Points of Life

No, I'm not talking about anything philosophical. I'm talking about Weight Watchers and their Points Plus Program that my life seems to be revolving around. I'm obsessed with points. Here a point, there a point, everywhere a point, point. I'm counting points in my head.

Weight Watchers and those who are faithful to the program keep telling me I'll get the hang of it and it won't be that hard to stick to the points system without feeling like you're missing out on the tasty food. I'd really like to call B.S. It's not easy and I keep thinking there's no way I can do this the rest of my life. Does that mean I've failed already? Lord, I hope not. I've still got 20 more pounds to lose. 
Before it sounds like I'm totally dissing the program, I have to tell you,  I've already lost 10 pounds in less than three weeks. The program works. What makes it really work for me is having to weigh in each week at the meetings. With great certainty, I can tell you that I wouldn't be doing this well if I were just using the Weight Watchers e-Tools/app and not weighing in. I need that accountability. Plus, I'm pretty competitive, so it's important to me that the numbers on that scale go down each week instead of staying the same or heaven, help me, go up! 
As I told you last week, I'm also doing an Ease into 5K program. I'm on my fourth week with it and so far I haven't given up, hurt myself or died. I have noticed the past few days my knees feeling stiff if I go to kneel on them or sit on the floor. I wonder what's up with that?! 

This summer I'm going to be cooking a lot of Weight Watchers recipes or recipes that are healthy. I'm planning on sharing those recipes and their points values with you. 
This week I'm sharing what I've made for breakfast a couple of times. It's an omelet made with Egg Beaters Egg Whites. I used three servings of the egg whites and then added fresh spinach, green onions, fat-free mozzarella cheese, and halved grape tomatoes. I seasoned with a little salt and pepper. It's quite tasty. Would really be good with a few slices of bacon. Oops! See! I just know I won't be able to give up bacon forever. Yes, yes, I know, I can eat it and count the points. But, I'm stingy with my points. What if I use them all by noon and then have to starve the rest of the day?! 

I have started a board on Pinterest called, wait for it..... Weight Watchers! (Original, huh?!) I'll be pinning recipes I try and/or want to try to my board. Feel free to follow it, if you're on Pinterest. I love Pinterest for recipes of all kinds. 

If for some reason you can't afford Weight Watchers or don't care to attend meetings, I've found another app that does everything the Weight Watchers app and Weight Watchers food scanner does. It's called Ultimate Value Diary. I believe it's $1.99. Even if you are on Weight Watchers, it's a great app because it combines the diary along with the scanner. It's an all-in-one! 

So, what happens if you go over your daily points? Well, with the Points Plus system, you also get 49 weekly points that you can use throughout the week. What about if you go over your daily points and you run out of your weekly points? Well, if you exercise through the week you earn activity points. Those can be used for food as well. But, you see, I am on a mission to lose 20 pounds by July 4 so I don't want to touch my weekly points. And, if you don't use your activity points those will just help burn more calories - there's no way I'm going to use my activity points! May I borrow some of yours?! ;) 

Have you tried Weight Watchers? Have any good, healthy recipes that you've figured the point values for? I've learned this is much easier to do with friends and accountability.


~Mrs. AlbrightCrunching the numbers, like.... 

Doing the Impossible

Can you think, right off the top of you head, what seems impossible for you to do? I certainly can. Running is at the top of the list for me. I have never been a runner. Even when I played basketball in school, I hated the running part. It hurts for me to run. I also feel like I could be breathing fire as I gasp for air!

But.

(You knew there was going to be a but, didn't you?!)

Almost a month ago I decided I was going to go for a walk. I started putting on my tennis shoes and got a wild hair to search the app store for a couch to 5K app. What?! I hate running. I've always hated it. Why on earth would I download an app for it? Before I knew it, my FIVE year-old-daughter and I headed out the door.

As my phone "dinged" that it was time to run for 30 seconds, I started running. My daughter was running with me. She was keeping up with me. She was passing me. What the heck?! Each time my phone signaled for me to run she would run faster than me. At one point she hollered, "Why are you going so slow?" Honesty is the best policy, right? As I was gasping for air I replied, "Baby, it hurts when mommy's fat bounces!" Yes, we both laughed. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?

I wanted to share with you what app I'm using. It's called Ease into 5K. I used a free app for two weeks before purchasing this one. I really like this one. Here's what it looks like.

I really, really, really like week 1. Hey, I'm being honest. I finished week 1. I think I'd be okay with repeating week 1 over and over. But, my curiosity got the best of me and I went on to week 2. I'm still alive.

 

Can I also just say that the warm up and warm down are still my favorite?!   

But, my favoritest (I know that's not a word) part is sharing my run on Facebook. No, it's not to brag. Heck, what do I have to brag about? I just admitted that my fat hurts when it bounces. I hope no one thinks I share it because I'm bragging. That's the farthest from the truth. I share it because it is making me accountable AND because I get the most sincere encouragement for my hard work from some of the best friends in the world.

