No weight loss

I have gained some weight in the pass weeks due to laziness. I have a huge problem with saying no to fast food or even opting for a light meal at fast food places! I was looking into Mesifast meals and going to try that with WW. I am sure I need more discipline is all. I been so stressed lately and eating. Bad food is my cure!

Really liked these a lot! I will definitely repeat this recipe! I used green pepper instead of red cause they're 1/4 the price. I used Feta instead of Blue Cheese cause that's what I had on hand. I made 4 regular sized patties instead of 8 minis so I put them on wheat rounds instead of the mini-buns, so that probably took 2 points off for a total of 6.

5 points for 1/4 which is ALOT, probably should serve 6 instead of 4. I served it over a cup of whole wheat pasta so that added 4 pts for a total of 9! Very good. The canned tomatoes make it a tad too sweet though. Not sure how to alter that. Anyhow, Seth and I like it. I found it on the back of a Treasure Cave Feta Cheese label.

I'm still here

It's Susan. Sorry, I've been so bad about blogging. It's been a busy summer. I'm doing well. I did gain in Chicago as expected, but I got it back off the following week. I pretty much stick to my 29 points Mon-Thurs, then give myself more freedom Fri-Sun. This is my maintenance theory. It's working. I've really started running; dare I say training for a marathon? I've done a few long runs, 7 miles being the longest. I need to find a running buddy though if I'm going to take on 26.2 miles! That's too much time (race & training) to do solo. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Lol. I'm almost positive I'm going to do the half in October in Conway, Soaring Wings. I definitely accredit the weight loss to ww, but running has done much for the shape of my legs. I'm actually proud to wear a mini-skirt at 30! According to 'What Not to Wear', I only have 5 more years!

Anyhow, I went to my yearly doc appt Tuesday and had lost 30 lbs since I was there 1 year ago, 6 weeks after having the twins. I was 137lbs. and 5'5 3/4'' tall. 25 of that was been lost since joining ww in March.
Mid-June, we had a family vacation to the beach. I felt so comfortable in my swimsuit which has never been the case. It is unfortunate that I'm smaller than I've practically ever been and more fit, but can't wear a 2 piece cause of the twin stretch marks. My belly is bad off! Seth looks amazing too. He still watches what he eats and started working out at Crossfit twice a week! It's pretty hardcore from what I hear!

Stay tuned for some more recipes coming your way!

update

I have not really lost anything or gained anything which is great, however I feel like a BIG girl a lot, seems I loose the weight but my mid-section stays the same which makes clothes no fun to try on. Swim suit shopping I have not attempted because I dread it so much. I dream of one day going into a 2 piece again, but not this year, this year will be a tankini or a one piece.

I decied to switch my weigh in day till Friday, because I tend to eat out a lot on the weekends and those extra points really help me there, plus I will have all week to work it all off, instead of a day.

I am currently at 143 and really will be happy at 140 and standing. If I go below that great, above that BOO.

Weigh in for Leah

I have gained about 2 pounds this week, not that I am suprised I ate a lot of fries and burgers this weekend. I always have a hard time on the weekend. I really want to loose the last of my weight but it is sticking to me. I know with summer it will be hard since we do not cook a lot at home now. I just need to learn to go with the salad or lower menu item for now on. I am also not getting to work out a lot as I wanted to, seems we are always having to get things done when I get off work and never enough time to go walking or to the gym. Normally I would take a child with me, but when my hubby works nights nad I have 2 kids that is not possable I am not that strong at all. I really want to do boot camp soon, I need a buddy though.

Susan Update

Whoops! Last Wed., I'd gained 1.8lb. I knew it was coming, so this week, my goal is to get it back off. I ran last night at 6pm, and it was HOT. The index was 101. It's gonna be a long, tough summer, but bring it on! The more sweat, the more calories burned, right?! Anyhow, despite my gain, I still made lifetime member. Woot! Woot! Since I weighed on June 1, I don't have to go back til sometime in July. I'm glad for that, but it's gonna be weird not checking in weekly. I'll probably go near the end of July since June includes a girls trip to Chicago where I plan to indulge in their famous deep dish pizza as well as a Chicago-style hotdog or 2. Then, I get back for a few days and head to Florida for a week where the daiquiris and beers will be flowing. Eating-wise it shouldn't be too bad there though since I plan to eat lots of seafood which is low in points and we'll cook most meals in our condo. I also plan to run at least twice that week, if not daily. We're taking a sitter, so it'll be easier than usual to go for a run if I so desire. So, after all that is said and done, I'll have to tighten up and get back to the grind for a weigh-in.

