Cheesecake has a lot of calories.

Happy Wednesday everyone!  It is all down hill from here.  :)

I'm really proud of my food choices yesterday.  While everyone at my table enjoyed fried pickles and other Cajun deliciousness, I had grilled fish and green beans.  I didn't even steal one pickle!!  :)  In the afternoon, we had a birthday celebration with some cheesecake.  I figured that since I ate so well and lunch, I could spring for a small slice of cheesecake.  They weren't very big and they were cut into 12 small slices.  I'm super glad that I snuck a peak at the nutritional information because they were 470 calories each!!  WOW!  How is that even possible?  I chose instead to have 1/4c of pumpkin spice ice cream and 2 chocolate puffs for a total of 208 calories. 

That served as my afternoon snack, so I ate my scheduled dinner when I got home.  I had allowed for a serving of peppermint ice cream after dinner, but I decided that I didn't even need it.  I like when things are rolling along like this.  A time will come along where I won't want to make good choices, so I really have to take advantage now! 

Did I tell you all I'm trying to learn to like oatmeal?  I don't like it, but I'm going to work at it.  Today, I'm going to try the Cinnamon & Spice kind for breakfast.  Next week I will get some things to add to it like peanut butter or fruit.  Do you have any ideas how to flavor up instant oatmeal?

I earned 30 points yesterday!!  That's a record for me.  YAY!  I was hoping to be under that 190 mark this morning, but I was 190 exactly.  I will take it.  Maybe tomorrow!

I got up for CrossFit this morning.  I am very sore!  We did Cleans today which is lifting the barbell from the floor to your shoulders in rack position.  Basically, you had five rounds of one minute of doing as many as you can and then 3 minutes of rest.  I really pushed myself and I think I did a good job.  I was bummed when I realized that I'm not going to be able to CrossFit on Friday because I have to be in Dallas by 8am Friday.  Bummer!

My goals for today are to walk at lunch, keep my calories in my target range and to do something productive after work.  I had thought about going to CF tomorrow morning since I can't go Friday, but I Jazzercise tomorrow night and I just think that is too much. 

Here is today's new outfit:

I like the picture so much I'm going to make it my November blog picture.  The sweater is a tad tight, but I think it looks okay.  I got it at Charming Charlie.  The layer shirt and earrings are new too.  Plus, I love my boots.  :)

Hugs!

Need to stay focused!

I'm feeling awfully fired up this morning! 

I made it up for CrossFit!!  That is a win no matter what.  Today wasn't my most stellar of days, but I still feel great.  It was 38 degrees when I got there this morning.  Brrrrrrr!  We did a 400m run warm up (I mentioned that the the running is outside, right?)  We spent some time stretching and then we went into the WOD.

15:00 AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)

• 5 Hand Stand Push Ups
• 10 Pistols
• 15 Pull Ups

So, we all know I can't do a HSPU.  So I tried doing a negative which is where you kick up into a handstand then lower yourself down slowly.  The last time I did this, I was wearing a hair clip and walked away with a two day migraine!  I was a little nervous, but I knew I had to get past it.  I kicked up and lowered about halfway before I fell down.  Not bad!  But I needed to modify the move even more.  So instead of 5 HSPUs each round, I would do 3 walk ups.  That is where you walk your feet up the wall and walk your hands in so you end up in a handstand. 

Pistols are one legged squats.  To be honest, these hurt my knees and I just did the best I could.  Last week we decided that I should graduate to the blue band for pull ups.  I did them but they were kind of pathetic.  But the important part was that for 15 minutes, my heart rate sky rocketed AND I was having fun.  After the WOD, we ran another 400m.  I'm getting better at that distance, but I'm still WAY behind the class.  No worries.  Baby steps.

I earned 27 points yesterday in my What's the Point challenge.  I was extra good with my calories yesterday, so yay!!

NSV alert:  I bought a pendant in Italy several years ago and it is on a delicate little gold chain.  I hardly ever wore it because it was really too short and it felt like it was choking me.  Also, it was so delicate that I felt like I would break it pulling it away from my neck.  Today, I thought I would try it again.  Not only did it fit, I'm wearing it around a turtleneck!!  I guess that's what losing 3.5" off your neck will do!!

Here is my new outfit of the day:

I cheated a little bit because the jeans aren't new and the jacket I got at the very end of last winter.  The turtleneck, boots, & earrings are new.  :)  I'm happy because the jacket was quite tight when I bought it, but now it is really loose.  Sweet!

Today we are going out to lunch for my boss's birthday and we are going to Razzoo's.  I LOVE that place!  My old meal would have been a full order of onion rings followed by the jambalaya pasta.  I would always be so proud of taking half of the pasta home for dinner.  After a giant plate of greasy onion rings!  I feel quite sure that even with 1/2 the pasta is was a 2000+ calorie lunch.  Yikes! 