I came across this while I was searching Pinterest. It made me laugh because it's those two things that make me think I can't do this. My mind STILL keeps telling me I can't do this. I'm still not certain I can ever run more than a minute and a half at a time. Time will tell. What will happen if I can't? Am I a failure? No. I already am doing more than I thought I could.

This interval training is good, no, GREAT for the heart. I have high blood pressure and high triglycerides and my doctor told me I had to restrict carbs and exercise 30 minutes a day. See? There is a reason to my madness. I want to feel good again and not be on blood pressure medication or worry about having a heart attack or stroke.

I've not only started this thing people call running, I've also started Weight Watchers. I've been at it a little over a week. I did really well my first week by losing 8 pounds. I contribute that loss to staying under my daily points AND running/walking. I feel encouraged and motivated to press on. I've set a goal of a 20 pound weight loss by July 4. I'm almost half way there already. I. CAN. DO. THIS.

I've had numerous people (and by people, I mean runners) ask me if I've signed up for a 5K yet or if I'm planning on it. YIKES! I never thought about actually running a race when I downloaded that little app. My answer to them is always, "I don't know." It scares me. Again, it's my mind telling me I won't ever be able to run more than 2 minutes at a time. I'm just not ready to sign up for a race yet. I hope I will be some day.

My husband and girls got me some pretty high dollar new running shoes and ear buds for Mother's Day. I guess I can't quit now. Eek! I'm scared. Did I already say that?

Are you a runner? If so, I'd love to hear about any hurdles you've overcome or tips you could share with a newbie. If you aren't a runner, would you want to take this journey with me? When I say, "If I can do it, ANYONE can do it," I'm not kidding. There's never been a bigger anti-runner than me. Just take a look-see at the text between my brother and I on Saturday...

  

~Mrs. Albright

Defying the voice in my head, like a.....

Housewife Healthy Eating Tips

Yes, I said it, I'm in Housewife Hell! I weighed in for a weight loss challenge last Thursday & now I just want to eat everything in sight. This is driving me to want "Mommy Juice" at 9:30am! 
To help me stay focused I thought I would share the Top 10 Tips I have received on this weight loss journey. If you have a great tip please share. I need all the help I can get at this point....


TIP #1. DRINK LOTS OF WATER

We often confuse thirst with hunger, leading to load our body with unnecessary calories, when what we really need is a glass of cold water. If you prefer, you can add some lemon slices to the jug of water for extra flavor, or to drink tea with fruit flavor, but no sugar. It is a simple and healthy trick that will help you a lot in your weight loss efforts.

TIP #2. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR DIET, NOT WHAT TO REMOVE

Set a goal to try and consume the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This will ensure that your body takes the necessary fiber, while fighting hunger. You must also not forget the many benefits of veggies for your health and disease prevention.

A good way to eat more vegetables is to mix them with the food. For example you can have vegetables in your rice or soups, in chicken as salads or in pasta. This is better than eating them on the side.

Eating more vegetables is a healthy habit that once you get used to it you will never want to quit. Besides they are ZERO WW points people.

TIP #3. EAT ONLY WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY

Many times, our desire for food is not due to real hunger, but due to other several psychological factors. Hunger is the message of our organism to tell us that we need fuel, so if the desire for food is not due to hunger, the food will not make us feel better. On the contrary we will feel worse because of the extra unnecessary calories we will consume. It is also a not healthy habit because it does not offer anything and will help you destroy your weight loss efforts.

Try to reduce the portions of your meals and increase their frequency. Notice after each meal if you feel bloated or tired so you understand when you feel real hunger & when you eat because you are "emo".

TIP #4. AVOID AFTER DINNER SNACKS

The most dangerous time to destroy your weight loss efforts and diet is after the last meal of the day, when you lie down in front of the TV with a bag of chips, gallon of ice cream or bag of Halloween candy. This is the time that you eat out of a habit, without really being hungry.

If you cannot resist the temptation of a small “sin” after a long day, obtain healthy snacks such as low-calorie cereal bars or ice cream without sugar and fat, and allow yourself to have one per day. When you get used to this try to further reduce the calorie load, with a cup of sleepy time tea with no calories. {just typing that one sounds BORING}

TIP #5. ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FOODS

To completely avoid your favorite food will not create the desired results since the feeling of deprivation leads at sometime to exaggeration. Think the last time you did not eat chocolate for a month and the quantity consumed when you decided that you are ‘allowed’ to eat chocolate.

Instead of excluding from your weight loss program and diet foods you really enjoy, be sure to buy them in smaller amounts and to eat them less often, once or twice a week. Moreover, the expectation is what makes the satisfaction greatest. Ya, ok, still working on this one. I do love the mini reese's out this time of year.

TIP #6. DO NOT BE TOO STRICT ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

When you need to exit your diet for a while, add walking into your routine & avoid the drive-thru's. For even better results, do not buy sweets or other snacks for home- instead replace them with plenty of fruits and limit your night outs to one per week. Hopefully, you will not have to worry that you will give up to the temptation while you are at home.