Susan Update

It's been awhile since I updated. I've had 2 successful weigh-ins after one +.2 set-back after Mother's Day weekend. The next week I got back on my horse and lost 2.6 and the next another 2.4. So, now I'm at 138.2. I'm happy! I was striving for the middle of my height range which is 135, but I'm really ok where I am. I wear a combo of 4s & 6s which is thrilling! I think I'm smaller than when I got married 6 years ago! I have one more maintenance week then I'm lifetime and only go to meetings once a month for free. Woohoo! This summer is gonna be hard, but I'm hoping I can maintain by being very diligent during the week and allowing more flexibility on the weekends. Tomorrow is my kids' birthday party, so that's burgers, chips, & cake! My parents are in town visiting. They drove their RV, so we'll be camping with them a lot. So, s'mores, ribs, you name it. However, that's the beauty of Weight Watchers, you can have all that as long as you balance the rest of your day & week accordingly!

Weigh In May 16th

I been in a slump, and eating what I want, so this week I am making a goal! I did weigh in this morning and I lost a pound, to my suprise puts me at 142! I really want to do Boot Camp, but need a buddy and no one of my friend have the time to help me out.

My goal this week:
1.) Count my points and record every bite.
2.) Workout out at least 3 days this week for an hour each time.
3.) Lay out a pair of jeans that do not fit great and try to fit into them.
4.) Be happy with what I have lost to date and not defeated with a set-back.

Seems my husband is making it harder for me to work out now, not sure why. I normally would go ot the gym at 7:30 to 8:30 but lately he will refuse to babysit for me and then it gets too late for me to go and I skip it. I need to make this time a pirority for me only!

Devils Den

Mother's Day Weekend, we set trail
to walk this 2 mile trail, it was fun
and a work out.

Devils Den on Mothers Day Weekend. I did a 2 mile trail carrying Ava most of the way, since it was not stroller friendly, that was a work out!

Weigh in

I weighed in Monday, the 9th, and I have been battling food issue for weeks now, I had a hard last week. My grandad died, leaving me grandparent less, it is so strange to walk around in life knowing a part of you die with them. Every Wednesday for 4 years I would go to my grandad's house and visit with him and let my kids play in his house and show him pictures, tell him stories, and it is the best memory I will could have and will always treasure. He died one day before my milestone anniversary of 5 years to my husband. We laid my grandads to rest last week and it was sad but happy too, I know in my heart he is happy to be in Heaven with my grandmother, his brothers, dad, mom, and sister, and his best friend. So I am happy for him to be reunited with his loved ones and pain free. He dies from the battle of Parkinson Disease. It is so awful to watch someone you love go through that everyday and slowing watch them loose their Independence and witter away. It killed me to watch him in his final day, the day he died, Friday April 28th I got to see him one last time, and I prayed over him for God to keep him safe and for him to be happy again and for my grandmother to take good care of him. I know that is what he wanted all along.
Anyways with all that said I been binge eating here and there, and you know how much food you get at funerals, well I ate alot of that, and me and my hubby did go to Branson for our Anniversary so I ate more and more. I was surprised that I lost a pound putting me at 142.00 still gain too much I am shooting for 136 but it is so hard, I may have to be happy at 140, I am happy right now with my weigh and love that everyone talks about how skinny I am now, makes you feel so good. So cheer me on as I go for another pound loss this week. I will be changing my weigh in day to either Friday or Saturday so my points renew on the weekend when I eat out the most. Thanks.

Recipe

This is in the oven right now. Smells great. I love ham. Leftovers are great for sandwiches and breakfast too! Only 5 points per serving. Serves 8. Serving about 3.5 oz meat & tbsp glaze.

Susan

Hope all you Momma's had a great weekend! We deserve it!

