Farmgirl Gets Fit

The Road Ahead

2009-07-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

I would have to say that this is an uphill journey for me. I would wish that once I set my mind to my goals, they would just be accomplished in a matter-of-fact way. This is not the case. I need to pay constant attention to them. It's a bit like having a newborn--they simply require lots of time and cannot endure neglect. That said, I am pressing on, though less impressively than I would wish. I guess I have lost 2-3 pounds (my scale is erratic, but it is somewhere in there). I have been faithful in my walking, pretty good about my vitamins, decent about recording my food intake and the self care. I've gone on hikes and given myself a pedicure. But there is a feeling that it could all slip away if I am not vigilant. The tendency is definitely towards unhealth and inner chaos.

So, today I plan to rejuvinate my goals and the steps I am taking towards them by taking a little extra time to reorient. I'll set aside that space to take the extra few minutes to look at my checklist, to record my eating, to plan some meals, to take my vitamins, to make a plan for the day. Perhaps one of the lessons that is hardest for me to learn, but so necessary to this process, is to take the time that it needs.

Happy feet!

2009-06-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, I gave my feet a good soak and treated them to an exfoliating mask and lotion at the end of a long day. We've had things in the evening the last four out of five nights--not really my speed! So, when we got home at 10:00 last night, I decided to treat myself to a movie and a foot soak. Good way to unwind and to celebrate a good day of getting things done and meeting my goals for the day.
So, I am five days into my health goals. I am always surprised by how much time it takes of my day. It makes me think that I usually spend rather little time on caring for my body and health. I know that not much truly changes in my body in 5 days, but I do begin to feel more fit and more attractive after a few days of proactivity. Then I start dressing with more care and taking a little more time and it begins a good cycle. I am never quite sure how to trigger the positive cycle, but I am thankful when I find myself in one!

Daily Self Care...

2009-06-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, so far towards this goal I have taken chipped nail polish off of my toes and remembered to wear body fragrance. Truthfully, this goal will take plenty of thought on my part. These are not the things that come naturally to me and I have the hardest time taking the time for the simplest things. Sometimes I just feel like I really need to get going on my work. Other times things just don't occur to me. I'm not sure what I'll do today--I should start a master list of sorts. Things I could do to help accomplish something here--pedicure, shave my legs, facial, haircut, an hour at the beach....Anyone have some other ideas? I'm thinking of things that generally don't take very long that I just don't seem to get to...

Goal setting

2009-06-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

It seems manageable to make some personal goals that will bring me to the end of July, at which time I will reevaluate. All of them are meant in some way to take care of me. Here they are:
1. Walk 5-6X a week for 45 minutes to 1 hour each time.
2. Record my daily food intake.
3. Keep a daily journal.
4. Try a new "healthy" recipe once a week.
5. One small home improvement task daily.
6. Lose 10 pounds.
7. Grow something to eat.
8. Ride my bicycle once a week.
9. Finish sewing my tote bag.
10. Finish plying my spun yarn.
11. One special self care item daily.
I know, the list seems long, but I always feel like balancing the list with some things I really want time for (the sewing and crafting) helps me with the things that require a bit more discipline on my part.

Reflections and keeping on....

2009-06-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I had a great run at improving my health. I blogged here 177 times and lost a great deal of weight. Since then, I continue to struggle off and on with my weight. I am currently 224 pounds. Not that the weight itself is the core of the issue, but it is a good indicator of how my self-care is progressing. I recently read "The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl" by Shauna Reid, though, and was very encouraged by her journey--her weight loss took her six years with lots of ups and downs in there. Still she kept getting back to it eventually. So, perhaps if I just keep at it? I do think that I need to develop some different ways of thinking about myself in order to succeed. There are many things that I think that I'll do when I lose weight that I'm beginning to think that I should do now. Here are some of my more recent attempts: making myself a skirt, making a sweater, having a pedicure. It hasn't always seemed like it was worth the work on these things in the past. I always thought, "What if I lose weight? Then the _________ won't fit anymore." Well, I guess I'd just have to make myself more things. Self care is the big word for me this year--it's something that I am not so good at, whether it is body care or taking care of my time or what have you. Anyway, I am sitting down today to make some goals for the next 6 weeks or so. I'll post them after they are a bit more firm. I am going to attempt to revive this blog, perhaps in a slightly different way than before. So, here's to keeping on!

Waving tentatively...

2008-11-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

If you read this entry, then you are a sincere and hopeful friend after my long absence here! I have been wondering during this time the usefulness of continuing this blog. It had seemed like what had been a motivation to me to stay focused had become something I was dreading. As I don't need any help in the area of feeling obligated, I took a break to figure out if this blog is helpful to me. So, I am still not sure, but today I feel motivated to post. I'll just see where it goes from here.

Part of my motivation to post is perhaps that I have been trying to be cognizant of my eating, that I have regained weight over the last months, and as I stepped on the scale this morning (after three weeks being afraid to) I found that I have actually lost 8 pounds. Never in my life have I stepped on the scale and had such an unexpected loss. Not that I haven't been trying, but I haven't been weighing, so I didn't expect that anything was happening. I don't quite know what to make of it, but I am encouraged. This puts me at 220 instead of 228. Still more than I wish I were. But, encouraging nonetheless. I'd like to continue and I am journaling my eating again. I am not sure what I will put down here. I think I'll just feel that out.

I do wonder if it would be good for me to weigh less during this process--keep focused on behaviors and less on the scale. I don't know. I also wonder if I'll feel healthier if I drop another 20 pounds. I have been sick so much the last two months. I'd like to have more clarity and focus and losing weight seems to go hand in hand with that for me. They seem part of the same positive cycle.

Yesterday...

2008-02-19T06:45:00.000-08:00

Ugh...I think I am getting sick, too. Mark and the kids have all been sick this weekend and now I feel like I may be coming down with it too. I think that I'd like to ignore it and have it go away, but I don't think that's happening. Well, yesterday's eating...

Breakfast: 2 whole wheat pancakes
Snack: 2 mandarine oranges
Lunch: 1 1/2 c. curried vegetable bisque, 14 tortilla chips
Snack: 2 c. caramel corn, 7 slices dried mango
Dinner: 1 c. pasta with sauce, 1 sausage, 1 c. fresh broccoli and carrots, dip
Snack: 1/3 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to sew some new shirts for myself for spring!

Sunday night...

2008-02-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

I actually wrote down my eating yesterday, but just did not blog about it. Today I put some change in my jar twice. Once for passing on the cookie and Barnes and Noble with Maria and once for getting a banana instead of candy when I went to get cough drops for my sick family. It makes me feel good to make good decisions.

Breakfast: 2 whole wheat pancakes
Lunch: 2 pieces poppy seed bread, 1 tangerine
Snack: 1 banana
Dinner: Cherry juice, 2 c. popcorn, 1 1/2 c. tomato/cashew/basil soup
Snack: 1 piece chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to ride a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon someday and they do have weight restrictions!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T22:06:00.000-08:00

I'm very tired tonight so this post will be brief, but it will be here nonetheless!

Breakfast: 1 slice cinnamon bread, 1 T. cashew butter
Lunch (out for Valentine's Day): The Happy Lunch Box (consisting of tempura sweet potato, teryaki beef, 1/2 c. rice, miso soup, 4 gyoza, salad and 3 pieces of fried banana for dessert)
Dinner: 2 c. chili, flaxseed corn chips, cheese
Dessert: Cherry rice pudding.

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel better when I am taking charge of my behavior rather than being controlled by it.

Lent

2008-02-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

I am a bit embarrassed to post, as it has been a while again. Really, I have been struggling with my eating. I so want to continue losing weight, but I'm finding it difficult. Indeed the scale is inching upward slowly. However, the other day I was journaling about learning the concept of "enough" in my life--enough time, enough things, enough food, whether I am enough for it all. At the same time I had been wanting to choose some practice to adopt for Lent. It occurred to me that addressing "enough" might be just the thing. So here are my Lenten practices (starting them a wee bit late):
1. Eat according to my plan and write it all down.
2. Work on only one knitting project at a time until each project is done.
3. Buy nothing except the necessities for myself and our household.
So, today, I did it. I succeeded for the first time in weeks in writing down my eating and sticking within bounds.

Breakfast: Mango/blackberry smoothie, 1 slice cinnamon bread
Lunch: large lettuce/vege salad, 2 T hummus, 2 small bits of cheese, 2/3 piece flatbread, dressing, red peppers
Snack: 1 slice bread, 1 banana, tall skinny latte
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. vege bisque, 2 slices bread
Snack: 1 T nuts, 1 1/2 c. popcorn

Today's reason to lose weight (as seen on a bus stop): Losing 1 pound can relieve up to 4 pounds of pressure on your knees.

My not-so-secret temptation...

2008-01-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

So, I've been struggling with the afternoon munchies. Today I kept them in check fairly well, finally! I'm not sure why I've been struggling so much, but I guess I just need to keep on.

Here's today's stats:

Breakfast: 2/3 c. yogurt, 1 mini bagel, 1/2 pear
Snack: 1 skinny latte, 1 tangerine
Lunch: 1 C. parsnip soup, 1 piece bread, large green salad, 8 olives
Snack: 1 cookie, 3 c. popcorn. 1 c. applesauce
Dinner: 2 slices pizza, 1 slice bread, tangerine

A wee bit heavy on the carbs, but much better than the last few days.

Today's reason to lose weight: I am worth it!

