Monthly Grocery Shopping = A Workout!

Sometimes when it's hard to get your exercise in you have to look at unique ways to get it in. Here is one I like to use. At the beginning of the month, I go to the grocery. I like to go by myself and I usually leave early on a Saturday morning when dh is home to watch the kids. Most of the time they are not even up before I go. I buy pretty much all for the month on that day. I usually go back for milk, produce and bread but that's about it. Getting a month's worth of groceries for 6 is no easy thing! I also try to make it harder on myself be making it a race. I race around the store and get everything I need and then I go back in and get all of the cold stuff because it usually takes 1 1/2 carts to get everything. Sometimes I go to one more store because the other one does not carry everything I need. Then I come home and unload ever thing myself and then I organize and put it up. I like doing it this way and it really is a great workout! I think I might even start counting 1 activity point for it!

Weight Watchers New Momentum plan

Well today when I went into my e-tools, I found out that they were releasing the new information about the new plan that starts next week. My leader said we will learn all about it at our next meeting. There is a lot of information on the e-tools right now which I get because I buy the Monthly Pass. While there are a few changes, I feel like it is really a whole lot of the same as FLEX was with a little bit of CORE added in. The only thing of HUGE difference I can find is that now we are going to be focusing on Filling Foods. They want you to eat foods that are more filling. You still get Weekly Points but you have to use all of those before you can use your activity points and from what I read online you can once again bank activity points for the week. This means that you can get 3 Activity Points on Monday and not use them until Saturday after you have used all of your Weekly points. I kind of liked the idea of using them on the day you earned them, but okay. Now it seems any liquid with water in it can be counted in the 6 8 oz glasses a day, although they say water is best. So, my initial reaction, I like that we get a change and it is really similar to the old Flex plan. Also, if you liked CORE, they have a program where you do not have to track points all week too. I did not read much on that because I have never done CORE. So, all in all, I can't wait to go to my meeting on Tuesday to find out more. I just really wish Weight Watchers would have waited until after the Holidays to start a new program, but oh well.

Helpful Tips for Stressful Days

I got this from my last meeting and really liked it! So I thought I would share.

E valuate Hunger
M ove More
O PT for Healthy Snacks
T oss Unhealthy Snacks
I ndulge in a balanced diet
O pen up to Positive Thinking
N otice Your Triggers
A dequate Rest
L ook Elsewhere for Comfort

I like this quote!

"Once you replace negitive thoughts with positive ones , Youll start having positive results." ~Willie Nelson

Weigh-in and "Focus"

Last night I had my weigh in. I lost all that I had gained last week and a little bit more. I weighed 274.6. That means I have lost 49.2 pounds since starting. I really can't believe that I have almost lost 50 pounds!!!!!!! Since going to weight watchers, I have lost 22.8 pounds in 2 months. I have 2.2 pounds more to lose before I get my 25 pound charm and 6.2 pounds before I get my 10% since going to weight watchers to get my key chain. I get a charm to put on my key chain before I get my key chain lol! So, sometime this summer I will get that key chain! I am so excited!

Our meeting last night was about FOCUS and the power of it. She asked these questions that you might want to ask yourself.

1. What distracts you from your weight loss dreams this time of year?

2. What events, chores, emotions etc. might keep you from seeing your winning outcome(book3) clearly?

3. What do you want to achieve this summer?

4. Why is it important to focus on remedies, not faults?

She also gave us a list of things to do to make our weight loss goals a priority:

1. Write it down (Track your food)

2. Keep it handy

3. Ask for help

4. Make time for yourself (including Weight Watchers Meetings)

5. Be selective about what takes up your time

6. Learn to say NO

7. Use meal ideas in Eat Wisely and member kits for quick and easy meal ideas.

8. Stay active

"When you focus on what you want, it will come into your life."

"When you focus on being a happy and motivated person that is who you will be."

from 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself

I hope all of us on this weight loss journey will learn how important FOCUS really is!

Good luck this week!