Last week, I lost 1 more pound for a total of 19. I'm now 143. I love to go shopping and try on clothes now. It's so much more fun when stuff fits and looks good! Just wish I had endless funds. I've really only bought 2 new things, a pair of shorts and a top. I need bottoms badly. I might be hosting a designer jean party soon. Let me know if you're interested. You get them 25-50% less than in stores.

Although I'm 'maintaining', I'm secretly wanting to loose 3 more! Running clinic is over so I am going to try so hard to stay as diligent about exercising at least twice a week!

I kinda splurged on Mother's Day weekend. Fried fish on Saturday night and fried chicken on Sunday. Oops! Fingers crossed the scale doesn't scream at me Wednesday!

Weigh in Day

This week was another gain, 2+ gain in two weeks, not that great now. I went to Branson this past weekend and did not count points, so I knew a gain was happening, but now I am so depressed since all the wieght is trying to creep up again, I have to buckle down now. I want to get to 136 and that number is getting futher away every weigh in.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers this week, as we have lost my grandfather and are laying him to rest this Tuesday.

Susan

I'm late in posting but at weigh-in last Wednesday, I had lost 3 lbs. I'm at 144 with a 18 total lossage. I was really surprised and happy. Some weeks just don't make sense. I had eaten icecream cake for my husband's birthday Tuesday. Easter Sunday, I sneaked several pieces of candy as well as a slice of strawberry pie. Maybe it just hasn't caught up with me yet. Since I'm supposed to be maintaining, Melissa said to add 2 points a day for a total of 31. I'm really still trying to lose 2 more but slowing it down. I'm terrified of gaining back though so it's hard to give myself more leeway.

Wedding Pictures

Weigh in for Leah

As I figured last week was a bad week and it showed on the scale. With a 2 pound gain. I am at what weight Watchers say I should be with an extra pound this week. I might me pushing myself to hard to be at 136. I am at 143 now with my 2 pound gain. I am in a size 6 pants and a small or medium shirt now. I have not gone jean shopping yet to see what size there, but I was happy when I tried on a dress from last year nad it was way too big for me!

I am saving my extra points this week, for Branson this weekend. It is mine and Chris's 5-year and we are going to Yakvoc show and eating a Russian style dinner. I can't wait. Then onward to SDC Saturday, I pray for no rain that day, it is the only time we have with no kids in Branson. I think we may go WILD!!!

Hope everyone has a good week.

Susan Update

Just now posting about my weigh-in on Tuesday. I was shocked to have lost 1.6 for a grand total of 15lbs! So, Melissa started me on the 6 week maintenance period. I was 147. She put me as 148 so I have up to 150 before I have to pay. I plan to keep loosing a few more though (maybe 5) so I'll have a good cushion for vacations and whatnot. I feel great. I went on a quick shopping trip yesterday. I bought a size small top and could wear size 6 bottoms. Yay!

Bad Week

I guess I need to set a new goal, or eles I will be gaining my weight back fast. After the wedding all the dieting and working out did not seem as important as before. I only got to workout 2 this week, normally I do 5 days a week. Then I have not had timeto amek dinner this week due to other demands. So I been eating fast food junk, I know the healthy menue is there but I love my french fries and my NachoBell Grande. Monday evening I dryer decided to stop working so the next day I gwent out to bargin hunt and found a dryer and it should be in today. Now my husband decided to re-do the laundry room and all the stuff from that room is in my kitchen, making it unbearable to cook in and to remain calm, I hate messes! I am hoping after today I can get everything back in there. My weigh in day is tomorrow, I will not be suprised to see a 2 pound gain on there, just not my week, down in the dumps this week!

I'm Back!!

The wedding is finally over and I am so happy to be back home and everything back to normal. I weighed in today, since I was out of town Sunday, and I lost .6 pounds, not back considering I am already where WW thinks I shoudl be and I am having 5 more pounds to lose to get where I want to be at. I ate okay while out of town, did not over eat or over indulge too much, I did have a great time and I am still exhausted from this past weekend..back to work tomorrow.

