One Inch at a Time

Weekend catch up

2011-04-04T13:40:00.004-05:00

First off.

Totally slept in this morning and didn't weigh in. POOP!! Will have to do that tomorrow morning. Last week was a busy one. I really really didn't want to go running on Wednesday, but I did and..... IT WAS GREAT.

I'm so happy that I have a running buddy again, it makes a world of difference to have someone there to count on you. We even did a 6min x 5 running with 1min between. We are getting to the point where we can easily cover 5min and don't eve know it has gone past and I end up looking at my watch and 6 and a half minutes has gone by! Love it!

Period is almost over, wearing my new "didn't used to fit" pants today. They are a little tight, but of course..... WATER...

I'm totally not getting enough water. GD this is hard work. right...speaking of that. I need to get back to it.

More later!

Catch up & weigh in

2011-03-28T12:20:00.005-05:00

Friday - running! 5x5min/1min walking between. Its getting HAWT!!! Sunday - Walking - 1 hr good paced walking. Spent the rest of the day running around and keeping busy. NEED TO GET TO BED EARLIER. omg. I'm killing myself with the late nights. Weigh In: 288lbs (down 1.6lbs) This week is packed: Tonight is running, then softball Tuesday - weights Wednesday - running Thursday - weights Friday - Habitat for Humanity! That will knock me on my butt!! Saturday - traveling Sunday - traveling This week is going to be a tough one. But I know that I can do it. Tuesday is going to be weights and prep day. Food, lunches, weekend packing in advance!! Water is ok - not great. Period is going to start this week. *joy* that could be part of the reason why I've been holding more water than usual. Going to pound my way through 5L today. down 1.5L at the moment. Get another 1.5 in me before leaving the office and then tonight I'll be moving around and drinking. back... to... work!!!!! WALL O'TEXT...don't know who to fix it and don't have time right now. stupid blogger. RAWR :(

Running!!

2011-03-25T13:50:00.002-05:00

Ahhhh last night I got back on on the trail for a run with my running buddy.

I have to say, I REALLY NEEDED THAT!

Its getting much easier and we ended up running longer sets then intended because we were so busy chatting and moving.

5min walk
5min jog
1min walk
6.5min run
1min walk
6.5min run
1min walk
5min run
5min walk

my ankles are really swollen and its been creeping up my legs. I've been trying to get lots of walking at work done, but the desk is where my magic happens, and this week has been crazy. So sitting sitting sitting.

So very not good.

Water is better, as is food.

Tonight we are back on the trail for another run - making up for missing on Tuesday. Sunday is the long slow day - 3.5mil walk is on the books.

Looking forward to the weekend and catching up on my blogs. :)

oops!

2011-03-22T13:23:00.003-05:00

a couple days late.

This past weekend was a blast. The sun was out, we spent all day throwing heavy things around in the grass. I got my workout, that is for sure.

The rest of the weekend was a lot of driving, and then cleaning and organizing.

The Good:
I pulled out all my short pants from last summer. Its getting hot here. And there are 2 pairs of pants I bought last summer that finally fit me!! HURRAY!! solidly in the 22's and out of the 24's. I have a skirt and another pair of short pants that are 20's...just hanging in there waiting for me.

Sunday I did a big walk as well - 3miles in the heat. Got to get accustomed.

The Bad: I got a massive sun burn on my arms. Poor application of sunscreen. And then... Mondays weigh in:

289.5lbs ... thats a big gain +6lbs and change.

wow.... um. Well I don't know what to say there, but that weight loss is hard, and I don't think that is a realistic number based on my clothing. But it was on the scale so it goes here.

I'm pretty behind on water and the intense day of exercise might have a little something to do with that as well.

Regardless, I'm still carrying on. Tonight is massage night, Thursday Friday and Sunday is running this week. Which is a lot more fun than I remembered. Quite enjoying it really.

okay - no more time for this right now. Must get to work.

RUNNING!!

2011-03-18T09:26:00.002-05:00

Yay!! got out and did my Thursday run with my buddy. Tuesday was a skip as she was out of town, but I did a walk with the hubby instead.

Ahhh exercise. It just feels so good once I’m out there… but by gawds, I never want to start!!

I hate the dark mornings, but I love that it is light out until 8pm. We did a little trail run in the dirt paths at the park. 5min jogging, 1 min walking times 5 times. We also got a little lost… on a trail I didn’t know where it ended, but it was nice and just meant we eneded up with an extra 10min of walking after the running was done. No harm done there!

I also did a little bit of weights with the hubby after and had a good sleep last night!!

My legs and shoulders are sore, so I have to be sure to get in some more stretching.

This weekend I’m up in the North Texas enjoying a Scottish festival! Lots of fun and festivities! I should be back Saturday night, so I have my Sunday run to do. Or we may just do a log slow walk. That would be good too.

Yesterday I wore a 1x shirt that I bought three months ago. It finally fit!!! I regret not taking pictures of it then and now.

In fact it is totally time for more pictures and I've been lazy and not doing it. Time to get my photo ON. Another project for Sunday.

For eating and watering: Eating has been on and off, but all my clothes are feeling good. I’ve still not been getting enough water, I can tell since I POUNDED my half Liter in the car this morning so fast I forgot if I had even had it. HA!!

Right. Work is slow, there is next to no one in the office so I can get some blog perving caught up!

Monday Weigh In

2011-03-14T08:38:00.002-05:00

Ahhhh what a great long weekend, we were up in Austin for the start of the SXSW event there. Very fun. Also did some cave exploring and walked around a lot.

We ate out, but I made good choices, and mostly we ate 2 meals a day, with a snack. Lots of water, but I should have had more. That is the goal this week - MORE WATER. Back in the office today and kicking off a very busy week.

Now to the good stuff.

Weigh In: 283.2lbs!

WOOHOO!!!

-4lbs this week. I'm very pleased.

Thursday!!

2011-03-10T09:57:00.003-06:00

I have my running gear with me, so I'll be stopping in tonight to get changed at my running buddies and then we are hitting the trail! Can't wait!

This weekend we are away and I have plans to make sure that we get in plenty of walking and hiking in Austin. Not just eating. >.>

Packing is half done, car still needs some stuff shifted out to the house. But I'm excited.

Did a mid point weigh in and I am down from monday (YAY). So I'm going to keep that going for the weekend and I'm looking forward to the next weigh in.

Not much else going on here. Need to up the water today, missed my morning drinking fest on the way to work as I didn't have any extra bottles in the car. Damn! Catching up is always harder then if I just had been prepared in the first place.

okay - back to work!!

Tuesday Catch up

2011-03-09T13:05:00.002-06:00

Yesterday at 4:30pm...my phone alarm went off and I realized.. that I had booked my massage on Tuesday night NOT Thursday night. Oops!!!!

Skipped the running and went to my massage, which was amazing! I felt totally relaxed and fell asleep last night before midnight. That hasn't happened in a month or more.

I'm going to try and get a quick walk in tonight, but I might not be able to get that done. Thursday night we are off to Austin for a long weekend, and I have not done any packing or prepping. Oops! And the car HAS to be cleaned out before we leave.

I am going to do my after work run on Thursday, then home, quick shower, stuff into car, dog to the sitters and then out! We usually don't leave the big H until 7.30 or 8 anyway. The traffic is much less savage at that time.

Today is one of those busy days were not much gets done. Meetings, appointments. I'm finally at my desk today with my lunch (cucumber salad and 2 deviled eggs) and getting stuck into the afternoons workload.

*whip cracking sound* must get to it!

Slowpitch!

2011-03-08T09:20:00.003-06:00

OMG I had a good time last night. Ended up playing second base (because of my huge bewbees!! hahaha second base...ha... I'm so funny!!).

I got a bruised hand for one of my efforts. Man that guy could zing in a ball. It was a lot of fun, I didn't get on base, but we were well out classed by the two other teams we played.

However, I got out and did a buttload more exercise than you would think, and had a lot of fun doing it.

One of hte best parts was the bats. There were bats swooping in catching bugs in the lights!!! You could hear them doing thier sonar calls.

Tonight is jogging with my friend. Which is going to be great since I'm a little tight in the legs and this will loosen it all up.

Also... on a good note. I went to bed just starting to get hungry last night. Haven't done that in a long time.

Lunchtime Fun!

2011-03-07T12:43:00.003-06:00

Everyone else is doing it... so I will too. ha!

Age: 36
Bed size: King!
Chore you hate: dishes
Dogs: Aussie cattledog x rottie, rescue doggie that has been with us for about 6 weeks.
Essential start of your day: water, must get that first liter in before I get to work. "drinking and driving!
Fave color: orange
Gold or silver: Silver/white gold, I very very rarely wear yellow gold, only one ring that is a family heirloom.
Height: 5'9"
Instruments I play: nadda! I used to sing in choir though
Job title: Legal Assistant
Kids: Zero
Live: The great state of Texas
Mom’s name: Gillian
Nicknames: Tamzin
Overnight hospital stays: many many many.....lots of broken things on me
Pet peeve: cell phone being checked in movie theaters.
Quote from a movie: "there is no spoon"
Right or left handed: Lefty!
Siblings: 1 - slightly older brother
Time you wake up: 6.45, and then every 10 minutes after that until 7.25 when I am officially late to get to work.
Underwear: boy cut shorts. I love them!!
Veg you dislike: okra...its too slimy
What makes you run late: Husband mostly! hahaha
X-rays you have had done: teeth, ankle, wriste, elbo, ribs, spine, neck, lungs, knees, hips. I could pretty much assemble an entire me in skeleton!
Yummy food you make: baked salmon
Zoo Animal, favorite: TIGERS!!!!! and all the rest of the big cats.

Weigh In

2011-03-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

This mornings weigh in was same as last week.

287.2lbs. no change.

Tonight is slowpitch with the office!! Very excited! So I'm going to have to run home, change and get back to the fields to play for a couple hours.

Water, Fruit, granola bars. Husband is coming to watch. Will be a nice night out of the house.

Sunday done

2011-03-06T20:40:00.003-06:00

Bad weekend for sleeping, but a good weekend for reading. I was really tired today after a poor nights sleep, but I DID get in my 3miles of walking today.

Very pleased about that!

Thursday Run done!

2011-03-04T11:24:00.003-06:00

Well, my legs have been hurting but having a buddy to motivate me to get out there is great. Met up at 6.30 for a 30+ run.

Warm up 5min walking.
5min running
1min walking
5x's
ended with a shorter walk.

It was hard, but I did it and there is only progress to be made. Sunday we are going to do a 3mile walk with speedy and slower walking intervals. Our "long slow run" of the week, until we build up a bit more.

Also last night did 60 min of some light weights. Throwing shot put and some other fun stuff for the highland games. My shoulder was sore, but I did light and was good and warm when I started.

Last night I slept like a baby. Neck and sholder feel even BETTER today, so that is awesome news.

okay - almost lunch and the boss has a meeting so I have to go and get thiers. Time to "run"! haha

Adjustment

2011-03-03T10:27:00.004-06:00

ahhhh, much better!

Two and half weeks I've been suffering with neck and shoulder pain. I finally broke down and got a recommendation for a Chiropractor, after getting a super massage last week and it only just helping slightly. I couldn't go on without some intervention!

This chiro works on people AND animals. Mostly horses and dogs, so I figured that she must be strong enough for a thick girl like me if she can handle a horse! HAHA

She did an amazing job. Best Doc of Chiro that I've seen. My jaw has been clicking for oh... 10 years from an old rugby collision. Fixed. I can't even tell you how strange it is that my jaw IS aligned now.

I had the best nights sleep last night that I've had in 2 weeks. YAY!!

Running tonight. My legs are hot and sore today. So tonight's run is going to be hard to start, but at the end I know I'm going to feel great.

Running and a Weigh In

2011-03-02T08:30:00.002-06:00

Okay, so the good news is that the weigh in was not as bad as I thought that it would be.

This morning I hopped on the scale and it was:

287.2lbs

Feb 9th I was up to 289.5, so this is good. I thought that I was well into the 290's again.

Okay, so I'm doing okay and now that I'm adding my water and some movement into my days, then I am set to get some progress.

Last night I went for my first run in gawds now how long. A year? Likely more. This is what we did.

5min walk warm up.
5min jogging
1min walking
repeat 5x's
5min walking to cool down

It was good. We covered about 2.5miles and I can feel it in my legs today. I'm very very pleased. Thursday's run... I'm actually looking forward to it.

okay - back to work here. Its sunny, and I would rather be outside, but I will just have to enjoy lunch in the park.

the fat came back....

2011-03-01T13:17:00.003-06:00

the very next day,
the fat came back,
she thought it was a goner.
But the cat came back;
it just couldn't stay away.
Away, away, yea, yea, yea....

I haven't even dared to step on the scale. I will have to do that soon.

Here are the things that I am doing:

I now have a date with a friend to meet at the park on T/Th for a 30 min jog.
I am back drinking my water. Trying to get back up to 5L a day
I have a thursday night (post run) date to do weights.
I am going to make a commitment to go to one step/cardio class a week at the gym.

