I know I'm probably alone with this one, but I really love Mondays. I have for a long time. The kids go back to school, the husband goes back to work, and the house is mine. All mine.
And since I started Weight Watchers, I love Mondays because it is the day I get to weigh-in. Get to? Yes. It is like my little reward for the week to see that progress.
This week's reward? I reached my 25 lb milestone! Yes; I lost another 2.2 lbs this week, putting me at a total of 25.6 lbs lost since July 13, 2009. And yet, I'm still over 200. That was what my husband asked me (again) last night. At dinner, I was telling my son how much weight I had lost. As of yesterday it was 23.4 lbs. My youngest son was quite impressed, "Wow, Mom. That's really good!" Gotta love those kids! Then, my husband has to pee in the punch, "...but you're still over 200, right?" Why can't they just be supportive?
Thank goodness he returned to work this morning. No wonder I love Mondays so much!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
So sore!
So this past Monday was weigh-in day, and I lost 2.4 lbs this week for a total of 23.4!! I also reached my 10% goal with Weight Watchers!
Later that day, I went to workout with my personal trainer. Usually, after workouts, I'm sore for a couple of days, but this time, I really never got very sore. So when he asked, I told him that I hardly had any pain from the time before. One of the girls that manages the health club later told me to NEVER tell him that. So I soon learned!
I usually finish up my sessions with him by doing cardio. Well, he worked me so hard that I could not finish my cardio! I had to cut it 8 minutes short. And OMG! My shoulders hurt sooo bad! It is another workout day, and I don't know what I'm going to do because my shoulders and my quadriceps hurt so bad that I don't think I can do anything except maybe some abdominal exercises or stretching.
Anyway, it is almost time for me to head out for that appointment. Let us hope he'll let me not work those sore areas because I don't know where I'll find the stamina to give.
Pray for me.
Later that day, I went to workout with my personal trainer. Usually, after workouts, I'm sore for a couple of days, but this time, I really never got very sore. So when he asked, I told him that I hardly had any pain from the time before. One of the girls that manages the health club later told me to NEVER tell him that. So I soon learned!
I usually finish up my sessions with him by doing cardio. Well, he worked me so hard that I could not finish my cardio! I had to cut it 8 minutes short. And OMG! My shoulders hurt sooo bad! It is another workout day, and I don't know what I'm going to do because my shoulders and my quadriceps hurt so bad that I don't think I can do anything except maybe some abdominal exercises or stretching.
Anyway, it is almost time for me to head out for that appointment. Let us hope he'll let me not work those sore areas because I don't know where I'll find the stamina to give.
Pray for me.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
We're on a roll
So, I've been going to the gym now 3 days per week. I'm meeting with Adam, my personal trainer, 2 to 3 times per week. Things are looking good. Amazingly, my arches are already starting to not hurt so much. It must have something to do with all those ligaments getting loosened up by all the exercise that I'm doing because we're really not doing anything that should directly impact my plantar fascia (the connective tissue in the arch of one's foot).
I feel like such an uncoordinated dork, though, during our training sessions. He'll tell me to walk and lift my leg up high. His goes up, perpendicular to his body (which is kind of hot, I daresay); mine comes up somewhere around 45°! I want my leg to go up that high too (hey! I have my reasons!)
What is really weird is that I'm looking forward to working out now. Last year, I always dreaded going. I mean, afterward, I was always glad that I went, and I felt good, but I still had to make myself go. This time around, I can't wait until my workout days. I almost want to show up on in-between days, but I'm trying to resist that urge because I know that eventually I'm going to hit a plateau, and I need to be able to intensify my workouts (more frequency or longer duration). And if I do that too soon, I feel I won't have anywhere to go when that plateau hits.
For the first time in a long time, I can dare to dream that one day, I could be thin again. Maybe one day, my back and feet won't hurt anymore.
I will close this one with this week's little triumphs. I got back into a size 38 bra, and I put on a pair of capris that I bought at the beginning of this year only to find that they were too small. I never took them back because the store didn't have a larger size. Now they fit, and I don't mean just barely! They fit perfectly with room to be comfortable.
I cannot wait until Monday! I go to Weight Watchers for my weigh-in, and I'll meet with my trainer again later that afternoon. It will also be my 12 week mark and time to take my measurements again.
