Howdy Folks, long time no speak!
It wasn't on purpose you know!!!! I was off to a magical land of red and khaki. Okay I'll start over.
For two weeks in September Target flew me out to Minneapolis for in depth onboarding and training so I could come back to Mississauga this week refreshed and ready to recruit (with another week left of training before I officially dive in). This blog is about my weight loss journey, but as a side note I'm going to just say Target is the most amazing company to work for! The people are incredible, the atmosphere is electric, and my job is fun already!
That being said, Minneapolis was a horrible diet experience. Breakfast every day was more or less fend for yourself in the cafeteria and I did fine. Lunch every day was provided by Target and it was usually a salad or a wrap/sandwich, so it too was fine. Dinner on the other hand was a whole different ball game. I'm talking the worst foods for a food addict to sit in front of. One night for dinner I just had a piece of cake. Seriously, a huge gigantic piece of chocolate cake. Everything in the US is giant servings. It's unreal. I felt like I had visited a mystical land where everyone just enjoys food wayyyyy too much for the waistline to handle.
And this experience taught me a huge lesson as well. Food still owns me! I am a slave to food. I love the taste, texture and quality of a great Gnocchi dish served at this Italian restaurant at the mall of America called Tucci Bennuch. It was the best pasta I have ever had. But it now sits on my conscious and weighs on my soul.
So I got back to Missisauga and thought to myself, let's step on the scale and see just how much I gained. I feared the worst. Two weeks of eating out three meals a day plus desserts and I knew the scale would read at least five pounds heavier. But here's the thing, I gained one single pound (and I weighed myself at night).
After a week of being back, I'm back to losing weight. I'm down to 146 pounds, just 6 pounds away from my goal. I haven't gone 100 percent back on Jenny either because I ran out of food and I was too embarrassed to call my consultant after dodging her emails for the two weeks I ate like a goddess. I had enough Jenny meals to eat for lunch every day.
I went grocery shopping yesterday and compared the Weight Watchers lean cuisine items to Jenny items. Some (not all) of the meals are virtually the same, yet cost at least five dollars less per meal. So I grabbed a bunch for lunch this week. If I'm still losing weight it means that I am still cutting out the larger portions, and I'm still watching what I eat. When I snack it's on dried fruits and nuts. When I eat a meal out I don't get cheese or sauces on my sandwiches and whatnot. Jenny had taught me some valuable lessons, so why does my wallet need to keep suffering?
I still have six months of Jenny membership to go where I can order food anytime I need to. And if I start gaining weight again I really will give them a call and start over. I don't think I need to at this point. I'm ready to face the world and go easy on the bread. I've proven I can eat out and still put on my skinny jeans the next day. The key is moderation, and to think twice before opening my mouth to order food.
Yesterday I cleaned my closet out of all the fat clothes I bought when I was almost two hundred pounds. It was actually a sad day to see all that money go out the door, but a great day because keeping those clothes is like telling myself it's okay to gain the weight again.
So wish me luck as I face the world alone, without Jenny. I would still call my consultant but they don't like it when people go off the food like that so I'm not about to hear the negatives. I've made up my mind, I'm ready to try the Jenny Capano diet LOL!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
8 Pounds to go to my Goal- So I'm changing my goal!
Hello everyone..... I'm down to 148 pounds. I have only 8 pounds to go until I hit my goal... but I've been thinking for awhile that I need a new goal.
2012 is my year to fix our finances and buy a house.... 2011 is to get my health in check. My new weight loss goal runs until December, and I want to get myself down to 130 pounds. My healthy BMI max is 135 pounds, so if I can hit that I will be in a normal weight for my health. I want to get down to 130 pounds and STAY THERE.
The best part about my new lifestyle is that I feel as though I have completely changed my mindset. I don't look at food the same way. I don't crave food anymore as something to do. I don't WANT to eat bad foods because I love the fact that today I am wearing a pair of pants I haven't even been able to get over my knees for four years.
I'm still getting my tattoo after I lose 50 pounds. I think that it's important to recognize this milestone. After I hit the extra 10 pounds lost I want my reward to be food based (oh the irony). I want to have a dinner with my friends and family to celebrate the fact that food is not my enemy anymore! Who's down for some good eats at a fancy restaurant to celebrate the skinny life ;)
2012 is my year to fix our finances and buy a house.... 2011 is to get my health in check. My new weight loss goal runs until December, and I want to get myself down to 130 pounds. My healthy BMI max is 135 pounds, so if I can hit that I will be in a normal weight for my health. I want to get down to 130 pounds and STAY THERE.
The best part about my new lifestyle is that I feel as though I have completely changed my mindset. I don't look at food the same way. I don't crave food anymore as something to do. I don't WANT to eat bad foods because I love the fact that today I am wearing a pair of pants I haven't even been able to get over my knees for four years.
I'm still getting my tattoo after I lose 50 pounds. I think that it's important to recognize this milestone. After I hit the extra 10 pounds lost I want my reward to be food based (oh the irony). I want to have a dinner with my friends and family to celebrate the fact that food is not my enemy anymore! Who's down for some good eats at a fancy restaurant to celebrate the skinny life ;)
Monday, August 22, 2011
It's official- 40 pounds lost!
As of this morning, I weigh 150 pounds. I've lost 40 pounds since I started this journey!
I know at 50 pounds I'm getting the tattoo reward- but I think I need a reward at 40 pounds lost. I've been buying new clothes like a maniac... but I've been a maniac with purpose since all my new clothes are for my new job I start in September (for those who don't know, I have a new body and also signed my dream job offer to work in the talent acquisition department for Target Canada).
So clothes can't be it. I have a closet full of skinny jeans from before I gained the weight that are classic fits that will never go out of style.
I need an idea for a great reward for 40 pounds lost! Food doesn't even cross my mind as a reward (though ice cream is still my number one "i miss you" food).
I know at 50 pounds I'm getting the tattoo reward- but I think I need a reward at 40 pounds lost. I've been buying new clothes like a maniac... but I've been a maniac with purpose since all my new clothes are for my new job I start in September (for those who don't know, I have a new body and also signed my dream job offer to work in the talent acquisition department for Target Canada).
So clothes can't be it. I have a closet full of skinny jeans from before I gained the weight that are classic fits that will never go out of style.
I need an idea for a great reward for 40 pounds lost! Food doesn't even cross my mind as a reward (though ice cream is still my number one "i miss you" food).
Friday, August 19, 2011
That girl's got some good jeans!
Size 28! All the clothes I've bought for my new job--- size 8 and comfortable size 8 at that!
Now I'm excited to have my picture taken.... can't wait until I hit my goal. I'm going to go back to Alicia and have my own photo session!
UPDATE: So after posting this I discovered that these actually aren't the jeans--- but guess what... the ones in the tattoo pic are a size 30--- so these ones are an even bigger accomplishment!
Friday, August 12, 2011
14 pounds to go... seriously!
So... here is an update.... Today I am wearing a size 28 Jean. It is slightly uncomfortable because they are low rise jeans and I'm used to hiking my pants up to my belly button to make room for bellyzilla!
I've lost 36 pounds. Thats 3-6 pounds. That's like a one year old's weight. So put a one year old next to my body, and that's what I used to carry around with me.
I'm still unable to be active because of my knee, but I am still losing weight so it's not affecting me so much. Darcie tells me that I have hit a sweet spot in my metabolism. I think I agree given the fact that I lost 2 and a half pounds this week instead of the usual one.
I'm also making meals on my own. I plan out my whole grocery list and cross items off as I pick them up. So far I've made Skinny Monte Cristo sandwiches, Homemade breaded chicken tenders (with wheat germ crust) and Turkey Tacos. The Turkey Tacos lasted me for two days so I did four days of dinners on my own and four days where I made my own breakfast. After having been on Jenny Craig for three months, I find cooking for myself not only rewarding, but super easy. Portions are easily controlled with a scale I bought, but also by eyeing my plate. Dietary exchanges are easy with a cookbook I bought that already has the exchanges listed.
So far- so good!
I'm only 14 pounds away from getting my tattoo reward. I have the design in mind so I just need to do some research on artists.
I also spoke with Darcie this week about something else- I think I can lose more than 50 pounds. With the help of Jenny Craig for the year I paid for my membership and with the help of my own motivation, I think I can get myself down to a weight I haven't been since forever. 14 pounds seems so achievable, but then so does 25 pounds. I haven't officially changed my goal, but I certainly don't think I will go on maintenance right away when I hit 140 pounds. Maintenance you get to increase your caloric intake to 1700 calories/day. I'm looking forward to that, but I'm going to hold off on starting maintenance until I get to the point where I have nothing that fits me anymore and I need to buy myself a whole new wardrobe!
Wish me luck for the next 25 pounds :)
I've lost 36 pounds. Thats 3-6 pounds. That's like a one year old's weight. So put a one year old next to my body, and that's what I used to carry around with me.
I'm still unable to be active because of my knee, but I am still losing weight so it's not affecting me so much. Darcie tells me that I have hit a sweet spot in my metabolism. I think I agree given the fact that I lost 2 and a half pounds this week instead of the usual one.
I'm also making meals on my own. I plan out my whole grocery list and cross items off as I pick them up. So far I've made Skinny Monte Cristo sandwiches, Homemade breaded chicken tenders (with wheat germ crust) and Turkey Tacos. The Turkey Tacos lasted me for two days so I did four days of dinners on my own and four days where I made my own breakfast. After having been on Jenny Craig for three months, I find cooking for myself not only rewarding, but super easy. Portions are easily controlled with a scale I bought, but also by eyeing my plate. Dietary exchanges are easy with a cookbook I bought that already has the exchanges listed.
So far- so good!
I'm only 14 pounds away from getting my tattoo reward. I have the design in mind so I just need to do some research on artists.
I also spoke with Darcie this week about something else- I think I can lose more than 50 pounds. With the help of Jenny Craig for the year I paid for my membership and with the help of my own motivation, I think I can get myself down to a weight I haven't been since forever. 14 pounds seems so achievable, but then so does 25 pounds. I haven't officially changed my goal, but I certainly don't think I will go on maintenance right away when I hit 140 pounds. Maintenance you get to increase your caloric intake to 1700 calories/day. I'm looking forward to that, but I'm going to hold off on starting maintenance until I get to the point where I have nothing that fits me anymore and I need to buy myself a whole new wardrobe!
Wish me luck for the next 25 pounds :)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
White Water Rafting
For all who haven't been- white water rafting is ridiculously fun!
For those who don't know- it's also an insane workout. My whole body aches today- right down to my toes.
You use your arms the most, however get your hips, back and shoulder in on the strokes. As well you are constantly moving around which gets your legs in on the action. Then you have to periodically get out of the raft and do some walking. 5 hours of rafting was like ten weeks in the gym LOL.
But again, its ridiculously fun!
I'm now down 32 pounds. During the trip, we had bought a package that included meals. Because we camped, I had no choice but to eat what they made. I still managed to stay 100% on target. For breakfast I had one slice of french toast with no syrup or butter. A quarter piece of ham for some protein and a few potatos (limited those because they are deep fried). All in all it worked out to about the same as a Jenny meal. I'm starting to recognize that regular foods can be eaten in moderation (which is the point but for a food addict its virtually impossible to get- but I'm getting there).
It's so easy to get lost in how good something tastes. Next time you have french toast, have one slice and don't put anything on it. Just taste the egg and the bread (and I believe they put cinnamin on it). It's actually delicious.
:) I'm down to 158 pounds :)
For those who don't know- it's also an insane workout. My whole body aches today- right down to my toes.
You use your arms the most, however get your hips, back and shoulder in on the strokes. As well you are constantly moving around which gets your legs in on the action. Then you have to periodically get out of the raft and do some walking. 5 hours of rafting was like ten weeks in the gym LOL.
But again, its ridiculously fun!
I'm now down 32 pounds. During the trip, we had bought a package that included meals. Because we camped, I had no choice but to eat what they made. I still managed to stay 100% on target. For breakfast I had one slice of french toast with no syrup or butter. A quarter piece of ham for some protein and a few potatos (limited those because they are deep fried). All in all it worked out to about the same as a Jenny meal. I'm starting to recognize that regular foods can be eaten in moderation (which is the point but for a food addict its virtually impossible to get- but I'm getting there).
It's so easy to get lost in how good something tastes. Next time you have french toast, have one slice and don't put anything on it. Just taste the egg and the bread (and I believe they put cinnamin on it). It's actually delicious.
:) I'm down to 158 pounds :)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
I'm working on my whole mind
Here is my halfway picture.
There's two reasons I hate it. The first is I still feel incredibly fat and that I don't belong in this body (despite my awesome progress)
The second thing, is I am 28 years old, and I'm self conscious about everything!
I have a club foot. It's the right one (obviously)! It's way more deformed now than it was even five years ago. I have spent all of my life being noticed for it.
When I was in elementary school kids would make fun of the brace I had to wear or the way I walked but it was never quite so bad. When I got to highschool it became incredibly obvious. In drama class I would never take off my socks for performances of greek theatre. It was usually the boys who would point out my deformity.
You would think that as an adult I would feel better about it- but it is at least once a week being brought up. I work in recruitment, so candidates will notice I walk with a limp and ask if I am okay. I'm fine, just born this way. As I got older, and fater, my foot could no longer carry my weight. I would spend hours in bed howling and crying because the pain was so intense. I also have internal Spina Bifida (which caused the club foot).
So.... For the first time in my whole life... I'm not wearing socks.
