My First 5 Pounds!

I'm delighted to report that as of this morning, I have lost 5.5 pounds in my first full week.  Yippee.  I know that I can't expect a weight loss like this every week but I'm thrilled to see some downward movement on the scale.  


Following the WW points and writing down everything I eat, plus planning my meals in advance has made this more realistic and achievable for me.  


As for activity, besides walking Jack, I am using a stretch jump rope for stretching for the first 2 weeks and next week I'll begin adding some cardio.  That will be a little difficult for me because my schedule doesn't work for going to a gym and my budget doesn't allow for me to buy any more exercise equipment or a Wii Fit.  If anyone has any ideas as to how I can incorporate cardio at home, I'm open to your input.  In the meantime, I have a pedometer and will be tracking my steps.  Is there a "point" value for steps?


Wishing everyone a successful and healthy week!


Love ya,


Deb

Good Sunday afternoon: Weighed in yesterday and I am now officially 26.6 pounds lighter than I was on 10/16, my first weigh in. Today Kai took a picture for me and I wanted to share. Not a crisp picture but you get the idea.

Meant to add: I lost 3 pounds this week. Eat PROTEIN and use half of your weekly 49 points. That is what our leader told me two weeks ago. First week sucked, but 2nd week, 3 pounds and no exercise......I have bagel and peanut butter for breakfast, 2 oz meat for lunch (dinner leftovers such as, meatloaf, chicken, etc) with vegetables. Snacks: cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese stick, tomato and cuke.

Today I roasted a ton of fresh vegetables which will last me the week (hopefully) brocolli, cauliflower, summer squash, zucchini, asparagus; tossed with EVOO, garlic and onion powder. Meant to add an onion and tomatoes. Next week I will do that.

Love to all

Deb's Journey So Far

Hi Everyone,

I'm thrilled at the great results that all of you are experiencing.   This is my first "real" Weight Watcher week.  I started on Monday and am using the WW Online version.  I know that I should probably "go to meetings" but, honestly, I don't want to and I can't commit because of my wacky work schedule.

I am writing down EVERYTHING I put in my mouth.  I love the website Sara shared with me and I am now beginning to cook again which, I believe, is crucial to my success.  By knowing in advance what I will eat and when I will eat it, I'll be prepared at all times and not fall apart by going for goodies, candies, starches as a way to energize.

I do want to say, however, that this is the absolute first time that I have ever been CERTAIN that I would lose weight and keep it off.  All other times, I have "hoped" I would lose but never quite believed it.  I do believe in myself THIS time.

Thanks for all of your love and support,

Deb

I have been remiss in using our blog as a means of communication between all of us.

Today, I FEEL SKINNY. Yesterday I used my Kohl's gift card and bought a pair of black twill slacks. Very slimming by Gloria Vanderbilt. Today, I have on a lace shirt I bought on clearance at Kohl's in December ($6.00 bargain). Well at the time it wouldn't go past the girls. (TMI I know). Today it not only went past them, I have a shirt underneath it. Yeah me. I am going to have Dad/Bill take my picture tonight and post it on the blog and on FB. I am DAMN proud of my accomplishment to date and will share it.

Now on to the belt. I have added three notches and it now wraps around to my side. I think I need a new one.

On to Aldos. I have ONE piece of focaccia bread, a side of sauteed brocolli and angel hair pasta with EVOO. I did have two glasses of wine, first alcohol since Christmas Day. Barely went into my 49 for that meal. NO DESSERT.

The scale is not showing a loss again this week, but I do feel that there is some shifting of weight. We shall see on Saturday.

I am now eating more protein and tracking it. Our leader said I need to use my 49 so my body is accustomed to more than the 29 points so when I get to maintenance I don't gain.

I am halfway to my goal. I just need to get into a routine to treadmill every day. Have been slack (okay not existent) this week.

JLove to all

Training for the 5K

Well, I walked 5K last week and had mixed results.  First of all I ran 3 miles but 5K is 3.125 miles.  Today I walked 5 K again, in 55:12.  Let me tell you that the additional 1/8 mile makes all the difference especially when you are straining just to finish!  I have decided to pick up on the Couch to 5K training program and follow it for the 5 weeks left before the 5K.  I don't think I will be able to follow the program completely but at least it raises the bar for me and hopefully will increase my time and endurance.  I'll begin on Sunday or Monday.

On another note:  I fell seriously off the wagon @ Aldo's the other night.  I did pretty good with the meal but flamed out over dessert!!!  Warm chocolate brownie with a scoop of ice cream (22+/- points)  It was the first time I have had anything like that in a long time.  Sara thought I'd get sugar shock!!  Fortunately I did not.  I'm pretty sure the scale is not going to be my friend Saturday.  Although I have been faithful to my workout routine so maybe I'll get lucky and stay even this week.  I'll take that as a win!