I feel like such an uncoordinated dork, though, during our training sessions. He'll tell me to walk and lift my leg up high. His goes up, perpendicular to his body (which is kind of hot, I daresay); mine comes up somewhere around 45°! I want my leg to go up that high too (hey! I have my reasons!)
What is really weird is that I'm looking forward to working out now. Last year, I always dreaded going. I mean, afterward, I was always glad that I went, and I felt good, but I still had to make myself go. This time around, I can't wait until my workout days. I almost want to show up on in-between days, but I'm trying to resist that urge because I know that eventually I'm going to hit a plateau, and I need to be able to intensify my workouts (more frequency or longer duration). And if I do that too soon, I feel I won't have anywhere to go when that plateau hits.
For the first time in a long time, I can dare to dream that one day, I could be thin again. Maybe one day, my back and feet won't hurt anymore.
I will close this one with this week's little triumphs. I got back into a size 38 bra, and I put on a pair of capris that I bought at the beginning of this year only to find that they were too small. I never took them back because the store didn't have a larger size. Now they fit, and I don't mean just barely! They fit perfectly with room to be comfortable.
I cannot wait until Monday! I go to Weight Watchers for my weigh-in, and I'll meet with my trainer again later that afternoon. It will also be my 12 week mark and time to take my measurements again.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weigh-in day
So I just got back from my Monday weigh-in at Weight Watchers. This week's loss is 1.6 pounds for a total of 21 pounds in 11 weeks!
I'm stoked.
I got my fourth 5-lb star. Weight Watchers gives you a progress bookmark, and they give out Bravo! stickers as well as 5-lb star stickers for periodic milestones.
And as you know, I met with my personal trainer last Friday. We didn't do too much--just the fitness test, weight, and measurements. I did 6 push ups. Hey! I thought that was pretty good because I didn't think I could do any. Then he stretched me out. I think he might be much better qualified to deal with my situation than the trainer I had last year. So far it seems like he knows more than any of the physical therapists I visited.
So anyway, I'll be going today and Thursday. After each session, I'll finish up with my hour of cardio on my 3 machines.
Things are looking good. I feel good. I'm happy.
I thought I was broken. I think I was wrong.
I'm stoked.
I got my fourth 5-lb star. Weight Watchers gives you a progress bookmark, and they give out Bravo! stickers as well as 5-lb star stickers for periodic milestones.
And as you know, I met with my personal trainer last Friday. We didn't do too much--just the fitness test, weight, and measurements. I did 6 push ups. Hey! I thought that was pretty good because I didn't think I could do any. Then he stretched me out. I think he might be much better qualified to deal with my situation than the trainer I had last year. So far it seems like he knows more than any of the physical therapists I visited.
So anyway, I'll be going today and Thursday. After each session, I'll finish up with my hour of cardio on my 3 machines.
Things are looking good. I feel good. I'm happy.
I thought I was broken. I think I was wrong.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Whence comes inspiration?
I love to torture myself.
I am totally hooked on Food Network. I love watching the various chefs prepare scrumptious-looking dishes choc full of cheese, butter, sugar...crispy foods dredged in panko and fried to a delicate golden brown. Basically, it is all the stuff I cannot really have right now. So it is without a doubt a torturous experience. And I love it.
The cool thing is, however, that I get inspired to try new things. I don't just try to make a lower-fat version of what they're making. I often will take one or more ingredients or ideas from what they're making and create something all-together different--but GOOD!
So several weeks ago, I was watching an early weekend show called "Viva Daisy." The show centers on her creating family-style dishes with a Latin flair. So this particular episode, she fried pork chops in a crispy, breadcrumb coating, then arranged them in a baking dish, and poured this liquid called vinagre on top. Then she covered the dish with foil and baked it in the oven.
Obviously, I'm not going to deep-fry pork chops for dinner. But the one thing I was very intrigued by was the vinagre. Her directions were a little vague, so I did an internet search and discovered that it is actually vinagre de piña, and it is used throughout Central America. It starts with pineapple rinds that you boil; it also has various chilis, spices, vinegar, and onions, a little sugar and salt. Then this mixture has to set and develop a little over time. The result is a very complex and delicious condiment that can be used on just about anything. Daisy used it on pork chops, but I thought I'd try it on chicken legs.
So I browned up 8 chicken legs with the skin removed in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. Then I sliced a couple of carrots, bell peppers, and half an onion, added a sliced clove of garlic, a pinch of Mexican oregano, and a little salt. I poured in a good couple of cups of the vinagre--enough to come up the chicken about halfway--with some of the onions and chilis from the mixture. I brought it to a boil, reduced, covered, and let it simmer for about 35 minutes.
