Ok so far so good on weight watchers program. I haven't been perfect I will admit. I do well at work then when I come home it's a different story. For example I had chips and not just a few but more like a bowl.(smile) I think I need to buy the individual small bags so I won't overdue it. One thing I love about weight watchers is you can have what you want. They teach what portion sizes should look like. Like my mother told me there is no failure on this program. They actually give you 35 extra points a week in case you need them. You got to love it! I also love my i-phone application which makes it so easy to log in my points. So that's what is going on with me. Your turn I want to hear from you.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Healthy Recipes
(From Food Network Kitchens)
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Tomato sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably organic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Chicken:
Cooking spray
4 thin chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds total)
Salt to taste
2 large egg whites
6 tablespoons dry Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 to 5 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Tomato Sauce: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the flavors are blended and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the basil.
Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle the cutlets with the salt. Lightly beat the egg whites in a medium bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan on a sheet of waxed paper. Spread the flour on another sheet of waxed paper. Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, dip both sides into the flour, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into the egg whites, shaking off excess, and then press both sides into the breading to coat.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (in batches, if necessary) and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
Transfer the chicken, in 1 layer, to the baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the chicken then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake, covered loosely with a tent of foil, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Tomato sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably organic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Chicken:
Cooking spray
4 thin chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds total)
Salt to taste
2 large egg whites
6 tablespoons dry Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 to 5 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Tomato Sauce: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the flavors are blended and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the basil.
Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle the cutlets with the salt. Lightly beat the egg whites in a medium bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan on a sheet of waxed paper. Spread the flour on another sheet of waxed paper. Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, dip both sides into the flour, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into the egg whites, shaking off excess, and then press both sides into the breading to coat.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (in batches, if necessary) and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
Transfer the chicken, in 1 layer, to the baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the chicken then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake, covered loosely with a tent of foil, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Weighing In
Happy Friday to you! Well my scale is still out of commission, so I won't be weighing in today. I am going to treat myself to new scale this weekend. So stay tune.
Comments are welcome. How are you doing on your weight loss goals?
Comments are welcome. How are you doing on your weight loss goals?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What's Weighing You Down?
I did it you guys, I finally joined Weight Watchers! I feel so good that I did it. I am going shopping this weekend so I can make good food choices. I am preparing for success. The great thing with weight watchers is you don't feel like you are on a diet. You can still eat what you want but just in moderation. I'm feeling optimistic like I will be successful on this program. My motivation was my mother. She joined first and it inspire me to finally do it.
Ok I want to hear from you. Have you had success with weight watchers?
Ok I want to hear from you. Have you had success with weight watchers?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Healthy Recipes
Here's an easy simple recipe courtesy of my mother Adrienne. I would like to express my thanks to her for sharing with us.
Tuna Shrimp Salad
5 ounce can of tuna packed in water
6 jumbo shrimp (frozen, cooked and deveined)
Relish
Miracle whip
Salt and pepper to taste
Drain tuna
Mix in miracle whip and relish
Dice up defrosted shrimp into small pieces
Mix shrimp into tuna
Salt and pepper to taste
Serve with saltiness
You may opt to include one diced boiled egg, diced celery and onions.
Tuna Shrimp Salad
5 ounce can of tuna packed in water
6 jumbo shrimp (frozen, cooked and deveined)
Relish
Miracle whip
Salt and pepper to taste
Drain tuna
Mix in miracle whip and relish
Dice up defrosted shrimp into small pieces
Mix shrimp into tuna
Salt and pepper to taste
Serve with saltiness
You may opt to include one diced boiled egg, diced celery and onions.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Weighing In
Well I didn't get a chance to weigh myself this morning. It isn't what you think though. I have to buy a new battery for scale.(smile)
Comments are welcome,let me know how your progress is going.
Comments are welcome,let me know how your progress is going.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
What's Weighing You Down?