I'm ashamed at myself for asking Alicia (the photographer who took this picture) to crop it out. It was my immediate gut reaction. I just panicked at what people would say or what they would think about me. I have the most supportive boyfriend in the world who gives me foot massages when I am crying. I've never been for a pedicure in my life because I was too afraid. I've never even told a boyfriend in the past about my foot or back. Despite it being obvious to the rest of the world, I was content in hiding it. If I don't acknowledge it, then it doesn't exist.
If being on this lifestyle change journey means I have to work on my mind, then I need to work on my whole body- especially the parts I can never change. I can change the back fat that plagues me, I can change my tummy that sticks out... I can even change my flabby arms. But I can't change the way I was born.
I believe Lady Gaga said it best- I was Born this Way! Thank you Alicia for taking this beautiful picture of my WHOLE body so I can showcare how beautiful it is. Even if I don't feel like it, even if I hate it for the pain it brings me every day, it's the only one I have. Besides, Ben think's I'm beautiful.... and one day soon I'll believe it for myself too :)
Friday, July 15, 2011
The great thing about buying a size 6- even if it is from Joe Fresh :)
I've been shopping- A LOT lately!
I don't necessarily buy every time I shop.... but I am thoroughly enjoying trying clothes on I wouldn't have tried on a year ago. Oh and- there's a thrill every time I try on a smaller size--- and it actually fits.
Last week I bought a tight pair of denim shorts in a size 8... they are just slightly too tight but I didn't want to buy the next size up because what's the point, they will be too big in a few weeks.
But today--- oh yes ladies and Gentlemen (and the one person in Singapore that reads my blog- yes.... I am popular in Singapore apparently)--- I Bought a size 6. Granted it's from Joe Fresh who tends to make their sizes a little bigger than the competition, but who freaking cares? I bought a size 6. I tried on the 10 first and it was way too big. The 8 still fit too big. The 6 fit just right.
I have my ups and downs on this diet. I've written more about the ups, but that's mostly because when I am down I really don't feel like writing. The great thing about buying a size 6- even if it is from Joe Fresh- is it creates a sense of hope.
I've now lost 27 pounds. I'm past my half way point. I have a lot of working out and exercising to do that I can't do because now my knee has regressed in the worst possible way. I can't even walk the dog anymore. BUT- even if the weight loss slows down- I just bought a size 6. I think I can handle it :)
I don't necessarily buy every time I shop.... but I am thoroughly enjoying trying clothes on I wouldn't have tried on a year ago. Oh and- there's a thrill every time I try on a smaller size--- and it actually fits.
Last week I bought a tight pair of denim shorts in a size 8... they are just slightly too tight but I didn't want to buy the next size up because what's the point, they will be too big in a few weeks.
But today--- oh yes ladies and Gentlemen (and the one person in Singapore that reads my blog- yes.... I am popular in Singapore apparently)--- I Bought a size 6. Granted it's from Joe Fresh who tends to make their sizes a little bigger than the competition, but who freaking cares? I bought a size 6. I tried on the 10 first and it was way too big. The 8 still fit too big. The 6 fit just right.
I have my ups and downs on this diet. I've written more about the ups, but that's mostly because when I am down I really don't feel like writing. The great thing about buying a size 6- even if it is from Joe Fresh- is it creates a sense of hope.
I've now lost 27 pounds. I'm past my half way point. I have a lot of working out and exercising to do that I can't do because now my knee has regressed in the worst possible way. I can't even walk the dog anymore. BUT- even if the weight loss slows down- I just bought a size 6. I think I can handle it :)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Let's all discuss how Skinny I am :)
Hello my fellow weight loss journey participants.
I'm skinny!!!
Ok not quite there yet..... but I'm almost there. I've lost 25 pounds since I started this journey. Another 25 pounds to go and I'll be at a weight I have not been at since I was a teenager.... or at least since my second year of university.
Right now I'm wearing my old jeans from my closet.... ones I bought when I started to gain weight. I'm in a size 30 in jeans and I've been buying size 8's for all my summer clothes. I bought a shirt in a size large without trying it on (by habit) only to find I was swimming in it. I returned it for a medium. When I go shopping, people in the stores assume I'm a medium (or even a small sometimes) when they go to get me a size... that hasn't happened since.... well for a very long time!
How do I feel? FREAKING fabulous! My confidence level is way up! Every time I go in my closet to try something on I never thought I would wear again- it feels amazing. I held on to all these clothes (for one because most of them are designer jeans and whatnot) thinking that I wouldn't fit in to them but they cost so much darn money that I couldn't let them go. But there was always a small part of me that wanted to get to this point. The part of me that was doing crash diets and fad workouts and secretly binge eating when I didn't acheive any weight loss fast enough. I still have half a closet full of clothes that are too small for me, and about four pairs of my favorite jeans I lent to my sister that I am DYING to fit into!
Jenny Craig is an amazing program! I really couldn't do it without Darcie. She is sooooooooooooooooo supportive.
They recently introduced some new lunch foods, that I ordered and tried. I believe my exact words when I sent an email to Ben that day were "OMG.... best frozen meal I have ever had." I'm intensely sick of eating frozen meals all day long.... BUT.... I'm at my half way point. This week, Darcie and I are going to discuss how to incorporate my own meals into the plan. I'm going to start cooking for myself meals that mirror the portions I am currently eating. It's a big challenge but I think I need to let go of the crutch that the food has become (but not all the way of course).
As for exercising- I took a week off when we had Ben's kids down here. When I went to get back to it- I discovered my knee is completely out of whack. I could barely do a full program. I need to sign myself back up for Aqua Fitness. My indoor soccer league might not run because we are missing three girls to sign up- which I am somewhat relieved about since my knee is all mad at me for some reason.
Back to Physio I go!
What's the best part about losing 25 pounds? My relationship with Ben is getting SO much better because I am becoming a more confident person. We were fighting quite a bit before- but he's working on what he needs to work on, and I had no idea how miserable a person I was until I realized how much more happy I could be with this weight loss. My emotions and my overeating were not only dragging me down, but my relationship was coming with me. Now I just walk around saying.... LOOK AT MY BELLY... ITS ALMOST GONE! lol
If I could become a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, I would totally do it! 25 pounds and I'll be in a bikini on the beach in Cuba sipping my water (because alcohol has too many calories LOL)... and my tattoo reward is looking like it will be soon- so I need to find an amazing artist to draw my concept. Any suggestions would be amazing!
Ciao for now! I'd love to hear similar weight loss journey successes! Please post a reply :)
I'm skinny!!!
Ok not quite there yet..... but I'm almost there. I've lost 25 pounds since I started this journey. Another 25 pounds to go and I'll be at a weight I have not been at since I was a teenager.... or at least since my second year of university.
Right now I'm wearing my old jeans from my closet.... ones I bought when I started to gain weight. I'm in a size 30 in jeans and I've been buying size 8's for all my summer clothes. I bought a shirt in a size large without trying it on (by habit) only to find I was swimming in it. I returned it for a medium. When I go shopping, people in the stores assume I'm a medium (or even a small sometimes) when they go to get me a size... that hasn't happened since.... well for a very long time!
How do I feel? FREAKING fabulous! My confidence level is way up! Every time I go in my closet to try something on I never thought I would wear again- it feels amazing. I held on to all these clothes (for one because most of them are designer jeans and whatnot) thinking that I wouldn't fit in to them but they cost so much darn money that I couldn't let them go. But there was always a small part of me that wanted to get to this point. The part of me that was doing crash diets and fad workouts and secretly binge eating when I didn't acheive any weight loss fast enough. I still have half a closet full of clothes that are too small for me, and about four pairs of my favorite jeans I lent to my sister that I am DYING to fit into!
Jenny Craig is an amazing program! I really couldn't do it without Darcie. She is sooooooooooooooooo supportive.
They recently introduced some new lunch foods, that I ordered and tried. I believe my exact words when I sent an email to Ben that day were "OMG.... best frozen meal I have ever had." I'm intensely sick of eating frozen meals all day long.... BUT.... I'm at my half way point. This week, Darcie and I are going to discuss how to incorporate my own meals into the plan. I'm going to start cooking for myself meals that mirror the portions I am currently eating. It's a big challenge but I think I need to let go of the crutch that the food has become (but not all the way of course).
As for exercising- I took a week off when we had Ben's kids down here. When I went to get back to it- I discovered my knee is completely out of whack. I could barely do a full program. I need to sign myself back up for Aqua Fitness. My indoor soccer league might not run because we are missing three girls to sign up- which I am somewhat relieved about since my knee is all mad at me for some reason.
Back to Physio I go!
What's the best part about losing 25 pounds? My relationship with Ben is getting SO much better because I am becoming a more confident person. We were fighting quite a bit before- but he's working on what he needs to work on, and I had no idea how miserable a person I was until I realized how much more happy I could be with this weight loss. My emotions and my overeating were not only dragging me down, but my relationship was coming with me. Now I just walk around saying.... LOOK AT MY BELLY... ITS ALMOST GONE! lol
If I could become a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, I would totally do it! 25 pounds and I'll be in a bikini on the beach in Cuba sipping my water (because alcohol has too many calories LOL)... and my tattoo reward is looking like it will be soon- so I need to find an amazing artist to draw my concept. Any suggestions would be amazing!
Ciao for now! I'd love to hear similar weight loss journey successes! Please post a reply :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Details on Jenny Craig
A lot of people have been asking me for actual details on the Jenny Craig program.
Here goes my best sales pitch:
How much does it cost?
The average cost of the program is $600 to $700 a month. That's $23/day when you look at the more expensive side of the program. It gets more expensive the more frozen foods you add to your list. It can be much cheaper if you are a fan of cereals in the morning and chips as a snack. When you start adding breakfast sandwiches instead and cheesecake as a snack- the price goes up. Plus it costs $50 to join. If you are a Jenny at home customer, it also costs $65 a month in shipping, so the best bet is if there is a centre around you to go there and pick up your food and have your consultations in person. If there is no centre, this plan can be pricey- and it is also limited on where you live geographically. Your best best is to call the 1-800 number and see what plan would work best for you. I put in an extra $300 for a premium package that added a years worth of consultations instead of the six months, plus free shipping for six months. On top of that, if you lose the weight and keep is off within 5 pounds, you get the $300 back. I got a great tax return this year, so I put the money aside for my weight loss journey. I get that not everyone can afford this plan but if you can you should do it!
As well, you have to buy some foods that are outside of the Jenny Craig menu in order to meet your daily nutritional values. With breakfast you need a half a cup of fruit and a milk (either a glass of milk or one of those source yogurts with very few calories). With lunch you must have a serving of veggies and with dinner you have to have a salad. So I spend another $50 to $70 a month on veggies. Veggies are ALL YOU CAN EAT. Only problem is I have never been a big veggie eater. I can eat tomatos until the sun goes down, so I have just been making tomato salads with every meal. Breakfast fruit usually consists of strawberries. I don't drink milk, so I opt instead for the Source Dessert Style yogurts. They are only 35 calories (the max for your milk serving).
On top of those, you get three "limited free" servings. These can include a tablespoon of salad dressing with your salad, or a tablespoon of fat free whipped cream on your strawberries. You can only have three of these a day, so be careful because with two salads that you must eat, you run out of "limited free" servings very quickly just on salad dressing. Another example is the Jenny Craig Maple Syrup that comes with the pancakes. That counts as a limited free. So when you order the pancakes, you need the syrup to give it some oomf. When you do that, you only have two limited free servings.
Salsa is unlimted. A great snack is to take one of your limited free servings and use a tablespoon of low fat sour cream and mix it with salsa. Makes for a great dip for your unlimited veggies.
How do you ween yourself off of the food?
The best thing about the program is the consultations. Your consultant will help you to ween yourself off the food. The food becomes a security blanket, and that is the stage I am at now. When I lose another 7 pounds I will be at my half way to 50 pounds point, and at that point I have no choice but to go on a halfway program where I am eating half of the meals on my own, and the other half will be Jenny Craig so the cost will be cut in half at the half way point. I'm going to pick Breakfast to do on my own, my morning protein bar I am going to switch from Jenny Craig to Cliff Bars to save some money, and I hope to start making some of my own lunches. The Jenny Craig menu is all foods we normally eat, just portioned. So it teaches you the portion control that you need for a few months while you are doing the program 100%. My stomach is at the point now where if I wanted to overeat I would be sick. I am so used to smaller portions that when I go to cook for myself, I will be cooking smaller portions. If I want a turkey burger for lunch, it will be made from scratch and put on a weight watchers bun. That's the size the Jenny Craig Turkey Burger is (only slightly bigger than a slider).
How do you Maintain the Weight Loss after you go off the program?
The whole program is about Mind/Body/Food. So you spend your first half of your goal focused on food and Body. Because your focus is on working out and eating right, your mindset automatically starts to shift. This is the hardest part. I'm working now on realizing that food never was a good reward, and it never will be a good reward. I asked Darcie (my consultant) when I could have Dairy Queen again, and her response was NEVER again. This is the hardest part. I love love love those kinds of food. But.... I also love the way my body is transforming and I can't have it both ways. This part takes the longest.
So you stop eating as much because you are portion controlled, you are working out on a daily basis and becoming more active, and your mindest is changing while you are on the program. By the time you lose 50lbs (that was my goal, yours may be more and may be less) you are ready because you have spent months working on it. By the time you can no longer order Jenny Craig because you have been successful on the program, you are a completely changed woman both inside and out!
Here goes my best sales pitch:
How much does it cost?
