Supporting Each Other on Our Weight Loss Journey

ontarget · 10-25-2007, 09:20 PM

Hi, Chickies. We're busier than ever now, but we're having a ball getting everything ready. My poison oak is flaring up. That's a bummer for sure. I am sooo tired of itching.

Ann, we're mainly working to get the place ready for us to move the condo out there next week. We have an electrician coming tomorrow. We had dozer work done today. We're cleaning the playhouse and have started moving targets inside already. We have moved everything out of storage except the travel trailer. We'll prob haul it out there this weekend. That'll leave just the "condo" to move next week. Whew! I'm tired just typing all this.

I had an NSV today. Well, sort of. I climbed into the dualie bed without having to step on anything. I just hoisted my old bod up onto the tailgate and climbed in. I couldn't do that when we first got to Texas.

Eating is off but exercise is on cuz of working at the ranch. I hope to start seeing some weightloss results soon.

I apologize for not posting to everyone. I am behind but am reading what you're all saying. Thank you for being here for all of us.

mpaigew · 10-26-2007, 01:17 AM

Gooooood EXTREMELY early morning all!!!! It's 12:53am...can you believe our flight got cancelled, so we had to re-book for the 6am flight?!!! Our original flight wasn't until 2:20pm Fri afternoon, and they cancelled it because of weather. I kind of don't get that...how do you make that call 15 hours before hand?! Oh well....so apparently I'm pulling an all-nighter, as we have to leave at 2:30am to get to MIL's house, and then head to the city airport
(1 1/2 hrs away.)

Dh is bringing the laptop, and I am going to make a point to check in with you all...hopefully that will help me keep on track a little better.

Kim-You said something that made me remember what got me in the "groove" of regular menu planning...back in the spring I really wanted to get my nails done for our summer vacation. So every day that I planned out my menu and was op, I "earned" $1 towards getting my nails done. I have been really struggling with planning, and I KNOW that is the key to getting back on track, so I'm going to have to do that again.

Janelle-That is a good idea, to add steps each day. I think I might make a chart and start logging my steps to keep track.

Linda-I think it's funny how each person has their own little temptation. With me, a box of doughnuts would end up going stale and moldy before I ate them! LOL! But cake.....if it was sitting on the counter, I would NOT be able to resist it! I've been having a REALLY tough time resisting in my bread class. MAN, we make SUCH good stuff in there!!!!!

Laura-I kind of had to laugh..."pulling up your big girl panties" is one of my mom's favorite sayings. =) This journey is NOT an easy one, but that just makes the end result that much more satisfying.

Ann-Yes, I really do find that chewing gum works. It's kind of a BIG no-no, though in the culinary world because it's not the most sanitary habit, but it does keep me from getting the urge to eat. I actually should start chewing it again during class anyway because I grind my teeth during class (concentrating too hard!) and chewing gum would prevent that.

Alrighty, I guess I should go finish doing what I've gotta do so we can get out of here on time. Hopefully I can check back in with you guys later!!!!

Hello to all that I missed!!!

