FOURTY TWO!

Apparently I haven't blogged for a bit on here.. oops.

Two weeks ago I finally hit the 40 pound mark.  YAY!!!!

Last week I was down the day before weigh-in.. the day after weigh-in.. but figures, the same thing ON weigh-in day. 

Today I'm down 2 pounds!!  *happy dance* 

I'm also down a 1/2" on my hips and a 1/2" from my 'I've had four kids' muffin top (although truthfully, it was Kaitlyn's pregnancy that really stretched me out there). 

I only made it to the gym on Monday this week.. I've been really, really tired this week and have enjoyed not waking up so early.

On Monday I ran for 1/2 a mile (ok, a slow jog.. but it felt like running to my short chubby legs), walked for 1/16 so I could get a good drink in and then jogged another 1/4 of a mile.  I walked an additional mile.  I'm so pleased with myself and being able to run.  When I started, it was SO HARD to even go for a minute.  Seriously.

On that note, I know I never get comments on here, but PLEASE leave me one if you have any thoughts- I need to buy some actual jogging/running shoes.  I think that will help a lot..  What brand do you suggest?  I've heard great things about New Balance but that's all.. and does it matter what type of New Balance or are they all basically the same?

Outback the healthy way!!

I loooove Outback. 

Back in the 90's, Drew had a tradition where he'd go to Outback every Thursday night with friends (including my step-brother Dan that we hang out with all the time, that's how I met Drew).

They even had their picture taken and posted in the back area.

Once I was a Senior in high school, I'd sometimes drive out with my sister and we'd join them.  They were nice like that.

Obviously when I started dating Drew (post high school by a few months) I went every Thursday.  Loved it!

We continued on with that tradition for YEARS.  We were even good enough friends with one of the waitresses that we once let her babysit Aubrey.  Seriously. 

ANYWAY.  Outback has a special spot in my heart because of the memories.. and the good food.

This past Saturday we had a fantastic sitter and so we went to Outback with my step-bro. and another couple.  It was sooooo much fun getting out with no kids.  Hour wait?  No biggie.  Not inhaling food?  Fabulous!  Great conversation?  B-E-A-utiful!

What also made the night great is that I researched the food ahead of time so there was no impulse decisions and the pressure to make a 'smart' choice was gone.  Outback's online nutrition calculator is super user friendly now, much better than what it was a year ago when they had nothing and their advice was to order items sans butter. 

I looked up a few different selections of what I used to order... it was definitely one of those, "no wonder I was fat" moments.  Yikes!  I bet on occasion that I ate three days worth of points in just one meal.  Nice.

First up, Appetizer. 

Previously I would have gone with the cheese fries at 8 points per serving.  However, they say there is enough for 6 people there.. they're THAT good that I'd say it's like 4 servings.  Which means we're REALLY talking about high points! 

In researching the choices, I finally decided that my best bet was surprisingly the Bloomin' Onion.  The portion size is 1/6th which is totally doable (it really is a lot!) and the point value is 6.. it helps that the onion has a lot of fiber and I'm sure if you skimp on the sauce, that helps too.  I ate slowly and in control and less than a serving size so I'm counting it at 3-4 points. For a fun night out, I was very happy with that.


For my meal, I probably would have previously ordered the No Rules Pasta with Chicken and Scallops.  Yum.  And a big fat ouch at 33 points.   I generally make it a 'rule' to take half of my meal home so at least I had that going for me.. but it still made for a 17 point meal.  And another 17 points for lunch the next day. 

In going through the menu options, I was very surprised at what I decided to order.  It was the Roasted Filet Tenderloin With Port Wine Sauce.  

At first glance, the meal looks painful at 21 points.  But with the interactive menu, I was able to see that it was actually the garlic mashed potatoes that was the 'problem' (hard to call them a problem because damn, those are SO GOOD!!).

By simply swapping out the potatoes for a second serving of seasonal veggies with NO BUTTER (don't forget to tell them!!) it lowered the meal down to 10 points.  TOTALLY doable for a meal out.  

