Weight...Loss?

It's been a while. But I'm still on the weight loss train. I did cancel my Weight Watchers account. Everyone kept asking me why, so let me explain- I hadn't tracked a single thing since September 14th. Honestly. I was not getting my money's worth as far as eTools and things like that. I was still enjoying the meetings, and weighing in, but it wasn't worth $45 a month (to me). 

So I'm going to try this on my own. I'm not counting points really, just watching what I'm eating and being aware of my portions. And I have to keep my movement up. I know what it takes to be successful at this, and I feel like I learned so! much! 

I'm still hovering between 30-33 pounds lost since May. I hit my all time low (in years), 169 pounds on Thanksgiving! morning, and no, I haven't seen that number again since then. But I will. 

Another thing I accomplished? I completed the 30 Day Shred. 

I really really enjoyed it. I felt so great every day when I'd finish. I took my measurements before I started The Shred, but I FORGOT to take my measurements when I was done. I was so mad at myself, I know I lost inches in my upper body for sure because my bra was fitting all weird toward the end. My last day of The Shred was Black Friday, and yes, I did shred on Thanksgiving. 

I've seriously had so much support during this whole weight loss journey. My brother, who moved in with us in July, did The Shred with me every single day. C's work schedule didn't allow him to, but T did it with me. It worked because when I didn't feel like doing it, he did and vice versa. I typically don't enjoy working out with another person, but I probably wouldn't have finished without his help. 

I was nervous when I did cancel my WW account, but I was prepared. At my last meeting, I bought every single cook book (new YUMMY! recipes coming soon) and a calculator so I can still calculate points if I want. 

I only want to lose 10-15 more pounds. But I'm not going to freak out if I don't. I've been hovering around the same weight for a couple of months, and I feel good, and that's what matters to me. Not a number on a scale.

Last week I started the C25K app. I'm scared to death that I won't be able to run the 5k at the end of the eight weeks. I was also scared I wouldn't finish The Shred though too. I am not a runner. I can not run. Can't. I think the most I've ever run without stopping is around 3/4 of a mile. Embarrassing, right? I would pay for someone to teach me how to run. Anyway, we'll see how this goes, and by the end of January, I might be running my first 5k. 

Crazy.

Weight...Loss?

I just wanted to post a quick update about my weight loss situation real quick.

I'm at 27 pounds lost total. 

I had my first week (last week) where the scale didn't move. I was more okay with it than I thought I would be. I'd rather not see it move, than see the number get larger I suppose.

I set a new mini goal for myself- lose 8 pounds by Thanksgiving.

I'm definitely struggling with the plan since I don't have access to the internet, or e-Tools. I haven't tracked in 3 weeks...we'll see how it goes. 

I'm still working out 4 times a week. Although, now that C is back to working nights, I'm going by myself after work. I don't mind it, it's not nearly as crowded at that time.

I have to admit, I got pretty ticked off the other day when I put on some pants I bought back in June (on clearance for cooler weather, and in a smaller size) and they were already too big. I rarely buy myself clothes, so to spend money on something that I won't get any use out of makes me nauseous. I learned my lesson though. 

That about sums it up. 

Weight...Loss?

I flaked, and didn't post last week. But long story short, two weeks ago I gained 2 pounds, but last week I lost 4.8 pounds. 

Total loss? Around 23 pounds. I'm definitely starting to notice a difference in the way I look. Like, in photos. My brother took this one of C and I at the game last weekend-

I feel like my cheeks aren't as chipmunk-y. Ha.

Also, it was an evening football game that we went to, and since West Nile Virus is running rampant down here I wanted to wear jeans. I was scared when I walked into my closet that none of my 'skinny' jeans would fit yet.

I was so wrong. In fact, only one pair wasn't too big!

I can now 'shop my closet'. Things actually fit like they're supposed to, and aren't too big. I never thought that only 20 pounds would make this much of a difference. My goal is still 20-25 more pounds. 

I'm half way there.