Success! It is so delicious! The vinagre combines a little heat, with a little sweet, salty, and sour from the vinegar, and the chicken, simmered in the mixture, becomes very moist and tender. I just made this for the third time since acquiring the inspiration; twice I served it with rice, and the third time, I served it with corn cakes, which you see pictured with it. I think I prefer it with the rice.
Oh...and the two chicken legs with the vegetable and reduced sauce mixture is only 3 points!!
* Exported from MasterCook *
Pollo Vinagre de Pina
Recipe By :Misty Simon
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Main Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 chicken drumsticks, no skin, R-T-C
1/2 large onion -- sliced
2 large carrots -- peeled and sliced
1/2 green bell pepper -- sliced
1/2 red bell pepper -- sliced
2 garlic cloves -- sliced
1/2 Vinagre de Pina -- see recipe below
vegetable oil spray
Spray a large, lidded nonstick fryer with nonstick spray.
Arrange skinless drumsticks in the pan, and brown on all sides.
Top with cut up vegetables and pour the Vinagre de Pina over everything.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 35-40 minutes.
serving size is 2 drumsticks, 1/4 the vegetable mixture and a drizzle of
the liquid.
S(WW POINTS):
"3"
Copyright:
"©2009 Misty Simon"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 171 Calories; 4g Fat (19.9%
calories from fat); 19g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 58mg
Cholesterol; 313mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 1
1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.
NOTES : Vinagre de Pina, literally pineapple vinegar, is a
complex, rustic, condiment native to Central American
cuisine. Its spicy, sour, but slightly sweet flavor is a
great compliment to many meats: chicken, beef, and pork.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
* Exported from MasterCook *
Vinagre de Pina
Recipe By :
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 large yellow onion -- sliced
2 large garlic cloves -- smashed and chopped
10 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 jalapeno pepper, whole -- chopped
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano -- crushed
2 cups water
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 pineapple ring
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20
minutes. Allow to cool. Place covered in refrigerator and allow to set
overnight or longer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 31 Calories; trace Fat (1.7%
calories from fat); trace Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber;
0mg Cholesterol; 239mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Vegetable; 0
Fruit; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
I am totally hooked on Food Network. I love watching the various chefs prepare scrumptious-looking dishes choc full of cheese, butter, sugar...crispy foods dredged in panko and fried to a delicate golden brown. Basically, it is all the stuff I cannot really have right now. So it is without a doubt a torturous experience. And I love it.
The cool thing is, however, that I get inspired to try new things. I don't just try to make a lower-fat version of what they're making. I often will take one or more ingredients or ideas from what they're making and create something all-together different--but GOOD!
So several weeks ago, I was watching an early weekend show called "Viva Daisy." The show centers on her creating family-style dishes with a Latin flair. So this particular episode, she fried pork chops in a crispy, breadcrumb coating, then arranged them in a baking dish, and poured this liquid called vinagre on top. Then she covered the dish with foil and baked it in the oven.
Obviously, I'm not going to deep-fry pork chops for dinner. But the one thing I was very intrigued by was the vinagre. Her directions were a little vague, so I did an internet search and discovered that it is actually vinagre de piña, and it is used throughout Central America. It starts with pineapple rinds that you boil; it also has various chilis, spices, vinegar, and onions, a little sugar and salt. Then this mixture has to set and develop a little over time. The result is a very complex and delicious condiment that can be used on just about anything. Daisy used it on pork chops, but I thought I'd try it on chicken legs.
So I browned up 8 chicken legs with the skin removed in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. Then I sliced a couple of carrots, bell peppers, and half an onion, added a sliced clove of garlic, a pinch of Mexican oregano, and a little salt. I poured in a good couple of cups of the vinagre--enough to come up the chicken about halfway--with some of the onions and chilis from the mixture. I brought it to a boil, reduced, covered, and let it simmer for about 35 minutes.
Success! It is so delicious! The vinagre combines a little heat, with a little sweet, salty, and sour from the vinegar, and the chicken, simmered in the mixture, becomes very moist and tender. I just made this for the third time since acquiring the inspiration; twice I served it with rice, and the third time, I served it with corn cakes, which you see pictured with it. I think I prefer it with the rice.
Oh...and the two chicken legs with the vegetable and reduced sauce mixture is only 3 points!!