As you may have noticed I was missing action last week. I didn't blog much last week. Why? I was disappointed in myself. Isn't it amazing we know exactly what to do but we don't do it. I know what to do to lose weight but haven't been committed as I should be. I actually considered not continuing with this blog anymore. Of course I came to my senses. (smile) This is the time I must continue to fight, I can't give up because I don't want you to give up. I have to lead by example. This isn't easy but anything worth having you have to fight for. We can do this one day a time, one pound at a time!
Your comments are welcome, let me know what's weighing you down?
Your comments are welcome, let me know what's weighing you down?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Healthy Recipes
From:Food Network
Recipe courtesy Chef Katsuya Fukushima of Cafe Atlantico in Washington, DC
Watermelon-Tomato Skewer
Prep Time:15 min
Level:Easy
Serves:8 skewers
Ingredients:
1 small seedless watermelon
4 cherry tomatoes
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 tiny baby basil leaves
Directions
8 bamboo skewers
Kosher salt
Cut top and bottom off the watermelon to level it. Sit it upright and cut away the rind. Cut into 1-inch cubes, reserve.
Bring a small pot of water to boil. Have a small bowl of ice water on the side. Carefully drop the cherry tomatoes into the water. Allow to cook for 10 seconds. Put in the ice water. Carefully peel away the skin and cut into halves (note: the tomatoes do not have to be peeled.) Whisk together the vinegar and oil.
Place a tomato half on top of each watermelon cube with the flat side facing up. Poke a bamboo skewer through the top all the way down to secure the 2 items. Line up the skewers on a serving tray.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the skewered tomato and watermelon. Sprinkle with salt and place a micro basil leaf on top. Serve.
Recipe courtesy Chef Katsuya Fukushima of Cafe Atlantico in Washington, DC
Watermelon-Tomato Skewer
Prep Time:15 min
Level:Easy
Serves:8 skewers
Ingredients:
1 small seedless watermelon
4 cherry tomatoes
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 tiny baby basil leaves
Directions
8 bamboo skewers
Kosher salt
Cut top and bottom off the watermelon to level it. Sit it upright and cut away the rind. Cut into 1-inch cubes, reserve.
Bring a small pot of water to boil. Have a small bowl of ice water on the side. Carefully drop the cherry tomatoes into the water. Allow to cook for 10 seconds. Put in the ice water. Carefully peel away the skin and cut into halves (note: the tomatoes do not have to be peeled.) Whisk together the vinegar and oil.
Place a tomato half on top of each watermelon cube with the flat side facing up. Poke a bamboo skewer through the top all the way down to secure the 2 items. Line up the skewers on a serving tray.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the skewered tomato and watermelon. Sprinkle with salt and place a micro basil leaf on top. Serve.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Healthy Tips
From:Weight Watchers
"25 Little Tips for Big Weight Loss"
Article By: Karen Hammonds
Take a look at our 25 tips below for eating healthfully, fitting exercise into your busy day and revamping your daily routine. Start by picking five changes that you're sure you can tackle and practice them this week. Then try another five next week. Not every idea is right for everyone, so experiment and see what works for you. Lots of little changes can yield big weight-loss results—and a healthier new you!
1. Good things come in small packages
Here's a trick for staying satisfied without consuming large portions: Chop high-calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces. It will seem like you're getting more than you actually are.
2. Get "water-wise"
Make a habit of reaching for a glass of water instead of a high-fat snack. It will help your overall health as well as your waistline. So drink up! Add some zest to your six to eight glasses a day with a twist of lemon or lime.
3. Herb it up
Stock up your spice rack, and start growing a small herb garden in your kitchen window. Spices and herbs add fantastic flavor to foods without adding fat or calories.
4. Slim down your soup
Make a big batch of soup and refrigerate it before you eat it. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top and can be skimmed off the surface.
5. Doggie-bag that dinner
At restaurants that you know serve large portions, ask the waiter to put half of your main course in a take-home box before bringing it to your table. Putting the food away before you start your meal will help you practice portion control.
6. Listen to your cravings
If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet — just opt for a healthier nosh (like fruit) instead of a high-calorie one like ice cream. The same goes for crunchy cravings—for example, try air-popped popcorn instead of high-fat chips. It's just smart substitution!