Made it through the afternoon!

2008-01-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

So, with much struggle and temptation, I finally made it through an afternoon without going crazy with my food. I did journal about my temptations a couple of times today and it at least made me feel like I was doing something proactive.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1 tangerine, 1 T dried fruit
Lunch: 1 tortilla, 1 c. beef and corn posole, 2 T cheese, 1 T sour cream, avocado
Snack: 10 cherries, 1 fruit bar, 1 granola bar, dried mango
Dinner: 1 1/2 samosa, 1/2 piece naan, 3 pieces tandoori chicken, cauliflower curry
Dessert: 3/4 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to become a more proactive person.

Hmmmm...

2008-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

So, I know this last week wasn't stellar, but weight gain? I don't think so...must be about that time. So, on positives for today--I got up at 6:30, journaled and walked and got my head together. However, somewhere along the line, I lost my focus and really didn't write down my eating or journal about it. I could try to reconstruct it here and now, but I really don't think I'll remember accurately. So, tomorrow? I really want to jump back on this boat!

A quick post...

2008-01-10T22:54:00.001-08:00

It's late, but I just wanted to post the day's eating. But first, can I say what I didn't eat? I didn't eat a candy bar at Target this afternoon. I didn't eat popcorn either. I didn't eat a whole bunch of snacks while I was making dinner. I didn't eat a cookie or fancy coffee drink at the bookstore this afternoon. I didn't eat ice cream by the computer tonight. Don't you think I should get credit for what I didn't eat? I thought so...so do I!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Lunch: 1/2 english muffin, 1/2 c. beets, 1 egg, 6 slices dried mango
Snack: 1 prune, chocolate chips and macadamia nuts, 1/3 c. granola
Dinner: 1/2 c. rice, lemon chicken with broccoli, peppers and carrots.

Today's reason to lose weight: Spring is coming and some new shirts would be fun!

Focus? Who me?

2008-01-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

So, I'm not doing well at writing instead of eating. Everything went along swimmingly until about 4:00 today, when suddenly I succumbed to the urge to eat far too much junk (candy canes and unnecessary granola bar and hot cocoa). Time to truly focus on that afternoon time and be determined and ready with my journal and my strategies!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 2 T raisins, 1 T walnuts
Snack: 10 cherries
Lunch: large salad with dressing, 2 eggs, 2 pieces bread
Snack: 3 c. popcorn, 2 candy canes, 1 granola bar, 1 c. hot cocoa
Dinner: 2/3 c. rice, 1 c. squash and green bean curry,
Snack: 3/4 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to know that I am feeding my body healthily.

Monday and back to school....

2008-01-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I weighed in this morning at 205, down a couple of pounds. I am still trying to adjust to going to bed early again and getting up earlier. As it was today I got out for my walk later than usual and by the time I got home and ready to go at the day it was after 9:30 and I had not even written in my journal. There is a definite lack of focus when I do not write in my journal. I can't afford to skip it. It might be better to skip the walk if one thing had to go, because if I am focused there would be a chance of me fitting in the walk later. I am learning, though.

Breakfast: fruit cobbler
Lunch: 1 1/2 c. dill vege soup, 2 slices bread, apple
Snack: 1 cookie, 1 piece fruit cobbler
Dinner: 2 pieces pizza, large salad, lemonade
Snack: 4 c. popcorn

Today's reason to lose weight: I like to feel focused and productive!

HALT

2008-01-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

I've been on a retreat the last couple of days. I spent some time reading the Julia Cameron book. I think that the HALT principle that she talks about there might be helpful to my afternoon sweet cravings. She says not to let yourself get too hungry, too angry, too lonely or too tired. I don't think that I often have a problem with the second, but I know I "forget" to eat lunch until later in the afternoon and then it is hard to stop eating. I also think that I should schedule a relaxing break in the early afternoon. We'll see how that helps. I'll weigh in in the morning and post it here. Thanks for sharing my journey with me.

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin with jam
Lunch: 1 hard boiled egg, roasted beets with blue cheese and walnuts, vinaigrette, carrots, cucumber
Snack: 1 piece pecan pie
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. dilly potato bean soup, 1 1/2 slices bread, salad with dressing, 1 small piece fruit cobbler

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be living my life with intention.

Checking in....

2008-01-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a rainy day and I am tired. I hope I am not catching what Hailey has had. I feel very cranky tonight! I'm keeping this post short as I should go to bed.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 2 T dried cranberries, 1 T walnuts, a little milk
Lunch: vegetable bisque, 8 crackers, 1 1/2 oz cheese
Snack: 2/3 c. granola, yogurt, sm piece pecan pie, 1/4 c. ice cream
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. vegetable bisque, 1/2 english muffin
Snack: 1 tangerine

I guess that the afternoons are the most challenging time for me. I consistently crave sweets between 2:00 and 4:00. I better think of some kind of game plan for that.

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel good when I take care of myself.

A Brand New Year and a revived plan.

2008-01-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Farmgirl Gets Fit blog has been awfully quiet for quite some time. To tell the truth, I had really lost my momentum and got tired of saying so on my blog. However, the last year has been one of great progress for me and I did not want to see it that progress go to waste. I still feel as though I am very much on the journey of becoming a healthier, more proactive person. In my mind 2007 was a great success. However, I am aware of the fragility of my new patterns and successes and know that the old patterns are so much easier. So, I am not wanting to give up the fight. I am finding myself with renewed energy for this again at this time of year.
I'm excited to have found a couple of resources to help me on the next leg of this journey. Before I tell you what they are, let me first say that I have long been pondering the connection between creativity and my health goals. The connection has seemed to be there, but I could not put my finger on it exactly. After Christmas, I stopped in the used book store and found this book by Julia Cameron, author of "The Artist's Way". I was very excited and picked it up with a trade slip I had. She talks about how she noticed people going through the Artist's Way course and losing weight (not the point of the course). She began exploring the connections and wrote this book.
Now, last year I felt that the Artist's Way course had really helped my progress and I'm excited to start going through this book. She suggests a food journal--writing down what you eat, but also what you want to eat and why. I've devoted a little red notebook to this and will try to be diligent. You should be seeing more of me here again. I am starting 2008 at 207 pounds. (Yes, I gained a few). I plan to continue to walk 6 days a week for an hour and will record my eating as well.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 1 banana
Lunch: 1 crepe, 1 egg, salsa, 1 T cheese, 1/2 c. beets
Snack: 2" peppermint bark, 1 tangerine, 3 c. popcorn, 1 banana
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. curried vegetable bisque, 8 saltines, 1 1/2 oz cheese
Snack: 2" peppermint bark, 1 piece hard candy

Today's reason to lose weight: I am becoming a healthier, more trim woman every day that I follow good practices!

Wednesday....

2007-11-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

I am tired tonight, but promised myself not to let another blogless day go by here. I had been lax about writing things down but I did so today and now I'm reporting in! I got my walk in today, as well.

Breakfast: 1 pancake with syrup
Lunch: 2 slices of papaya, 1 c. chili with 1 oz cheese, 1 piece of corn bread
Snack: 1/2 c. ice cream, 10 dried cherries
Dinner: 5 crostini with cheese, veges and dip, 4 slices baguette with pesto, brussels sprout, 2 well drinks (Last Supper Club happy hour)

Today's reason to lose weight: I saw yet another picture of myself from 60 pounds or so ago. I really want to keep this thing steered in the right direction! I do not want to go back to how my body was then!

Saturday update!

2007-11-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

I feel very tired tonight, so I'm going to keep it short. I did tons of walking today.

Breakfast: 3/4 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola
Lunch: 1 banana, 1 samosa
Snack: 1 biscotti, 3 pieces dried mango
Snack: 3 c. popcorn
Dinner: 1/2 c. zucchini, 3/4 c pasta with sausage, 2" piece of lasagna, rootbeer and sparkling apple cider
Dessert: 1/16 pumpkin cheese cake, cookie 1/4 c. ice cream (perhaps one dessert might've been enough : )

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to look good for my husband!

Day of the Dead in our neighborhood!

2007-11-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight is always an eventful night in our neighborhood with thousands of people passing by dressed up like dead people and carrying candles. Tonight was no exception!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal. 1 T pecans, 2 T cranberries
Lunch: 1 piece naan, 1 order chicken tikka masala
Snack: 1 banana, 2 pieces candy
Dinner: 2 c. vegetarian posole, 14 chips, 1 avocado, 1 oz. shredded cheese
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel good in my new clothes and I enjoy feeling good!

Thursday....

2007-11-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I felt so tired! I'm not sure why. I went on my walk this morning and did write things down as I ate them.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 2 T craisins, 1 T pecans, 1/4 c. milk
Snack: 6 pieces pepperoni, 1 caramel, 1 snack size candy bar
Lunch: 10 cherry tomatoes, 2 corn tortillas, 1/4 c. refried beans, 1 oz cheese, 1 banana
Snack:1/2 english muffin, 2 snack size candy bars
Dinner: 1 c. pumpkin apple soup, 1 piece corn bread
Snack: 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I would like to be full of energy!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T22:05:00.001-07:00

And thus begins the battle of the Halloween candy (I had about 6 pieces tonight)....That said, I was encouraged today. I bought some new cold weather clothes--warmer skirts, found some tall boots at the Thrift and a couple of new shirts. It's nice to really be able to buy a 16. Every time I shop, I begin to wonder what size will fit. I pull the 16s off the rack and, surprise, they fit : ). Did most of my shopping at the thrift store and I got the greatest pair of Levis for $5--dark blue and so long I have to cuff them, which is highly unusual for me!