I took all last week off and I totally renno'ed the bedroom and master bathroom. New paint, furniture, cleared out a BUNCH of old shit, 5 bags of clothing donations, shoes, bags. You name it. The bedroom looks amazing now. And I had a massive week of exercise. Bending stooping sweeping, rubbing painting. My shoulder and neck are totally locked up now.

My eating has been RUBBISH though, and that is what has packed the weight on. I'm guessing about 10lbs.

Anyway, that is the cliff notes on my last few weeks. Time to get back into blogging and losing. Enough time piddling about feeling sorry for myself and how hard it is to lose weight. Its hard being fat. Time to get out. Spring is here, the sun is out. Make some changes.

Circling

2011-02-15T10:27:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a good day for water and given that it was our special night out for dinner, we didn’t do too badly. I’ve been fighting some very bad edema in my feet and ankles, its creeping up into my calves.

Serious damage done in youth that starts to take its toll for sure, plus last week wearing too tight shoes with heels all week pretty much did me in.

On a good note, last night for dinner we had a starter soup each, shared three appies and shared a dessert. I did also have a gin fizz and a half a gin fizz!! We ate slowly and lingered over the good stuff on our plates. When we were done I couldn’t believe how impossibly full we felt. Normally we would have plowed through so much more food!

I’ve not been getting up to do my kettle bell work, and I’ve stopped going for evening walks. Both of these have contributed to the swelling and the lack of being able to crawl my fat arse out of bed. I need a chart…with boxes to check off.

I’m really just circling right now. There are so many things to do and so many tasks that need attention that I’m really just doing nothing. Hinks Law – the more options there are the harder it is to choose.

So I did one good thing. Yesterday I requested a week off work. Monday is a stat, and I’ve taken Tuesday – Friday off. No travel, no activity, no family…. I can do whatever it is that I want and need to do that will make my life better. That is mostly going to be – clean out and re-organize the bedroom. Also – re-paint, and go through all the things that we do not need.

Or… I might not. I might just carve out some space, walk in the park, read and sew and drink coffee and just RELAX. I can’t decide. It’s a real luxury that I can’t think of ever having taken before. I’ve always had holiday with a purpose. “I need time for X or Y”. So this is going to be amazing!!

Tonight – walking
Tomorrow – kettle bells

This is written and so it shall be done!

Increments

2011-02-11T09:57:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was better by a few degrees then the last couple of weeks and today is going to be better than yesterday.

I'm really pleased that it is Friday, I spent all week at meetings and in heels and my hips and feet are killing me. I need to get some flats bought this weekend so that I don't kill myself again. I also need to stretch more.

Okay - so breakfast was lighter than I wanted - kashi bar and a small banana, 2 cups of coffee w/ creamers. I'm going to find something green to eat for lunch and tonight is cottage cheese w/apple and whole wheat lite waffles for dinner. Going to be a good day!

Getting my water in me. Missed my first liter this morning, so I have some catching up to do.

Saturdays plan:

Walking in the park
Cleaning the clothing closests
Moving furniture
Cleaning/dusting/scrubbing/tossing/sorting/floor washing/window cleaning session

That should be enough to get me old heart pumping for one weekend!

I can do this

2011-02-10T10:53:00.003-06:00

I can do this.

Morning Nosh:

1 Fage FF yogurt cup with blueberry
2 coffees with creamers
1L water.

30 minutes to the 11.30 lunch time... I'm not dying, I don't need to get anything between now and then. I'm going to be just fine.

Note to Self

2011-02-09T13:59:00.002-06:00

This week and last week have been total shit and this is my notice to myself.

Eating out 2x a day every day is not good. NOT GOOD. I CAN DO BETTER.

Phoenix was great. I'm still just recovering from being sore now. It was a fabulous day, and I learned a lot. Awesomeness!

Food and Water have been terrible. I have been totally and honestly just ignoring all the signs that I'm slipping into old habits. Eating whatever, no tracking, no water, staying in bed until the last possible second.

Weight in this week. 289.5lbs Up again.

Hello in there.... do you like this? do you want this for yourself? No. Then stop being so weak minded.

I can and I will do better for myself. I will.

Chilly!!

2011-02-03T14:11:00.003-06:00

Not a whole lot to report.

Last night I did 75 kettle bell swing. YAY ME!! Its harder than it seems.

This is what is happening in TX right now. Baltic by the standards of weather here. Happily, I'm going to spend this weekend in Pheonix... if my flight tomorrow taks off that is.

So will be incomunicado for the weekend. I can't wait.

Pants!

2011-02-02T09:28:00.002-06:00

Had to run down 2 floors at the office this morning to get some papers... on the way down... my pants almost came right off. Seriously... I waited to see if it was going to happen and only intervened when it was imminent!

HAHA!!

Also noted... coming back UP 2 flights on the hoof was substantially easier now.

Baby Steps

2011-02-01T12:37:00.004-06:00

Up eary this morning and knocked out 50 kettlebell swings!! YES!!

Then had .5L of water and got in the shower. I waiting an extra 30min before heading to work because of the terrible storm this morning here. +50 mile an hour gusts and sheets of rain. I don't need to be out in my car in that.

I'm feeling better today about the world and my weight loss struggles. I lay in bed yesterday thinking, what... what am I going to do? Give up? No. I have to keep on pushing forwards.

I'm still reading The End of Overeating, and there is a large section right now about habits and how rewarding behaviors create deep hard habits to break. So, I'm fighting my brain right now for dominance and frankly, its occasionally winning. BUT, so are the new habits. They are creeping in, diluting slowly the old ones.

Tena, another very awesome Texas blogger gave me an award last night. Comment queen. Now, I'm not that much of a commenter, I'm more of a lurking queen, with phases of commenting. However, I thank you very much for thinking of me Tena, you have been an awesome blog buddy and your support has been invaluable!

Here's how to play:
List 5 goals that you have/had while on your lap band journey (I have not had lapband, but I will expound for my w/l). Comment on each blog you nominate and list your top 3 nominees for the award.

Ahh Goals... my frenemy. I have had so many goals that I have done over the ages. Just recently I listed a bunch of goals that I have not even completed. I have a very sick relationship with goals, that being that no matter how low I set the bar, I seem to be able to squeeze my fat ass under it.

However, in that light here are my current list of goals that I keep in my head.

1. More water. I want to get in at least 4L if not 5+ each day. I've stopped counting so now I have no idea if I am or not.

2. Count calories and stay under my goal weight caloric intake of 2090. I've stopped counting so now I have no idea if I am or not.

3. 75 kettle bell swings on M, W and F. I have done 25 yesterday morning, and 50 this morning. I'm working my way up.

4. get up at 6.30am. I'm going to say this is a pass. I'm away at 6:30 now, and crawling out of bed at 6:45...its getting there. Last night I was awake until 11.30 and then I had to go to sleep - I couldn't manage my usual midnight stay up. Victory will be mine!

5. walk more. I've not done much walking this last week, but I'm going to get back on it. I've been spending time with the doggie, and since he can't go for walks right now, I am wanting to stay with him.

Wow....race for the bottom eh. The good news out of all of this is that, no matter what, I keep trying. I don't count all my calories, but I do count most. I've got a general idea of the water I'm drinking , but I'm not tracking every ounce.

I do need to take more care and attention for myself. This is a long and painful process, as I eliminate the things that I've accustomed to and replace them with new ones. But these 5 goals are the ones that I'm still working on and eventually, I'm going to get there!!

Onwards and downwards y'all (for you Kimberly!)

Rough Water

2011-01-31T14:45:00.001-06:00

Making time for what is important requires that I think that it is actually important.

I’m struggling with that. I LIKE to do what is easiest and I enjoy quiet and a homogeneous life in all honesty. Change is a wave that interrupts life, and makes it rocky, unstable and difficult.

I’ve been half heartedly changing in small little bits, but then sailing back into calmer waters to linger before hitting the high seas again. Its not doing me any favors, other than making life more and more difficult.

Getting up early has been a struggle since I don’t like going to bed early. So I’ve effectively made both going to bed AND getting up unpleasant. I did 25 kettle bell swings this morning, I could have done more, but I didn’t get up early enough.

This weekend I was at an all day training event for the throwing events that I do in the summer for highland games. I was beat from it and poor planning coupled with extra people to look after meant that when it was time to head out to our evening party I was hungry, thirsty, and tired. I over ate all KINDS of bad stuff for hours. Ug.

So no surprise when today's weigh in was: 287.0

I’m so full of salt and bloated and on my period. UG.

That being said, I’m not 100% happy with my efforts, however I am the only one here that can make me do anything so I know where the fault lies.

Then I think… I have made changes, they are not as fast as I would like, but there ARE changes. This week has not been great – but that can change. No, that WILL change.

25 more swings tonight, and I’ll be up and at it again in the mornings. More water, better choices for lunches, earlier bed times and earlier mornings. This is what I will do this week.

Busy Bee!

2011-01-28T11:45:00.001-06:00

another manic Friday here. I have never worked at a place like this before where every Friday is 2x as crazy as the Monday. Why not winding DOWN the week people??

regardless, I've been at a dead run since 7.45 this morning and just realized that I've not had a single sip of water here yet. This is NOT GOOD.

Getting on top of that right now.

Last nights dinner was great - green apple, 1c low fat cottage cheese and some light whole grain waffles with a little bit of honey. I was just slightly hungry at bed time and that is a good feeling now.

Okay - today is not going to get any less busy, so I better hit it full steam...and now with hydration!

Yeehaw!

more later

almost there....

2011-01-27T08:41:00.002-06:00

The weekend that is.

I managed to get out of the office kitchen yesterday and I didn't even FEEL like eating until 7pm.

I got my walk in, dry shampooed the dog, and did some laundry. I realized that I'm about 4 days away from my period and that is always a bad time control wise, but more when I don't anticipate it happening.

ANYWAY ... NO MORE CAKE.

Constant vigilance. I was listening to the radio this morning and there was a bit about the personality trait that is consistent throughout all people that lose weight and keep it off. They called it "neurotic".

There was a brief discussion about what that characteristic meant. None of it was flattering as you can imagine. "annoying" was one of the words thrown out there. Everything was negative. Needless to say, I want that.

I'm sure I have more to say about this, as that is what is on my mind today, however I have to wade back into the fire here at work.

cake....

2011-01-26T13:39:00.002-06:00

i ate some.

Thats it for today.. . no more "you can have some".

Only Water and on plan for the rest of the night. AND I'm going to get a walk in this evening. Damn it.

Tuesday blahs

2011-01-25T15:50:00.004-06:00

I will tell you this. 75 kettle bell double handed swings on Monday has made hamburger meat of my arse and hamstrings. I’m limping around the office like a hobbled horse. Fun!! Got out at lunch and did a lap around the park to try and loosen off. Tomorrow morning I have to do it again!! Eep!!

Mack (the dog) is adjusting well. He is on a x2 daily steroid to help him with the heartworms. Which he happily takes with peanutbutter!! He was sacked out last night dreaming at my feet - whiskers going and paws twitching. So cute. Husband bought some new brushes and the most amazing invention I’ve ever seen. Doggie wipes. These are pop up doggie wipes for between baths and Mack loves a good rub down. Totally fun and honestly took teh doggie smell off. Since we can't have him too stressed for his heart, I don't know if we can bath him. Should he dislike water.... it could get too hard on him. This is the happy medium, and he loves being brushed so that makes it easy.

Today has been a great day food wise. I’ve not had enough water, but that is because I didn’t have any beside the bed this morning, and only had half my usual on the way to work. So nearly a liter behind right now. Planning on making that up on the ride home and over dinner.

I had an awesome My Fit Foods lunch today – Jalapeño Steak Salad. Steak, some corn relish and fresh cut jalapeños and a really interesting vinaigrette dressing over spinach leaves. Hot. My nose was running. Tonight is salad 2. we are off to get salads at my fav little place, Barnabys. I just finished a diet Dr.Pepper - which is not on the list, but was a last minute replacement for what I really wanted (sweets).

We watched the last of Fringe season 1 last night so tonight – no excuses for not going to bed earlier. I’m exhausted anyway. I had to literally roll off the mattress to get to my feet this morning.

Work is almost done. I can’t wait to get out of here and get the evening started, the sky is blue and its lovely out. Might get to drive home with the windows down a little!

Food today: (totally rocken the protein!)

Food Today:

2011-01-24T16:29:00.000-06:00

Not too bad! Almost home time. I can't wait!!

Weekend Update and Weigh In.

2011-01-24T10:46:00.005-06:00

Weekend was a biggie. Need to catch up.

Saturday:
Walked – 3mils – not the 5km that I was going to try and get.
Lots of adventuring and cleaning of the house
Food has been off and on. I’m noticing that I’m eating a lot LESS and not as stressed out about the when and where my next meal will be coming from. Good mental progress.

