RYAN-I knew I had to catch up to all the girls since the entire pack have all lost pounds. I turned down chicken mini’s for breakfast, I stared at my husband while he ate the most wonderful looking pizza I had ever seen, as I was choking down the 2 point hotdog that tasted like cardboard. No, those hotdogs really are not that bad but they were that night. This was the first time I was really excited to jump on the scale, when I got on it was minus 2 pounds. YEA!! FINALLY!!
P.S. Lesli was right about Jillian Michaels, I got one of her dvd’s and did it for the first time last night, she kicked my a** ! My arm muscles are so sore this morning I barely could raise my hairdryer. Tonight I will rollerblade!
Ryan: -2 pounds
Total: -3 pounds from start date
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LESLI ~ this week has been one struggle after the other for me, but I will make no excuses. I've definitely been ultra motivated for this next week and I'm off to a good start. I've been without my Internet connection, but as soon as I get it I will be posting a picture from new years, my struggles and my frustrations. I keep reminding myself that reaching my goal weight is JUST the beginning! And all of your sweet comments of encouragement are definitely keeping me going and keeping my hands out of the cookie jar. Thanks to all of you for supporting us in our journey!
Lesli: +4 pounds
Total: -1 pound
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Allie~ Hey guys. I've had a rough week in my personal life...sickness, death, 2 funerals and we are only 9 days in! And so, the excuses stop here. Lesli & I were talking last night (if you know us, you know HOW rare that is, haha) and like she said, our goal weight is just being the tip of the iceberg, and that thought is hard to swallow. I've not cheated once at home. I LOVE veggies and lean meats and haven't missed the fried stuff or fattening sugars & carbs; but I will have to say that I am pretty frustrated with eating at restaurants. I ate out more this week than I have since I started WW, and it's just plain hard! To quote Lesli....I think we are just going to have to mourn the death of mexican food! Thankfully I had weighed in, PRIOR to meeting my whole family at a local mexican place for the $4.99 Wednesday enchilada special and was bummed by my weight, so there I sat looking at the chips & queso, mouth watering...but I didn't cave, nope didn't eat one single chip! I also didn't work out once since Saturday, another depressing thought. Gotta get back into the swing of things for this week.
Allie: +1
Total: -10
___________________________________________________
Christina - I think my body is telling me that i have lost all the weight it is going to let me until i start getting it moving. Food consumption was good this week, but alas, exercising has been a problem. I know why it has been a problem....it wont stop SNOWING! Still, this is no excuse. I could go home and pop in an exercise video, instead of curling up on the sofa with a cup of hot tea. I didn't make my goal of getting to the gym 4 times this week, but i am committed to making it happen next week....rain, snow, sleet or hail!
Christina: 0 pounds
Total: -8 pounds
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Oprah Pt. 2
I totally missed Oprah yesterday, and when i read Allie's post today, i knew that i wanted to rush home after work to watch it on my DVR. I completely understood how Allie felt while watching that show, and asked myself the same question as Oprah....how did i let myself get here?
While watching the show, they keep hitting on a specific topic; that your weight gain is not because of cookies, or chocolate, or even food really....it is because you are substituting something missing in your life with food. At the end of the show Bob Greene tells everyone to ask themselves 4 questions. He stresses not to ask these questions on a superficial level, but to really dig deep in your emotions to figure out the source of your weight gain, because until you do this, you will always struggle.
I was not brave enough to take a picture in my sports bra like Lesli and Ryan. In my introductory entry, i was comical, and not honest and vulnerable like Allison. I figured i could deal myself in on the hand of vulnerability, and answer these questions as honestly as i can; because the answers have genuinely made everything in regards to my weight gain make sense to me.