Mark made it home from the Bahamas and I am inspired to look good for him : ).

Breakfast: 1 banana, 1/3 frangipane croissant, 1/3 morning bun, 1/3 pan au jambon (Tartine to celebrate Mark's home coming)
Lunch: 1/2 c. pasta, brussel sprouts, and pasta sauce
Snack: 14 tortilla chips with guacamole
Dinner: 2 slices pizza
Snack : 6 pieces halloween candy

Today's reason to lose weight: My skin looks smoother and more clear when I am eating well.

Tuesday night...

2007-10-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, I ate much more mindfully today. I was reminded that writing things down is the best indicator of weight loss success. Today I also listened to a podcast about weight loss and art making. The lady being interviewed was very funny, so I ordered the book, "Our Lady of Weight Loss." It seems she lost 50 pounds incorporating art making into her weight loss regimen. I am interested, as I have noticed that when my hands are busy I do not eat. We'll see how it is.

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin, 1 egg.
Snack: 3 dates, 1 piece licorice
Snack: 6 c. popcorn
Dinner: 1/2 c. pasta, large bowl of salad with red peppers and tomatoes and garlic ranch dressing.
Snack: I haven't yet, but I may have an apple tonight

Today's reason to lose weight: I have worked so hard to get where I am now. I don't want to waste all I've invested. Besides, it was nice to shop today and buy 16s easily!

The end of a loooooong day....

2007-10-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

I started the day with a nice walk again. The weather was gorgeous today!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. maple yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Lunch: large salad with tomatoes and onions, 5 slices baguette, 1 oz. goat cheese
Snack: 1/2 c. maple yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 2 T dried cranberry
Dinner: 1/2 c. rice, 2/3 c. sweet and sour pork, 2/3 c. curried chicken
Snack: 2 c. hot apple cider

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be living in touch with my body!

Tuesday....

2007-10-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

So, no pound cake today : ). It was gorgeous again and Hailey and I went for a walk and did some thrift shopping today. I am still very aware of my desire to eat whatever I like whenever I like. I am not sure why it is so difficult right now...

Breakfast: 1/2c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Snack: 3 T. chocolate raisins
Lunch: 1 C. couscous salad, 1 slice pizza
Snack: 1 meringue, 5 slices dried mango
Dinner: 2 pieces pizza, 3 c. popcorn, 3 caramels

Today's reason to lose weight: Hailey and I bought the cutest denim skirt I have ever seen today. It won't fit me for a while but I want to wear it with tall leather boots!

A Beautiful Day!

2007-10-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

The weather was gorgeous today in our San Francisco fall/summer! The day started out warm and Mark and I walked around Bernal Hill three times. I sat in the sun and did nothing but visit at park day today--just relaxed.

Breakfast: Bread pudding
Snack: 3 prunes, 1/2 slice pound cake
Lunch: 1 1/4 quinoa salad with tofu, cucumber and tomato
Snack: handful of baked corn curls, 5 slices dried mango
Dinner: Beef noodles with edamame and red peppers (about a serving of each item)
Dessert: 1/2 slice pound cake

The pound cake is all gone (thank goodness!). I do feel good about having planned some healthy meals.

Today's reason to lose weight: I enjoy feeling like I am deciding what I want to do and how I want to be in this world.

Sunday night

2007-10-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

For the record, tiredness and eating well do not make good companions! I have really struggled the last couple of days and had way too many pieces of pound cake! I did not write things down and I completely lost track. There you have it. Today, though, I'm back. I cleaned my kitchen like a maniac today and went for a very nice walk this sunny afternoon.

Breakfast: 1 piece bread pudding
Lunch: 1 english muffin, cashew butter, 10 carrots, ranch dressing, 3 date
Snack: 1/2 c. granola, milk, 1 piece pound cake
Dinner: 1 tortilla with mushrooms and cheese, cucumber, hummus
Snack: 1 piece pound cake (dangerous stuff--better let the kids devour it now!)

Today's reason to lose weight: I do not want to spend my life feeling controlled by pound cake!

Thursday....

2007-10-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

So, the tiredness of parenting alone for 10 days finally caught up with me. I am very tired today....I did go for my walk this morning. My eating patterns were not stellar and I was tempted to "sneak" some things by not writing them down. It made me wonder who I thought I was sneaking them from. Surely my body will not neglect to notice the extra calories. I think I eat sometimes thinking that if no one else knows it must not count. Hmmm....An unobserved calorie is still a calorie.

Breakfast: 1 banana, 1 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Snack: 1/3 c. granola and milk
Lunch: 1 corn tortilla with cheese and beef, 10 carrots, 10 slices red pepper, 2 T hummus
Snack: 1/3 c. granola with milk, 2 c. popcorn, 3 prunes, 1 banana
Dinner: 1 chicken thigh, 1 1/2 c. squash, potato and carrot mix
Dessert: 1 piece cake from Whole Foods

Today's reason to lose weight: My body and I know how I'm taking care, even if no one else does!

Mark is home!

2007-10-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Mark's been gone since the 30th of September and is now home! We are so happy to have him back. The blessed even was occasioned by eating out twice! (Once without the kids, once with them.) Even so, I did respectably today. I went for my morning walk (in the rain, I might add) and recorded my eating. (Thanks for the new checklist, Chris--it's useful.)

Breakfast: 1 banana, 1c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Snack: veges and cheese dip
Lunch: 4 potstickers, 1/2 c. rice, 2 oz. beef teryaki, 6 slices yam tempura
Snack: banana
Dinner: 2 pieces injera bread, lentils, cabbage, carrot and potato curry, bits of beef and chicken (Ethiopian Food)
Snack: 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I would like it if my stomach didn't hang over so much : ).

Back at it....

2007-10-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

So, today was harder than I thought. I've become more lax with my eating than I had suspected. I spent much of the day reminding myself that indeed I did not want a snack, a candy or another serving! I still have some ways to go! I weighed in at 204 today, so I have also gained a few pounds. I missed my walk today. All that said, I did have success with my eating.

Breakfast: 1 banana, 1 c. nonfat yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Lunch: 1 c. wild rice soup, 1 apple
Snack: 20 mini rice crackers, cheese
Dinner: 1/2 c. pasta with tomato sauce, 1/2 c. zucchini, 1 chicken/turkey sausage,
Snack: 1 apple

Now, if I wrote what I wanted to eat, that list would be much longer : ). I am afraid that my emotional attachments to food are pretty strong. I had to tell Hailey when we were shopping today, "Now, I do not want candy or any other snack. Remind me of that!"

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be healthier at 38 than I was at 36!

Renewing my efforts...

2007-10-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. I haven't been here in a while. I think that I needed a break. I took one, anyway. For a wile I was feeling bad about that--not losing any weight for a couple of months. However, I think it is significant progress not to have gained and to have continued my exercising. That said, I am truly not content to stay here and not to lose anymore. So, beginning tomorrow, it is back to writing down my eating, preparing healthful food and walking consistently. I can feel proud that I have lost 60 pounds and encouraged that there are only 45 left to go. To me, that's a whole different category of overweight from where I started. I'll start by just trying to focus on getting down to 190. That's not very far and should be very doable. The boys are at Nature Awareness tomorrow, so I'll spend some time either shopping for or preparing some good food to have on hand. If anyone has any good, healthy recipes that go with the chill in the air, please share! Thanks for reading, if you still are.

Today's reason to lose weight: I have come so far and I would like to contiue on this journey rather than going back!

Wednesday....

2007-08-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

I had a nice walk today (and the last couple of days, actually). I spent Monday and Tuesday with Mark's parents. Here's today's log:

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 english muffin, 1/3 c. raspberries
Snack: 1 slice toast, jam
Lunch: Smoothie with 1 c. yogurt, 2 banana, 1/2 c,. mango, 1 c. coleslaw
Snack: 1/2 english muffin
Dinner: 14 tortilla chips, lettuce, cucumbers, 1/4c. cheese, peppers, bean sprouts, salsa ranch dressing

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to get my image of my body and the actual thing to be in agreement with each other.

Sunday....

2007-08-26T21:41:00.001-07:00

For some reason, I don't really feel like blogging tonight, though it was actually a very good day. I hiked up and around Bernal Hill, picked blackberries and made jam--very satisfying. It reminds me of canning as a child with my mom.

Breakfast: 1 piece rye bread, 1 egg, 1 nectarine
Snack: 1 c. carrot juice
Lunch: 10 rice crackers, 2 T carrot pate, 2 T. bean spread, 2 pieces baguette, vege spread, 2 flatbread wedges with pumpkin spread, 1 small piece birthday cake
Dinner: Vege pad Thai at herbivore
Snack: 3/4 c. ice cream

Okay, I could've skipped the ice cream tonight and gone for some fruit instead.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to have lots of energy for life and make good choices for myself.

For Friday

2007-08-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

We were up late last night with guests, so I'll give you the scoop on yesterday right now. I got out for my morning walk--it's nice to be back in my familiar territory.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/4 c. raspberries
Lunch: 1/4 c. mock salmon pate, 8 rice crackers, 4 olives, 15 grapes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes
Snack: 1 c. popcorn, 1/2 c. granola, 1/2 c. yogurt
Dinner: 3 slices pizza, vege salad, blackberry cobbler, 1/2 c. ice cream

All in all a good day with lots of veges. I should've stopped at less pizza and had a bit smaller piece of black berry cobbler. Overall, though, I'm pleased by my increase of vegetables. Mark and I are trying to eat more raw foods so I have really stocked up on the fruits and veges this week.