Sunday:

We adopted a doggie!! He is a rescue and this has been in the works for a while. He is a 2yr old Rottweiler Australian Shepherd cross. Really adorable and is currently heartworm positive. So he is undergoing his treatments, which is pretty horrible. A lot like chemo. So he has to be kept quiet and still, not get his heart pumping fast as that can damage it or even kill him. He has a rotti face and a spotted aussie body and a little nub for a tail. He is a very relaxed and chill dog to begin with, so the next two months of restricted activity should be not too hard on him.

He should be all better in about months, then I’ll be able to start taking him for walks (and …gasp… runs in the mornings!) and really enjoying getting out and about with him. So happy!

Reading:

I’ve been doing a lot of reading and have picked up a couple of books of interest. The End of Overeating. This is a very interesting book on the “hyperpalitable” foods that are created for consumption, but also a significant portion is on the biology in the brain that leads us to overeating them. Nothing that someone who isn’t an overeater doesn’t intuitively know – fast foods and junk foods are created specifically to make you want more.

There were some very interesting experiments about how mice will perform a repetitive task for sugar water to almost the same extent as they will cocaine. Very strong response indeed. I can see in my life and experiences with food and cravings described in this book and I highly recommend it. In fact, I like it so much that when I’m done reading it – I’m going to give it away here to someone else who will pass it forward once they are finished.

The other book I picked up was The 4 hour body, by Tim Ferris. He is a slightly annoying, rich arrogant prick. However, this book has some very interesting fitness and science in it and I dont care how annoying/rich/arrogant someone is . I’ve put into place his most simple workout. 75 double handed kettle bell swings 3x a week in the mornings. Its worth picking up if you have the time and extra cash (at Borders with the $20 membership you get 40% off new hardbacks so it was $25 instead of $45ish).

I’ve committed myself to:

1. Getting up at 6.30 this every day week with plans to move that back to 6am get ups.

2. Dog walking (potty for now - actual walks later when he is able).

3. 75 kettle bell swings on Monday Wednesday and Fridays.

Getting an earlier start is going to make the mornings better. I hate laying in and being late, but I am always bad about getting up. I will tell you all this. I did 3 sets of 25 swings today and my ass is HURTING! So are my arms for that matter! I have a 25lbs bell right now, but I suspect that will be too light in 3 weeks. So I’ll have to go and eyeball a new one. Its almost highland games season anyway, so time to get my butt moving!

Weigh In:

Total wash. 285.4lbs today. However, next monday I'mexpecting som good results. This week I'm going to get strtict with my food again, and really put forth the effort that I desirve to give myself.

Okay – that is my weekend, I'm pretty pleased and now I’m off to perv all over yours! HA!!

Water...is it magic?

2011-01-21T10:24:00.003-06:00

How about that... 10.30am. 1.5L of water consumed and... I'm not hungry?

Must be magic!! ;)

Thursday AKA Pure Carb Fallout

2011-01-20T16:27:00.002-06:00

well the shit-tasticness of this week was only just ramping up and came to a very nasty head today.

This morning I was at the office an hour earlier than usual to wait around for these out of towners to get here and get the day long meeting started. Then the "organizer" in the most laughable sense of the word didn't do half the things on the list that she was supposed to have done. Fab. now I have to do them ALL RIGHT NOW. bla bla bla the whole day ended up like this.

Needless today that I have been having a massive freak out - didnt' eat anything but carbs from the catering trays and feel sick, tired, used, and angry.

I've had.... 2L of water today. I'm 2L behind and I can feel it.

Another walk tonight. This one will be the whole 3miles+ and I'm going to go to bed early. Friday WILL be better. IT WILL. I am going to make the end of this week SHINE.

Let this day be over

2011-01-19T16:32:00.005-06:00

I could basically consume an entire continent of ice cream right now. Why is it that when I’m stressed and angry I want food. DAMN YOU UNIVERSE.

I've already eaten more than I wanted to at the office this afternoon. GD Bagels in the kitchen. GD weak ass attitude on food.

But...I'm not going to spazz out and eat myself sick. I'm going home and going to go walking tonight. Then I'm having my dinner and enjoying an evening of crafting... likely voodoo dolls that I will then stab holes into with excessive vigor and malice.

Weeee!!!!!

Water today....I've been too busy to keep track, but I'm in the 150 oz neigborhood.

Food today:

Tuesday is the new Monday

2011-01-18T16:10:00.005-06:00

omg.... this was a very Mondayish kind of day for a Tuesday, and I hope that it doesn't carry over into the rest of the week. ANYWAY... the morning started out really well.

1. I was up AT my alarm. This is a small miracle that you have just witnessed. I have a habit of getting up when I should be leaving, and being about 20min late to work for the last month.

2. Not only was I up at my alarm, but I did 100 crunch, and 100 pushups. If you can call what I was doing a pushup. My the end if was more of a shoulder dip, however, my arms and abs are warm today, so I know they did something.

3. I was at work on time.

Sadly, things took a turn for the worse. Its bee a hellish day at the desk. But, its almost done. So, thats that.

Fluids/Water: currently done 100.5oz of water. its 4.30pm. 100oz is about half what I want to get a day, so today is better than yesterday, but not as good as it could be. I had the lid on the bottle for a while this morning and sadly, that means that I don't sip as much as I should.

Sad, but true.

Walkies: I'm hoping to get one in tonight, but not too sure if I will. We will see. There is actually some blue sky out there, might have to try and take advantage of it.

Food today: Not too bad. I'm pleased. I didn't have the second coffee of the day, but I'm leaving it in there since I'm too lazy to change it! :)

Home soon, and then my firends...its blog perving time. I can't wait!!!!! I'm so out of the loop!

Weigh in day!

2011-01-17T09:19:00.002-06:00

omg. I'm so far behind. I'll have to give a quick catch up and then its on with the new week.

Weigh in: 285.4lbs
Down .6lbs

This last week has been a complete shit show of off and on again tracking, not managing my water and full on careless eating.

I was well over my 1950 calories on most days. I have been eating out and not bothering to really count what is going in. Happily, I've been walking and getting in "most" of my water. I know there are good and bad times, but this was not fun.

Being careless with my weight is a slippery slope that can easily pull me down into a deep pit. I'm NOT going to let that happen. Constant vigilance.

So there - Tamzin - you had a bad week. You ate garbage and shit. Did you like it. No, you did not. So, get on top of pre planning and stop the last minute "starving" eating and poor choices. My husband is to be congratulated though - he stopped me from eating fast food this weekend three time. That was really a help.

Right. Today is a day off for me. I'm heading out to the park to go walking.

Well behind the 8ball

2011-01-14T12:46:00.001-06:00

omg...so far behind. I have my calorie tracking done - yesterday was.. shitty. Will have to put that up for the cold light of day to shine on soon. Likely this evening.

Today is good. Its friday and I have Monday off for MLK. I'm excited for a three day weekend and that means one thing. LOTS of walking in the mornings!

I will catch up here later.

Hump day...nearly done.

2011-01-12T15:09:00.003-06:00

Today has been a struggle. Not that it has been a particularly difficult day work wise, but I'm having trouble getting in the grove. I need to get more sleep. A huge issue for me. Last night was an earlier night, and I fell asleep easily, which is a big concern for me. I don't like to lay awake in the dark.

So, lunch today I went to starbucks and got a skim milk latte with a pump of mocha and a zucchini walnut muffin.

I get back here and look it up for my spreadsheet and ....OMFG.... 490 calories for a F*CKING MUFFIN. wow. You know what. I'm not going to be doing THAT anymore. My "fat"brain was all...

"zucchini are vegetables... they are gooooood for you...... dooo itttttt" and I thought, yeah, I have salmon and couscous for lunch... I can do this.

UG!!!!

Dinner tonight is a giant vegetarian Petaluma salad at Barnaby's. Good gawds. I didn't enjoy the damn muffin that much. 450 calories. Fug...it must have been made with pure butter. That is about the highest calorie thing on there. I didn't even LIKE it that much. *growly face*

Not only that, but my water has been LOW LOW LOW today. and I'm all bunged up in the pipes department. I had a small unpleasant poop this afternoon in the ladies loo here and usually I'm a more regular type girl. Especially with having chili yesterday... where are all the beans? !!! ??? It makes me a little bit scared. No wonder my belly is sore and I've been uncomfortable all day.

So... I'm pounding the water for the rest of today and getting myself back on schedule!!

Food today is:

Arctic blast!!

2011-01-12T10:35:00.006-06:00

Evey time I hear that on the news it makes me think of a new flavor of gum or toothpaste.... Arctic blast...so delicious and cool. It will take your breath away.

Yes.. the arctic blast has even managed to worm is way all the way to Houston. This morning I wore my scarf, mittens and FLIPFLOPS! hahahaha I love flip flops. I have to wear dress shoes all day so... efff it. In the car, its flip flops all the way! Thats why cars have heaters!

I am lagging today... Wednesday... bleck. I'm going to need a coffee injection here in a little bit. So here is yesterdays review since I was too lazy to log on again last night.

Tuesday:
Walk: 3.5miles (it was awesome out!! nice and chilly!!!)
Food:

:)

2011-01-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

I was dressed and getting ready to leave the house this morning when the husband said to me: "are those new pants?"

Me: "No honey, they aren't. They just fit better now"

Happy Days!

Monday Weigh in

2011-01-10T13:03:00.003-06:00

Alright...straight to business, even though I have yesterdays catching up. My non tracking for 5 days caught up with me.

Monday Weigh in:

286.0

Down .4lbs

However, I am back on track with my calorie counting and my water tracking and that is going to make a huge difference this week. I'm already excited.

Sunday was nice - chilly and we walked with long sleeves and long pants and I even got to wear my 2010 Olympic mittens!! I don't get much weather down this way to warrant that!

Tonight I'm going to do a little 30min walk minimum and I need to get a plan together to get some regular morning exercise in. I have some yoga tapes, and a gym membership. Now all I need to do is get to using them!!

I did some much needed emotional and mental work last night - I tried on a bunch of clothing that I bought last year that ... never fit. And now... it all does. In fact, there are three dresses that I had bought that I can wear all three of now. I'm ever so Pleased! I also bought a pair of 18/20 dress pants - they are a little stretchy (and not really formal - but good enough for a quiet day at the office once a week or so). YAY!!! moving on down from my 24's!

This week is going to be a focus on calorie counting - my water back up of 200oz a day, getting in a few good hard walks and then.... sleeeeeeeep. Last night I wasn't asleep until 12.45am. Not good. Must put the book down and go to sllllllleeeeeeeep.

okay - can't wait to get home and perv on some blogs.

Tracking Walking and Weekending!

2011-01-08T19:26:00.003-06:00

Ahhhhhh! Today has just been totally awesome.

Woke up at 8am and got the husband up and out to go walking. We did a 3.5mile loop. I'm going to have to try and find a new bit that we can double back on to make it longer. The great thing today was we noticed how much easier it was to complete it. Small steps adding up there.

We went out for "brunch" at 12.30 and just finished out dinner at 6.30. My goat cheese cracker snack is done. I might have an apple later. Or some strawberries as today has been crab/protein heavy and light on veg. However I had a giant salad last night FULL of greenz!! So I'm not too worries.. the pipes have been moving all day! hehehehe

The weather here is supposed to take a turn of the worse tomorrow so I have my rain jacket and pants ready to get out fast and hard in the morning to make the most of whatever weather we get.

I'm back tracking. And... it feels good. Here is today:

Tracking Calories

2011-01-07T13:00:00.004-06:00

Oh my it is beautiful outside. I took a short drive and spent most of my lunch hour at the park today. Just wandering in the sunshine and catching up with a couple of Canuck friends on the phone.

I was going to get a coffee at Starbucks, but there was not a single spot to park so I left and had my water and enjoyed myself without the coffee! :)

Back at the office with arse in chair. Today has been crazy busy - deadlines...why why why can the stuff only get done ON the day and not in the weeks before when I sent all this crap out? Its Friday people... lets try and enjoy ourselves instead of making it so hellish.

Mostly over now anyway. Tonight we are headed out for dinner to one of my favorite salad places. I can't wait! They are huge and Delicious. Tomorrow morning I have a big walk planned. Nearing 4 miles this time I think. The weather is going to cool off a little for the weekend, which I like.

Food is going good today. My tracking on my spreadsheet is going okay - I am just so busy recovering from the holidays....

wait ......

that is a big FAT F*CKING LIE!!! I'm feeling comfortable and not bothering to track as much. Right. That has been identified properly now. And I shall be doing my updating asap!! This is not the time to fall off and forget how I got to here. Here being the place where I am losing weight and enjoying life... not getting fatter again. DANGER DANGER!! My alarm has been triggered!!

Back...to tracking!! I'm behind on water today as well. Ah ha!... this is the Friday of self analysis!

Alright. Weekend...here I come. I can't wait to get out in the fresh air!!

Walking Onwards

2011-01-06T10:16:00.003-06:00

I enjoyed my walk very much last night, however when I got home, I really didn't want to go.