Thought For the Day

15 WAYS TO BURN 100 CALORIES
.......just think.......700 calories a week, 2,800 a month.
(from FOWW Newsletter)

1. A brisk walk for 15 minutes will burn 100 calories. Use a pedometer to track how many steps you've taken and to time how long you've walked.
2. Do housework. Yes, I know it's not anyone's favorite thing to do, but turn on some music and do little activities like vacuuming for 25 minutes.
3. Jump rope quickly for 10 minutes.
4. Climb up and down your stairs for 15 minutes.
5. Turn on the music and dance around the house for 20 minutes.
6. Wash your car for 30 minutes.
7. Garden or mow the lawn for 20 minutes.
8. Jog in place for 12 minutes and burn a little more than 100 calories.
9. A light intensity of approximately 10 mph will burn more than 100 calories in just 40 minutes. 10. Just 20 minutes of golf will burn 100 calories.
11. I'm not referring to swimming laps or training for the Olympics. Just a 15-minute leisurely swim will get us to our goal.
12. If you're pressed for time or working long hours, invest in a fun aerobic videotape and use it for 10 minutes.
13. A fun 30-minute Frisbee toss with your kids or a friend will burn up our needed calories, and it's a bit more pleasurable than a boring jaunt on the treadmill.
14. Pushing a stroller burns approximately 60 calories in 20 minutes. No problem, two nice and easy 20-minute strolls per day will get the job done without even breaking a sweat.
15. 15 minutes of vigorous weight training will burn approximately 100 calories. You don't have to workout forever. Just three 15 to 20 minute sessions per week will keep your bones strong, muscles tight - - and you'll keep burning calories after your workout.