Bill

5 K walk/run event

Chris, Sara, Leanne(?) and myself are participating in the Weight Watchers walk/run event on May 22nd at Mt. Trashmore.  I have a long way to go before I can do a 5K in a reasonable length of time.  This morning, I walked 5K in 53 minutes which is embarassing, to be sure.  I am going to train harder so that I can not only finish the race, but to finish in under 50 minutes.  My main concern is making sure my heart rate doesn't exceed safe rates by pushing myself too hard.  I'm not as concerned about my legs and knees holding up as I am about my heart rate.  I know that I should accept the fact that I am 66 years old with bad knees and some heart issues.  That would be the intellegent course to take.  However,  my ever present competitive juices will surely rise to the occasion and influence my otherwise sound common sense.  Let's hope that hard work & smart training will allow me to perform the very best that I can.

Dad/Bill

Progress Report

Well guys,  after 18 weeks following the WW healthy lifestyle plan I am pleased to share what I have accomplished thus far.  I have lost 33 pounds!!!!  I have another 10.5 pounds left to reach my cardio doctor's suggested maintenance goal.  When I get there, hopefully by the end of May, I will then begin the process of maintaining this goal.  I have never been involved in a weight loss plan that has produced this kind of weight loss.  I have tried everything out there and believe me,  WW is all it is cracked up to be.  Not only am I losing weight, I am eating a way more balanced diet and, get this, I haven't used the salt shaker for months!!  I have also found that the keys to my losing weight are really quite simple.  Follow the guidelines, track EVERYTHING that goes into your mouth and finally, workout, workout, workout, and then workout some more!!!  Granted it is easier for me to find time to workout.  But I still have to fight my 'I hate working out' demons every single day.  Sometimes the demons get the better of me but more often, I get the better of them.

Good luck to all and keep on tracking!

Dad/Bill

Spring Forward

Just wanted to wish everyone a good week and a good Spring. Keep on trucking and shedding the pounds!

Hungry Girl

so i just came across the hungry girl blog, and im so excited. i had to share. im sure the ww veterans already knew about this blog but if you didnt its pretty neat. the blogger lists different great finds with a description and points plus value. be sure to check this out before you head to the grocery store. i found it very helpful. im going to explore it more tomorrow. i noticed it from the recent ww email on the right hand column.

Good luck today everyone!

Over 60

Finally, after several monthsof flirting with close to a 60 pound loss, I made it over the hump! Successfully have lost 62.8 pounds using this program! My best advice! Do not make justifications for your actions! You are in control of you and no one else can do it for you! Started day off with a 5 mile run outside.....yes.....outside! I am amazed at myself!

PointsPlus Values

I am going to use this particular post for PPV of things we eat. Instead of adding a new post I will just add to this one as I think of things that you all may enjoy.

Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon: 3 strips = 2 points. Sodium and cholesterol are not bad either.

First "Official" Day on "The Journey"

I've been following my own version of weight loss efforts for the past several days.  Making a decision to abstain from sweets, desserts, cookies & candies for Lent will certainly help and give me a spiritual lift as well.  Today I will start following WW via the online program.   


I know that the key to successful weight loss is a combination of eating the right foods, portion control, and exercise.  I'm most always successful on the first two, rarely successful on the last.  But I will give it my very best effort.  


Something that will motivate me is the vision of my roly-poly chubby-cheeked, absolutely ROUND image of myself that I encountered yesterday.  Like most of us weight-challenged people, I avoid mirrors from the neck down.  So it was a shock to my system when I saw the whole package yesterday when sitting for a new photo for my business card.  OMG, where the heck did I go?  


I was listening to an audio the other day talking about a time when Michelangelo was asked why he was working so hard hitting the block of marble that would eventually become his greatest sculpture, David. Michaelangelo replied, “There is an angel inside this rock, and I am setting him free.”  


I choose from this day forward to see the healthy me, to set the "angel" in me free.


Weight loss since Monday  2.2 pounds.


Love ya,


Deb

Potential Setback????

I weigh, at home, only once a week.  Thursday is my weigh in day.  Today, I got on our trusty WW scale armed with pen and paper ready to record my weight, BMI, fat content, H2O content etc.  Ughhhh!  I gained this week.  After a thorough examination of my week to date, the biggest difference from previous weeks was the amount of time and intensity I spent on the treadmill and with the weights. 