The average cost of the program is $600 to $700 a month. That's $23/day when you look at the more expensive side of the program. It gets more expensive the more frozen foods you add to your list. It can be much cheaper if you are a fan of cereals in the morning and chips as a snack. When you start adding breakfast sandwiches instead and cheesecake as a snack- the price goes up. Plus it costs $50 to join. If you are a Jenny at home customer, it also costs $65 a month in shipping, so the best bet is if there is a centre around you to go there and pick up your food and have your consultations in person. If there is no centre, this plan can be pricey- and it is also limited on where you live geographically. Your best best is to call the 1-800 number and see what plan would work best for you. I put in an extra $300 for a premium package that added a years worth of consultations instead of the six months, plus free shipping for six months. On top of that, if you lose the weight and keep is off within 5 pounds, you get the $300 back. I got a great tax return this year, so I put the money aside for my weight loss journey. I get that not everyone can afford this plan but if you can you should do it!
As well, you have to buy some foods that are outside of the Jenny Craig menu in order to meet your daily nutritional values. With breakfast you need a half a cup of fruit and a milk (either a glass of milk or one of those source yogurts with very few calories). With lunch you must have a serving of veggies and with dinner you have to have a salad. So I spend another $50 to $70 a month on veggies. Veggies are ALL YOU CAN EAT. Only problem is I have never been a big veggie eater. I can eat tomatos until the sun goes down, so I have just been making tomato salads with every meal. Breakfast fruit usually consists of strawberries. I don't drink milk, so I opt instead for the Source Dessert Style yogurts. They are only 35 calories (the max for your milk serving).
On top of those, you get three "limited free" servings. These can include a tablespoon of salad dressing with your salad, or a tablespoon of fat free whipped cream on your strawberries. You can only have three of these a day, so be careful because with two salads that you must eat, you run out of "limited free" servings very quickly just on salad dressing. Another example is the Jenny Craig Maple Syrup that comes with the pancakes. That counts as a limited free. So when you order the pancakes, you need the syrup to give it some oomf. When you do that, you only have two limited free servings.
Salsa is unlimted. A great snack is to take one of your limited free servings and use a tablespoon of low fat sour cream and mix it with salsa. Makes for a great dip for your unlimited veggies.
How do you ween yourself off of the food?
The best thing about the program is the consultations. Your consultant will help you to ween yourself off the food. The food becomes a security blanket, and that is the stage I am at now. When I lose another 7 pounds I will be at my half way to 50 pounds point, and at that point I have no choice but to go on a halfway program where I am eating half of the meals on my own, and the other half will be Jenny Craig so the cost will be cut in half at the half way point. I'm going to pick Breakfast to do on my own, my morning protein bar I am going to switch from Jenny Craig to Cliff Bars to save some money, and I hope to start making some of my own lunches. The Jenny Craig menu is all foods we normally eat, just portioned. So it teaches you the portion control that you need for a few months while you are doing the program 100%. My stomach is at the point now where if I wanted to overeat I would be sick. I am so used to smaller portions that when I go to cook for myself, I will be cooking smaller portions. If I want a turkey burger for lunch, it will be made from scratch and put on a weight watchers bun. That's the size the Jenny Craig Turkey Burger is (only slightly bigger than a slider).
How do you Maintain the Weight Loss after you go off the program?
The whole program is about Mind/Body/Food. So you spend your first half of your goal focused on food and Body. Because your focus is on working out and eating right, your mindset automatically starts to shift. This is the hardest part. I'm working now on realizing that food never was a good reward, and it never will be a good reward. I asked Darcie (my consultant) when I could have Dairy Queen again, and her response was NEVER again. This is the hardest part. I love love love those kinds of food. But.... I also love the way my body is transforming and I can't have it both ways. This part takes the longest.
So you stop eating as much because you are portion controlled, you are working out on a daily basis and becoming more active, and your mindest is changing while you are on the program. By the time you lose 50lbs (that was my goal, yours may be more and may be less) you are ready because you have spent months working on it. By the time you can no longer order Jenny Craig because you have been successful on the program, you are a completely changed woman both inside and out!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Consultant+Jenny Craig tools+my own motivation=some good results!
So it's been another week, one where I have not lost any weight, but boy oh boy am I starting to not be able to wear my fat clothes. They are hanging off my hips and just look like I'm going to go swimming in my pants. The downside is that I am still not able to fit into the next size down in my closet, so I'm in fat clothes limbo.
I didn't lose any weight because I have been working out like a dog! I went to one boxing class where I had a lot of one on one time with the trainer, I've been walking every day with Ben, Oscar and some weights and I've been taking aqua fitness and other fitness classes like Butt Legs and Core (which is killer). After four days of straight working out, my knee was in so much intense pain that I needed two days off to recover.
So I'm thinking muscle weighs more than fat, so I'm not upset about my first week of not losing an actual pound (according to the scale I've lost 8 ounces- which is close to a pound but not quite there, 1/2 a pound).
On to the Jenny Craig feedback... I love love love my consultant Darcie. After getting off on the wrong foot with everyone in the call centre, Darcie has made up for it and thensome. It was fluke that my first consultation was a sales consultation because they were doing a promotion. Darcie is a nutritionist, and she really knows her stuff. She's funny, she gets where I am right now despite never having been fat, and she is empathetic. I have such a strong motivation to get this done, but Darcie helps in a huge way. She is a work out buff and I want to please her every week so I'm staying on top of everything.
Again, this diet is foolproof. I haven't cheated once because when I get hungry there is a whole variety in my freezer. I'm just super duper sick of frozen foods, but at least its good.
So tomorrow I'm off to Butt Legs and Core again to try and build up my leg muscles around my knee--- and to eventually have a wicked awesome skinny tummy ;) I'm starting to really change my mindset about working out and food. Is food really that good? No.... it's just a comfort thing. Food has always been there for me when I've been down. Well it feels way better to not have to carry around that extra 17 pounds I lost already. 33 pounds to go.
Oh and I finally have my non food based reward, thanks to my gorgeous sis in law Vicky. I'm going to get a tattoo. I've thought about it for a week and I think I'm going to get a fairy and a gargoyle. The gargoyle will symbolize the fat me, and the pretty fairy will be my homage to becoming skinny. I love the idea of a butterfly, but I already have one of those. This tattoo is gonna be HUGE--- but at least the body it will be on will be small :)
I didn't lose any weight because I have been working out like a dog! I went to one boxing class where I had a lot of one on one time with the trainer, I've been walking every day with Ben, Oscar and some weights and I've been taking aqua fitness and other fitness classes like Butt Legs and Core (which is killer). After four days of straight working out, my knee was in so much intense pain that I needed two days off to recover.
So I'm thinking muscle weighs more than fat, so I'm not upset about my first week of not losing an actual pound (according to the scale I've lost 8 ounces- which is close to a pound but not quite there, 1/2 a pound).
On to the Jenny Craig feedback... I love love love my consultant Darcie. After getting off on the wrong foot with everyone in the call centre, Darcie has made up for it and thensome. It was fluke that my first consultation was a sales consultation because they were doing a promotion. Darcie is a nutritionist, and she really knows her stuff. She's funny, she gets where I am right now despite never having been fat, and she is empathetic. I have such a strong motivation to get this done, but Darcie helps in a huge way. She is a work out buff and I want to please her every week so I'm staying on top of everything.
Again, this diet is foolproof. I haven't cheated once because when I get hungry there is a whole variety in my freezer. I'm just super duper sick of frozen foods, but at least its good.
So tomorrow I'm off to Butt Legs and Core again to try and build up my leg muscles around my knee--- and to eventually have a wicked awesome skinny tummy ;) I'm starting to really change my mindset about working out and food. Is food really that good? No.... it's just a comfort thing. Food has always been there for me when I've been down. Well it feels way better to not have to carry around that extra 17 pounds I lost already. 33 pounds to go.
Oh and I finally have my non food based reward, thanks to my gorgeous sis in law Vicky. I'm going to get a tattoo. I've thought about it for a week and I think I'm going to get a fairy and a gargoyle. The gargoyle will symbolize the fat me, and the pretty fairy will be my homage to becoming skinny. I love the idea of a butterfly, but I already have one of those. This tattoo is gonna be HUGE--- but at least the body it will be on will be small :)
Monday, June 6, 2011
17 pounds down- a Bazillion to go!
Howdy Folks.
I figure it's been awhile since I last posted, so here's an update on the Jenny Craig experience thus far.
First of all---- be prepared to completely break the bank! I make money in commissions so I've set that aside for my weight loss journey (it's an investment as my colleague Gaby says). If you want to do this diet- it really works but it really literally breaks the bank!
Second of all---- they claim they have a great variety- but how many of us can eat frozen foods 4-5 times a day and not go crazy? I miss a home cooked meal. When I get to my half way weight I will be allowed to eat half Jenny Craig and half my own food until I reach my goal weight. So my goal was to lose 50 lbs. 8 lbs to go before I can start eating my own foods.
Third of all---- I'm losing inches. I've lost two inches on my bust, two on my hips and half an inch on my waist. No diet I have ever done (crash diets) have ever produced these kinds of body altering results. I feel good. I've seen a 17 lb drop before (as anyone reading my whole blog can attest), however I've never seen such a gradual body transformation. I feel like by next summer I'll be in a bikini again (maybe even by late summer of this year).
I'm certain this diet is not for everyone. Aside from being insanely expensive, it's incredibly difficult to not eat the foods you love. I'm working on changing my mindset, which is the hardest thing to do. Right now I feel like I deserve an ice cream reward. I need to stop thinking of all these great foods as a reward and start using non-food based rewards but I'm having a hard time coming up with one. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated (and for those who know me, I'm not into manicures and pedicures and anything else that's a complete waste of money). The hardest part about this diet is the actual variety. Sure they have over 50 meals, but only 3 or 4 actually taste good. My next month order is basically all the same food items because I just can't do baked potatoes for lunch anymore (when my consultant was ordering my food it just wasn't working- what most people enjoy eating I don't. I'm incredibly picky).
So on a final thought for this post- don't go on Jenny Craig if you are on a strict budget or if you are a picky eater. Do go on Jenny Craig if you want to lose inches, have wanted this for a long time, but just can't seem to do it on your own. It's like a foolproof diet that does the work for you.
I've finished five weeks of Aqua Fitness, Soccer starts in July and I bought a summer pass for unlimited boxing and zumba classes. Exercise for toning is a must on this diet with rapid weight loss. I want this time to be done right because I never ever ever ever ever want to do this again. Literally nothing tastes as good as it feels to lose the weight and look great in a pair of jeans!
I figure it's been awhile since I last posted, so here's an update on the Jenny Craig experience thus far.
First of all---- be prepared to completely break the bank! I make money in commissions so I've set that aside for my weight loss journey (it's an investment as my colleague Gaby says). If you want to do this diet- it really works but it really literally breaks the bank!
Second of all---- they claim they have a great variety- but how many of us can eat frozen foods 4-5 times a day and not go crazy? I miss a home cooked meal. When I get to my half way weight I will be allowed to eat half Jenny Craig and half my own food until I reach my goal weight. So my goal was to lose 50 lbs. 8 lbs to go before I can start eating my own foods.
Third of all---- I'm losing inches. I've lost two inches on my bust, two on my hips and half an inch on my waist. No diet I have ever done (crash diets) have ever produced these kinds of body altering results. I feel good. I've seen a 17 lb drop before (as anyone reading my whole blog can attest), however I've never seen such a gradual body transformation. I feel like by next summer I'll be in a bikini again (maybe even by late summer of this year).
I'm certain this diet is not for everyone. Aside from being insanely expensive, it's incredibly difficult to not eat the foods you love. I'm working on changing my mindset, which is the hardest thing to do. Right now I feel like I deserve an ice cream reward. I need to stop thinking of all these great foods as a reward and start using non-food based rewards but I'm having a hard time coming up with one. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated (and for those who know me, I'm not into manicures and pedicures and anything else that's a complete waste of money). The hardest part about this diet is the actual variety. Sure they have over 50 meals, but only 3 or 4 actually taste good. My next month order is basically all the same food items because I just can't do baked potatoes for lunch anymore (when my consultant was ordering my food it just wasn't working- what most people enjoy eating I don't. I'm incredibly picky).
So on a final thought for this post- don't go on Jenny Craig if you are on a strict budget or if you are a picky eater. Do go on Jenny Craig if you want to lose inches, have wanted this for a long time, but just can't seem to do it on your own. It's like a foolproof diet that does the work for you.
I've finished five weeks of Aqua Fitness, Soccer starts in July and I bought a summer pass for unlimited boxing and zumba classes. Exercise for toning is a must on this diet with rapid weight loss. I want this time to be done right because I never ever ever ever ever want to do this again. Literally nothing tastes as good as it feels to lose the weight and look great in a pair of jeans!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Jenny Craig- Week II
So I'm on week two of Jenny Craig diet. The cost is still astronomical but I have hope... I was just upsold by my consultant for a premium package where I get three hundred dollars back if I lose the weight and keep it off for a year.
That's some great incentive!
Also, Jenny Craig was number one in a nation wide study of weight loss programs that really help you lose weight and keep it off. Weight Watchers came in third.
Of course.... nothing is perfect. The food portions are so small I'm always hungry between meals and the food is SO bland. It's very low sodium so no salt means no taste.