1. Why are you overweight?
Until i started this weight loss challenge, i had gained 28 pounds since i moved to Chicago from Atlanta two and a half years ago (although, i gained all the weight in the first year and a half). I moved here with the thought that everything would be the same, i would adjust, i would be successful, and it would only be a turn for the better. I started a new job and I can honestly say, working there was the worst time of my life. I would go to work and feel broken down more and more each hour i was there. I would then come home and spend my evenings on my sofa eating pizza and drowning my sorrows with a bottle of wine. I moved to Chicago to be closer to Kenneth, and our relationship was the only thing here that was going good at the time. I would go out to eat with him, indulge on food that was not healthy and neglect working out and taking care of myself. Being with him was my distraction, and it was so much easier to do that, than to think about how miserable i was at work and how much i missed my family and friends in Georgia.
2. What are you really hungry for?
I am starved for acceptance. I know that i am loved an accepted by my husband, and that has never changed. What has changed is the fact that in Georgia, i was accepted at work because of my skills, my repore with clients and my successes in business transactions. I was accepted by my family 100% because they loved me for the person i was, flaws and all. Now, I feel that i am accepted at work only when i am generating more revenue than anyone else, working even during my vacations, or being the last one out of the office each day. Now, my family in Chicago are my in-laws, and i feel like i am only accepted by them when i am doing something that they want, contributing to something that they want, or accommodating them when they want.
3. Why have you not been able to maintain weight loss in the past?
I think the true answer to this questions is my lack of adjustment. I have gained weight in the past, but have always been able to get it off soon after. I have moved around all my life as a military brat, and it always goes the same way. When i move somewhere, i initially gain weight the first year. After that, the weight comes off, because i get into a rhythm of life and eventually adjust. Every time i have moved i have always been near my family, until this time. I think my inability to adjust to this move to Chicago has been a major factor in not being able to lose weight.
4. Why do you want to lose weight?
I want to lose weight because i know that i am stronger than this. I know that i have the strength and the courage to live a healthy lifestyle, and not let my circumstances dictate how i treat myself. It doesn't matter who accepts me or where i live; i love myself enough to take care of myself. Everyone who loves me and accepts me wants me to take care of myself. There are so many wonderful things about my life, and i need to focus on those things. I need to stop coping with my life in Chicago...but really start to embrace it and live it to the fullest.
One of the things that stood out the most in the show to me was when Bob Greene said that you will win your battle with weight when you realize that it never ends. I will never be the person that can eat whatever they want and not gain a pound...i have to love who i am, and take care of that person. Allie hit on one of the best points that Oprah made during this show. I have been BLESSED in this body. No matter what i have done to this body, my heart is still beating and it is still working for me. It's time i returned the favor.
While watching the show, they keep hitting on a specific topic; that your weight gain is not because of cookies, or chocolate, or even food really....it is because you are substituting something missing in your life with food. At the end of the show Bob Greene tells everyone to ask themselves 4 questions. He stresses not to ask these questions on a superficial level, but to really dig deep in your emotions to figure out the source of your weight gain, because until you do this, you will always struggle.
I was not brave enough to take a picture in my sports bra like Lesli and Ryan. In my introductory entry, i was comical, and not honest and vulnerable like Allison. I figured i could deal myself in on the hand of vulnerability, and answer these questions as honestly as i can; because the answers have genuinely made everything in regards to my weight gain make sense to me.
1. Why are you overweight?
Until i started this weight loss challenge, i had gained 28 pounds since i moved to Chicago from Atlanta two and a half years ago (although, i gained all the weight in the first year and a half). I moved here with the thought that everything would be the same, i would adjust, i would be successful, and it would only be a turn for the better. I started a new job and I can honestly say, working there was the worst time of my life. I would go to work and feel broken down more and more each hour i was there. I would then come home and spend my evenings on my sofa eating pizza and drowning my sorrows with a bottle of wine. I moved to Chicago to be closer to Kenneth, and our relationship was the only thing here that was going good at the time. I would go out to eat with him, indulge on food that was not healthy and neglect working out and taking care of myself. Being with him was my distraction, and it was so much easier to do that, than to think about how miserable i was at work and how much i missed my family and friends in Georgia.