Memo to Bill..............Look dummie, you can not expect weight loss without putting in the time with weights and treadmill!  The sad part is that I know my metabolism needs a jolt every morning and the most succesful way, for me, is any combination of aerobic/strength workouts.  I let myself be fooled to think otherwise.  Sure enough, the day got away for me without any workout.  So, tomorrow I am going to try and make up for some of my missed training sessions and although doing so most likely won't be refelected in the 'offical' WW weigh in on Saturday morning, I am sure that I will feel better about myself and back in control.

Bill

Thursday

So here are a few quicky recipes that we both love:

Fluff - 3 points per serving
One 8oz container Fat Free Cool Whip
One small sugar free/fat free banana pudding (experiment with other flavors you like)
One 20oz can of crushed pineapple (well drained)

Mix all together and divide into four dishes
We used fresh strawberries the other day and it was even better.

Potato Wedges - 2 points for 4 ounces
8 oz of potatoes - cut into wedges
Toss with EVOO, rosemary, thyme, basil, salt and pepper.
Bake at 425 for 30 minutes or until desired crispiness

That's my sharing for today.

I did have a chicken taco salad today from Taco Hell (20 points), counted them from my 49 weekly points and don't feel quilty about it. Had to stop that damn craving. Haven't had Taco Bell since I started WW in October.

Tuesday Dinner

Tonight's dinner: Pork Chops baked with marinara sauce and side of pasta and vegetable. I am cooking, for the first time asparagus. Found a recipe to roast it in the oven with EVOO then top with parmesan cheese. The asparaus is 2 points because of the parmesan.

Deb is Joining the Orth Family Journey

I think this is a great idea and good way to have accountability and support.  I love each and every one of you and I am excited about our shared journey to a healthier life.


Love,


Deb

Permissions

OKAY, I think I figured it out. Leanne, Deb and Chris you need to check your junk mail for an email from Bill and follow the link to establish yourself as a contributor. That means you can then sign in to the blog and post. From the tool bar at the top of the page (after you sign in), click on view blog, then at the top new post. This is my first attempt as a contributor so hopefully it worked. Later gater's

Posting

In case you tried or were confused about postings, Dad and I are set up as contributors, everyone else as followers. What this means is that only Dad and I can start a post. Once a post had been made by us then anyone can comment on it. Mom has the site permissions and therefore can adjust the contributor and follower "label.". Best of luck to everyone in the upcoming week!

A Begining!

I have been waging a battle against weight gain and a ever expanding amount of 'belly' fat ever since I quit smoking, the first time, over 40 years ago.  I had  been out of the active duty Marine Corps for about a year and began experiencing a slight weight gain accompanied by the strangest thing.  My chest was beginning to fall!  Rather than address the problem, I deluded myself into thinking that I could reverse this trend whenever I decided to watch my eating, drinking and non-exercising habits anytime I wanted to do so.  After all, I was a 24 year old guy in the prime of my life and was still self confident or, if you will, cocky enough to believe I was never going to be one of those "old" guys with a huge pot belly always tugging up his trousers.  So much for that fantasy!  As the years went by and my weight went up along with my  manly physique starting to head south  of the border, I must have tried- and failed - to loose weight and get back in shape at least a zillion times.  Ok, maybe a zillion is a bit of an exaggeration.  50 is more likely the real number of times that I went on and off nutrition based, fad, and ultra extreme diets.

In 2009 I had my first heart attack and angioplasty.  Two stents were placed in one of my major arteries and I resolved to change my lifestyle of limited exercise and irresponsible eating and get healthy so I could be around to see my five grandchildren grow into adulthood.  Some 15 months or so later,  I experienced another heart attack and became the not so proud recipient of three more stents.  I guess I kinda forgot how bad I felt during heart attack number one!  Must be a little slow on the up take.  Don't you think???

So this past December I took the unheard of plunge, at least from my perspective, and went to a Weight Watchers Meeting with my wife, Sara and daughter Chris.  How desperate was this!!!!  13 weeks later, I have shed 28 pounds and my belly is starting to head back to my chest where it belongs!  Another 20 pound loss will qualify me for lifetime Weight Watchers meeting status and enable me to save about $40 bucks a month in dues.  In this economy, $40 is a really big deal!  Chris, Sara, and myself have been joined in the Weight Watchers program by son Joe and his really significant other Leanne.

Having family embark on our goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle has both inspired and motivated me to succeed.  I will be tracking our progress on a weekly basis on this blog and will be sharing thoughts and ideas on how to incorporate our program into our daily lives.  It is my hope that our five members will grow and that there will be much dialogue for all to enjoy.

Bill.

Here we go!

Okay, I have set up the blog, now it is up to Bill to keep it rolling.