Before picture and 17 pounds later

So here is my first progress picture. At first when I looked at the rather unflattering picture of today taken by Noah, I thought I'd skip this for now. But when I looked at it next to the first picture, I thought it was a significant difference. So, here they are! Hopefully the next eight weeks will continue to bring these sorts of rewards

I got a nice walk in today.

Breakfast: 1 muffin, 1 egg
Lunch: 1 1/2 c. mulligatawny, 2 slices baguette
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 1 orange
Dinner: 2 pieces thin crust pizza, 1/2 c pasta vege salad, 2 c. popcorn, 1 serving lemon wafer cookies (8 small)
Snack: Izze soda

For Tuesday...

Blogger was down last night, so here's the report:

I walked through the Arboretum in the rain for my walk, which was on the shorter side because of the rain.

Breakfast: 1 crepe with chocolate chips
Lunch: Large romaine salad with dressing, avacado, red pepper, carrots, pepitas, 1 slice bread, 1 c. cider
Snack: 1 banana, 1 vege burger
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. chicken mulligatawny, 1 papadum, 8 carrots
Snack: 5 lemon wafer cookies, 1 banana

I also weighed this morning and weighed in at 210! I met February goal and I feel pretty relieved. The scale was moving so little for a couple of weeks. I still have the feeling of surprise that I am actually doing this. I always have to step on the scale a couple of times to make sure that I haven't somehow faked myself out. But, lo and behold, it is actually happening! I added a very baggy pair of pants to the Goodwill bag. Noah told me he thought they were too big on me. I've got lots of cheerleaders here!

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to buy new clothes, which I will do when I reach my March goal!

Eight Weeks!

Another week that I am still at this journey! It was a rainy, rainy day today and promises to be another tomorrow. I got a good walk in today--a nice, solid hour.

Breakfast: 1 orange, 1 banana muffin
Lunch: 1 vege burger, 1 slice bread, 8 carrots, mushrooms
Snack: 1 banana, 1 c. cider
Dinner: 2 tamales, large salad, 6 chips with guacamole, 3" square of fruit tart

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be learning whatever lessons God has for me in this process!

The end of a busy weekend...

The house is quiet, the girls are gone, my boys are home, the parties are over. I am tired and thankful. I am thankful for the rich opportunities and relationships available to my family. We have an amazing life and I am very grateful. Grateful, and happily tired.

Hailey had a friend here until 6:30 tonight and we had Seven meeting until about 8:30. As I sat down here, I realized that this will be the first day that I am actually going to miss my walk this year. I didn't feel I could leave this particular friend and Hailey home alone, because I am not sure her parents would have been okay with that. Tonight I began my cycle and I am so tired. I am just going to be very determined to walk tomorrow. My fear has been that missing a day will begin the unraveling of this process. Of course, it doesn't have to be that way. So, I will walk again tomorrow and hopefully not miss a day again for another couple months : )

By the way, no weigh in for sure tomorrow as water retention is in full swing. I hope for glowing reports the following Monday as I have had a great week as far as my eating goes!

Breakfast: 1 banana crepe, 1 c. apple cider
Lunch: 1 slice cheese pizza, 1 banana, 8 carrots, dip
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1 granola bar
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. potato soup, 1 slice bread
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola

Today's reason to lose weight: The "I can" feeling will be back when the cycle "yuckiness" passes. I am trying to learn that my feelings are changeable and if I can just push past them without eating my way out of them, soon I don't feel like I need to eat my way past them anymore! it's just a matter of waiting long enough.

Saturday

Mom, Hailey and I had fun shopping for dresses with Hailey today. I took my day off walking. I feel my time of the month coming on. I think I'll skip my weigh in on Monday.

Breakfast: 1 banana muffin, 1 tangelo
Lunch: 2 slices potato rosemary bread, brie, 2 c. popcorn, dill carrots. 1/2 c. orange juice
Snack: dried fruit mix, 4 almonds
Dinner: 2 pieces pizza, 8 almonds, handful popcorn

PS. I feel proud of myself--tonight I purposely made only enough molten chocolate cakes for the girls. No possibility of a second dessert tonight : ).