derrydaughter · 10-26-2007, 05:59 AM

Janelle, your posted "journal" looks quite the same, actually, as someone following WW. Your garlic bread reminded me of something. I'm in love with my bread machine and due to "high points" and undefined serving sizes, I don't use it very often. But, I did buy a bread machine mix to use recently and liked that the serving size was listed as 1/8th of the bread and it gave a number of ounces for that serving size. The calories for it were listed as well, in case you are interested. I figured out that a very good sized slice of the whole wheat bread was 2 points. Believe me, that this large slice was about and inch wide, so it was enough to satisfy my daughter or I. So, she has been eating a nice big slice for breakfast the last few days, but this bread is so nice that you don't need butter, margarine or things like that on it - it can stand on it's own. I thought I would share this with you all in case you, too, have banished your own bread machines. Maybe the secret is finding mixes that give servings and getting some whole grain ones? I prefer making my own, and if I had enough hours in each day, I could figure out points on each loaf, I guess, but this was a nice shortcut. Dump the mix in, pour a cup of water in, with the yeast and set the machine, period. How simple is that? The smell, alone, is worth it.
So, if you have your pasta fagoli, soup, stew or whatnot, why not count the points/calories and indulge in some comforting bread now that fall weather is setting in? Laura, I would love your WW version of pasta Fagoli recipe if you have time.
Janelle, when you were doing points, how many did you get per day? Also, do you like the lean cuisine panini sandwiches? I've not tried them yet, and do you recall how many points were on the side of the box for a WW person?
Laura, thanks for sharing that about your meeting. I wonder if only a select group of leaders are being told to do this, or if my own leader has a "theory" about these 100 calorie packs and the like. I have to admit, since she mentioned this at our meeting, I've been giving lots of thought to these kind of snacks. I modified my eating yesterday, by the way, from what posted to you all and didn't have the WW 1 point chocolate raspberry bar, I had 94% popcorn, a 100 calorie pack.
Sandra, good NSV! Though, I don't know what a dualli bed is, can you enlighten me?
Paige, have a great trip, stay safe. I'm glad you'll be able to check in regularly with us. We do all have our personal vices, don't we? Though resisting all those breads you make must be difficult. I'd not be able to resist a cake sitting on the counter either, I guess. But, doughnuts are just my thing. All I have to do is see a doughnut box in someone's hands and I get a "thrill". I'm so bad! I'm really glad I am not working in an office setting nowadays as I remember people used to show up with doughnuts from time to time and I'd not be able to handle that. Well, maybe duct taping my mouth shut could work?

Paige, another thing that broke me of a snacking habit while I made my kid's school lunches is those Listerine pocket strips, they are so strong tasting. I used to not be able to resist popping cold cuts into my mouth when I was making the kid's school lunch sandwiches in the mornings. It was like I was having an entirely extra meal and though I buy lean lunch meats, it was a very bad habit that I finally broke. So, if gum is not really desireable you could pop one of those in your mouth before baking. The taste is so very strong.

Today's plan:

Points target: 19

Breakfast:
1 slice bread machine bread: 2
(toasted with butter spray)
small non fat yogurt: 1
1/2 grapefruit: 1

Points remaining: 15

trip to gym: +2

Points: 17

Lunch:
Boca burger, 2% American Cheese, WW English muffin: 3
string beans: 0

Snack: Popcorn: 1

Points remaining: 13

Dinner: (here's where some flex points will come into play, but still better than eating in a restaurant for points, I think)

Pot Roast: 6
Gravy: 2
Mashed potatoes: 4
Butter/margarine: 2
peas: 1

Points remaining: <2> flex points

Dessert: WW ice cream pop: 2

Total flex points used for day <4>, even with a trip to the gym

I'm OK with this meal, I have been thinking about a comfort food pot roast dinner for the last week or so. For a change, the ENTIRE family will be home for dinner and I truly want to provide a really nice meal. We'll eat in the dining room.
Have a great day, all!

Briza · 10-26-2007, 09:53 AM

Goodmorning everyone!

Hope everyone is off to a good start!

Paige-sorry to hear about your flight!

It dawned on me that Wed I spent 26 pts (my allowance is 20). Yesterday I only spent 16. Can I use 4 of the extra points from Wed to carry into making up for the smaller points yesterday? I dont think I can but I just wanted to check.

I am going out to dinner tonight so I am going to very good today so I will have the extra points to spare. I dont want to limit myself when I go out and I dont want to feel guilty about getting what I wanted. Granted I know its not ok to eat 2 baskets of bread before the meal (which I probably could do) but I am sure dessert is going to be included. I think I am eating out on Saturday too. We will see if my counting during the week and not on the weekends works out of if it really just sabatoges me.

Rosegarden · 10-26-2007, 09:53 AM

Good morning everyone! One day behind me OP. Wow does that feel good. Especially when the off program days just keep piling and piling up.

