Welcome Back (A Vlog)

Hi!! I am back & I decided to Vlog! Jesus help us all =D Take a looksie and please excuse the not so lovely quality! Thank you apple! haha ok I am done! Anyone still out there?! Say Hi!

Easy Target.

I should have brought you a piece of fruit not a donut.

Oh you look skinny in that picture you sent, what happened?

Your ring is beautiful. Your fiance must be so happy you're so low maintenance.

Only 30 minutes at the gym? Oh........

Ouch.

It hurts.

It hurts the most when I AM TRYING! 

I wish everyone would leave my weight alone.

Mind your own business.

Says the girl with the blog about my obesity.

Fail.

Bye.

Oh Geez!

As you all know from my last post, I am ALL for covering up jiggly parts BUT today I have seen it all! And this is truly ridiculous!

Skinny Arms

What do you all think!? Would you wear them!? 

Summer is here!

The last two days have been in the 90s! I am not a big fan of summer and I am almost 100% sure it is because of my weight. The heat and I do not get along, especially at night. Luckily the bf and I bought an a/c for our room before this heat wave started and I sleep like a baby!

I have a confession, pretty much all year round I wear a jacket not a heavy one just a light jacket. This jacket is like a security blanket....it hides me...so I think! During the summer I look like a freak wearing this thing! haha my excuse is that in the office the a/c is on all day and the place can get a Lil chilly. Once I am outside I am OK with taking it off. I am a big fan of dresses and flip flops during the summer, obviously I like anything that is non form fitting.

Do you have a security blanket? Anything you always wear?

As for my weight loss I have been a tad discouraged.... I have been going to the gym in the mornings and I do eat well, for the most part. I just know that I can do better! MUCH better! I tried to do a weight loss challenge at work BUT it just wasn't working...I was so hurt by all the negativity that surrounded the challenge. I am at such a good place in my life, engaged and all, and I couldn't handle the stuff people were saying! I am really really sensitive! Like REALLY! A lot of people say who cares, don't worry about them BUT its just the way I am if I don't have 100% approval & I am discouraged I forget about it. I know its awful, and this wedding planning is really helping me with that because I am learning A LOT of people don't agree with my planning and since it is MY wedding and I will do what I want I am learning to shrug it off =D now if that attitude would just spread to other things that would be fab!!

Hope everyone is doing well! If you still read Say HI! and leave your link! I am all for showing love =D

and if you miss me, you can find my "regular" blogging over Casa De Nicole

Week 4~Yay!

I Promise!

I have not fallen off the wagon!

Last week was tough! So glad Mondays start the clean slate!

I am kicking this weeks booty! I hit the gym the last 2 mornings and made great food choices! I am very optimistic about the rest of the week.

How is everyone doing!?

I would like to start blogging daily again BUT Family Feud and Bejeweled get the best of me!

=D

Blah.

I am here and I am doing good!

My meals are getting Boooooooring!!! Hence the lack of food posts! Its the same E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y.

I need to switch it up! Grocery shopping is Sunday. ANY SUGGESTIONS!!?!?

Please!

Thank You =D

Where have I been!?

Dont worry I have not fallen off the wagon! In fact I am here to report my weight LOSS for this week!

And why you ask if there is still a pep in my step over ONE measly pound!? WELL because on saturday I may or may not have

had a basket of these

AND 1 of these

AND THESE

BUT I had a blast and its not like it is a mystery as to why I only lost a pound! I happen to think a loss is a loss, better than a gain!!!

