This is the day that never ends, it just goes on and on, my friend...

Whew! Not a bad day, just a looooong one! Started with my weekly coffee with two friends, stayed late and got home just in time to teach our homeschool writing class. As the last kid left our house from Spanish (after writing), Mark's sister and her husband walked up to our door. They left at 3:00, we left at 3:15 for soccer. From soccer, Isaiah and Noah went to Isaiah's violin lesson (Noah is accompanying on cello). Got home at 5:50 pm. Left for a Wednesday night meeting we have. Got home at 9:00. Still hadn't found time for a walk. I debated whether this would be the first time for the year that I miss my walk when it's not my day off. Decided that I didn't want to miss it. SO, Mark and I walked from 9:10 to 10:00. Wow! So glad tomorrow will be quieter!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. berries, 1/2 c. yogurt and milk
Lunch: 1 vege burger, 8 pita chips, 1/4 c. hummus, 1 banana, 1/2 c. fruit salad, 8 carrots
Snack: 1 peppermint patty
Dinner: 1 c. split pea soup, 1 c. pasta salad, 1 slice baguette

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel healthy right now.

Day 29

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 orange, 1/2 c. granola with soy milk
Lunch: 1 c. wild rice soup
Snack: 1/2 c. granola with soy milk, dried cranberries, small peppermint patty
Dinner: 1 c. squash gnocchi, 1 sausage, 1/2 c. sauted greens
Snack: 2 squares chocolate

I walked this afternoon for an hour. A little extra chocolate today, but I don't feel too bad as it is day 1 of my period. I made butternut squash gnocchi from the Eatwell newsletter tonight. It's not necessarily light or anything, but it was fun to make and tasted really good!

Today's reason to lose weight: At 215, I will reward myself with the cute little flower jars I have been eyeing at Heartfelt in Bernal Heights : ).

Four Weeks, Nearly a Month, 28 Days!

I have persisted for four weeks! *taking time for a pat on the back* I have walked 6 of every 7 days for 45 minutes to an hour. I've taken my vitamins and I've recorded my eating every day! I've done well with my eating as well, for the most part. Cheers!

Today I decided to forego my weekly weigh in. (See post below) I'll return to the scales next Monday officially. I did get a nice walk in this morning.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1/2 c. milk, 1 banana
Lunch: 4 baked falafel, 1/4 c hummus, 8 pita chips, 1 carrot
Snack: 1 flatbread cracker, 2 T pumpkin cheese, 2 T. dried cranberries, 8 peanuts
Dinner: 2 c. wild rice soup, 1 apple, 2 T. caramel dip
Snack: 2 c. popcorn, 1 square chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I like the feeling of actually doing something that I've said that I want to do!

Day of rest....

A nice day today. I slept in and had a lazy morning, just like I enjoy! I took a day off from my walk and did lots of knitting. I may or may not weigh in tomorrow, as I feel bloated like it's about that time of my cycle. Not sure if I want to step on and see a larger number when it'll just go back down in a couple of days.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1/2 c. milk, 1 banana
Lunch: 1 vege burger, 1/4 c. hummus, 8 baked pita chips, 8 baby carrots
Snack: 1 banana
Dinner: 2 c. minestrone, 1 slice bread
Snack: 2 c. popcorn, Virgil's Rootbeer from Nate and Denise

Today's reason to lose weight: My clothes are beginning to fit differently and that's exciting!

Back on track!

Whew! Disaster averted....Today was just fine. I think I still fear that after a day like yesterday, I might just fall off the wagon and that will be the end of this good thing. I intended to take the day off walking, but alas, we walked ALL over the place this morning and tonight for Mark and I's date, so I think I'll indulge in a real day off walking tomorrow.

Breakfast: 2 small buckwheat pancakes with syrup
Snack: 2 tangerines
Lunch: Salad packed with veges, balsamic dressing, white bean and vege soup, raisin roll
Snack: 5 rice crackers, 1 T goat cheese, roasted tomato
Dinner: 1/2 lamb shawerma, small hunk of dark chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I am learning to respect and care for myself through the process.

And other days....

I got up at 6:30 and walked up Bernal Hill with Mark. I have to admit, I still don't like that walk. Maybe someday?