* Exported from MasterCook *
Pollo Vinagre de Pina
Recipe By :Misty Simon
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Main Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 chicken drumsticks, no skin, R-T-C
1/2 large onion -- sliced
2 large carrots -- peeled and sliced
1/2 green bell pepper -- sliced
1/2 red bell pepper -- sliced
2 garlic cloves -- sliced
1/2 Vinagre de Pina -- see recipe below
vegetable oil spray
Spray a large, lidded nonstick fryer with nonstick spray.
Arrange skinless drumsticks in the pan, and brown on all sides.
Top with cut up vegetables and pour the Vinagre de Pina over everything.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 35-40 minutes.
serving size is 2 drumsticks, 1/4 the vegetable mixture and a drizzle of
the liquid.
S(WW POINTS):
"3"
Copyright:
"©2009 Misty Simon"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 171 Calories; 4g Fat (19.9%
calories from fat); 19g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 58mg
Cholesterol; 313mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 1
1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.
NOTES : Vinagre de Pina, literally pineapple vinegar, is a
complex, rustic, condiment native to Central American
cuisine. Its spicy, sour, but slightly sweet flavor is a
great compliment to many meats: chicken, beef, and pork.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
* Exported from MasterCook *
Vinagre de Pina
Recipe By :
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 large yellow onion -- sliced
2 large garlic cloves -- smashed and chopped
10 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 jalapeno pepper, whole -- chopped
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano -- crushed
2 cups water
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 pineapple ring
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20
minutes. Allow to cool. Place covered in refrigerator and allow to set
overnight or longer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 31 Calories; trace Fat (1.7%
calories from fat); trace Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber;
0mg Cholesterol; 239mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Vegetable; 0
Fruit; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I did it
...I went back to the gym.
If you recall, I have been very hesitant to go back. It is like returning to the scene of the crime. I am so afraid I'll have a return of my weight-loss-block. Yes, that's what we'll call it.
But last night, I bit the bullet and returned with a new playlist in my ipod and a new combination padlock in my hand. I can't remember the combinations to the half-dozen old padlocks I have scattered about this house, so I had to make a stop at the store and pick up a new one. This time I put the combination in a safe place, and I'm not telling lest there be thieves waiting in the wings to snatch my Coach bag from my locker!
I like to do my cardio in a rotation of 3 machines: the treadmill, a stationary bike, and the elliptical. I used to start off on the treadmill to warm up, and I used to do 25 minutes to start there until my feet got bad. Then I would still start on the treadmill, but I'd limit it to only 10 minutes for a warm-up. After my warm-up on the treadmill, I'd move to the bike and do anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes there--basically until the elliptical that I like would become available. Then I'd go as long as I could, and finish up with a 5 minute cool-down on the treadmill.
Well, last night, there was no getting on a treadmill. Who knew the place would be so packed at 8:00pm?! So I started on the stationary bike. I thought it would be hard warming up there, but actually it wasn't bad. The plus was that I didn't have to put so much pressure on my arches. Anyway, I did 12 minutes at level 4; then, my favorite elliptical was available (I don't know; I think it has better hydraulics. It just seems to have a more fluid motion in my opinion.) I did 25 minutes there; then went back to the bike for 8 minutes and finished with a 5 minute cool-down on the treadmill. I think it was a great work-out and that I did quite well for having not been back for so many months.
Between all the machines I burned 400 calories. It only translated to 3 activity points on my points tracker, though.
So anyway, I guess I'm back. Let's see if this works. I'm also scheduled to work-out with a trainer this coming Friday. This one is supposed to have some certification for rehabilitative work, so maybe he can help me with my chronic pain. I'll go in Wednesday too, so that I'll get another day in!
Stand back, everyone...I'm goin' in!
If you recall, I have been very hesitant to go back. It is like returning to the scene of the crime. I am so afraid I'll have a return of my weight-loss-block. Yes, that's what we'll call it.
But last night, I bit the bullet and returned with a new playlist in my ipod and a new combination padlock in my hand. I can't remember the combinations to the half-dozen old padlocks I have scattered about this house, so I had to make a stop at the store and pick up a new one. This time I put the combination in a safe place, and I'm not telling lest there be thieves waiting in the wings to snatch my Coach bag from my locker!
