Challenges and Opportunities

Well today is Day 4 on the new Smart Points Weight Watcher Plan. The plan makes perfect sense but I am having challenges. So eating out is a biggie for me and as I have shared in the past I like to eat what I like when I eat out. That's a challenge but also an opportunity to do better on a plan like this.

I have a lunch and dinner tomorrow so I went and picked out what I liked in advance on the menu and entered into my WW tracker. Totally blew my points even when I cut the orders in half. Bummer. So I said to myself. "Self ...what else  could you enjoy without the guilt of blowing points on your first week on this new program. Come on Oprah said JOIN HER! Surely I can forgo what I want for what my body needs." I switched for soup and salad with proteins. What I noticed this week is I will eat half of the portion but then eat the rest later. So my favorite Bonefish Bang Bang shrimp is 27 points. I get 31 for the day. Rightttt... So add some fresh bread and pesto, a drink or two I've had a day's worth in an hour. I think I have to get comfortable leaving left overs at the restaurant if I'm going to indulge like that. It seems wasteful but I think that's the only answer.

So that's my plan. It helped that I went to Trader Joe's and stocked up on lots of good stuff. I spent like $70 which is a lot in Trader Joe's here's what I got! What I did, which did take me some time was I used my Smart Points calculator and did the points for everything I picked up. Some shockers: The Feta and caramelized onion bites are 3 points each. I typically have 5 or 6 (like yesterday and that ate up my points pretty fast (3x5= 15 points I get 31 for the day!), throw in two peanut butter cookies I ate from a lovely gift basket my President Elect gave me and next thing you know points are blown!)

Shopping list from TJ
-Eggs are 2 points each
-Fruits and veggies  are still 0 points unless you make a smoothie then you have to calculate them. I made a Green smoothie in the recipe builder its about 2 points per serving.
-Raisin and rosemary crackers are only 3 points for 11 so that was good news
-Trader Joe Salads are 10 and 11 points OUCH! But that's with the dressing.
-Turkey meatball were 3 points for 2 so that's kinda high too

This plan definitely makes you tighten up on the processed foods like Paleo which I really like. I've been googling Smart Points and finding blogs by other WW members who were apart of the Beta test so they are on week 4 or so. Good insight there. For example you can swap fit points for food the way you could with activity points but that's later on.

I did some cooking: Jerk chicken, chicken soup and roasted beets and sweet potatoes

I have not done any gym workouts but I've been pretty active volunteering over the weekend and I used the WW pedometer and got 3000 steps in on Saturday and again on Sunday. My goal is to start using my treadmill at home this week. Any Netflix shows I can use to pass the time like I did with Sons of Anarchy last year?!

I'm also going to commit to walking more at work to get those steps in. I can literally sit alll day. A few minutes around the building will be good for me. I am also going to have to do " The Work" on "The Why" I was working from home yesterday and mindlessly had the news on at 6am which is when I am typically on my way to work and it was soooo depressing. I had to change the channel but I was in a funk all day because of it. I think that impacted my food choices, no I know it did. I still had weekly points but goodness that's a bad habit I need to break. I watched comedies the rest of the day and I am still not back to my regular self. I have to guard my mind because I absorb negatively too easily and I just couldn't find the bright side to alllllll that stuff in one moment. It was overwhelming.

But today is a new day I can packed with my lunch, snacks, and water! Anddd realized I left my work laptop at home LOL Talk about focused. Fortunately most of my coworkers are out so I was able to borrow someone else's! I actually brought a bag full of apples and oranges so my snacks for the week are already here. I think that's helpful consider doing that if you can!

Well that's all for now. Ohhh I did hop on the scale just to peek and I was down over 2 pounds so that was encouraging and will help me focus. Okkkkk Im out!

I was minding my business and here comes Oprah...

Well I was minding my own business the day after Christmas and here comes Oprah Winfrey and her Weight Watchers commercial telling me to get my butt back on track,. I was already mad at her for what tripling their stock of which I had far too little lol and now here she comes the day after fried chicken, seafood salad, cake, ham, macaroni and cheese and wine talking about everything she;s been through brought her to this moment with Weight Watchers. The two things I have always loved about Oprah and her weight loss journey was she always said: (1). If there was a magic pill she would have bought it... as richest woman in the world duhhhh lol (2). She didn't like/love exercise or eating "right"  she did it because she had to. I liked that because I can't say I love or like exercise or eating right either. I am just at a place where I get that some people struggle with family problems, mental illness, career uncertainty, low self esteem, etc. my challenge is my weight I can't even say my overall health I have a 98 overall cholesterol, almost low blood pressure, and blood work numbers better than people half my size.