2. What are you really hungry for?
I am starved for acceptance. I know that i am loved an accepted by my husband, and that has never changed. What has changed is the fact that in Georgia, i was accepted at work because of my skills, my repore with clients and my successes in business transactions. I was accepted by my family 100% because they loved me for the person i was, flaws and all. Now, I feel that i am accepted at work only when i am generating more revenue than anyone else, working even during my vacations, or being the last one out of the office each day. Now, my family in Chicago are my in-laws, and i feel like i am only accepted by them when i am doing something that they want, contributing to something that they want, or accommodating them when they want.
3. Why have you not been able to maintain weight loss in the past?
I think the true answer to this questions is my lack of adjustment. I have gained weight in the past, but have always been able to get it off soon after. I have moved around all my life as a military brat, and it always goes the same way. When i move somewhere, i initially gain weight the first year. After that, the weight comes off, because i get into a rhythm of life and eventually adjust. Every time i have moved i have always been near my family, until this time. I think my inability to adjust to this move to Chicago has been a major factor in not being able to lose weight.
4. Why do you want to lose weight?
I want to lose weight because i know that i am stronger than this. I know that i have the strength and the courage to live a healthy lifestyle, and not let my circumstances dictate how i treat myself. It doesn't matter who accepts me or where i live; i love myself enough to take care of myself. Everyone who loves me and accepts me wants me to take care of myself. There are so many wonderful things about my life, and i need to focus on those things. I need to stop coping with my life in Chicago...but really start to embrace it and live it to the fullest.
One of the things that stood out the most in the show to me was when Bob Greene said that you will win your battle with weight when you realize that it never ends. I will never be the person that can eat whatever they want and not gain a pound...i have to love who i am, and take care of that person. Allie hit on one of the best points that Oprah made during this show. I have been BLESSED in this body. No matter what i have done to this body, my heart is still beating and it is still working for me. It's time i returned the favor.
Oprah
So, did you watch today? I've been excited about this episode for several weeks. I knew it would be inspiring and hit home. And here I sit on the couch watching, with tears streaming down my face and a lot of this show I feel like I wrote myself. For those who missed it, or if you just need to hear this motivation one more time. I took notes, and these are Oprah's words, prob not exactly....but close enough. My thoughts and feelings will be in red.
How did I let this happen again? My closet has 10, 12, 14 and elastic!
This past year has been really difficult. I didn't feel like being a cover girl. I wasn't proud of my body, therefore didn't want to show my body and didn't want to be seen. I'd rather NOT be seen. I didn't want to have to go through the closet and see what's gonna fit...let's try that, oh that doesn't fit, it's too tight in the arms, take that off, let's try this pair of pants, that doesn't work, you're not a twelve anymore, oh and now the fourteens need to have some stretch in them. It's embarrassing to me; I'd rather not do it. All this year I've been hiding my body, cause I didn't want you to see it. You said a mouthful there sister...I honestly feel like I wrote that paragraph.
To love yourself is a never ending journey. My goal isn't to be thin, my goal is to be the weight that my body can hold and be healthy and be strong & fit and be it's best health. And one of the things I had to learn to do is embrace this body that I have and be grateful for what this body has given me. And to everyone that is watching right now, whose fallen off the wagon, I'm telling you that's where you have to be again, Because God blessed me in this body. GOD BLESSED me in this body. I mean I could weep right now, thinking about the love and appreciation I have for THIS body, that 40 lbs over-weight but let me tell you, in spite of being over-weight and exhausted...my body still works for me...my heart still woks, my body still works for me. And for that I am truly grateful.
The key is to put yourself back at the top of your own To Do: list. You have to plan your meals. There is absolutely NO way you will EVER be able to maintain your weight without cardio workouts, at least 30 minutes a day. I'm learning this so much right now. You can't be lazy with your food, cause when you don't plan ahead I've found the alternative is always much worse. Taking breakfast with you in the car, packing a lunch, packing my gym bag the night before, etc. Cause time is not your friend and seems to always work against me.