Everything was tender and fantastic.. I didn't feel like I was missing out at all by not ordering my usual.  I do believe it was even better than my husband's steak (his meal was cough:thirtypoints:cough).  I did finish my plate because it was less food but I was quite full by the end.  Did I mention how delicious it was?



I'm really glad I took the time to do a little research.  And I do believe the icing on the cake was waking up the next morning and seeing that the scale was actually down a little.

Doesn't apply to me.

You know how you're always teaching and reminding your children to share?  And you try to be a good example by showing them how nice it is to do it?

Yeah, turns out that wasn't necessarily the best life skill to teach them.

I'm not always a huge fan of frozen convenience foods but I really like the Lean Pocket Garlic Chicken White Pizza variety.  Yum. 

I know it's not exactly the BEST choice I could be making.. but it's only 5 points (they post the point values on the back!!) and cooks in ninety seconds.  I pretty much always keep a box in my freezer for when I need a quick lunch.

Anyway, back to my sharing problem.

My children have developed a taste for this Lean Pocket as well.  It's horrible!   HORRIBLE!

As soon as the microwave makes that lovely garlic smell come to life, the kids flock like baby birds, chirping for a bite.  

I'm considering buying a microwave for my closet so that I can dine in peace and eat the entire Lean Pocket by myself.. of course that also means I'll need to invest in a bottle of Febreeze so that I don't walk around smelling like Garlic Chicken White Pizza... but I think it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. 

Anyone else ever have this problem???

My body hearts me.

I forgot to report my weight loss yesterday! 

My body is just loving being on Weight Watchers again.  Healthier foods.. less sugar snacks.. more activity.. hmm, seems like I've heard about that being key for weight loss before... hahaha

I was down 3.4 yesterday for a grand total of 39 pounds.  And it feels great!

The last time I weighed this amount was back in 2000 and Aubrey was a couple of months old.

(this is totally a picture of a picture, in case you can't tell, but aren't we so cute?  and young?)



Looking back, it's crazy that I've allowed myself to be this way, plus heavier, for 10 years.

But it is what it is.  And I just wasn't ready before now.

All is well. 
                                                                       

Becky the Tracker.

I'm doing so well... two full days of tracking and beginning a third. 

I know, I seriously rock.  ;o)

I def. need to get more fruits and veggies in.... time to start using my vita-mix more!

Oh, and I'm changing my weigh in day to Fridays.   I originally chose Monday thinking it would help me be more accountable over the weekends.  And it did.  But now that I know that I'm very capable of eating appropriately and that I'm not going to go completely crazy and eat everything in sight (it could happen), I don't' feel that I need that additional accountability. 

In other news, I finally made it to the gym.. it's been a few weeks (since the week before Christmas).  Hit the treadmill.. just did a fast walk for today.  I want to be able to walk tomorrow.  Then I jogged two laps around the track.. just under 3 is a quarter mile.  Yeah.... it's much more difficult when it's not on a treadmill.  I'll have to work on that.  :o)

One year later.

It's been a year!!  Technically in another two days.. but I started with the idea of it being the day that my kids were back in school.

I've lost 35.6 pounds as I still have another 1.5 holiday pounds hanging on.  Oops. 

As for measurements, I've lost:
6.5" from my waist
6" from my hips
6" from my ribcage
3" from my thighs
2.5" from my arms

I've gone down one size in pants but when I started, I was on the tighter end of things and now I'm on the looser end of the size I am.  Hopefully I can scratch this size off the list sometime soon.  I used to wear spanx all the time but now I hardly ever do.

My shirts, I was wearing mostly 2X shirts from the chunky women's area.  Now I am wearing XL (and a few Larges!!) and size 14/16 from Lane Bryant.  It feels GREAT.


Overall, I feel SO much healthier.  I'm happier and I have more energy.  I'm proud that I'm (usually) a good example of portion control, moderation with treats and making smart choices- choosing healthier options.

Just this past summer when I started at the gym, I had to stop doing the elliptical after just two minutes because I thought I was going to die.  I can sprint for 2 minutes now or just jogging, I can go for 8 minutes.  EIGHT.  I still shake my head at that.  And this is with still feeling the effects from the car accident.. I can't wait to see what I'm capable of once my back/neck/hip stop bothering me.

