Start of a New Year

Hello peeps. Long time no see.
Well. I failed in this journey over the holidays. I GAINED a bit more than I anticipated in the end third of the year.
I blame a) my trip to Vegas in September b) doing a theater production where we enjoy going out to eat afterwards and c) my lack of willpower during the holidays, especially during get-togethers.
When I hopped on the scale Saturday (last week) after totally forgetting to get on the scale over Xmas week nor on my usual Wed. weigh in that week, I about died. Wow. I really let things go bad.
So, new starting total on January 3rd, 2015 is 178 lbs. *shudder* I don't think I've been that high since I was in my big weight loss plan back in 2011-2012 (where I started at 212 lbs- which I REFUSE to get that high again). My hubs hopped on the scale hoping to outdo me in not gaining as much and also about fell over from the number.
So the two of us vowed to have one last bad day on Sunday (in order to get rid of the leftovers from New Years) and start Monday as a fresh start to the new year of weight loss/fitness.

Monday went well- I stuck to my healthy food plan all day (Bringing back my Weight Watchers Points Plus plan, since it worked wonders when I actually followed it), we cooked up a light dinner of rice and chicken and then decided to try something new for exercise (since it was FREEZING outside and we hate gyms).
My parents were getting rid of their Kinect/Xbox and had a few games we didn't have, so I swiped them over the holiday break and we decided to give some a try for our fitness exercises.

First up- Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

This game is actually quite good. Once we got it all calibrated with the Xbox Kinect we went straight to the Gym games (as this is what caught my eye on the packaging). We did the punch out blocks game (Hubs vs. myself)- this quickly became a favorite and will surely be a part of our daily Kinect workout. Think punching/kick boxing but in a fun game format.
I then tried out some of the Personal Trainer portions of the game. Wow- kicked my butt (which I need though).
Hubs and I alternated using the games and trainer sessions to let our newbie tired muscles rest between reps.
At the end of the workout I burned plenty of calories and already could feel the burn of the exercises. We ended the evening with homemade fruit smoothies!
When I woke up Tuesday- my thigh, arms and sides were sore. Guess I'm more out of shape than I thought!
Here's the deets on the Weight Watchers Points Plus I consumed Monday...

Tuesday I did good also. I packed my breakfast, snacks and lunch so I could stay healthy at work (one of the hardest things to do at my job- where there is ALWAYS unhealthy food to be had). When my hubs got home, he said he was sore and didn't want to do the Kinect games. Even though I was sore, I was determined to get some arm workouts in and did some more of the Kinect games. I then decided to try the Just Dance 3 kinect game, to mix things up a bit.

I quickly found out the controls were a little wonky when trying to pick the difficulty- it constantly would just auto choose, or when I tried to change the difficulty, it would just start at whatever the closest place my hand was nearby. I enjoyed the Black Eyed Peas song during the "sweat" mix, though I had to laugh at some of the dance instructors- their facial expressions were wonderful. I had to wonder if these were actual people they just motion captured or videotaped and put funky color filters over top. I think the "Forget You" by CeLow's dancer on the screen reminded me of a crazy mime. lol.
I toughed through about 5 songs, with the hubs joining my last dance combo. Some were just my pace and others were just down right difficult (and I've even had formal dance training since I was 3, just haven't done much in the past few years). After working up a sweat and my muscles could handle no more, I crashed on the couch exhausted. We started talking about our current setup of our living room and how our Kinect doesn't like how close we are to it and tried to figure out ways we could rearrange our living room to better utilize the open spaces.
Once we figured out what dinner was going to be, I cooked up the dinner while the hubs rearranged the furniture in the living room /dining room. Now things look TOTALLY different, but are much better for exercising as well as entertaining. Hubs also jerry-rigged my current computer setup to help me have better posture while at the computer, since I like to sit quite close to my computer and the way our computers are set up- it isn't possible. He added a piece of wood on top of the cubed bookcase things and it works perfect! My hope is to paint it and officially attach it to the cases, so it doesn't just look like a piece of plywood stuck under my computer. haha.
After rearranging all that furniture and cleaning the two rooms (this is after I did some Kinect workout exercises and cooked dinner), I was pooped. I just so happened to have 4 points plus leftfor the day after having a low point dinner, so I treated myself to a hard cider and frozen mangoes for dessert. *phew* what a day!
Tuesday's points plus breakdown:

Today, I've been continuing to do well. When I hopped on the scale this morning to get back into my Wednesday weigh ins, I was at 177. So already I'm down a pound since Saturday- not bad! My packed breakfast, lunch and snacks has kept me going well. When I got home from work, I did some more of the Just Dance 3 and worked on finishing up my choreography for our upcoming auditions for Shrek the Musical (which hubs and I are directing). This worked up a sweat, so I was glad to get to dinner. Luckily with such a light lunch, I had enough points to enjoy tacos for dinner. Hubs picked up small taco shells, so we could eat smaller portions. I finished off the night with 1 oz of jelly beans ( I was craving sugar). Sadly 1 oz of jelly beans is 3 points plus! ugh. But, as long as I don't consume anymore points tonight, I'm golden for the day.
Here's today's points plus breakdown:

Tomorrow I am meeting up with a friend at Starbucks, so I already started researching what Starbucks drinks I could have within my points plus range. Basically, I need to say "skinny" before any of the drinks I plan on ordering. haha
Friday we are planning on taking a co-worker out to dinner for his retirement, so that's another place I"ll have to figure out what to order. Time to go stalking their menu online. ;)

Luckily, January I have very little plans, other than that co-worker's retirement dinner and a co-worker's bday bash later in the month, so I think sticking to this exercise and eating healthy plan will be a little easier. (Doesn't hurt that the hubs is doing it too for once!)
*fingers crossed* I lose some of the holiday gained weight and feel much better leading up to this summer. We shall see...
-M

Rollercoaster... of weight loss

(...As I sing the title to this post like the "Rollercoaster of Love" song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers). lol

So Last week I gained, this week I lost. So overall, pretty close to what it was a few weeks ago. Ugh. Goes to show you that I gotta keep up with things- Part of it was with the yummy food from an awards banquet for work (below). I just ADORE the way they made a "ring" out of the squash.

 Look what book I just got! Woo! Can't wait to try things from it.

Did a lot of yardwork, weeding, etc. Oh, exercise...

This past weekend I auditioned for a show, so I got a little more dancing exercise than I normally do. haha. I auditioned for Grease, so I was attempting to channel my inner teenager (below).

I thought I did a pretty good job at it, however I don't look as young as the 14-year-old boys that got cast as the Burger Palace Boys (T-birds), so I'll be playing the teacher. Supposably they want Ms. Lynch to be more in her 40s for this version of Grease. To be completely honest, I was kind of mortified when they first offered it to me (the hubs got cast as Eugene, mind you) but after finding out that pretty much the entire main characters are all 14-18, little 27-year-old me just doesn't fit in as a student. (sad panda face). But alas, I am an actress- I will make the best of any role given to me.
So I'll be playing a pretty British Chick in "Odd Couple" in June, then prudish English Teacher in "Grease" in August. Crazy how theater can be so out there, as far as roles.

I've also been on a huge "sweet salad" kick- Salad greens with Raspberry Walnut dressing, Dried Cranberries and Feta. YUM- and only 4 points (because the cranberries are sweetened- would be 1 point less if it wasn't for that).

So Red Robin's Turkey burger is 19 points plus. After a full hour of Zumba, I was starving, and I really wanted a burger- sadly, this is actually one of the lower points sandwiches. Luckily, I subbed out the fries for a fruit salad, had the 10 calorie iced tea and used some of those Zumba/exercise points to enjoy the Turkey burger. It doesn't look super great in photos, but it is quite tasty.

Anyways, I hope to keep up with things, and stop yo-yoing.

(Diet Grapefruit soda at friend's bonfire!)

I want to keep on the down-low!
Happy weight loss!
-m

Where has April gone?...

Holy heck, where did this month go? Seems as if I haven't popped over here to update ya'll on my weight loss journey at all this month. Eek!
So what all has happened in my weight ins in April? Well...