And.... the customer service is atrocious. I called because the Canadian website was missing the etools, and the person on the other end of the line refused to listen to me and actually go on the Canadian site. Instead she argued with me, and kept telling me I was wrong. Maybe it's the difference between Canadian and American customer service, or maybe I've been spoiled by some awesome CSR's in Canada, but I find the rudeness to be so hard to handle. Listen first and then comment. Instead they argue first and apologize later. I was finally able to explain to her the issue and she apologized and thanked me for bringing it up. That could have been done in the first two seconds, not five minutes later.
My consultant is alright, but upselling me on the second consultation is not a very good way to build a relationship. Consultations are only 15 minutes long, so spending 7 of those minutes while I search for a credit card is not time well spent.
I've lost 6 pounds in my first week, and no weight so far in week two. Week two is over on Wednesday night so maybe there will be a miracle. They say one to two pounds/week. The last diet I went on (as you probably read) I lost 19 pounds in a month so I'm not used to such slow, expensive weight loss.
Hopefully in week three I'll get used to being SO hungry!
That's some great incentive!
Also, Jenny Craig was number one in a nation wide study of weight loss programs that really help you lose weight and keep it off. Weight Watchers came in third.
Of course.... nothing is perfect. The food portions are so small I'm always hungry between meals and the food is SO bland. It's very low sodium so no salt means no taste.
And.... the customer service is atrocious. I called because the Canadian website was missing the etools, and the person on the other end of the line refused to listen to me and actually go on the Canadian site. Instead she argued with me, and kept telling me I was wrong. Maybe it's the difference between Canadian and American customer service, or maybe I've been spoiled by some awesome CSR's in Canada, but I find the rudeness to be so hard to handle. Listen first and then comment. Instead they argue first and apologize later. I was finally able to explain to her the issue and she apologized and thanked me for bringing it up. That could have been done in the first two seconds, not five minutes later.
My consultant is alright, but upselling me on the second consultation is not a very good way to build a relationship. Consultations are only 15 minutes long, so spending 7 of those minutes while I search for a credit card is not time well spent.
I've lost 6 pounds in my first week, and no weight so far in week two. Week two is over on Wednesday night so maybe there will be a miracle. They say one to two pounds/week. The last diet I went on (as you probably read) I lost 19 pounds in a month so I'm not used to such slow, expensive weight loss.
Hopefully in week three I'll get used to being SO hungry!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Jenny Craig Food
So I had some hiccups before I even started.
I think I panicked!
Let me back up---- The food was supposed to arrive on Wednesday. Frozen food to an empty apartment means could be disastrous so I went home for lunch. UPS did try to deliver the food but I wasn't home. I called UPS and the response I got was that my package was on the truck and they couldn't guarantee delivery. So at this point I was frustrated. I called Jenny Craig and said the process was just too difficult. The lady on the phone- her name was Fletcher (seriously--- it was Fletcher) immediately gave me attitude. So because I was already not wanting to diet and already frustrated, we ended up getting in a fight on the phone.
Wait a minute--- aren't I the customer and she's the CSR rep?
So she hung up the phone on me after I told her she is the most difficult person I have ever had to deal with.
I emailed the company.
A Manager called me back about twenty minutes later. She was AMAZING to deal with. She listened to me and actually brought me back to the reason I wanted to do this in the first place. She assured me the food would be fine when it was delivered, and that anything wasn't cool to the touch could be returned. She also offered me two free days of food as an apology for the service I received from Fletcher. (Fletcher actually made me cry).
UPS ended up delivering the package and my stepdad was home to sign for it. He put it all in the freezer and I sorted it out when I got home.
At first it seemed super duper easy. Everything is labelled. Some foods right off the bat look better than others. I don't eat any beef so I'm more limited for my menu.
Day 1:
Breafkast- Cinnamin French Toast
Not the best way to start my day. The bread was soggy- tasteless and gross. Worst part is that the person who took my order told me this was her fave meal. At this point I'm dreading Jenny Craig.
Snack- Canadian Bar
Peanut Butter and Honey wrapped in chocolate. A bit grainy but certainly something I could get used to.
Lunch- Pizza
It gets worse from here. The pizza came on a cardboard tray to microwave it in and the whole thing got stuck to the tray. I ended up just getting to eat carrots and the pieces I could salvage of pizza.
Snack- Fruit
My Consultant told me to eat the fruit for my after lunch snack to save the yummy Jenny Craig snacks for after supper when I do the bulk of my eating (well technically the bulk of my binging but you get the point).
Dinner- Chicken Parmesan
Now we're talking! This meal was delicious. The chicken was tasty, the pasta was whole wheat but I can look past it. It was really good and almost redeems the whole process.
Snack- Pretzels
YUMMY--- I have a feeling the snacks are going to be the best part of this plan.
This is how every day looks. I'm on day 4 and so far it's a trend. Breakfast has been absolutely gross every morning. Lunch has it's good days and bad. Dinner has been delicious every single night. Snacks haven't missed the mark yet.
So far the only breakfast that I enjoyed was a breakfast scramble. It was actually good.
And--- the best part---- I've lost 5 pounds in 4 days. That's not typical. I don't think 1200 calories/day is the right amount for me but most of it is water weight. That weight loss speed will slow down with time.
Also- I'm learning how to actually become more active with things I love to do. I bought a bike and Ben got roller blades so we've been going out in the evenings. I joined aqua fitness because it's good on the joints and my knee is still out of whack. I also joined soccer with a colleague but that doesn't start until July so I have enough time to get myself in some type of shape.
So the verdict is still out on the Jenny Craig diet. I'm going to switch to going to a centre instead of having it delivered after my next delivery to save money on shipping. So far I can't say my experience has been great- but the reason I think this will work is because it will teach me that I can still eat things like mac and cheese- but this is how much you can have of it. The Food/Mind/Body approach might be just what I need to succeed!
I think I panicked!
Let me back up---- The food was supposed to arrive on Wednesday. Frozen food to an empty apartment means could be disastrous so I went home for lunch. UPS did try to deliver the food but I wasn't home. I called UPS and the response I got was that my package was on the truck and they couldn't guarantee delivery. So at this point I was frustrated. I called Jenny Craig and said the process was just too difficult. The lady on the phone- her name was Fletcher (seriously--- it was Fletcher) immediately gave me attitude. So because I was already not wanting to diet and already frustrated, we ended up getting in a fight on the phone.
Wait a minute--- aren't I the customer and she's the CSR rep?
So she hung up the phone on me after I told her she is the most difficult person I have ever had to deal with.
I emailed the company.
A Manager called me back about twenty minutes later. She was AMAZING to deal with. She listened to me and actually brought me back to the reason I wanted to do this in the first place. She assured me the food would be fine when it was delivered, and that anything wasn't cool to the touch could be returned. She also offered me two free days of food as an apology for the service I received from Fletcher. (Fletcher actually made me cry).
UPS ended up delivering the package and my stepdad was home to sign for it. He put it all in the freezer and I sorted it out when I got home.
At first it seemed super duper easy. Everything is labelled. Some foods right off the bat look better than others. I don't eat any beef so I'm more limited for my menu.
Day 1:
Breafkast- Cinnamin French Toast
Not the best way to start my day. The bread was soggy- tasteless and gross. Worst part is that the person who took my order told me this was her fave meal. At this point I'm dreading Jenny Craig.
Snack- Canadian Bar
Peanut Butter and Honey wrapped in chocolate. A bit grainy but certainly something I could get used to.
Lunch- Pizza
It gets worse from here. The pizza came on a cardboard tray to microwave it in and the whole thing got stuck to the tray. I ended up just getting to eat carrots and the pieces I could salvage of pizza.
Snack- Fruit
My Consultant told me to eat the fruit for my after lunch snack to save the yummy Jenny Craig snacks for after supper when I do the bulk of my eating (well technically the bulk of my binging but you get the point).
Dinner- Chicken Parmesan
Now we're talking! This meal was delicious. The chicken was tasty, the pasta was whole wheat but I can look past it. It was really good and almost redeems the whole process.
Snack- Pretzels
YUMMY--- I have a feeling the snacks are going to be the best part of this plan.
This is how every day looks. I'm on day 4 and so far it's a trend. Breakfast has been absolutely gross every morning. Lunch has it's good days and bad. Dinner has been delicious every single night. Snacks haven't missed the mark yet.
So far the only breakfast that I enjoyed was a breakfast scramble. It was actually good.
And--- the best part---- I've lost 5 pounds in 4 days. That's not typical. I don't think 1200 calories/day is the right amount for me but most of it is water weight. That weight loss speed will slow down with time.
Also- I'm learning how to actually become more active with things I love to do. I bought a bike and Ben got roller blades so we've been going out in the evenings. I joined aqua fitness because it's good on the joints and my knee is still out of whack. I also joined soccer with a colleague but that doesn't start until July so I have enough time to get myself in some type of shape.
So the verdict is still out on the Jenny Craig diet. I'm going to switch to going to a centre instead of having it delivered after my next delivery to save money on shipping. So far I can't say my experience has been great- but the reason I think this will work is because it will teach me that I can still eat things like mac and cheese- but this is how much you can have of it. The Food/Mind/Body approach might be just what I need to succeed!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Jenny Craig
Okay so I gained back the 19 pounds I lost (almost all of them- I managed to keep off 2 or 3).
Today I called Jenny. It's like a sign- my name is Jenn- her name is Jenny. I was born in 1983, Jenny was founded in 1983.
The food arrives in the mail on Wednesday and I start this shindig on Thursday. The cost is astronomical- but I'm thinking I earn my own money- I know the value of money. If I waste this money then there is something seriously wrong with me and I deserve to be fat!
So wish me luck- I'll update this blog as I start my new Jenny Craig journey. I traded in my Kinect `Your Shape` game and pre-ordered the UFC training game. The only part of your shape I enjoyed was the cardio kick boxing. I`m thinking UFC training will be a fun way to burn off calories. I haven`t worked out since I sprained my knee and I still have issues with going for basic walks around the block so the work out will be tough- but my Jenny Craig consultant told me I should still lose 2 lbs a week just by sticking to the food.
Oh gosh I`m SO worried about the taste of this food!
Today I called Jenny. It's like a sign- my name is Jenn- her name is Jenny. I was born in 1983, Jenny was founded in 1983.
The food arrives in the mail on Wednesday and I start this shindig on Thursday. The cost is astronomical- but I'm thinking I earn my own money- I know the value of money. If I waste this money then there is something seriously wrong with me and I deserve to be fat!
So wish me luck- I'll update this blog as I start my new Jenny Craig journey. I traded in my Kinect `Your Shape` game and pre-ordered the UFC training game. The only part of your shape I enjoyed was the cardio kick boxing. I`m thinking UFC training will be a fun way to burn off calories. I haven`t worked out since I sprained my knee and I still have issues with going for basic walks around the block so the work out will be tough- but my Jenny Craig consultant told me I should still lose 2 lbs a week just by sticking to the food.
Oh gosh I`m SO worried about the taste of this food!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sprained Knee and 5 pounds gained!
It all happened on January 28th. I went snowboarding with a friend and Ben, and had a bad accident. From there, I sprained my knee, and was also told I strained my groin muscle. What's worse, it hasn't healed yet and its March 1st.
So..... Because I can't work out I've severly been slacking on the diet. I ate whatever the heck I wanted whenever I wanted. Part was depression, part was boredom. I couldn't even drive for two weeks. I had to take a week off work. I'm still in intense pain from time to time.
I was doing physio but stopped that when I figured out the clinic I was going to kept suggesting bogus treatments just to bill my benefits. They did four needles of acupuncture and billed my benefits 60 bucks for it. In two weeks they have almost used half of my alotment for physio/chiro/massage. I have 800 for each service and they just kept on billing.
I need to find a new physio clinic- which I am working on. I need to rehab my leg so I can work out again and get back on track with my goal for 2011- WEIGHT LOSS.
So starting today- I'm rehabing my diet. I'm back on the schedule and back on track with losing weight. I still can't work out- but I can work out my mindset. When my leg is fully healed, the weight will start falling off me again. Until then it will be a maintenance of what I have lost since January 1st and hopefully losing the 5 pounds I gained the month of February.
My new starting weight is 178 pounds as of this morning. It's upsetting since I got myself down to 173 pounds and was just about to hit 172 pounds (even at this point my clothes did not fit me properly but progess was happening).
Posts are going to be few and far between on this blog. I'm not giving up on this quest to be skinny- but my computer is completely busted and so I have no method of posting. I'm not rushing to get it fixed because I'm trying to live my life with as little facebook/internet as possible. I also want to take my time to decide what type of computer to buy (I'm leaning towards a MAC but before I dish out 2500 smackeroons on a mac I want to make sure its what I want).
So..... Because I can't work out I've severly been slacking on the diet. I ate whatever the heck I wanted whenever I wanted. Part was depression, part was boredom. I couldn't even drive for two weeks. I had to take a week off work. I'm still in intense pain from time to time.
I was doing physio but stopped that when I figured out the clinic I was going to kept suggesting bogus treatments just to bill my benefits. They did four needles of acupuncture and billed my benefits 60 bucks for it. In two weeks they have almost used half of my alotment for physio/chiro/massage. I have 800 for each service and they just kept on billing.
I need to find a new physio clinic- which I am working on. I need to rehab my leg so I can work out again and get back on track with my goal for 2011- WEIGHT LOSS.
So starting today- I'm rehabing my diet. I'm back on the schedule and back on track with losing weight. I still can't work out- but I can work out my mindset. When my leg is fully healed, the weight will start falling off me again. Until then it will be a maintenance of what I have lost since January 1st and hopefully losing the 5 pounds I gained the month of February.