Happy Monday! =D

POINTS® Tracker entries

Monday, June 21, 2010

Morning

1 serving(s) Venti Skinny Hazelnut Latte 3

1 packet(s) Lower Sugar Oatmeal, apples & cinnamon 2

Subtotal 5

Midday

1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1

1 serving(s) Sugar Free High Fiber Choc Pudding 1

Healthy Choice Grilled Chicken Marinara - Quick added food 5

1 item(s) canned pineapple slices (rings) in juice 0

Subtotal 7

Evening

1 serving(s) Green Giant Red Potatoes & green beans in butter sauce 1

2/3 cup(s) Broccoli In Cheese Flavored Sauce, Frozen 1

6 oz cooked lean boneless pork chop 7

Subtotal 9

Anytime

1 item(s) Less than 100 Calories Nutty bar peanut butter stix 2

1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1

3/4 serving(s) Apple Jacks 2.5 cups 3

1 serving(s) Half a cup fat free milk 1

Subtotal 7

Food POINTS values total used 28

Food POINTS values remaining 2

I Should Be Gettting Paid For This

Now before I ramble on about the greatness that is Weight Watchers Online, Let me just say I am NOT in any way shape or form getting rewarded for this by ANYONE. (Although its totally welcomed) With that being said this program is pretty much awesome! There are very few negatives and don't worry I'll get there :)

POSITIVES
~ I can track my points right on my blackberry. This feature also comes on iphones and I think any smart phone that has windows....I think.

~ With said feature I can also look up food values, recipes AND if I absolutely must go that route I can look up Fast Food!!

~ And the last thing about above mentioned is that it also has the points calculator! So need to pull out that sliding contraption or the bulky calculator that you have to whip out at that grocery store and let everyone know you are on the program!

~ The savings! There is a special right now that bundles 3 months. The initial is a bit pricey but like I said it covers 3 months and there after is a way cheaper than what you pay monthly in person.

~ The support, the tips, the encouragement! All helpful tools to succeed.

The Negative

~ Its 100% online! There is no accountability, Its ALL YOU. You don't go to meetings to chat, and weigh in. BUT for me this is a POSITIVE. I rarely like the leaders because they get a bit condescending and half the time they can't get the group interested enough to even talk! AND I get discouraged when I see skinny skinny girls crying that they're fat when they barely make the medical cut off to be in the program! Really!? Bite me! I think they go in there to see big girls like me to make themselves feel better! But that just me :)

~ The only other "negative" is the scale! I love the accuracy of their scale but if you invest in a legit scale than you shouldn't have a problem! My scale was a lil over $40 and is very accurate! I step on it 101 times on weigh in day and its the same EVERY time. I don't know the brand but its a glass biggest loser one.

So there you have it!! Bottom line I love it! The online program is insanely easy and convenient! I highly recommend it!
 
 

Summer Nights

Even though it isn't tecnically summer and the days have not got to the highest temp summer usually brings, it is still warm! Like 80's. These are the days that tempt me most....the days where ordering a big yummy stuffed crust pizza seems like the absolute greatest idea I have ever had! I only have a/c in my bedroom and obviously I cant cook in there! The front part of the apartment gets pretty warm in general, throw in the high temps and ooowww weeee! Hot. Anyway the past 2 days I have passed with flying colors! I just make something thats quick and requires less heat blaring out of the stove! =D

Monday Again!?

Today I had a bit much to eat BUT it was all within my points with a lil allowance points and its ALL good! I cant tell you how unbelievably excited I am to be loosing this weight! FINALLY I feel motivated and happy to be doing this. I am so grateful for the support I get on here, the encouraging emails always make me tear up! Thank you so much!

I still need to get myself in the gym!! My excuses are never ending! Maybe once they debit my membership fees, I will cry and see I am just giving my $$ away if I dont use it!!? =D

Mon, Jun 14, 2010 
Food Tracker  Daily Target: 30    POINTS® values      


Morning  
1 medium orange(s) 1       
1 serving(s) Sugar Free Maple & Brown sugar Oatmeal 2       
1 serving(s) Venti Skinny Hazelnut Latte 3         


Midday  
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamer Chicken - Quick added food 6       
1 serving(s) Fat Free Chocolate Pudding 1       
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1       
1 serving(s) Sugar Free Chocolate Cookies 1       


Evening  
1 serving(s) 1/2 cup Pinto Beans 1       
1 serving(s) 2 whole wheat tortillas 3       
1 serving(s) 4oz 93/7 ground beef 4       
1 serving(s) 2 tbsp fat free sour cream 1       


Anytime  
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1       
1 serving(s) Jamba Juice~Mega Mango 22oz 6       
1 serving(s) Skinny Cow Vanilla 2       


Used today 33   +Weekly POINTS Allow. Used 3   


Today remaining: 0

Weigh In # 1~ Holy weight loss Batman!