I have been staying on track lately the best I have since the first 9 months after surgery.  I'm on par to lose over 6 pounds this month which I haven't done since March!!  So, I just have to be good today.  That means I have to be good at lunch.  My plan is to order grilled fish & veggies and ask that they do not cook them in butter.  I do love fish, so I should be content with that.  I can't imagine that they wouldn't do it!  If I get hungry later, I have some hummus back at the office.

That is all I need to do today to make the day entirely successful.  I have already worked out.  I already have almost 75 ounces of water in, so 100+ won't be a problem.  I just have to focus on the calories.  This is my Achilles heel people so send me some good mojo!

HUGS!

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  I know I did.

Wednesday I made it to CrossFit bright and early and had a fantastic workout!  Then I worked through the morning and even though it was a horrible workday, I left it all behind when we closed the office at noon.

I picked up my mom and we went to lunch.  I introduced her to Taco Diner nachos which are just delish!  Then we did some really good shopping and I was excited to see that sales were already going.  We went to J. Crew and I bought a SIZE 8 skirt.  Yes, a SIZE 8.  Now I realize that it was in the sale section and probably mismarked, but I don't really care.  It was a SIZE 8.

I don't usually shop at Chico's, but my mom does so I went in with her.  I ended up finding two dresses, a jacket, & a bracelet for about $100.  Then I got to spend a gift card at NY&Co that my staff had gotten me several years ago when I was too fat.  :)  It's funny because I used to love that store, but now that I fit in it, I wasn't finding much.  I did end up with a button up shirt, vest & skirt as well as some earrings.

Thursday was a SUPER lazy day and I loved it!  We watched the parade, the dog show, football...so much TV.  Other than fixing the mashed potatoes to go with our turkey and noodles, I pretty much did nothing all day.

Friday, it was time for more shopping, but I wanted to avoid the malls and discount stores.  I bought a buttload of clothes (classy, huh?) from Cato.  They don't have really quality clothes, but they are inexpensive and you can get some trendy items on the cheap.  We went a few more places, and the only line was at Ulta.  But I got a checkout girl that didn't know what she was doing and she basically gave me my entire order 1/2 off.  Merry Christmas to me!!

Friday evening, we met Debi downtown Fort Worth to watch the Parade of Lights.  Can I just tell you that the seats were super tiny, but we fit perfectly!  I would have been miserable in years past. 

I love my cute little hat that I got at DSW last weekend!  We went to Mi Cocina for dinner, which like Taco Diner has the BEST nachos.  We all three split a large order of nachos, queso and guac and didn't even come close to finishing them. 

Saturday it was time for even more shopping.  I'm really excited that even though I hadn't purchased one Christmas present before my mom came, I'm now almost DONE.  Woohoo!  I also bought a super skinny Christmas tree that fits better in my apartment. 

Sunday, it was time for mom to go home.  We had a wonderful time together and I'm looking forward when she & Dad will be able to come early next year.  I really enjoy the time I get to spend with my parents.

After she left, I got busy.  I winterized my closet, put away all my new things, cleaned up the kitchen and started decorating my tree.  I'm not done with my tree yet, so I will post pics of that later.  Ever year from the time I was born until I was 18, my grandparents gave me (and all the grandkids) Christmas ornaments.  They are all different.  I remember my brother & I putting them on the tree every year and it was so fun.  My senior year, I was the head of a local organization and the theme of  my year was Puppy Love.  That happened to be the first year that Hallmark started their Puppy Love Christmas ornament series.  My mom got me one that year and has gotten me the new one every year since.

I'm not sure why I can't get the picture turned correctly, but you get the idea. 

This morning, I had a hard time getting out of bed.  Time to get back into the routine though!  I decided to wear a new outfit everyday this week.  Let's see if I can do it!  Here is today's outfit:

I think one of the things that made this weekend SO enjoyable was being able to shop more normally.  I didn't have to scope out the Lane Bryants or Avenues.  I didn't have to worry if there was a Women's section.  I could look in all the stores and boutiques and really find what I wanted and what looked good.  Mostly I seem to wear Larges, but sometimes I needed XL or sometimes I could use a M.  At Kohls, I bought a size S jacket in the Croft & Borrow brand.  It is just such an amazing feeling.  Sometimes (a lot of times actually), I still think my clothes are tents.  But then I compare to what I used to wear and I remind myself pretty quick that I have come a long way.

My What's The Point goal was to lose weight over Thanksgiving.  Although I was up slightly this week (8 tenths), over the course of the holiday time (i.e. while my mom was here), I lost THREE pounds.  That is so great for me!  So that means my current points total is 522.  Only 778 more to go until I get my necklace!

