Goals, And you are unique!!!

First off, I apologize for not writing a blog entry sooner.  To be honest, I really didn’t know what to write about.  I am still struggling with some eye pain and have not been able to resume working out and I think I was feeling sorry for myself.

I follow probably over 100 different Facebook pages and blogs related to healthy eating and fitness.  Within these are many different plans.  Eating plans such as Paleo, Atkins. Carb Cycling, MediFast, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, surgery, diet pills and many more.  Fitness plans such as Crossfit, Beachbody, Insanity, P90X, running, gym memberships, walking, etc.  The point of this is that each one of us has to find the program that works for us as an individual.  God created us all unique for a reason and what works for you may not work for another.  I may share foods that you would never eat, but I share because someone may find it helpful.  We have to stop comparing ourselves and our journey with other people.  I fall into this trap and feel like I am a slacker because he/she lost more weight in a shorter amount of time, but then I read where someone is thrilled to lose 10 pounds in a year.  We cannot keep comparing our journeys to each other.  We can provide support and motivation, but we are unique individuals that have to find what is right for us.

I cannot believe this is the last day of September.  This month has flown by! I had set two goals for myself in September:

1.      Lose 8 pounds. -  I lost 5 pounds this month.  I am happy considering I have been very sedentary since my surgery.

2.      Track EVERYTHING I eat.  I am having surgery on the 9^th and won’t be able to exercise for most of the month so my food intake will be crucial. – I did a good job with this goal.  I tracked every single bite than went into my mouth, even when it wasn't pretty.

1.      I will get my 2 servings of healthy oils in everyday (I have been bad about this one).

2.      I will stay on plan over our fall break vacation! (and I want to do a mountain climbing hike –eek!!!)

I am gonna say bye bye for now! Hope you are all doing well and making every day happy and healthy!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In and Post-op Results

Today has been a busy day!  Started off with a drive up to Greenwood.  First stop was Weight Watchers, just to weigh-in.  I was down 0.6 for a total of 87.4 gone since November 1, 2012.  I wish it had been more, but with spending the entire week on the couch or in bed and eating what people brought me, I am pleased!

One NSV (non-scale victory) from today: I wore jeans today that I have not worn in 6 years, AND they are almost too big for me!!!  I cleaned out my closet and I have 2 pairs of pants and 4 shirts that actually fit.  I got rid of everything that was too big except for my biggest pair of jeans.  One day I am going to take my picture standing in one leg of those jeans!  IT WILL HAPPEN!

My post-op visit went well.  Doctor said I am healing well.  I can now increase my activity to 20% of my normal, but no weight-lifting for 2 months.  He said the best things are my stationary bike and walking.  I do not have to stay lying down all the time.  My pressure was high in my right eye so he drew some fluid off and gave me some drops to help that.  He also gave me a shot today just to keep any mean abnormal blood vessels from growing back.  I am so glad that I am not confined to the couch.  I was about to go crazy!!!  I am looking forward to getting some activity back in!

After my appointment, we went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch.  I had the White Chicken Chili with brown rice from the Skinnylicious menu and it was SOOOOOOO yummy!  There is also a piece of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake in my fridge for hubby and I to splurge on tonight!!

I hope you all are doing well!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Transformation Tuesday!

 All of these blogs and Facebook pages I am seeing today are calling this Transformation Tuesday.  I definitely feel as if I am transforming every day.  For example, last night I was craving chocolate (like so bad I almost sent hubby to buy me some at gas station).  In the past I would have binged chocolate, entire big bags of M&M’s or Reese’s Cups.  And believe me that is what I wanted last night.  However, I knew that I would feel terrible emotionally and physically if I gave in and binged.  So I made myself a chocolate Weight Watchers smoothie and had a fiber 1 bar.  Now don’t get me wrong, it was not nearly as satisfying as M&M’s or Reese’s, but I felt good that I did not let my cravings get me off plan. 

Chapter 3 in “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst talks about finding a plan that works for you.  I personally do Weight Watchers, it works for me.  Lots of people I follow do lots of different plans.  We are ALL different and unique and we must accept that not everything will work for everybody.  A general plan described by her is:

“This journey will require you to make some tough sacrifices, but I’ve come to look at this process as embracing healthy choices rather than denying myself.  There are lessons to be learned and perspectives to be gained in the season of embracing healthy choices.  These will not just be physical lessons.  The mental and spiritual lessons gained in this will be the very thing that will equip you for the long haul.”

