Reaching My Goal

Well, I have continued the focus. I have made it through the holiday weekend without making a mess of my eating habits. I have found a happy medium with my wants and my needs of certain foods. I think I stay hungry but, I make really good choices now. And, I eat all the time. The difference is I intake food that have no points most of the day but, make me really full for a period of time. I love having success with this. I feel like I am winning...like I am improving my lookz and my health. And, that is exactly what I set out to do. When I tell people how much weight I have loss they can't believe it. They stare. With only 20 something more pounds to go...now comes the hard part. Maintenance....staying the course.

I am ready though. I have learn it all starts in two places....at the grocery store and what I purchase to take home. And, with my energy level and making sure I workout. No more excuses...the time for a better me is now.

2.4 Pounds Lost

On another level now. Excited to get dress. To excited to by new clothes. I must slow down with that for sure. But, I am now looking for new ways to eat healthy. I am looking for new ways to exercise. And, I am always in search of great taste but, not an exorbant about of calories and fat. Today, I purchase wheat crackers and reduced fat crackers. Unheard of five months ago.

So, it seventeen weeks now and 54 pounds lost. I was a size 22 when I started and I purchase size 12's and Mediums this week. Wow, what a change.

I received my 50 pound lost pin. I am wearing it on a necklace.

And, now let's talk about looks from the opposite sex. Amazing how weight is the number common denominater. People respect and admire smaller people. People give you more credit when you look healthy.

Whatever the reason is for the new found attention. I am pleased with it. But, again....amazing!!!

Lost 5 Pounds!!!

Lost .8 Pounds...

Gained .6 Pounds....Not Happy

I just have to refocus. And, I know that will be hard. But, I must forget the disappointment on focus on what I did wrong last week. And, I actually know. I had some fried food. I ate a lot of sliced ham and peanut butter crackers.

3 Pounds Loss

Not to excited this time. I am craving some real food now. It's kind of hard to stay on task. I am doing it but, it's not as easy anymore. I have to find ways to motivate myself.

Sure, I am please with the result but, I wish there was some magic wond. I guess there wasn't any magic when I was consuming more than I was burning off so....the price is consistency now.

I need to find another avenue of exercise and activity. Tough week...but, still  loss weight. 

5 Pounds Lost

A good day at Weight Watchers. I was a little down because I didn't know where my weight was. I knew for sure that I had a good week. But, just looking in the mirror I could tell a thing. Eating so many vegetables and fruit had me bloated on most ocassions this week. But, when that lady said 5 pounds I started to cry.

And, this is the first week that I have deviated from my normal Tuesday @ 11:45 am meeting. I was not feeling myself so I waited for the Wednesday @ 6:00 pm meeting.

So many times this past week I was down on the process. Thinking of ways I could kick start my matabolism. I was thinking that I needed to increase my exercise. But, I just didn't consider all of the activity and exercise I had gotten from the delivering food and going up and down the stairs. And, once I prepared it loading it in the car and the unloading it. And, there were a couple of days when I could not fit my lunch and dinner in. Time was a problem and....I had snacked on so much fruit and vegetable I had made til dinner with just oatmeal or cereal, lots of fruit, and some crackers.

I know without a doubt that's probably not the most nutrious way of going about it. But.....desperate times call for desperate measures.

I was so happy coming home from Weight Watchers. I felt like my work...my efforts had been validated. I was after all on the right track.

So, I have lost 42 pounds now since Feb 1st. My goal is the get to 50 pounds lost by May 1st. That maybe too lofty of a goal but....I am certainly going to try.

This is without a doubt the best I have felt and looked since 2005. Amazing that I treaded water and didn't put my foot forward all those years.

2 Pounds Lost

Definitely not feeling my best. I must I have to give myself credit for making it through Easter without giving in. And, I cooked. I baked a Ham. I did greens with turkey necks. I did yellow rice with sausage in it and, some rolls. It looked and smell good. But, I did not touch it until I weighed on Tuesday. And, then I enjoyed the greens and turkey necks only. I eventually had to freeze the ham and give the rest away. It was well worth the effort. Any weight loss is better than none. I made it through a holiday.