Linda - can you post what bread mix you buy? We have a bread machine too and I dearly love fresh bread. 2 pts for fresh bread would be heaven and it would go well with Pasta Fagoli. I'm going to see if I can find the recipe and post it. It may be an old recipe that I have at home though.

Paige - that stinks about your flight. You do realize though that the airlines don't have to compensate you when they cancel a flight due to weather conditions. I find it absurd that they cancelled due to weather that far in advance. I don't believe it. Have a great trip. I'll be thinking of you!

Sandra - keep up the exercise - exercise is a good thing!

Ann - hope your day is going well - I love that you think about so many of us here.

Noelle - how's it going?

Sorry I don't address everyone. I can only see this page!

Rosegarden · 10-26-2007, 09:55 AM

Briza - we cross posted!

Under WW program, you can't do that but you can pull the points from your extra 35. Sounds like you have a good plan for tonight. Enjoy your night out but remember it's about the company, not the food

Rosegarden · 10-26-2007, 11:02 AM

Beef Fagioli (Core)

INGREDIENTS
1 pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cups chopped onion
3/4 cups chopped celery
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
3 (14.5 ounce) cans beef consomme
1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 cups whole wheat egg noodles
1 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

DIRECTIONS
In a large pot over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil. Cook onion, celery, garlic and black pepper until vegetables are tender, 10 minutes. Stir in beef consomme, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with thyme, basil, oregano and parsley. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. (At this point, you may put the pot on a back burner to keep warm and continue with the next steps about 1 hour prior to serving, if you wish.)
Stir in the beef and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the beans and heat through, 10 to 15 minutes.
-------------------------------
Pasta e Fagioli

From the kitchen of SKINNYCHIC03

Servings | 18
Estimated POINTS® value per serving | 2

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp. Olive Oil
1 lb. 5% fat ground beef
6 oz. Onion, chopped
7 oz. Carrots, shredded
7 oz. Celery, diced
24 oz. canned, diced tomatoes
1 cup Red Kidney Beans (canned)
1 cup White Kidney Beans (canned)
44 oz. Beef Broth
1 1/2 tsp. Oregano
1 1/4 tsp. pepper
2 1/2 tsp. Fresh Parsley (chopped)
24 oz. Spaghetti Sauce
4 oz. dry shell pasta

Instructions

Dice onions, carrots and celery.

Saute beef in oil in an extra large pot until beef starts to brown. Add onions, carrots, celery and canned tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse beans and add to the pot. Also add beef broth, oregano, pepper, spaghetti sauce, and noodles. Add chopped parsley. Simmer until celery and carrots are tender, about 45 minutes.

Special Notes

I bought pre-shredded carrots from the produce section to save some time.

This recipe makes 4 1/2 quarts of soup, which equals 18 cups. Therefore, the serving size is 1 cup.

Tastes just like Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!!

(Note to Linda - the last one is like the one I make except I use tomato sauce instead of spaghetti sauce)

Newlifestyle · 10-26-2007, 11:09 AM

Hello ladies,

Laura, Congratulations on being OP. Yeah....I had to laugh at your bite your tongue comment, it made me think of my mom, she would say "Bite your tongue child" Thanks for making me think of that. I too would love to have that recipe if you could find it. It would be a good comfort food for me.

Linda, I use to enjoy my bread machine but have put it away. It has been away since I started this journey. I would love to pull it out if I could find a bread mix that doesn't have too many points. I value the points I do have. My leader didn't mention any changes yet. I had my meeting Monday. I know they usually do change in December before the New Year's resolution people. It will be interesting. I like new things. I remember when the originally started points my friend went to ww and wanted me to help her figure them out. I could't help her, I had no clue what they were talking about. Now I laugh because it is so easy.

Briza, I hope you have an awesome dinner out. I know some people try doing the Wendy plan where they eat higher points one day and lower points other days. I would just use my flex points. Did you say you started a new job since you last posted with us? If so are you enjoying it?