I like to do my cardio in a rotation of 3 machines: the treadmill, a stationary bike, and the elliptical. I used to start off on the treadmill to warm up, and I used to do 25 minutes to start there until my feet got bad. Then I would still start on the treadmill, but I'd limit it to only 10 minutes for a warm-up. After my warm-up on the treadmill, I'd move to the bike and do anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes there--basically until the elliptical that I like would become available. Then I'd go as long as I could, and finish up with a 5 minute cool-down on the treadmill.
Well, last night, there was no getting on a treadmill. Who knew the place would be so packed at 8:00pm?! So I started on the stationary bike. I thought it would be hard warming up there, but actually it wasn't bad. The plus was that I didn't have to put so much pressure on my arches. Anyway, I did 12 minutes at level 4; then, my favorite elliptical was available (I don't know; I think it has better hydraulics. It just seems to have a more fluid motion in my opinion.) I did 25 minutes there; then went back to the bike for 8 minutes and finished with a 5 minute cool-down on the treadmill. I think it was a great work-out and that I did quite well for having not been back for so many months.
Between all the machines I burned 400 calories. It only translated to 3 activity points on my points tracker, though.
So anyway, I guess I'm back. Let's see if this works. I'm also scheduled to work-out with a trainer this coming Friday. This one is supposed to have some certification for rehabilitative work, so maybe he can help me with my chronic pain. I'll go in Wednesday too, so that I'll get another day in!
Stand back, everyone...I'm goin' in!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Missing in action
OK,
I have been a little quiet lately. The truth is last week, I only lost one pound, officially. In reality, I had gained. Confused? Well here's how it happened. Labor Day Monday the Weight Watchers center was closed. So I did my weigh-in at home. Now, as I mentioned in the past, my scale weighs me the same with nothing but my undies on the same weight as the Weight Watchers scale weighs me in my shorts and shirt (I wear the same thing every week to WW to have the same clothing weight.)
So that week, I was down 1.5 lbs. The following week when I weighed-in, I was down 1 pound. But I was down 1 pound from the last time I weighed in at the center, so that 1 pound was actually a .5lb gain!! Now, I had been perfectly good, but this was like a blast from the past--namely last year when I just couldn't lose weight. I almost started to think that whole business was going to start again, so I was really nervous this past week.
Well, the powers that be must have been thinking favorably of me because I was "given back" the weight loss that was "stolen" from me last week.
I'm down 3.2 lbs this week!! That puts me at 19.4 lbs down total so far!!
I have a goal set. I want to be 199 by the time I go on a cruise with some girlfriends on November 30. My weight-loss thus far puts me in a good position to be successful. I now need to lose 10 pounds and there are 10 weeks to go!
The sad thing, however, is that I now had to give up another daily point. I'm down to 25 points. I really need to start exercising, but I'm so afraid of last year's weird thing happening again.
Anyway, I'm going to wrap this one up for now. I have a few more things to share later, such as: "How can dinner suck so bad?" and "Allowing myself a splurge"
Until then...
I have been a little quiet lately. The truth is last week, I only lost one pound, officially. In reality, I had gained. Confused? Well here's how it happened. Labor Day Monday the Weight Watchers center was closed. So I did my weigh-in at home. Now, as I mentioned in the past, my scale weighs me the same with nothing but my undies on the same weight as the Weight Watchers scale weighs me in my shorts and shirt (I wear the same thing every week to WW to have the same clothing weight.)
So that week, I was down 1.5 lbs. The following week when I weighed-in, I was down 1 pound. But I was down 1 pound from the last time I weighed in at the center, so that 1 pound was actually a .5lb gain!! Now, I had been perfectly good, but this was like a blast from the past--namely last year when I just couldn't lose weight. I almost started to think that whole business was going to start again, so I was really nervous this past week.
Well, the powers that be must have been thinking favorably of me because I was "given back" the weight loss that was "stolen" from me last week.
I'm down 3.2 lbs this week!! That puts me at 19.4 lbs down total so far!!
I have a goal set. I want to be 199 by the time I go on a cruise with some girlfriends on November 30. My weight-loss thus far puts me in a good position to be successful. I now need to lose 10 pounds and there are 10 weeks to go!
The sad thing, however, is that I now had to give up another daily point. I'm down to 25 points. I really need to start exercising, but I'm so afraid of last year's weird thing happening again.
Anyway, I'm going to wrap this one up for now. I have a few more things to share later, such as: "How can dinner suck so bad?" and "Allowing myself a splurge"
Until then...
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