So, I guesstimated my calorie intake while I was out of town (posted on last week's food accountability thread) and it was not pretty. I didn't think I was capable of eating more than 3000 cals in one day anymore but I guess I was wrong. I really need this on-plan week.

The problem is, I'm struggling already! I haven't eaten anything off plan yet, but I am so hungry today, and I don't know why! I had my usual breakfast (raisin bran), then my usual snack (apple), and I was suddenly starving even though it was only 10:30. I held out until 12:30 to eat my lunch, but I just ate my banana even though I wasn't supposed to eat it until 2:00. Now I'm afraid I'll be super hungry even after my remaining snack (yogurt).

Lately I've been missing rollerblading. I figure it's probably easier on my knees than running, right? But still a workout? Somehow I doubt I can talk DH into letting me buy rollerblades (not that I need his permission, but I would rather not have him mad at me). It is good biking weather though so I may be doing more of that. Today's exercise plan is to take the dog for a 45-min powerwalk (I need to dig up my belt-clip stopwatch), then either do crunches and back exercises or a pilates video.

Congratulations to everyone who made it through last week with no excuses! I am happy to report that I exercised every day except Sunday, which was planned. I did well with my food, until yesterday, when I flubbed it yesterday afternoon. But I'm back on track with food as of last night, measuring and counting, etc. I had dropped back down to 184, but after last night, I'm back up to 187, so we'll see what happens on the scale later this week.

I am asking for help with something. As I reported, I had gotten to the gym each morning last week and felt like I'm back in step there. But yesterday, I started coming down with a cold or sinus infection ~ not sure which yet. There is no way I could go to the gym this morning - too much coughing and wheezing, fever, and just feeling miserable. I need to be held accountable to get back to the gym as soon as I'm feeling better. And this kind of thing normally only last a couple of days - MAX. So PLEASE, PLEASE ask me if I went to the gym tomorrow. I should be able to manage something even if it's one of those days when I just do through the motions. I almost went this morning anyway, I was afraid of getting out of the routine again.

Here's the plan for today -
B - Oatmeal
S- Yogurt with pineapple
L - White chili; broccoli salad
S - Cabbage Soup
D - Tilapia, zucchini, salad
S - Fudgesicle; strawberries

Since the completion of my first 5k on Saturday, I find I am totally motivated, moved, pumped, and determined. What a rush! I haven't been this excited about being on plan for a long time. And just think - it only took 3.1 miles at 40 degrees with 20 mph winds to get me there! :-)

I'm eating right this week and riding my bike to get ready for our fab two-day get away to three new bike trails. Sioux Falls, SD doesn't sound like a romantic get-away, but I'm pumped!

Robin - I modified a couple of srecipe in the Kraft foods magazine and came up with a strawbery dessert that is pretty yummy. SF jello, FF cool whip, strawberries in the blender, crust out of 100 calorie pack oreos. Let me know if you want the recipe. It really tastes SPRINGY.

I'm in!

Last week was NOT 100% but it wasn't really under if that makes sense... I stayed OP within my WW points, even planned my dinner Sunday first (our normal "splurge") before I had the rest of my meals and made it w/in 1/2 a point! I didn't exercise every day and that's what I'd like to do this week.

I did lose 2lbs last week so I'm very happy with that! Because of the thread I really focused and stayed on track, so I'm definitely ready for another week!

So, Yesterday - 10 min walk to the garden centre, 25 min elliptical
Today - 40 min walk (walked home from the train station, was too beautiful to wait for the bus!)

Afternoon, maintainers. Mind if I crash your challenge? I could sure use something to keep me accountable.

I've been completely on plan so far today -- even turned down sesame snacks, cake, and tootsie rolls at the office. Of course, only the sesame snacks looked remotely tempting, and even then only in a crispy worm sort of way.

At any rate, it's 3:18, so that's 9 hours down, 7 more to go... (No, I won't count down all the time. Just until I get out of this work-induced funk, which may take a few days.)

Be strong,
Kim

Hey everyone

Glad to see this thread is being continued. Last week was not perfect, but definitely helped. Thank you guys for your support! This was just the nudge I needed.

I weighed in at 125 this morning (before this week's challenge I was usually weighing in at 126 or 127). Also I noticed my shorts are fitting better.... !

Velveteen~ Great job with your loss! 2 lbs. in a week is amazing.

I'm in for week two.

