By Belinda
156.8, after cell group and a celebration lunch yesterday. And this is where the weekend begins and I typically end up on Monday at the high end of my weight teeter totter.
I resisted fish and chips and had a Greek salad with chicken breast for yesterday's lunch, and last night I cooked the turnip Susan brought me as a gift and loved it! I didn't grow up eating turnip but I will be eating it from now on. Turns out that turnip is a very good choice--NO points--just the butter I mashed into it.
Friday, 16 April 2010
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Lunch Out
By Susan
I really like going out for lunch. I REALLY like going out for lunch. So four days into my new low-carb life, I walked into my favourite greasy-greasy-greasy greasy spoon. They smile when they see me coming. They wonder whether I'll have the fat-dripping fish'n'chips or the crispy chicken sandwich (with fries of course) or perhaps a big juicy burger. Not today.
I walked up to the counter with a bit more energy than I usually have. "I'm going to be getting a lot thinner, really, really quickly. And you're gonna help me."
I thought the girl behind the counter (the skinny, skinny Greek girl behind the counter) was going to jump over her cash register and accost me! Her eyes lit up like Christmas trees and when I said, "I'd like a nice piece of halibut, but instead of dipping it in batter and frying it, could you just grill it without the batter?" I heard her mother behind the counter, who does all the cooking, say, "How'm I gonna do that?" while her daughter asked me excitedly, "And a big salad?"
"Yeah, a big salad."
"I know, I know just the thing," and she hijacked the conversation then and there, transposing it instantly into a monologue. "I'll put balsamic vinegar on it - ooo it's sooo goooood - tastes like candy - I swear - balsamic vinegar - I've got my own private stash - I'll give you some o' that - I get it at Costco - $20 a bottle - you're gonna love - tastes soooo goooood - we'll take care of you - Mom, put a halibut on for this lady but don't fry it - sprinkle some lemon juice and oregano on it, wrap it in foil and just let it steam on the grill - ooh, that's gonna be so good - I lost 15 pounds that way - no kidding - I lost 15 pounds in three weeks - THREE weeks - I just had a chicken breast everyday like that - next time you come in have a chicken breast, it's a lot cheaper and it's good too - with a big garden salad and my balsamic vinegar and I lost 15 pounds just like that. Three weeks! Do you want it here or to go?"
Finally, a break in her enthusiasm, giving me a chance to speak. But before I could get a word in edgewise she started in again. "What do you want to drink? You should have water. Diet coke? You can have all the diet coke you want - it's almost as good as water." She was fairly rubbing her hands together with glee. I loved it.
It's funny how you think everyone is going to judge you as soon as you "admit" that you need help. At least I did. Hah! As though people can't see it all over me! But if I told someone I was on a diet or I was trying to eat better, I thought I would be drawing attention to myself and inviting judgmental thoughts from people if not outright comments.
It was so much fun having that Greek girl in the restaurant prove me wrong. She made me the biggest most beautiful garden salad you've ever seen, drenched in the most delectable balsamic vinegar and then she hovered over me while I started to eat. She was as nervous as a rabbit and shifting her weight (what little weight she had!) from one foot to another. She showered me with more un-asked-for tips, and you'd have thought I had told her I'd won a million bucks and was giving her half, for the smile that was on her face.
She told me she weight 115 pouds. "I was up to 130," she said, as though I would think that a tub of lard. I wasn't going to tell her I would need to lose as much as she weighs now if I were to reach my "ideal" (textbook) weight.
I smiled too. I didn't expect ANY encouragement from The Grease Pit (I call it.) and here I was as drenched in it as my garden salad was in that balsamic vinegar. Do you think I'll go back there to eat lunch?
You bet I will! Just for the halibut! (or the chicken)
I really like going out for lunch. I REALLY like going out for lunch. So four days into my new low-carb life, I walked into my favourite greasy-greasy-greasy greasy spoon. They smile when they see me coming. They wonder whether I'll have the fat-dripping fish'n'chips or the crispy chicken sandwich (with fries of course) or perhaps a big juicy burger. Not today.
I walked up to the counter with a bit more energy than I usually have. "I'm going to be getting a lot thinner, really, really quickly. And you're gonna help me."
I thought the girl behind the counter (the skinny, skinny Greek girl behind the counter) was going to jump over her cash register and accost me! Her eyes lit up like Christmas trees and when I said, "I'd like a nice piece of halibut, but instead of dipping it in batter and frying it, could you just grill it without the batter?" I heard her mother behind the counter, who does all the cooking, say, "How'm I gonna do that?" while her daughter asked me excitedly, "And a big salad?"
"Yeah, a big salad."