As far as food choices go/things I've been eating-

I've been eating more fruit/vegetables, and less crap. Honestly a 4 pp package of popcorn just isn't worth it for me. 

I'm drinking water to the point that I'm almost miserable, and that's definitely helping my 'I want to raid the pantry for a snack' feelings. 

I did have a couple of handfuls of Doritos because nothing is off limits. Totally worth it. Then I ate an apple.

Chipotle and their salads. That place is way too close to my house. Yum.

Yay!

Weight...Loss?

{The 21 Pound Edititon}

I did it. I reached my mini goal of hitting 20 pounds before August was over. I not only hit it, I exceeded it by skipping straight to 21 pounds lost total. 

I celebrated... 

By buying two pairs of shorts in a size that I'm a little uncomfortable in. I know I'll get there. Hell, they fit, just snugly. 

Last week was a good week. It was also the first week someone actually asked me, 'Hey, are you losing weight? You look great!' I laughed. Why yes in fact I am. I have been busting my ass for the last almost 4 months. 

Someone also asked me if I felt any different since losing a bit of weight. The short answer is no. I mean, I can throw down on the elliptical for 45 minutes without dying, whereas I used to only could do 10 minutes and then I'd nearly fall over dead. But everyday life? No. I feel the same. Still exhausted by 2 pm every day. I think I need some vitamins or something. 

What I've been enjoying this week-

I ate a Payday-It was worth every stinking (7) point(s). 
Bananas- 0 points
Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Bread- 2 points per slice 
Oatmeal with skim milk, cinnamon, and banana-5 points

I'm trying to get more power foods in, and I do good in the morning, but as the day goes on it gets harder!

Weight...Loss?

I can't.

I can't even.

I'm so close to my 20 pound mark. 

I gained 1.6 pounds last week. What the what? Yep. I was feeling like I'll never get there. But, I refuse to give up. There are some things that I am giving up though...namely those chocolate covered graham cracker cookies that I can't have in the house.

I just can't. If they are here, I'll eat them. So at the grocery store on Saturday I didn't even go down the aisle. I win. 

So those are gone. They were holding me back from my goals, yo.

Also? I put on a pair of jeans that I used to wear in college. And they were too big. How? So this means that I'm at the size I was at when C and I met. That makes me happy. I still want to lose 30 more pounds. Once I hit the 20 that is...

One thing at a time, Ashley.

What I've been enjoying this week-

These HC frozen greek yogurts, so far I've tried the strawberry-  3 points

I haven't tried a HC frozen entree that I don't like yet (good for lunches!)-They range anywhere from 6-9 points

Water- 0 points. I've been craving it this week.

Yay for pants that are too big!

Weight...Loss?

I lost 3 pounds last week. I'm half a pound away from the 20 pound mark! That's about half way from my ultimate goal. 

Even happier news? My boobs fit into a large t-shirt this weekend. That hasn't happened since...high school. So that was fun.

Yep. Free Apple garb.

I'm missing Mexican food more and more recently. I noticed every time I give in and eat it, that's the week I gain. I can't really control my chips and salsa intake. Bummer.

Speaking of salsa, I found one I like a lot. Now, I just need to find other things to eat with it besides chips. Or veggies (ew). Hmm.

Ideas?

What I enjoyed this week-

Salsa- 0 points

Emerald Sweet & Salty Mixed Nuts- 4 points a serving

I'm having a hard time finding any apples in stock at the store that I like. That's reason number 829 that I'm ready for fall. 

Yay for another successful week!!

Weight...Loss?

Last week I gained half a pound. I'm going to say it's because I only got three workouts in and not four. Life got in the way. 

And I napped instead.

Just taking care of number one y'all. 

This week I'm back on track, tracking and all. 

I'm not sleeping well. Not sure why. So, I'm surprised when the evenings roll around and I have enough energy to go work out. 

I tried on a pair of jeans from last winter, this morning. You know the ones-they're tight, everywhere. Except they weren't. So that was fun.

I've been craving everything sweet lately. I really want to get in the kitchen and bake....but I'll refrain. 