My new starting weight is 178 pounds as of this morning. It's upsetting since I got myself down to 173 pounds and was just about to hit 172 pounds (even at this point my clothes did not fit me properly but progess was happening).
Posts are going to be few and far between on this blog. I'm not giving up on this quest to be skinny- but my computer is completely busted and so I have no method of posting. I'm not rushing to get it fixed because I'm trying to live my life with as little facebook/internet as possible. I also want to take my time to decide what type of computer to buy (I'm leaning towards a MAC but before I dish out 2500 smackeroons on a mac I want to make sure its what I want).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
mmmmmm.... pork chops
Howdy folks!
Today I had a pork chop.
Ok, Ok, I'll back it up a bit. I've seen the weight loss continue without having to eat so drastically. The key points are- no breads, no pasta, low sodium, no desserts and processed foods.
Everything should be as natural as possible. It's great to stick to chicken and turkey as often as possible, but throw in a pork chop every now and again. For those of you who eat beef, you could have been eating beef this whole time (I just happen to not like eating cow).
I'm at 13 pounds lost, with just an ounce to go before I've lost 14 pounds. I can't wait until I hit the point of 15 pounds.
People who always say "it's not a diet it's a lifestyle change" always used to make me go "yah right- what do you know". I finally see that as true! I feel absolutely amazing. I feel healthy. Although I am super lazy and should be exercising more, I still feel absolutely amazing. Even when I cheated my body practically rejected the burrito. I think it's true what Doctor Phil says (yes I'm quoting doctor Phil)- you'll only lose weight and stick to a diet when you are 100% ready for the change because you are SO sick of how you are currently living.
OH... and---- I plan on taking a picture soon to showcase a very amazing development with this whole diet thing. Pictures to come this weekend. I'll explain when I can show with visuals.
Today I had a pork chop.
Ok, Ok, I'll back it up a bit. I've seen the weight loss continue without having to eat so drastically. The key points are- no breads, no pasta, low sodium, no desserts and processed foods.
Everything should be as natural as possible. It's great to stick to chicken and turkey as often as possible, but throw in a pork chop every now and again. For those of you who eat beef, you could have been eating beef this whole time (I just happen to not like eating cow).
I'm at 13 pounds lost, with just an ounce to go before I've lost 14 pounds. I can't wait until I hit the point of 15 pounds.
People who always say "it's not a diet it's a lifestyle change" always used to make me go "yah right- what do you know". I finally see that as true! I feel absolutely amazing. I feel healthy. Although I am super lazy and should be exercising more, I still feel absolutely amazing. Even when I cheated my body practically rejected the burrito. I think it's true what Doctor Phil says (yes I'm quoting doctor Phil)- you'll only lose weight and stick to a diet when you are 100% ready for the change because you are SO sick of how you are currently living.
OH... and---- I plan on taking a picture soon to showcase a very amazing development with this whole diet thing. Pictures to come this weekend. I'll explain when I can show with visuals.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The things crazy people say.....
So today was a bad day!
It was my grandma's 82nd birthday and we had a dinner at my aunt Mary's. Obviously the diet does not account for family occasions (full of bad bad bad things to eat). I brought the veggie tray so I munched off that for the most part (dipped two pieces of celery in the nacho dip).
For supper I had three chicken legs (bad bad bad) a tablespoon of potato salad (worse worse worse) and salad covered in salt/pepper/olive oil and vinegar (not so bad but still).
I didn't eat the greatest, but then again knowing I was going there I didn't eat a lot during the day. The hardest part about eating bad foods like this is that it is NOT fullfilling. I'm STARVING! I might have to have a second supper just to get my tummy to stop rumbling!
I still feel good about myself though- 13 pounds is kind of a big deal. I felt great- until my uncle (who shall remain nameless) said to me "aren't you supposed to be on a diet". I replied, "I am". His response "Well you don't look like you've lost any weight at all". Horrified, I said "I've lost 13 pounds". Of course, for good measure he said "well you don't look like it."
Granted this uncle of mine (who shall still remain nameless) suffers from Schizophrenia. It's unfortunate, it really is (same uncle who about two years ago asked me when I got knocked up- not pregant at the time, just fat).
It upsets me because children and people with mental disabilities say the things everyone wants to say, but nobody ever does. It hurts because I see myself as this totally fat person, and obviously I'm not the only one.
Ben says he sees things the way he sees them in his mind, and not the way the general public does. He says Rome wasn't built in a day and these things take time.
My response: I'm still fat!
It was my grandma's 82nd birthday and we had a dinner at my aunt Mary's. Obviously the diet does not account for family occasions (full of bad bad bad things to eat). I brought the veggie tray so I munched off that for the most part (dipped two pieces of celery in the nacho dip).
For supper I had three chicken legs (bad bad bad) a tablespoon of potato salad (worse worse worse) and salad covered in salt/pepper/olive oil and vinegar (not so bad but still).
I didn't eat the greatest, but then again knowing I was going there I didn't eat a lot during the day. The hardest part about eating bad foods like this is that it is NOT fullfilling. I'm STARVING! I might have to have a second supper just to get my tummy to stop rumbling!
I still feel good about myself though- 13 pounds is kind of a big deal. I felt great- until my uncle (who shall remain nameless) said to me "aren't you supposed to be on a diet". I replied, "I am". His response "Well you don't look like you've lost any weight at all". Horrified, I said "I've lost 13 pounds". Of course, for good measure he said "well you don't look like it."
Granted this uncle of mine (who shall still remain nameless) suffers from Schizophrenia. It's unfortunate, it really is (same uncle who about two years ago asked me when I got knocked up- not pregant at the time, just fat).
It upsets me because children and people with mental disabilities say the things everyone wants to say, but nobody ever does. It hurts because I see myself as this totally fat person, and obviously I'm not the only one.
Ben says he sees things the way he sees them in his mind, and not the way the general public does. He says Rome wasn't built in a day and these things take time.
My response: I'm still fat!
Cheat Meal and more pounds lost
So yesterday for lunch I finally gave in to the idea of the "cheat meal". The burrito from Burrito Boyz was undeniably delicious in a way that good food usually is. The feeling afterwards was absolutely not delicious. Intense heartburn was a great start, which ended in indigestion and a full bloated tummy all evening. I had to force myself to eat a light dinner just for the sake of eating every three hours. It was not fun.
On February 15th my next cheat is going to be a kid's size mint oreo blizzard from dairy queen and Ben and I are going to catch a movie (got a gift certificate from my bro and sis in law for xmas) and I'm going to eat movie popcorn.
MMMMMM cheating can be good.
On the exercise front, it seems as though my knee has grown tired of holding up this fat chick. Every squat I do my knee protests in a way I have never felt before. Pain shoots up my leg and sometimes it's so intense it leaves me screaming in pain. I guess with time my knee will be a bit more forgiving. It's a lot of weight for a little knee to hold up for two, almost three, years.
On the very very very plus side, a few achievements to share. The first is that the kids bought me pj's for xmas. They are size large and super cute but for the life of me I could barely get them on my fat ass. Well I wore the pants to bed last night and they were quite comfy. Still would like to have a bit more room in them, but that will come with more time. The top is still tight around the general boobage area.
Stepped on the scale this morning and I'm at 177 pounds. I've officially lost 13 pounds. The scale is just now starting to tell me the same weight morning and night, which is also a good sign.
All in all it's been a good week. I'm happy with the progress. It's coming off slower, but it's coming off the healthiest way possible. I'm eating more than I ever did with eating small meals throughout the day and I'm exercising which releases those delicious happy endorphins and keeps me energized all day. I've given up on forcring myself to drink protein shakes and guess what? I'm still losing weight!
On February 15th my next cheat is going to be a kid's size mint oreo blizzard from dairy queen and Ben and I are going to catch a movie (got a gift certificate from my bro and sis in law for xmas) and I'm going to eat movie popcorn.
MMMMMM cheating can be good.
On the exercise front, it seems as though my knee has grown tired of holding up this fat chick. Every squat I do my knee protests in a way I have never felt before. Pain shoots up my leg and sometimes it's so intense it leaves me screaming in pain. I guess with time my knee will be a bit more forgiving. It's a lot of weight for a little knee to hold up for two, almost three, years.
On the very very very plus side, a few achievements to share. The first is that the kids bought me pj's for xmas. They are size large and super cute but for the life of me I could barely get them on my fat ass. Well I wore the pants to bed last night and they were quite comfy. Still would like to have a bit more room in them, but that will come with more time. The top is still tight around the general boobage area.
Stepped on the scale this morning and I'm at 177 pounds. I've officially lost 13 pounds. The scale is just now starting to tell me the same weight morning and night, which is also a good sign.
All in all it's been a good week. I'm happy with the progress. It's coming off slower, but it's coming off the healthiest way possible. I'm eating more than I ever did with eating small meals throughout the day and I'm exercising which releases those delicious happy endorphins and keeps me energized all day. I've given up on forcring myself to drink protein shakes and guess what? I'm still losing weight!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Some updated fat pics
11 pounds down! I feel better! I went to the store today and bought some more workout clothes (pictured here). The shirt is a large and it's big in the boobs and the pants are a medium. I'm thinking soon I'll be able to fit into my largest sizes if this keeps up. These are still considered to be "fat pics" because I'm nowhere near hitting a a goal (I wanted to lose 15 pounds in the first 21 days). I'm nearing day 21 where I get a cheat meal- so who's with me for Burritos?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
MMMM Delicious
So today I ate really really really good things!
Ben and I went on a mission (lets put the fact that I got in a mini car accident and wrecked my rear bumper aside for this entry) to find a butcher. We went to all these different places and I was an hour late on eating lunch- just trying to find chicken tenders.
I've decided that chicken breasts are dry and disgusting! I love love love chicken tenderloins but the issue is they cost 7 bucks for a minimal amount at the grocery store, and even then most grocery stores don't even carry them.
After smashing my car at one we tried an organic butcher and VOILA. The gentleman in the back came out and asked us how many we wanted. I ordered a kilo and he asked to give him a few minutes while he chopped up some chickens.
With my bag of tenders in tow I rushed home (lets put the fact as well that I really really really wanted to go see a movie with some friends today at one that I missed to run errands like groceries and get dog food and smash up my car). Neda told me I can buy a Jamaican seasoning called "Cool Runnings" Buffalo Chicken seasoning. I compared all the cool runnings packages and the one with the least bad ingredients was the All Seasonings.
Let me tell you- it was crazy spicy- but AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS! I now remember what good food actually tastes like. I have pretty severe acid reflux and I haven't had to take a Nexium since I started this diet (which proves eating healthy really does affect your health). This is the first time I've been allowed to have seasoning, and I can only hope it doesn't start heartburn. I'm SO happy. I have great chicken fresh from a farm in Ontario and I have it spicy and fiesty! Even Ben was eyeing my chicken (he had a huge steak and he still ate one of my tenders that's how good they are).
On the cheating side- I'm not sure but I think I might have cheated today. At the same butcher they had fresh turkey bacon. It's actually huge pieces of ground turkey meat pressed into strips. Another delicious moment of the day (I'm not supposed to have delicious dark meat which is why I think it was a cheating moment).
On the plus side- I've now lost 11 pounds. I did my fitness assessment at the gym yesterday evening and although the trainer said I'm extremely out of shape he said he can rarely say this about someone, that he can see it in my eyes that I'm sincere about this and I'm going to succeed. I know he meant it because he didn't even try to sell me personal training.
On the minus side- I got really depressed about smashing my car and I just wanted to eat all the wrong things. I didn't, but I wanted to. There is a direct correlation between how I feel and what I eat. When I was stressed to the max at D+H I sometimes would eat until I was physically ill. I just need to stop thinking of food as comfort. I feel great and I want to keep on feeling great- gorging myself on delicious Maltesers and Cake and Pizza will make me feel good for two minutes and then I will just feel bad about myself.
I'm moody, I'm insecure, I might even be a bit sad but today Ben told me I'm beautiful and for the first time in a long time I said "Thank You" (Usually my response has been "you're crazy")
(If you want to purchase the cool runnings seasoning, I've only ever seen it at No Frills)
Ben and I went on a mission (lets put the fact that I got in a mini car accident and wrecked my rear bumper aside for this entry) to find a butcher. We went to all these different places and I was an hour late on eating lunch- just trying to find chicken tenders.
I've decided that chicken breasts are dry and disgusting! I love love love chicken tenderloins but the issue is they cost 7 bucks for a minimal amount at the grocery store, and even then most grocery stores don't even carry them.
After smashing my car at one we tried an organic butcher and VOILA. The gentleman in the back came out and asked us how many we wanted. I ordered a kilo and he asked to give him a few minutes while he chopped up some chickens.
With my bag of tenders in tow I rushed home (lets put the fact as well that I really really really wanted to go see a movie with some friends today at one that I missed to run errands like groceries and get dog food and smash up my car). Neda told me I can buy a Jamaican seasoning called "Cool Runnings" Buffalo Chicken seasoning. I compared all the cool runnings packages and the one with the least bad ingredients was the All Seasonings.
Let me tell you- it was crazy spicy- but AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS! I now remember what good food actually tastes like. I have pretty severe acid reflux and I haven't had to take a Nexium since I started this diet (which proves eating healthy really does affect your health). This is the first time I've been allowed to have seasoning, and I can only hope it doesn't start heartburn. I'm SO happy. I have great chicken fresh from a farm in Ontario and I have it spicy and fiesty! Even Ben was eyeing my chicken (he had a huge steak and he still ate one of my tenders that's how good they are).