Today's reason to lose weight: I think that my weight effects my hormonal balance and I hope that losing weight will make for a healthier hormones : ).

Back from Vacation!

2007-08-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I am back on my blog after a relaxing vacation. I came home and weighed in the very same as when I left, so I think I'll consider that success. It is usually very hard for me to stay out of the food at my mom's house and I did better than usual this time--improvement anyway.

I did well writing things down today and hope to get the weight coming off once again. I am also trying to eat more raw foods, as well. I walked up to Noe Valley this morning.

Breakfast: 1 1/2 c. yogurt smoothie with blackberry and mango, 1/2 c. granola, 1/4 c. milk
Lunch: 1 c. cabbage salad, 1 piece toast, 1 T cashew butter
Snack: 1 nectarine, 1/2 c. granola, 1/4 c. millk, 1 1/2 c. cantaloupe
Dinner: 1 sausage, 1/2 c. pasta with tomato sauce, large spinach salad, 4 olives, 8 cherry tomatoes
Snack: 1/ 2 c. granola, 1/4 c. milk

(I guess I was craving the granola today :)

Today's reason to lose weight: My physical health is in direct correlation with my emotional well being!

Last day before vacation....

2007-07-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

We'll be gone from now until August 20th. I can't say when we'll have internet available to us, so I'll check in when I can, but don't be alarmed if I seem to fall off the face of the earth for the next 3 weeks.

Today went well. I got perhaps 3 walks in! Lots of walking done today.

Breakfast at Tartine with Mark: 1/2 morning bun, 1/2 pain au jambon
Lunch: 1 slice pizza, 1 nectarine, 1 c. popcorn
Snack: 1 slice baguette, 5 pieces dried mango, 1 T. peanuts
Dinner: 1 3" square lasagne, 6 baby carrots, 1 slice baguette
Dessert: 1/4 c. chocolate gelato

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel efficient and effective when I am caring for my body.

Checking in...

2007-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I missed last night due to a wicked migraine, but yesterday was a fine day for my health goals, as was today. I got out for my walk both days and here's my food log for today:

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola, 1 banana
Lunch: 5 strawberries, 1 bun, 1 sausage
Snack: 2 c. popcorn, 5 strawberries, 1/3 slice pizza
Dinner: 1/2 c. couscous, 1 c. morroccan vegetable, 2 slices artisan bread

Today's reason to lose weight: I would like to have less skin on my belly!

Latest me pictures...

2007-07-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

So, the top picture was taken today, the bottom one was taken in January. Encouraging that I have come a long ways. I looked over my blog today and found that I was very disciplined for the first four months of this year and then have had a harder time staying disciplined. I'd like to really return to that--blog daily when possible and eat well and get my walks in. I need to again limit sweets to the weekend, I think.

Today I got my walk in and wrote down my eating...

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola
Lunch: 1 1/2 c. quinoa salad with tofu and veges, 1 nectarine
Snack: 1banana, 8 crackers with 1 oz. goat cheese, 1/4 c. gelato, 1 nectarine
Dinner: 1 cheeseburger with swiss cheese, 12 fries, 1 juice squeeze
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola

I need a little less carb and protein tomorrow and a few more veges!

Today's reason to lose weight: I like to see my progress!

Checking in...

2007-07-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping some late nights. I have been aware this week how much my body has changed. I hope to post another round of before and now pictures here soon. I am happy that I have lost weight to the extent that my health risks are reduced from 60 pounds ago. I also wonder how things might be for me in another 40.....so, pressing on here.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 nectarine
Lunch: 1 c. quinoa salad with tofu, tomatoes and cucumber, 2 T peanuts, 1 peach
Dinner: 1/2 mushroom quesedilla, 10 tortilla chips, 1 chocolate, 1 c. horchata

Today's reason to lose weight: I like shopping in the regular women's section and having more choices of what to wear.

Wednesday.

2007-07-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

So, I'll have to admit to some erratic eating--not huge quantities, but questionable choices. You'll see...I did get up early and go for my walk and I'm trying to get myself back on a good schedule by going to bed and getting up earlier.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 2 T dried cranberries, 1 T. sunflower seeds, 1/2 c. milk
Lunch: 1 nectarine, 1 c. kefir, 1/2 c. berries, 1 english muffin with jam
Snack: 1 cupcake
Dinner: 4 squares of pizza, 2 chocolate-almond clusters, 1 slice apple pie

Need to up the veges and limit the sweets!

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to continue to see my body emerging!

Here I am : ).

2007-07-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a while due partly to our remodeling project this week. Our bathroom is coming together and it is looking good! I walked at Crissy Field today while the guys were at their Exploratorium class. About weight loss...this hasn't been an easy season for me for some reason. I picked up a magazine today that had an article about 7 women who lost near 100 lbs. each. It took most of them a few years. For some odd reason, that made me feel good. I guess if I have a slow spot or two but stay in the game, it's okay. I do want to stay in the game.

Breakfast: 1 1/4 waffle with syrup
Snack: 20 spice drops
Lunch: 1 nectarine
Dinner: 4 oz. london broil, 1 c. grilled vege salad, corn on the cob, 1/2 c. couscous, 1 piece chocolate cake, 1/2 glass wine

Some wacky eating today. Why didn't I eat lunch? Not sure.....

Today's reason to lose weight: It's okay if it takes me some time.

Thursday....

2007-07-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

I got my walk in this morning with Aurora.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 english muffin, jelly, 1 peach
Lunch: 1 vege burger, 1/2 english muffin, mushrooms, 1 peach, 1 slice watermelon, 6 crackers with cheese
Snack: 2 lemon bars, 10 minicrackers
Dinner: 1 hamburger, french roll, 1 piece corn on the cob, onions, mushrooms, 4 chips
Snack: 1/2 c. granola, milk, 2 oreos

Today's reason to lose weight: I'd like to see my belly smaller : ).

for Wednesday

2007-07-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

For some reason, our internet was very slow last night and I gave up on posting. I went for a walk from the car shop, through Dolores Park and up over the hill into Noe Valley--a brisk climb!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1/2 c. yogurt, 7 strawberries
Snack: 3 dried mango
Lunch: 1/2 english muffin, 1 vege burger, 4 sauted mushrooms, 2 slices watermelon
Snack: 2 slices watermelon, 3 slices dried mango, 7 strawberries
Dinner: 1 slice ham, 2/3 c. potato salad, 1 slice watermelon, 14 tortilla chips, salsa
Snack: 10 mini crackers, 3 slices dried mango

Today's reason to lose weight: I am learning to take care of myself, slow down and live at a reasonable pace.

Tuesday....

2007-07-10T22:45:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1/2 c. yogurt
Lunch: 1 1/2 c. vege lentil soup, 16 crackers, 1 banana
Snack: mini package Mike n. Ike, 1/3 c. granola, 1/2 c. yogurt
Dinner: 1 waffle, 1/2 c. strawberries, syrup
Snack: 4 c. popcorn

Today's reason to lose weight: I am worth the work!

Monday...

2007-07-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

So, I got out for my walk first thing, weighed in at 198 and here is my food log:

Breakfast: 1/2 c. granola, 1/3 c. milk, 2 small apricots
Lunch: 1 1/4 c. lentil soup, 2 apricots
Snack: 3 c. popcorn, 6 pieces dried mango
Dinner: 1 c. pasta, 2 meatballs, pasta sauce, 1/2 c. zucchini
Party at Princes: 1 soda, 6 mini sausages, 4 crackers with pepperoni and cheese, 1 handful puppy chow

So, I should've meditated more on what my plan would be for the party. However, no munching throughout the day at home, so better progress today, I think.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to be the kind of person who accomplishes the things that she wants!

Struggling....

2007-07-08T22:23:00.001-07:00

So, obviously, I have not been as diligent in keeping this blog lately. Truthfully, I am quite discouraged about my weight loss and health goals presently. I know that I've made so much progress, but I am lacking the passion and consistency right now. Yet, I do not want to give in...I want to keep progressing and I really like the things coming out of finding greater fitness and losing weight. I like it when I am not mastered by food and consumed by snacking all day long. I like feeling like I am taking good care of myself and making decisions that I feel good about. I wish I knew how to turn the motivation switch back on. Any ideas, folks?

I am not intending to give up. I guess tomorrow I will go for a walk and try to write down all I eat and make good choices once again and hope that the motivation reappears at some point. I promise a weigh in and a food journal tomorrow. I really hope to push through this difficult stretch....

Thursday....

2007-07-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin, 12 cherries, 1 T. Peanut butter
Snack: 1 c. cherries, 1/4 c. milk
Lunch: 4 falafel and hummus, 15 cherries
Snack: fruit bar, granola and milk
Dinner: 1 slice ham, 2/3 c. stuffing, 2 c. salad, 8 cherry tomatos
snack: 1 1/2 starbursts, 3 handfuls chocolate chips, 1/2 cuban pastry

I am grazing far too often lately. A little here and there. Gotta stop doing that.

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

Happy Fourth of July!

2007-07-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

I am writing from the midst of a flurry of illegal fireworks exploding all over our neighborhood. Some of them are quite impressive, though I always hope they don't catch anything on fire. I got out for a good walk this morning and returned to the house for a day of gardening, washing clothes and rearranging Hailey's room. We're nearly done with that and just need to rehang some pictures and go through a couple more shelves. Most of it got done today and she is quite pleased with her "new" room.