Breakfast: 1 buckwheat pancake with syrup
Lunch: 5 slice of baguette with tomato pesto and goat cheese, carrots
Snack: Hot cocoa
Dinner: 1 slice pizza, handful of chips with chili cheese dip, 2 slice baguette with goat cheese and roasted tomato, birthday cake and 5 pieces of fudge, 12 oz. martinellis

Okay, what was that! Birthday party got out of control with the fudge and cake. I didn't even really want the cake. Luckily the fudge stayed at the party instead of coming home with us. I started out planning to limit myself to one plate, but ended up walking by and eating things. Well, instead of throwing the towel in tomorrow, I will just begin again. I imagine that to some extent everyone eats way too much once in a while. I'm feeling overful right now, which is good. I don't normally have that feeling.

Today's reason to lose weight: I don't like the feeling I have when I know I just ate way too much!

Back at it tomorrow!

Some days are good...

Nice day today. I got my morning walk in, had a cup of coffee, had a very productive school day with the kids and then packed it up and headed down to San Carlos to visit a friend and let our boys play together. I came away full of nice ideas and chai and having knit all afternoon. Great day!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, dried cranberries, 1/2 c. milk
Lunch: vege burger with mushrooms and one slice whole wheat bread, 1/2 grapefruit
Snack: 2 oz. cheese, Almonds, Apple
Dinner: 1 slice spinach frittata, 1 granola bar
Snack: 8 chocolate covered raisins, 1/2 c. rice crakers

Today's reason to lose weight: I don't want to waste all the hard work of this month!

Watching the sun creep up

I knew it was going to be a long and busy day and I knew that I wouldn't want to walk at 4 p.m., so....
I got up at 6:15 and walked 45 minutes! Then I showered and walked to Progressive Grounds to meet with Pam for coffee. I was very pleased to have done so! I am beginning to really enjoy my walk and I'd rather do it first thing in the morning rather than later.

Breakfast: 1 c. nonfat yogurt, 1 banana, 1/3 c. granola
Lunch: 8 baby carrots, Mushrooms, 2 corn tortillas, 1/3 c. mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cucumber, 2 slices of tomato
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit
Dinner: 1 medium baked potato with sour cream, cheese and spinach
Snack: 1 egg, 1/3 c. granola, 1/2 c. milk, 2" square of peppermint bark

Today's reason to lose weight: My smaller clothes are beginning to fit. I also look forward to feeling good in clothes with a little more shape than I currently wear.

Shopping day

Breakfast: 1 1/2 piece pumpkin bread, cream cheese, 1 tangerine
Tea with Kellie: 1 pumpkin muffin
Lunch: 1 vege burger, 1 banana, 2 slice baguette
Dinner: 1/2 c. whole wheat pasta, 1 sausage, 1/2 pasta sauce, salad with cucumbers, tomatos and garlic vinaigrette
Treat: 1" square peppermint bark

My eating was all screwed up today because I was out and about. It didn't turn out as bad as I expected, but it wasn't as good as it could've been if I had been eating at regular times and at home.

Chris asked in the comments what has contributed most to my success so far. I guess two things: First of all, posting on the blog keeps me focused. Ordinarily I think I let life get busy and I lose focus quickly. Since I know there are people reading this, I feel responsible to post daily, which keeps things on my mind. Second, my hour long walk is becoming very enjoyable. If I wake up in a funk, the walk clears my head and readies me for the day.

I had a nice walk today. Walked through Bernal Heights for a change before having coffee with Kellie. I also stopped at the library to do "morning pages". I am going through the "Artists Way" with a group on Wednesday nights so I'm trying to keep up with that.

Today's reason to lose weight: There are so many interesting things to do besides eat : ).

Three weeks!

Today's weigh in: 219

So, I made my goal for January! Also, walked for an hour today!

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 piece whole wheat toast, 1 orange, 2" square almond crossaint
Lunch: 8 rice crackers, 1 1/2 oz. goat cheese, broccoli and vege dip
Snack: 8 baby carrots, 1 tangerine, small square peppermint bark
Dinner: 2 small popovers, 2 c. turkey meatball soup with veges, 1 slice pumpkin bread

There was a birthday party at park day today and tons of cake, chips and other inticing food. I stuck to carrots and tangerines. That's okay....I needed my fruits and veges. I had the peppermint bark at home.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be able to backpack Europe with Mark after the kids are grown!