I'm so glad for good friends and family that have kept encouraging me and supported my lifestyle change.

This next year is going to be just as successful and I plan to lose the last 48 pounds.  Woo hoo!!  I'll be smokin' hot!!!  :-D

Update on taking a break..

Just thought I'd update on my non-point counting, taking a break, lifestyle.

It's working well for me.. I was gaining a little at first but for the most part I've stayed with in a two pound range and this past week it's been dipping down a little more (even with Drew's work party at a yummy Italian resteraunt).

Today I was down .6 from my last 'official' weigh in day- love having new numbers show up on weigh in day, even if it's so small.

Last week I had my bra measurements taken since it's been since Feb. that I've purchased new ones (I know, you're welcome for me sharing) and I'm a 36D or 38C. I totally laughed out loud when she told me that. Me? A D size??? Uh, yeah, must be the shape my current bra has to it but I'm thinking those might need to be a cup smaller on each of those. LOL

Go figure, in doing my measurements today, my rib cage is a full INCH smaller than last week. Just great. I still have 45 more pounds to loose! :-S By the time I get there, I'm going to be so flat.. if you've seen The Proposal, you know what I mean when I say it's going be like an Easter Egg Hunt.... :-D

Gotta love being a pear shape.

Taking a break.

So here's the scoop.

I'm lazy.

I haven't been to the gym in like 2 weeks..

I haven't even really logged on to the WW website for 2 weeks.

I'm still at 37 pounds total loss. (thank goodness my weigh-in day wasn't on saturday.. after three thanksgiving meals, I was up 3 pounds! haha)

I'm just going to call it good until the new year- no more guilt about not losing more than a pound every couple of weeks. I've clearly mastered the skill of maintaining so I'm not too concerned about the holidays.

However, I do intend to start working out again. I miss it.

And that's where I'm at. :o)

my.. head..

I haven't posted in a few weeks. I forgot.. and then I went out with Drew where I indulged in Spinach Artichoke Dip (I KNOW!- I did show a little restraint though) and I gained a few pounds.. and it took it's time to come back off which of course was a little discouraging. Who knew a few pounds heavier would make me grouchy. It's silly, really..

Of course it didn't help that I had a headache for a few days last week.. who wants to wake up EARLY to work out when your head hurts? Not I! And my hip was really bugging me.. it's sad when anyone near me can hear it randomly pop. It sounds like it's cracking! grrr

I did go twice though, I think it was. I've been giving the treadmill a whirl instead of the elliptical machine. I'm only doing 30 minutes but I walk at a some-what quick pace on an incline of 4-5.. and then after 10 minutes, I lower the incline and run.

I always feel silly when I try running because I've never been good at it.. and I feel so jiggly!!

When I first started trying to run a few weeks ago, I about died once I hit 45 seconds. Now I can last 1 minute before about killing over.

I know, I know. Who can't even run for a minute?? It really kicks my butt though. But at least I'm getting better at it, right?

I'm not feeling so hot today so I'm not sure how working out will go this week.

At least my weight is back down.. 37 pounds lost.

Anyone have a game plan for Halloween and treats/candy??? Most of it I think I'll be able to resist.. but we'll see. :-S

(good news is no bags of chocolate have even been purchased, therefor not even consumed.. huge difference compared to last year!!)

mmmm chocolate

I haven't been able to resist snacks all weekend long. What gives??? The chocolate called to me and while I resisted some, apparently I didn't resist quite enough. LOL

My scale says I'm either up .2 or 1.2 I'm recording the 1.2 on my WW thing. I think it will quickly come back off with getting back into better eating habits. All of my inches were the same as last week (which is really what I care about).

I didn't make it to the gym today. Yesterday afternoon I left the house to go grocery shopping and my hips and left hand (the top area that hit into the steering wheel) started aching. I wonder if it's from the weather and it being stormy?? So weird... my hand was BAD though. I was pretty uncomfortable last night too. GRRRR

Ok, that is all. LOL

I'm Baaack!