Breakfast: 1/3 c. granola, 1/4 c. milk, 12 cherries
Lunch: 1 slice bread, 1/2 c. coleslaw, 2 slices watermelon, 2 oz. bbq pork
Dinner: 2 oz. ham, 1/2 c. mashed potato, 1 c. zucchini, 3 slices pineapple, gravy
Dessert: pinot noir soda, 1 smore, 2 chocolates

Today's reason to lose weight: I am better able to manuver--we had to crawl through Darren and Pam's window tonight to get out on the deck and I felt much more nimble!

Here I am!

2007-07-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

So, I am back from our weekend. I have something of an achievement today--I walked up Bernal Hill this morning (and my boys had a hard time keeping up : ). I felt I needed to send myself a message that I am still serious about these health goals. The eating and recording of it has been sporadic lately. Yet, I bought new summer clothes in a size 16 (down from a 24 at one point). Overall, I think I should feel proud of myself, but I do not want to stop here. So, body, you're doing Bernal Hill at least a couple times a week from now on!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 2 T dried cranberries, 1.4 c. milk
Lunch: 3 c. lettuce, 1/2 english muffin, 2 figs, 2 oz ham, 12 cherries
Snack: 1/3 c.. granola, 1/4 c. milk, 8 crackers,
Dinner: 1/2 c. coleslaw, 1 1/2 slice watermelon, 1 bun, 1/2 c. barbequed pulled pork, 4 carrots

Today's reason to lose weight: I likew being able to reasonably conquer Bernal Hill!

Thurday

2007-06-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am entering for Thursday this morning. We'll be away this weekend, so I may be silent for the weekend. I have been fairly discouraged at the slow pace of weight loss lately. However I measured myself in the last couple of days and have been encouraged that I have lost an inch on my hips and 2 on my waist in the last month. I guess my body is progressing in many ways. I have an urge to sew something for myself. In many ways, it would make sense to buy something. I would be able to tell ahead of time if something would look good or not, how it will fit, etc. However, there is something significant to me in taking the time to sew something for myself. It will communicate care to myself. I have not wanted to sew for myself for years. I think I should.

I am also due for a progress photo here. That would perhaps be encouraging to me as well. Here are yesterday's details:

I walked in the afternoon.

Breakfast:1/2 c. granola, 1 banana, 1 c. granola
Snack: 1 poppy seed muffin
Lunch: 8 rice crackers, carrot/almond spread, cucumbers, 3 slices cheese, 1/2 c. fruit smoothie
Dinner: 1 c. pesto pasta salad with white beans, 1/2 ear of corn on the cob, lots of cherry tomatoes, small glass white wine
Snack: handful of chocolate chips

Today's reason to lose weight: This needs to be a new lifestyle for me.

Wednesday.

2007-06-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get blogger to respond last night, so here's yesterday:

Breakfast: 2 pancakes with syrup
Snack: 1 granola bar
Lunch: 6 crackers, 1 T. brie, 2 c. lettuce, 2 T pine nuts, 2 T dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
Snack: 3 chocolate chip cookies, banana
Dinner: 1 1/2 c. zucchini soup with lentils, 2 pieces bread
Snack: 1 chocolate chip cookie, 1 glass white wine, 1/3 c. chocolate chips

I need to begin to save the sweets for the weekend as I have a hard time stopping with them and they are not helping me to lose weight!

Today's reason to lose weight: I had an encouraging visit with my sister on Tuesday and I'd love to have more good news to report when I see her in August.

Tuesday...

2007-06-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

Allright...I don't feel like blogging. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad day. I'm just tired tonight. So, I'm keeping it brief.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 2 T dried cranberries, 1/4 c. milk
Lunch: 1/4 c. nut mix, 1 bagel with cream cheese, 1 gooseberry bar, 1 juice squeeze, 1/2 c. applesauce
Snack: granola bar
Dinner (meeting at last supper club): 1 cranberry/vodka, 1 aranciata, 5 pieces bruschetta, 1/2 c. pasta salad, 1/2 c. asparagus salad
Snack: 1 gooseberry bar, 1/2 c. granola, milk

Today's reason to lose weight: I like the way my shape is becoming more defined.

Posting for Monday...

2007-06-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

We've had some late nights lately. Last night, we had guests until midnight after a very exciting afternoon. Our neighbor's house caught fire. Fortunately no one was hurt, but we spent part of the afternoon trying to be of help. Here's yesterdays stats: I stayed constant at weigh in.

Breakfast: 2 pancakes, 5 cherries
Snack: 4 slices dried mango, 2 squares of chocolate
Lunch: 1 egg, 1/2 english muffin, 2 c. lettuce, 4 figs, 1 T parmesan, balsamic dressing
Snack: 10 cherries, 4 slices dried mango
Dinner: 3 oz. T bone steak, 1/2 c. mushrooms and onions, 1/2 c. sauted zucchini
Dessert: 1/2 c. lavendar creme brulee (lovely!)

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel more attractive.

Posting for Sunday

2007-06-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

So, to be up front, not the best weekend. Saturday, though I won't post everything, I ended up eating a cafe cookie and candy bar and ice cream later in the evening. I am allowing myself too many indiscretions. Here's yesterday:

Breakfast: 2 pieces of toast, 1 egg
Lunch: 1 c. pima, 1/2 c. strawberries, 7 crackers, 1 oz. brie
Snack: 3 c. popcorn
Dinner: 2 oz chicken, 3 slices avocado, lettuce, 1/2 pork tamale, 10 chips
Snack: 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: My body really does feel much better these days and I do have 43 more pounds I'd like to lose.

Writing from my office...

2007-06-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

I finally got a wireless card today on Craigslist and now I am running my computer from my office/studio! Yeah! I got my walk in on the way to pick it up and afterwards running errands as well.

Breakfast: 1/2 bagel, 1 egg
Lunch: 1 mini bagel, 1 egg, 1 peach
Snack: 6 slices cucumber, 2 slices pineapple, 1/2 bagel, 1 chocolate chip cookie
Dinner: 3 c. popcorn, 3 slices pizza

Today's reason to lose weight: It seems my only other option is to return to my former habits. I do not want all the work I have already done to go to waste!

Today

2007-06-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

So, I'm ending the day with another migraine, so I plan to keep this short.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1/4 c. milk, 1/4 c. blueberries, 1/2 c. yogurt
Lunch: 1 bagel, 2 eggs, 1/2 c. lemon ice cream
Snack: 1/2 bagel, 1 granola bar, 1 tall frappacino
Dinner: 1/2 c. rice, 1 c. mung bean stew

Ummmm...few too many indiscretions today. I didn't realize it until sitting down tonight to tally up. Time to cinch it up a bit tighter!

Today's reason to lose weight: I need to take care of my body and nurture it with good things.

Not meaning to avoid you : )...

2007-06-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

We were out of town over the weekend and I tumbled into beed last night after guests and an all day migraine. Here's yesterday's profile--I am 198, went for a walk and did my strength training...

Breakfast: 1 piece cinnamon bread, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/4 c. blueberries
Lunch: 1/2 c. .pasta, 1/2 c. sauted veges, 1 T. pesto, 1 egg, 3 pineapple slices
Snack: 1 square chocolate, 1 granola bar
Dinner: 1 piece pesto lasagne, veges and dip, 1/2 c. lemon ice cream, 3 mini brownies

Today's reason to lose weight: I like to feel proactive.

Thursday...

2007-06-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

Walked this morning....

Breakfast: 1 egg, strawberries
Lunch: Noah made me a "tummy tickler" --3 corn tortillas with cheese, onions and spices
Snack: 1 cinnamon bread, strawberries
Dinner: 1/2 falafel sandwich, 1 cosmopolitan, 1 piece toffee

Today's reason to lose weight: It would be nice to fit the next size when I go get summer clothes.

yesterday and today

2007-06-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

Did my walks both days and my resistance/strength training today. I've been staying up far too late with summer upon us and I hope to correct that tonight.

Yesterday's fare:

Breakfast: 1 crepe, chocolate chips, 1/4 c, blueberries, 1/2 c, strawberries
Lunch: 1 nectarine, 1/2 c. couscous, 1 c. moroccan veges
Snack: 3 c. popcorn, 1/2 c. banana daquiri (virgin), 1 poppyseed muffin
Dinner?: 1 white chocolate chip cookie, 1 italian soda

Kind of a junk food afternoon, eh? Today was better though.

Breakfast: 1 egg. strawberries
Lunch: spinach/strawberry salad with almonds, 2 eggs
Snack: 2 squares dark chocolate, 1 nectarine
Dinner: 1 c. lentil/sweet potato salad, 2 pieces toast with a little peanut butter

Today's reason to lose weight: I look forward to feeling confident when I swim at the lake this summer.

23 weeks....

2007-06-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

199 this morning--I have FINALLY broken the 200 barrier. It has been about 10 years since I've been in this territory. I should feel good about it, I think. I walked and did my strength training exercises today. Spent the day outside at the beach and at park day. It feels like summer....