Sunday night

Breakfast: 1 whole wheat crepe, 1 banana and caramel sauce
Tartine for Aurora's birthday: 1 almond meringue
Lunch: 8 rice crackers with 2oz. goat cheese, 8 baby carrots, broccoli, 1 T. ranch dip
Snack: 1 banana
Dinner: 1 egg, 8 baby carrots, 2 slices asiago bread,
snack: 8 rice crackers, 2 T pumpkin cheese spread

I walked for about 50 minutes today on top of strolling to Tartine with Hailey and Aurora. It was a fine day. I am looking forward to my weigh in tomorrow. I discovered the drawstring to my pjs in the last few days. If I don't tighten it, my pj bottoms fall down while I'm sleeping. A good sign I think!

Today's reason to lose weight: A pound or two now is a step in the right direction. It adds up! By summer I can be in a whole different shape.

Saturday

It was my day off walking. I slept in until 9:40! Lots of crafting today and rest. Finished the day at a porluck hosted by Paul and Maria in honor of Paul's birthday.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 whole wheat english muffin
Lunch: 1/ 2 c. brown rice, 1 c. Thai curry
Snack: yogurt smoothie with kiwi and strawberries
Potluck dinner: 2 pieces asiago bread, green salad with lentils, 1 dolma, hummus, 1" square filo pastry, 1 small slice pesto pizza, hummus, 1 merangue, 1" wedge of fruit tart

I am feeling like I was fairly disciplined at the potluck and managed pretty well. That's all for now!

It's Friday!

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 1 banana
Lunch: 4 slices baguette, goat cheese, coleslaw, 1 banana
Snack: 7 almonds, 6 olives, 1 3" square apple tart
Dinner: 2 slices pizza, 2 c. popcorn

I walked for 50 minutes this morning.

This is such a game of mind over matter for me. I've realized this week that this is hard work for me in many senses and I need to take life a little easier in other respects while I'm working on this--maybe be a little less busy than usual and leave myself some downtime.

Today's reason to lose weight: I would like to learn to slow down and really taste and enjoy my food (of course, these probably go hand in hand rather than the enjoyment only being the result of weight loss. Still they seem to go together for me.)

For yesterday

Posting this morning for yesterday....

Yesterday was not the best day, diet wise. I had a number of indiscretions, mostly eaten because I was a bit down and decided not to care momentarily. However, I did not completely let go, so I think I probably did no lasting damage if I can just get back on track today. Here's the details:

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola, 12 cherries
Lunch: Vege burger, English muffin, orange juice, 2 c. yummy Spinach and Barley Soup from Pam (thanks, Pam)
Dinner: 1/2 c. rice, 1 c. thai curry, 2 oz. wine
Snacks: 1 slice pumpkin bread, 2 + oz. peppermint bark, handful of popcorn

All the snacks were out of bounds for me. I think I'll give away the pumpkin bread. Yummy, but not worth it to me....

I did get for my walk yesterday and put in a good hour. Meeting friends at the park yesterday was my saving grace--couldn't eat when there was no food : ). I guess it's good to remember that I am still vulnerable and I need to keep this journey a priority. So, onward today! I'll post again this evening.

Wednesday

Breakfast: 1 slice whole wheat bread, 12 cherries, 1 egg
Lunch: 1 vege burger, 1/2 c. mushrooms, corn salsa, 1 slice whole wheat bread
Snack: 8 rice crackers, 2 T. pumpkin cheese spread, 12 cherries, 3 pieces dried mango
Dinner: 2 c. vegetable rice soup, 1 slice bread, 1 egg, 3 slices dried mango
Sweet: 1 chocolate

So, I took my walk today, had my vitamins and did fine. I'm tired tonight can't say much else. See you tomorrow!

Today's reason for losing weight: I think it might be fun to take a dance class. (Not that I can't right now, but I imagine moving might become easier.)

The before "before" picture...