Today's reason to lose weight: I have promised to continue this process through Lent.

Again, posting for yesterday....

We had Hailey's coming of age party last night. It was beautiful. I was overwhelmed by the love that my friends showed to my daughter. I feel so fortunate to have such a wealth of wonderful people around our family. Mark's mom spent the night and it was so late, that I did not want to keep her up any longer. So, here we are on yesterday.

I had a great walk with Caroline. I am pushed to walk faster and do more hills when I am walking with her.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. potato, 1 egg
Lunch: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola, tangelo
Dinner: 1 piece foccacia bread, 1/2 c. pasta with chicken, large salad
Hailey's party: tollhouse pie (1/12 pie), 1/4 c. ice cream, 2 glasses carbonated orange juice

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to enjoy shopping for new clothes when I need them.

Posting for yesterday!

I started the day with a good solid walk.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1 egg, 1/2 c. milk, dried cranberry, raisins
Lunch: vege burger, mushrooms, salsa, 1/2 pita
Snack: 1/2 english muffin, cream cheese, tangelo
Dinner: 1 piece of frittata, 2 cereal bowls of popcorn

I'm going to keep this post short as I am trying to report before Mark's mom arrives. I was up far to late last night preparing a surprise for Hailey to give her at her surprise party tonight. I'm throwing a Ladies' Night in honor of her 13th birthday. I hope it is a special rite of passage for her.

Today's reason to lose weight: I think I have more energy as I lose weight.

On my way!

This morning, as I checked the scale, I started thinking and doing some math. This particular leg of my weight loss journey is not my entire journey. I realized that from the height of my weight, I have now lost 45 pounds (over the last 4 years or so). It makes me feel good to think that it all has counted whether it has come off very slowly, in spurts with long dead times in between or during very sustained efforts. I am on my way!

I got my hair cut yesterday. I feel much better and much less "frumpy". Here's today's statistics:

I had a very wimpy walk today.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1 c. yogurt, 1 banana
Lunch: 1/2 pita, 1/4 c. hummus, 8 carrots, 1 vege burger, 1 c. fruit salad
Snack: 1/2 grapefruit, 1 small granola bar
Dinner: 1 turkey sausage, dilled carrots, 1/2 c. pasta with sauce
Snack: 6 whole wheat crackers, 1 tangelo

Today's reason to lose weight: Every step of the journey counts!

A nice quiet Tuesday!

The day felt very indulgent to me. I did not have to drive for Nature Studies carpool this morning, so by the time I would usually get home, I had cleaned up the kitchen, taken my walk, hung clothes on the line and gone to the post office! That left time to work on my Artist's Way assignment and take care of some errands and get my hair cut (much needed!)

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/4 bagel, 1 blood orange
Lunch: 3/4 c. lentil soup, 1/4 bagel
Snack: 1/4 pita, vegeburger, grapes
Dinner: 1 slice bread, 1 slice cheese, 1/2 c. pasta with chicken, fresh broccoli & carrots, dill carrots, 1 drumstick fried chicken, 1/15th of a berry pie.

Today's reason to lose weight: Here's a quote from the Artist's Way: "Treating myself like a precious object will make me strong."

Seven Weeks

I walked this morning and weighed in at 213. The scale is inching ever so slowly, but in the right direction. Hailey turned 13 today. For some reason, that makes me feel old or at least like life is just speeding by. I'm thankful for her--she's a joy to be with for me.

Brunch: 1 pancake, 1 scone, 1 cracker, 1/2 c. raspberries, 1/2 c. blueberries, 2 oz. mozarella cheese, basil, 4 tomato slices, 1 Tbsp goat cheese, champagne and orange juice.
Snack: small square of dark chocolate
Dinner: 1/2 c. rice, 1 c. Thai curry
Dessert: 1/4 c. BiRite ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I'd really like to hit 210!

