tonight! Bob loved it!  The boys ate all but the filling in the lasagna rolls (no surprise there). Really enjoyed it for a 6 point dinner!  It is something you have to cook - about 20 minutes to do the cooking of the sauce, etc.   Then 5 to roll the noodles and 5 - 10 clean up.   So about 30 minutes. But you have leftovers and lunch for the husband.   I did make it this afternoon and refrigerated until I baked it. So all clean up etc was done before dinner time:)  

I did add garlic to the ricotta cheese mix.   Why is there no garlic in a lasagna?   

Oh I cut my noodles in 1/2 so I had more "rolls".

Megan not sure Steve would go for this being Italian and used to the real thing :)   This has just a little cheese on top.   Most lasagnas are stuffed with cheese.

Mama T

 

Turkey and Spinach Lasagna Rolls

  by Weight Watchers Magazine

Unique cheese and spinach-stuffed lasagna bundles smothered in a turkey marinara sauce.

POINTS® Value:    6 Servings:  6 Preparation Time:  15 min Cooking Time:  40 min Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

Unique cheese and spinach-stuffed lasagna bundles smothered in a turkey marinara sauce.

Ingredients

	6 item(s) dry lasagna noodles
	1 tsp olive oil
	1/2 pound(s) uncooked ground turkey breast
	1 medium onion(s), chopped
	1 item(s) bell pepper(s), yellow, seeded and finely chopped
	16 oz marinara sauce, refrigerated, fresh
	1/3 cup(s) water
	1 cup(s) fat-free ricotta cheese
	5 oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
	1/4 cup(s) basil, chopped fresh   (used dry)
	2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
	1 large egg(s), lightly beaten
	1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
	1/2 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

• Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse the noodles and lay them flat on wax paper.
  
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, onion, and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until all the pan juices evaporate and the turkey browns, about 10 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened and the flavors blend, about 5 minutes.
  
• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, spinach, basil, Parmesan, egg, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Spread the ricotta mixture over the length of each noodle and roll up from one short end.
  
• Spread half of the turkey mixture in the bottom of an 8 x 12-inch baking dish. Add the rolls. Top with the remaining turkey mixture. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Bake until heated through and the top is golden, about 10 minutes longer.