I forced myself to get changed into my walking clothes.... sat around... put on my runners..... sat around....fiddled with this and that.... sat around....

Finally I just had to stand up and tell myself to stop stalling and get moving. It worked and in 10 minutes I was out in the night air enjoying the park with oh...about 300 other people out there making changes in their life for the better. All shapes sizes and speeds. Its a nice feeling and by the end of it - I really felt great physically for having gotten out and moved around.

I stopped at the Kroger on the way home and had a MAJOR NSV. Being alone in the grocery store at night after working out is a huge trigger for me to buy junk. In fact, going to get "a couple of things" at the grocery store is a bad one for me in general. If I'm doing a huge shop with a list I'm okay, but that quick nip in and out of the store has always been "Treat time for Tamzin". The hand is faster than the brain... and I would be leaving with a snickers bar or something else... M&M's etc. Always consumed in the vehicle, quickly, guiltily and then the remains hidden in the trash.

Last night, I thought about it... my old brain said - late night store visit = treat. I wrestled with myself a little and then said. No. I won't. I got in, got my stuff. Got out. I'm happier and stronger for it. This morning I weighed in... 284.8.

Onwards... and downwards!

Tonights Plan

2011-01-05T16:22:00.003-06:00

Another office day has crept by. I can't believe its almost over, this afternoon has been Loooooong.

The husband is not feeling well, so as soon as I get home, I'm changing and heading out to do my big walk. 3.5miles I'm feeling today!

Dinner is a My Fit Foods breakfast fav - steak, egg whites and spicy potato. We have a couple episodes of Fringe to catch up on this evening and that is that.

This week is going well. I'm staying in my 1850 calorie range. Some of my choices are not the best, but today was better than yesterday and tomorrow is going to be better than today.

The time off has totally messed up my sleep schedule. Last night I finally feel asleep before 1am, I'm still waking up late and tired as all hell. But that shall soon change. I'm going to work back into my morning fitness routine. I like to relax in the evenings... the only way to do that is to get active in the morning! I can do it!!

right - home time. Walk ... here I come!

Honest Award

2011-01-05T09:36:00.003-06:00

Being honest is easier when it’s anonymous. I would never be able to speak so freely if I knew that there was someone from my "real life" reading this.

I really like to try and be as honest as I can on here. When I come back here to re-read this I want to REALLY KNOW what it was that I was feeling, and doing. I will totally admit that reading back is occasionally difficult, embarrassing and hilarious. Which tells me that I am often on the right track.

So thank you to Sheilah/Mensa at I'm on my way for the Honest Scrap Award., and for commenting and leading me to your blog so that I have someone else to perv on!! She did a list of 10 honest things about herself... I'm going to do the same!

I am afraid of spiders, ghosts, and most crawling insects. I crashed my car when I was 21 because there was a spider on the sunroof next to my head.

I have broken my nose 5 times…its crooked now and I’m totally self conscious about it.

I wish weight loss were easy and not such a struggle.

I’m a lefty, and I love being that little bit different!

I was once a medical test subject for an apatite suppressant in the UK.

While there, I learned that my over eating has nothing to do with physical hunger.

I avoid conversations regarding politics and religion, which is made easier by the fact that I am a Canadian living in the US and will never get to vote!

I have never voted before in my life!

I have size 11 feet. I’m hoping that when I am down to my goal weight, they will go back to a 10.5 or 10.

I should be working right now! HA!!

Back to it now!

Brand New Year!!!

2011-01-04T11:16:00.004-06:00

....just out of the box...all shiny and pretty!!

I just finished the last of my long blissful days off. I had my Mother in town visiting from the great white north. First time down here since I moved about a year and a bit ago. We went out for many a dinner did lots of walking around and really enjoyed the time. It was a great second holiday for me after the time off at Christmas.

I missed my Monday weight in – well not really. I weighed in – I just missed the posting of it. Which I will do now. However, in my defense I was out enjoying the sunshine walking in the park on Monday and a well deserved break from the internet!

January 3, 2011 - Weigh in: 286.4lbs

That is up .6lbs from last week.

The trend that I have had of the “UP-DOWN” has been getting smaller and smaller. Which pleases me a lot. I’m going to work on constant and continued losses from here out.

This week is the conclusion to my involvement in Allan’s Challenges. I am not moving into phase 4 as the 1200 calorie diet is not for me. However, what I have done and learned through his previous 3 challenges have actually changed my life. I am now thirsty for water. I am constantly thinking about the better options for food. I have reduced my snacking, I count my calories and I’m focusing on GOOD for me food. I’m not on the 1800 calories is 1800 calories even if its 1800 of twinkies a day.

I am happily surprised to make the top 10 of Allan’s weight loss peeps. It is a big achievement for me. I keep forgetting HOW HARD I have struggled to lose 14lbs before. Read here... YEARS of struggle. This time it came off with really just simple planning and maintenance of said plans. Here is my awesome-sauce of a button!

I’m looking forward to this year. Today I am at the office in my smaller pants, this morning I expected to struggle to get them done up. It wasn’t. They just slid right on and buttoned up – no fighting. I can even feel that my dress shoes are fitting better. My feet are less swollen and my circulation is better. I’ve added in more walking and this summer I’m looking forward to my Highland games competitions. I am going to enjoy shorts and tank tops. I'm going to look and feel better. Its very exciting to KNOW for sure that these things will happen.

I have yet to make any goals – other than the penultimate 190lbs goal. I have some special dates that are arriving this summer, so I need to get on top of that – the goal making that is. I’ve been flying a little too free this last couple of week with my food tracking and food planning. This week I’m getting back on top of it.

I for 2011 my main thought is this. I am my own worst enemy. This was clear over these three challenges. I fight, kick, whine, cheat and bargain. However, KNOWING is half the battle. So that is my goal for 2011. Make peace with myself and get me on track with what is good for me.

Right, regularly schedule posting is resuming now! I am SO excited for the rest of 2011 and all the blogs and people that I perv on. This is going to be a great year for Fighting Fat!

Surprise!

2010-12-31T13:59:00.003-06:00

My boss came over to me yesterday and said...."you should 'work' from home tomorrow". WOOOHOOOO Surprise extra day off for me.

Wow...that was nice. Guess what I did....

I went for a walk. :) okay... I slept in a little as well. But got up - threw on the old clothes and headed out to the park. It was HUMID today. All that rain has pumped up the temps here in H-town. I was a little tired and sore but it was still nice to just get out and move.

Tonight we are doing a late dinner with another couple. The husband and I are going to share 2 appies between us instead of major meals. Then we are going to retire back to the friends house for some libations and to see in the new year.

I'm not a drinker - so I'm bringing my favorite Pink Grapefruit Perrier water. I love that stuff.

I stepped on the scale today and I am just a little bit lighter than I was last week. Dec 31st 2010 I weight 258.5 (down .3lb). This is the lowest that I've been in 2 years.

2011. Bring it! I can't WAIT to see how I master this year. Happy New Year to All!!!

Back in the Saddle

2010-12-30T09:19:00.003-06:00

Back at the office for day 2 from holidays... omg its hard to get back into this routine after taking a break. Of course - there is really not a lot going on here that is keeping me busy.

Which lead me to my first epiphany of the year....

Stopping doing something for a significant amount of time makes its twice as hard to get back into it. I'm no rocket surgeon, this is not news. You all know where this is going. Lifestyle....Diet.... Exercise....Water consuption....

I'm really happy to report that I didn't say "EFF IT" over Christmas and just go all out on the eating and laying around. It would be three times as hard to get back into the water and eating habits if I had stopped.

As it was, I didn't track all my days of water and I guestimated a little more than usual as I had a less structured day. I'm finding it a little tough to get back into logging in my spreadsheet and making sure I have all the details. But I'm making myself do it.

Last night I had a little victory. I got home and the weather was HORRIBLE. Its bee pouring rain and storming... but I knew that I needed to get some exercise in. I asked the Hubby if he was interested in a quick walk in the walk in the rain. He was not. I had a fleeting moment where I thought, "I can make it up later". And then snapped out of it.

Later NEVER comes for me. Its always about here and now.

So I told him I was going out there - put on my long pants, long sleeve shirt, vest and a ball cap and headed out to the park. It was deserted, but I did my walk - I even did a couple little stints of ...*gasp* running. You know...just to try it out (need better bra!!).

Woke up this morning with that slight nice heat in my legs to tell me that they had done something. Pounding back my waters and had a big cottage cheese and pear breakfast. The rain is still here - but today is looking brighter already.

Back at work.

2010-12-29T09:15:00.002-06:00

Oooooh, this morning it was tough to get out of bed and get showered, dressed and out the door. But... I did it!

Oatmeal for breakfast. About to go and get my coffee for the morning. I am planning a walk when I get home this evening. Dinner is salad with diced chicken.

Oh...and I'm wearing a 1x sweater today that I've had for 8 months...waiting for me to get into it. I put it on and couldn't believe that it fit. I wish that I had taken a picture of what it looked like 3 months ago.

*Big Grin*

Monday Weigh In!

2010-12-27T10:13:00.006-06:00

Weigh in this morning....

285.8lbs

That is down 3.7lbs this week. YAY!!!!

I've been on this terrible "two steps forward, one step back" phase for the last 6 weeks and even though it is frustrating beyond belief, the end result this week is the lowest weight I've been at in a LOOOONG time. A year to be exact.

This graph says it all:

Last year on December 27th I was 297.8lbs. A 12lb difference to today. Wow. I'm really pleased with my water intake and my calorie counting and boy howdy, has it made a difference for me in the last 8 weeks.

Since October when I weighed in at my highest weight even (306.2) a short 10 weeks later I'm down 20lbs and setting myself up for real success.

This is the best gift that I have ever given to myself. I can't wait for 2011!

Post Xmas Shakedown

2010-12-26T12:13:00.003-06:00

Here is a little pic of my christmas display. No tree this year... just this forest!!

The last few days have been pretty tame. Christmas morning was pretty easygoing. A stocking for me with some fun girly stuff in it. The Annie Lennox Christmas CD and the Savor Top 100 magazine for the husband. And of course - admiring of our new TV. Still a great idea.

We had a walk, then a lovely Irish breakfast after coming in from the cold. Crumpets (dry), 1/2c Heinz beans, 2 slices of irish bacon, and 2 poached eggs. Very nice!

The afternoon was goofing around with books and Netfix. I enjoyed the National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. One of my all time favorite movies.

Dinner was the most amazing bison roast, fingerling potatoes and asparagus. So yummy!!

Later in the eveniong we met up with friends to go and see TRON 2 in IMAX 3D. I was impressed. I know that there is a lot of ragging on it in the papers, but I thought that it was awesome. I go to the movies to be entertained and I was!

We had a nightcap and some great conversation over a drink and grilled cheese (shared with the husband). I know... very strange combo.

Yesterdays Food:

This mornings weigh in for the Challenge was up from yesterday by a pound, but still back down to under what I was the week before last. I am looking forward to my Monday morning weigh in! Getting my water in me today, and about to head out on a walk around the park! Its nippy out, but I'm going to layer up and go.

Todays food is:

Was the night before....

2010-12-24T16:19:00.004-06:00

Christmas, and all through the house
not a crumb of junk food, not even enough for a mouse.

Todays walk was lovely. There was sunshine and crisp air. I love walking out in the park on days like that. Lots of people out smiling and walking dogs. Very nice morning.

I headed over to battle it out in the HEB. We needed the veg for tomorrows roast beast and some salad stuff to hold us over until the weekend passes. I got some more cottage cheese as well. I'm loving that stuff, even though I've not had any today or yesterday.

Tonight, since the husband is going to be doing a significant amount of cooking tomorrow, I'm taking him to dinner at a fabulous place called Ziggies Healthy Grill. There is some really amazing food there. Healthy is of course, "arguable". But they do a great job of outlining everything on the menu and not adding in sugar and extra fats.

Tomorrow morning will be my traditional "irish breakfast". I couldn't find any black and white pudding sadly. Damn SPECS was sold out. So its heinz beans, roasted tomatoes, irish bacon and poached eggs. I think the husband picked up some whole wheat english muffins as well.

We will set out for a nice big long walk in the morning. Pre-breakfast. Then the late afternoon roast bison.

TRON Later with friends and then really... back to normal life. Christmas is really not that big a deal without family and kiddies around. They are the ones that really make it.

I'll give the grandparents a call, and my brother and his family, talk to my mother, then call my bestie and let her tell me all the adventures of her family Christmas. Their little boy is 3 now. PRIME Christmas loving age.

In terms of the rest of me and this weight struggle. I'm feeling really good today. I have noticed a number of things that are going on. I suppose that I will hide them all down here at the bottom of this Loooong ass boring post.

NSV:
1. New dress pants... in 22! That is a size down!
2. Went to trim my toe nails and found that my legs got shorter...or is it just that I can REACH them easier!!
3. pulled on a tshirt today and did not have to spend 2 minutes stretching the thing out with my elbows to be able to wear it.

Not too shabby for a trio of Christmas gifts to myself.