My eating was fine last week and exercise good, particularly with my newly tuned bicycle. However, I never found the slot on the weekend to make up for my one missed gym session on Friday. grrr........

So, I'll have to do it this week.

__________________
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Completed Beck Program-day 42. You’ve met your goal. Congratulations!

I want to run with the big dogs - even though I'm still uncomfortably distant from my "goal" weight! I watched the No Excuses thread last week, and now I really want to join in. I had a horrible, horrible week last week with food choices, but this week has started out well - and I feel so much better about life because of it. I'm off my regular exercise for the next few days due to an impending deadline at work, but I will fit in at least a 30-minute walk/jog each day until I can get back to the regular schedule. And I will make good food choices, even though my lack of time to prepare meals will make them a little more processed than they should be. But life isn't about perfection, and I know that some weeks will be tougher than others. It's those tough weeks, though, that seem to make the difference. A good week followed by a really bad week equals weight gain. A good week followed by a not-as-good week equals weight loss. This will be a not-as-good week, but I will not allow myself the pity that will turn it into a bad week.

OK, so despite doing everything wrong (not enough planning, not packing enough snacks, letting myself get overhungry and overtired, etc), I did really well today!

B - 160 calorie yogurt
S - 200 cal Zone bar
L - Salad from grocery store with lettuce, feta, chicken, cranberries, walnuts, and dressing - pkg said 290 but I used half the dressing so we'll go with 275.
S - 50 calorie airline package of pretzels
D - Iceberg wedge salad with vinaigrette on the side...it came with all sorts of fried crap (like, a cup worth...no joke) but I didn't eat any of it, just lettuce and dressing, grilled halibut (I'm guessing about 6 oz?) with about a cup and a half of steamed sugar snap peas, and iced tea. I'm going to be liberal and estimate a tbsp of dressing and an extra half tbsp of oil, even though I didn't find any oil on the plate AT ALL...restaurants are sneaky...so we'll put this meal at 529 calories.
S - Sensible Sweets Hot Cocoa (yes! Found it!)

Total calories are in the 1200 range and I'm pleased as punch.

E - Airport running only. There just wasn't any time. But my alarm is set for 5:30 tomorrow so I can go for a run/walk.

OK, the plan for tomorrow. I'm sort of bemoaning the frankenfoodness, but am embracing it as much as possible, given that I have to carry everything with me.

B - Slimfast High Protein (180 cals)
S - Apple (80 cals)
L - Will be ordered. I have no idea from where but I'll make something work.
S - Orange, Pria Bar (200 cals)
D - Again, going out. I have no idea from where but, again, I'll make something work. Goal is, again, 1 drink or less.

I'll have about 520 calories to play with per meal. I may try to make lunch extra light so dinner can be heavier, but we'll see. And I'm getting up at 5:30 (in 7 hours!) to go for at least 45 minutes of hill walking.

Robin here are two that I think sound perfect for your Mother's Day meal. Not only are they both decedant and de-Light-ful! They are a breeze to make!


STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BITES
11 servings @ 1 point per serving (( 4 lrg. berries per; 6 med. or 8 sm. ))

Ingredients
8 oz. Fat Free Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
44 Medium Strawberries, whole
1/2 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs

Directions
1. In a small mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy, set aside.
2. Using a paring knife, hollow out the top of the strawberries to a depth of approx. 3/4 inch.
3. Gently fill each with cream cheese mixture using a pastry bag just slightly above the tops. Place them on a cookie sheet(s) as you do this.
4. Once all of the strawberries are filled, dip each top into the graham cracker crumbs and place back onto the cookie sheet(s).
5. Place the cookie sheet(s) into the refrigerator and leave them for a few hours or over night to completely chill.


Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 71 Calories; .7g Fat ; 4.4g Protein; 12g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 3.6mg Cholesterol; 148mg Sodium.

Lemon Squares
16 servings @ 2 points per serving

Ingredients
Crust:
3 medium eggs
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons light margarine
1 cup unbleached flour

Topping:
2 teaspoons lemon peel, grated
1/3 cup lemon juice, bottled
3 tablespoons unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Garnish:
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (sifted)

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare an 9x13 dish w/cooking spray.

Crust: Combine sugar, margarine, flour, mix until crumbly in your hand. Press mixture into bottom of pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Topping: Beat eggs till foamy add remaining sugar, lemon juice, remaining flour, baking powder, and salt, Mix well.