I did a half marathon with two-three weeks of  treadmill training, and a triathlon with  maybe four weeks of training, lol most people train for 6 months! What I do have is a strong and self assured mind that tells me I can do anything I put my mind to. Weight loss is just my area off additional need and introspection. And if I can be honest I really don't care sometimes. I'd rather not "worry" about calories, carbs, fat and crap lol but alas here comes Oprah. So off to my local Weight Watchers I go. My husband and I joined before the wedding but stopped after two months and we kept paying and not going so I cancelled it but I said why wait until the new year? I know WW is the best program around and I need the support, accountability and motivation.

I've had a lot going on. I am more than half way though my Presidency for the Junior League of Baltimore. Although I knew it would be hard its way more challenging that anyone can really imagine. My coping skills have not been the best and my go to stress relief methods are not exercise, yoga and mediation lol but this is good training ground to force myself to respond in better ways. I had a few really bad days and I called my Personal Trainer and did some good old school workouts and I definitely felt the benefits! I even hit a new personal best on the leg press! Over 400 lbs!!! Yup I'm the bomb!

So yesterday Oprah got me up and I found out there is new WW program: Beyond the Scale. It really takes what was already a good program to the next level. They even stole my journal idea lol quotes and everything they know I used to bring a journal to every meeting and take notes like I was in school lol they even put a Law of Attraction quote on the front! Humph lol

The program takes a multifaceted approach to weight loss so goal setting, scale, food, and the mental aspect of weight loss. The Why... I did a post about that awhile ago. Its really all about The Why. They have changed the way  we calculate the Points Value again. The last change was good it went from just fat and calories to fat, carbs, protein and fiber.

Now your Smart Points are calculated with: Calories, fat, saturated fat, carbs, fiber, sugar, protein. The thing I like about it is it will force me to use more of my Paleo knowledge to maximize my points. I did a post awhile back  about Paleo As Promised Paleo Part 1 check it out! I'm looking forward to seeing my results with the program. If you lose 10 pounds in 3 months you get one month of your fees returned! That's incentive!

Another change is there's a daily minimum Activity Point goal. Before exercise wasn't even really emphasized, then it was lightly encouraged then encouraged more now its basically mandatory! lol good bold move because exercise is key.

There was also a weekly extra point allotment well that used to be a set number for everyone but now it is personalized just like your daily points are. Makes sense!

Overall I'm impressed. I enjoyed the meeting but I was a bit resentful to have to come back. The people were warm and friendly and chatty as usual lol but I never really appreciate how much I eat even when I think I'm being good so WW is good for me. I paid for three months up front about $130 and it includes free online coaching.

I got the starter kit for $39 and the calculator $9 so when my cell dies I have a back up lol
Inside the kit you’ll find

• Cutting Board with built-in measuring cups (dishwasher safe)
  - Features removable sides and cups to easily slide your chopped ingredients into convenient measuring cups: 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup included
• Collapsible Bowl (dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe)
  - Convenient bowl that collapses to save you space in your bag or kitchen. This unique bowl comes with a 4-oz container to hold dressing, dip, and yogurt, as well as a separate tray to store additional toppings.
• Fresh & Easy Cookbook
  - 115 SmartPoints friendly, mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for small-scale cooking.
• The Journal
  - Keep track of your SmartPoint values, activity, bright ideas, throughts, feelings, anything in this 12-week Journal.
• Weight Watchers Coupon Flyer
  - You can save $30 on Weight Watchers meeting room and retail products.


I went to Bonefish yesterday after working a few hours in the Wise Penny. To my horror the Bang Bang shrimp was 27 points. I get 31 for the DAY LOL Needless to say I went over my points  yesterday lol

But today I started off on a better note! Had my Trade Joe White Ginger tea 0 points, brown sugar 1 point, egg muffin, bacon, I'd usually have four but that was 7 points so I had 3 for 5 points, and some blueberries. 8 points total

Egg muffin was great and this is a good grab and go recipe.