I loved this outfit. And, I thought it looked good on my. Now, it didn't make me feel as shapely as I wanted it too....but, I was very pleased with the look, the sandals, and the nails done. I also thought my make up turned out pretty good. Definitely a step in the right direction of regaining my gracefulness.

Go me!!! I am so glad I decided to set the bar a little bit higher that I had it. I was feeling good on some days but, far from looking it. A new standard....and being consistent has changed my life.

2.8 lbs Loss....

Well, I didn't like the feeling on April 3rd. Even the loss an additional 2.8 pounds I was really tired of the process Tuesday. I just wanted a day not think about what's going in my body. Thankfully I did not deviate from the regiment. I stayed the course. But, nine weeks and 34.8 pounds loss since.....can be an exhausting task. It finally caught up with me. It seems the more I lose the more I realize how much I had gained and what a humungus goal I had set for myself.

I didn't take a picture on Tuesday. I decided to wait. I wasn't feeling smaller. I wasn't feeling my best.

But, today...Thursday and I realizing how much of a difference that amount of wait makes. Wow, I feel so much better. My clothes are so loose.

I heard this at Weight Watchers on Tuesday....

"It is nice to go shopping in your own closet. I was tired of settling on something to wear solely based off of the size and fit alone." 

It is revelation for me too. So many things I had purchase with a disillusioned eye and thought process. I never thought I was as big as I was. But, I was. And, I rationalized my size every day to make myself feel better. Well, now I really feel good. I really continue to be proud of myself.

And, this can get old. But, the daily reward is above all the other things that I feel.

Reality Check Yesterday....

 Was thinking that I was smaller than I was. But, the truth is I am a 14 or 16. Now, that's a far cry from being a 20-22 just 9 weeks ago. But, it is also a far cry from being where I want to be....and where I thought I was for a moment.

It's a good reality check though. That will push me...

Not Feeling My Best

I am still pleased with the progress. My problem is I keep looking for signs of weight loss on a daily basis. Even when I know this is a marathon and I need to worry about the progress once a week. If I continue to be consistent the weight loss will come. Again....a marathon.

I am getting a little bored with my diet though. I need to give is some variety. I am stuck with the oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast. And, from there it's a Lean Cuisine for lunch and dinner. I venture off into Graham Crackers and Saltines as snacks. And, I eat all of the fruit and veggies I can stand so long as there is no added sugar or oil/fat to veggies.

I am still very surprised that I have been able to last 8 weeks without ice cream or additional sugar period. No sugar drinks....just grapefruit juice and water.

Can I do this forever....no. But, there are some aspects of it that I can hold on to that will help increase my matabolism in the future.
Today was the first day in quite some time that I didn't completely enjoy what I had on. I have to be patient about that. Even my clothes is a gradual process. There is no way to look any smaller than I am . I must continue the process one day at a time.

Comparison

My first look at the difference. Wow, what motivation this is. I was huge. And, no matter how nice I dressed I was still huge. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength to do better. Food was my everything. It is what I lived for. Now, I eat food to be healthy.

I needed to do this today. I am glad I found two pics so that depicted this glaring change in my life....in my body. I felt the difference but the two pics side by side tell the story. God is good.I remember this black jacket. I filled it out in the arms. It was tight on me. And, I actually thought I looked good in it. I am no longer a XXL in anything unless I just choose to buy it. Now comes the hard part. And, that is to continue to be consistent and boring. Stay on the right track. Eat healthy. Purchase healthy. And, eat often and small....

I can't wait for another day to see how my body changes.