7. Ease your way into produce
If you're new to eating lots of fruits and vegetables, start slowly. Just add them to the foods you already enjoy. Pile salad veggies into your sandwiches, or add fruit to your cereal.
8. Look for high-fat hints
Want an easy way to identify high-calorie meals? Keep an eye out for these words: au gratin, parmigiana, tempura, alfredo, creamy and carbonara, and enjoy them in moderation.
9. Don't multi-task while you eat
If you're working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won't be paying attention to what's going into your mouth—and you won't be enjoying every bite. Today, every time you have a meal, sit down. Chew slowly and pay attention to flavors and textures. You'll enjoy your food more and eat less.
10. Taste something new
Broaden your food repertoire — you may find you like more healthy foods than you knew. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had plantain, bak choy, starfruit or papaya?).
11. Leave something on your plate at every meal
One bite of bagel, half your sandwich, the bun from your burger. See if you still feel satisfied eating just a bit less.
12. Get to know your portion sizes
It's easy to underestimate how much you're eating. Today, don't just estimate things — make sure. Ask how much is in a serving, read the fine print on labels, measure your food. And learn portion equivalents: One serving of pasta, for instance, should be around the size of a tennis ball.
13. Don't give up dips
If you love creamy dips and sauces, don't cut them out of your food plan completely. Just use low-fat soft cheese and mayo instead of the full fat stuff.
14. Make a healthy substitution
Learn to swap healthier foods for their less-healthy counterparts. Today, find a substitution that works for you: Use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk; try whole-wheat bread instead of white.
15. Bring lunch to work tomorrow
Packing lunch will help you control your portion sizes. It also provides a good alternative to restaurants and takeaways, where making healthy choices every day can be challenging (not to mention expensive).
16. Have some dessert
You don't have to deny yourself all the time. Have a treat that brings you pleasure, but this time enjoy it guilt-free be — sure you're practicing portion control, and compensate for your indulgence by exercising a little more or by skipping your afternoon snack.
17. Ask for what you need
Tell your mother-in-law you don't want seconds. Ask your other half to stop bringing you chocolates. Speak up for the place with great salads when your co-workers are picking a restaurant for lunch. Whatever you need to do to succeed at weight loss, ask for it — make yourself a priority and assert yourself.
18. Improve your treadmill technique
When walking on a treadmill, don't grip the rails. It's fine to touch them for balance, but you shouldn't have to hold on. If you do, that might be a signal you should lower the intensity level.
19. Simon says... get fit
Here's an easy way to fit in exercise with your kids: Buy a set of 1 lb weights and play a round of Simon Says—you do it with the weights, they do it without. They'll love it!
20. Make the most of your walks
If your walking routine has become too easy, increase your effort by finding hills. Just be sure to tackle them at the beginning of your walk, when you have energy to spare.
21. Shop 'til you drop...pounds!
Add a workout to your shopping sessions by walking around the mall before your start spending. And try walking up the escalator — getting to your destination faster will be an added bonus.
22. Walk an extra 100 steps at work
Adding even a little extra exercise to your daily routine can boost your weight loss. Today, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or stroll down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of sending an email or calling.
23. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack
This will be a signal to your mouth — and your mind — that it's time to stop eating. Brushing will also give your mouth a nice fresh taste that you'll be disinclined to ruin with a random chip. At work, keep a toothbrush with a cover and toothpaste in your desk drawer.
24. Clean your closet
First, it's great exercise. Second, it's an important step in changing your attitude. Get rid of all the clothes that make you look or feel bad. Throw out anything that's too big — don't give yourself the option of ever fitting into those clothes again. Move the smaller clothes up to the front to help motivate you. Soon, you'll be fitting into those too-tight jeans you couldn't bear to part with.
25. Take your measurements
You might not like your stats now, but you'll be glad you wrote them down when you see how many inches you've lost. It's also another way to measure your success, instead of just looking at the scale. Sometimes even when the numbers on the scale aren't going down, the measurements on your body are.