On the cheating side- I'm not sure but I think I might have cheated today. At the same butcher they had fresh turkey bacon. It's actually huge pieces of ground turkey meat pressed into strips. Another delicious moment of the day (I'm not supposed to have delicious dark meat which is why I think it was a cheating moment).
On the plus side- I've now lost 11 pounds. I did my fitness assessment at the gym yesterday evening and although the trainer said I'm extremely out of shape he said he can rarely say this about someone, that he can see it in my eyes that I'm sincere about this and I'm going to succeed. I know he meant it because he didn't even try to sell me personal training.
On the minus side- I got really depressed about smashing my car and I just wanted to eat all the wrong things. I didn't, but I wanted to. There is a direct correlation between how I feel and what I eat. When I was stressed to the max at D+H I sometimes would eat until I was physically ill. I just need to stop thinking of food as comfort. I feel great and I want to keep on feeling great- gorging myself on delicious Maltesers and Cake and Pizza will make me feel good for two minutes and then I will just feel bad about myself.
I'm moody, I'm insecure, I might even be a bit sad but today Ben told me I'm beautiful and for the first time in a long time I said "Thank You" (Usually my response has been "you're crazy")
(If you want to purchase the cool runnings seasoning, I've only ever seen it at No Frills)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Temptation lurks
So today we had a birthday party at work and I baked the cake- Don't ask me why I volunteered to do this on a diet (and in the end it cost me more to bake the darn thing than if I just went out to buy one).
It was a two tiered vanilla on one and chocolate on the other decorated with pink and blue icing. I had to wake up at 6am to decorate it and I didn't even get to work out because the darn thing took so long.
Don't get me wrong, I adore helping people and doing stuff like this. I find it rewarding to bake and have people enjoy my goodies (I've been told my recipe for butter tarts is better than store bought).
Here's my issue. You can take life one of two ways.... life fast and die young, or nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. Today I felt like shit watching people eat my baked goods. It smelled delicious and looked even more so. Everyone at work was mmm'ing. My stomach turned. This is the worst temptation I have ever experienced. So I thought to myself, you only live once.
I didn't cheat. I didn't even though I wanted to so badly. I still can taste the smell of that delicious cake! There's a huge part of me that wants to bake a cake right now and sit on the couch watching repeats of vampire diaries with a fork and just eat until it hurts.
In the words of Kate Moss, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels". Has Kate Moss never had a slice of Domino's pizza or a brownie? (probably not but still, you get my point). Food is absolutely delicious. I haven't had anything with any taste since I've started this diet. I've seen results, but I don't feel good yet because I still can't put on a pair of pants that fit me a year ago.
I'm having a bad day about this whole deal!
It was a two tiered vanilla on one and chocolate on the other decorated with pink and blue icing. I had to wake up at 6am to decorate it and I didn't even get to work out because the darn thing took so long.
Don't get me wrong, I adore helping people and doing stuff like this. I find it rewarding to bake and have people enjoy my goodies (I've been told my recipe for butter tarts is better than store bought).
Here's my issue. You can take life one of two ways.... life fast and die young, or nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. Today I felt like shit watching people eat my baked goods. It smelled delicious and looked even more so. Everyone at work was mmm'ing. My stomach turned. This is the worst temptation I have ever experienced. So I thought to myself, you only live once.
I didn't cheat. I didn't even though I wanted to so badly. I still can taste the smell of that delicious cake! There's a huge part of me that wants to bake a cake right now and sit on the couch watching repeats of vampire diaries with a fork and just eat until it hurts.
In the words of Kate Moss, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels". Has Kate Moss never had a slice of Domino's pizza or a brownie? (probably not but still, you get my point). Food is absolutely delicious. I haven't had anything with any taste since I've started this diet. I've seen results, but I don't feel good yet because I still can't put on a pair of pants that fit me a year ago.
I'm having a bad day about this whole deal!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
10 Pounds- GONE
The alarm went off this morning and instead of jumping out of bed to work out- I turned it off. I'm allowed to have a day off working out I think. For the first time my body doesn't hurt. I'll take the dog for a walk tonight with Ben. Everything counts.
So I woke up this morning and of course, went straight for the scale.... and lo and behold I've lost 10 pounds. TEN pounds..... yes... 1-0 pounds! This is amazing results for such a short period of time. I'm pretty sure it's still a ton of water weight but good golly I'm happy.
A lot of people keep telling me they are proud of the dedication and it makes me feel bad because I haven't stuck with a diet in years. I'm a yo yoer. I want this so badly but there is a tiny part of me that's afraid to dissapoint anybody. When I've been doing this for two whole months- then I'll allow people to express pride at my dedication. For now my response will remain "it's only been a week"
I'm in serious PMS mode and craving anything and everything. Been this way for two days now. Again, I'm working through it but this part is tough. Sometimes being a woman really sucks!
So I woke up this morning and of course, went straight for the scale.... and lo and behold I've lost 10 pounds. TEN pounds..... yes... 1-0 pounds! This is amazing results for such a short period of time. I'm pretty sure it's still a ton of water weight but good golly I'm happy.
A lot of people keep telling me they are proud of the dedication and it makes me feel bad because I haven't stuck with a diet in years. I'm a yo yoer. I want this so badly but there is a tiny part of me that's afraid to dissapoint anybody. When I've been doing this for two whole months- then I'll allow people to express pride at my dedication. For now my response will remain "it's only been a week"
I'm in serious PMS mode and craving anything and everything. Been this way for two days now. Again, I'm working through it but this part is tough. Sometimes being a woman really sucks!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Client Visits and a Life
So.... today I almost missed my snack. I had two interviews back to back and was shadowing a new person's interview to help him along and by the time 11am rolled around I was rushing my snack in.
Tomorrow morning I have a client meeting at 9:15am so I won't be able to go to the gym because I have to spend time on hair and makeup (I know, the life of a girl).
So, I need to figure out ways to make up for lost time. I need to have a life too- can't rush to the fridge everytime I need to eat and a candidate needs to be prepped for an interview.
Tomorrow morning I'll wake up at the same time and do a work out at home with the Kinect, and then I'll hop in the shower to get ready for the visit. No gym but still have some cardio in there.
It's hard to have a life and diet- especially on weekends!
Tomorrow morning I have a client meeting at 9:15am so I won't be able to go to the gym because I have to spend time on hair and makeup (I know, the life of a girl).
So, I need to figure out ways to make up for lost time. I need to have a life too- can't rush to the fridge everytime I need to eat and a candidate needs to be prepped for an interview.
Tomorrow morning I'll wake up at the same time and do a work out at home with the Kinect, and then I'll hop in the shower to get ready for the visit. No gym but still have some cardio in there.
It's hard to have a life and diet- especially on weekends!
Monday, January 10, 2011
say Buh Bye to Gagging
I've decided if it makes me gag I'm not going to eat it.
I've made the egg whites delicious by adding a tablespoon of salsa
I've made the oatmeal delcious by adding peanut butter and switching it up once and while to a half a baked potato in the morning
I've even made bland chicken delicious by addion some sodium free chicken stock to it.
I cannot make these protein shakes delicious. I won't force myself to drink them when they make me sick for HOURS after. For now.... I'm saying buh bye to the protein shakes until I can find one that doesn't look and taste like puke! GROSS!
I've made the egg whites delicious by adding a tablespoon of salsa
I've made the oatmeal delcious by adding peanut butter and switching it up once and while to a half a baked potato in the morning
I've even made bland chicken delicious by addion some sodium free chicken stock to it.
I cannot make these protein shakes delicious. I won't force myself to drink them when they make me sick for HOURS after. For now.... I'm saying buh bye to the protein shakes until I can find one that doesn't look and taste like puke! GROSS!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Work it Out!
Yesterday I went to sign up at the gym and despite me telling them I won't be paying for anything extra, they tried to sell me the world (as a sidenote, in 2009 I wanted to lose weight too- I spent 900 at Premier Fitness for a one year membership and 12 personal training sessions and I went once).
I purchased on New Years Day a Groupon deal for 19 bucks, I got a two month membership to the gym down the street and a 20$ giftcard for the juice bar. The sales rep who signed me up tried to sell me on buying a one year membership now for 400$.
What is wrong with sales people? I'm a sales person and if someone shuts the door in my face I've been trained to have my rebuttal's ready, but as a person I also know when I call an HR rep and they are super frustrated and busy, they don't want to deal with a new agency person right now. There is a time and a place for everything. I told the gentleman that I will only be using this two month membership and if I can commit to the full two months, I will seek him out to purchase a full year. Going to the gym is the worst experience ever when you have to sign up. They make you feel like you NEED personal training.
To top it off, you can't even work out without having a personal assessment done. I had the same thing at Premier which is how they suckered me into buying the personal training sessions. They go through how much you weigh and make you feel extremely bad about yourself so you open up your credit card and pray you're giving them enough money to make you skinny again. It's absolutely ridiculous.
On the plus side, I was able to work out for 25 minutes today. 25 whole minutes of cardio on the treadmill and eliptical machines. Neda was supposed to go with me today but she's super sick so at some point this week she will show me which resistance training I need to do. I'll have to go in the evenings for resistance training because you need to be full of protein for that. I'll be waking up at 5:45am every morning and heading to the gym for half an hour of cardio from Monday to Friday. My sister and I are going to do the Kinect in the evenings at 9pm. With this schedule, who has time for a life? Hopefully Skinny Jenn won't have to work out as often to maintain my bikini figure :)
So for all of you following this blog- if you don't have to join a gym, don't! If you can, it's literally the only way to ensure you are getting the RIGHT exercise in. The Kinect and home activities are great to get you moving but it does not compare to the machines a good reputable gym will have.... just leave your credit card at home!
I purchased on New Years Day a Groupon deal for 19 bucks, I got a two month membership to the gym down the street and a 20$ giftcard for the juice bar. The sales rep who signed me up tried to sell me on buying a one year membership now for 400$.
What is wrong with sales people? I'm a sales person and if someone shuts the door in my face I've been trained to have my rebuttal's ready, but as a person I also know when I call an HR rep and they are super frustrated and busy, they don't want to deal with a new agency person right now. There is a time and a place for everything. I told the gentleman that I will only be using this two month membership and if I can commit to the full two months, I will seek him out to purchase a full year. Going to the gym is the worst experience ever when you have to sign up. They make you feel like you NEED personal training.
To top it off, you can't even work out without having a personal assessment done. I had the same thing at Premier which is how they suckered me into buying the personal training sessions. They go through how much you weigh and make you feel extremely bad about yourself so you open up your credit card and pray you're giving them enough money to make you skinny again. It's absolutely ridiculous.
On the plus side, I was able to work out for 25 minutes today. 25 whole minutes of cardio on the treadmill and eliptical machines. Neda was supposed to go with me today but she's super sick so at some point this week she will show me which resistance training I need to do. I'll have to go in the evenings for resistance training because you need to be full of protein for that. I'll be waking up at 5:45am every morning and heading to the gym for half an hour of cardio from Monday to Friday. My sister and I are going to do the Kinect in the evenings at 9pm. With this schedule, who has time for a life? Hopefully Skinny Jenn won't have to work out as often to maintain my bikini figure :)
So for all of you following this blog- if you don't have to join a gym, don't! If you can, it's literally the only way to ensure you are getting the RIGHT exercise in. The Kinect and home activities are great to get you moving but it does not compare to the machines a good reputable gym will have.... just leave your credit card at home!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
182 Pounds is Nothing to be Proud Of!
As I went to get dressed this morning it hit me- I was so happy about losing weight but I can’t let that allow me to get lenient. 182 pounds is still over 40 pounds before I can wear my jeans again. I still have nothing to wear!
Am I super duper proud of the fact that I’ve lost 8 pounds in 7 days?- of course. Am I going to keep going?- Of course! The whole point of this is to get back into my wardrobe and stop crying when I have nothing to wear. I have a closet literally bursting with clothes. (oh and to kick ass in the biggest loser challenge at work and take home some money to buy some clothes in my new size! LOL)
Tip for food: Salsa on your egg whites makes it delicious- and it’s totally allowed!
Instead of oatmeal if it’s unbearable- have a half a baked potato in the morning- you need your carbs first thing in the morning.
Am I super duper proud of the fact that I’ve lost 8 pounds in 7 days?- of course. Am I going to keep going?- Of course! The whole point of this is to get back into my wardrobe and stop crying when I have nothing to wear. I have a closet literally bursting with clothes. (oh and to kick ass in the biggest loser challenge at work and take home some money to buy some clothes in my new size! LOL)
Tip for food: Salsa on your egg whites makes it delicious- and it’s totally allowed!
Instead of oatmeal if it’s unbearable- have a half a baked potato in the morning- you need your carbs first thing in the morning.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Biggest Loser
So at work everyone is INSPIRED! We're all going to do a biggest loser style competition ending on April 28th. The winner will get a pool of money. To be fair I'm starting off at my current weight (183), and not the dirty 190lbs.
I've lost over 3% body weight (I used a free online calculator). I started to eat more tuna to mix it up a bit. The weight seems to be just coming off so quickly I'm worried about my first plateau. I'm going to the gym tomorrow with Neda for the first time so that I can get set up for my two month membership (already paid for). Hopefully with the actual work out sessions I will not see a plateau for a long long time!
If anyone noticed, I'm at 183 pounds- I've lost 7 pounds since Saturday just dancing, eating healthy, walking and working out with the Kinect! I'm LOVING the results!