100 Reasons to Lose 100 Pounds!

100 Reasons To Lose 100 Pounds
1. To feel good about ourselves.
2. To have GREAT s*x(I did not write this)
3. So we won't think people are laughing or talking about us.
4. To buy clothes in a normal store and actually get clothes with some style to them that fit correctly.
5. To have more energy!
6. To be able to tie your shoes/paint toenails.
7. To be able to sit on a floor and get up gracefully.
8. To wear a bathing suit.
9. To cross your legs or sit Indian style.1
0. To fit into an airline/theatre/ bus/whatever seat without spilling over and without having to see "that look" from the person who has to sit beside you.
11. So our ankles won't swell.
12. To fit into a booth at any restaurant.
13. To not need an extension to a seat belt on an airplane and to have the tray table not balance on our bellies.14. To not worry about being decapitated in our cars with our seat belts on if we should be in an accident.
15. To not turn beet red after moderate exertion.
16. To be able to pick something up off the floor.
17. Panty Hose that fit!
18. To go to an amusement park and ride the rides.
19. To be able to sit in any chair without worry of breakage.
20. To not have to apologize when caught in a narrow aisle and have someone need to get by.
21. To go dancing, sky diving, bungee jumping....
22. To be able to go horseback riding or ride a bike.
23. To not worry about rashes and sweating.
24. To not have to listen to "caring" people ask why you don't diet or worse still... "gee you have such a pretty face".
25. To not worry about spilling food, sauces or gravy down the front of your blouse/dress/ shirt when eating.
26. To not have to think up some excuse for not doing something because you know your weight will impede you.
27. To not have your belly hit the steering wheel and to be able to fit comfortably in the driver's seat.
28. To have a bra fit comfortably and to be able to buy underwear at Victoria's Secret rather than at "Tubby the Underwear Guy".
29. To not have to worry about the weight limit of step stools, ladders,motorcycle, exercise equipment, etc.
30. To not get stuck in a turn style.
31. To not wake up feeling achy in the back..or to have ache free legs and feet.
32. So the bathroom scale won't creak and groan when you step on it.
33. To be able to leave the tablecloth on the table at a restaurant instead of dragging it with you when you get up.
34. So you won't look the other way when you see yourself in a monitor where they have security cameras.
35. To never be embarrassed about your size.
36. To not count tying shoes as daily exercise.
37. To not have to wait for the handicap stall when there are plenty of other stalls available.
38. To not be more out of shape than seniors.
39. To not break toilet seat when leaning to one side.
40. To be able to put on wedding rings again.
41. To try to make a double chin and fail!
42. Buy clothing bargains to fit the next year ... and they do!
43. Not to have to worry about plastic zippers or having your pants bust open.
44. Normal waistbands rather than elastic!
45. To wear knee socks correctly instead of worn like slouches!
46. To look good in a tee shirt!
47. To try on slacks or jeans and have the pant leg actually fit over leg!
48. To be able to get close to sink and not come away with a wet belly!
49. To get out of a stuffed chair GRACEFULLY and not look down to see if the chair has come up with you!
50. To not worry if the hairdresser' s smock will fit!
51. To not be self-conscious about eating in front of others!
52. To not be afraid to ask which hairstyle suits your face.
53. To not have people checking you out after looking in your grocery cart.
54. To not feel (and look) like a sausage in stirrup pants.
55. To have your friends NOT be embarrassed to be seen with you.
56. To get promotions/hired or close that sale.
57. Pants that stay up because your waist is smaller than your butt!
58. No more boobs! (this is for the guys!)
59. Wearing shorts or tank tops without fear of arrest or grossing out others!
60. To not have the fear of being rejected.
61. To successfully flirt!
62. To not worry about how to get in and out of the back seat in a two door car!
63. One size fits all and it fits you!
64. To have a lap.
65. To not have the car you are ride in slant in your direction.
66. To be able to use toilet paper as it was meant to be used and not to have to invent ways to "get the job done".
67. To not have to watch TV news reports on fat people in hopes that you haven't been caught on camera!
68. To be able to get between cars in a parking lot without wiping the dust off with your belly and your butt.
69. No more heat rashes and chafing in the upper thighs.
70. So that the cloth in the thigh area doesn't wear away long before the rest of the slacks do!
71. To meet a friend online and not be horrified to have to send a picture of yourself.
72. To not take fat references and fat jokes personally.
73. To know you can go anywhere because wherever you sit you CAN be comfortable and look at ease.
74. To shop at the mall and not have your back ache from lugging your huge butt and stomach around!
75. To be able to stand still, carrying nothing and still look poised.
76. To be able to cross your arms across your chest without them resting on your stomach!
77. To have your feet get smaller.
78. Using your mouth to taste and chew food rather than as just a route to get the food from your lips to your stomach.
79. Blood pressure returns to normal.
80. To avoid other health complications from being overweight.
81. To be able to borrow a co-worker's jacket for an important meeting.
82. To meet someone for the first time and their eyes don't pop out of their head with amazement... because they never knew you're fat!
83. To see your reflection in a mirror or store window without turning away!
84. To wear a watch with a regular length watch band.
85. To look in the mirror when getting your hair cut without thinking you have the biggest face in the world.
86. To not mind getting your picture taken.
87. To not avoid going to the doctor because you have to get "weighed"in.
88. To wake up each morning feeling energized and ready to go.
89. To not even worry about squeezing into small spaces.
90. To not have to enter an elevator and check the weight limit.
91. To look in your closet and have problems deciding which stylish outfit to work since you have so many that look good and fit well.
92. To not have to lie perfectly still in bed at night for fear of breaking the bed!
93. To buy tie shoes instead of slip-ons!
94. To be able to walk any distance without looking for a bench to sit on.
95. To look forward to shopping and just trying on clothes!
96. To be able to drive by any fast food place without salivating!
97. To be able to shop at the same store for food instead of having to remember where you shopped last night for the junk food so you can avoid that store for a few days!
98. To not feel lower than low when an innocent child remarks about your size!
99. To not constantly be thinking of where your next morsel of food is coming from.100. And the 100th reason to lose 100 pounds.....I'M WORTH IT!
- Author Of List Unknown

Thought for the day.....

This came from SparkPeople. I thought it was great!

Did you forget to brush your teeth last night.....
If you forgot to brush your teeth last night, did you decide this morning to throw in the towel and never brush your teeth again? Since you're obviously a slob who doesn't have enough self- discipline to remember to brush your teeth, why bother brushing them at all if you forgot to last night?
Of course not.
So if you had ice cream for dinner last night, or didn't exercise yesterday, or gained a pound this week, don't throw in the towel! Make a healthier choice for dinner tonight by eating something lean. Go for a short walk. Weigh in again next week.
Just do NOT give up.