Man, that is so true.  If I don’t change mentally and spiritually the physical benefits will not last for me.  That doesn't mean this is easy, I struggle with my choices every day.  But it is worth it and I am discovering more than anything that I AM WORTH IT!!!

This has been a tough week for me.  I have been confined to the couch for an entire week now and will be until my post-op visit Thursday (where hopefully I will be released to do some things). I have been encouraged by all the Facebook posts and blogs from others going through the same journey I am.  I have received some very nice messages the past few days.  I have a long way to go to meet my final goal, but I WILL get there one ounce and one good choice at a time.

I don’t have much new going on to write about as my life has consisted of the couch and TV the past week!  I hope you are all doing well and working on becoming happy and healthy!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Sunny Saturday!!

Happy Beautiful Saturday!  It is beautiful here in central Indiana.  The sun is shining and the weather feels like fall (my favorite time of the year).  I am still required to lay face down or on my side until I see the doctor Thursday, but I do have my windows open and can enjoy the fresh air. 

With not being able to get any activity in, I have had a lot of time to just reflect, think, and find and read other amazing pages.  It is so awesome to see so many people going through this same journey and the fact that technology allows us to all connect and support each other. 

I have struggled a bit this week with cravings.  I know it is not really a craving, but an emotional urge.  Lying on the couch, I have wanted to eat and eat and eat.  The good news is I have not given into these cravings and stayed on plan.  One thing that really helps me with this is my shopping habits.  I do not buy food to put in my house that I should not eat.  Now, I know that with Weight Watchers, any food is allowed as long as you count it, but I know myself better than that.  If I bought a box of snack cakes that were 6 points each, I would not just be able to eat one.  I know my trigger foods and I try to stay away from them.  If it is not in my house, I can’t eat it!

I am also struggling with some negative self-talk this week.  I look awful and feel awful and I keep putting myself down.  I look at my fat tummy and feel disappointment.  I know how far I have come and I keep feeling like I should see more results.  I am trying to reject these thoughts as they come, but it can be difficult when you are laid up.  I feel guilty that I am not exercising (even though I can’t).  I feel guilty that I can’t interact with my kids more.  I feel guilty that I can’t even get up to cook a meal.  I gotta get over this!!! And I will!!  I am an overcomer!  I have made it through so many tough times in my life.  The tough times make me realize my blessings!

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Back to watching Lost on Netflix!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Thursday Weigh-In and a Black Eye

Happy Thursday! Sorry I have been MIA.  I had eye surgery on Monday and I am still recovering.  The surgery went well, but it could take weeks or months to see if the surgery will improve my vision.  I apologize in advance for any typos in today’s post as I am not seeing very well at all.  The doctor had to place a gas bubble in my eye, which means I have to be face down or laying on my side until I see him again next Thursday.  I am only on day 3 and I am about to go out of my mind!  I have really watched my food intake since I am getting ZERO activity in.  Here is a picture of my eye (sorry if it grosses you out).

I decided to go weigh-in today (not stay for the meeting).  I need the accountability of weighing in once a week to stay on track.  I convinced myself that even if the number was higher, I would be content.  So at weigh-in this afternoon, I was down 0.6 pounds for a total of 86.8 gone since November 1.  I was very happy with those results and I even got to get out of the house for an hour!

Remember when I posted the delicious banana chocolate chip baked oatmeal muffins recipe (Click here for post)? Well this past weekend, I tweaked the recipe again.  Instead of the mashed bananas, I used ¾ c applesauce.  Instead of the cranberries and chocolate chips, I used raisins and cinnamon.  They were YUMMY! And only 2 points+!!!

My posts won’t be too exciting the next week as all I am doing is lying on the couch and watching Lost on Netflix.  I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers you all have sent me for my surgery and recovery.  I am not going to let this get me off my plan.  I can still eat healthy, no excuses!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Weigh-In Thursday and a Recipe!

This has been a pretty good week for me.  I have got all my activity in and stayed on plan with my eating.  The weather has been nice enough to walk or ride my bike every day! And last night we went for a spin in the convertible and discovered Jiffy Treat had pumpkin dream delite ice cream!!!  It is only 1 point+ for a small dish and I was in heaven!!!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE anything pumpkin!