Last night I had my first craving for pasta. It was brutal! I wanted to lock myself in the closet and rock back and forth convincing myself I can do this! Ben ate pasta and I just wanted it so bad! I also had a dream that I ate a huge turkey burger on a gigantic bun and I woke up satisfied. Mind over matter!
I've lost over 3% body weight (I used a free online calculator). I started to eat more tuna to mix it up a bit. The weight seems to be just coming off so quickly I'm worried about my first plateau. I'm going to the gym tomorrow with Neda for the first time so that I can get set up for my two month membership (already paid for). Hopefully with the actual work out sessions I will not see a plateau for a long long time!
If anyone noticed, I'm at 183 pounds- I've lost 7 pounds since Saturday just dancing, eating healthy, walking and working out with the Kinect! I'm LOVING the results!
Last night I had my first craving for pasta. It was brutal! I wanted to lock myself in the closet and rock back and forth convincing myself I can do this! Ben ate pasta and I just wanted it so bad! I also had a dream that I ate a huge turkey burger on a gigantic bun and I woke up satisfied. Mind over matter!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
To Prove How Fat I am....
Today was supposed to be the president's lunch that I qualified for. Yesterday my VP asked us all to wear a suit. Trouble is, if I don't fit into any of my clothes I certainly don't fit into any of my suits but I figured I've started to lose weight so it should be alright.
Well.... it was NOT alright. I went to put on the pants, got the first button done. I sucked in my gut as much as I possibly could to get the rest of the buttons and I literally threw out my back. Don't ask me the logistics of it, I just couldn't move. I laid on the bed literally crying while Ben tried to stretch it out. Finally my back allowed me to move but the end result is that I can't turn my neck to the right at all! When I try the pain travels all the way up my arm and down my back.
I told you all I was planning on revealing all in this blog- but this takes the cake. How many people do you know throw out their backs trying on pants? Further proof that I need to get my shape in order so that I can put on clothes and actually walk out the door in them!
On the plus side, I lost another pound when I stepped on the scale this morning (prior to putting on the pants of course). That's 6 pounds altogether.
A few people were putting me down about that- saying "it's just water weight." Whatever weight it is, it was here last week and gone this week. If it comes back next week then something is wrong. Water weight or not I'm proud of myself for suffering through week one so far. This isn't easy for someone who's fallen into the trap of salty/faty/sugary foods. Lay off the criticism people- I'm happy with the progress I have so far!
Well.... it was NOT alright. I went to put on the pants, got the first button done. I sucked in my gut as much as I possibly could to get the rest of the buttons and I literally threw out my back. Don't ask me the logistics of it, I just couldn't move. I laid on the bed literally crying while Ben tried to stretch it out. Finally my back allowed me to move but the end result is that I can't turn my neck to the right at all! When I try the pain travels all the way up my arm and down my back.
I told you all I was planning on revealing all in this blog- but this takes the cake. How many people do you know throw out their backs trying on pants? Further proof that I need to get my shape in order so that I can put on clothes and actually walk out the door in them!
On the plus side, I lost another pound when I stepped on the scale this morning (prior to putting on the pants of course). That's 6 pounds altogether.
A few people were putting me down about that- saying "it's just water weight." Whatever weight it is, it was here last week and gone this week. If it comes back next week then something is wrong. Water weight or not I'm proud of myself for suffering through week one so far. This isn't easy for someone who's fallen into the trap of salty/faty/sugary foods. Lay off the criticism people- I'm happy with the progress I have so far!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A day in the life.....
7:23am- Woke up this morning to work out with the Kinect at 6:30. I did a cardio personal training session, a kickboxing fitness class and finished it off with some thai chi. Thai Chi is the hardest exercise I have ever done but definitely the most rewarding! I feel more awake and definitely more energized.
Ben’s been getting more active too! He’s been dancing with me and playing hockey in the evenings. We’re becoming an active household, we just need to get our chubby lazy dog in on the action (according to our groomer and our vet Oscar is packing on the pounds).
Diet today is no different than yesterday. Soon I will need to change it up a bit. There is only so much chicken I can eat !
Here’s a typical day (the schedule was posted a little while ago)
Breakfast:
Egg Whites (approx 6)- totally gag-worthy
Oatmeal- 20 grams (about ¼ cup)- to sweeten add teaspoon of peanut butter and it’s still unbearable but suck it up buttercup! (mmmmm….. Buttercup)
1st Snack of the day,
0% vanilla yogurt with 3 strawberries cut up (about three tablespoons of yogurt) and a teaspoon of granola
1 rice cake (plain, nothing on it and no salt)
Lunch:
Spinach salad with a chicken breast, grilled (seasoned with sodium free Mrs. Dash seasoning). Chicken breast should be larger than your fist if your fists are small like me. Add two or three grape tomatoes if you’d like but it’s preferred not. Dressing (I asked, it is allowed but not store bought) is balsamic vinegar and olive oil. No salt.
2nd Snack of the day,
Cottage Cheese (about three tablespoons)
Protein Shake (you can make it into a smoothie by adding ice and strawberries or peach- just go very very easy on the fruits)
Supper:
Turkey Breast- grilled again with the same seasoning
Asparagus- about a cup boiled.
Notice how the ingredients are very few and far between. No butter. Everything if it is fried is fried with Pam. No salt. No sugar!
Best part is the results- worst part is the cravings (which I have not yet had but I anticipate will be brutal).
Eventually- like in 21 days- you will be able to add in some ingredients and if you see some crazy results you will be allowed a cheat meal (like going to the movies and eating popcorn). Eventually, you will be allowed a cheat day (like in another 21 days).
This diet will need to be adjusted based on how much physical activity you do. This is a lot of protein- and practically no carbs (bread lovers unite but unfortunately you will only be allowed to dream of a sandwich at this point).
I was told this is going to be extremely difficult- maybe I just want it bad enough to stick with it but I’m finding it quite easy to stick to. I’m never hungry on the schedule and some of the food is tolerable (good thing I’m writing this at 6:30pm and breakfast is long over or you would be hearing a very different story about evil oatmeal and its gag worthiness).
I love the response to this blog! Those who are doing it too- no matter what diet or exercise you do- let me know how much you lose and we’ll tally up as a team!
Ben’s been getting more active too! He’s been dancing with me and playing hockey in the evenings. We’re becoming an active household, we just need to get our chubby lazy dog in on the action (according to our groomer and our vet Oscar is packing on the pounds).
Diet today is no different than yesterday. Soon I will need to change it up a bit. There is only so much chicken I can eat !
Here’s a typical day (the schedule was posted a little while ago)
Breakfast:
Egg Whites (approx 6)- totally gag-worthy
Oatmeal- 20 grams (about ¼ cup)- to sweeten add teaspoon of peanut butter and it’s still unbearable but suck it up buttercup! (mmmmm….. Buttercup)
1st Snack of the day,
0% vanilla yogurt with 3 strawberries cut up (about three tablespoons of yogurt) and a teaspoon of granola
1 rice cake (plain, nothing on it and no salt)
Lunch:
Spinach salad with a chicken breast, grilled (seasoned with sodium free Mrs. Dash seasoning). Chicken breast should be larger than your fist if your fists are small like me. Add two or three grape tomatoes if you’d like but it’s preferred not. Dressing (I asked, it is allowed but not store bought) is balsamic vinegar and olive oil. No salt.
2nd Snack of the day,
Cottage Cheese (about three tablespoons)
Protein Shake (you can make it into a smoothie by adding ice and strawberries or peach- just go very very easy on the fruits)
Supper:
Turkey Breast- grilled again with the same seasoning
Asparagus- about a cup boiled.
Notice how the ingredients are very few and far between. No butter. Everything if it is fried is fried with Pam. No salt. No sugar!
Best part is the results- worst part is the cravings (which I have not yet had but I anticipate will be brutal).
Eventually- like in 21 days- you will be able to add in some ingredients and if you see some crazy results you will be allowed a cheat meal (like going to the movies and eating popcorn). Eventually, you will be allowed a cheat day (like in another 21 days).
This diet will need to be adjusted based on how much physical activity you do. This is a lot of protein- and practically no carbs (bread lovers unite but unfortunately you will only be allowed to dream of a sandwich at this point).
I was told this is going to be extremely difficult- maybe I just want it bad enough to stick with it but I’m finding it quite easy to stick to. I’m never hungry on the schedule and some of the food is tolerable (good thing I’m writing this at 6:30pm and breakfast is long over or you would be hearing a very different story about evil oatmeal and its gag worthiness).
I love the response to this blog! Those who are doing it too- no matter what diet or exercise you do- let me know how much you lose and we’ll tally up as a team!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Back to work
Today was my first day back to work from the holidays and I followed the schedule to the letter... and I have to say I wasn't hungry once all day.
Instead of putting the peanut butter on my rice cake I mixed it into my oatmeal to make it tolerable and I was able to finish half of the 20g. I added one egg to the egg whites and still could barely tolerate them. I definitely didn't finish them again.
I couldn't find a way to mix the protein shake while at work so I had other snacks instead of that. I need to find out better ways to make the shake while at work.
It's 6:36pm and for the first time today I'm hungry. Supper is in an hour.
All in all this diet thing is becoming a bit easier. It takes so much more work and dedication. I woke up at 6:30am to work out this morning but realized I lent the workout game to my sister last night so I danced instead. Dancing is such a great way to burn calories but man was I spent after just 10 minutes.
Tomorrow is a new day! I'll step on the scale in the morning to see how I'm doing.
Instead of putting the peanut butter on my rice cake I mixed it into my oatmeal to make it tolerable and I was able to finish half of the 20g. I added one egg to the egg whites and still could barely tolerate them. I definitely didn't finish them again.
I couldn't find a way to mix the protein shake while at work so I had other snacks instead of that. I need to find out better ways to make the shake while at work.
It's 6:36pm and for the first time today I'm hungry. Supper is in an hour.
All in all this diet thing is becoming a bit easier. It takes so much more work and dedication. I woke up at 6:30am to work out this morning but realized I lent the workout game to my sister last night so I danced instead. Dancing is such a great way to burn calories but man was I spent after just 10 minutes.
Tomorrow is a new day! I'll step on the scale in the morning to see how I'm doing.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Already???
I have the day off today as a Stat Holiday and Ben does not (he had Friday instead). I woke up late (9:00am) (I'm supposed to have eaten breakfast by now).
I've been stepping on the scale every day just to see if I've lost anything. I lost four pounds since Saturday. So in two days I've dropped two pounds a day (I checked yesterday as well). I was going to make it a weekly weigh off type of dealy, but I'm too impatient. I'll be interested to see how much I weigh on this Saturday.
I have a work lunch on Thursday that I absolutely can't get out of! It's too soon for me to be going to a restaurant. It's a fixed menu and I know there is salmon on there so I will order that with no mashed potatoes- but to watch everyone indulge in things I love like Cheesecake and even cesar salad just does not seem fair this soon in the game. Now if it was a cheat day on the other hand- just kidding.
I like seeing results. I've always been results oriented. It's what makes me work in a comission based environment. Despite the intense hunger this is the most manageable diet I've ever done (back in June of 2010 I love 15 pounds by pretty much starving myself).
Well I'm off to make my egg whites. Todays menu pretty much looks like Saturday's (surprise surprise) except I'm going to make salmon for supper tonight instead of a chicken breast. More broccoli of course.
9:45 Couldn't finish the egg whites. It's literally awful. I need to speak with Neda about breakfast. Snacks, Lunch and Dinner are all pretty good (except for the awful protein shake). Breakfast needs a makeover!
11:45am- Snack was awesome! A couple tablespoonfulls of 0% organic yogurt with just a teensy weensy bit of strawberry jam to add some sweetness and flavour and one plain rice cake with light peaunt butter. One tip Neda gave me is to eat so slow because it takes 21 minutes for your tummy to realize its full. I must have swallowed that snack in one bite. Good food is hard to eat slowly. The crummy stuff is easy to suffer through slowly. Lunch is in two hours so we shall see how that goes! On the menu is half a turkey breast (again the size of my fist) on a dark green salad (still not sure about the dressing but I'll go easy on it). I'm allowed carbs at lunch but I just ate my carbs for the snack so I'll keep it to mainly protein.
It's 6:30 and I just got back from Neda's place. I've been doing this ALL WRONG! What I eat is important, but not AS important as when I eat it.
My life should look like this:
7:30am- Breakfast (yes I have no choice on the oatmeal- I can sweeten it with peanut butter, and for the egg whites I can add one egg to give it flavour)
10:30am- snack (rice cake and natural peanut butter and yogurt with strawberries)
1:30pm- Lunch (I'm allowed carbs in the form of half a small sweet potato)
4:30pm- snack (the awful protein shake I bought- it turns out is not enough protein so I need to double up on the scoops. To make it taste better I can add some ice, peach and strawberries to it and make it into a smoothie instead. I tried that tonight and it was actually good)
7:30pm- Supper (Turns out I wasn't eating enough protein- I guess my fists are too small. I need to add about half a breast more. Also the only sides for supper I can eat are asparagus or brocoli and lots of it.)
Today on Groupon is a great deal for a two month gym membership and just happens to be the same gym as Neda. I was supposed to go today but just couldn't get up enough willpower. I bought the groupon and Neda will take me this weekend to sign up.
Still not even a sniff of bread or salt. It's too soon to miss it at this point. Let's see where I'm at next week in the bread/salt saga!