• April 3: 150.8 lbs
• April 10: 155.4 lbs (I blame my getaway weekend with my mom for this gain)
• April 17: 153 lbs
• April 24 (today): 150.6 lbs

As you can see, this month has been a rollercoaster thus far. With the fun times of a scrapbooking getaway with my mom, I gained a lot that week. However, I've been doing well in losing these past few weeks, I think partially to starting Zumba. My one friend just got certified as a Zumba instructor, so I've been taking her class the past few weeks- it is fun, but kicks my butt in its one-hour of booty-shaking dance. lol
I also have come to the conclusion that I love avocado sushi! Read all about at my blog (and other favorites of the week here).

Here's my month thus far of dinners/weight loss, etc. in pics.

 (Tried this- actually pretty good for a weight watchers soup.)

 (Dinner 1 at Scrapbook getaway)

 (Dinner 2 at Scrapbook Getaway)

 (Rocking the yellow and new haircut. Bangs have come back!)

 (Chili's lunch: My most favorite soup in the world- Chili's enchilada soup)

 (Spinach ravioli at italian restaurant with hubs and mom)

 (Co-Worker gave me these to try- Not too bad)

(My new favorite popcorn, along with Boom Chica Pop. So good!)

 (Enjoying a cider on our new patio seating area. These actually aren't nearly as bad for you as beer!)

 (Lunch with hubs at mexican restaurant- I love mexican food!)

 (Oh water, Why can't I enjoy you more?)

 (A typical lunch at work- Diet Dr. Pepper, Green beans, Lean Cuisine and banana.)

 (Day one of our once-a-week 007 James Bond movie date nights- Martini and Sloppy "James" Rotini. lol)

(Last night's dinner- Crock-pot Hawaiian Chicken. So tasty, not too bad for you, and LOTS of leftovers left!)

Anyways, I hope to ramp up the exercise- Zumba, walking, etc. since I'm in that runt of gain, lose, gain, lose- all the same 5 pounds back and forth. We shall see how the next week goes.
-M

Big surprise: having the flu and losing weight

Ok. Just a quick pop in check in.
So yeah. I had the flu earlier this week. And you know what? I lost 3 pounds on my weigh in on Wednesday. haha.
I had the Flu mostly on Monday/Tuesday- but by Wednesday was on the upswing in the sickness department. Just in case, since I still was kinda crummy, but not nearly as bad as M/T, I went to the doctor on Friday- She confirmed. Yep, I had the flu. But not anymore. Now I have an ear infection. Lovely. (NOT!). So now I'm on antibiotics and I'm sniffling due to the drainage.

 Anti-bacterial hand gel- the ONLY thing I could actually smell when I was sick.

 Being sick sucks!

Oh Peanut M&M's. How you make my day.

But in not-sickness related news, I did lose 3 pounds this week. Amazing, since I basically ate "comfort" foods while sick.
 Luckily I could enjoy the SuperBowl at a friends house the day before laying in bed feeling like death. lol

Who knew, that in less than 24 hrs from this photo, I'd be feeling like death- bed ridden?

 Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing- made by the hubs too.

 What do you see- Duck or Rabbit?

 We had DD's homemade chili at the party!

 Hubs made this super awesome White Zinfidel fruity cake with Moscato icing!

 Anyways, hopefully next week's weigh in is good- and not just the sickness taking over.

 (Kitchen wall art!)

 (Our cute crockpot)

 (My dinner tonight at work)

Happy weight loss!
-M

Gaining during a fabulous wedding weekend

Ok. So I was bad. Like REALLY bad this week. I gained 2.4 lbs this week- that tells you how bad I really was. So my best friend got married to my husband's best friend this weekend, so from Friday straight through yesterday evening, I ate a lot and drank more than I should. I threw my diet out the window, and it sure showed when I got on the scale this morning. eek!

The numbers this week:

So here is what did me in (besides the amazing tasting fresh food at the wedding location- rehearsal dinner, breakfast, dinner, late night snacks and booze, breakfast- all amazing tasting. Especially anything with potatoes- their cook must really know how to cook potatoes!)