Now before I reveal what weigh in #1 has told me, I want you to know that when I initially weighed in, I was wearing a light black sweater, a sundress, and flip flops. So keep that in mind when I tell ya k!? and dont think my scale has lost its marbles =D

10.2!!??

So with about 4 or 5lbs being clothes I am still UBER happy with my results! and proud because I worked damn hard! and I am even more excited that this was done without workouts! Which I will add this week =D

Since I am in such a good mood, you get a healthy chocolate recipe! Courtesy of the  Hungry Girl Recipe Book

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Ingredients:

2 cups moist-style chocolate cake mix (half of an 18.25-oz. box)
Two 25-calorie packets diet hot cocoa mix
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
2 tbsp. semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
1 tsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/8 tsp. salt

Directions:
Place chocolate chips and the contents of both cocoa packets in a tall glass. Add 12 ounces of boiling water, and stir until chips and cocoa mix have dissolved. Place glass in the freezer to chill for 25 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Once cocoa has chilled, give it a stir, and mix with all other ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whip batter with a whisk or fork for 2 minutes. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray, or line it with baking cups. Evenly spoon batter (which will be thin, but don't worry, your cupcakes will puff up!) into the pan. Place pan in the oven, and bake for 15 minutes. Cupcakes will look shiny when done. MAKES 12 SERVINGS



Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 108
Fat: 2.5g
Sodium: 239mg
Carbs: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g
POINTS® value 2

Keeping it Interesting

I get bored very easily so knowing this I ripped open my Hungry Girl Recipe Book this week and found some yummy stuff! I have already tried 3 new recipes and ALL are delish! I wanted to share them here!! I know I know I am too kind =D I highly recommend these healthy alternative to guilty pleasures. And no they dont pay me to write this haha but I wouldnt mind!! =p




PAN FRIED CHICKEN PARM
Ingredients:
Two 4-oz. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast cutlets
1/2 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning, or more to taste
1/2 tsp. garlic powder, divided, or more to taste
1/2 tsp. onion powder, divided, or more to taste
1/8 tsp. salt, or more to taste
1/4 cup canned tomato sauce with Italian seasonings
1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
Optional: black pepper

Directions:Place chicken in a large sealable plastic bag and, removing as much air as possible, seal the bag. Carefully pound chicken through the bag with a meat mallet or a heavy can, until it is uniformly about 1/2-inch thick.

Using a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One cereal to a breadcrumb-like consistency. In a medium bowl, combine "breadcrumbs" with Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. onion powder, and salt. Feel free to season your breadcrumbs with as much pepper, additional salt, and additional spices as you like. Mix well.

In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce with remaining 1/4 tsp. garlic powder and 1/4 tsp. onion powder. Set aside.

Place egg substitute in a separate medium bowl. Coat raw chicken very well on both sides with the egg substitute. Then place chicken in the crumb mixture, and coat thoroughly on both sides.

Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray, and bring to medium-high heat. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until chicken is cooked through.

Once chicken is fully cooked, spread 2 tbsp. sauce over each cutlet, while chicken is still in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle cheese over the sauce-covered cutlets.

Reduce heat to low and cover skillet. Continue to cook for 2 - 3 minutes, until cheese has melted.

MAKES 2 SERVINGS


PER SERVING (1/2 of recipe): 258 calories, 6g fat, 684mg sodium, 16.5g carbs, 7g fiber, 1g sugars, 38.5g protein


Fri, Jun 11, 2010 Food Tracker  
Daily Target: 31    POINTS® values    


Morning  
1 serving(s) Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte 3       
1 packet(s) Lower Sugar Oatmeal, apples & cinnamon 2       


Midday  
1 cup(s) cooked white rice 4       
8 large piece(s) california roll sushi 6       


Evening  
1 serving(s) Hungry Girl Turkey Taco Meatloaf 4       
1 serving(s) GG Brocc & Cheese 1       


Anytime  
2 serving(s) Hungry Girl Death by chocolate cupcakes 4       
1 serving(s) 1/2 the fat Vanilla Ice Cream 2       