So, Mark unearthed this photo from about 2 years ago, which I guess is a before "before" picture. I don't know what I weigh there, but it is much more than at the bottom of this page. It makes me feel kind of sad to look at it, but kind of encouraged, too. I guess I've come some way, even before January 1 of this year!

I succeeded in a couple of ways today--I ate well while running errands and I walked an hour, even though I couldn't get to it until nearly 8:00 tonight. Both are way out of my normal patterns. With success comes some apprehension still--how do I think I can keep on doing this, or some such other form of self doubt. But, I can do this today and I think tomorrow : ). The mind game needs to be won daily. I'm still not sure how to keep on top of the mind game the whole way through, but as long as I can keep on it today and maybe tomorrow, I'll be fine. Here's the statistics for the day:

Breakfast: 1/2 waffle, 12 cherries
Lunch: 2 pieces dried mango, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 vege burger with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 c. vanana yogurt
Dinner: 1/2 c. pasta, 1/2 c. sauce with veges, 2 meatballs, brussel sprouts
Snack: 8 rice crackers, 2 T pumpkin cheese spread

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel great about eating well and taking good care of my body.

Two weeks!

So, I weighed in today--221 lbs. One pound away from my January goal!

I took my walk today after oversleeping by an hour.

Breakfast: 1/2 waffle, 1/2 grapefruit
Lunch: 3 Vietnamese Spring rolls with peanut sauce dip, 1 c. yogurt with 1/3 c. granola, 8 baby carrots
Snack: Apple, tea, 1 piece warm whole wheat bread, 1 egg, 12 cherries
Dinner: 1/2 c. rice, 1 c. Thai curry (with onions, chicken, potatoes and carrots)
Snack: 1/2 c. ice cream

I am feeling great. I managed the table of park day treats well today. I had an apple and left the rest alone, including homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Today's reason to lose weight: I'd like to ride a donkey to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and you have to weigh less than 200 lbs. to do that!

Sunday

So, today it was back to vitamins and walking. Here's my food log:

Breakfast: 1 whole wheat crepe with 1 piece chocolate, 1/2 grapefruit
Lunch: 3 vietnamese salad wraps with peanut sauce, 2 pieces string cheesse
Snack: 1 c. nonfat yogurt with 1/3 c. granola
Dinner: 1/2 c. spaghetti, 2/3 c. kale, a dozen or so sweet potato fries
Snack: 1 egg, 12 cherries, 1/2 c. coffee ice cream

After having dinner downstairs, I realized I'd only had 1/2 my protein for the day and even less of my fruits and veges. So, I had a snack. I am needing to make sure that I eat all I am allowed, both for nutrition and because I don't want to take off much more than a couple pounds a week to keep from losing muscle. I need to do a bit more research on that...

Tomorrow is weigh in day and my two week mark. I'm pretty proud of myself to still be doing this. I haven't stuck with a weight loss plan for this long in a very long time. One more week and I will be at 21 days--the amount of time "they" say it takes to begin a new habit (whoever "they" are : ).

Today's reason to lose weight: I wonder if my mood swings surrounding my period might improve with weight loss. I've heard that it can have an effect.

Saturday

Breakfast: 1 whole wheat crepe with lemon, 1 tangerine
Lunch: Frittata, 12 cherries
Snack: Tangerine
Dinner (potluck at Riekes Center): 1 vietnamese salad roll dipped in peanut sauce, broccoli salad, 1/2 c. pasta salad with beans and artichokes, refried bean dip with lettuce, onions, sour cream, etc., 2 small brownies, 2 oz. chicken, 1 crostini with goat cheese and roasted red pepper

So, potlucks are kind of freaky to me. I only had one moderate plate, but of course I could not measure it and it took me a while to remember what was on my plate. I was disciplined to only get one plate, but I did take a brownie that I did not intend to. I'm not sure what a good strategy would be for me at potlucks. I feel overwhelmed by the variety of food, want a bit of everything and then I'm not sure what I should have. I probably did pretty well compared to my track record at potlucks, but it is still an unsettling feeling to me. I feel out of control.

I need to be thinking that I am just going to keep on regardless of how I can evaluate the potluck. Thinking carefully, the extra brownie was probably my only indiscretion.

Today was my day off from my walk.

Today's reason to lose weight: I am off to a great start and will be so disappointed if I do not continue to build on my good start.