Breakfast: 2 whole wheat pancakes with strawberries
Lunch: 1 bagel, handful of pretzels, 1 c. yogurt, 1 apple
Snack: 1 nectarine, 1 c. cracker mix, 1 biscotti
Dinner at Shanghai 1930 with Jossey Bass: 1 lettuce cup appetizer, 1 oz. short ribs, 2/3 c. rice, 1/3 c. each green beans, chicken stir fry, tofu stir fry, 1 small pork bun, 1 bite dessert, watermelon and honeydew pieces (1/2 c?), 1 mojito, 2 small servings wine

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel freer in my body. I think less about my body in some ways--less self conscious about my appearance, which I think allows the good things about me to shine through!

Sunday night (actually Monday morning)

2007-06-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

This is the second night in a row that I am going to bed so late. I got a walk in both yesterday and today and ate well yesterday, though I will not report that.

Breakfast: 2 whole wheat pancakes, strawberries
Lunch: 1 nectarine, 1/2 cuban beef sandwich at the Atlas, 1 ginger cookie, 1 ginger lemonade
Dinner: 1/2 c. couscous, 1 c. morrocan veges, 1/2 c. ice cream, 1 piece toffee

Today's reason to lose weight: I'd like to have my body in good shape!

Friday, finally!

2007-06-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

We got in so late last night that I neglected yesterday's blogging. It was a fine day though. I started my new resistance training (and, incidentally, I can feel it today). My eating was fine, too.

Today, I went for a fairly substantial walk, had tea with Maria, and then came home to stuff envelopes for ReImagine. I got part way through folding them and realized that the addresses were cut off the majority of the reciepts, so I went to change them. Now, I don't know what happened, but they got really messed up and I had to start all over again. I spent 5 frustrating hours trying to fix the reciept layout and eventually create a brand new one. I finally got them all printed and folded about 2/3 of them. Yuck! It made for a fairly frustrating day. I thought I was going to buy all kinds of rich treats when I went to pick up pizza, but I was able to get through the store with nothing but a diet coke. Whew!

Breakfast: caramel roll, 10 cherries
Lunch: 10 cherries, 1 egg, 12 almonds, 8 crackers with cheese
Dinner: 2 slices pizza, 3 c. popcorn, 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I do not want to be limited by my lack of discipline in this area.

Wednesday

2007-06-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. I took a good walk and took Hailey out to get some clothing she needed. While out, I decided to pick up some bands for strength training. I need to add some muscle toning to my workout and switch things up a bit to get those scales moving again. I also talked to a friend who has done quite a bit of training and is also a nurse about the best way to use them and get off this plateau I've been on. So, I feel encouraged to keep on this journey.

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. black berries, 1 french roll
Lunch: 1/2 c. couscous, 1 c. moroccan veges, 5 slices dried mango, 1 macaroon, package of spice drops
Snack: 1 french roll
Dinner: 3/4 c. rice, 1 c. vege curry, 4 slices mango, 1 bite chocolate cake, 1 glass white wine

Today's reason to lose weight: I am reminded of how far I have come today, both while I was shopping and then while asking my friend's advice for strength training.

Tuesday

2007-06-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

My walk was a bit wimpy today.

Breakfast: 3/4 c. yogurt, blackberries, 1/3 c. granola
Lunch: 1 c. morrocan veges, 1/2 c. couscous, 5 strawberries, 1/2 c. pasta with veges, 1 piece chocolate cake, 1 piece baclava
Dinner: 1/3 lamb shawerma, 1 falafel, hummus, 1 french roll

Today's reason to lose weight: I'd really like to be down about 10 pounds by my family reunion!

22 weeks!

2007-06-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

I weighed in at 200 today! I would like to keep seeing those scales inch on down. I did my walk today and was better most of the day, though I am very tired tonight.

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin, 1 egg, 1/4 c. mushrooms, 8 strawberries
Lunch: 9 crackers, 3 T baba ganouj, 8 carrots, 5 slices dried mango, 1 c. popcorn
Snack: 1 brownie, 1 cookie (park day), 1 apple
Dinner: 1 french roll, 1 turkey burger, 2 T. baba ganouj, onions, mushrooms, 2/3 c. coleslaw
Snack: 3 pieces dried mango

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to live more simply by living more healthily.

Sunday

2007-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I did not walk today. I've spent yesterday and today pretty under the weather.

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, blackberries, 1/3 c. granola
Lunch: 8 crackers, baba ganouj, blackberries, 1 peppermint patty
Dinner: 1 banana, large bowl popcorn

Somewhat funny eating today. I did not feel up to cooking.

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel attractive when I care for my body.

Friday

2007-06-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

A gentle walk today as I am feeling pretty under the weather. I hope I don't get it as badly as Mark!

Breakfast: 1 bagel, 6 strawberries, 1 cookie
Lunch: 8 crackers, cheese
Snack: 1 banana, 3 pieces dried mango, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/3 c. granola
Dinner: 6 pieces polenta squares, 1 hot toddy, 3 pieces bruschetta, 1 cookie, 1 pot-de-creme, 1 mojito, 1/2c. pasta vege salad. (we were doing happy hour, gallery hopping, dessert at the Prince's)

Today's reason to lose weight: I looked in a full length mirror and was reminded that I have made lots of progress and hope to continue.

Moving in!

2007-05-31T23:26:00.000-07:00

I spent the day moving into my new craft room. You can check it out on my other blog: www.farmgirlcreates.blogspot.com in the next day or two. It makes me very happy : ).

I got in my walk today.

Breakfast: 1 egg, mushrooms, 1 T. pancetta
Lunch: 1/2 c. gnocchi, large green salad, 3 c. popcorn
Snack: box of milk duds
Dinner: 1 slice vege frittata, veges and dip, 6 crackers with cheese, 2 cookies, 1 piece chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to enjoy order in all aspects of my life.

I'm here, really....

2007-05-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

So, I am weighing 201 right now and it's been nearly a week since I posted. It's been a mix of being gone, being sick, being busy, being tired, remodeling and struggling with this whole journey. It's not that I don't want to continue, but it has been hard for me for some reason. Maybe I need to switch things up or maybe I just need to quiet my schedule....

Breakfast: 2 small pancakes, strawberries, syrup
Lunch: 1/2 bagel, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1 apple, 1 piece carrot cake, 1 small brownie, 6 tortilla chips, guacamole
Snack: 2 squares dark chocolate
Dinner: 1/2 slice bread, 1 c. pasta salad with veges and cheese.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to remember all the wonderful things that have come from this journey so far and respect that this journey produces good things for me.

Those scales are moving!

2007-05-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

So, I'm not going to report a number today, because it is not the day to do so, but let's just say that my scale FINALLY moved again in the proper direction--highly encouraging and much needed. I wasn't feeling so good this morning, but I went for my walk anyway, and I did write it all down today.

Breakfast: 1 piece rhubarb crisp
Lunch: 2 homemade taco shells, 3 oz. taco meat, 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, 1 c. cucmber salad, 8 cherries
Snack: 1 piece rhubarb crisp, 1 banana
Dinner: 1 c. carmelized onion pasta, large salad

Okay, so rhubarb crisp is stretching it a little, but I make it once a year and it is gone now.

Today's reason to lose weight: I am going to cross that 200 mark VERY soon!

Sunny Tuesday!

2007-05-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

We had beautiful weather today and I had a nice walk. The kids were at nature studies and I got a much needed day of quiet. I'm trying to really nurture myself right now, as I feel a bit challenged the last couple of weeks.

Breakfast: 2/3 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. milk, 2 T raisins
Snack: 1 banana
Lunch: Large green salad, 1 flatbread, 2 oz. chicken
Dinner: 3 oz. beef, 1/2 c. roasted potatoes, 1 c. cucumber/mango/ avocado salad, 1/2 c. fava bean salad, 1 piece rhubarb crisp, 1/4 c. ice cream

All in all a good day.

Today's reason to lose weight: I saw a friend today that I hadn't seen for nearly two years. She noticed my weight loss and I was reminded of my progress and that encourages me to continue this journey.

20 Weeks!

2007-05-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

So, twenty weeks is a long time and I am still trying to plug away here. I am weighing 202 as of two days ago (I miscalculated and started my period today so I'm very bloated right now--yuck!). I had a better day today--alot less discretionary or mindless eating and I wrote everything down. Not the perfect menu, but better--especially considering that I didn't feel so good today.

Breakfast: 2/3 c. granola, 1/2 c. milk, 1 c. fruit salad
Lunch:14 mini rice crackers, 1 oz. goat cheese, 10 cherries
Snack: 6 triscuits, 1 banana, 3 pieces candy (small ones)
Dinner: 2 tortillas, 3 oz. beef/turkey taco meat, 1/ 2 c. cheese, salsa, lettuce, 12 oz coke

Today's reason to lose weight: I am really desiring a good rhythm for life. Somehow the process of watching what I am eating and caring for my body promotes a better rhythm in the other parts of my life.

Sunday night

2007-05-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

So, I missed yesterday. We went to the Makers Faire and I came home with a migraine, so did not blog. The fair was fabulous--full of technology and craft do-it-yourselfers. I hope to return next year!

Today was full--I walked to the top of Bernal Hill and down. I'd have to say it was much easier than it used to be. It's encouraging to see some results as I haven't felt very "on task" with the weight loss lately. I need to slow down and carve out some time to take care of myself this week. I think that would be really helpful to me....

Breakfast: 2 pieces raspberry bread
Lunch: 8 cherries, 1 c. fruit salad, 14 chips and guacamole, 4 crackers with goat cheese, 4 pita chips and hummus, 1 cupcake, black beans and cheese
Dinner: 4 squares pizza, cucumbers and carrots.

