A New Blog

I am sick of bogging down my family blog with my weight loss info and journey, so if you want to continue to view my weight loss journey, here is the link Laura's Weight Loss Journey!

Weight Watchers

OK, I was totally dreading the weigh in this week. I was SUPER-NAUGHTY, eating at Tepanyaki, and even getting double noodles; among other naughty choices. I am thinking maybe my naughtiness will show up next week! I was shocked; even with my naughtiness I lost 2.6 pounds. I think my body is just a week off. I have got to be super good this week! I am feeling motivation, so that is good.

Some Weight Watcher tips:

I even asked them tonight to confirm: the Veggie delite sandwich at subway (6 inch) is only 4 points. I get the grated cheese, get it toasted, and it is divinity! I highly suggest this when you are needing to "eat out" or partake in what tastes naughty! I get one at least 2 times a week.

Also, Taco Bell bean burrito, or soft taco, is reasonable in the point department if you are needing a fix.

A tip that someone gave tonight, that I will definately be trying this week: Papa John's De-Lite Pizza (with just cheese) is only 3 points a slice. WOW! That will be better than the nasty frozen cardboard pizza I had this week from Lean Cuisine, and I really need that pizza fix. So, this is my cure!

Anyway, it feels good to be moving in the right direction weight wise!

Lunch!

Well, I have been very bad food wise this weekend. I am scared of weigh in day!!! That will not be a good day. I guess that is the point, I have to take responsibility for my bad choices!!! Anyway, for lunch I had this Lean Cuisine Stouffer's 4 Cheese Pizza. It is 9 points in WW. Let's just say this. It is definately not "pizza" in the real sense of the word. Second, it didn't quite come out looking exactly like the picture which looks fairly divine. Yeah, this is not the "stretchy, gooey, yummy" type of cheese! It did OK, for its purpose, but left me craving the real thing. Although that might be a result of making bad choices this weekend!!!

Great Refreshing Treat!

Here is another fabulous, refreshing treat! They are a little pricey (at costco!) but are a fabulous refresher! At 2 points, it is hard to go wrong, and like I said, there is something about that pink grapefruit that adds a little zing to the day and is very refreshing!

Weighing In!

Well, I went to Weight Watchers last night for my weigh in! I lost 7 lbs. SWEET! I am sure my body was in shock this week from having started this new regiment! It felt good to have that success, even though I did have naughty moments this week like Cheese Fries at Training Table. The difference though, I didn't eat anything else, and shared them with my friend Shauna. I am trying to make better choices, still not making GREAT choices! In time we will get there. The WW meeting was quite amusing. This lady started out by telling us what not to eat: Carls Jr. Taco Salad! She thought it wouldn't be so bad, when she got home, she looked it up, and it is 28 points! She was upset because she could've eaten 2 Big Macs for all those points! So, beware of some of those "salads" at fast food restaurants, especially if they have that "shell" that you can eat (that alone was 10 points I think!). Some good little tips, I am scared for this week, my body is now more used to this regiment and is not going to do as well this week! So, I have to do better at tracking all my points.

Diet Food Review!

I decided this week to taste test a variety of "diet" snack foods so that I know what I can count on when I am needing an evil treat! With all that I purchased, I should have snacks for the next couple months! So, here are my reviews on some of them:

Weight Watchers Blueberry Muffins: 3 points (Divine!) I love blueberries and occasionally need my bakery naughtiness! This fits for me!

Cheetos Asteroids (they come in the 100 calorie packs!) These are the devil and do taste like Cheetos. Divine if you are needing to sin!

Doritos (100 calorie pack: They taste like the real thing, and probably are, that is why you get about 5; just kidding! But, they are tasty and also perfect for a fix. At 2 points, is affordable for a snack!

Haven't tried the Sun Chips yet!

The Hershey's and Reese's 100 calorie packs? The Reese's Peanut Butter snacksters are divine and only 2 points (I think!) They are great if you are wanting peanut butter naughtiness. Not being a big chocolate fan I have not touched the Hershey's one, but can imagine they are great for the chocolate fix!

The Ritz Snack Mixes----they have several varieties---the new Extra Cheese mix is the only way to go in my opinion. The others aren't as scrumptious and not worth the points in my opinion.

The Snackwell's Creme Sandwiches are delicious (a favorite treat of mine) but you only get 2 cookies for 2 points!

I have heard FABULOUS things about the Fiber One bar (oats & peanut butter). Only 2 points, I have heard they are delicious and fabulous! And TONS of fiber if you are needing some regularity!

The Keebler Fudge Shoppe Mini Fudge Stripe Cookies (100 Calorie Right Bites) are divine. Also, suggested to me, and fabulous at only 2 points a bag!

Costco has a four-pack of "Natural Request" Lean Entree meals. They are 7 points for Weight Watchers. I had the "Sesame Chicken" entree tonight, when everyone else had lasagna. Not being a big chicken fan, I was impressed and thought it was pretty good! I would definately recommend these meals!

Not to beat a dead horse, but a Costco membership is so helpful. You can get the big boxes of the Doritos, Sun Chips, and Cheetos Asteroid 100 Calorie Packs, and also the big boxes of the Reeses and Nestle 100 Calorie Snacksters! A great value!
And great for those cravings!