I did really well tracking at the beginning of the week and not so much at the end of the week. But I was VERY good at tracking in my head!

I was a little worried about dinner last night because I had no way of knowing the points.. I haven't had spaghetti for awhile so I couldn't remember what a serving size was, once cooked.. and how many points for 'regular' pasta (we usually eat the high fiber or whole wheat kind). And the sauce had hamburger in it.. and all of the bread had butter on it. I did my best with guessing what to eat and for the bread, I just ate the crust and gave Kait the rest (plus she wanted it).

But everything still turned out well because I'm down another 2.6 pounds!! I haven't seen these numbers in.. like 7000 years! Or 10. But whatever. WOO HOO!!!

I'm also down a 1/2" on my waist and hips.

And my total loss is at 36.8. Go, Me!!! :o)

I'm hoping to go to the gym more this week.. I need to be better about that. I do fine going one day but then the next day I'm totally exhausted from lack of sleep. I need to go to bed earlier. But that's my alone time with Drew so I hate giving it up.

In other news, this past weekend I tried on pants that were a size smaller and I was able to get them all of the way up, just not zip them. So that was exciting.. I'm getting closer to a smaller size.

And I bought some XL Old Navy shirts and they fit nicely. And I got a sweatshirt thingy (it has half sleeves) from Walmart and it's a size Large. Always encouraging, right??

Here's to another great week!!

I'm tracking!

Just thought I'd update that I'm doing my WW tracking. I really am!!

Might as well admit that yesterday afternoon I ate a lofthouse cookie with frosting (4 points) and two mini powdered donuts (1 point each). And one of those swiss roll things (2 points). And then another of those swiss roll things (2 points).

I labeled the 10 point splurge as "crap" on my tracker.

Oops. Not sure what my problem was.

Sure was tasty though.

I did make sure to get my veggies in though so hopefully that canceled some of it out. Right? Or not.

Oops.

Want to know my current favorite lunch?

It's basically an open face Tuna sandwich..

1 Tuna Pouch (1 point)
1 slice whole wheat bread (2 points)
1 1/2 TBS Light Miracle Whip (1 point)
And then a frippery of condiments: small scoop of relish (0??), chopped up celery for crunch (0??), squirt of mustard (o), fresh pepper

And the most glorious part: one slice of havarti cheese.

I HEART havarti. Big fat puffy heart it.

Unfortunately, it's 3 points for one slice. Which is the real reason for the open-faceness.. I'd rather have a slice of cheese than two slices of bread.

And then I have a slew of cut up red/yellow/orange peppers (1 point I guess??)

Total points is 8. Kind of high for lunch.. but I'm not a big breakfast person, so I have them to use.

Also, I went to the gym this morning. I really enjoyed it (minus the waking up early). It was also enjoyable to put my jacket on that I purchased a year ago and see how large it was on me. It was not enjoyable to walk out of my bedroom into the dark hall and run into the wall. Nice.

I'm still tracking today! And I'm eating a better breakfast to hopefully avoid all the *crap* I did yesterday. :o)

And, I'm down!

I'm going to do better this week. I WILL do better.

My friend, Trish, met her WW goal! SO awesome and she looks amazing. She's done such a fantastic job and even better, it's a lifestyle she can live with. I want that!!

I've been telling people that since April, when I lost my enthusiasm to track points, I haven't really lost anything, maybe a few pounds.

But today I plugged in my weight and looked at the chart and what do you know.. since the end of April I've actually lost almost 10 pounds! When it's maybe 2 pounds a month it just goes sooo slow.. ya know? But it sure adds up. And even better, I haven't gained anything back, either.

And today, I'm down .2. Tiny, tiny, I know. I weigh this amount, or less, ALL the time during the week but never on weigh in day. But today I was down! That puts me at 34.2 lost. It also puts me in the next range so I'm down another weekly point. Never thought I'd be so happy to finally be down and have that happen!! LOL

And the 1/2" that I gained in all areas (some places an inch) a few weeks after the car accident (I'm certain was from lack of moving around) is finally dropping back off.