Today remaining: 5

Negative into a Positive

A few weeks ago I attended a birthday gathering for my bestie and while I was insecure out of my mind I decided to try a different kind of style, and I did. I had this whole image of myself rockin my skinny jeans and my trendy top and THEN people post pictures! and I am thrown for a loop. Like really? I was in extreme denial. These picture were a very rude awakening BUT instead of turning this in to a woe is me, I am a big girl yadda yadda yadda I am turning it into a positive! Motivation to keep up with what I am doing. Motivation to make healthy choices. Motivation to get to the gym. Motivation to go to a social event and look how I feel (a million bucks!) This is a good picture, to remind me where I dont want to be and later on to remind me how far I have come.

Thu, Jun 10, 2010 Food Tracker Daily Target: 31  POINTS® values Morning 1 packet(s) Lower Sugar Oatmeal, apples & cinnamon 2 1 item(s) Less than 100 Calories Nutty bar peanut butter stix 2 Midday 1 serving(s) Healthy Choice Tomato Basil Penne 5 1 serving(s) Chunk Pineapple in Natural Pineapple juice 3 17 item(s) Mini pretzels 2 1 serving(s) Chocolate Pudding Fat Free 1 Evening 1 serving(s) noodles 3 1 serving(s) light ragu 1 1 serving(s) pan fried chicken parm 5 Anytime 1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1 1 serving(s) Skinny Cow Vanilla 2 Today remaining: 4

=D

I blog here because

• I like to blog.
• I love the few encouraging comments & tips I get here.
• I like the accountability, even if no one reads.
• The design is too cute not to blog here.
• I like to look at what I consume on a daily basis as a whole.
• I like to vent, when weight loss gets tough.
• It motivates me.

And even though you might see me oogling other peoples yummies DOES NOT mean I am falling off the wagon! Sure I may be a tad jealous BUT maybe I just need a lil more encouragement =D

Wed, Jun 9, 2010 
Food Tracker
Daily Target: 31 POINTS® values

Morning
1 serving(s) Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte 3
1 packet(s) Instant Spice-Spice 3


Midday 
1 serving(s) Healthy Choice Chicken Alfredo 4
1 item(s) Less than 100 Calories Nutty bar peanut butter stix 2
1 item(s) shortcakes 2
3 Tbsp Strawbery glaze 1
1/4 cup(s) aerosol whipped cream 1
1 1/2 cup(s) strawberries 1
1 serving(s) Fat Free Chocolate Pudding 1

Evening
1 serving(s) 2 whole wheat tortillas 3
1/2 cup(s) fat-free canned refried beans 1
1 cup(s) canned Italian-style zucchini 1
6 oz cooked extra lean ground beef 6.5
1 serving(s) 2 Tbsp Fat Free Sour Cream 1
1/2 cup(s) salsa 0

Anytime
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1
1 serving(s) Skinny Cow Vanilla 2

Today remaining: -2.5

Temptations

Monday was a potluck that smelled oh so good! Today was a Red Velvet Cake and Donuts! Oy vey working in an office where patients love to feed you is NO BUENO! But I am happy to report I stuck to my plan! =D I am so serious about this thing it aint even funny!! Lets Go!


Tue, Jun 8, 2010 Food Tracker  
Daily Target: 31    POINTS® values    


Morning  
1 packet(s) Lower Sugar Oatmeal, apples & cinnamon 2       
1 serving(s) Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte 3       


Midday  
1 serving(s) Chicken Marinara steamer 5       
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1       
1 serving(s) Chocolate Pudding Fat Free 1       
1 serving(s) sliced peaches 2       


Evening  
1 serving(s) GG brocc n Cheese 1       
1 serving(s) 2 pork chops   6       
1 serving(s) Green Giant Red Potatoes & green beans in butter sauce 1       


Anytime  
1 item(s) Less than 100 Calories Nutty bar peanut butter stix 2       
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1       
1 serving(s) Skinny Cow Vanilla 2       


Today remaining:  4

We Meet Again.