Alright. Time to get productive. Too much time on the computer today and in front of the TV.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

procrastination!

2010-12-24T09:19:00.001-06:00

I've been procrastinating on my morning walk!!! Must get it done.

Going ... NOW!

Happy Day!

2010-12-23T17:21:00.004-06:00

I've really enjoyed my day today. I did a 3.5mile walk... it was not as sunny as I was hoping and there is a chill in the air...for Texas! It was still nice out and I enjoyed it. Husband is on the way home and we are going to head out and do another 1.5miles tonight to enjoy some exercise together.

Lunch I had some tuna mixed with Lemonaise Light. I had forgotten all about this. So yummy!! Worth looking up as a good alternative to Mayo.

Dinner is all planned. I've had a day to catch up with laundry, however I never did get all the household chores done that I wanted, so now they are all haunting me as I laze around... I don't wanna do chores... its my vacation! *pout*

Tomorrow is the day before Christmas...wow. I had no idea that December could go that fast!! January 2011 here we come.

We are having a lite-Christmas. Husband and I got a 42inch plasma tv for our xmas gift to each other. So there is nothing to unwrap. I"ve got a house-wide ban on junk food/cookies/ cake/chocolates. So there will be nothing of that sort around here to tempt me.

We have our bison roast and veggies for the xmas dinner, and then we are going to go and see a movie in the evening (TRON!) with some other family-less friends. Its easy for me to forget that it is the holidays here since there is no snow. Just don't feel like Christmas without it. I'll adjust eventually... and I'm not complaining. I love the warmth. I hated living in the icy cold car scraping, mitten wearing, massive layers of jacket, scarves, hats and freezing toes of winter in Canada.

Tomorrows plan is another walk in the park on my own, then time in some of my favorite bookstores with a coffee, laptop and some good magazines (Real Simple and some crafty magazine porn). I can't wait!

Food today:

Thursaday Walking!

2010-12-23T08:56:00.003-06:00

Up and ready to get moving... I'm about to head out in the sunshine ....in my shorts and tee shirt for a big ol' walk in the park. I can't wait.

Today is going to be a day all to myself. I'm going to enjoy it fully.

We picked out our Christmas dinner last night and I'm so excited that I can't wait to tell you all.

Is a Bison Roast. I can't wait. Nice beautiful lean mean. Grass fed, non hormone pumped organic raised bison. Some asparagus and a couple other veggie sides and that is our Christmas dinner this year.

okay. Time to get moving!

Holiday!

2010-12-22T18:44:00.004-06:00

YAY!!! Holiday.

I had a good sleep in..to 8.30am! and a leisurely morning around the house. My 11am date with my crafting friend was awesome. She got a new sewing machine - her first, so I was over there showing her the basics and we did some awesome little crafty projects.

I took over 2 of my hubbys old dress shirts and we made wine bags out of the sleeves, and tote bags from the bodies.

We had a very late lunch at La Madeline. I drank loads of water and husband and I are about to go out and get a whole wheat crust spinach, mushroom and feta pizza for dinner.

Last night we did nearly a 4mile walk. My dogs are tired. Tomorrow morning I'm going to go and do it again... alone this time. He has to work.

Today has been a very nice reprieve from the office treat hell. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week relaxing and being busy outside.

Food today:

Hanging on

2010-12-21T09:03:00.003-06:00

The rest of yesterday went well. I managed to stay on track and not go crazy with the food at the office.

Today... NO FOOD. There are no treats to be found, there is nothing laying about and I'm happily going about my business here. Should any fool put food near me I am going to go super nova on them. The light from my angry eyes will burn holes through our building penitrating the earth to its core....and my yelling will be the YOP heard round the world.

I have made an executive decision to increase my calories. I had a look at my numbers, and my weeks and realized that what I had thought might happen actually has happened.... The lower I made my calories - the more I felt "crazy" about food I have become...

how much, when, where, how with, why... and then the cheating started... a very little at a time and then has gradually increased to a raging flood.

I moved my spreadsheet up to 1850 this morning and I feel a LOT better about it. There is wiggle room for changes, there is room for me to breath. There is also no pressure to eat as much as there is allowed for. I have learned a few things in thelast month plus. That being that I can eat UNDER what I have set. I mentally feel better about it all now.

1850 is still under my goal weight calories (2090) and I'm pounding back the water. Feeling good today. Half a pound was gone this morning on the scale and that helped as well with the happy feelings.

I had a big breakfast, I'm sipping my coffee and water and enjoying the quiet day at the office. I'm taking tomorrow off and going to walk and do some crafts with a friend. Take time to relax and enjoy myself.

Last night we did a nice walk (shorts and tee shirt weather again) and I'm going to do it again tonight.

Food Today:

Monday Recovery!

2010-12-20T10:27:00.002-06:00

Well the start of a new week, the last of a few days until I'm off for holidays. HURRAY!

I've already had 2L of water and its only 10:45am. I'm feeling good and ready to tackle this week by the horns.

Monday - Tuesday and Wednesday at the office, then I'm free until next Tuesday. I can't wait to get out and get walking in the lovely Texas winter. This is the best time of year here for me. I love it. Reminds me of the fall back home.

I've committed myself to a couple of things, one of which is a training camp for highland games events. Its going to cost me a chunk of change to go, and I am going to set myself up to begin going to the gym in the morning before work again.

No point in spending that money if I'm not going to make an effort.

Okay... that is all the good news. Here is today's bad news.

1. Weigh in this morning. 289.5lbs. Ug... salty bloated Tamzin. Up 2.3lbs.

2. I ate an oreo cookie already.

This work environment is not good. I need to stop looking at the food that is on my desk... yes, someone put oreo cookies on a plate on my desktop. Yeah. They are getting moved asap.

So, no real surprises there at all. But a good kick in the pants for a fresh start on the week.

Back to work here. Time to get into high gear and get my stuff done so I can enjoy my time off.

Now...2.5L water are down the hatch!

Todays Food:

Sunday Update

2010-12-19T17:42:00.001-06:00

Ug... up this morning for my Spawn challenge weigh in. Not... really a huge surprise there.

However, this past week has given me a significant amount of personal insight and I plan to use that to help me move forward.

Tonight we are getting some chores done and I hope to have a short late walk this evening. I have 3 days of work to do and then I have 6 days off. I can't wait for some time away from the office.

Happy weekend all! Can't wait to go and read some updates.

Quick one!

2010-12-18T22:22:00.003-06:00

Friday night I did a good 3mile walk. We had dinner out at the Indian place and it was great.

Today was a busy one. Had a Christmas brunch social with my crafting group. It was pot luck. I used a side plate as my plate for lunch. Had a little bit of a few things. None of which were good for me at all. Lots of cheese and casseroles were there and desserts.

I did another walk this afternoon and got groceries. We had massive yummy salads for dinner. I'm hoping that will clear me out.

I'm anticipating a disappointing Sunday weigh in, but this week has been sh*t almost from start to end. Next week is going to be better is ALL respects. None one put a fun to my head and made me eat this week, so there is only one person to blame for my lack of discipline. Me. I shall be telling myself all about it tomorrow.

Here is the food today:

Food Today

2010-12-17T15:07:00.003-06:00

Well, I'm back on track. I can not say that I have NOT been tempted to have some treats, however....

I HAVE NOT HAD ANY!

victory is mine!

I did go for lunch, but I had a small roasted beet salad to start and then shared a burger and fries with my coworker. Neither of which was particularly large. In fact, this is a really nice steak place that does burgers on Friday with the steaks that didn't sell in the week.

Which, when you think about it is kinda nasty.. but.. the burgers are REALLY lean. I loved it.

Tonight I'm getting out for a big walk. Then we are going for Indian dinner. Mini Iddlies and a shared peas aloo parath. Its hot, yummy and filling. I can't wait. Then home to do some crafty stuff while watching more season one of Fringe!

I'm really pleased that I've managed to stay OFF the chocolates.

Food Today:

Friday Refocus

2010-12-17T09:41:00.004-06:00

Today I'm doing a lot better. I think that the saturation for treats came to a head yesterday. I'm moving the offending items today before lunch to get them the f*ck away from me.

I'll be putting out stuff in the communal kitchen...which means that it will be gone before the end of the day.

I had the second half of my dinner last night for breakfast today. I forgot how much I LOVE cottage cheese and the awesome protein in it. Another lovely pear and a cup of the good stuff and I'm feeling full and happy.

Tonight we may go for some veggie Indian food. Last time hubby and I split an appy, a meal and a naan. This time I might just get the appy for myself and split the naan (peas paratha actually - naan with potato and peas in it... a lot less bread).

We are going to get out for a BIG walk tonight and then this weekend is going to be a lot of cleaning and organizing. I need to get out in the yard and do some work. I want the house to be cleaned totally and ready for me to enjoy my time off without any chores to do.

We have a lunch out today to celebrate one of our interns passing the bar. I am currently thinking of ways to decline gracefully.

Other than that. Water is good, treats are away from me now. HA! I moved them before finishing this. This weekend is going to be full of hard work and lazy evening. And water... lots and lots of water!

onward..

2010-12-16T20:08:00.005-06:00

Today has shown some better success than yesterday. Which was a total clusterfuck.

Today I got to work, pounded out 4 hours of work in 2, then off to volunteer! Which was great. Its a fabulous mental break to think about people that have bigger struggles that myself.

We "built" bikes (read here attached the seats, handlebars, peddles and front tire), assembled helmets and enjoyed the company of coworkers and staff while volunteering our time to get a small part of the some 6,000 bikes needed out to kids that need them in our community.

That was a great time, I'm so glad that my company has such great allowance for community programs.

I had a protein bomb breakfast, however we were not off from volunteering until 1pm. I was already hungry and we were going to stop and get lunch, but one of the people in the car needed to get back. So we all had to go. I didn't get lunch until 1.45pm. I had a cup of shrimp gumbo and shared a small shoestring fries with a coworker.

Back into the office...treatmania was in full swing. There were 4 smoked turkeys that had arrived for our department heads, so they raffled them off (I didn't win). I launched into full meltdown food mode again.

Yep... again.I know.

I had 2 peppermint chocolate cookies, 1 macaroon, one truffle, and a half a cup of caramel popcorn. Another 600 calorie treat binge. I managed to keep today under 1900 calories, but my food choices SUCK.

I was disgusted after... and felt sick. Sick to my stomach. Sick in my head. Why won't I learn?

Dinner tonight was amended. I still feel sick from all the sugar. I went out and got some low fat cottage cheese and cut up a Christmas pear. It was simple, easy and delicious. I would have LOVED to have eaten this... instead of what I did this afternoon.

Once again, I am untrustworthy around these things. Tomorrow I am going to go ahead and move the shit to anther location. I wish that I had the power to just say NO and then follow through on my promise to myself.

Happily, the volunteer work had me sweating up a storm, and walking all over. My feet are hurting. I'm tired and going to get a good nights sleep in for sure.

Of course, I'm miserable right now and.... great.... just had a lovely shout at the husband. f*ck.

:( I hate this part of hating myself... taking it out on him. Must make amends.

Food today:

Bah Humbug

2010-12-16T08:55:00.002-06:00

Well... I'm going to go with exposure therapy is not a winner for me.

In the afternoon I consumed:

4 chocolate Truffles
8 Peppermint chocolate malt balls
1 handful of caramel popcorn (1/2c)

I then went and walked at the park feeling sad and guilty. Its not like I didn't post about it, talk about not doing and not wanting to. But, I let myself do it. I told myself that I could have one. That is a slippery slippery slope.

I estimate it at about 574 calories. My daily intake was then 2382. Which is 292 calories over my daily limit and WELL over my 1600.

Ug.

Today will be better.

I'm off for the day from work to go and volunteer at the Build a Bike. I can't wait. I will be preoccupied, active and there is no food there.

Spawn - Day 9

2010-12-15T11:46:00.003-06:00

Water is going well - I woke up thirsty again this morning. So I'm going to try harder to get more water in me in the evenings, maybe a nice cup of hot tea each night will help do the trick! Ummm herbal tea!

I can feel a palpable relaxation in me after this mornings post. Releasing the stress of deciding what to eat and what not to eat has been nice. Its allowed me to look upon the treats in a removed way. This is kind of like some sort of exposure threapy! Hate spiders...be near them! Can't handel being near treats...here sit next to them all day! HA! Well, whatever.. its working.

Lunch is deliscious and filling, I love apple, chicken and berry salads!! Onto my third liter of water today.

Walking tonight is on the agenda! I can't wait to get home. The weather here is amazing.

Food Today is:

Christmas Office gifts....

2010-12-15T09:34:00.004-06:00

and so it begins.....

Because we spend so much money our vendors feel it necessary to send the chiefs here gifts at the holidays. Yesterday morning a giant box arrived to my boss from Harry & David.

There is all kinds of treats in there and people swooped in to pick through and gawk. I encouraged them to take and eat as much as possible (after swiping a pear for myself).

However, my resolve weakened by the afternoon and I ate 2 truffles.