 Ingredients

• 6 large eggs add 1/2 cup of water
  
  
• Be creative add what you like! For example: 
• Bacon, sausage (pre cook meat), red, green, or yellow peppers, onions,  frozen kale, spinach, zucchini, sun dried tomatoes chopped
• cheeses 
• INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, spray a muffin tin with non-sticking cooking spray or use coconut oil. 
  2. Brown the ground sausage in a medium-sized pan over medium-heat
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and then add in the sausage, peppers, kale, and pepper. Pour the batter into the muffin tins, filling ¾ of the way. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes, use a knife to loosen from the sides.
  5. I tend to make a variety so I add egg mixture filling the muffin tin only half way then add what I want in each muffin. 

Well I set an over goal of losing 51 pounds. Which would take me 10 pounds less than my lowest weight after losing 100 pounds a few years ago, which would give me a 119.5 pound weight loss overall. Of course I'll still be overweight based on my height and weight chart, but I'm okay with that.

I promise to blog at least weekly and share my journey with Smart Points!! The good, the bad and the ugly! 2016 I see a victory in this area for me. There are 52 weeks in a year so that's less than one pound a week! TOTALLY DOABLE!

I have some other goals in other areas and and I'm just really excited about 2016! 2015 HAS BEEN SOOOO GOOD TO ME! Its almost sad to say goodbye but I recall feeling like that about 2014 and 2013 and God just really blessed my socks off so I'm looking forward to what 2016 has in store!

P.S. How do you like the new look?!

Counting down to Thankgiving

My, my, my time flies! It's almost Turkey day! I know I've neglected this blog and I know I need to keep checking in at least weekly but life has been way too busy... But I think the time from Thanksgiving to the New Year is the most challenging if you are not being mindful! Blogging helps with that for me so I will commit to at least weekly posts!

I'm opting to go back to a Paleo "diet" it's really the best eating plan I've ever done. The only downside is it requires a lot of preparation. It's not technical a bad thing but makes it hard to wing it or decide what to eat in the go.

On the up side you feel soooo good. No bloating or sluggish feeling. I honestly still have not gone back to yogurt. I still like cheese but use it sparingly.

We just got back from our honeymoon in Costa Rica! I ate soooo much rice and peas or pinto de Gallo!! So delish! But my body does not respect carbs lol even my husband said he's never seen me eat that much rice! Lol I happened to lose 6 pounds after the wedding but as of today I'm up 13!!! I swear it dont take much. So I'm back on My Fitness Pal as of today and I did well in terms of food

Breakfast
1fried egg, 4slices bacon and half an apple

Snack
Orange
Dark chocolate

Lunch
Chicken stuffed pepper
Dinner
Saucy shrimp, wedge salad and glass of red wine

Milestones, Marriage, Mammograms and (Power)Moves!

Its been a longgggg time! I knowwwww. Life has been good but way too busy even for me.

July 4th 2015 I got married! Beautiful ceremony on the most beautiful island with my beautiful friends and family members. I had a blast so did everyone else. Weight wise I've been even Steven since last year. I've really been off the wagon but not beating myself up my dress fit perfectly and I felt beautiful!

Two weeks prior to that I hit a major milestone. I turned 40! I feel like I have been waiting my while life to finally be 40! It's such a dope age. I remember turning 21 thinking more than half way to 40 now!! I'm just glad, blessed, satisfied that I'm in such a great place mentally, emotionally, physically and career wise! I have no complaints just lots of good feelings about all the time, effort and sacrifice to be here. I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest!

I was inspired to blog today because I went for my first mammogram today. It really wasn't that bad. It was uncomfortable but I went after learning someone I know who is in her 30s was diagnosed with breast cancer and has to have surgery last week. That freaked me out! She fit, healthy, works out, does service to the community and lives a good life. But that's the thing with cancer it doesn't care your age, race, soci-economic status, education or affiliation it can happen to anyone.

I went for my annual physical and got my blood work and aside from being overweight I'm in great health everything is within normal healthy ranges and even my cholesterol was a whopping 97! I swear I should be 115 pounds but I guess that wouldn't be fair lol

But I went today. And felt compelled to blog to ask every woman to get a mammogram and get tested regularly. Your health is your wealth!