It's Friday!

Breakfast: I whole wheat crepe with banana, brown sugar and butter
Lunch: 1/2 c. couscous, 1 c. squash curry, 2 pieces lowfat string cheese, tangerine, small piece of last night's candy cane
Dinner: 1/2 c. fried artichokes (now there was decadence!), 4 pieces bruschetta, handful of goldish, aranciata drink, 1/2 chicken salad (lots of lettuce, tomato, about 4 oz. grilled chicken, 2 slices avacado)

Walked for 55 minutes and took my vitamins.

Mark and I went out for a date tonight. We went to the Last Supper Club happy hour. Usually the appetizers are a bit less decadent, but I tried to have just a bit. I've done well all week, so I don't think it will blow me out of the water. More tomorrow.

Today's reason to lose weight: I will be modeling healthier patterns for my kids.

Another day....

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 4 pieces dried mango
Lunch: 1 c. chili, lettuce salad with garlic vinaigrette, 1/2 english muffin w/jam
Dinner: 1/2 c. couscous, 1c. squash curry, 1 c. sauted mushrooms, 2 t. chopped peanuts to garnish curry, chutney
Treat: 1/4 Hammonds candy cane (about 50 cal)

I walked about 50 minutes today, had my vitamins and got groceries in the house. I went out for a while by myself tonight and scored some great after Christmas deals at Borders that will come in handy next Christmas and for Hailey's birthday. I swear that people just want to give me money today--the guy at the checkout gave me my year end discount even though it wasn't showing up ($3) and then asked me if I wanted an additional $2 off my order because I could take my personal shopping day for the month. Then, when I got home and looked at my receipt, he charged me 0.00 for one of the dollar books. So, all this means I got Pride and Prejudice on CD (unabridged--the audiobook for Hailey), and 4 Christmas books that would've normally added up to $105 all for $17.46. I was pretty happy. But, I digress....

My usual pattern when I go to Borders is to get a fancy drink AND a cookie while I read and browse. Tonight I successfully had just a regular coffee. Also, I avoided buying and eating candy at the grocery store while I shopped (the guy at the grocery store also gave me an extra $3 off even after I brought it to his attention. I should've gotten $1 off on some soup that cost me $3 and he gave me $4 off. It's like they payed me $1 to take the soup.) The only indulgence today was a Hammonds handmade candy cane for a few cents at Borders. They're the best and I only had 1/4 of it. I'll see if the kids want to share the rest with me tomorrow.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to knit myself the great skirt in "Greetings from Knit Cafe" and it just won't look right yet : ).

See you all here tomorrow.

Day 9

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 whole wheat english muffin, 1 tangerine
Midmorning: 1 banana
Lunch: 2 c. lettuce, garlic vinaigrette, 1 1/2 oz. beef, 1/4 c. sweet potato
Snack: 1 c. fat free yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, banana
Dinner: 1 c. chili, 7 chips, 8 baby carrots
Dessert at the Sharps: 1 ball mochi ice cream

I walked at least an hour today and took my vitamins. It was nice to have a small indulgence tonight and even nicer to find out that it was only about 100 calories. I need to do some menu planning again soon. There's not alot of variety left in the house. Better put that on my to-do list for tomorrow.

Today I find it interesting to notice the roller coaster my confidence and contentment take with this process. At least twice today I felt like I could do this for a very long time and at other times I wondered how much longer I could maintain any sense of discipline--all in the same day. So, I guess if I just wait long enough my feelings will once more be in my favor. I wonder how much of my struggle is tied to not being willing to wait for something good--wanting what I want NOW. It's hard to wait for drastic results, change, chocolate, a good taste in my mouth and probably lots of other things in my life. I'm sure most people have their own unique form of seeking immediate pleasure and struggle with learning to wait and be patient for the right time for something.

Today's reason to lose weight: The proactivity of learning to eat in a healthy way spills over into the other activities of my daily life and I feel more productive and satisfied with my work.

Day 8

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 1 banana
Lunch: Frittata (2 eggs plus lots of veges), 1/2 english muffin
Snack: Granola, dried mango
Dinner: 2 oz. london broil, salad with garlic vinaigrette, 1c. roasted sweet potato, 1c. beets
Sweet: 1 oz. peppermint bark

I walked for a good solid hour today and took an extra hill. Also took my vitamins.