My new short term goal is to be at 20 pounds lost within the next couple of weeks...

Weight...Loss?

At my meeting last week I found out I lost 1.6 more pounds. That's 17 pounds total.

I'm blaming it all on the elliptical. That's the only reason I'm seeing such great results. Because? I'm definitely eating everything I want. In fact, toward the middle of the week, I stopped tracking. The WW app is really annoying me lately because all of my  'favorite' foods aren't saved for me anymore.

It's a pain.

I've been tracking again this week, but I really don't feel like I need to.

Favorite foods this week- 

Black beans- 2 points for half a cup

Blueberries -0 points

Water- I don't know what happened, but I can't get enough of it lately.

I really didn't crave anything. So I've been eating the same old thing. Except for my craving for Mexican food last weekend, so I had that...

I haven't measured recently, but I plan on doing so soon. I know my tops and bras! are fitting differently, so maybe I'm finally getting results on that end!

Weight...Loss?

I weigh in every Thursday, so clearly this is all from last week. But I can celebrate all week, right? 

Every Thursday, right before weigh in, I start freaking out. I pee approximately 41 times (you know) and maybe do a couple jumping jacks right before I walk in there. So why in the hell am I always so surprised when I see the lady writing down a loss in my book?!

I don't know either, but I am. And then I get all nervous for the next week, because if I've lost a few weeks in a row I just KNOW I'll gain it all back! 

Except I don't. So that's awesome.

Even when I binge on graham crackers and Nutella at 10pm. The weight stays away. I guess that's what happens when you pair diet with exercise. Pfft. 

Speaking of graham crackers...

I win. 

So yeah. I'm still losing. I'm not tracking every. single. thing. I put in my mouth, but that's not because I'm eating crap either. I'm not sure why, maybe because I feel like I'm getting better at this whole thing? As long as I keep losing, I'm not going to stress myself out about tracking every damn apple. 

Did someone say apples? 

Favorite foods this week-

Apples sprinkled with cinnamon-0 points!

Salads

Blueberries added to my morning smoothie-0 extra points.

Here's hoping that my clothes keep getting bigger!! And that the number on the scale gets a bit lower tonight at this week's weigh in...

Weight...Loss?

This week I lost 2.4 pounds. (I'm pretty sure I forgot to blog about the couple of pounds I lost last week ).

If you're keeping track, that's 15.4 pounds so far. 

I win. 

I didn't do anything differently this week, just been/feel like working out 4 times a week for around 45 minutes, or however long I want to. I'm pretty sure that's what's making the difference all of a sudden. 

All of my clothes are fitting differently all of a sudden. I'm so glad C talked me into getting some things a size smaller when we went shopping a month ago. So, I have bottoms that fit (for the most part) but my shirts are all too large. Now, that's a problem I don't mind having! Maybe my boobs are finally shrinking!

Here's hoping.

Anyway.

Favorite foods this week:

Popsicles! These are 1 point each. 

Apple Cinnamon rice cakes- 3 points per serving

Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate dulcé de leché- 3 points
And lots of broccoli!

Weight...Loss?

I gained half a pound last week. I'm 105% okay with that, considering the crap I ate for my birthday week. Seriously. I didn't track 2 days out of the week. 

I walked into the meeting last Thursday telling myself that as long as it wasn't more than a pound gain, I would be okay with it. Surprisingly I am. I vowed to work out extra hard this week, and I am. So much so that I've had a cramp in my leg for the last few days.

I'm blaming the elliptical. 

I am slowly getting tired of the smoothies I've been eating for breakfast for the last 6+ months. Honestly, I'm surprised it took me this long. I think most of it is because I was on vacation last week and I just wanted waffles! cereal! breakfast tacos! and everything else I never eat for breakfast. 

I'm confident that once I get back to work and into the swing of things, the smoothie will suffice. You can't beat a two point breakfast. 

That's where I am this week. 

I know the crappier I eat, the more CRAP I crave. It's a vicious cycle. Once things get back to normal (no more vacation WAH!) things will level out again. 