Pour over crust and bake for 20 minutes or until set. Cool. Then top with sifted powder sugar.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 109 Calories; 3g Fat (20.9% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 35mg Cholesterol; 87mg Sodium.

P.S.

We are grilling for Mother's Day here and having Grilled Fruit Kebabs with lf cherry/vanilla yogurt dipping sauce. Remind me to pass that one on to you all later. It's fantastic!

I forgot, in addition to my exciting new meals that I have planned, I also have a fabulous dessert planned: Banana-Cherry-Chocolate Corn Muffins! Had one tonight and it was quite yummy.

I love summer fruit! So exciting to see raspberries, apricots, peaches, and cherries at the farmers' market this week!

Calories came in at about 1700 today, which is exactly on plan:
B: FF plain Greek yogurt with High Fiber Cereal and Raspberries
S: Light string cheese; decaf coffee with FF half and half and SF Torani
L: Pastrami sandwich on whole grain flaxseed bread with sauerkraut, low-cal Thousand Island, and Alouette spreadable cheese; marinated mushrooms, pickles; 4 sesame coated walnut pieces; cinnamon almonds
S: oatmeal with an apricot, FF cream cheese, and SF Torani
S: Fiber One Muffin with FF cream cheese, low carb wrap with spicy ranchero egg-white salad and spinach
D: Red Banana Chicken, brown rice, green salad, low cal dressing
S: Banana-Cherry-Chocolate muffin with cream cheese frosting; tea with FF half and half and SF Torani

Exercise: one hour strength training with trainer

Good morning everyone. Sorry to be so rushed, yet again. I am switching my working hours today and I will therefore be doing the early shift, so I am headed out shortly. Yikes. Still have to boil water for my tea, which will be in a travel mug this morning.

Yesterday was a great day. I did have a few BLT's, but I did leave a little wiggle room for them. The BLT's were some grape tomatoes and - dare I say it - grapes. Yup, I bought some. I kept it in check though. They're already frozen and it will make it easier for me to stay away from them.

I am looking forward to another on plan day. I can't begin to tell you how much better I feel. Both physically and mentally. As I mentioned on the other thread, I just don't do well with carbs. They leave me totally drained. I have gotten back my "spunk". I can't imagine what a manic - depressive person feels like. The constant highs and lows, ups and downs. Obviously to a lesser degree, I feel this is what's been going on with me these past few months.

Have a terrific on plan day everyone.

And Sweet&sassy, thanks for those recipes. Sounds really, really good. I think that lemon square one will be something I may make for Mother's Day.

Good morning!

Yesterday turned out to be somewhat unplanned, yet calories were OK. I was helping DS move and missed several meals, then when I got home I ate breakfast again for dinner. Oatmeal is my comfort food! What I really wanted more than anything was to stop at Starbucks and get one of those huge, 500 calorie cookies -- I was visualizing the whole process in my brain: park car, walk in, buy one cookie or two? pretend they both weren't for me, eat them in the car ... . But I drove on by and of course, today I'm not saying to myself: "Darn it, why didn't I stop for that cookie?!"

Because I really think I'm retaining water, I'm going to do a week of cran-water from the Fat Flush Plan -- not a diet I'd recommend, but the cran-water really does the trick for water retention. You buy a bottle of pure unsweetened cranberry juice (not OceanSpray or "cranberry juice cocktail") -- I got the Knudsen's Farm from the health food section of my grocery store -- and mix a cup with two quarts of water. Drink two quarts of it per day. It's quite tart but you get used to it. And it really helps you dump excess water!

Today's meals are a repeat of yesterday's since I didn't eat most of them.

Exercise to be determined.

Good to have you with us, Laurie, Kim, and Bill! (and anyone else I missed)

I'm a little late posting but I'm back in for week 2. But I'm in. Last week was exactly the boost I needed. I'm down officially down two pounds. There was a little up and down for the third pound at the end of the weekend.

Meg: Thanks for the tip about the cran-water flush. It will help me convince that third pound it needs to be gone for this week.

Today's Plan
B Protein Oatmeal
S Chai Tea with Protein Powder and steamed milk
L 4 egg whites 1 piece whole grain toast
S FF Cottage cheese mixed with FF yogurt and blueberrries
D Roasted turkey breast, broccoli, and fresh fruit