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel like attending to this issue results in discipline and focus in the rest of my life.

TGIF

2007-05-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

So, I am very tired, but attempting to keep this up, so I'll be quick tonight. I got my walk in and did some paddle boating today (more of a workout than I remembered).

Breakfast: 1 c. cheerios, milk, 1/2 c. OJ
Lunch(G.S. potluck): 4 asparagus stalks, 1/2 c. pasta, 1 cookie, 8 mushrooms, guacamole, 8 tortilla chips ,1 quadratini, 1/2 bun stuffed with cabbage
Snack: granola bar, tea, 1 slice raspberry bread
Dinner (art show): 2 chicken croquettes, 2/3 c. trail mix, 8 crackers with cheese, 1 quiche square (1 1/2") 1 falafel

Today's reason to lose weight: I really like my new body and want to continue to make progress.

The lowdown for the day...

2007-05-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

I got a walk in this morning.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 crumpet, 5 strawberries
Lunch: 1/2 c, homefries, 1/2 c. mushrooms, 1 egg, 1/2c. OJ
Snack: 1 c. cheerios, 1/2 c. milk, 1 banana, 5 slices dried mango, 2 caramels
Dinner: 2 slices pizza, 3 c. popcorn, 1 glass sparkling lemonade
Snack: small chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: Well, I will feel better soon and then I won't want to have lost ground. (I feel somewhat sick today).

It's not easy....

2007-05-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

So friends, I am having a difficult time keeping my mojo for this weight loss journey right now. I feel unmotivated and am really struggling to keep to my eating plan the last few days. Not that I've blown it out of the water, but it's not been easy for me lately. I'm not sure if I'm coming down with something or having heavy duty PMS this week or what. I don't want to give up, though. So, I wanted to share where I'm at. It seems that I am tempted to not share and that begins my undoing, so I will endeavor to stay transparent and honest.

I did walk yesterday and I'll try to recall yesterday's food. (Another note: I need to resume writing things down as I eat them)

Breakfast: 1 bagel with butter, 1 banana
Lunch: 1 slice bread with peanut butter and jelly, 8 strawberries, 1 c. gnocchi with tomato sauce and arugala
Snack: 5 slices dried mango, 1 scharfenberger bar
Dinner: 1 slice vege lasagna, salad, 2 squares (about 2") zucchini quiche, 3 pieces bread, 1 chocolate chip cookie
Snack: 1 handmade soda (12 oz)

So, I am not gaining weight, but I am having too many indiscretions to be losing any right now. Perhaps I need to be devoting more time to planning my food intake as well. Thanks, friends, for journeying with me.

Today's reason to lose weight: I have come too far on this journey to turn back now.

Look out, world!

2007-05-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

Boy, do I feel cranky today! I managed to make it through the day without making anyone else pay for my crankiness, though. I made myself go for a walk and tried to take it easy and probably ate too much.

Breakfast: 1 c. pima milk blended with strawberries and rasberries for a smoothie, 1 mini scone
Lunch: 1 egg, 1 crumpet, 5 strawberries, 1 square chocolate
Snack: 8 slices dried mango, 1 box milk duds, 14 tortilla chips
Dinner: 1 c. gnocchi with tomato and arugala, 6 asparagus spears

Today's reason to lose weight: This is a battle worth fighting. I am better when I am not controlled by food.

19 Weeks!

2007-05-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

I declined weighing today, as I am bloated and expecting my period. I did manage to get my walk in this morning. Oh, and I did not blog yesterday (obviously), giving myself the day off for Mother's Day.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 c. potatoes
Snack: 4 mini ginger snaps, 1 apple
Lunch: 3 flatbread crackers with 1 oz. goat cheese, 1 banana, broccoli and hummus
Snack: handful of rice crackers, 1/2 piece pumpkin bread, 3 T. nuts
Dinner: 5 strawberries, large salad with cucumbers and radishes, 1 c. wild rice soup

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel better when I live, eat and spend intentionally.

Saturday update!

2007-05-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Mark's book party--it was so much fun to see all the circles of our life overlapping! I got my walk in today, am having some PMS mood swings and am looking forward to Mother's day tomorrow.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola,
Lunch: 1 donut hole, 1/2 c. berries, 1 piece bread, 1 piece cheese, salami, 1 quadratini
Snack: 15 rice crakers, 1 oz goat cheese, 1 glass wine
Dinner: (at the book party) 6 slices baguette. 4 crackers, hummus, tomato spread, 5 pieces cucumber, 4 cookies, 1 glass wine, 2 T. almonds, (I think that is all, but I am not certain)

I should probably not graze. It's really hard to know where I am at with things.

Today's reason to lose weight: I like to see how some places on my body are beginning to feel firm and smaller. I'd like to expand that : ).

Update for Friday...

2007-05-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Due to a late night and wine with friends, Ryan and Holly, I did not get to reporting yesterday. So, here I am. I had a good walk in the morning and decided to go an extra block uphill, just to remind myself that I am serious about this health stuff!

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola, 8 strawberries
Lunch: 6 strawberries (what can I say? they are in season and so juicy sweet!), 2 pieces corn bread, 8 carrots
Snack: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1 c. granola
Dinner: 12 oz. rootbeer, 2 slices pizza, 1 piece birthday cake, 1 scoop ice cream (maybe 1/2 c.)
Dessert: 2 glasses wine, 2 squares chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I am wanting to live in a way where I think ahead and do the things that I want to do. I guess losing weight would be one way that I do that.

Slower days...

2007-05-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

I've had a nice rhythm the last few days--getting lots done at home during the day and quiet nights--nice and slow. I got my walk in today and also ended up walking about that much more just getting places today.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola, 4 strawberries
Lunch: 1 C. Pasta, 1/4 c. mushrooms, 1/2 c. brussel sprouts, pasta sauce
Snack: 1 egg, 8 strawberries
Dinner: 1 c. chicken noodle soup, 1 1/2 pieces cornbread

Today's reason to lose weight: Following through with losing weight will show me that I can accomplish what I dream.

I'm still here....

2007-05-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. I've missed a couple of days due to being out of town and friends staying in our room a couple of days before that. Monday, which was 18 weeks, I weighed in at 202. Today, I got a good walk before going to pick up the kids from their camp out.

Breakfast: 1 crepe, strawberries
Lunch: 1 granola bar, 1/2 c. yogurt, 1/2 c. granola, apple
Snack: 30 mini rice crakers
Dinner: 2 slices baguette, 1 c. barley and bean soup, 1/2 pancake

Too many carbs today, not enough veges.

Today's reason to lose weight: I want my life to be sustainable in all respects.

Beautiful day!

2007-05-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

So, I sent out the newsletter this morning and then Mark gave me the day off to refresh myself. Believe it or not, I wound up clothes shopping and enjoying it. I think it is the first time I've been able to go to the thrift store and find things that fit me and that I like there. I wound up with 2 pairs of pants (much needed) and 2 shirts by the time the day was over. I can now shop in the misses section of the store, so I have many more options. I am experimenting a bit with my style, too, as I go trying to get away from the default jeans and tshirt in favor of some things that add a bit more femininity and color. So, it turned out to be a pretty fun day.

Breakfast: 1 scone, strawberries, kiwi
Lunch: 2/3 tamale
Snack: 4 strawberries, 2 small kiwi, 1 square chocolate
Dinner: 1c. rice, stroganoff sauce, large salad with dressing, 2 pieces bread with hummus, small slice pizza
Dessert: 1 slice tollhouse pie with 1/4 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: It is fun to be able to shop at the thrift store for my clothes.

Friday night!

2007-05-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

Whew! I made it through the day pretty well--no binges despite feeling pretty exhausted. I did get quite a bit of walking in today. Walked to the lower Haight and back and got to see an artist whose blog I watch a bit.

Breakfast: 1 scone
Lunch: 35 mini rice crackers, 2 oz. cheese, 6 strawberries, 2 chocolate covered cookies
Dinner: 1/2 falafel shawerma, small glass rose wine, 7 crunchy fava beans, 1 cookie, 2 mochi balls, 1 glass juice squeeze, 1/2 single serving BiRite ice cream

And I'm off to take this tired body to bed!

Today's reason to lose weight: I am hoping to sew myself some very fun skirts soon!

Still catching up!

2007-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is for yesterday. I got my walk in yesterday. Today I am exhausted and trying to figure out how I will get some rest. We have guests from Brazil coming and I need to clean the house, which is disheveled because we're in the midst of finishing the remodeling on the back end of the house. I also have Girl Scouts today. Mostly, I need a day off without having anything that needs to be done. I guess that will come one day this weekend. So, it's Friday and I'm hanging in there.

Breakfast: 1 slice toast, 1egg, 1banana
Lunch: 2 eggs with mushrooms and cheese, 1/2 c. homefries, 1/2 slice banana bread
Snack: banana
Dinner: 10 crackers, 2 oz. cheese, carrots and hummus, strawberries, 2 macaroons, chocolate covered raisins (we were gallery hopping)
Dessert: 1 square of chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I want to get through this tired day well, without eating because I am tired.

For Wednesday...

2007-05-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

I was out late last night, so here's my info for yesterday...

Got my walk done in two parts yesterday.