Sunday night

I slept in nice and late this morning, went for a walk and did some chores about the house.

Breakfast: 1/2 bagel, cream cheese
Lunch: 1 1/2 c. chili, 10 chips, sprinkle of cheese
Snack: 1 piece of baclava
Dinner: 1/2 pita, hummus, tabbouleh, carrots, broccoli,
Dessert: 1 piece almond pound cake, 1 piece baclava, 1 square chocolate

It's hard to be honest tonight with all the sugary foods I've eaten today. Everything else was just fine. But I seem to have a hard time saying no to sweets once I start. I think I need to put some energy into this. It seems to happen quite often.

Tomorrow Hailey turns 13. I'm not sure how I feel about that. She's a lovely person, but I'm not sure I feel old enough to have a teenager. Hmmm...

Today's reason to lose weight: Today is sooner than tomorrow! What I accomplish towards health today will pay off in the future.

Our first Bat Mitzvah

Today we spent most of the day at Hailey's friend's Bat Mitvah. It was a beautiful rite of passage. The girl led the entire Shabbat service, complete with singing in Hebrew. The service lasted two hours and Sara pretty much led the whole thing. It was followed by a lunch, then a break in the afternoon, and then an amazing dinner and dance party. It was so much fun! The family had hired people to lead and teach dancing, so even Mark and I got in on some Jewish folk dance. I am usually pretty reticent to dance, but I have to admit that it was a blast! That said, I gave myself alot of leeway with food today. The occasion seemed to warrant it. So, though I tried not to overdo portions, I decided not to adhere too strictly to my plan today. It was also my day off of my walk.

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin, 1 egg
Lunch: 1/2 bagel with cream cheese, 1 c. grapes, hummus, 1/2 pita, tabbouleh, tomato, cucumber, 2 pieces baclava (amazing!), chocolate lace cookie, 2 chocolates
Dinner: 1/2 c. mashed potato, large amount of salad (2 c?), sauted mushrooms (1 c?) 1 slice prime rib roast, 1 c. artichoke soup, 1 whole wheat roll, 1 juice squeeze
Dessert: 1 piece of cake

Tomorrow will be back to the regular plan. But though I could've had less sweets at lunch, overall I'm okay with the day's food as long as it was just a day. What a celebration! Makes me wish we had some similar tradition....

Today's reason to lose weight: I think I like folk dancing. I feel better moving when I am taking care of myself.

Friday, lovely Friday...

We had beautiful, warm weather today. I had a great walk and spent lots of time outdoors today.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 c. homefries
Lunch: 1 tube yogurt, 12 wheat thins, 1 oz cheese, 8 baby carrots
Snack: apple, vege burger, 1/ 4 croissant
Dinner: 1 c. pasta-vege salad, 4 pieces bruschetta, handful goldfish, aranciata
Dessert: shared a scoop of ginger ice cream from BiRite Creamery

I wore a shirt today that I'd been given but never wore because it was too small. It fit fine today and I enjoyed wearing it rather than some of the things that are a bit baggy now. It made me feel pretty today.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be fit and healthy.

One more day....

I got my walk in this morning.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 english muffin, 1/2 c. apple juice
Lunch: Mushrooms, 1 vege burger, 1/2 english muffin
Snack: 2 c. popcorn, 8 baby carrots
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. chili, cheese, 12 chips, 2" square of almond crossaint, 1 square chocolate

Nice day today. Lots of people through our house tonight, so I'm afraid I won't write much here tonight.

Today's reason to lose weight: I like to feel like I am deciding what I am doing with my body and my life.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Breakfast: 1 slice brown cranberry bread, 1 banana, 1 egg, veges
Lunch: 1 c. chili, sprinkle of cheese, 12 tortilla chips, handful conversation hearts
Dinner: 1 c. whole wheat pasta, 1/2 chicken breast, pasta sauce, (chicken parmesan), sparkling cider
Dessert: 1 chocolate pot de creme with 1/4 c. ice cream, dessert wine, 1 chocolate, 1 caramel

I went for my walk while Mark made supper. I am glad to have such a wonderfully supportive husband today!