"I know, I know just the thing," and she hijacked the conversation then and there, transposing it instantly into a monologue. "I'll put balsamic vinegar on it - ooo it's sooo goooood - tastes like candy - I swear - balsamic vinegar - I've got my own private stash - I'll give you some o' that - I get it at Costco - $20 a bottle - you're gonna love - tastes soooo goooood - we'll take care of you - Mom, put a halibut on for this lady but don't fry it - sprinkle some lemon juice and oregano on it, wrap it in foil and just let it steam on the grill - ooh, that's gonna be so good - I lost 15 pounds that way - no kidding - I lost 15 pounds in three weeks - THREE weeks - I just had a chicken breast everyday like that - next time you come in have a chicken breast, it's a lot cheaper and it's good too - with a big garden salad and my balsamic vinegar and I lost 15 pounds just like that. Three weeks! Do you want it here or to go?"
Finally, a break in her enthusiasm, giving me a chance to speak. But before I could get a word in edgewise she started in again. "What do you want to drink? You should have water. Diet coke? You can have all the diet coke you want - it's almost as good as water." She was fairly rubbing her hands together with glee. I loved it.
It's funny how you think everyone is going to judge you as soon as you "admit" that you need help. At least I did. Hah! As though people can't see it all over me! But if I told someone I was on a diet or I was trying to eat better, I thought I would be drawing attention to myself and inviting judgmental thoughts from people if not outright comments.
It was so much fun having that Greek girl in the restaurant prove me wrong. She made me the biggest most beautiful garden salad you've ever seen, drenched in the most delectable balsamic vinegar and then she hovered over me while I started to eat. She was as nervous as a rabbit and shifting her weight (what little weight she had!) from one foot to another. She showered me with more un-asked-for tips, and you'd have thought I had told her I'd won a million bucks and was giving her half, for the smile that was on her face.
She told me she weight 115 pouds. "I was up to 130," she said, as though I would think that a tub of lard. I wasn't going to tell her I would need to lose as much as she weighs now if I were to reach my "ideal" (textbook) weight.
I smiled too. I didn't expect ANY encouragement from The Grease Pit (I call it.) and here I was as drenched in it as my garden salad was in that balsamic vinegar. Do you think I'll go back there to eat lunch?
You bet I will! Just for the halibut! (or the chicken)
GISI DICI
By Belinda
This morning I weighed 154.6, which although it is happily on the downward trend, is still not breaking the 153 pound barrier. I guess that is my first small goal: Getting to 152 and maintaining that for a week would define success in this Fresh Start. That, and getting out into the fresh air with Molson at least twice more this week for our 3.5 km circuit of the village.
Yesterday I was over my points allowance by 12, so I have used 23 of my weekly 35 flex points in the first 3 days! But counting is victory, and I won't be rigid about it. It is a tool and it is helping.
I'm reading an old book: The Secret of Self Control, by Dr. Richard L. Ganz. In the bit I read this morning, he gave a helpful, Japanese sounding acronym to use: GISI DICI, which means:
This morning I was praying for myself and some other friends with food issues. To my surprise I found the list growing as I prayed. The contributers to this blog were on it, along with some friends, as well as three young women who battle anorexia --11 of us all together. This is such an area of struggle and defeat for many women. This blog is a support network for me, and I will give back in any way I can, in writing and prayer.
This morning I weighed 154.6, which although it is happily on the downward trend, is still not breaking the 153 pound barrier. I guess that is my first small goal: Getting to 152 and maintaining that for a week would define success in this Fresh Start. That, and getting out into the fresh air with Molson at least twice more this week for our 3.5 km circuit of the village.
Yesterday I was over my points allowance by 12, so I have used 23 of my weekly 35 flex points in the first 3 days! But counting is victory, and I won't be rigid about it. It is a tool and it is helping.
I'm reading an old book: The Secret of Self Control, by Dr. Richard L. Ganz. In the bit I read this morning, he gave a helpful, Japanese sounding acronym to use: GISI DICI, which means:
- Gradual Improvement
- Steady Improvement
- Daily Improvement
- Constant Improvement
This morning I was praying for myself and some other friends with food issues. To my surprise I found the list growing as I prayed. The contributers to this blog were on it, along with some friends, as well as three young women who battle anorexia --11 of us all together. This is such an area of struggle and defeat for many women. This blog is a support network for me, and I will give back in any way I can, in writing and prayer.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
By Belinda
This morning I weighed 155.4. I was glad to be down three pounds but I have had a 5 pound yo yo thing going for so long that until I get below 153 pounds I won't count it as real progress!
Today I went over my 22 points allowance by 12 points because of an unplanned lunch at Tim Hortons with my boss. At least I was able to count the points when I got home.
No exercise today. This doesn't sound good but at least I counted points. That does slow my eating down and help me to make better choices!
This morning I weighed 155.4. I was glad to be down three pounds but I have had a 5 pound yo yo thing going for so long that until I get below 153 pounds I won't count it as real progress!