I've lost 5.5" from my waist and hips.

5" from my bust (well, just below where my bra strap is).

3" from my thighs.

2.5" from my arms (I'm still up a 1/2" from where I was at pre-accident).

Not too shabby!!

This was kind of fun too.. on Saturday, one of Drew's friends (since they were kids) had a birthday party and we went over for an hour or so while Misty watched the kids. I haven't seen Rob in at least a year and I haven't seen his other buddies in almost 2 years or longer. (we're at different places in life where they don't have kids, we do, etc.)

ANYWAY, Rob had one of our Chirstmas Card pictures on his fridge that was from 2005. I was 7 months pregnant with Carson, Hayden had just turned 2. Apparently I didn't put the year on that card because his friends thought it was this past year's and were expecting to see THIS when we walked through the door:

It really was pretty funny.. I was like HELLO, we have FOUR kids, not two!!

And because I'm lame, here's my recent facebook profile pic. for comparison. lol

It was sooo nice getting lots of compliments. What a boost.

Now, I just need to figure out how to get the exercise in. I was planning to go this morning to work out (in just a bit actually rather than 6:30 like usual) but I've ran into a bit of a speed bump. It's cold outside and we keep our window cracked open (I heart the cold) and I guess I can't do that anymore because I woke up in so much pain. My hips hurt, my back hurts and my neck is aching so much.. I'm hobbling all over the house. Nice. grrrrr I need to think this through more. Maybe I need to go in the evenings or late afternoons? Or maybe as I get better, that will help too??

Speaking of that, I'll quickly report, the Chiropractor thinks I'm about 60% better.. I usually feel pretty good until the afternoon when turn to the Advil/Excedrin Back & Body. On Saturday, the Dr. gave me some stretches/minor exercises to help me strengthen/tone my lower back. Hopefully it will help my hip too.

My wrist still gives me trouble, I have to be careful how I pick things up to keep it stabilized. It's still really weak too.. Try this: Take your thumb and pinkie and squeeze them together.. use your other hand to try and pry apart. Can't really do it, right?? Yeah, on my left hand, it comes right apart. And on our new bag of chicken nuggets that reseals? I can't get it open because my hand can't hold on tight enough. Frustrating. And this is with improvement!

Ok, done whining.

This next monday I am hoping to see 35 pounds total loss!!!! (or more!)

Wasn't meant to be...

This morning I went to the gym.

Upon scanning my membership card so that I could enter I discovered that I had actually brought my Costco card with me.

At least I was able to joke that I had two forms of ID for the front desk to look at and then let me in.

I started out in the weight room like I always do only to realize that I had not brought my wrist brace with me. It's still sprained/weak enough that I have to have the support if I'm going to be pushing and pulling with it. So I stuck to a few leg options and even tried out one to help chunky butt out only to find that it hurt to have to grip the handles.

So I went upstairs after that and walked on the treadmill (w/ an incline). I was done after about 8 minutes but pushed myself to fifteen. My hips were just not feelin' it. I'm not sure if it's because I forgot to take advil before bed last night (oops- I won't forget that again for awhile! Talk about hard to sleep!) or why. And my neck has been hurting all weekend as well.

I guess it just wasn't meant to be today.

Oh well.

I'm down 1.8 this past week and back to my 34 pounds loss. Sometimes I'm a pound or so lighter.. just fluctuates. I'm anxious to see it go down more.

My new favorite snack is peppers. You can get a bag of mini ones at Costco for $4 and it has red, yellow and orange. I have no idea on the point value, I should look that up. But you know my favorite saying.. I didn't get fat off of veggies. ;o)

I have a couple of other foods that I've tried out and I"ll try to take pics this week and talk about them.

Has anyone seen my will power??

Cause I really miss it.

It used to be so EASY for me to pass up treats and the less healthy options.

Now, not so much.

I know that all of that would be much more simple if I would just eat enough fruits and veggies.

Why does that part have to be so difficult?