On another positive note I went back to my personal trainer Charles "ChiZel It" Harris last Monday. I was sore alllllll week lol but it was good to get back to the gym.

I joined in on the #LinksFitBy50 challenge! The Links, Incorporated is a non profit women's organization that has a long list of notable women as members. It's not a sorority and its not a professional club either but it's definitely an organization about business in terms of service to the community in terms of meaningful programs and financial support. Very impressive. I'm honored to have been inducted and I'm looking forward to learning and growing in this new chapter of my life.

I'm working hard with Junior League and being President is more demanding and stressful than I could have imagined. It's non stop but I'm putting safe guards to my health in place. Cutting back on emails, meetings etc making things more manageable in light of my health, new marriage, other obligations and it's going to be an adjustment but I surely have time. One of the last President's used to say we are not carrying hearts around in boxes so basically keep that in mind when dealing with yourself and others because it's not that deep. I'm definitely understanding her point now more than before.

Well that's all for now! I will promise to do better. Please ladies do your self exams and if you are 40 go for your mammograms!!! Early detection is key!! The process takes maybe 15 minutes from check it to getting dressed. The tech took two images of each breast. The do squeeze your breasts in a clear plate like contraption. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would but it was uncomfortable and you have to hold your breath as they take the image she seemed to walk kinda slow back to take the pictures lol they are very hands on so don't be modest lol that goes out the window in there. But nothing like the horror story I built in my head. So all my 1975 and older folks don't delay!!!!

Why I can't stand Paleo...

Well it's been a minute!! I can't lie and say I've been hitting the gym hard and doing well since last year. In fact it's been the complete opposite and on March 1st I said get it together girl and get back on track.

So much has happened since my last post! Like ughhh I got engaged!!!! Lol I saw a draft entry entitled "First Time Bride" I guess I forgot to complete it so I will come back to that another time I suppose! It's been a rip roaring adventure. I love love love him and I love love love us! It's been everything I could imagine I'd want. So why has my working out and eating right routine slacked off? I don't know! He's been on a good roll after I introduced him to Paleo and I just fell way off. My weight stabilized and I guess I kept pushing the envelop to see what could happen.

What would life be like for me if I could just eat and drink what I want? How freeing would it be to have no worries about calories and carbs? Who would I be? I mean so much of my life has been spent on dieting and exercising or thinking about dieting and exercising or complaining about dieting and exercising lol How would I feel if it all just didn't matter?

That's why I can't stand Paleo...

Paleo reminds me I'm not special. See in the other areas of my life things just kinda happen for me not that I dont put in effort but not nearly as much as I have to put in when it comes to "living a healthy lifestyle" that's pretty normalizing to me in fact it's down right demoralizing when I generally feel pretty extraordinary in other endeavors.


That's why I can't stand Paleo...

Paleo tells me I don't get to cut corners.
Paleo tells me I'm forced to make the effort, go the extra mile, take the extra time and slow down...I don't like to slow down by the way :-D

So that's why I can't stand Paleo because it makes me be viligant when I want to be lazy.  Paleo tells me what I feed my body matters...how much I exercise matters...what I cook matters...

Ughhh Paleo! I can't stand you! But losing five pounds in five days tells me Paleo is like that annoying Professor who dares to care enough so she pushes you to your full potential... You remember the one you emailed years later to say thank you for being an inspiration. Yeah... So on March 1st after driving three hours in the freezing rain from William & Mary Law School after participating in an American Bar Assoication panel I went to the supermarket and stocked up on fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and nuts to get back on track! After all that I came home started cooking soup soup and got on my treadmill...after taking off some clothing and dusting it off lol

It hasn't been a perfect six days... I've been cranky (apologies), I've had some carbs, and some cheese but definitely not what I would normally have.

I lost 5 pounds, feel less bloated, I'm drinking more water, sleeping better and I'm trying new recipes. All good things.

Paleo is a good thing...I woke up at 5am, brushed my teeth, got on the treadmill...for 70 minutes! Paleo encourages better behavior because your body responds so quickly. I woke up thinking all I got is 35 minutes in me but I took my iPad with me and I went on Instagram and looked at #Paleo and before I knew it I surprised my goal and it felt good.

I will do better with blogging! Promise!