Favorite foods this week-
Apples (Honeycrisp and Pink Lady)- 0 points
Bean and cheese tostada with sour cream- 3 points
Cheetos- 4 points for 32 pieces (these things are my nemesis. I can't get enough).

Honestly.

Weight...Loss?

Lucky for me, the weight keeps falling off. Ok, maybe not falling off but still. Seeing results is fun. 


I'm kind of sort of falling in love with an elliptical. I used to hate them. I'm not sure why, maybe it's easier for me to use since I've lost a little weight. I am definitely growing to like it though. It's something different besides walking. That used to be all I did-walking with a little bit of running mixed in. I still haven't gotten up the guts to go to a yoga class. I will eventually though. 


Im up to a little under 12 pounds lost total, this is my 10th week. I'll stick with it a little longer. I'm definitely not ready to stop the meetings and eTools. 


Favorite foods this week- 
Pink Lady apples- 0 points 
Roasted zucchini, squash, and peppers- 0 points 
Tri color pesto rotini (WW recipe I've made twice in the last week) - 9 points 
Any kind of beans. 


I've been taking my measurements every weekend and I'm losing inches everywhere except for my boobs. Of freaking course. 


So that's that.


And for my birthday on Friday? I didn't want cake. So I had-

Chocolate frozen yogurt. 

Win!

Weight...Loss?

Remember this post? From just a week ago? Well I did it.

I already hit 10 pounds. 10.6 to be exact. A week before my birthday. Hell yes.

I got my second sticker last Thursday night.

I'm still averaging a pound per week. I'm still okay with that. Especially considering I know I could be a little more strict with myself.  I'm dong what I'm doing and it's working. I'm not feeling guilty about choices I'm making. So I'm doing something right. 

The sad news is that I lost another point for the week. Not that that really matters because I never use all of my flex points and I've never, ever dipped into my activity points. So nothing changes in the way I'm eating. 

Some of the things I'm enjoying right now-

Unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon- 0 points

Milk chocolate covered almonds- 12 for 6 points 

Fresh pineapple- 0 points

Blue Bell Fudge Bars- 3 points

I didn't think I had a sweet tooth, but apparently I do. I also have some more recipes to post that are WW friendly. My whole plan of eating dinner earlier is sort of working out. It threw me off the first few days because I'd eat around 5 and be ready to go to sleep before 7. I'm not sure how much of that has to do with everything else that's going in with me right now though. 

Those people who say they have so much more energy when they work out/eat better? That's so not me. It doesn't seem to matter what I do, I'm always game for a nap.

Weight...Loss?

Things are moving right along in that department. Slowly. 

S.L.O.W.L.Y as in-I've been doing WW for seven weeks and I've lost seven-ish pounds. I know that's the "healthy" rate of weight loss and I'm trying not to throw in the towel, but damn.

I really want chocolate cake. But 14 points for a slice of cake? That's nearly half of my daily points. 

Maybe on my birthday? 

Anyway, back to the "loss" yay! me! and all...that. 

I know there are things I could be doing to "speed up" the process. You know, like stopping the 9 pm fudge bar. Even eating dinner earlier (I totally agree Collyn!) would be better I'm sure. That last one I can definitely do...now that C is back to working nights I can eat dinner at four if I want! Yay! And I probably totally will since I'm always tired and pass out around 8:30 anyway.

Anyway. I'm doing this. It may be a lot slower than the way some people do it, but if I cut out that nightly 3 point fudge bar (which I always save 3 of my 32 points for thankyouverymuch) I know I'd go off the deep end and eat a whole chocolate cake one night, not just a freaking slice. I guess I feel like it staves off the craving just enough. 

It's just satisfying...enough.

So I'll keep doing it. And not feel guilty.

Know what else I'm doing? Working my butt off at the rec center 4 days a week. I feel better. At least I think I do. Or did. Or something. 

Until my doctor put it in my brain that I could be sick. What a buzz kill.

Geez.