I've been stepping on the scale every day just to see if I've lost anything. I lost four pounds since Saturday. So in two days I've dropped two pounds a day (I checked yesterday as well). I was going to make it a weekly weigh off type of dealy, but I'm too impatient. I'll be interested to see how much I weigh on this Saturday.
I have a work lunch on Thursday that I absolutely can't get out of! It's too soon for me to be going to a restaurant. It's a fixed menu and I know there is salmon on there so I will order that with no mashed potatoes- but to watch everyone indulge in things I love like Cheesecake and even cesar salad just does not seem fair this soon in the game. Now if it was a cheat day on the other hand- just kidding.
I like seeing results. I've always been results oriented. It's what makes me work in a comission based environment. Despite the intense hunger this is the most manageable diet I've ever done (back in June of 2010 I love 15 pounds by pretty much starving myself).
Well I'm off to make my egg whites. Todays menu pretty much looks like Saturday's (surprise surprise) except I'm going to make salmon for supper tonight instead of a chicken breast. More broccoli of course.
9:45 Couldn't finish the egg whites. It's literally awful. I need to speak with Neda about breakfast. Snacks, Lunch and Dinner are all pretty good (except for the awful protein shake). Breakfast needs a makeover!
11:45am- Snack was awesome! A couple tablespoonfulls of 0% organic yogurt with just a teensy weensy bit of strawberry jam to add some sweetness and flavour and one plain rice cake with light peaunt butter. One tip Neda gave me is to eat so slow because it takes 21 minutes for your tummy to realize its full. I must have swallowed that snack in one bite. Good food is hard to eat slowly. The crummy stuff is easy to suffer through slowly. Lunch is in two hours so we shall see how that goes! On the menu is half a turkey breast (again the size of my fist) on a dark green salad (still not sure about the dressing but I'll go easy on it). I'm allowed carbs at lunch but I just ate my carbs for the snack so I'll keep it to mainly protein.
It's 6:30 and I just got back from Neda's place. I've been doing this ALL WRONG! What I eat is important, but not AS important as when I eat it.
My life should look like this:
7:30am- Breakfast (yes I have no choice on the oatmeal- I can sweeten it with peanut butter, and for the egg whites I can add one egg to give it flavour)
10:30am- snack (rice cake and natural peanut butter and yogurt with strawberries)
1:30pm- Lunch (I'm allowed carbs in the form of half a small sweet potato)
4:30pm- snack (the awful protein shake I bought- it turns out is not enough protein so I need to double up on the scoops. To make it taste better I can add some ice, peach and strawberries to it and make it into a smoothie instead. I tried that tonight and it was actually good)
7:30pm- Supper (Turns out I wasn't eating enough protein- I guess my fists are too small. I need to add about half a breast more. Also the only sides for supper I can eat are asparagus or brocoli and lots of it.)
Today on Groupon is a great deal for a two month gym membership and just happens to be the same gym as Neda. I was supposed to go today but just couldn't get up enough willpower. I bought the groupon and Neda will take me this weekend to sign up.
Still not even a sniff of bread or salt. It's too soon to miss it at this point. Let's see where I'm at next week in the bread/salt saga!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Are tic tacs considered cheating?
Today we drove Ben's kids home (well to North Bay so about 8 hours in the car altogether). I made sure to pack my lunch and eat breakfast before I left. I even made the protein shake and poured it into a water bottle to have as a snack.
I just got home, it's 5:10pm and I'm absolutely starving (horrible thing to say considering people around the world are actually starving, but you're looking at a gal who's eaten nothing but junk for two years straight... I equate it to kicking a drug habit).
For breakfast I ate a granola cereal and skipped the egg whites. I know I'm supposed to do oatmeal and egg whites but I really didn't feel like gagging.
For lunch I had a salad with a full chicken breast. I need to ask Neda if I'm allowed to have salad dressing. To be safe I just had a tablespoon of calorie wise French dressing.
On the way home at 3:00pm I drank the protein shake and gagged the whole way through it. Gosh that's disgusting.
Then I had a tic tac.
I just got home, it's 5:10pm and I'm absolutely starving (horrible thing to say considering people around the world are actually starving, but you're looking at a gal who's eaten nothing but junk for two years straight... I equate it to kicking a drug habit).
For breakfast I ate a granola cereal and skipped the egg whites. I know I'm supposed to do oatmeal and egg whites but I really didn't feel like gagging.
For lunch I had a salad with a full chicken breast. I need to ask Neda if I'm allowed to have salad dressing. To be safe I just had a tablespoon of calorie wise French dressing.
On the way home at 3:00pm I drank the protein shake and gagged the whole way through it. Gosh that's disgusting.
Then I had a tic tac.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day One- I'm Starving
Day one- starting off with the 21 day challenge!
Neda, my sister’s best friend and fitness expert, has developed an eating plan for me to lose weight.
Maybe I should start at the beginning- I’m 27 years old and I now weigh 190 pounds. I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost two years, and I’ve “let myself go” as they say. It didn’t happen on purpose. It started off because Ben is a chef and he would make these incredible meals and I would have seconds, thirds and even fourths. When he moved in with me April 2009, I was about 150 pds. I’ve gained 40 pds and it seems to have been put on in every part of my body.
I have wobbly arms with dimples, dimples all over my thighs (my legs used to be my best feature in a bikini) and my stomach would need to go through airport security first as a separate person.
So it’s January 1st- and I’ve enlisted the help of a fitness expert extraordinaire to help me lose weight. It’s going to be tough! It’s going to take everything I have.
I love Maltesers. I love chocolate and BREAD. Ohmigod I love Bread! I love pasta (I am Italian) and I love love love EATING! When Neda told me Christmas day that I would have to give up bread completely I literally cried. Tears streamed down my face as I contemplated a life bread free. A life without baguettes and croissants and even Dempsters sliced bread grilled cheese sandwiches.
The 21 day challenge is all about eating healthy- and Neda says if I do well I can have a cheat day! At this point it’s all about getting me to that day that I can buy a pack of Maltesers and munch away. (according to Neda your body gets so used to eating healthy that on your cheat days you don’t really “cheat”… right now my life is all about getting me to the point where I can buy a loaf of bread and rip it in half and stuff it in my mouth).
ANYWAYS- on to the actual diet:
I was supposed to wake up this morning at 8am to start eating but come on, it’s New Years Day. I woke up at 10am and started my breakfast:
20 grams of quick oats oatmeal with a small handful of blueberries
6 egg whites
(water to drink)
I have always detested oatmeal. It’s horse food, not people food. Now I remember why. I added less than a pinch of brown sugar and I still couldn’t stomach it. I ate about four bites and then gave up. I’ll try again tomorrow to acquire the taste for oatmeal (though on a side note I always thought you had to acquire a taste for the finer things in life like caviar and dry red wines- not horse food).
The egg whites weren’t bad if it were two or even three. After the first couple chunks I started to hate the taste and texture. It’s salt-free of course. Did I mention I LOVE salt?
I am not looking forward to two hours from now- snack time which consists of:
A protein shake
0% yogurt with strawberries to taste. I have a strong feeling the yogurt will taste like poop (the best word I could come up with under the circumstances.
12:00pm- The yogurt actually wasn’t so bad- put in a tiny bit of strawberry jam and its not as tasteless.
The protein shake is alright- I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt.
Lunch- 3pm
A chicken breast the size of my fist
Half a yam- grilled.
Lunch was yummy but missing something- BREAD!
It’s 4:35 and I’m so hungry I feel like crying! My stomach is playing instruments it’s so loud. My next snack isn’t until 5:30 and it’s a crummy combination of a rice cake and cottage cheese (which I actually like). I’m hoping I can make it the hour. Ben’s kids are here and it’s SO hard to watch them eat all these snacks like Pringles and freezies. I was ready for this though so it’s not so bad! (It sucks I just need to keep saying it‘s not so bad)
It’s 5:18 and I just cheated! I’m making sheppards pie for the kids and I just finished whipping the potatoes (with about ¼ cup of butter) and I took the whipping utensils and just thought I’d taste it (you know, to make sure it’s tasty) and I could not stop taking fingers full of mashed potatoes. I probably ate four spoon-fulls so at the end of the day it’s not a drastic cheat (I could have finished off a cheesecake at this point I’m so hungry!)
The broccoli is on the stove boiling- to punish myself should I double up in broccoli. Now that sounds like a punishment.
For supper at 5:30
Chicken Breast- again the size of my fist
Broccoli
I realized I missed the salad at lunch and I also missed the snack. I could have the snack now but I am just WAY too hungry for rice cake.
Two hours after supper I’ll go for the cottage cheese if I’m absolutely dying!
7:22pm- Just finished playing Kinect with the kids. Dancing game that gets you on your feet and moving around. I’m so hungry it’s unbearable. Neda told me the first two weeks would be awful and boy oh boy was she ever right! I’m definitely going to go for some cottage cheese soon. I get the portion size absolutely sucks but my brain needs to believe I am satisfied.
P.S. Xbox 360 Kinect is the best invention ever!
I’m signing off now! Promise in the future the blog won’t be a chapter book. I could have blogged about my first attempt to exercise today in two years. I do believe senior citizens could exercise more freely and without pain!
Neda, my sister’s best friend and fitness expert, has developed an eating plan for me to lose weight.
Maybe I should start at the beginning- I’m 27 years old and I now weigh 190 pounds. I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost two years, and I’ve “let myself go” as they say. It didn’t happen on purpose. It started off because Ben is a chef and he would make these incredible meals and I would have seconds, thirds and even fourths. When he moved in with me April 2009, I was about 150 pds. I’ve gained 40 pds and it seems to have been put on in every part of my body.
I have wobbly arms with dimples, dimples all over my thighs (my legs used to be my best feature in a bikini) and my stomach would need to go through airport security first as a separate person.
So it’s January 1st- and I’ve enlisted the help of a fitness expert extraordinaire to help me lose weight. It’s going to be tough! It’s going to take everything I have.
I love Maltesers. I love chocolate and BREAD. Ohmigod I love Bread! I love pasta (I am Italian) and I love love love EATING! When Neda told me Christmas day that I would have to give up bread completely I literally cried. Tears streamed down my face as I contemplated a life bread free. A life without baguettes and croissants and even Dempsters sliced bread grilled cheese sandwiches.
The 21 day challenge is all about eating healthy- and Neda says if I do well I can have a cheat day! At this point it’s all about getting me to that day that I can buy a pack of Maltesers and munch away. (according to Neda your body gets so used to eating healthy that on your cheat days you don’t really “cheat”… right now my life is all about getting me to the point where I can buy a loaf of bread and rip it in half and stuff it in my mouth).
ANYWAYS- on to the actual diet:
I was supposed to wake up this morning at 8am to start eating but come on, it’s New Years Day. I woke up at 10am and started my breakfast:
20 grams of quick oats oatmeal with a small handful of blueberries
6 egg whites
(water to drink)
I have always detested oatmeal. It’s horse food, not people food. Now I remember why. I added less than a pinch of brown sugar and I still couldn’t stomach it. I ate about four bites and then gave up. I’ll try again tomorrow to acquire the taste for oatmeal (though on a side note I always thought you had to acquire a taste for the finer things in life like caviar and dry red wines- not horse food).
The egg whites weren’t bad if it were two or even three. After the first couple chunks I started to hate the taste and texture. It’s salt-free of course. Did I mention I LOVE salt?
I am not looking forward to two hours from now- snack time which consists of:
A protein shake
0% yogurt with strawberries to taste. I have a strong feeling the yogurt will taste like poop (the best word I could come up with under the circumstances.
12:00pm- The yogurt actually wasn’t so bad- put in a tiny bit of strawberry jam and its not as tasteless.
The protein shake is alright- I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt.
Lunch- 3pm
A chicken breast the size of my fist
Half a yam- grilled.
Lunch was yummy but missing something- BREAD!
It’s 4:35 and I’m so hungry I feel like crying! My stomach is playing instruments it’s so loud. My next snack isn’t until 5:30 and it’s a crummy combination of a rice cake and cottage cheese (which I actually like). I’m hoping I can make it the hour. Ben’s kids are here and it’s SO hard to watch them eat all these snacks like Pringles and freezies. I was ready for this though so it’s not so bad! (It sucks I just need to keep saying it‘s not so bad)
It’s 5:18 and I just cheated! I’m making sheppards pie for the kids and I just finished whipping the potatoes (with about ¼ cup of butter) and I took the whipping utensils and just thought I’d taste it (you know, to make sure it’s tasty) and I could not stop taking fingers full of mashed potatoes. I probably ate four spoon-fulls so at the end of the day it’s not a drastic cheat (I could have finished off a cheesecake at this point I’m so hungry!)
The broccoli is on the stove boiling- to punish myself should I double up in broccoli. Now that sounds like a punishment.
For supper at 5:30
Chicken Breast- again the size of my fist
Broccoli
I realized I missed the salad at lunch and I also missed the snack. I could have the snack now but I am just WAY too hungry for rice cake.
Two hours after supper I’ll go for the cottage cheese if I’m absolutely dying!
7:22pm- Just finished playing Kinect with the kids. Dancing game that gets you on your feet and moving around. I’m so hungry it’s unbearable. Neda told me the first two weeks would be awful and boy oh boy was she ever right! I’m definitely going to go for some cottage cheese soon. I get the portion size absolutely sucks but my brain needs to believe I am satisfied.
P.S. Xbox 360 Kinect is the best invention ever!
I’m signing off now! Promise in the future the blog won’t be a chapter book. I could have blogged about my first attempt to exercise today in two years. I do believe senior citizens could exercise more freely and without pain!
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