TIP #7. EAT SEVERAL SMALL MEALS DURING THE DAY

The weight loss is achieved by the consumption of fewer calories than those we burn. When, however, we are constantly hungry, this is not easy at all. Research shows that people who eat 4-5 meals a day find it easier to control their appetite and weight.

Apply this method for your own weight loss program. Try to divide the calories you consume during the day in many small portions. Make sure that you consume as much as possible calories before noon, with the evening meal being the last time you eat in a day. This is not only good for your weight loss efforts but it is also a healthy habit because it gives enough time to your body to function the ‘burn’ process properly. {or so they tell me}

TIP #8. SPICY FOOD!

Add seasonings or hot spices in your food, which will enhance the taste and make you feel that you eat more.

The meals enhanced by tasty spices will stimulate your taste and create a sense of satisfaction, without actually eating more.

When you want something sweet, choose a hot flavor with cinnamon or ginger. It gives you the sweet flavor you need, with fewer calories.

TIP #9. FILL THE KITCHEN WITH HEALTHY AND EASY MEALS

The easy-made meals or snacks that are prepared quickly solve a lot of your problems (cooking time, preparation time etc) and lead you a step closer to weight loss success. These will prevent you from ordering something from a fast food restaurant or to order pizza, because you can within 5-10 minutes prepare your own healthy meal. This one tip has saved me many, many times!

Such healthy foods include:

Frozen & fresh veggies/fruit
Bagged salads
Canned vegetables (tomatoes, beans)
Sliced deli meat such as turkey
Low-fat cheese
Brown rice (5min.)

TIP #10. ORDER KIDS MEAL!

When eating out, you can order an individual pizza or a small sandwich. In this way you keep the calories low and the quantity consumed controlled.

Another trick is to use smaller plates. This helps the portions look larger, and if by looking at them you mind is satisfied, then most likely your stomach will also be satisfied.

Happy Eating?! I mean seriously, who can't be happy with a kid's meal? You get the latest Hello Kitty toy with your meal.
xo~
Mrs. Montgomery
Sippin' on the Fiji H2O Like a ...

Wanna Look Like A Swimsuit Model?

So, do you wanna look like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model??

Well, according to an article I recently read on Shine, all you've gotta do is follow these 5 steps...
(my comments are in BLUE)

1. Combine Cardio and Weight Training
Supposedly, you're supposed to do a little of both...every day. 

I know, I know.  Sounds crazy.

2. Don’t Forget About Food
It said something about limiting junk food and increasing good, healthy nutritional food. Oh, and it said you should be burning more calories than you're consuming. 

Sounds ludacris, if you ask me.

3. Ab-Trimming Foods
The article stated that you should consume foods that digest easily and helps "clear out the system", such as high fiber foods, vegetables, and probiotics.
So, it looks like large fries and venti mochas are out.

4. Hydrate Your Skin from the Outside!
Your skin eats too. What you slather on it matters.

Who knew?!

5. Hydrate Your Skin from the Inside!
H2O...in large quantities.

Plus, you can look at all the bathroom trips as added exercise!  It's a win-win!

Yep, just follow those steps and you'll look like this...

She even made a little exercise video for us...


So, we should all be looking like swimsuit models in no time! 

I'll expect a swimsuit picture of each and everyone of you posted to your blog no later than June 1st.

I kid.
What have you been doing to get swimsuit ready (or summer clothes ready, if swimsuits don't apply)?

Mrs. Edwards

...who is NOT a Swimsuit Model...yet.

Return It To The Freezer. Now.

Lucky, lucky you!  Today we have a guest post from Mrs. Priss' grade school friend and real life RHOK.  Be sure to visit her at her own blog as well.  She just might become one of your new favorite reads.  She is definitely one of Mrs. Priss'.

A new year has begun and with it comes a message meant just for you. 

You can’t miss it – it’s in every magazine and every fluff piece on television:

“You’re fat, sweetie pie. And none too bright. Fortunately we, the media, are here to make sure you don’t forget to feel bad about yourself while you make your traditional feeble attempt at diet and exercise.

Now turn to page 138 to read the cover article “I Weigh Seven and You Can Too!” by Brooke Burke. 

[Editor’s Note: Last year we inadvertently printed a weight-loss article recommending eating more and exercising less. The correct wording was eating less and exercising more. We apologize for any inconvenience.]"

Don’t they realize that we already know everything there is to know about this topic? In fact, those of us who have ever gained an extra pound or twenty could easily write a dissertation covering everything from the calorie content of a shot of tequila to the correct knee alignment for a squat. I think that is why the cooking directions for my Weight Watchers quesadilla seemed particularly condescending. 

Have a look…

One quesadilla. One serving. One sleeve... and particular emphasis on what to do with the extra quesadilla.


Hey Weight Watchers, why don't you mind your own business?


xo,
Mrs. Obstinate

(aka You Have No Idea) Please visit my blog or follow me on Twitter.

Starving like...