Last night VISIONS of these things danced through my brain. I looked at my spreadsheets...calculating...plotting...licking my chops at the thought of adding more to my diet and removing other things to balance my calories.

This morning, before I was even half way through my first coffee, the staff were here opening the box, rummaging through and eating.

It made sad and angry. That is how I used to be. Grabbing and eating as much as I could. Able to justify my behavior with all kinds of excuses. Only to be filled with regret and emtpy promises to lose the extra 5lbs gained over that holiday.

Now... I'm not going to cheat myself out of my health and my goals for some candy. So I'm turning my back on this mound of sweets. I had my indulgence yesterday and my life wasn't miraculously transformed into the happiest days of my life.. it was just some chocolate.

Its not magic, Its not happiness, Its not a hug, Its not a walk in the park with a loved one.

I love Scrap!

2010-12-14T12:18:00.004-06:00

Awwww!! Joy at the most tempting name for a blog ever gave me a lovely award and said some really nice things about me! :D

I am Honestly Scrappy!!! I love it!! Not to mention that she listed out a couple more blogs in her post that I can go perv on now! YES. I love filling in my roster of peeps.

She was kind enough to note my excellent wild grapefruit hunting skillz! I am going to be attempting some more grapefruit plucking antics this weekend. They are just too delicious not to try for more!

Thank you Joy!

Spawn - Day 8

2010-12-14T11:37:00.002-06:00

Ahh H2O how do I love you!??!!

Yesterday I got a staggering 183.5oz.. and you know what... I woke up THIRSTY this morning.

Wow.. the body is a strange and mysterious machine!

Water today is lagging as we are CRAZY at the office today. You know, the typical... holidays are coming, people are freaking out about stuff they should have done AGES ago and now they have like... 2 days to get it all done because they booked holidays already. bla bla

Makes for some interesting times, and I would like to add that I have done 3 flights of stairs already today and there are more coming.. I can tell. I'm going to be all over this office today.

I'm REALLY hungry right now. Breakfast had less protein than usual, so I'm feeling it right now. Lunch is salmon with quinoa and broccoli. That will be nice and yummy and filling.

This afternoon there is a long ass meeting with snacks. I'm going to be getting my oatmeal in me before I head into that. Keep the fingers off the food!

Allan posted this morning an awesome post. If I continue my trend, I will be at my goal weight in May... right in time for the husbands birthday...

Now that is some food for thought. That is really really amazing... to think that this is possible, after 3 years of struggling and gaining. I'm excited. Really Excited.

okay - lunch is calling me now. Must refill the water as well. 76oz of water in me today already. Must keep it going.

Food Today:

Spawn - Day 7

2010-12-13T12:17:00.003-06:00

Monday Monday!

I have to say that today is my usual weigh in and I'm not going to bother with my exciting weigh in yesterday for the Spawn challenge.

However, as a teaser, I'm very pleased with this mornings number as well! HA! Take that cliffhanger! ;)

Last night after my massive salad dinner I was still hungry... I had my popcorn...still hungry.... My stomach growled all the way to this mornings breakfast. The husband even commented while we were on the couch last night that he heard it rumble. LOL

I am proud to say that I didn't freak out. I sat on the couch and THOUGHT about all the things that I could do. I could get up, get in my car and go out and get something... something... icecreamy...

Then I thought that I would have to log it on my spreadsheet, change all the numbers and then re-post it all... and ... I'm too lazy! :D HA!! take that hunger. I'm TOO lazy to get food.

Tonight is one of my favorite dinners. We are going to go for a big walk and keep that end of things moving along. More exercise each day in little increments. I have one more big task to get done... sleep.

I've been staying up later and later and later... last night I didn't get to sleep until 1.30am. I have to be up at 7am (at the latest!). So this is not working for me. Its such a bad habit, and hard for me to stop since I am a natural night owl.

I want to start getting up and doing a home workout in the mornings, so I'm going to get into a HOT bath tonight and get to bed early and try to get some extra winks. Then force myself to get up early for this week.

Water: 79.6oz at the moment. Aiming for +160

Okay, here is todays food:

Sunday Weekly recap & Allan is watching

2010-12-12T15:32:00.003-06:00

Today was a good day. I had a lot to think about in terms of weigh loss and my hand in this and the calorie counting and the water!

I've been productive and here are my weekly totals.

This week I have had 11,921 calories total. This is about 100 calories a day over what I was aiming for (1600 - although Monday this week was still at 1980calories). But in general, I'm pleased with the 1,600. Especially with my weigh in results.

I would like to note to myself that I ate out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week. So, put that in my pipe and smoke it. I thought that it was impossible to lose weight and eat out. But with a modicum of self control and the ability to order well and not eat for eatings sake, I've managed just fine this week. There Tamzin. You can do it!

I'm going to stick with that amount for the whole of next week and really aim for more healthy fiber filled foods, and less eating out - that is better for me and the wallet. I'm excited for next week already.

Also today I had a one year milestone. Today I weigh the least that I have since Dec 2009.

WOW.

That has really been sinking in today. One year. This graph will explain a significant amount as I have dubbed Allan my "Allan-band". He verbally slapped my fat-self into line (that b*tch is annoying...even to me! ha!!) and got my head thinking more on the lines of what I should be doing. And.. as this graph will show.. it f*cking works.

Sauron ... errr.... Allan... he is watching us!! and I thank him for it!

(Allan approved of this photo before I posted)

Spawn - Day 6 (Weigh In)

2010-12-12T08:51:00.002-06:00

Phase 3 first weigh in... I saw Allans predictions yesterday and was scared... I've not been weighing myself this week to reduce stress! ha!

got on the scales today:

287.2lbs

Down 3.2lbs!

YAY!!!

What is different this week. Well, I know that this week I did lower my calories a bit, and I made an even bigger effort to get my water in, I did 2 big walks, and I did something that I've not done before. Really adjust my eating to compensate for earlier meals. I'm working hard on the mental side of eating, and trying to find myself actually hungry before each meal. Apparently, its working!

I am so excited to read about how everyone else has done.

Super Saturday!

2010-12-11T12:15:00.002-06:00

This morning we had a great sleep in. I love snuggling on a Saturday morning!

We had a quick snack of a kashi bar then headed out in the Houston sunshine in our shorts and tee shirts (teehee! Sorry Northerners...I couldn't resist) and had a good 3.5mile walk.

We stopped at the My Fit Foods after for some brunch, and Starbucks for a coffee.

Now am home and getting ready to do some of the weekend fun stuff (cleaning, laundry mostly). I have some great films up on netflicks right now that I want to watch and some crafting to do for Christmas presents, I need to get my Christmas cards pounded out as well!! Its going to be a great day. I might sneak in a long hot bath with a book as well.

Water is going well. We are going to get the fixings and make yummy salads tonight for dinner. Very excited. Day is half over so I want to get to it!

Happy weekend! Drink your water!!

Food today:

Tagged

2010-12-10T13:24:00.003-06:00

CJ at Weight too less tagged me in a little exercise that I've enjoyed!

1. What would you say to someone just starting out on a weight loss journey?

Calories count! Water is vital. Planning is a must. Start moving more. The most important thing.. don’t give up!

2. What is your passion? The thing that you absolutely love doing, that is not necessarily, but can be, related to your job or role in a family?

Passion. I used to have a lot of passion for my sport, rugby. But I retired from that 5 years ago and have not found anything to replace it yet. Oh gawds, that sounds so depressing when I type that out. I have a lot of passions I guess, but none that were so all consuming as rugby. I played for 14 years, lived in the UK, traveled and competed, coached. Now I’ve stopped, got FAT and lost my lust to do physical things. I do lots of stuff though… sew, craft, read, write. Jeeez. I sound soulless. Uuuum. I guess I’m looking for my passion right now.

3. If money and time (or any other obstacles) were not an issue, how would you spend a week (or even a weekend) that you had to yourself (and who would you spend it with, if anyone)?

Easy…I have many places I want to go, but this one is calling to me right now. There are a set of remote lighthouses that you can rent by the week on the coast of the Shetland Islands. I’ve been pre-planning a holiday up that way for a while now. Hiking, ocean, remote. Beautiful! My family came straight from there to Canada and we still have relatives there. I can’t wait to go.

4. What has been your most satisfying moment so far on this journey?

I can’t say that I’ve had one. I’ve been at this for the last 2.5 years and I’m heavier now than when I first started. My first real milestone will be to get under 270. That is the lightest that I’ve been since 2008. Then from there it will be all new ground to break. Which I'm looking forward to.

Spawn - Day 3

2010-12-10T12:34:00.003-06:00

OMG...slept like a dead thing last night. I need a few more sleeps like that and I'll all caught up on any missing sleep. Which I am... I can tell because I am like a super monster hibernating bear in the mornings. RAWR... no want to get up.

Work has been hectic and annoying. I'm so glad that it is Friday.

Breakfast was good and filling. Lunch was the second half of last nights dinner. I'm so sick of being at my desk that I'm going to go and sit in my car in the parkinglot for 20 minutes. No food there, no temptations there and no people there. Perfect hideaway.

Husband and I will be going for a walk tonight, I am hoping for another 3miles.

Water is going well. Food today is:

Adjustments

2010-12-09T19:32:00.004-06:00

Water: 167.5+
Kibble: 1553c
Walkies: 3.5miles

~~~~~~

Had to make some adjustments today, since I didn't realize that we would be having a restricted menu at the restaurant. I totally understand, with 28 people to serve, you can't have to many choices or no food will come out at the same time.

We were served a salad, a starter, your choice of main and a dessert.

I ate half of both the salad (mixed greens, with moz wrapped in prosciutto, balsamic dressing) and the starter (gnocci with ground wild boar in bolonagues sauce). I ordered the fish main, which I was very pleased with. It was 4oz of Monk fish with a light crawfish sauce, and some veg and mashed potaato on the side. Sadly...yes.. I ate my dessert. Tiramisou.

However, after a couple of very good weeks with food... the rich food from lunch has had an effect on me....and my digestive system. Needless to say, it did not stay food for very long!

I reorganized my dinner to accomodate extra calories and I am still UNDER today at 1553! Here is the food:

This afternoon I did a 3.5mile walk in the sunshine at the park, it was just so nice to get outside and move. I've been too stagnant these last couple of days.

Water today is going to be 167.5 or more... we will see how much more I can get in me tonight.

Spawn - Day 3

2010-12-09T10:56:00.002-06:00

Christmas Surprise....

Another holiday trap.. that I have sniffed out and will escape!

Today is the office department Christmas luncheon. Happily, I just found out that we are not required to finish the day. YAY for surprise half days. That means that I am going to get out to the park with my ipod and do a big long walk in the sunshine. I can not wait.

I had a look at the menu this morning. I’m getting the mixes greens salad with vinaigrette dressing and the margarita pizza (small), I will also be indulging in some sparkling water … to make me feel special! I’m not sure what the portion sizes are going to be like, but I will eat all the salad and half the pizza if it is large, if it is tiny (personal sized) I will eat it all. I’m also considering the roasted vegetable & goat cheese pizza.. .I’ll decide while I’m there.

Very excited. YAY half days.

Water so far…66.8oz

Here is my estimated food:

Victory!

2010-12-08T21:47:00.002-06:00

Todays final totals:

Water: 193.2oz
Kibble: 1600c
Walkies: 0

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonight I had a some NSV's!!

We have some friends that gather EVERY stinking Wednesday for coffee at a coffeehouse. They consume coffee, snacks, cake and cigarettes at a rate of naughts. Its an eclectic group of gamers, geeks and the like (us included). I used to be right there with them, every Wednesday, tossing back mocha-choka-muthafukachinnos and muffins and snacks.

Then we stopped going so much, and now, I typically do not want to go at all. Its a scary place that I used to eat at and love to eat at and has my fav combo of things.. caffeine and chocolate. The people aren't great, I miss that bit of it. However, this is a food trap and I've been avoiding it.

Today we decided to go. Friends were complaining that we don't come. I ate my dinner and plotted. What will I do....

1. Will I cave and get a skim mocha latte and share a muffin with the husband

or

2. Will I stay strong and get a herbal tea and eat nothing....

There was a small war going on in my head the whole time we were headed up there. Will I... won't I.. will I.. won't I. Should I, shouldn't I. There was a lot of math going on in there (ouch) and a LOT of bargaining, and excuse making and justifications.

I will be honest, up to the point where I was ordering I really wasn't too sure what I was going to do. Then the teas were right there... and I decided no caffeine... and viola. Cinnamon Spice tea, herbal, no caffeine. Warm, hot and calories free.

One of the people went and got cake and you know what else... I didn't watch her eat it.

Do any of you have that habit. I always used to watch people eat, especially if it was food that I liked. I would watch the fork, in the mouth. It was probably creepy. Anyway, I just decided that it wasn't worth it to torture myself.

so there! NO F*CKING up today and a couple really great NSV. I ate dinner and nothing since and... I didn't die.

Spawn - Day 2

2010-12-08T12:01:00.003-06:00

Just call me Cap'n Kirk because today I am boldly going where I have never gone before...

Or rather, where I can not in any recent memory remember doing (well really... no. I can't recall ever doing this)... I am eating yesterdays left over lunch for todays lunch.

yes, that was thunder you heard. I know... I can't believe it either! haha I actually had enough lunch left over to eat it again!? wow.

Yesterday I had greek food for lunch; a chicken soup and an order of hummus with pita and veg. I ate the soup and half the hummus plate yesterday and today, I'm having the hummus and pita (and olives) for my lunch!

I'm really very pleased with myself.

This afternoon is going to be a test. I was just moving around in the office and there are a lot of meetings here today over lunch, which means that in about 3 hours, there is going to be a LOT of cheat foods in the kitchen. So I'm eating my lunch, getting my water in me and I have my afternoon snack at my desk.

Happily I have a grapefruit, kashi bar and some yogurt to have this afternoon. All of which I find really make me feel full and satisfied.

I'm at exactly 1600 calories for today. Hubby and I are going to head out for another walk tonight, we just love this cool weather here so are trying to take advantage of it every time we can. Also bonus...exercise!

I'm already at 81oz of water today and here is the food breakdown:

Spawn - Day 1

2010-12-07T21:58:00.004-06:00

Water: 182.6oz

Calories consumed: 1604

Exercise: 2mile walk

I'm not sure what Allan is going to think about this... as we are supposed to follow either 1200 calories... or my goal weight calories (2090)...so either I'm 400 over or 486 under or 4 over. Well ... how do you like that! Either way... I'm pleased.

This week my goal is 1600 calories a day with 36 grams of fat, 220 grams of carbs, and 100 grams of protein.

I'm hoping to get closer to 1200 by the end of December, but I'm not willing to go there now.

Water... this afternoon I got busy and the bottle was empty. I missed out on a lot, since I'm aiming for my 200+ ounces. 182 is over my water goal (163oz). So that is good.

I'm feeling a little hungry, but that is no problem. Husband just offered me an evening snack and I said no thanks. Must make that a habit! ;)

okay - that is all for now. I need a good 15min of perving on blogs to see how every one else is doing today.

Food Today:

My Fit Foods
Mix n' Mash - chicken breast, rice, egg whites, roasted peppers, salsa, low fat cheddar cheese, spices
Good Morning Sunshine - ground turkey, rice, egg whites, salsa, low fat cheddar cheese, spices

Spawn of the DDDYC Phase 3 - December

2010-12-07T08:39:00.002-06:00

Today is day one. I have an email with my stuff from Allan waiting for me when I get home.

Before I got to work I had already had...31.9 oz of water. I'm another 24oz in now.

This Phase three is not that much different from what we have been doing all along. Lots O water, eat good for you food in smaller amounts.

I did not start out great last night. I ate too much and didn't push my plate away as soon as I should have. I have to calculate it out today when I get a moment.. which might not happen until I get home tonight.

Right...back to the water.

December... get ready. I'm coming down!

Forward!!

2010-12-06T15:24:00.005-06:00

As in.. I'm keeping on moving forward!

Today has been good. I'm happy with my eating. We have a birthday dinner tonight - seafood place. I'm going to have grilled shrimp or grilled fish tacos, water and some chips and salsa.

Yesterday we had a walk in the afternoon...picked the last of the grapefruit that we could reach (with our short tree nippers). I had one already today and they are just so good. The top of the tree is laden with fruit. I have never understood the frustration of an animal that can't reach something that it wants more then those moments I stood at the base of the tree looking longingly up at the yummy yummy fruit. haha

Attitude today - Positive.

Water: Good. So far today I have in me 110oz. I am about to refill the water and will get through another liter before home. Ihave a 16.9oz bottle waiting for me in the car for the ride home and tonight, water will be had before every bite of my meal.

I will keep on moving forwards. I must. not.fail.

Here is food today:

Monday weigh In

2010-12-06T08:55:00.002-06:00

290.4 lbs

So that is up 2.4lbs. Yesterdays post says it all. Ug.

However, I know that I just have to keep working, drinking my water and just keep working on this. I want to win, I don't want to be fat anymore.

Angry Math

2010-12-05T10:05:00.004-06:00

Okay... you know I really hate this. I hate gaining. HATE IT. I also hate feeling like a lier. Which is what it feels like right now.

I just weighed in for the Phase 3 Challenge and I gained this week.

290lbs. That is +2 lbs from last week.

I'm really starting to feel the frustration of weight struggles. The math has been laid out. It is not even a choice, not an option. Math is logic. Logic is infallible.

If I calculate that I eat my max calories for today (1980) then I end up with a weekly caloric total of 13,860.5. This is .5 calories OVER my weekly allowance. That means that at 288 last week I should have lost 2.4lbs since to maintain a weight of 288 I would need 22,176 calories.

Here is the math:

So, there can be only a couple of things that is causing this to happen.

1. I am calculating my calories incorrectly.
2. I am lying about what I eat
3. ...?? I don't know.

So this is where the real frustration is. I am not lying about my intake. Everything that passes my lips get recorded calculated and accounted for. To gain 2lbs I would have had to have consumed an additional 15,000 calories.

I suppose its possible that I am not correct in some of my estimates on size and values. But.... I'm very sure that I did not miss calculate by 15,000 calories. That is more than the total of the food that I ate this week.

OMG...I am going to get some breakfast and go for a walk and try to not think about this for a little while.

Saturday Overindulgence

2010-12-05T00:26:00.002-06:00

Got up this morning and took the hubby for a 3.5mile walk. It was SO beautiful out. We had a light breakfast - shared protein shake and a banana.

Post walk we went for breakfast at our fav bfast spot and sat out on the pattio. I love this weather. Sunny, warm, but with a cool breeze. LOVE IT!

Home for the afternoon, had a long bath and read in the tub. Watched some documentaries and did some crafting.

We had plans for the evening to celebrate Hanukkah with friends over Latkes at a great restaurant. I had my evening meal plan all laid out. And...

I ate more than I should. And now I am filled with remorse. Especially after such a great victory last night at the Christmas party. Arg. :(

I had planned for 2 latkes, some sour cream and some apple sauce. I ate 3, and then had half a blintz. That was an extra 385calories... which put me over my daily total by 292.

FUUUUUG

I did have a lot of water today, and we did get some excellent exercise in. Tomorrow is the start of Phase 3 of Allan's Spawn of Son of Double Dog Dare You Challenge. I am going to have to get MORE dedicated.

Weigh in tomorrow morning.

Food today....

Christmas Party 0 - Tamzin - 1

2010-12-03T23:26:00.002-06:00

Timed it perfectly!

We arrived as all my co-workers were finished eating. They were just getting up and starting to take some photos and starting to get into the evenings entertainment.

We skipped the whole food thing. Not a single thing. Oh, I had half a cup of coffee with cream at about 9.30. So I did get some calories in. Other than that, I put nothing across my lips. Surprise surprise... I didn't die? wow!

It was a casino night theme with your chips turned in for tickets that you entered raffles with. Turns out I'm quite good at craps. HAHAHAHA I'm punny!! ;) We had a great time. I had water with lime, husband had the free Heineken's and we gambled!

This was a very successful night on many levels. I had to go to the dessert table to turn in my chips, and I made it quick. I didn't want to be around the sweets, lest I get tempted. I lied to a couple of people about dinner/eating there. The "yes, we had some food - it was great" kind of lies. Pretty soon most people were too drunk to even bother asking. HA!

As for the evening, it was a riot. I ended up winning a raffle prize for two tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I'm so excited! :) okay.. bed time for good girls!

Friday Food

2010-12-03T12:29:00.004-06:00

I've decided that we are going to show up late-ish to the party. Then we can, fingers crossed, avoid the tables of food/buffet line.

I will also be full from our dinner, and will drink soda water/sparkling water all night. If I need a snack. I can have one at home after we get in.

That is my plan and I am promising myself right here and now that this is what I will do tonight. There will be no food to cross my lips. I do not need it. Nor do I want it.

~~~~~

I'm not much of a partier anymore. I don't drink to excess but have an occasional glass of wine - but never in these places. Its funny. I used to be a BIG drinker. (That is that I was both physically huge and drank a LOT! ha!)

5 years ago I stopped drinking. I didn't like who I was when I was drinking, I didn't like that I was out of control when I was drinking, I didn't like that I couldn't have one drink and stop. It was always to excess...

humm... Parallel much?

It was really hard to have one drink, then tell my friends that I wasn't going to have any more. People would buy them for me, and put them in my hand and I would drink them. So I finally just said, "I don't drink anything, anymore". The absolute was a lot easier for me to handle. It was also easier for everyone else to handle. I became the one that "didn't drink", that option was now off the table.

Food is the same. I've read a couple of blogs this week that are talking about addiction and food issues.

Tonight is going to be a struggle for me. People will be drunk and they will want me to participate. The drinking is easy to say no to. The food will be harder. So I guess the total avoidance method is what is going to work for me right now. I managed to do it with one part of my life... why not this?

I want to work up that same hate for who I am as a fat person, just like I hated who I was as a drunk person.

Alright... here is what I WILL be eating today. We are already up past lunch (Yum, it was outstanding):

My Fit Foods:
Oatmeal - steel cut oats with blackberries and walnuts
Berry Salad - chicken breast, blackberries, red onion, goat cheese & balsamic vinegar&evoo dressing
Good Morning Sunshine - ground spiced turkey, egg whites, parboiled rice, onion, salsa

Christmas Party...Ug!

2010-12-03T10:28:00.001-06:00

Damn it...

I just found out that it is a sit down dinner at our Christmas party. Buffet style, but with tables and you know... its weird to be there and not sit and eat with everyone else.

I think my plan is now to be "late" to the party. I don't know that I can control myself at a buffet just yet, and of course, no matter how little you take the hidden calories in the damn food will be nuts.

Very. Frustrating.

Pants!

2010-12-02T11:44:00.006-06:00

Last night after blogging I added some foods to my list. I had 2 cups of tea with honey .5T in each (64 calories) and 10 almonds (85calories), but did not add spinach to my meal (-41 calories). At work I caved to the pressure of a chocolate. I knew I shouldn't have, but it was put in my hand and so I ate it. Peppermint bark chocolate square (46) - So I ended up at with a calorie total of 2027, which is 47 points over for the day.

On to the rest. Great NSV today.

Today I am wearing pants that last winter/fall I had to sew extra buttons onto about an inch in from where the other buttons were to make them fit. In fact, I'm pretty sure that these pants didn't really fit when I bought them. However, today... they buttoned up on the original buttons perfectly. I even got confused about where the buttons were as there were so many in there. HA!!! That is a great feeling. Pants are FITTING!!!

I've had 2.5L of water so far today and a 8oz coffee.

Food is good. I'm full from my breakfast and snack. Lunch is going to be late today since I'm totally STUFFED right now from my greek yogurt and (recently plucked) grapefruit.

Speaking of, the husband and I went out last night and got some more grapefruit out of the forest! hahaha I love it. We could only reach 6 of them... so that will have to do...until I get the tree trimmer out there and get some off the higher branches. My co-workers think I'm nuts. Maybe I am.

Here is todays food:

Good Morning Sunshine - Ground turkey, parboiled rice, egg whites, spices, salsa
Killa Chili - ground beef, beans, tomato etc etc like reg chili
Fit Mac - whole wheat noodles, ground turkey with spices, tiny bit'o cheese (we will mix in 2c tomato sauce, and 2c of spinach. Yum!)

HUMP DAY!

2010-12-01T10:41:00.005-06:00

Hump day!!!! I'm kind of really enjoying that this hump day is on December 1st.

I was just over at Anns blog and she pointed out the date. Today is a big milestone for her, and her progress is inspiring. I hadn't really thought about it until then but this is the last 31 days of 2010. I need to make them count.

Tonight I am going to get a walk in. No matter what. Eating is going well. Dinner plans changed last night, we went for a shared small Greek salad and a small spinach pizza shared as well.

It became more than dinner. It became a moments that gives you something MORE if you are able to listen. Which I'm starting to be able to hear. Perhaps its all the water finally clearing the fuzz from my ear and brain.

The dinner my husband and I shared last night is about HALF what we used to share at this restaurant. We used to share a large Greek salad, large order of bread sticks in garlic butter, and a large pizza. We would eat it all. ALL OF IT.

Last night after our much reduced dinner... I was FULL. In fact I was more than full and next time I will have even less.

Not only that, but the urge to snack that evening was Zero. No snacks, I wasn't even interested. It was quick a flipperoo from where I was 2 months ago.

Last nights calorie count came to 1877/1980 (-103). I'm feeling pretty good so far about my lower calorie counts, I'm not missing that 110 that I cut from my 2090. in fact I'm rarely even getting up to the 1980 that I've set for myself. :) So next week I'm going to take an average of what I've been eating and lower it down a little more.

Today is going well. I had my dinner from last night (Americano) for breakfast a giant protein bomb of Sirloin, red potatoes and egg whites. I'm just finally getting hungry now and its almost lunch.