I have been thinking today about choice. For instance, I can choose to eat whatever I want or not. It really is up to me. Either way, I make the decision. I know, it sounds basic, but realizing that I have the choice and that the ball is in my court is somehow empowering.

Today's reason to lose weight: I am feeling more empowered and in charge of my life when I am making good choices.

I've made one week!

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 slice whole wheat bread, onions, 12 cherries
Lunch: 1 slice whole wheat bread w/jam, 8 carrots, broccoli stems, 1/4 c. hummus, 1 c. corn salad
Snack: 1 banana, 2 c popcorn
Dinner: 1 piece frittata (2 eggs plus lots of veges)

Weigh in today: 224

I also walked one hour and took my vitamins.

So, keeping a food log has brought up the topic of honesty for me. I think that I have learned to be dishonest with myself in this area and perhaps others, too. I am still being surprised by how much I want to eat certain things, how often I want to eat, etc. I guess it makes me think that I was doing alot of eating without really acknowledging that I was. Somehow, this is freeing to me right now.

I had a very encouraging meeting with a friend tonight. I wish I could share all we talked about here, but it's not quite coming out yet. I'm sure it will over the next couple of days as I think on our conversation. I think I need to process it a bit more before I can blog my thoughts....

Today's reason to lose weight: I'd like to reduce my chances of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Day 6

Breakfast: Strawberry (1c.)/Blueberry(3/4 c.)/Yogurt (1c.) smoothie, 1 piece whole wheat bread
Lunch: 1c. corn salad, 8 carrots, beet dip, 1 oz. chicken, 12 cherries
Snack: 8 rice crackers, 1 oz. blue cheese
Dinner: 2 pieces bread, 1 1/2 c. vegetable barley soup

Pretty good day. I had probably 1 too many pieces of bread, but as long as I stop there, I think it shouldn't be a big deal in the long run. I fit in more veges and fruit today (might actually have a tangerine when I'm done here). Walked an hour today.

Mark is home. I am really ready to have him here. I am craving a normal schedule again I think.

Today's reason to lose weight: I would like people who do not know me to see me as more credible. I think my weight gets in the way of a good first impression.

Day 5

Nice relaxing day today. I took the day off from walking and slept in.

Breakfast: 1 crepe with 10 or so chocolate chips, 12 cherries
Lunch: Chris' corn salad (1 c) on lettuce leaf wraps
Snack: 15 rice crackers and 1 1/2 oz blue cheese
Dinner: 4 oz. baked chicken, 1/2 c. mashed potatoes, 1 c. broccoli and 1 tangerine

My food was much more varied and interesting today. The corn salad was really good and satisfying (thanks, Chris!). I have some left over fruit and vegetable allowances, so I'll need to get more veges especially tomorrow. This morning I really wanted some hot cocoa and a bit more decadent of a breakfast ( we have a mix for chocolate peppermint pancakes). I decided to compromise with the chocolate chips on my crepe--I think it was less damaging. By mid morning, though, I was happy to stick with things today. I am really attached to my food--the sweets and carbs, anyway. I hope that the cravings for it fade a bit as time goes on....

Today's reason to lose weight: I think we'll spend less money on groceries. (Really! I can't believe how long the bread I made Monday is lasting and the granola and a few other things. Yikes!)

Friday!

I feel like it has been a good week--getting lots done in many areas, making dreaded phone calls and the like AND staying with my eating program. I walked another hour today.

Breakfast: 1 piece whole wheat cinnamon bread, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1 banana
Lunch: about 2 c. vegetable barley soup, 1 piece bread, 2 oz. havarti cheese
Snack: banana, 8 cashews
Dinner: 2 pieces of pizza leftover from yesterday
Sweet: part of a candy cane

All within the bounds of the diet, but I had better build in some variety soon. Some meals are more satisfying than others...

It's been nice to have Peanut here this week. She needs to go out in the morning, so it gets me moving out the door, especially this morning when it was so cold. I do feel good once I get out there and even better when I get home and see that I accomplished a good 50 minutes or more.