The key is to put yourself back at the top of your own To Do: list. You have to plan your meals. There is absolutely NO way you will EVER be able to maintain your weight without cardio workouts, at least 30 minutes a day. I'm learning this so much right now. You can't be lazy with your food, cause when you don't plan ahead I've found the alternative is always much worse. Taking breakfast with you in the car, packing a lunch, packing my gym bag the night before, etc. Cause time is not your friend and seems to always work against me.
When I gain weight it's not about pigging out, it's always about my life is out of balance. Anybody who struggles with a weight issue....it is about what you are really hungry for. It's not about the food. It's about USING food, abusing the food. When my engine runs down, my drug of choice is food. My drug of choice is potato chips. I struggle with this, cause I think of myself as a "foodie" I do LOVE food....but when I heard this and typed it and re-read it, gosh it hits me hard. Looking back, I started gaining weight about 2 and half years ago, when I was insecure in my relationship, in my job, scared that the life I had made for myself 250 miles away from my family was about to crumble. THAT is when I started the weight-gain. And then my greatest fear came true, and my life as I knew it did crumble. So again I filled that void with food. It's not that 2 years ago I just started loving food. I've ALWAYS loved food; even as a little kid I loved food. Some of my fondest moments of my dad are helping him make biscuits and gravy as very little girl. So for me, YES I do love food....but I realize now I abuse it. And then the more weight I gained the bigger the void and thus it must be filled with more comfort, food!
Your overweight self doesn't stand before you craving food...it's craving love! That is what you didn't give yourself. When you love yourself enough, you take care of yourself. This is a double edge sword for me, and am just now dealing with it and really trying to focus every day to make myself happy with things OTHER than food. It's not a weight issue at all....it's a love issue
Hopefully this is just the motivation or the shame or the kick in the pants you need to make 2009 your Best Life!
Love, 4th Fat Chick Allie
Monday, January 5, 2009
Burrito’s On the Brain
I’m so glad to be home and back on my daily routine! Being gone for over 2 weeks has really taken a toll on my weight watchers program. I have a confession to make…I ate at Taco Bueno 4 times, twice for breakfast. It was worth it, until I looked and added up how many points I had eaten in ONE meal…it was over 20! Those Muchaco's killed me! I have been a stickler ever since I have been home; I NEED to catch up with my girls! So I have to say, I am excited for this weeks weight in…I hope to beat my 0 and 1 pound goal!! WISH ME LUCK!
P.S. Speaking of Taco Bueno, try this below!
Ry’s Cream Cheese Bean Burrito
1 whole wheat tortilla (1 point)
Scoop of canned refried beans (2 points)
2 tlb spoons of LIGHT cream cheese (2 points)
Sprinkle of onions (0 Points)
Salsa (0 Points)
WARM IT IN THE MICROWAVE
TOTAL: 5 points
I know it might seem weird to put cream cheese on your tortilla, BUT TRY IT!! I PROMISE IT’S YUMMY!!!!
TOTAL: 5 points
I know it might seem weird to put cream cheese on your tortilla, BUT TRY IT!! I PROMISE IT’S YUMMY!!!!
Posted by: Ryan 
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Allie & Ryan's Favorite WW Finds
Fat Free Turkey breast lunch meat, you can have 4 slices for ZERO points! I made a quesadilla, with 2 point whole wheat tortillas and tons of salsa (0 points) and onions and mushrooms, today and it was delicious!
Those 90 calorie breakfast bars are little, but very tasty and 1 point! And those Orville Redenbacher's "rice cakes" are really good, I pretend they are popcorn! I've only tried Sour Cream & Onion, but they make other flavors too, and you can have 12 of them for 1 point! And since they are crunchy & salty they are a great alternative to chips.
Laughing Cow Cheese 1 Point...I love these! Get the reduced fat ones.
Hummus with carrots 2 points...I'm like Zohan, I brush my teeth with hummus :)
Lay's Lights 1 point for 20 chips!
Palm of Hearts 0 Points! I eat these right out of the can, I love them!