Paige, wow that is so early to be catching a flight. I do hope you have a great weekend. I too grind my teeth when I am really concetrating on something.

Barb, I also feel I should be at the school to cheer DS on whenever they are doing something. For the Terry Fox walk, my DH and I were the only parents there. They had invited all parents. You children are fortunate that you are involved in the school.

Kim, it is funny how children want their parents there. My DS tells me, it is time for you to go now mom, as he teacher needs help for only one hour. It is cute because he knows when the get ready for library/gym, it is time for me to go. It is a pain for me because I leave and then have to come back an hour later to pick him up for lunch. Oh well he is so worth it though.

Erica, how are you? You are probable getting ready for the busiest weekend. Have fun and know we are thinking of you.,

Noelle, how are you? Is the weather always nice in Hawaii? I think it is. Do you ever have big storms?

Sandra, awesome NSV. Yeah....It is great you are busy making your new home. Do enjoy.

Janelle, I only got 17,000 steps yesterday, I was too tired. I know no excuse I should have been out there walking. I think your daily meals look good. I want to try one of those LC Panini sandwhiches.

Donna, How are you? Are you still working at your job for a little while longer?
I wish you success on finding a new job.

Hello anyone I missed and have a great weekend all and good luck making wise choices.
Ann

Newlifestyle · 10-26-2007, 11:10 AM

Laura,
Thanks for the recipe

ontarget · 10-26-2007, 09:04 PM

Linda, now you have me wanting a bread machine. I like the idea of smelling bread baking and having a large slice for 1 pt. The dualie is a very very large pickup truck. It has a double cab, large pickup bed, and 6 wheels. Two on each side on the rear. (That's why it's called a dualie. Dual tires on each side on the rear.)

Paige, I like your idea for rewarding yourself. I need to do some rethinking and possibly add some rewards.

Laura, congratulations on getting that first day down. You're on your way!!
Thanks for the recipes.

Ann, we're doing a "Meet the Neighbors" tomorrow. We're excited!

haylo921 · 10-27-2007, 02:11 AM

Hello everyone,

I hope all is well I think I went a little overboard today b/c I met up w/a friend and we had some drinks I just allowed myself to relax and not worry about calories and what not it was just nice to get out. I have actually found it for some reason to not be as stressfull counting every single little item. I find that instead of trying to figure out points or calories I have been able to focus on eating things that are better for me. I am meeting with the nutritionist on Tuesday to get my calorie range and right now I feel like I am ready to incorporate that into my diet.

Wow!!!!
Rosegarden: your recipe is just like mine, I used a low sodium beef broth, and for the spaghetti sauce I used a organic one from a local grocery store that they make that was recommended by the dietician b/c it was lower in sugar. She got the recipe from a website that copies recipes from resturants I can't remember the name but how interesting that we have the same recipe.

Derry: you definatly bring my bread maching to mind, I have one also but never think to make anything in it. I bet you could get some nice whole grain/wheat breads out of that. Thanks for the idea. My hesitation towards the garlic bread was that I have been really good about concentrating on eating whole grains and since the garlic bread is a white bread it just seemed like it was so much higher in sugars, hmm I wonder if I could make a whole grain/wheat garlic bread. The panini I had was the chicken, spinach, and mushrooms panini it is 5 points. They are good but you have to be very careful not to overheat or else they get very tough. The chicken,spinach,mushroom was actually one of the better one's I had but it may have been b/c I finally figured out to not over heat it. WW points I believe I had 27 wow I actually don't remember but I am pretty sure that is what it is at.