Over the weekend I went to buy a scale.....dun dun dun duuunnn...and it was a rude awakening to say the least! I could not believe the number. Like I knew my clothes were getting tighter but I just bought new ones..bigger ones....and I didnt mind. I dont own any full length mirrors and when I walk by one I look the other way, with good reason BUT when I went to vegas the bathroom had a HUGE mirror and I stood there and examined each and everyone of my imperfections....EVERY friggin inch and I was disgusted.....But then I started to make excuses like Weeelll I could be BIGGER. Well at least I am pretty.....Well the BF loves me just the way I am...But those excuses did not last very long! I am unhappy...I am insecure...I am anti social...and I hate mirrors, shopping, and people looking at me. I want to feel better so here is my one hundred and tenth attempt at losing weight (with WW online) =D 




Mon, Jun 7, 2010 Food Tracker 
Daily Target: 31  POINTS® values 


Morning 
1 medium orange(s) 1 
1 packet(s) Lower Sugar Oatmeal, apples & cinnamon 2 


Midday 
1 item(s) Ham 5 
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1 
1 serving(s) Fat Free Chocolate Pudding 1 
1 serving(s) Del Monte 100 Calorie Sliced Peaches 1


Evening 
1 serving(s) Wheat Sandwich Thin 1 
1 serving(s) 1/2 Fat Free Cheese Slice 0 
1 piece(s) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 3 
1 serving(s) GG brocc n Cheese 1 1 serving(s) GG Rice n Veggies 3 


Anytime 
1 piece(s) Light string cheese 1 
1 serving(s) Skinny Cow Vanilla 2 
1 serving(s) Apple Jacks 2.5 cups 4 
1 serving(s) Half a cup fat free milk 1 


Today remaining: 4 pts


p.s. I am back! Thank goodness Blogger gives a fickled girl like me 30 days to reinstate! =D

AF Made Me Do It!

Blame it on Aunt Flo! =(

Whew!!

{Please excuse my toes! I need a pedicure BAD lol Payday is Thursday!}

What a week! It really has been a rollercoaster week, UP & DOWN! I am so glad it ended on a DOWN but in a GOOD way! Down in POUNDS! =D

If you read my "regular" blog You Had Me At Hello, then you probably are aware that I havent had the best week! But with all that going on I managed to keep my diet in tact and I couldnt be happier about it. On my worst day I had a chicken salad sandwich and a plain hamburger from McDonalds, I was so shocked like I actually went through a drive thru and ordered a salad and a plain hamburger?! WOWZA lol

Anyway since I didnt do a daily food log for most of the week I just wanted to say I have been eating  boneless skinless chicken, extra lean ground turkey, extra lean ground beef, salad, fruit, fat free whatever I can get my hands on, yummy 100 calorie packs have been a lifesaver, and stuff that was labeled light, lots of water, and a few days at the gym.  

So there you have it! I am BACK! Cant wait to see what this week has in store for me =D

Queen Of Excuses

I've figured out when it comes to making this lifestyle change I am the queen of excuses! Everything has to be prepared in advance or at GO time I am out.

For example this morning I woke up WAY to late to do anything except for change and brush my teeth! Had I not already packed my lunch the night before I would have booked it straight to McDonalds at the stroke of noon! Lucky for me I was prepared to oversleep lol.

 If ONE ingredient is missing from my dinner recipe, I am online ordering pizza before I even think about running out to get that item!

 f there is no parking at the gym... Bye! Better Luck Next Time! Ha. Hence why the BF is driving us to the gym!

The good news is.... I did A.W.E.S.O.M.E.  today I ate well, drank well, resisted cake, and exercised! =D

Breakfast

• Raisin & Spice Oatmeal
• Coffee

Snack

• Light String Cheese

Lunch

• Sandwich~ Wheat Bread, Light Bologna, Mustard, Fat Free Mayo, Fat Free Cheese
• 100 calorie cookies
• 100 calorie Nutty Bar
• Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding

Snack

• No Sugar Added canned Peaches

Dinner

• English Muffin Pizza's
• Salad~ Lettuce, Carrots, Tomato, Bacon Bits, 2 tbsp Fat Free Ranch Dressing, Sprinkle of Fat Free Cheese

Snack

• Fruit Loops w/ Skim Milk (my pizza's were a FAIL.)  

The End.