Today was weigh-in day!  I was down 1.4 for a total of 86.2 since November 1.  It is coming off slowly, but it is coming off!!

In addition to weighing in, I also do my measurements on the first Thursday of each month.   I was a little disappointed in my measurements.  I only lost inches in my bust area and everywhere else stayed the same.  So here are my measurement differences for the month and for the past 10 months.

	Monthly Change	Total Change
Waist	0	-18
Hips	0	-12
Thigh	0	-7
Arms	0	-6
Bust	-3	-12
Total	-3	-55

I also received my special reward I bought for myself in August.  This is called a living locket and I purchased it through a girl I follow on Facebook (click here for her page!)who sells Origami Owl products.  These things are awesome.  I made mine with a 247 in the middle to remind me of how many pounds I want to lose.  I added the tag, I Will, to keep me motivated.  I LOVE this!! 

Last night I made one of our favorite dishes, Saffron and Tomato Chicken with Olive Couscous.  This recipe comes from a Weight Watchers cookbook, From Pantry to Plate.  It is SO YUMMY!!!! Thought I would share the recipe with you:

Ingredients:

4 (1/4 pound) skinless boneless chicken breasts halves

¼ tsp salt

1 (14 ½ ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 garlic cloves. Minced

¼ tsp saffron threads, crumbled

1/8 tsp cinnamon

2/3 cup couscous

¼ cup sliced kalamata olives

¼ cup diced red onion

3 tbsp slivered almonds

2 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp olive oil

Directions:

1.      Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and place over medium heat.  Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and cook, turning until tender and cooked through, 10-12 minutes.  Transfer the chicken to a plate.

2.     Increase the heat to medium-high.  Add the tomatoes, garlic, saffron, and cinnamon to the same skillet; bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes.  Return the chicken to the skillet.

3.     Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to package directions, omitting the salt if desired.  Toss with the olives, onions, almonds, parsley, and oil.  Divide the couscous among 4 plates.  Place a piece of chicken on each mound of couscous and spoon the tomato mixture over the top.

Nutritional Information:

PER SERVING (1 piece of chicken, 1/3 cup sauce, and ½ cup couscous): 337 cal, 9 g fat, 2 g Sat. Fat, 0 g Trans Fat, 73 mg Chol, 424 mg Sod, 30 g Carb, 4 g Fib, 33 g Prot, 84 mg Cal.  Points+ value: 8

Well, I will say goodbye for now! Hope you all are having a wonderful, healthy, and happy week!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

NSV's and a Question!

Happy Labor Day!  Even if you had to work, I hope you enjoyed your day!  My day started off a little rough.  I woke up with a terrible migraine and was throwing up.  I did manage to force myself to eat breakfast and I took my headache meds.  I sat in my chair all morning and by noon, decided to go back to bed.  I slept for 2 hours and when I got up I felt much better.  Not 100% but enough to function.  I had decided I was not going to exercise today since yesterday was supposed to be my rest day and I got all my activity in.  However, when I looked at my ActiveLink and saw I was only at 25%, I started to feel guilty.  I tried to get hubby to do something with me and he wanted to go to a movie.  I really did not feel like sitting through a movie, so hubby and baby boy went and I took a walk!  I walked almost 2.5 miles down roads I had never been on before.  I got to use my new Bluetooth headphones, which I LOVE!

SO, as I was walking I realized that as the cars were passing me today, I did not worry about what they thought of me.  I did not worry that they would wonder why some old, fat lady was out walking.  Talk about an NSV (non-scale victory)!  I was very happy to realize that some of my negative self-image is fading. 

Another NSV I want to share is that yesterday was supposed to be my rest day, and I hit 140% on my ActiveLink with a 5.5 mile bike ride.  I did not ride my bike to exercise, I rode for FUN!!!! That is something I would never had done before.  And my new padded bike shorts made all the difference in my comfort while riding. 

I have had a GREAT long weekend.  Attended a fish fry and hosted a cook-out and managed to stay within my points all weekend! 

I do have a quick question.  When you walk (or run) what is the best way to carry your water with you?  I didn't take any today and I needed it.  I don’t want to carry it with me, but I don’t know the best way to take it.

I hope you all have a great week!  I am going to be rushing to get things done before my surgery next week.

Keep Losing,

Kari