Paige: that is actually how I started off, just by increasing my steps little by little. I hope that your flight situation worked out. You will have to tell me all about your adventure at the game (I think this is the weekend you were going)

Ann: steps we are about equal, I feel a little guilty though b/c instead of excersing I decided to go have drinks and dinner but I guess we all need a little down time. I think I will go for a morning walk before I head out to my saturday football game.

derrydaughter · 10-27-2007, 08:36 AM

Briza, be careful when eating out. I know as this is my downfall. I've managed to NOT eat out the last two weekends, convincing my husband that our budget is not going to accommodate it. We have had some huge expenses lately and I'm worrying, particularly with the holidays right around the corner. But, this weekend, he says we NEED to get out and eat and I agree that it is uplifting to the spirits. So, we shall dine out this evening.
I have had the hardest time wrestling with the idea that each time I am out to eat that it is NOT a special occasion and that it does not give me permission to pig out and forget my WW plan. What I can do is plan ahead and utilize my flex points, though.
I can't resist a piece of bread or a roll, I order oil and vinegar for my salads and try to order plain foods vs. things with cream sauces and the like. The last Italian restaurant I went to, for example, I had a sirloin strip steak, with plain pasta on the side and a salad. I took home more than half the pasta and half the steak, but I enjoyed a bread stick. I refrained from having dessert while there, though things like tiramisu and crème brulle were on the menu. I had a WW frozen ice cream pop that is 2 points at home.
Why not order a decaff espresso or coffee while the others have their dessert and indicate you are too full? Why not order a clear liquid soup as an appetizer to have while others have their buffalo wings? I've even ordered onion soup and asked them to leave off the toasted croutons and cheese on top. It's really quite good this way, I do miss the gooey cheese, but I have survived very well with this kind of thing.
At any rate, we all make choices and it is very hard to conform to what your peers are doing when you dine out, but it helps to think about the choices and what is available at a particular restaurant before you go. I often look at menus on line and think about what to order while I am NOT faced with an enticing menu and my defenses might be weakened with a cocktail while the menu is in front of me. By the way, speaking of cocktails, a wine spritzer is a great choice, It's seltzer or club soda mixed with wine and you can ask for lime or lemon with it. I love them and they are a way of joining in the "fun" without blowing all the points in one glass of wine, you can order two spritzers for 4 points vs. one glass of wine for 4 points.
Laura, of course I threw out the box that came with the bread mix and now I can't remember what brand it was. It did include Fleishman's yeast in the box, though, if you look for that. If you bring your points finder in to a grocery store (I keep an extra in my purse at all times) you can check all the brands that are available to you in the baking section of your store and find one that works. Having lived in both New England and New York, I have to say that certain brands are not in all regions/countries anyway, so even if I could remember the name of that bread machine mix, it might not be helpful to you. I'll try to buy another one anyway and would recognize the box if I see it, so if I find it when I am shopping next week, I'll post what it was. It would be perfect with the paste e fagioli as well, you are right!
Thanks for posting the recipes, by the way. They sound wonderful and I think I'll add the ingredients to my shopping list and make it this week. I love hearty things like that, but I don't know which one to make first!!!
I still find it interesting that no one else had this little change mentioned at a meeting. Maybe it's just this one leader's way of getting us all to re-think what we are putting into our mouths. So many of us have grown to rely on those 100 cal pack type of foods and the wholesome foods that are truly better choices are not being chosen. I bet there will be some new changes, they always "tweak" the program each year right around the beginning of December so their ads for January when so many come are "fresh".
Sandra, one large slice of that bread was 2 points, not one point - just be aware! I sat through a WW meeting once a long time ago and the leader was asking us all what we missed most, being on WW. I added that I missed (I'm a real carb person) most fresh baked breads from my bread machine and also crusty Italian or French breads. I'm passionate about those!
She said that I should never feel I need to give up these things completely in order to succeed. She told me to plan for them and add them in as without those things that are most important to me, I would ultimately fail. I think she was right.
She said that my bread machine could be my best friend. She was right, I do love the smell, taste and texture. But, she warned me to portion control it. I can take the time to examine the points of every ingredient that goes into a bread recipe and then divide it by the number of slices that I get from the loaf of bread. These slices might be thought of as high in points, but they are also high in satisfaction. For example, I can make my 2 point a serving chili recipe (several of you have that now) and have that for only 2 points, if my one inch slice of whole wheat homemade bread that I have alongside that chili was three points, but was comforting and filling, I would still only be having a five point situation.... is that all that bad? If I then add 2 T of 2% grated cheddar for a point on top of that chili and add 1T of Promise light margarine over top, I have got myself a 7 or 8 point meal that is totally comfort and satisfying.
It's all how you think about it.
If I made my older chili recipe that might be 4 or 5 points a serving and then had the bread, butter, full fat cheese and what not with it, that would be the "old me" that I have gotten away from. The old me still lives inside me and WANTS those tastes, sensations and comfort. I have to find the right mix of substitutes to get what I want and feel those same feelings.
We can make it work!