Today I went over my 22 points allowance by 12 points because of an unplanned lunch at Tim Hortons with my boss. At least I was able to count the points when I got home.
No exercise today. This doesn't sound good but at least I counted points. That does slow my eating down and help me to make better choices!
Monday, 12 April 2010
By Belinda
A quick update on how it's going. I decided yesterday to pull out my Weight Watchers books and point counter and use these as a tool to help bring me retrain my eyes and appetite to the much smaller amount that is actually needed to eat healthily. The daily points allowance in my weight range is 22, with 35 additional points to "splurge" with once a week or a few each day. I can tell I'm going to be "a few each day" woman--and I bet I have a big splurge somewhere in the week, too!
Yesterday I managed on 23.5, but today I've eaten 30. That's partly because half way into the afternoon I had eaten all the food I'd taken to work, so I ate 4 rice cakes that were in my emergency rations stashed away in a dusty corner. I don't much care what I eat as long as I have something to munch on, and I suppose that 4 rice cakes didn't break the bank.
Yesterday I went for a 3.5 km walk with Molson, my faithful friend and walking buddy. This is his "I'm happy and you can do it," face.
ed
On the home stretch and proudly carrying his leash in his mouth all the way home.
Ready for a nice drink of water and a happy snooze. Me too.
I weighed in at one pound less than yesterday morning, but I came home from work too late to go for a walk tonight. It was wonderful to find some friends have joined my cheering section and perhaps the journey too. It was a good start!
A quick update on how it's going. I decided yesterday to pull out my Weight Watchers books and point counter and use these as a tool to help bring me retrain my eyes and appetite to the much smaller amount that is actually needed to eat healthily. The daily points allowance in my weight range is 22, with 35 additional points to "splurge" with once a week or a few each day. I can tell I'm going to be "a few each day" woman--and I bet I have a big splurge somewhere in the week, too!
Yesterday I managed on 23.5, but today I've eaten 30. That's partly because half way into the afternoon I had eaten all the food I'd taken to work, so I ate 4 rice cakes that were in my emergency rations stashed away in a dusty corner. I don't much care what I eat as long as I have something to munch on, and I suppose that 4 rice cakes didn't break the bank.
Yesterday I went for a 3.5 km walk with Molson, my faithful friend and walking buddy. This is his "I'm happy and you can do it," face.
ed
On the home stretch and proudly carrying his leash in his mouth all the way home.
Ready for a nice drink of water and a happy snooze. Me too.
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Fresh Start 158.2
By Belinda
I've been avoiding Stopping the Slide for a long time.
Mainly I've avoided writing here because I have been stuck fighting the same 15 or so pounds of overweight without success. This, I feared would bore you, and definitely embarrass me.
However being quiet hasn't helped, and processing by writing helps me so I am back doing battle in public.
This morning I was 158.2 1b. My ideal weight is 142 1b. My body is also in need of toning up.
I am a sporadic dog walker and so I am not a hopeless couch potato, but I need to have a routine that incorporates exercise faithfully
This June I turn 60 and I guess I`m thinking about what kind of body I want to take into the next decade. I want it to be toned and trim.
So, join me in the journey if you will! Perhaps we can encourage one another.
I've been avoiding Stopping the Slide for a long time.
Mainly I've avoided writing here because I have been stuck fighting the same 15 or so pounds of overweight without success. This, I feared would bore you, and definitely embarrass me.
However being quiet hasn't helped, and processing by writing helps me so I am back doing battle in public.
This morning I was 158.2 1b. My ideal weight is 142 1b. My body is also in need of toning up.
I am a sporadic dog walker and so I am not a hopeless couch potato, but I need to have a routine that incorporates exercise faithfully
This June I turn 60 and I guess I`m thinking about what kind of body I want to take into the next decade. I want it to be toned and trim.
So, join me in the journey if you will! Perhaps we can encourage one another.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Start of Week 2, 2009
Hey--154.4 today; down 2.2 pounds.
I really feel good about this week's effort. I don't know if it was because of the Switching technique I tried, but I did not fall into the old habit of reaching for sweets when tired. It seems to work. I may try it for other habits that I want to change.
Most days I managed to not eat more than one or two over 22 points. On Thursday, which had two group meals, I ate everything, but modest portions. I used my bonus points that day.
On Saturday Paul and I babysat four of our grandchildren at their home, and our daughter in law ordered in pizza. I had planned to eat one slice and even took a salad, banana and yogurt along to bolster my resolve, but it was just too delicious and I ate THREE pieces as well as all the pepperoni that Emily picked off her pizza. Well, these things happen.
Today the weather was so mild and sunny that I knew it was "the day." Molson and I went for a 3.5 km walk! Yeay--I am off the couch at last.