3.8 LBS Lost

I was sure of the weight loss. I knew going in that I had lost weight. I could feel it. I could see it. I can tell you the people around me who have no will power are now getting jealous. When I first started this journey there was a lot of positive feedback. But, once I said, "Since Feb. 1st, I have lost 32.2 pounds." Their comment was, "Now you are bragging." Well, hell yeah I am bragging. Any weight loss at all is an accomplishment. I use to be on the other side of this saying next Monday is the day....and then next Monday again...and then well, I will start at the first of the year. Now, I have been saying the first of the year since 2004....yes 2004. But, now I have a hold of it. And, I am not letting go. I understand the balance of food, stress, and social eating. They all play apart in my life. I am not one of those who has a matabolism out of this world. I have to accept that and eat what I want in moderation.  But, getting back to my fake support. So be it...just because you choose to be closer to 400 lbs with no signs of turning it around. And, make no mistake, people are happier when their misery has company...............................................................Well, no more compnay. You are on your own.

What's so wonderful is....each day is a new day to attack it and get better....lose more. And, even after 32 lbs....I still have 40 to do to be a respectable size and weight.

All the rest that are not in my corner....keep it moving.

Weigh In Tomorrow

But....today is the smallest I have felt since I started this journey. And, I have realized this is truly a journey. I have thought of all the things that come with being smaller but, I forgot how this is....how tough it is to be consistent. It's tough to stay on track and stay focus. Your only reward late at night when your stomach is growling it knowing that the end of the rainbow is worth and getting closer. The feeling is amazing. I don't hide from mirrors now.


And, the best line I have heard is...."I have gone from have to....to want to." What a difference. I look forward to stuff in my closet. I look forward to shopping. I have gone from a 22 to a 14 and still progressing. 


My face has slimmed tremendously. I have a face. And, I have gone from XXL tees to XL. Thank God for giving me the strength to initiate this journey....to continue....and to realize this is the only way to long term health. Again...what was I thinking before? Amazing!

2.4 lbs

This time I don't really see it. I can feel it in my arms and legs though. And, any weight loss is good. It is better to see that than know for sure your weight going up and feeling it when you put on clothes.


I ate cabbage and shrimp a lot last week. Even though I know it was low in fat it was hard to judge portions. And, when you are hungry, I have found that it is good to have prepared meals on hand when you are hungry. There is less cheating that way. And, it is so much better to know exactly what you had and to know that is your allotted portion at that time. 


I continue to be encouraged. I can continue to see a difference. I continue to make progress in the right direction. I really think this is so cool. My confidence is soaring and look at other women struggling with their weight and wonder when they will make the decision to live healthier. I include a lot of water in my diet now. I had some Vitamin Water today and it seem so sweet. I am now going on 7 weeks with no sweets. None! And, that in itself is a minor miracle. I love chocolate. I love a good cheesecake....and I love sweets. But, those sweets did not love my body.


Wow! What a change I have made....I pray I can persevere and continue down this path. 

3.4 Pounds Lost....

I was definitely surprised at the lost this week and encourage. I didn't think I had a good week. But,  as I continue down this journey I now know consistency is the key. I continue to feel better and different and healthy. No amount of food can replace the healthy me. 

And, important revelation for me. I am glad I am doing the pictorial history. It gives me a chance to see the difference. I made excuses for my look at the higher weight. But, OMG!! What was I thinking. I look younger and feel younger. And, just blogging this and looking at the progress is giving me motivation. Gonna get it tomorrow with some exercise. 

I have to get better with. The problem is I talk myself out of it every time. And, then I have success on the scale....so it's hard to reason with results. But, if I exercise more often just think of the results. 

So proud though. I have changed my eating so drastically. And, I have found there are so many options that I really love to eat that so much better for me. To God be the glory on this one for giving me the strength....

Very Confident....

I loved this look on me today. Made me feel better.

Today was a good day. Still feel good. Need to increase cardio although I have done better than last week.

I wish the people around me would do better about their eating habits but, I am determined to keep doing the right thing, And, at the top of my list is to continue to improve my eating habits. They were atrocious.

I keep saying I am going to reward myself with a treat of some sort for my minor success. But, each week of improvement and additional weight loss just makes me want to continue to lose more and stay on the right path.