So, weigh-day is tomorrow this week. I have to go on a field trip with my son (twins in tow) Wednesday, and I don't like the Thursday instructor as ya'llve heard. And, since I plan to start maintenance this week, I want Melissa (who also does Tues.) who'll talk to me and get it started. However, since I went Thursday last week, I've only had 4 days to make progress and lose more lbs, including the weekend, so I'm afraid weigh-in won't be great. Fingers crossed.

I'm making the cauliflower mashed potatoes tonight for dinner, so stay tuned for that pic, recipe, and judgement. Accompanying it with a tilapia fillet and some green beans. Extra light tonight!

Hungry Girl Mac-n-cheese

Serves 4. serving is 1 heaping cup and 6 points. I thought it was very good. I obviously, from the picture, used a mixture of noodles that I had on hand, some wheat some veggie rotini. This was my first experience of Laughing cow cheese. I also bought the garlic and herb flavor wedges. I'm excited to try it. It's expensive, but delicious and only 1 point. Not counting the cracker. I love Ritz, but even the reduced calorie type is 3 points for 5! Any substitutes ya'll know of?

This Week

This week has been a busy off week for me, I have had 0 time to work-out due to gettign ready for hte big wedding day of my sister. I have spent everyday this week preparing for her wedding with laundry, getting primped up, and getting kids groomed nicely! I just hope it does not show on the scale Sunday, I actually cant weight in til Monday mornign since I will not be back in town till then. I have been trying really hard to eat good food still. Tuesday was the worst we had pictures in Chenal Pomernade and the kids would not behave and I was so sleepy and so I drove to Zackby's to use our free repeat day ticket and induldged in the Chicken Finger Plate and a Dt. Coke that was 25 point!!!! I calulated though and moved on. I can't wait to get back on schedule next week.

New I-Phone App

I found a new app on the I-Phones that make it easier to calulate your points, all you have to do is scan the barcode!!! It is called Fooducate and it is a free app, all you do is scann the barcode of what you are eating and it will tell you the food point, they are usally half points, so I round up, I hate half points! It also tells you if the meal or food is good or bad for you. Example I scanned a Healthy Choice Sweet and Tangy Chicken BBQ meal with corn and a apple crisp desert with it, it came back that it is 7.5 points rounded up to 8 wwplus point, then it says to LOOK OUT, it is not 100% grain, and it is HEAVILY PROCESSED! It gives you alternatives too, to go with instead of that, nad it rates your product with a grade, mine was a B. ENJOY, this is going to be a lifesaver at the stores. I wish WW would put their WW Caculate on I-Phone and not just Verison Phones, that would be the best App Ever.

WeighDay

I lost 1.2 last week! 13.4 total since Feb. 24! I'm at 148.6. Here's my plan. Next week, no matter what, I'm gonna say I'm at my goal. Then, I'll maintain for 6 weeks (or maybe lose a little more). Then, by the summer months, I'll be lifetime and only have to go once a month. I can't imagine going weekly with all 3 kids in tow. The twins are hard enough to haul in, entertain during meeting, and haul out. I asked if I could temporarily move my membership to online then come back to meetings in the Fall. They said I'd have to rejoin cause the 2 are not compatible (which I think is stupid), so I'm working the system. I plan and hope to lose more. I think I'd like to be between 140-145. I called the LR office to ask questions afterwards cause the Thursday instructor, Susan, whom I'm not too fond of, kinda put me off when I tried to ask her. I heart Melissa on Wednesdays though. Anyhow, once a lifetimer, you can be UNDER goal, but no more than 2 over. So setting "goal" (on paper) a tad higher than what you actually want is good in my mind. So, when I come back from vacation heavier, as long as no more than 2+, I still don't have to pay. And since I should be several pounds under "goal" cause my real goal is less, that shouldn't happen unless I gain 5+ in one week! That make sense? Haha.
Anyone know what happens during the maintenance stage? Do you get more points or what?

Wednesday is usually Weigh-day, but...

I didn't go to meeting today after all. I had to come home after dropping Setler off to wait for garage door repair man. I'm going tomorrow though. Stay tuned. I'm nervous.