My Fit Foods

Americano - Sirloin, red potatoes, scrambled egg whites
Berry Salad - Chicken Breast, blackberries, red onion, spinach leaves w/ evoo & balsamic vinegar dressing (2T)
Simple Salmon - grilled Salmon, parboiled rice, broccoli

My Fit foods is what I do for my main meals. I buy it, I am in no way representing them, nor do I get free food. I wish!! Its bloody expensive!! But I love it.

In the end, the husband and I talked about the expense and it is still more affordable than staying fat, buying groceries we don't eat and just throw away, and the time spend making lunches I won't eat, breakfasts that I forget, and dinners that are full of fat. Plus it auto portion control. Also good.

I just thought that I should explain it a little better since I post it up here everyday. :D

Tuesday Post holiday ug

2010-11-30T12:59:00.003-06:00

Today I did not want to get out of bed... blarg... Tuesdays.

Work has been hellish and continues that way. I'm escaping into blog land on my lunch while I crunch raw red peppers and type away.

This Friday is our company Christmas party. I have decided that I will not eat while I'm there. The temptation once I start will be too great. However, there is a great alternative there since they are doing a casino theme.... there is going to be 4 Wii stations set up and we get to play and compete on them for tickets. There will be regular gambelling as well, then you use your ticket winnings to bid on games and prizes. I'm hoping to win a Wii! Competitive Spirit... full on!

Water right now is: 84 ounces

Here is todays food. I'm particularly pleased with my Fat and Protein intake today:

Mix N' Mash - chicken breast, egg whites, par boiled rice and roasted peppers/onions

Fit Mac - whole wheat pasta shells, ground turkey, onions and spices, low fat cheese

Americano (one of my favs) - 3oz tenderloin, smashed red potatoes, egg whites.

I have an inch that I just can't scratch!

2010-11-29T20:11:00.004-06:00

I did my inches today.....

and I've lost 4.25 of them! Weeeeeee!!!!!!

Neck - 16.25 (-.25)
Bust - 49 (-2)
Ribs - 44.5 (-)
Waist - 50.25 (-1.25)
Hips- 54 (-)
R Thigh - 26 (+.5)
L Thigh - 26 (-)
R Calf - 18 (-)
L Calf - 19 (-)
R Bicep - 15.25 (-.25)
L Bicep - 15 (-1)

Food Today

2010-11-29T12:36:00.004-06:00

Food today is going really well.

It was lunch before I even noticed it, which means my trial elimination of my mid morning snack... or "second breakfast" as the hobbit side of me likes to call it... has not been missed. Excellent.

Todays breakfast was my favorite My Fit Foods breakfast - the Good Morning Sunshine. Its a very nice protein bomb of ground turkey, eggwhites with spices and mixed with parboiled rice, celantro and some pico de gialo. So delishious.

Lunch is the chiken & berry salad over a bed of spinach, with a little goat cheese, red onion and a EVOO and balsamic vinegar dressing. I added a cut up granny smith to it for some extra omph.

I've already had 81oz of water and one 12 ounce coffee today which is 93 out of the 200 I'm aiming for. That should be no trouble for today.

I'm particularly pleased with my proteins today. 106.5 grams. Fats are only 10.8g over, most of which is the good fats in the EVOO and balsamic dressing.

Just finished my foraged grapefruit. It was so yummy. All set for an afternoon of water. Snack time at 3pm, second snack at 5pm, walk in the park at 6.30, dinner at 7.30 and done for the night.

Here is the food all laid out:

Monday Weigh In

2010-11-29T08:28:00.002-06:00

Happy to report that this mornings weigh in was 288lbs

I have recovered from last weeks gain of 6lbs and am back down.

Also...period starts! *PHEW*

Tonight I'm going to do my inches and perhaps new photos. We shall see what time allows.. I have grapefruit hunting to do as well as The Walking Dead to watch! ;)

Sunday food & Weekly total

2010-11-28T13:08:00.005-06:00

Got my food all planned out for today. Well on track and happy.

I weighed in for Allan's challenge this morning and was down to 288.4lbs. Which is down 5.6lbs from last week...where I gained 6. I'm going to chalk that up as a minor victory.

I'm still a little bloated as my period is late (AGGG!!! I know!! - I'm hoping it is the stress and sickness that is keeping it on hold...not anything else) and of course, I hadn't had my morning poop yet. That was just for you Allan, cause I know you love reading about us ladies and our BM's!! HA!!

Tomorrow is my official weigh in.. so I'm really excited to see where I will be.

The weekly total came in under my allotted calories. I'm higher on fats and lower on proteins and carbs. I'm going to make a concerted effort this week to get MORE protein. Need that good stuff to stay full and keep the "crazy" at bay.

119.2 * 9 = 1,072.8 calories
-290.1 * 4 = -1,160.4 calories
-330.6 *4 = -1,322.4 calories

I have most of next weeks food planned out. Things are looking good and I'm feeling a lot happier and more confident about staying well under my 1980 calorie limit.

Todays food:

Challenge stuff. Phase 3, the Spawn of SDDDC

1. Starts on Tuesday December 7 and runs until December 31

2. We will be put into 2 groups and provided with menus/choices that will make us smile at
1,200 calories per day (I won't be going all the way down to 1200. But I will be eating less).
3. Weigh-ins every Sunday

4. At minimum... I will have to follow the same rules as Phase 2

This is totally doable and I've been upsetting myself unnecessarily and bothering Allan. I'm really enjoying phase 2. Really enjoying it!! I'm excited to be carrying on for another month on the challenge for December.

Eff U Holiday Food I'm not your slave anymore.

Today I bought a goal shirt. A black Nike hoodie for Christmas. XL. :) I'm excited to be able to get into it in December.

Wild Grapefruit!!!

2010-11-28T13:04:00.006-06:00

Hubby and I got up nice and early this morning (for a weekend) and went down to the park to walk. Its so gorgeous out this time of year I like to get out as much as possible.

As we were walking along, enjoying the sunshine and the birds and trees and breeze I saw something in the forest.... something... fruity.... can you see it....

I stop and pointed... is that a lemon tree? Pears?

My poor Canadian brain couldn't wrap around what damn fruit could be growing wild in the middle of the park in winter... relative winter of course, since I'm in shorts and back home it is -25 celcius. ha!

We went in closer for investigation. GRAPEFRUIT. Wild bloody Grapefruit, just beautiful and full...hanging there on branches .. I've never seen grapefruit on a tree before!!! There they were... right in front of me 25feet in from the forest edge. Free for the taking!!!

We bushwacked in a little (I dont know if you know what "forest" is like in Texas...but its pretty hellishly dense) went and the husband and I pulled the branches down and picked some. We debated... can they be ripe?

So we peeled one... it looked good....the flesh was that deep pinky orange...so I ate some. It was one of the best damn grapefruits I've ever had. So on the way back we picked some more. Now I have them sitting at home in a bowl. YAY!! I'm going back tomorrow to get some more after work.

I mean.. come on.. they are free and it doesnt get much fresher than that!!!

~~~~~

If you go out in the woods today,
you're in for a big surprise.

If you go out in the woods today,
you might be able to summize.

That there is fruit just hanging on trees,

and you can take whatever you please,

because today there is grape-fruit in the for-est!

Saturday Totals

2010-11-27T19:56:00.003-06:00

Done and done. I have my water in me, and I might have a nice hot cuppa mint tea later as we settle in to watch a movie. But food today is finished.

1785/1980 not too shabby! Weight in tomorrow. I didn't peak today so I'm excited.

Fears & Food

2010-11-27T13:54:00.006-06:00

We managed to get up early and have very nearly kicked the last of this cold to the curb! We had to put on some long sleeves and a vest - hubby wore a hat even!! There was a lovely chill in the air. 35min walking was a nice start back into it. Sun was out and felt great to get out and about.

Friday I had my food well planned, but got off the rails when I went out to do some crafts with a friend who also was going to serve lunch... she didn't. So I went from 11.30am to 5.30pm having a tea and rice krispy square. Not great choices, but that was all. Then, of course. Overate for dinner since I was "famished".

The total damage was not too bad, over by 131calories/2090. What I dislike is my 'need' to overfeed when I get too far under. Which parlays me into this....

I know that phase three of the Challenge is coming and that we are going to have to reduce calories... and I'm not too proud to say that this scares the shit out of me.

I am doing well right now with my goal of 2090 calories. I feel happy and satisfied for 90% of the days. I don't worry about food too much and I have a little leeway for uncalculated errors.

Dropping calories for me is one of those old diet behaviors that in the past had gone... shall we say... poorly. The lower the calories, the more I obsess about what food I can have, when I can have it, how many times a day I get it, where its going to be, how big it is... ahhhhhhhh BINGE.

This is something that I want to avoid. I want to avoid the feelings of crazy food obsessive feelings and the imagined starvation/deprivation that lead me down the eventual path of "I deserve it because I've been so good". Once I get off the rails... its a long hard path back down.

Yesterday I set out my new goals for 1800 a day. Which is the caloric level for a 165lbs person. I do not want to be 165. So there is a lot of turmoil in Tamzin brainland. Lose weight faster vs risk of binging...what to do.. should I, shouldn't I, what if I can't. Etc ad nausium.

What I really wish is that the mental part of this was easier for me; that I had the kind of iron will that a lot of bloggers do. Not just the will of our fearless leader of the DDDYchallenges, there are so many men and women out there that just say NO, and do it. Its something that I marvel and covet.

So after all that I've decided to move my goals a little. I've changed my current calories to 1980. Which is the caloric goal of someone who is 180lbs. I'm comfortable with that. So it shall be for the next week or so until I can reach a little further comfortably.

~~~~~~

Today is great, I'm feeling good. Had my walk, lots of water. Lunch is underway and we are making some My Fit Food cabbage rolls from their great Good Morning Sunshine breakfast. Hubby is steaming cabbage and the GMS is a mix of egg white, ground spiced turkey, herbs and rice. Its going to be awesome.

This evening is leftovers for dinner and a couple of netflicks movies, then early to bed!

Post Turkey Day Success

2010-11-26T10:16:00.005-06:00

I have to say that this was certainly one of the most successful Turkey days that I've ever had.

Now that must be noted... down here in the Saaowth, my family is a family of 3. Today Thanksgiving was only special because we actually cooked. Back home it would have been harder with a TG dinner that would have been 30 strong, formal dinner, where everyone acts like a competitive eater. However this is a good start!

This is what I had yesterday.

**just for entertainments sake, can I just say that beets are natures way of reminding you that you are what you eat! haha

In the afternoon We met up with some friends that were opting out of Turkey day to go and see the new Harry Potter movie on the IMAX. AWESOME!! I'm a fan of course... wore my witches hat! ha! We got a small coke zero (of which I had a single sip and lost interest, but did finish 1L of water) and NO treats. ALLAN!!! aren't you proud?!

Of course, I was so full from my giant (hilarious to me that I can now tell people that the lunch I had was giant) lunch of turkey/veg etc filled me up that there was not even a hint of desire for anything else.

We went back over to the friends house for an evening of socialization. The husbands had scotch. The ladies had Vanilla Cherry Tea. At about 8pm we were served some cheese and crackers. I had an ounce of brie and stepped away.

I went to bed hungry and happy. It was a fabulous day.

Now I'm guessing that Phase Three of Allan's challenge is starting. (sorry Allan - the details are semi fuzzy to me). But I read today that we are to start dropping our calories. So I have my new plan that is going to be this.

Daily Calories: 1800

Daily g Carb: 248

Daily g Fat: 40

Daily g Proteins: 113

Daily Water is still the same - aiming for about 200 ounces of water a day.

Thanksgiving Craft...completed!

2010-11-25T22:43:00.002-06:00

I'm crafty!!!! Evil Pie!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:04:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Sadly, I'm not enjoying the day off as I had originally planned... long walk in the park and lots of activities. Ug. Stupid sickness.

I'm getting some crafts ready to keep my hands busy, and I am in the middle of a good book. So I have lots to keep me distracted.

The hubby and I have an afternoon date to go and see Harry Potter on the IMAX with some friends. I can't wait. I have my plan all ready - some pre-measured out almonds and water to be smuggled in. NO POPCORN.

Turkey day is going to be easy, I've already decided. I am NOT going to struggle with decision making. I have done my calculations. I know what I'm having and that is going to be it. We have a small little family here - there will be three at dinner.

I will be having:

- Turkey breast
- Roasted Beets and Brussels sprouts
- Roasted Sweet potato and Turnips (both of those will be done with a little rosemary and EVOO on a pan in the oven)
- Sweet Potato creme brulle (I picked it up last night from a lunch place that I went to last week).

No left over pie to indulge in. Hurray!!!! There is also going to green bean casserole, rolls, stuffing, butter, gravy and cranberry sauce... but I am NOT going to be having any of that.

Alright, time to get showered and start getting crafty on my day off and get that WATER in me! YEEEHAW!