"25 Little Tips for Big Weight Loss"
Article By: Karen Hammonds
Take a look at our 25 tips below for eating healthfully, fitting exercise into your busy day and revamping your daily routine. Start by picking five changes that you're sure you can tackle and practice them this week. Then try another five next week. Not every idea is right for everyone, so experiment and see what works for you. Lots of little changes can yield big weight-loss results—and a healthier new you!
1. Good things come in small packages
Here's a trick for staying satisfied without consuming large portions: Chop high-calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces. It will seem like you're getting more than you actually are.
2. Get "water-wise"
Make a habit of reaching for a glass of water instead of a high-fat snack. It will help your overall health as well as your waistline. So drink up! Add some zest to your six to eight glasses a day with a twist of lemon or lime.
3. Herb it up
Stock up your spice rack, and start growing a small herb garden in your kitchen window. Spices and herbs add fantastic flavor to foods without adding fat or calories.
4. Slim down your soup
Make a big batch of soup and refrigerate it before you eat it. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top and can be skimmed off the surface.
5. Doggie-bag that dinner
At restaurants that you know serve large portions, ask the waiter to put half of your main course in a take-home box before bringing it to your table. Putting the food away before you start your meal will help you practice portion control.
6. Listen to your cravings
If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet — just opt for a healthier nosh (like fruit) instead of a high-calorie one like ice cream. The same goes for crunchy cravings—for example, try air-popped popcorn instead of high-fat chips. It's just smart substitution!
7. Ease your way into produce
If you're new to eating lots of fruits and vegetables, start slowly. Just add them to the foods you already enjoy. Pile salad veggies into your sandwiches, or add fruit to your cereal.
8. Look for high-fat hints
Want an easy way to identify high-calorie meals? Keep an eye out for these words: au gratin, parmigiana, tempura, alfredo, creamy and carbonara, and enjoy them in moderation.
9. Don't multi-task while you eat
If you're working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won't be paying attention to what's going into your mouth—and you won't be enjoying every bite. Today, every time you have a meal, sit down. Chew slowly and pay attention to flavors and textures. You'll enjoy your food more and eat less.
10. Taste something new
Broaden your food repertoire — you may find you like more healthy foods than you knew. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had plantain, bak choy, starfruit or papaya?).
11. Leave something on your plate at every meal
One bite of bagel, half your sandwich, the bun from your burger. See if you still feel satisfied eating just a bit less.
12. Get to know your portion sizes
It's easy to underestimate how much you're eating. Today, don't just estimate things — make sure. Ask how much is in a serving, read the fine print on labels, measure your food. And learn portion equivalents: One serving of pasta, for instance, should be around the size of a tennis ball.
13. Don't give up dips
If you love creamy dips and sauces, don't cut them out of your food plan completely. Just use low-fat soft cheese and mayo instead of the full fat stuff.
14. Make a healthy substitution
Learn to swap healthier foods for their less-healthy counterparts. Today, find a substitution that works for you: Use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk; try whole-wheat bread instead of white.
15. Bring lunch to work tomorrow
Packing lunch will help you control your portion sizes. It also provides a good alternative to restaurants and takeaways, where making healthy choices every day can be challenging (not to mention expensive).
16. Have some dessert
You don't have to deny yourself all the time. Have a treat that brings you pleasure, but this time enjoy it guilt-free be — sure you're practicing portion control, and compensate for your indulgence by exercising a little more or by skipping your afternoon snack.
17. Ask for what you need
Tell your mother-in-law you don't want seconds. Ask your other half to stop bringing you chocolates. Speak up for the place with great salads when your co-workers are picking a restaurant for lunch. Whatever you need to do to succeed at weight loss, ask for it — make yourself a priority and assert yourself.
18. Improve your treadmill technique
When walking on a treadmill, don't grip the rails. It's fine to touch them for balance, but you shouldn't have to hold on. If you do, that might be a signal you should lower the intensity level.
19. Simon says... get fit
Here's an easy way to fit in exercise with your kids: Buy a set of 1 lb weights and play a round of Simon Says—you do it with the weights, they do it without. They'll love it!
20. Make the most of your walks
If your walking routine has become too easy, increase your effort by finding hills. Just be sure to tackle them at the beginning of your walk, when you have energy to spare.