 (Went to Olive Garden with the hubs- that was mistake #1)

(even though I got wheat pasta, the sauce, cheese and sausage couldn't save this horribly high point value meal)

 (Only 1 point plus energy drink- they brought in a bunch to our work to promote it. The Peach Mango isn't bad, the blackberry is icky though).

 (One of the nights I had Chinese food- the egg drop soup isn't too bad. However the Hunan chicken I had also didn't help my points for the day)

 (Then wine happened. Yes, this is a giant glass of Moscato wine in the cup holder of my craft room. It helped me get through the major project I had to finish by the weekend- for the wedding)

 (Thursday I went to the Amish Market in Newtown)

 (they had cool amount of potatoes, though I didn't pick any up because we wouldn't be home all weekend)

 (I did pick these puppies up- only 1 points plus for 2 pop cakes!)

 (Also picked up no sugar Apple Butter to put on the rice cakes. I believe it is 1 points plus for 3 tbsp or 3 servings)

 (I also picked up the sugar apple butter to see if you can taste the difference between the sugar and no sugar. The one with sugar is 1 points plus per 2 tbsp or 2 servings- so one serving less you can have for a 1pp.)

 (And this was my lunch- badddddd for you pulled pork sandwich, but healthy cauliflower- weird mix, I know)

(Also got a 6 points plus Gelati from Ritas- sugar free tangerine with slenderita custard)

 (Apple butter on rice cake!)

 (Sometime last week I tried this Smart Ones bag of sesame chicken. Was actually quite good and spicy)

And then things really start to take a turn for the bad eatting...
We started things off on Friday by having a quick bite to eat at Arby's, since we knew we'd be eatting heavy at the rehearsal dinner. That was a mistake, just like every meal this past week... Then I had this:

 (First helping at rehearsal dinner. Second helping was more pulled pork and potato salad, I know- shouldn't have gotten another serving, but I gave my chicken to the hubs- didn't notice the pork till after I put the chicken on the plate, and I really am not a huge "meat on the bone still" fan)

 (Orange dreamcicle martini)

 (Was the groom's birthday the day before the wedding, so there was more cake)

 (Heading to rehearsal dinner)

 (Favorite shoes- at rehearsal dinner)

 (Morning of wedding we had a big breakfast (not shown) and had Orange Juice- I haven't had OJ in forever, since I can't justify the points of OJ from concentrate- I hate pulp!)

 (My bridesmaid hair and makeup)

 (The wedding cake! They also had wonderful appetizers, a walnut/apple/cheese salad, and the main course of steak/green beans fresh from the farm and potato cake- it all tasted SO good!)

 (Hubs and I at the reception. We had more food and drinks at the after party after the reception- where I downed many carrots, grapes, crackers, cheese, and apricot tarts. If I would of stuck to the water, grapes and carrots, I would of been fine. lol)

 (And then, after having Arby's for lunch on Sunday, we ordered pizza and I had buffalo chicken pizza. My weight watchers teachers would be screaming in horror at my meals this past week).

 (Our new fridge, now filled with the basics and nothing really to make a full-on meal though)

So yeah, I gained weight and I ate horribly, but you know what. I don't care. That just means I need to get back on the bandwagon this week and make up for it. I had a great time this week and that's what really matters. As much as it sucks that I have to lose that, and it always is harder to lose than to gain (as I just demonstrated), sometimes you just gotta get over the number and have a flub week.

For dinner I had my favorite Italian Pesto on a 6 inch wheat sub from Wawa. Luckily I had the points. I also scored a free starburst- had a coupon for $1 off any starburst (was on the back of my gas reciept) and they were already on sale for $0.99! Woo! Free candy!
Well...turns out Starburst (one of my favs) is 1 points plus for every 1.76 starburst. So I could have 3.5 starburst for 2 points plus. *sigh*

Anyways, will try to get back on the wagon and do good this week. I let myself be bad for an entire week, and boy did I pay for it!
I hope everyone else is doing good in their losses. Happy weight loss!
-M