WW 1 point cakes
Friday, January 2, 2009
Week 3 Weigh In
LESLI ~ It is our 3rd week to weigh in and I a could not be happier that the holidays are finally over! Allie and I have been lucky that we weigh in the day before Christmas and the day before New Years, but it will be nice to get on a normal dining schedule! I was of course nervous, because I can not confirm nor deny that I might have had Bryce's Chocolate Pie for dinner the day after Christmas. I then proceeded to have ANOTHER full blown Christmas meal with Justin's family, but I can confidently say that I felt proud being able to maintain portions and keep the eating under control. The rest of this week I've been a lonely lady without my husband, and without a boy around it's MUCH easier to eat smaller portions and lighter meal. There's been a lot of mexican soup consumed in my home this week! Without further adieu, I am proud to say that I lost 2 POUNDS this week! I am the lightest I've been in years!
Lesli: -2
Total: -5
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Ryan-I'm finally home!! I have been eating dinners with family for the past 2 weeks. It's been horrible for weight watchers. I'm so happy to be getting back on the right track. I'm so proud of you girls for loosing so much weight during the holidays! I hope to be catching up to you soon!
Ryan:-0 pounds :(
____________________________________
Allie-Hi everyone! It's been a good week, I've been able to stay within my points and eat smaller, healthier options. My main sacrifice has been eating at home, and taking my lunch. I'm a bit scared to not be in control of my food! My 1 restaurant was the WW menu at Apple Bee's and it was good (7 point cajun talapia with broccoli). I did cheat pretty bad on New Years Eve, we had a big family dinner and I ate BAD and drank wine. But I was able to work out 3 times at the gym, and am going back to that "assault on your body" class tomorrow morning at 8am. Drum roll please.....I'm down 6 lbs.
This week: -6 lbs
Total: -11lbs
_______________________________________________
Christina - This week was so much better than last and I am really feeling the difference. I slipped on a pair of pants that totally didnt fit a month ago, so i am very excited! This week's challenge is getting in the gym at least 4 times. It should be a good week! I am shooting for 10 pounds down next weigh in!
This week: -2 pounds
Total: -8 pounds
Lesli: -2
Total: -5
---------------------------------------------------------
Ryan-I'm finally home!! I have been eating dinners with family for the past 2 weeks. It's been horrible for weight watchers. I'm so happy to be getting back on the right track. I'm so proud of you girls for loosing so much weight during the holidays! I hope to be catching up to you soon!
Ryan:-0 pounds :(
____________________________________
Allie-Hi everyone! It's been a good week, I've been able to stay within my points and eat smaller, healthier options. My main sacrifice has been eating at home, and taking my lunch. I'm a bit scared to not be in control of my food! My 1 restaurant was the WW menu at Apple Bee's and it was good (7 point cajun talapia with broccoli). I did cheat pretty bad on New Years Eve, we had a big family dinner and I ate BAD and drank wine. But I was able to work out 3 times at the gym, and am going back to that "assault on your body" class tomorrow morning at 8am. Drum roll please.....I'm down 6 lbs.
This week: -6 lbs
Total: -11lbs
_______________________________________________
Christina - This week was so much better than last and I am really feeling the difference. I slipped on a pair of pants that totally didnt fit a month ago, so i am very excited! This week's challenge is getting in the gym at least 4 times. It should be a good week! I am shooting for 10 pounds down next weigh in!
This week: -2 pounds
Total: -8 pounds
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Black Eye'd Peas on New Years Day
Texas Caviar - **1 pt**
1 - 15.5 oz can of black eyed peas (drain)
1 - 10 oz can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
1 - 15.25 oz can of black beans (drain)
1 - 15.25 oz can of whole kernel corn (drain)
1/2 cup chopped green peppers
1/2 cup chopped onions
24 oz of ff Italian Dressing
1 tsp minced garlic serving size 1/2 cup, 19 servings
This comes up at 1 pt - 2pts if you use part lite and part ff Italian dressings.
Happy New Year from all the fat chicks. Be sure and check by on Friday for Weigh In numbers!!
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