I don't have the taste for things like I use to. I don't have those chocolate cravings like I use to. And, it was nothing for me at one point to have a candy bar a day. Or to eat a lot of cookies and a candy bar. And, I would bake a cake and eat a piece or two daily until it was gone.

And, I just realized no french fries for six weeks now. Wow, I love them. But, they don't love me.

And, someone told me if I would just continue to improve upon my diet I could add ten years to my life.  I do know I was tired all of the time. I was putting too much stress on my heart. I was a health risk/mess all in one.

My Update....

I am continuing to improve. I love knowing if I keep up this particular eating pattern the weight continues to fall off. I feel different every day. I see the difference in my clothes. I had given up on having a waist. Oh wow....how powerful it is to write that and to read that.

I tried on jean shorts I couldn't get over my thighs five weeks ago and now they just slide right on. Same thing with a skirt.

I added the belt to a suit yesterday and actually wore it all day.

I AM CHANGING FOR THE BETTER!!!

I am getting attention from people just a few weeks ago who wouldn't turn their head.

My legs look better. I also need new bras. I love the continual transformation back to myself. Powerful statement again.

I now look at people who are my size or bigger and wonder what their thought process is/was? Are they feeling the way I felt. Are they thinking of making a change?

I also ask, "Why did I not take a stand earlier than this?" I didn't for whatever reason. But, it is so cool to do so now. So cool.....

4.4 LBS

Five weeks now. And, a total of 22.8 pounds lost. If you had asked be about that type of lost when I started I would have been ecstatic. But, now that i am in the midst of it....it doesn't seem like much in the overall scheme of things. 


I was definitely pleased with the weight loss. I was thinking around two pounds. I did not exercise again. So, I want to put my focus on that again. I have to do better where that is concern. 


I can tell a difference in the rain coat I wore today. The arms and chest area use to be so tight in the coat. Not anymore. 


Now, I keep saying when I hit this mark or that mark I will treat myself. But, so far sticking to the routine seems to be the most rational thing to do. My regiment is yielding me results. Why should I mess that up for a craving. 


I am without a doubt pleased with myself and the new look that is evolving. 

Powerful....

Like This...

I saw this place setting at William & Sonoma today. What a display. I took a picture because I want this set. What a festive showing it would be for Easter.

Improving....And, Ignoring Mediocrity.....

Yesterday was a good day. I felt good. I healthy and energetic. Just four weeks ago it was tiring to bring grocery in the house. It was a source of dread. Isn't that amazing?!

Things that I felt yesterday....I was proud of myself for sticking to it. And, it was a hard day yesterday because I was off schedule with food. I did not have lunch until 330pm. I was starving....and getting a headache.

On a good note I got plenty of looks.....plenty of stares....lol!. And, there were a few that actually approached. Now, I am flattered. But, I am no fool. I do understand that type of attention is fools gold. But, nonetheless, a far cry from what I was getting.

And, yes, that's important to a real woman. One who is paying attention to all of her personal grooming. And, I maybe bigger than I want to be but, I have always put my best foot forward. Thank God that foot is now getting smaller and smaller.

The goal for the weekend is to stay focus on the plan...what works. And, not get sidetrack by drama....ghetto drama by someone who communicates at the level of a kindergartener. It is so true that those who have a limited vocabulary resorts to cursing. The person I am speaking of is a prime example of one. OMG! What was I thinking at one point?

The Trouble Is....I'm in a hurry and God is not.....

What a powerful statement. I didn't make this mess of my body over night and it won't be fixed over night. But, the good new is there is a, "Reclamation Project," going on with my mind, soul, and body. It's a new understanding of what I want and what I need in my life. A new direction....a new feeling.

Thank you Lord for a clear understanding of my plight....of my goals. And, thank you for giving me the stamina, the fortitude, and will power to carry out my will and your will in your name.

I remember finding a letter by Mother after she had past. It was a letter she had written to God. I was surprised in a way to know she had such a powerful relationship with him. And, the same time comforted by it because, I knew without a doubt at that moment that she was with the Lord.