Breakfast: 1 bagel
Lunch: kefir smoothie (3/4 c. kefir with 1/2 c. frozen berries), 20 mini rice crackers, 1 oz goat cheese
Snack: 1 chocolate chip cookie
Dinner: 4 strawberries, small romaine salad, 1 c. lentil and rice soup
Dessert: 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: I am very close to breaking 200, which will be a real milestone for me. For some reason, it is a significant number for me.

Plugging away....

2007-05-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

I managed a good walk today and, despite a very busy week, managed to take the day in bite sized pieces and not stress out. Whew!

Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 bagel
Lunch: 1/2 pita, 1/2 c. chicken curry, 1 apple, 2T nuts, 1/2 c. pea crisps
Snack: 1/2 muffin
Dinner: 2 oz. chicken, 3/4 c. potato salad, carrots, broccoli, dip
Snack: 1 square of chocolate

Today's reason to lose weight: I am seeing efficiency and proactivity creeping into the rest of my life AND my pants are currently falling down!

Seventeen weeks and I'm still here....

2007-04-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

I got in a good walk before the electrician arrived to work on the back of our house. I weighed in and was a little disappointed to still be 203--I really thought it had dropped earlier in the week. Oh, well. On I go....This will be the first month I don't make my goal, but I really didn't know what to expect with vacation half the month. We'll just plan for good things in May.

Breakfast: 1/2 c. kefir, 1/2 c strawberries, 1/2 bagel
Lunch: 1/2 pita, 1/2 c. curried chicken, 1 apple, 8 carrots
Snack: 1 chocolate chip cookie, 1/4 c. GORP, strawberry, orange
Dinner: 2 oz. chicken, 1/2 c. pasta, 1/2 c. squash, 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: Just because I want to : ).

Sunday....

2007-04-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

So, I managed to walk today and eat pretty well.

Breakfast: 1/2 bagel, cream cheese, 1/2 grapefruit, 1 latte
Lunch: 1/2 pita with 1/2 c. curried chicken, 8 carrots, 1 apple
Snack: 1 apple
Dinner: 2 taquitos, 10 tortilla chips, 1/4 c. gorp, 1/2 c. pasta with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms, 1/2 peanut butter cookie

So, the dinner looks a little funny....Mark spoke and we were offered the first three things. I had the pasta when we got home. One more sign of success today--I put in my jean skirt and somehow it is now so long that it touches the top of my feet--I guess I don't take up the width anymore. Mark and Hailey voted it into the Salvation Army bag.

Today's reason to lose weight: I am enjoying having increased energy. There are so many things that I want to do!

For yesterday...

2007-04-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

No walk as I took the day off for this week.

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin, 1 egg
Lunch: 1/4 c. nuts, 1/2 pita, 1/2 c. curried chicken salad, veges and hummus, 12 oz sparkling lemonade, 1/4 slice birthday cake
Snack: 1/2 c. GORP
Dinner: 1/2 pita, 1/2 c. curried chicken salad, 12 oz sparkling lemonade
Snack: 2 c. popcorn

So, better quantities of food today, but I still need to be mindful of the catagories of food I am consuming--where are the veges and fruits? I am not feeling very grounded in this process right now. I think I need to remind myself of the significant progress I have made. I need to remember that change happens in pound size increments and that those do add up. A few friends have commented that I have lost weight quickly. I guess in retrospect it hasn't been so long, but the present struggle with these few pounds always feels like lots of hard work that takes a very long time. It is a good process, but my emotions and mind often need some time to catch up with my body. All part of the journey, I guess.

Today's reason to lose weight: Mark found a pair of pants today and brought them home. They are a size 14. I told him, "These won't fit for quite a while." He urged me to try them on. Lo and behold, they are a bit snug, but I can easily button and zip them. They should be fine in 5 pounds or so. Who knew? That's encouraging to me.

Friday....

2007-04-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

I had a good walk this morning, but I'm not even sure what to say about the rest of the day. After we got home from Friends of the Trees, I went crazy with the eating. It's the kind of day I'd prefer not to blog. But I'll try to remember what I ate and be as honest as possible. If I start failing to report when it doesn't go well, that will be the beginning of the end for me. So, for the sake of honesty, here goes....

Breakfast: 1 scone
Lunch: 1 c. strawberries, 1 1/2 slices of bread made into peanut butter and jelly sandwich, 1 apple
Snack: 1 scone, 1 bar chocolate, 1 c (?) ice cream
Dinner: 2 oz. chicken, 1/2 c. squash, 1/2 c. pasta
Nibbles of birthday cake and frosting

I can't remember eating anything else, but I can't guarantee that that is everything : (. I sure don't like how I feel after I've been out of control with my eating. It's not like I was hungry or needed that quantity of sweets for a snack....

Today's reason to lose weight: I feel capable of tackling other things after having success with my eating--like remodeling the bathroom and back room of our house this summer.

Thursday's info...

2007-04-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

I got a good one hour walk in today.

Breakfast: 1 greek cookie, 1 c. strawberries
Lunch: 1 piece bread, 1 egg, strawberries
Snack: Strawberries, dried apricots, 2 greek cookies
Dinner: 1 aranciata, 1 c. goldfish, 5 pieces bruschetta with cheese, 1 pressed sandwich cheese and proscuitto sandwich from Tartine, 1/4 c. lavendar honey ice cream from BiRite Creamery

Today's reason to lose weight: My body is beginning to feel really good to me--I have more energy, I can run, I have more stamina. I feel like I am getting in good shape.

Wednesday

2007-04-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

I got my walk in this morning....

Breakfast: 1 bagel, 1 banana
Lunch: 1 c. pozole with a few crushed chips, 1/3 c. fruit and nut mix
Snack: granola bar, 1 c. cereal with milk
Dinner: 1/2 c. pozole, bean, cheese, and spinach quesedilla
Dessert: chocolate bar

Today's reason to lose weight: I was thinking about my 50 pound bags of wheat that I grind into flour, which are quite heavy. At my highest weight, it was as if I was carrying two of those around all the time. I have now set one down and very slowly, the grains are beginning to leak out of the other!

Tuesday

2007-04-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

Had a few things come up today, so my walk wasn't quite what I usually like it to be...

Breakfast: 1/2 c. oatmeal, 1/2 c. berries, milk, 2 T almonds
Lunch: 1/2 c. rice, ginger garlic veges, 1 banana, 2 T dried fruit and nuts
Snack: 6 bites carrot cake, lemonade
Dinner: 1 c. vegetarian pozole, 10 tortilla chips
Snack: 1/2 piece naan dipped in tikka masala sauce

Today's reason to lose weight: I spent part of the day today with a friend whose health is really compromised because of excess weight. I do not want to be experiencing terrible health problems in 15 years because I did not take care of myself.

16 Weeks!

2007-04-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

I missed posting yesterday. Mark was speaking in Santa Cruz and we rolled back in at midnight. I did write down my eating and did okay, but I have a headache right now and don't want to post yesterday's info, so I will stick with today.....

I weighed in at 203 today--progress again! I'm not sure if I'll make goal this month, but I am going to come as close as I can.

Breakfast: 1/2 english muffin, 1 egg, 5 strawberries
Snack: 6 dried apricots
Lunch: 5 slices baguette, 1 oz. cream cheese, 8 carrots 1 apple
Snack: 2 c. popcorn, 1 slice zucchini bread, 1 newman-o, 1 pirouette wafer cookie, 6 dried apricots
Dinner: 1 crumpet, chinese chicken salad
Dessert: small slice of cake for Mick's bday

I got my walk in this morning.

Today's reason to lose weight: A friend noticed my progress today at park day and that was fun for me.

Live culture making class today

2007-04-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a live culture dairy products class today where we learned to make pima, yogurt, creme fraiche, kefir and quark. The samples were all made with raw milk and I cannot tell you how wonderful everything tasted. I wonder how much raw milk costs....On my way to the class I did a brisk hike up and over Bernal Hill (good job, me).

Breakfast: 1 c. yogurt, 1/4 c. granola
Lunch: 1 cliff bar, samples of cheese, yogurt and other dairy products at class, asparagus, strawberries (3), 5 crackers, 10 almonds
Dinner: 1 piece frittata, 1 crumpet
Snack: handful goldfish crackers, 1/2 c. ice cream

Today's reason to lose weight: The healthier I become, the more energy I have for the endless possibilities that are in front of me!

Home at last!

2007-04-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Mark and I walked down to lake Tahoe this morning before our round of meetings. I was very energized by the roundtable and encouraged to begin to imagine how I might use my gifts to work out God's call in the next steps of my life.

Breakfast: 1 c. strawberries, 1 egg, 1 slice bacon
Lunch: Chicken friccasee, 1 piece foccacia, blackberry italian soda, 4 fries, 1/4 serving of creme brulee, an ounce of dessert wine
Dinner: 2 slices pizza, 4 c. popcorn

Today's reason to lose weight: I am excited about all the things that God is beginning to do in my life!

Log for Thursday....

2007-04-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Went for a walk on the snowy trail with Mark today.

Breakfast: 1 c. strawberries, 1 egg, 1 sausage, 1 cream cheese blintz
Lunch: Large green salad with balsamic vinegar, broccoli,raisin and bacon salad, 1 small slice pizza, 1 1/2" square pecan pie
Dinner: A few bites baked potato, 2/3 piece of prime rib (? oz.) salad, roll, butter, veges, 1 piece peach pie 1/2 c. ice cream, 1 glass chardonnay

Today's reason to lose weight: If I can learn to be honest with myself about this area of my life, perhaps I can face correction in other parts of my life, too. I've never been good at recieving correction without defensiveness.