Recipe

I made this for dinner tonight. I love crockpot recipes. They're easy and make the house smell good all day. You do have to brown the chicken beforehand. I did. The notes say this is important and adds to flavor, but I wonder if I didn't.... Also, couldn't find cremini mushrooms, so I used regular. Got this off the iphone ww app. THey called it "Chicken, Mushroom, and Brown Rice Slow Cooker Casserole". It's a keeper, but I'll rename it Chinese Chicken & Rice cause that's what it tasted like to me once I added soy sauce to my plate. I nestled a few red potatoes into the mix for my husband. He gets 42 points to my 29, so can use the extra. It serves 8 and is kinda hard to divvy up especially since I used thigh strips. I didn't want to deal with bones. Anyhow, it's only 5 points plus. I'm having a serving now cause I'm hungry. I can have another later! Probably counts for 3 veggies too.

And...

I bought my Easter dress on sale yesterday at Loft (my favorite store). It fits, and is a size 6! However, it'd even be comfortable and I wouldn't have to suck in if I could lose 5 more pounds by April 24! New short-term goal!

Recipe

If you're a beer drinker like me, buy Budweiser's Select 55s. They're 0 points. Now if I have more than one, and I usually do, I count 1 pt. for 2 cause I don't want to cheat myself. But, you know light beer is 3 points, so this has single-handedly saved my diet. There's 0 fat, 1.9 carb, like .9 protein, 0 fiber. I calculated it, trust me.

Also, yummy cheese fries. Seth and I made these as an appetizer one Friday night as we were grilling our steaks. Very good. Only 3 points. Serves 4, so you get 1/2 potato each. Great alternative to hitting up the McD's drive through when you want some french fries!

Good recipe

I made this this morning cause my Mom was in town. It was really good and only 3 points a serving. Serves 4. I used 2 small green onions instead of a shallot. The Panko bread crumbs can be found in the Asian part of the grocery store.

A Loss is a Loss

I stepped on the scale today and was really worried about what it would say, " Should I of really of eaten that cheesecake last night?", "Did I exercise enough?" These are questipon I asked today and I really wanted to loose a pound or two. So I stepped on and closed my eyes. The scale revieled I lost .5 pounds, a half a pound! Well that is okay I guess, I was hoping for more, but it did not happen, but I am happy I at least lost somthing, and that is what counts. Happy Dieting Everyone.

Ava 1st Year

Click here to view this photo book larger

This was this week's 'Weekly' recipe. I made it last night cause I had everything, or at least a good substitute. It was just ok. Probably won't make it again though cause my husband isn't much for the balsamic flavor. And, I always have a hard time when the meat is drudged. I make a big mess and it never stays coated right. I'm positive it's operator error, but I try to avoid those types of recipes. Anyhow, I also used a yellow onion cause I didn't have a Vidalia. Probably made a bit of difference in sweetness. I also used vegetable broth cause I had a box open in the fridge that needed to be used.

However, this was a stellar side dish. It's 1 point a serving (1/4 container). Steam it in the bag in the microwave. Quick and easy, and my 3 year old liked the 'white broccoli' too.

Wednesday is Weigh-day for Susan

I lost 2.2 lb last week! I am happy! Actually, I was with 1.2, but ecstatic when I realized she messed up on the math. I'm at 149.8 and was 152 last week! So, grand total loss 12.2 in 6 weeks. So, I surpassed my original goal but am definitely not done! I think I'm setting my sights on 140 now. So 9.8 to go. Am I being overzealous? I'm scared cause I know the second half is harder than the first, right? Especially, 'that last 5 lbs!'

Exercise: I don't use my activity points. Do ya'll? I mean I generally only wrack up 5 or 6 a week anyhow with my 2, 30 minute runs (I'm participating in the free Women Can Run Clinic in Maumelle.) and a couple nights on the bowflex. I think exercise is an important part of weight loss for sure though. Although it might make the scale go down slower cause of muscle gain, it helps the inches go down faster cause of the tightening.