21. Shop 'til you drop...pounds!
Add a workout to your shopping sessions by walking around the mall before your start spending. And try walking up the escalator — getting to your destination faster will be an added bonus.
22. Walk an extra 100 steps at work
Adding even a little extra exercise to your daily routine can boost your weight loss. Today, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or stroll down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of sending an email or calling.
23. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack
This will be a signal to your mouth — and your mind — that it's time to stop eating. Brushing will also give your mouth a nice fresh taste that you'll be disinclined to ruin with a random chip. At work, keep a toothbrush with a cover and toothpaste in your desk drawer.
24. Clean your closet
First, it's great exercise. Second, it's an important step in changing your attitude. Get rid of all the clothes that make you look or feel bad. Throw out anything that's too big — don't give yourself the option of ever fitting into those clothes again. Move the smaller clothes up to the front to help motivate you. Soon, you'll be fitting into those too-tight jeans you couldn't bear to part with.
25. Take your measurements
You might not like your stats now, but you'll be glad you wrote them down when you see how many inches you've lost. It's also another way to measure your success, instead of just looking at the scale. Sometimes even when the numbers on the scale aren't going down, the measurements on your body are.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Please Note
I want to apologize to my readers for not blogging much last week. I will explain more in this week segment of "what's weighing you down". God Bless have a wonderful week.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Revive My Soul
Do you have a prayer request or would you like to have your name listed on prayer list? Click here for more detail ==> http://www.letters2jesus.com/
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sarah's Story
I'm Sarah. I'm 33 years old, and I'm still technically overweight by the BMI charts, but definitely not like I once was.
You see ... as of today I've managed to lose 106.4 pounds. And just last week I actually met my initial weight watchers goal. I know the next question. I hear it several days a week. How'd you do it? I don't have any voodoo magic to share with you. Sorry! Here's my secret... huddle in now... wait for it... I strictly watch what I eat EVERY single day, right it all down, and I exercise most days a week, usually instead of doing something like going out for lunch, or happy hour. Not very fun, huh? But it is MUCH better than the alternative.
How did I let myself get to almost 282 pounds? Well.... I let it happen over many many years of being overweight, obese... fat. Whatever you want to call it, I was it. I was the fat kid, the fat teenager, the fat friend, the fat person without a prom date, the fat bride, and finally the fat pregnant lady. I loved myself, I had good friends and family, and I felt people accepted me, but it all came down around me on August 9, 2007.
That was both the best and worst night of my life. It’s the night that my sweet baby boy was born. Let's call him "L". He was born 5 weeks early, via emergency C-section, and only weighed 3 lbs 4 oz. He spent 27 days in the NICU at the hospital. He was born early because I developed HELLP syndrome - a very serious and rare from of preeclampsia that can lead to liver failure and even maternal death. L and I, we're lucky. We both came out of it relatively unscathed. Sure, he's a little small, but it hasn't affected his ability to flourish one bit. After L was born I continued my "old lifestyle" for over a year before I was finally told flat out by my doctor that my weight was likely a "contributing factor" to my pregnancy issues. He advised me to lose weight prior to any more pregnancies. WOW! I almost killed myself and this sweet little boy by being this fat. It was really hard to hear. I wanted to keep my ears closed to hearing it, but I knew in heart that it was true. Getting this fat, and keeping myself this fat was selfish. I had that sweet little boy to think about now; this wasn’t just about me anymore. And so, the very next week I walked into Weight Watchers and vowed to change myself.
I've followed Weight Watchers since October 2008. I lost my first 50 lbs with no exercise, and then in April of 2009 I started going to Curves. I loved Curves, but finally decided I needed more this past spring, and trained for running my first 5k, which I ran in 32 minutes and 15 seconds on June 12th! After my race, I found that I just couldn’t quit, and I continued to run. I recently joined a new gym that allows me to do more than I was doing at Curves. I’ve also signed up for my next race – The Great Prostate Cancer challenge, which I am running in memory of my father who passed away from prostate cancer 9 years ago.