Wow. the first time I have spoken about that. I was worried about her relationship for a minute. My Mother left this earth without forgiving a few people. Even after they had reached out to her in her last days. She carried that animosity home with her. I hope she has since let it go. These words are a testimony to me. There are a few things I need to let go. We can't change the past. We can only move forward and forgive those that have trespass against us.

5.8 Lbs Lost....

I am proud of myself. I don't know when I truly felt like that. I look forward to getting dress. I look forward to different events. I have a different type of confidence. And, I am looking forward to losing more. I have a long way to go to my goal but, I am proud to keep this going.

I hid behind food. I made it my focus. A while I still love food and love to cook. I am making better choices. I re-teaching myself to eat. It's not like I forgot how. Just bad choices and no one to blame but myself.

I feel prettier. My skin looks healthier. My face looks younger. And, I am not tired from doing the smaller things/chores around the house. I did not exercise at all last week so, I have to make that a focus this week. And, at some point want to treat myself to a different meal. I also want to try some yogurt. Never been a fan of it but maybe it will help my digestive system.

Tips that have worked for me.

• Oatmeal in the morning....even a little sugar sprinkled in it.
• Lots of water
• Stay with the controlled lunch and dinner. Lean Cuisines are my choice. 
• Snacks are lots of fruit. All I can eat or stand. And, I have been doing the fresh kind and a lot of canned Mandarin Oranges. 
• Lots of saltines and PB Crackers by Nabisco

Gonna look up shrimp and make some stir fry with them. Although, I am scared to venture off when this has work so well. 

So $12 a week for Weight Watchers. And, I am probably spending about $50 on food and fruit. Still a far cry from all of the Fast Food and ice cream I was consuming. 

And, when I think about my downfall was fried foods. Especially, fried chicken and french fries. Wow!!!

I love where I am heading. I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me. Phillippians 4:13

Feeling Really Proud Of Myself

Today, I feel much better. Things are working out literally. And, I met someone over the internet. I hope it is the real deal.

I feel so much better. My body feels better. I don't get so tired so easily. I am proud of myself. I made a conscious decision to eat better. I made a conscious decision to change my body. I focusing on the healthy me. No more quick fixing. And, by that I mean doing my hair and my nails and feeling pretty.

It is so true. How you see yourself and how others see it are two different things. I have started to take pictures and finally that is additional motivation.

I want to recreate myself before 50 and not after it.

Now, it's more important to increase the workouts. I have not been consistent with those. But, every day I feel a difference.

It's fun getting dress in the morning now. I am excited to try on things. And, clothing that I purchased that was previously tight are now becoming lose. And, that is such a wonderful problem to have.

New Weight Loss

I lost another 2 lbs. I was a little disappointed by that. But, there were a lot of things going on with my body. And, I wore this denim outfit when I weighed in. Not good. But, hopefully that means a better result for next week.

Now, it's 32 points instead of 34 points. But, that 's cool. That means success and I haven't been anywhere near those latter points anyway.

There are a lot of goals in place here. It's not just to look better but, to feel better.

My workout regiment is better also. I have been consistent with the 30 minute home workout. I feel better every time I do it.

It's also over 3 weeks since any fast food, beverages besides grapefruit juice and water. I may incorporate tea sweetened artificially.

Overall, I am pleased.

My New Snack Of Late....

I am hoping this helps matters. Only 4.2 LBS last week. I want to continue doing things that speed up my metabolism. Staying committed is getting harder and harder. Especially having to cook and prepare for others. But, I do think Lean Cuisine has done an excellent job in providing a healthy alternative in a perfect portion. I am hooked on those. I also found that Publix had the best assortment. I think I will start posting some of my favorites on here.

My Flowers For Valentine's Day

He actually did a good job!

Don't Trade In Your Dream For Another Dream

Congratulations to "The Help." What an excellent movie and excellent story. Tears....

Feeling Good

I have decided to do the Lean Cuisine for Lunch and dinner. I have done that the past two days and it has worked well. I never feel stuff. 