1 point Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

This comes from WW site online, when you join, they have a recipe swap on there, and I saw this recipe and knew I had to share it. I LOVE COOKIES!! 1pt CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE Point Plus per serving is 1 cookie @ 1 pt. Serves 21 Ingredients 1/2 Cup of Applesauce 1 Egg White 1/2 Spelenda 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 Cup of Whole Wheat Flour 1/2 tsp Baking Soda 4 oz Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips Instructions: Pre-Heat Oven at 350 F Combine applesauce, egg, Splenda, vanilla, and milk. Beat 1 minute at medium speed. Add flour and soda; beat 2 minutes at low speed. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoons on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Special Notes: I put down wax paper on the baking pan to prevent cookies from sticking to pan. The cookies themselves came out kind of more like a cake cookie. They are yummy.

Weight Watchers Site and Tools

Here is a list of sites that I find helpful when looking for recipes, tools to help me. Some people may already know these but if not, here they are. www.weightwatchers-recipe.net/points-plus-recipes.html Recipes to make http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/weightwatchers-points.htm#mp - WW points Plus Restraunt Menu for Eating out. http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/ww-points-plus-calculator.html This is the WWPlus Calulator, if you have a smart phone you can use this on the phone too, just save the sight to your favorites on your I-Phone or other smart phones. www.weightwatchers.com you can create a users name and password and access the dicussion board without being a member, this is so helpful!!! http://www.dwlz.com - She is re-doing her site still to meet the new WW point plus system, so when using this site makes sure it is WW Plus and not the old system. Any more site I come across I will let you know!!!

ME on Weight Watchers-Leah

Hello fellow bloggers and followers. My name is Leah and I am a mother of 2, a boy, Aiden who is 4 and a baby girl, Ava who is 14 months. I have lived in Little Rock area my whole life and I love it. I started WW again Probably back in December of 2010, I was doing good and lost 43 pounds. I took a break and enjoyed foods, and then I came back in March of 2011, needless to say I had gained probably 15 pounds back of the 43 I lost. I love the new WW plan, it is so much more flexible and easy to use. I feel like I have too many points to use at times, but that is nice because I can splurge and still be with in my points. I love hate free Vegetables and Fruit that you can eat all the time. I am learning to love my vegetables again, I will sit down on the floor at home and eat carrots like they are going out of style. lol I am a WW member online only due to my crazy work-life and kids, I can not attend meetings, so I hold myself accountable for everything, the one thing keeping my going is my sisters wedding this month in 2 weeks, I want to look my best for it and that keeps me on track, my next goal will be summer wear, like swim suits and dresses. I am so happy to be a apart of this blog and get encouragement from everyone and hopefully give some. So grab some coffee and a low-fat breakfast and enjoy reading.

Made this on this rainy day. Very good. My husband is a hunter, so I used ground deer instead. It's so lean, you can actually use 1 1/2 lbs. of meat if you substitute it in for beef. I figured it up cause that's how we had it frozen. Also, I used whole wheat pasta which saves some points. Needs some salt, but otherwise delicious.

Intro: Rachel

Hey everyone! My name is Rachel. That is me, with my amazing husband Cole and our beautiful baby girl Ava, who is now 13 months old. I was so excited when Susan asked me to join this weight loss journey blog and be a "poster." I enjoy blogging about my family and our home, so of course I jumped at the chance to write about loosing weight. Something I think 99% of women have had to deal with at some point in their life. Now I must be honest and I confess something to you all right here and now...

I.LOVE.FOOD.