Like I said earlier, just this past Thursday I reached my Weight Watchers goal. I have a personal goal of losing another 15 pounds, but I’m feeling very happy with where this journey has taken me so far. These days, I find myself staring at recent pictures and wondering. “Who is that person? Where did she come from?” While it seems like it has taken a long time to get to this point, in some ways it seems like no time has passed at all. I wonder… how did I make it, what was different this time? Determination, and every single day, no matter what, putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward!
I have a favorite quote. "A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with a single step"
- Lao Tzu
I live by that every day!
Visit my blog: http://fatlittlelegs.blogspot.com/
"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
-- AA Milne
You see ... as of today I've managed to lose 106.4 pounds. And just last week I actually met my initial weight watchers goal. I know the next question. I hear it several days a week. How'd you do it? I don't have any voodoo magic to share with you. Sorry! Here's my secret... huddle in now... wait for it... I strictly watch what I eat EVERY single day, right it all down, and I exercise most days a week, usually instead of doing something like going out for lunch, or happy hour. Not very fun, huh? But it is MUCH better than the alternative.
How did I let myself get to almost 282 pounds? Well.... I let it happen over many many years of being overweight, obese... fat. Whatever you want to call it, I was it. I was the fat kid, the fat teenager, the fat friend, the fat person without a prom date, the fat bride, and finally the fat pregnant lady. I loved myself, I had good friends and family, and I felt people accepted me, but it all came down around me on August 9, 2007.
That was both the best and worst night of my life. It’s the night that my sweet baby boy was born. Let's call him "L". He was born 5 weeks early, via emergency C-section, and only weighed 3 lbs 4 oz. He spent 27 days in the NICU at the hospital. He was born early because I developed HELLP syndrome - a very serious and rare from of preeclampsia that can lead to liver failure and even maternal death. L and I, we're lucky. We both came out of it relatively unscathed. Sure, he's a little small, but it hasn't affected his ability to flourish one bit. After L was born I continued my "old lifestyle" for over a year before I was finally told flat out by my doctor that my weight was likely a "contributing factor" to my pregnancy issues. He advised me to lose weight prior to any more pregnancies. WOW! I almost killed myself and this sweet little boy by being this fat. It was really hard to hear. I wanted to keep my ears closed to hearing it, but I knew in heart that it was true. Getting this fat, and keeping myself this fat was selfish. I had that sweet little boy to think about now; this wasn’t just about me anymore. And so, the very next week I walked into Weight Watchers and vowed to change myself.
I've followed Weight Watchers since October 2008. I lost my first 50 lbs with no exercise, and then in April of 2009 I started going to Curves. I loved Curves, but finally decided I needed more this past spring, and trained for running my first 5k, which I ran in 32 minutes and 15 seconds on June 12th! After my race, I found that I just couldn’t quit, and I continued to run. I recently joined a new gym that allows me to do more than I was doing at Curves. I’ve also signed up for my next race – The Great Prostate Cancer challenge, which I am running in memory of my father who passed away from prostate cancer 9 years ago.
Like I said earlier, just this past Thursday I reached my Weight Watchers goal. I have a personal goal of losing another 15 pounds, but I’m feeling very happy with where this journey has taken me so far. These days, I find myself staring at recent pictures and wondering. “Who is that person? Where did she come from?” While it seems like it has taken a long time to get to this point, in some ways it seems like no time has passed at all. I wonder… how did I make it, what was different this time? Determination, and every single day, no matter what, putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward!
I have a favorite quote. "A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with a single step"
- Lao Tzu
I live by that every day!
Visit my blog: http://fatlittlelegs.blogspot.com/
"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
-- AA Milne
Thursday, September 2, 2010
What's Weighing You Down?
Ok so let me update you from last week. I said I was joining weight watchers. I've decided to wait until I get paid tommorrow before I sign up. I have been enjoying myself eating what I want this week because I know this will change soon.(smile) However I do like the fact with weight watchers you can still have what you want but just in moderation.
Ok I want to hear from you, what's been weighing you down?
Ok I want to hear from you, what's been weighing you down?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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