Today's reason to lose weight: I am loved!

For yesterday

I was up late with a friend last night. Here's the vitals from yesterday:

Breakfast:1 c, rice pidding, 1 banana
Lunch: 1 slice brown cranberry bread, 1/2 c. rice, 1 c. morrocan veges, 2 T peanuts
Snack: 1 slice cranberry brown bread, 1 blood orange, 3 slices dried mango
Dinner: 2 c. vegetarian chili, sprinkle of cheese, 12 corn chips
Snack: 1 c. hot cocoa

I'll post again this evening....

Six Weeks

Six weeks...that's a long time! I have walked every day for about an hour and I have logged my eating and I have had relatively few days when I have exceeded what I ought to be eating! Overall, doing good. I am feeling like I am back on course and ready to go again.

However, the indiscretions of the past week had a price. Today I weigh in the same as last week: 214. I'll try for a loss next Monday....

I spent some time cooking this afternoon and really enjoyed it. I made Morrocan Roasted Vegetables from one of my Moosewood cookbooks for dinner, made a lentil soup to send with the kids in their lunches tomorrow and to eat myself, made a brown cranberry bread with fresh cranberries, roasted some raw peanuts for the kids to have in their lunch. After dinner Hailey requested that I take the leftover rice and make rice pudding for tomorrow's breakfast. I'm not sure if it's really breakfast food as much as dessert, but hey--it's got brown rice and milk, right? Anyway, I sat down this evening feeling satisfied with my labors!

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 c. homefries, 5 pieces dried mango
Lunch: salad with pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, garlic vinaigrette, 12 rice crackers, 1 oz. brie, 3 pieces dried mango
Snack: 1 c. grapes
Dinner: 1/2 c. brown rice, 1 c. morrocan roasted vegetables
Snack: 1 slice brown cranberry bread

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be disciplined in caring for myself.

Here comes the sun...

It was a lovely day today. I started the day with a good one hour walk, came home, hung clothes on the line and did some crafting. Then, the kids had a birthday party at the Presidio. Mark dropped us off there as he needed the car for a speaking gig. I left the kids at the party and wandered on trails down to Crissy field center, where I had a cup of coffee and knitted. Then I walked back up to the home where the party was (about 50 minutes each way). Both the weather and the Presidio were so beautiful and refreshing to me today!

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 english muffin
Lunch: 1/2 c. grain salad, 1 orange, 8 baby carrots
Dinner: 2-1/2 flour tortilla, beans, rice, cheese, salsa and sour cream
Snack:5 slices dried mango

Good food day today. I had a little talk with myself this morning about not letting things slide after putting so much good effort in. I have committed to this process at least through the end of February (of course, I'll probably end up committing to March, as well). So, onward we go!

Today's reason to lose weight: I loved being able to enjoy walking much of the afternoon and seeing it as recreational, not a task!

Rainy, rainy day!

Sleepy day around here today! Aaaah.....

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 1 egg with mushrooms and greens
Lunch: 1 c. rice, 1 c. cashew chicken
Dinner: Large salad with mushrooms, goat cheese and figs, dried mango, banana
Ryan's birthday party: 2 choc chip cookies, 4 crackers, cheese, small bit of wine

Nice restful day. Did pretty well at Ryan's party. Indulged in a couple cookies, but it could have been so much worse. Tomorrow morning I hope to do some menu planning.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to simplify my life and only have that which gives me pleasure or that I need. The extra weight is just that--extra.

Back in the saddle...

Walked up Bernal Hill this morning with Mark (I still don't like that hill : ).