My pants still feel tight. Well, what can I expect after only 2.2 pounds? :) But I am on my way!
I really feel good about this week's effort. I don't know if it was because of the Switching technique I tried, but I did not fall into the old habit of reaching for sweets when tired. It seems to work. I may try it for other habits that I want to change.
Most days I managed to not eat more than one or two over 22 points. On Thursday, which had two group meals, I ate everything, but modest portions. I used my bonus points that day.
On Saturday Paul and I babysat four of our grandchildren at their home, and our daughter in law ordered in pizza. I had planned to eat one slice and even took a salad, banana and yogurt along to bolster my resolve, but it was just too delicious and I ate THREE pieces as well as all the pepperoni that Emily picked off her pizza. Well, these things happen.
Today the weather was so mild and sunny that I knew it was "the day." Molson and I went for a 3.5 km walk! Yeay--I am off the couch at last.
My pants still feel tight. Well, what can I expect after only 2.2 pounds? :) But I am on my way!
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Switching
Today I ate 27 points including 5 of my 35 extra points for the week.
Shan, thank you for your encouraging comment on the topic of exercise and expressing faith that I "can do it." I have yet to "do it," but I know that any day now I will burst from the couch and begin! I feel it coming and am working myself up to starting. :)
On Sunday, when I read my Weight Watchers Getting Started booklet, I decided to try the Switching technique. This is where you switch a habit you want to get rid of, for a more acceptable one by reprogramming your brain. I've never tried this before, but being desperate on Sunday, I thought that it was well worth trying, so I faithfully followed the instructions in the booklet and "switched" the habit of mindlessly cruising the snack cupboard in the evening, for making a cup of herbal tea. So far so good. I don't know if I've succeeded in brainwashing myself or not, but I did make a cup of licorice tea on Sunday evening, and it tasted decadently delicious.
I am encouraged and committed.
Shan, thank you for your encouraging comment on the topic of exercise and expressing faith that I "can do it." I have yet to "do it," but I know that any day now I will burst from the couch and begin! I feel it coming and am working myself up to starting. :)
On Sunday, when I read my Weight Watchers Getting Started booklet, I decided to try the Switching technique. This is where you switch a habit you want to get rid of, for a more acceptable one by reprogramming your brain. I've never tried this before, but being desperate on Sunday, I thought that it was well worth trying, so I faithfully followed the instructions in the booklet and "switched" the habit of mindlessly cruising the snack cupboard in the evening, for making a cup of herbal tea. So far so good. I don't know if I've succeeded in brainwashing myself or not, but I did make a cup of licorice tea on Sunday evening, and it tasted decadently delicious.
I am encouraged and committed.
Monday, 2 February 2009
I am afraid that since my last post I haven't done very well. On Sunday morning, which is going to be my new weekly weigh in day, I was 156.6lb, which is UP since the beginning of the year.
Not surprising, since I've been totally irrational when it came to eating, freely indulging in ice cream, desserts and other snacks. It's probably a wonder that I didn't gain more and the only reason I can think of is that my dark side takes over after 5.00 p.m. Usually until then I manage to eat quite sensibly.
Anyway, on Sunday, I decided I'd had enough. My pants are so uncomfortably tight and I refuse to buy a larger size. It is me that has to shrink!
So, I hauled out my Weight Watcher information and reread the beginner booklet. I love the Weight Watcher system and it really works for me. I love the ability to eat whatever I want as long as I plan for it, while keeping in mind the basic healthy eating guidelines.
Yesterday and today I managed to stay within my points allotment of 22 (without using any of the emergency fund of 35 weekly points).
I plan to post more frequently, just to keep a record of how it's going. That helps me and who knows? Maybe it will encourage someone else. :)
One thing that I have sadly lacked is exercise. I need to get moving. One thing at a time though. Maybe by the end of the week!
Not surprising, since I've been totally irrational when it came to eating, freely indulging in ice cream, desserts and other snacks. It's probably a wonder that I didn't gain more and the only reason I can think of is that my dark side takes over after 5.00 p.m. Usually until then I manage to eat quite sensibly.
Anyway, on Sunday, I decided I'd had enough. My pants are so uncomfortably tight and I refuse to buy a larger size. It is me that has to shrink!
So, I hauled out my Weight Watcher information and reread the beginner booklet. I love the Weight Watcher system and it really works for me. I love the ability to eat whatever I want as long as I plan for it, while keeping in mind the basic healthy eating guidelines.
Yesterday and today I managed to stay within my points allotment of 22 (without using any of the emergency fund of 35 weekly points).
I plan to post more frequently, just to keep a record of how it's going. That helps me and who knows? Maybe it will encourage someone else. :)
One thing that I have sadly lacked is exercise. I need to get moving. One thing at a time though. Maybe by the end of the week!
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