Newlifestyle · 10-27-2007, 09:08 AM

Hello everyone,

Good luck with your eating out Linda. It is funny, I don't really like eating out that much as I can't control how my meal is cooked or presented on the plate. My DH wants to eat out to give me a break but I don't mind cooking so it isn't like it is a chore. I tell him, he can hire someone to clean the bathrooms to give me a break if he wants. When we go on holidays I always try to book a kitchen unit so that we can cook meals there if we choose to.

Janelle, have fun at your football game. Can you get some walking in there?

Good morning to everyone, I do hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
It is raining here so I better wear a rainsuit for running, I should get my run over with.
Have fun everyone.
Ann
Ann

Rosegarden · 10-27-2007, 09:20 AM

Linda - somewhere there is a WW French Onion Soup recipe in my files too. I believe it was 2 or 3 pts and you could have a piece of oven toasted french bread with it for an additional 2 pts. It was a heavenly meal and well within a dinner point range. I intend to organize my printed recipes today so if I come across it, I'll put it in for you.

I didn't get my shopping in yesterday as planned but I am proud to say that I now have 2 days in a row OP - whoo hoo!!! AAANNNNDDD (drumroll added here) I got 25 minutes of a very brisk walk in last night with my dog. Our leader threw out a challenge to get 3 days of exercise in for those of us who have fallen off the bandwagon. I felt GREAT afterwards.

Another thing my leader talked about was the fact that this HAS to be a lifestyle change for the rest of our lives. We can't expect to do this and get to goal and quit. It doesn't work that way. Yes, when we get to maintenance, we get more points but the exercise portion HAS to stay a part of our lives. She also said that walking, while it is a great way to get exercise in, will not DO IT in the long run. We need to get some other types of exercise which involve conditioning and resistance features. Hmmm, does tugging my dog away from every telephone pole and away from barking dogs count??? Just teasing, I know it doesn't. Somehow I knew this but I had gotten away from this. Those of you who belong to a gym are probably getting more of that in. We have a few retired women in our WW group and they utilize Curves. While it doesn't sound like Curves is a GREAT workout, it sounds like it is better than anything most of us are getting. It's food for thought. Weird thing about it, all I kept thinking as I watched our leader during the meeting was how cute she looked in her light blue warm up outfit. She has lost 65 lbs and is trim and cute as can be. I keep telling myself, I too could look like that if I finish this program and continue to take care of myself. Funny where our mind goes during meetings huh?

Anyway - have a good Saturday everybody. I'm thinking of Paige at her football game (hope it's not pouring rain there like it is here) and Erica for her last big hurrah weekend at Tim's pumpkin farm

Rosegarden · 10-27-2007, 10:51 AM

Ann - again we cross posted

Good luck with that run in the rain - yuck! But it feels good afterwards doesn't it.

I too don't enjoy eating out very much because DH or I can cook better choices that taste just as good or better than we can get. I'm thinking Pizza for dinner tonight. Going to get out Paige's crust recipe. DH wants to make his recipe in the bread machine. We can split the toppings. Pizza freezes great for later.