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. milk, dried cranberries
Lunch: 4 dried oranges, 10 rice crackers, goat cheese, 1 apple, 1 string cheese
Snack: 1 banana, salad with mushrooms, goat cheese and figs
Dinner: 3 slices pizza, 3 c. popcorn, 1 chocolate

I was realizing today that I need to take the time to prepare my food, particularly vegetables. My salad was great, but I was tempted just to grab a carb and maybe some cheese. I'm not sure why I am slow to prepare myself food.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be healthy and active when our kids are grown and Mark and I have the time and space for adventures.

Hanging in there....

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 english muffin
Lunch: 1/2 c. grain salad, 8 baby carrots, 2 oz. chicken, 8 crackers, 3 dried orange slices
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola. small slice chocolate bundt cake, square of chocolate
Dinner: Baked pasta with veges and chicken
Snack: piece of chocolate

All right--what's with me and the chocolate today! I think I need to cut all sweets for a couple of days. This can't be good...I don't really want to analyze. I'm still a bit under the weather and very emotional today. Well, I'll be hanging in there and back at it tomorrow.

On the upside, I had a very relaxing day, trying to just rest. I got my walk in and got some lingering things done around the house, too.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to show myself that I can do it!

Feeling the push...

Breakfast: 1 crumpet, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 grapefruit
Lunch: large green salad with chicken and veges, 7 wheat crackers,
Snack: 1/3 c. granola, milk, banana, 1 sq. chocolate
Snack 2: apple, mini scone
Dinner: 2c. vege pasta soup, choc chip cookie

I am really feeling the push today. I went out by myself this afternoon and really wanted candy bars and spice drops at every turn. I resisted. I think this is one of the first times I just really wanted to eat junk. Tonight at the Artist's Way meeting, Lora Burnett brought homemade cookies. Not sure if eating one was giving in, or justifiable reward after spending all afternoon resisting candy (even the Reeses peanut butter cup so conveniently stowed in the glove compartment). Overall, though, a successful day, given my inclinations.

I'm also not feeling so well. But this is an easy week with less on the schedule, so I will try to take care, and if nothing else, I will do the things I need to for my health.

I did a mild walk today (45 minutes or so).

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to eat because my body needs it and let my emotional needs be met in more constructive ways.

Time for a Menu

I would have to say that I need to step up my food planning. I am once again finding my food fairly boring and lacking in the veggie department. I've been spending most of the last couple of days getting some bookkeeping for ReImagine (my husband's nonprofit) set up. Tomorrow, though, I intend to get a menu down on paper. It works so much better when I do that. Any inspiration for me folks? Veggie laden dishes would be great!

I am battling a monstrous cold, so I did a light walk today 40-45 minutes. I thought that would be better than scrapping it altogether. I did find that the light walk was the 1 hour walk of the beginning of the year. I'm making progress and it is actually going quicker than I imagined that it could.

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/3 c granola, 1 banana
Lunch: 3 taquitos, 1 slice baguette, 5 jelly bellies
Snack: 1 crumpet w/ lemon curd, 1/2 grapefruit
Dinner: Very large salad (covered my whole plate) with cucumber, avocado, grilled chicken and parmesan. Little bit of dressing and 3 slices of baguette
Snack: 3 squares chocolate (oops : )

Today's reason to lose weight: My skin is somehow looking and feeling really good--I don't know if it's the water, the exercise or the nutrition or all of the above.

Five Weeks

I weighed in today at 215, my February goal, so I'll reset the February goal : ).

Walked about 45 minutes this morning. I have a horrific cold, so I think just keeping to a walking schedule is great considering everything.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. cereal, 1/2 c. milk, 4 dried orange slices
Lunch: 2 pieces pizza, 1 banana
Snack: handful of rice crackers,
Dinner: 3/4 c. bean soup, 8 whole wheat crackers, 8 carrots, 1 banana
Treat: 2 squares chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to reach my February goal and stick with this for two months (at least!)

Super Bowl Sunday!