Best Salty Snack

The best salty snack ever (100 Calorie Right Bites: Extra Cheddar party mix)
The choices! (Don't waste your money on the 100 calorie Pringles; unless you like salty cardboard!)
I definately have salt cravings---need that fix! So, for those like myself, but needing something low cal and Weight Watchers friendly, try out 100 Calorie Right Bites (Extra Cheddar Party Mix) by Cheez-It! It is so tasty and good, only 2 points (as long as my math is correct), and only 100 calories! That means you could eat about 12 of these a day and be OK (if that is all that you eat!) Just kidding! But they are divine. I think it is about getting that "EXTRA CHEDDAR" since I am also a cheese addict. Maybe that has something to do with my weight issue!

On the other hand, the Pringles (100 calorie) chips are not too tasty; at all! If needing a salt fix, definately grab the "Extra Cheddar Party Mix". Best 100 calories ever made!

I know, I am also frightened that I am now taking pictures of food.

What kills me in losing weight? The weekends. I just feel like I deserve something naughty on weekends. I need to get over this really bad habit and thinking error!

OK, I did it!

OK, I wasn't going to tell you for fear of failure, but I just can't keep my mouth shut. Tonight I went and joined Weight Watchers. I am feeling very positive and like this is doable. I really need that! I am very excited. It's all about POINTS, POINTS, and more points. Many of my in-laws have successfully completed Weight Watchers; so now I need your little tips; like what foods are good for the cravings, etc. and are low on points. So, feel free to give me your advice or two cents. I think the main thing I need to be successful with weight loss is accountability. Knowing I have to weigh in every week---it puts me on notice! One of the phrases I noticed while I was in there is to become and stay "an after!" You know those before and after shots? That is a good motivation, I want to become "an after."

Motivation or New Years Trap?

I am so darn happy! For the first time in forever, I am feeling something rather different and strange. Yes, I am finding myself rather happily surprised. I am feeling MOTIVATION! This is something I have not felt for many years. I feel like we have been in such a state of SURVIVAL mode. It's called "Lowered Expectations." I have felt quite beaten down and only able to handle the bare minimum that comes my way. Definately have not felt up for any challenges. I have heard little words of encouragement coming my way from friends and family for years now; usually related to diet and exercise. People just stopping to tell me the great benefits of drinking water on a daily basis. Or that perhaps McDonald's and other quickie foods will not be providing me or my family with needed vegetable intake! I have dismissed them with wise comments such as "I am doing my best to drink 8 glasses of diet coke a day." Or "Don't french fries count as vegetables?"

That is why I am in a state of shock at feeling motivation in the diet department. It all started by accident several months ago, when I got sick of diet coke. It is true, after about a ten year run, I don't really want anymore! I didn't think I would ever get over that. And, who knows, in a couple months, you might find me once again gulping down a 42 ounce diet coke. But, in the mean time, I am feeling motivated to work on myself a little. I think I am starting to feel some breathing room in my life. Things are still totally crazy and hectic and I am way behind in most aspects of my life, but it is just a strange and very welcoming feeling to be feeling some motivation. I am not kidding myself that this motivation will lead to anything, but I am just reveling in the fact that I am having this great feeling once again! I will keep you posted. I am not going to post my actual goals or thoughts as that will lead to my failure for certain! But I will let you know how things go!

Maybe this is just the "new years trap" that everyone falls into at the beginning of the year; leading so many people to waste money on weight loss products, wasted gym memberships, and exercise equipment. Hopefully, it is a feeling of motivation to carry me to some great destination. I do know that faith without works is dead. So, all the motivation in the world is pointless without action. Let's just hope I can take it to the next level!

Thanks for saving me the calories!

Maddie glaring at her Daddy, the girl does not like discipline!
Finally in the tub, by this time I had her goopy chocolate handprints all over me too! So, I guess I did get a little chocolate cake, just not in the way I had imagined!
I swear, I just get finished with one disaster, when another follows. My birthday cake was sitting on the counter, and little Ethan decided that he and Maddie should have some cake. So thoughtful of him to "help" his sister, huh! Oh my goodness. Let's just say I don't think anyone else wants any cake! Man, you cannot turn your back for one second. Goodness forbid you have to tend to another baby or child. That's what my problem is; I am outnumbered greatly and they know it and prey on it! Gotta' love kids. Once again, I had to decide whether to lose my top or just take it in stride---I chose the latter! Although after their baths, some children were banished to their rooms for a while! Anyway, enjoy the pictures and not the clean up! Why do these things always happen when a little girl is wearing a brand new WHITE outfit! I need to know that whenever they are dressed in a mostly white outfit, I am ASKING for trouble! Well, at least they saved me thousands of calories as this cake was a VERY rich chocolate cake. So kids, thanks for the weight loss help! They are always willing to lend a helping hand. Gotta' love them. The picture of Maddie glaring is when her father was telling her how upset he was with her. Wow, she sure has a lot of attitude. We are in SOOOOO much trouble when she is in her teens! If I can just get through this next year. Frightening thing is she is not even 2 years old yet, so this next year should be great fun at our home!The culprits: Ethan and Maddie!


By the time I got her in the tub, chocolate was everywhere!
Are you sure you don't want some cake?