Thought For the Day

Don't Quit...Weight Watcher Style
When you've eaten too much and you can't write it down
And you feel like the biggest failure in town;
When you want to give up just because you gave in
And forget all about being healthy and thin;
So What! You went over your points a bit;
It's your next move that counts...So don't you quit!
It's a moment of truth, It's an attitude change;
It's learning the skills to get back in your range;
It's telling yourself, You've done great up till now;
You can take on this challenge and beat it somehow.
It's part of your journey toward reaching your goal;
You're still gonna make it, just stay in control.
To stumble and fall is not a disgrace
If you summon the will to get back in the race;
But, often the strugglers when losing their grip
Just throw in the towel, continue to slip
And learn too late when the damage is done
That the race wasn't over and they still could have won.
Life-style change can be awkward and slow
But facing each challenge will help you to grow;
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint in the cloud of doubt.
When you're pushing to the brink,
just refuse to submit;
If you bite it you write it... But DON'T YOU QUIT!

Thought for the day...

When you want to eat something you shouldn't change into your bathing suit, you will be less likely to eat it while you are wearing that bathing suit!

Thought For the Day....

Before you eat something you know is bad, sing or say this little jingle in your head to help you THINK first!
~

STOP!! In the name of Goal...

Before you fill that bowl...

STOP!! You've got self-control...

Now go & take a stroll...

THINK IT OOOOOVER......BABY THINK IT OOOOVER!!!!

THINK FIRST - that's the name of the game!!

Thought For The Day

"If you don't quit, and don't cheat, and don't run home when trouble arrives, you can only win." -- Shelly Long
Do you want to be successful at weight loss? Don't quit. Weight loss takes time and patience. I think I repeat those words every day. Are you listening? Or do you think I must be talking to someone else?
Do you want to be successful at weight loss in the fastest time possible? Don't cheat. The closer you stay to plan the better your chances of success. Are you following the WW plan or have you adjusted it so much that it now resembles a distant cousin?
Do you want to be successful at weight loss no matter the obstacles? Don't run home in despair and bury your feelings in a gallon of ice cream. You WILL have days of discouragement and disappointment. The way you handle those emotions will impact your continued success.

You CAN win. I believe it.

I like this!

“Eat a little less each day… move a little more each day and trust God.” Bob Harper from Biggest Loser

10 Things I Have Learned...

April 25 Thought For The Day

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey, that matters in the end."
U. LeGuin

10 Things I Have Learned About Me on This Weight Loss Journey
1. I have knees! I can feel my knees popping out now.
2. My cheeks feel so different, thinner
3. My rings don't fit real well, they seem to feel like they are falling off.
4. I can run after the kids so much easier.
5. I can do a brisk walk for over 30 minutes. I used to not be able to make it 5 minutes.
6. I am not out of breath when I take the steps.
7. I love grocery shopping and trying to find low point items.
8. I am HAPPIER! and feel better.
9. I can do well changing my diet habits.
10. I love to exercise especially outside with the nice weather we have been having.
~
What have you learned about yourself on your weight loss journey?

Thought For The Day

I have told you that I am using a Weight Watchers calendar that we get each month for my thoughts for the day. Sometimes they apply to me and sometimes they do not? Here is today's.

~

April 2- Climb the stairs today. Go up and down, up and down, many times and get a good aerobic workout.

~

I really do not have any stairs to climb today so this might be hard for me. I have heard in the news recently that fitness people are looking at this exercise more as a really good workout. Football players have been doing it forever.

Thought for the day and Monthly Celebration!