I guess I need to go back to the beginning of my blog and read all of my own advice. Can't hurt at least, right??

I think I'm going to attempt going to the gym once this week too. I can tell things aren't as firm as they used to be and I miss that. I just worry about how uncomfortable it will make me after I'm done.. this past weekend I painted my front door and that night and yesterday were really bad. My right hip keeps popping and it aches.. my neck hurts.. I guess it was all the standing on my toes to reach the top and squats I did to paint lower (since bending over hurt my back).

But I was sore when I first started working out so maybe it just has to happen. I'll just be super slow going with the weights.

At least the good news is I haven't gained back what I've lost. I just have the same two or three pounds that come and go.

Ok, wish me luck!!

Frustrated.

I don't have a new measuring tape yet so I don't know what's going on inch wise (I presume nothing) but weight wise.... it's frustrating.

I was down 1.6 which I'm happy with considering I haven't counted points at all. At. All. But today I'm back to exactly what I was last week. So I guess it's not that big of a deal all considering.. I was just excited to move down some. lol

I'm still pretty banged up from the accident.. my bruises look NAS-TY! Guess they always do look the worst later on though, huh. It's been 10 days.

My neck and upper back and hips/bottom of my back throb almost all of the time. Even taking 800mg of Advil. I take a muscle relaxer and loratab at night to help me sleep. I tried sweeping the kitchen yesterday and hurt pretty badly after.. grrrr Since when did you use so many back muscles, etc. to sweep?

My left wrist is still pretty bad (I hit it into the steering wheel, it's sprained).. I can't even twist the cap of the milk off. And that's with wearing the brace. I wear an ace bandage at night to keep it stable. The Chiro. adjusts it every time I go in.

I still get overwhelmed when there's a lot of noise (loud music, kids going crazy) and I can't remember what I've told people or haven't told them. I'm just... not normal. I was told it can last up to two weeks after a minor concussion.. anyone else have experience with this? I'm having some headaches now I but I don't know if it's from the neck pain or what.

I leave to Cedar City on Thursday (through Sunday) to go to the Shakespearean festival and am kind of doubting my decision to go. I thought I'd be more normal than I am by now... the long car ride and sitting in seats for plays plus the walking we do... might not have been my smartest idea. It's just hard to figure out, ya know? We've been planning on it since we went last year and the kids are so excited.... wish me luck. :-S And hopefully I can choose good food choices as well.

My plan at this point is if I'm still not doing much better by next Monday then I"ll make a Dr. appointment to see what he thinks about everything. I was hoping to be working out by that time.. that's when the Chiro. said I probably would be able to start.. but I don't know. I'm exhausted just after being awake a few hours. I really miss it though! Who would have thought. I miss the grown up time with Janae too.. she's so much fun to talk to.

So yeah.. that's where I am. Just sitting around feeling sorry for myself and frustrated that I can't do anything I want to do. Or even the things I don't want to do. LOL

Back where I was.

On last week's weight in plus I gained even more after that. Thank you, TOM. Or muscles. Or the cookies from Smith's. But whatever.

I exercised on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings doing thirty minutes of weights and then 30 minutes on the elliptical. It was much easier to do them then previous times and I was lifting heavier weights. Woo hoo!

On Thursday evening, for those that don't know, I was in a car accident where I had stopped on the freeway in the fast lane and I was hit from behind (she was going 55+) and I crashed into the car in front of me (and the car in front of them).

I'm still having a hard time.. I had (have?) a minor concussion.. no headaches but I've been really confused and just kind of out of it. I've been able to type (and text) but it takes me much longer. I'll write something incorrectly and it takes me awhile to figure out how come. And I'm in all sorts of pain with my left arm, neck and back. *grumble*

But, my kids are mostly ok which I'm thrilled about.

I'm a little down about the fact that I'm not sure when I'll be able to work out again. I've really been enjoying it and having the adult time to talk to Janae while we thin ourselves out. I was hoping by the end of the week that I'd be back in the gym but I'm not so sure now.. I'll see what the chiropractor thinks tomorrow. And I've been building up my muscles so well! Argh.. I'll never beat Grandma Thunder Thighs at this rate!