So much of the change that I want to see seems to come down to taking the time to really take care of myself and my life. It reminds me of recent conversations with Mark about giving the mundane parts of our life the honor they deserve.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be healthy and active when our kids are grown!

Day 3

Weird food day due to changes in my schedule.

Breakfast: 1 Whole Wheat Crepe, 1 banana sauted in 1 tsp butter and 1T. brown sugar, 1/2 c. milk, chai tea, 1 tsp. sugar
Lunch: 1 c. zucchini, 1 clementine (running out the door)
Dinner: 3 squares of pizza topped with ground turkey, sauce and mozzarella cheese, broccoli, carrots, beet dip
Sweet: 1 chocolate rasberry ball about the size of a marble

Overall, I think I did well. I'm guessing a little on the food values in the pizza so that makes me feel unsure. However, if I went over, I guess it wasn't by much.

When I woke this morning, the plan had been to take the kids to meet friends at Huddart Park. It was wet and cold, though, so Mary Jo and the girls ended up meeting us at the Exploratorium. I was tempted to ditch my walk in order to do other things before we went, but I did get about a 50 minute walk in. Ended up a little pinched for time, thus the zucchini and clementines for lunch. I should've probably had a bit more so I wasn't so hungry by the time we ate dinner. Oh, well...I made it.

Tomorrow I plan to try Chris' recipe from the comments below.

Today's reason for losing weight: I'd really like to feel like I look good!

Day 2

I got my computer to work, so here I am.

Breakfast: 1 slice whole wheat cinnamon bread, 12 cherries, 1/2 c. yogurt
Lunch: Banana, 8 baby carrots, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 oz. swiss cheese, beet dip
Snack: 1 slice whole wheat cinnamon bread, 12 cherries
Dinner: 3 oz. sausage, 1 c. whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce, 1 1/2 c. sauted zucchini
Sweet: 1 chocolate

I felt a bit less discouraged about this plan today. My dinner felt very satisfying. I definitely need to get some groceries so that I have a bit more variety in my eating. I was beginning to get bored with bread and cherries and carrots. Truthfully, I don't find vegetables very interesting. I hope that changes as we go along here. Oh, I also walked yesterday and today, as well as taking my vitamins.

Today's reason for losing weight: I think that I'll have more energy when I am at my proper weight.

First Real Day

So, I did it. Day one down. Here's what I ate today:

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1 slice whole wheat cinnamon bread, 12 cherries, latte
Lunch: 1 c. squash soup, 1/2 c. cucumber, 1 carrot, 1/3 c. hummus
Snack: 1 slice cinnamon bread, 1 apple
Dinner: 2 corn tortilla, 1/2 c. refried beans, 1/4 c. cheddar cheese, 2 T hummus

I am using the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight plan, which counts servings of Fat, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fruits, Veges and Sweets. To eat about 1400 cal/day I aim for 3 servings fat, 4 servings of protein/dairy, 5 carbohydrates, 4 or more fruits, 4 or more veges and 75 calories of sweets. So, today I have 2 servings of fruit left for the day and my sweets.

I am surprised at how much fruit and vegetables I can eat, but how easy it is for me to fill the rest of the food requirements. I guess I really enjoy carbs. I may not be able to post until Sunday. Mark will be out of town with the computer and the other computer is not yet set up. I'll see what I can do, but I'll update nevertheless on Sunday.

Before Pictures

So, here's the before photos--not very flattering! I hope not to look like this much longer--*sigh*.

The Adventure Begins (or rather continues)...

So, I'm starting a blog. I am hoping that you, my friends, would be able to keep up to date and encourage me on my journey to weight loss. In the last three years, I have lost 30 pounds. I am now 227 and would like to continue to lose weight at a more rapid pace (at least more than 10 pounds per year). So, here is the plan as best as I know it right now:

My first goal: to 220 pounds by January 31. Reward: spending my gift certificate at Noe Knits

Here's how I plan to do it:

-Walk 45 minutes-1 hour a day 6 times a week.
-record eating here (1500 cal/day)
-find a weight loss coach
-take my vitamins daily
-take time to center my thoughts each day

As I go along, I will modify the plan as needed. I'll post a "before" picture in the next day or so. Thanks for joining me on this journey!