I do! Always have, too. I remember being teased about how much I ate growing up. My parents used to say that I had two hollow legs because they didn't know where I put all of the food I consumed. I could eat the boys under the table in high school. I was a high school athlete, and never struggled with weight issues until my first year of college. Still, what I call "weight issues" were just the normal Freshman 15... or 5 in my case. But that weight came off easy after I moved out of the dorm (and the meal plan) and I never struggled again. I was a size 0 (sometimes 00- yes that is such a thing!) when I graduated college. Did you just gag? I did. Anyway... then I walked down that magical aisle to the man of my dreams about 4 years ago. What is it about getting married that make the pounds just PILE on?!?! But again, I was able to adjust my diet slightly and get things under control. THEN we got pregnant. OH BOY! Now I have always had a "picky stomach"- later diagnosed as IBS and Lactose Intolerance. Fun times, let me tell ya! So the adult Rachel had never known the joys of ice cream and large amounts of pizza. But a curious thing happened when I got pregnant. My stomach issues temporarily went away! My OB told me this is fairly common. For the first time since I was a little kid, I was able to eat as much ice cream and pizza as I wanted! And I DID. Eat. A LOT!!! The staff at Larry's (no lie) used to moan and roll their eyes when I would walk in because my big fat pregnant self would eat at least two pizzas. Not including the dessert pizza! I am not sure they didn't consider limiting my weekly visits in the second trimester! HA! Now being that weight had never been an issue, and being that I was pregnant and "eating for two," and because I was now able to eat glorious food previously off limits, I took full advantage of this opportunity! FULL ADVANTAGE! And that resulted in a hefty weight gain. I don't know exactly how much, because towards the end I just asked that they stopped saying it out loud and I closed my eyes. But I know when I stopped looking was the point I hit 180 and was officially heavier than my husband. And I still had about 5 weeks to go. Yeah. It was bad! Now I am about 5'7" (although I like to claim 5'8") and have "long" features. My dad is 6'6" so I come by my length honestly. But even being long couldn't hide the weight that was left after my sweet 7 lbs bundle arrived in February 2010. Now 2010 was a stressful year for me. Not only did I give birth in February, but in April I kissed my soldier husband goodbye as he deployed for a year long mission in Eastern Europe. (He will be home next week and I can't wait!!! The photo above was taken on his 9 day R&R in November.) So when he left, and I had a two month old to care for alone, I turned to food as my comfort. Couple that with the fact that my darling baby wouldn't breast feed and I pumped for as long as I could (only 7 weeks), I gained some weight. :) So finally, about 3 1/2 weeks ago, I did it. Months of thinking about it, talking about it, I just did it! I signed up for WW online. When I started, I weighed 166. Now I don't have a scale that does ounces, so I have to loose pounds to show anything scale wise. Right now, it reads 158. My goal is to get down those two more pounds (or at least one more) before my husband comes home next month, for a total of 10lbs. My final goal is 130. That might be stretching it a bit, but that is what I weighed when I got pregnant. So that is my desired weight. We shall see! I KNOW weight watchers works! My mom has lost a total of 103 lbs (yes you read that right!) and is a lifetime member! She is such an inspiration to me and I look to her for some much guidance and encouragement. If you ever have any questions about WW, and are doing it online like me, please let me know and I will give you her email address. I know she would love to help or encourage you! I don't cook much right now, since it is just me, but I plan on getting back to it when Cole gets home. So I hope to post some yummy dishes as well as borrow ideas from others! For right now, here is a yummy eggs Florentine recipe that is actually a WW recipe. It is SUPER yummy and a great lunch or brunch dish. And I think you could add a slice or two of fat free turkey lunch meat for some more protein and not change the points value much, if any! Man my mouth is watering now...I need to go eat dinner! I have 18 pts left! Good eating for me tonight! HAHA! Oh, and here is my tip- I am not a huge breakfast person, so I will eat a piece of fruit- usually an apple or orange- for breakfast. It doesn't cost me any points, and it holds me over until lunch! Have a great week! Enjoy this great weather that they say is going to happen soon!

Wednesday is Weigh-day

I lost .6lb this week! Not so exciting after seeing 4.4 last week, but I'll take it. I've lost 10 grand total now. I weigh 152. A pair of size 10 khakis in my closet went from too tight to too loose in 1 month.

Something I've learned: Plan ahead. Not to hard for me as I am a chronic plan-a-holic. If I know I'm going to be out running errands all day, I pack lunch and snacks. I've found it difficult to eat out and not blow half of my day's points. What are some items ya'llve found at fast food restaurants that aren't too bad? 1 taco is 4 pts, soft or hard. I've heard Subway isn't bad. I think you have to get turkey, no cheese, mustard, and whatever veggies on a 6 inch.

If ya'll don't start commenting, I'll lose motivation to keep this blog up.

Shrimp and Broccoli Chowder

3 pts for 1 c.

This was good. It needed spicing up some. I added Tony Chachere's cajun seasoning. I also used vegetable broth instead of chicken cause I had a box of it open that needed to be used. That actually may have made it less points. I also used a regular baking potato cause you can't buy just 1 yukon.