March 31: How will you celebrate your success this month? Reward yourself in a non-food way!
~
I can't believe it is already the end of the month. When I went back to my progress page where I record my numbers every month, I lost 10 pounds this month. For me 10 pounds in a month is GREAT! I have never actually went back and figured monthly weight changes and I think I kind of like it! So, how am I going to celebrate in a non food way? I have to be careful here because money is tight, but I found that at the Dollar Tree, they have magazines for $1.00. They are from the previous month, but some come out in the middle of the month that they say on the front. I have enjoyed Family Circle, Fitness, Woman's Day, Ladies Home Journal, just to name a few, from there! So, I get $5 to go splurge on magazines that I usually do not go out and buy. I love reading magazines!
How are you going to celebrate your loss this month?
~
This week has been really good, but I am really scared about going to the scales tomorrow! This is the first week since I joined WW meetings that I really feel like I finally did things right. I have been too sick the other two weeks! I have exercised everyday, but one and earned 3 AP's by doing my walking DVD. Friday(the day I said I did not exercise), I deep cleaned the house and worked really hard for two hours. When I tried to count this online I put in 2 hours of light exercise and it came up with 8 AP's. I did not even count that because I NEVER earn 8 AP's a day, but I probably should have counted it. Yesterday was just so pretty and we have been couped up in this house for just too long being sick that I took the kids, well all but the baby (I left him with daddy!), and we went to the park! We have a really small park, I can walk, while they play and still watch them. I walked for 1 hour and got 4 Ap's. I set a goal to get 18 Ap's this week and I think I might end up getting a few more, probably like 22! Walking outside felt so good! It was just a really pretty day! I also have done really good on my points even with eating out this week! Like I said I ate all of my points and I have said this before that I was doing the wrong points before going to WW and now I am doing a higher number and I am scared that I am not going to lose any. So, we will see. Most of the time I worry about nothing. I also have been trying to get in my 8 Healthy Guidelines this week(I really did not do these before going to WW) and have done really well! I had been having trouble with dairy. Well now that I have discovered WW cookies at 1 point each, drinking my milk is just not so hard! Cookie(s)( I only eat one a day!) and milk on WW! Also I have NEVER done good on getting in my 2 teaspoons of healthy oils. This week I have been using the WW website and message boards and they had a list of things to try to get in the oil requirement. I picked drizzling 2 teaspoons of canola oil on my microwave popcorn and at first I thought that just sounded NASTY, but it is my new fave! So popcorn and healthy oil at 3.5 points a day might be how I get in my healthy oil. I also started taking a vitamin, more regularly. The daily tracker on the WW e-tools has you check it off everyday so I remember! I always struggle with 5 fruits and veggies a day, but seemed to do real well this week, so I guess I will just have to wait until tomorrow to see how I really did. I hope everyone else had a great week!

Thought For The Day

March 29: Avoid skipping meals. Allowing yourself to get hungry usually leads to overeating!

Thought for the Day

March 28th- Drink alcohol in moderation. your body will thank you.
~
I do not drink anyways, so this one is not hard for me. Alcohol is just empty calories anyways! But if you drink it moderation is the key. I have so many relatives who have drank themselves to death! No joke. Too much of anything is just really bad for our bodies!

Thought for the Day-Lighted Foods

I am going to put the last three days on here so you can understand this statement.
~
Red-light foods are foods we can't handle successfully. It is often better to avoid them until we can.
Yellow-light foods can be eaten successfully in some situations. you may want to buy one cookie at the bakery rather than bake an entire batch at home.
Green-light foods are healthy and good for us. Stock up on them at the store.
~
Here is a list of some of these foods for me:
Green-light foods: veggies (lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, green beans) fruits (strawberries, apples, oranges, grapefruits) lean meats (chicken breast, skinless), milk and milk products like yogurt, and whole grain breads.
~
Yellow-light foods for me are some of the foods that I buy in the 100 calorie packs. I love the Grasshopper cookies and the 100 calorie pack allows me to still be able to enjoy it without overdoing it!
~
Red-light foods for me are big bags of potato chips (even though they are cheaper than 100 calorie packs, I would eat the whole bag, I am not successful with the big bag. Some restaurant foods I just have to stay away from especially french fries and onion rings. Most cookies, cakes ,etc.
~
What are some of these foods for you?

Daily Motivation

Yellow-light foods can be eaten successfully in some situations. You may want to buy one cookie at the bakery rather than make a whole batch at home.