My goal for this week is just to get back into the routine:

1. Over 100 ounces of water per day.  Pre-holiday, I was doing well with this, but over the holiday I started to fade. 
2. Keep my calories in check.  I started to treat myself a little more here and there, so that has to stop.  I plan my food for the day in the morning and I must stick to that.  I also need to take time later in the week to plan what I'm going to eat over the weekend so I don't go off track.
3. Work out.  I haven't worked out since Wednesday!  I used the excuse that I didn't want to leave Mom home by herself, but just like anything, that was an excuse.  My goal is 5 workouts and my stretch goal is 7 workouts.  It actually shouldn't be any problem at all to hit the 7, but I have to not be lazy.  :)

We basically have four weeks until Christmas.  I would very much like to have hit 100 pounds lost by then.  It's aggressive, but I'm going to give it my best shot!

HUGS!

Happy List

It is a good day.

1. I woke up this morning at 189.6.  This is only the fifth time I have weighed under 190 since I started this journey and the first four times were back in APRIL when I was sick and dehydrated.  It feels so good to be losing again.  I think I have figured out that I have been fooling myself when it comes to what I eat every night.  I'm going to keep an eye on that.
2. I love my new Keurig!  I fixed some decaf coffee last night and I'm hoping that maybe I can replace my nightly treat with a cup of coffee instead of chocolate or cookies.  Man, that sounds pathetic.  But I do seem to always want something sweet after dinner.  I just have to get back into good portion habits.
3. It is nice to have my mom here.  We have been having a really nice time.
4. I went to the doctor this morning for my annual exam which is never fun.  But she was so complimentary on how I look, so that felt good.  AND my little paper shirt and blanket actually covered me up for once.  This is the least uncomfortable I have EVER felt getting this type of exam. 
5. My blood pressure was 108/64 which is just amazing to me.  At one point pre-band, I was on blood pressure medication!  Love it. Now I'm just hoping that my sugars and cholesterol are lower, then I'm golden!
6. I'm getting a massage at lunch.  Woohoo!
7. After today, only one more day of work and then I have 4 days off.  Nice!

I am thankful for all these things and more.  I continue to hope that my thankful ass will get out of bed tomorrow morning for CF.  Although, I already promised Laura Belle I will, so I guess it is a done deal.  :)

Hugs!

Weekend recap

It was a wonderful weekend!  Let's start with Friday afternoon...  I headed to the doctor for my varicose vein zapping.  I'm not going to lie.  It hurt like a son of a biscuit maker.  I thought it would be more like getting a tattoo, but no, in my opinion it was much worse!  However, it is done and the vein that has been bright on my leg since fourth grade is faded to almost nothing.  And the best part of it is, my doctor chose not to charge me.  This is a self-pay procedure, so it was particularly awesome!  I do love my doc.

I picked up my mom from the airport and we went to Chili's for dinner.  Not very exciting, but we could eat decently and tastily.  Saturday, we got up and got some breakfast.  This wasn't very healthy, but I knew we probably wouldn't eat much the rest of the day so I wasn't too worried.  After getting my hair done, we did some grocery shopping.  Can I tell you that I don't think my refrigerator has ever been so full?!  Typically when my mom comes to visit we mostly eat out and snack at home.  But this time, I wanted us to do better.  And that takes groceries!!

After that, we went shoe shopping.  I bought FIVE new pairs of shoes.  I have such issues.  But I LOVE DSW!  Then we moseyed over to the Rack and I bought a sweater and two new dresses.  Fun!  After that we went home to chill.  For dinner, BFF came over and I fixed Chicken Sausage, Potatoes & Peppers (from SkinnyTaste)  So delicious!!  Mom asked for the recipe and BFF had seconds.  Good signs!

Oh, I forgot to mention that in a moment of impulse, I bought a Keurig.  Unfortunately, I drank a cup of coffee around 9pm Saturday night and I don't think I got to sleep until after 2:30.  Oops!  Need some decaf cups.  :)

Sunday morning, mom & I got ready then picked up BFF for some lunch at Rise.  It is so delicious and souffles are surprisingly calorie conscious as far as awesome restaurant food goes.  Then we went to see To Kill A Mockingbird at the Wyly Theater.  It was fantastic!  I love the story and the performance was just excellent.

After the show, we went home and I cooked again.  This time I made apple smoked pork loin with cheesy potatoes and stir fry vegetables. The cheesy potatoes were a little decadent, but certainly delicious! 

I woke up this morning and I'm thrilled to say that I lost 4.3 pounds this week and even if you consider my gain from last week, I'm down 2 pounds over the course of two weeks.  I'm 7.8 pounds down since I started my challenge which is the best I have done in a LONG time.  (Shout out to my Leapsters for helping me keep track and Laura Belle for guilting my ass out of bed!!)  Now, I just have to keep focused!

For my What's the Point Challenge, I'm trying to lose weight over the holiday.  The more I lose, the more points I get!  :)  I'm currently at 345 and I need 1300 for my necklace. 

Hope you all have a lovely week!

HUGS!