My appetite has gone way down (which is impressive considering the amount of cookies I consumed earlier this week.. bad, me!) and apparently I dropped the weight I had gained... 1.8. Which puts me back at the 34 pounds loss. Which puts me back where I was about two weeks ago. I can live with that.

It hasn't really occurred to me to count points (just realizing this) so I guess I should put more thought into that. Maybe I should write that down.. I've been writing everything down in this little notebook of mine so I don't forget things.

Which reminds me, I forgot to call about getting the neck x-rays from the Hospital so I can take them to the Chiro. tomorrow. Clearly my notebook method is effective.

Anyway, so that's where I am.

And no inches measured, due to the loss of my measuring tape. ;o)

I won't be measuring inches...

Just thought I'd let you know that I won't be measuring my inches tomorrow.

Apparently Carson, who has been VERY naughty today, decided to check out my measuring tape...



... with his scissors.

*sigh*

It's muscle, right?

Today I'm up over a pound. 1.8 to be exact. Oops.

I was starving last week. I should have eaten more fruits and veggies but I didn't.. I really wanted bread. Go figure. Ok, to be honest, I REALLY wanted chocolate but I didn't have any in the house. And from the weight gain I had, I really think that was actually to my advantage- can you imagine the damage if I lost control on chocolate?? Whew.

Janae, my work out buddy, pointed out today that some of it might be muscle.

I think that is true too.. when I flex my arms now, I have a cute little muscle pop up. Aaannd, I'm down a 1/2" from just under my bust area (I measure all over) and I'm down a 1/2" from my muffin top area.

The elliptical that kicked my butt last week was so much easier today. It still took effort obviously (a LOT) but I was able to do the 30 minutes (300 cal. burned!) without feeling like I was going to kill over and die. Yay!!

I really do feel so much healthier and I'm enjoying working out. Who would have thought.

Costco.

I need to go to Costco. We're out of Dinosaur nuggets so you understand the urgency.

Because I'm no longer above bribing my children, we stop up front at the food court area prior to leaving to reward those with good behavior (Aubrey: no whining, Hayden: no provoking Carson or doing copy-cat to everything that Aubrey says, which makes her very mad, Carson: no hitting or running off).

Costco supposedly has the nutritional information for their items located behind the counter but it's always so busy that I forget to ask.

Here is a website that people have contributed too when they ask about the nutritional information. People can comment below the chart and they have, when they think there is a discrepancy, so I feel that it's pretty accurate.

Thirsty??

The Fruit Smoothie has 290 (cal)/0 (fat g.)/1 (fiber) = 6 points
But if you can share with someone and not be a pig about it then 3 points for half isn't so bad.

Want a treat?

The Non-fat Yogurt is listed as 390/0/0 = 8
(I'm presuming that's just the yogurt, no fruit/chocolate topping- isn't that an option?)
Which means 1/4 of it is 2 points.. or just a few small spoonfuls is only 1. :-D

A Churro is showing in at 410/18/3 = 9

Only one point more than the non-fat yogurt. I still get surprised at just how much fiber effects a food's nutrition. This is a very valid point on why I am fat. I always thought something fat free would be a WAY better choice than something with 18 grams of fat (but with 3g fiber).

Oh, and If you can sneak 1/4 of a churro without having to wrestle your kids to Costco's floor then it's only 2 points. Who knew.

Need actual FOOD?

The hot dog including the bun and condiments is 550/34/3 = 13
The polish sausage including the bun and condiments is 540/32/3 = 13
Slice o' Cheese Pizza (1/6 of a pizza) is 700/28/3 = 16
Chicken Caesar Salad including the dressing is 670/40/7 = 16
Chicken bake sandwich is 770/25/2 = 17

This last item was particularly painful to find out the nutritional information on- I'm such a sucker for anything that includes Havarti!

The Turkey Wrap is 810/38/7 = 19 Yeah, not so healthy! I can't tell you how many time I ordered that thinking it was so much better than a hot dog.

Hope some of this helps you in your Costco adventures!!