We attended two potlucks today--one for a Super Bowl party and one for Seven. I felt great about my eating in both situations. No real indiscretions. Just an intentional 1/2 piece of cake! I'm learning little by little.

Oh, and what a walk today! I had to get Hailey from the Stamats' and so I walked up to Noe Valley and all the way up to the top of Castro Street and then up their impressive flight of stairs (80 some, I think).

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1 orange
Lunch: 5 small meatballs, 1/4 c. bean dip, 10 chips, carrots, cucumbers, dip, pears, 1/2 piece of chocolate/peanut butter cake.
Dinner: 1/2 c. sticky coconut rice with mangos, spinach pasta salad with tomatoes (I tried to pick out mostly spinach with just a little pasta), 1 oz. cheese

Today's reason to lose weight: Today, I got rid of some clothes that are now too large and/or frumpy and found some "new" clothes that now look good on me in my closet!

BiRite Creamery!

So, we stopped by BiRite Creamery today! It was a stop worthy of my weekend splurge! Mark and I split a single scoop of Lavendar Honey ice cream--it has got to be the best ice cream I have ever had. The kids were in awe and my sweet tooth was completely satisfied!

Breakfast: 1 pancake, 1/2 banana, 1 egg
Lunch: 1/2 c. grain salad. 1 tangerine, 8 carrots, 1/4 c. hummus
Snack: 1 scoop lavendar honey ice cream : )
Dinner: 1/2 c. pesto salad, 5 spears asparagus, 4 mini samosas, 3 apple slices, 3 bruschetta with tomato and cheese, tomato, 1 small mozarella ball, small handful cashews, 2 cheese puff things

Dinner was at a birthday party/dance with lots of food. I think I did pretty well with it. Lots of little finger foods and hard to keep track of them all, but I positioned myself away from the table and tried to stay away much of the time. Skipped birthday cake with the memory of the lavendar honey ice cream. So, not perfect diet-wise by any means, but I think I did really great considering my old patterns and all the temptations available.

Oh, today was my day off my walk. Walking will resume tomorrow morning.

Today's reason to lose weight: I really enjoyed my treat today. It was very premeditated and I feel like I earned it. I savored it and probably enjoyed that ice cream more than when I have indulged myself regularily.

Friday's here!

Well, I didn't do my regular walk, but I did hike Bernal Hill with the Girl Scouts and went for a walk with Mark on our date, so I'm counting that as a walk. (I did the hill!)

Breakfast:2 pancakes, 1/2 c. blueberries, 1 piece string cheese
Lunch: 1 tangerine, 1 roll, 1 oz. goat cheese, 5 dried apricots, 1 vege burger
Dinner: (out with Mark to Last Supper Club for happy hour appetizers) 5 pieces fried polenta, 1 piece bruschetta, handful of goldfish, aranciata
Dinner, part 2 at home: 8 baby carrots, 2 oz. london broil

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel more confident when I am proactive about caring for my body.

Exhaling...

Walked first thing this morning, but I was off to a slow start after yesterday. Came home, sipped coffee, journaled in my paper journal and took my time starting the day!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1 orange, 1 stick string cheese
Lunch: Chicken salad: Lettuce, 4 oz. chicken, tomato, crouton, feta
Snack: 1/2 oatmeal cookie, 8-10 nuts, apple slices, 2 chocolates
Dinner: 1/2 c. squash gnocchi, 2 oz. beef, green salad
Dessert (thanks to Amy): 1/2 c. vanilla ice cream with a little drizzle of chocolate and a very tiny bit of brownie crumbles. Mmmm!

A little heavy on the snacky things....Oops. Not to excuse it, but I was very tired today. A good reason not to let myself have days like yesterday. They wipe me out and make it harder to do what I need to do. Well, tomorrow is another day. Back to work : ).

Today's reason to lose weight: I want my kids to see me facing this challenge and able to do something about it! I want them to know that you can make changes and that change might involve hard work and that some things are worth that work.