And, today was the first day I felt I have had energy in quite some time. I use to walk from the parking lot to the Mall door and be exhausted. 


In Wal Mart this morning I felt so much energy.


I am excited to try on clothes now. My closet expands with every lb loss. 

6.2 LBS

That's all....

I expected more. But, the rationalization is it's better to go down instead of heading in the wrong direction. 

And, the good news is today I felt better than I have felt better today about me than I have felt in quite some time. 

So, today, I started the...

Cereal for breakfast...

Fruit as snack 

And, Lean Cuisine for Lunch and Dinner....

Making Progress

It seems like I am losing weight. Tomorrow is the moment of truth. I hope it proves I am heading in the right direction. This weeks goals are:

• increase exercise
• replace peanut butter crackers with something else....eating to many of those
• purchase the lean cuisines I like so I don't have to struggle with what I want to eat. make it simple....
• do more cooking for the house so they don't starve. He is not ready to make an adjustment in eating habit like I am....

I Say The Giants...

I am thinking the Giants D is looking a little more aggressive than the Patriots D. Now, I am not a fan of either team.

I just want the Gator players to perform well. Kudos to Aaron Hernandez, Brandon Spikes, Jermaine Cunningham, Gerrard Warren, and Justin Trattou.

Brady is going to have to carry this team while Eli will just have to put up respectable numbers.

Jason PP has really looked good and completely surprised me. I heard a lot from him in latter years at South Florida. But, for the Giants to make him their #1 get was very surprising.

We will see how this all plays out. But, again.....no horse in this race.

Making A Change With My Eating Habits

• No more 3am snacks.....
• Eating lots of fruit which are 0 points for Weight Watchers
• Making good decisions....and cooking different...
• My only cheating has been PB crackers...and I think I over compensating with points for that. So, maybe not cheating after all.
• Started a little low impact exercise on Saturday....
• I have noticed the kool aid has stayed in the fridge which means I'm drinking it and not him.
• Only grapefruit juice and water since last Saturday...

Change!

Don Cornelius....I Learned So Much From You

If cause of death was truly suicide and as violent as a gunshot to the head, all who considered themselves true friends of soulful Don Cornelius could use a lot of soul-searching on what it was they understood as true friendship. To have built up to this tragic crescendo, the travails of a troubled Cornelius, whether they were health-related, financial or psychological could not have been lost on his friends (and relations). If they were, then they raised a whole new question of what we humans (or whatever else we called ourselves) understood as friendship obligations. 

I have watched birds and ants; they seem to care for their own better than some of us do for ours. No wonder some sages admonish us to "go to the ant, thou sluggard, learn its ways and be wise." I call on self-professed friends of Cornelius, please go to the ant, today.

Personally, I am revving up the attention I pay to my small circle of friends going forward. Thank you, Cornelius, for once again sacrificing to wake us up from our reverie; I wished the style of your final exit were as cool as what we knew of you as the 'Ultimate Mr. Kool.' Good night, Don Cornelius. Sleep well, one soulful star that would dim no more.    

• 
  

Good Recipe To Try

Serves: 4
Calories/serving: 202
WW POINTS per serving: 4
Fat: 3g, Fibre: 0.1g

• 1 1/2-2 lbs large shrimp
• 1 teaspoon minced chili, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons lime juice, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons Thai Fish Sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• salt, to taste

1. Start a charcoal or gas grill.
2. The heat should be medium-hot and the rack no more than 4 inches from the heat source.
3. Peel and devein the shrimp (optional).
4. Combine the chili, sugar, lime juice and Thai fish sauce.
5. Adjust seasoning according to taste.

6. Lightly salt the shrimp, then grill them for about 2 minutes on each side.
7. Divide the sauce among 4 bowls and serve as a dip for the shrimp

A New Start

So....it's time for a change. I have taken the first step. And, that was to address my weight. I am officially five days into it. My weight was about what I thought it would be. I am disappointed I waited so long to address it. The good news is....I did.

Gonna try and make this blog my diary....my moment of truths. The reminder I need in my life to live right and eat right.