That's what's up this week. I'd really like to hit 10 pounds by my birthday, I can drop 2 and a half pounds in a little under 2 weeks, right?

I'm officially making that a short-term goal.

Weight....Loss?

Yeah, I've already plateaued. What the hell? I've only been doing Weight Watchers for about 6 weeks. Maybe I can't really call it "plateaued", the point is, I'm having a hard time losing. Okay, so I'm eating the same things. Staying within my points.  I never dip into my earned activity points (I'm averaging about 20 per week right now) so what gives?

I, and by I, I mean we, have been working out 3-4 times a week for the last couple of weeks. In fact, we just paid $45 to work out in the air conditioning for a month. It was 100 degrees here today thankyouverymuch.

So why am I not losing?! Some people think it's because I'm gaining muscle, I don't really agree with that. I'm tracking every single thing I put in my mouth. Even that handful of chocolate covered graham crackers that cost me 5 precious points. 

Irritating. Maybe this week when I go weigh in I will have lost 4 pounds. That would be awesome.

Until then you can find me at the Rec Center, sweat dripping off of my eyeballs, with a mad craving for chocolate frozen yogurt (that I can't find anywhere! so don't even judge me). 

I Suck At This

I can't keep on a blogging schedule. Apparently I can't make time to do it. I mean I can, I just love sleep way more than blogging right now.

A few things.

The weight loss thing. I'm still at it. If you follow me on Instagram (althompson1) you already know I got this-

It took me three weeks to lose the first 5.2 pounds. It's working! Slowly but surely. 

Pray. My grandma is scaring the youknowwhat out of me these days. She's got a lump on the side of her neck. Hoping it was an infection, the Dr. put her on antibiotics, but they didn't touch it. More Dr. visits/testing to come. Ugh.

We're planning a trip up to see my brothers. We leave in 10 days! I can't wait. My brother is graduating from high school. He's making me feel old. 

C is also taking me on a trip for my birthday this year. More on that later.

I still hate my job. Let me rephrase that-I love my job. I hate the people. And no, I don't care if the internet knows. Boom.

I'm almost finished with Fifty Shades Darker, only one more book to go. What in the hell am I doing with all of my free time that I don't have time to blog OR finish a book within two days? 

C's two year appointments are coming up this next week. Praying for continued health! 

I haven't baked since I started WW and I'm about to die. So? I have a craving for this and that's exactly what I'm making this weekend to take to a birthday party. This way, I can eat a piece and give the rest away. If it sat in my house, I'd eat the whole thing.

Is it the weekend yet?

I've had a headache basically since Wednesday. It mostly bothers me when I stand up. My blood pressure is a bit low (for me) but other than that nothing has changed. Headaches make me nervous.

That's all for now...

Losing.

Losing. Well, sort of. And by sort of, I mean, I WISH.

It's Thursday. That means tonight I have my WW meeting and weigh in. Last week (my first week) I'd only dropped .2 lbs. Pfft. At least I didn't gain. I guess.

Moving on. Without getting into all kinds of details (if you follow me on FB or even Twitter you already know the gist) on here let me just say that I'm giving my meeting leader one more week. If she doesn't treat me with a little more respect then I'll be looking for another meeting.

I thought that the meetings would help me be accountable and all that, more than online WW. I don't know. I feel like I'm getting my money's worth and all that but I'm not getting the "support" I thought I'd get from meetings. 

Honestly? They're kinda lame. The first meeting I went to was awkward and she kept putting people on the spot and asking probing questions. The second meeting she did the same thing, to ME! Not okay lady, I'm still too new at this. 

Anyway.

In addition to not eating anything creamy, fried, or Mexican delicious the last week (my Tuesday kolache binge doesn't count!), I also exercised a couple of times. 

There better be some weight loss of at least a pound or I might lose my shit. 

Regardless, I'm sure you'll hear all about it soon enough.

I've made a few of the WW recipes that I found online and one or two are actually post-worthy! I'll get on that eventually.

Here's to losing...or maybe I should focus on not gaining with all the fruit I've been cramming...