I LOVE seafood, so I'm super happy that it's all relatively low points! By the way, crawfish is 1 pt for 16! Can't wait for the boils to start!

Multiple Authors

I invited Leah and Rachel to author posts. Anyone else want to? Just let me know. The more the merrier. Tell as much about yourself as you want.

Is this safe? I have it open to anyone, but can change it if ya'll think it wise. We won't be posting anything revealing or dangerous, but still, never know these days. My personal blog is private, but I put pics of my kiddos on there. What do ya'll think?

Black forest cake:

1 angel food cake mix

20 oz can cherry pie filling made with Splenda (Walmart)

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa

Mix altogether by hand! Pour in greased 9x13. Bake 350 for 35 minutes. Only 4 pts. Even with a dollop of fat free or lite cool whip on top!

You can experiment with this. Try different fruit fillings, as long as they're made with artificial sweetener.

I made this yesterday. It was in one of the hand-outs at one of the meetings. 8 points but the serving size is HUGE and very filling. I had 6 pts left over for dessert, but didn't even want anything. I used a chipotle chili powder that I had which I think added an extra spicy kick. I might decrease that next time! It's very good. Seth, my hubby, liked it too. Knocks out at least 3 veggie intakes too.

Intro: Susan's Background

Ok, girls! I hope to keep this up-to-date on my weight loss adventure. I'll share recipes, tips, food products I stumble across, and ultimately, hopefully my success stories! I can even invite others of you to author posts with your recipes, stories, etc! Remember, we're all friends here and want to encourage and uplift each other!

This is me almost 1 year ago.

Ok, that's not entirely fair as I did have 2 babies in that enormous belly (35weeks). However, I put on a lot more weight than birthing 2, 6.6 newborns took off. Breastfeeding helped take off a lot, but I stopped that at 7 1/2 months. Those twins literally sucked fat right off, no doubt; unfortunately, more in some spots (BOOBS!) and less in other spots (muffin top) than I desired! So I'm left to do the rest via diet and exercise!

I started Weight Watchers on February. 24, 2011. To date, I've lost 9.4lbs. I'm going to be brutally honest. I'll tell you how much I weighed; I don't care; I'm not embarrassed. I was at 162! According to the chart, for my height of 5'6'', I should be in the range of 125-155. I've always weighed a lot, even more than I look like I do. I was blessed (sarcasm) to be one of those people who builds muscle very easily, ie 'bulks up' like She-rah with a little weight lifting! I also played soccer my whole life through college, so I have a background of lots of running and weight training. My husband is the same which is much more flattering for a male....oh, our poor daughter! Anyhow, I digress.....

My point is, the scale is only a minor measuring device for me. I judge by my clothes and how I feel! However, it is nice to know, I'm 'acceptable' on paper now at 152.6. My original goal was 150, but I think I underestimated myself. I can do better! I'm not sure an exact number, and my instructor, Melissa, said that's ok. I might just have to know when I get there. I agree. When I'm satisfied and feel I'm the best me, I'll try to maintain!

I picked WW cause I saw firsthand how well it worked for my mom growing up. I truly feel it's the best program out there. You eat real food not frozen meals; however, there are SmartOnes for those nights you don't have time to cook. I eat them for breakfast and the wonderful desserts! FYI: If you buy 10 at Kroger right now, you get $5 off, and you can find a $3 off coupon online. So, it's easy to keep up for the rest of your life. It's kinda depressing that I've reached the age where I do have to consciously think about everything I put in my mouth. But, that's life! Also, you don't have to give anything up! In the month of my 9.4 loss, I ate Taco Bell once, Pizza Hut once, and had birthday cake at my MIL's party. I was in no way deprived!

The downside to WW, it's expensive, but money well spent. Joining fee varies. I got a slight discount cause of my health insurance. I paid $33 to join. Then, it's $12 a week at meetings. If you miss a meeting, you still have to pay the $12 for the one you missed at the next one! Holds you accountable. Once you meet your goal and maintain for 6 weeks, you're a lifetime member and it's free as long as you go once a month to weight in and are no more than +2 lbs of your goal weight.

I'm no expert and don't claim to be. I'm seeking ya'lls advise and help just as much as I want to offer mine. So PLEASE comment!