Went shopping today and bought a nice new pair of pants and two tank tops. While I'm nowhere near my ideal weight, I still feel so much better about shopping now than I did a year ago. Things actually look OK and I'm not so disgusted with myself. The pants I got are a little bit snug, but still reasonable for wearing in public. I'm hoping they inspire me to work that much harder (ya know like on The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp show). They're also a bit too long, which is normal for me, so I'll have to get them hemmed.

Yesterday and today are not OP days :(. Yesterday I was within points but had sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just happened that way and didn't allow for enough of the right stuff. Too many things going on and not any preplanning. Today I'll be a little over points and don't have any milk in yet. Though I haven't had dinner yet and could just have 2 cups of milk and a bunch of raw veggies, that just might do the trick - hmm it's a possiblity. I still have to workout tonight too.

I just have to post a link to this post on another blog http://doinitforme.blogspot.com/2008/09/weigh-in-process.html. So funny, and scary how true that I do alot of those things (not all) before I have an official weigh-in.

Last night was Boot Camp and I'm LOVING it!!! Hopefully I'm not as stiff this week. I just love doing so many different things and challenging my body in different ways. I've been so bored with the typical step class and such that I've taken on and off for years. This really inspires me to get out there and try new things.

Hmm, let's see, we did (among other things like alot of sprints): Burpees, push-ups with an elastic band across our upper back for resistance, planks, jumping jacks, combination tricep curl/bicep curl with opposing arms while balancing on one foot, "axe-chopping" while on one foot, lat raises with an elastic, overhead presses, bent arm lateral raises, inner/outer thigh raises (with a weight on mid thigh), and a variety of ab exercises for upper and lower abs.

I'm so glad I'm already signed up in the next session. If they add another day of it that I can attend I'd love to. Definitely worth the $6 per class.

Also tried another new recipe last night. It was OK, but not outstanding. I wanted it to have more flavour and I certainly didn't find it spicy at all. Perhaps some hot sauce or cayenne might do the trick, or more garlic. Should probably just be called Marinated Pork Chops. Original recipe called for chili sauce, not powder, but I didn't have any - maybe that makes a different.

SPICY MARINATED PORK CHOPS

3/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 cloves of garlic, minced
5 large pork chops

In a large resealable bag, mix together the soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, chili powder, and garlic. Place the pork chops into the bag, carefully seal the bag, and marinate for 6-12 hours in the refrigerator. Turn the bag over about halfway through.

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side.

Mmmm, made a meatloaf recipe from Weight Watchers last night. So good! The family loves this one (other than my picky son). I've adapted it a bit from the original recipe.

MEATLOAF

1/2 c. Ketchup
1/2 c. BBQ Sauce
1/4 c. Minced onion
4 Green Onions - chopped fine
3 garlic cloves - crushed
1 tbsp. Brown sugar
Salt & Pepper
2 Large egg whites or 1 whole egg
1 1/2 lb. Ground Beef
1/2 c. Quick-cooking oats
1/4 c. Ketchup
1/4 c. BBQ Sauce
Cooking spray

Combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 c. BBQ sauce, onions, garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and egg in a large bowl; stir well. Add meat and oats; stir just until blended. Shape mixture into a 8x4-inch loaf on a broiling pan coated with cooking spray.

Brush remaining 1/4 c. ketchup & 1/4 c. BBQ Sauce over meat loaf

Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until done. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Also I have two new food finds - All Bran Bars new flavours - Cinnamon Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip - both 2 pts per bar. Personally I find the Cinnamon Oatmeal absolutely amazing - and the kids love them too. I dipped it in my tea and it felt sinful. Just had the Chocolate Chip one and it's definitely good, but if given a choice I'd take the other one first. The Chocolate Chip one is probably better dipped too.

Tonight is my Boot Camp class. I sure hope that I recover better this week. I've been pretty active so I'm hoping that helps.

Weigh in day ... and I'm down 0.2. Not outstanding by any means, but I'm down so I'll take it.

Did a long walk last night - 90 minutes. Found a steep hill and went up and down it a couple times, that was a pretty good workout! Though I think next week I'll find a safer place to walk because the last 20 min of my walk was in almost complete dark, other than the odd streetlight, and not in a safe area..... and I was wearing all black. Not the smartest thing I've done this week and I won't do it again.

Also made pumpkin pie last night and was so proud of myself for only having one small slice and still being within my daily points target - well below if you factor in the exercise.

My parents are coming into town this week. I think we'll have the WW's meatloaf for dinner one night, and I'd like to try a recipe for Spicy Marinated Pork Chops another night. I'll post the recipes after I've made them. The meatloaf is good for sure. I also have a recipe for Tandoori Chicken that I'm eager to try, but not sure if my parents would be into that.

It's coming up to one year since I've been successfully losing weight again. I'd really like to be down 20 lbs, so that would be 2 for this next week. I think I could pull it off. 20 lbs doesn't seem like much in a year, but I'm actually quite happy that it's going slowly. I have a history of losing a bunch quickly, then putting it back on. This way it's more like a definite, long term, change of lifestyle and doesn't feel like I'm either on program, or off. I have off days, sometimes many in a row, but not off weeks or months like I did before.

Well didn't I disappear off the face of the earth - haha. Not sure why I never got around to posting this weekend.

Friday went to gymnastics with the kids and had actually a pretty amazing workout. I haven't been in a while and was worried because I was (and still am) a bit stiff from the boot camp class. But I think it actually helped to loosen me up a bit.

Yesterday I made the Sesame Chicken recipe that I posted. It was OK, not outstanding but definitely worth a try. I think it needs more flavour but I can't think of what. I marinated it for about 4 hours or so, it should have gotten the flavour in that time. Then I broiled it in the oven. It may have been slightly overcooked as the family wasn't all present when it was ready, but it was the flavour that wasn't quite enough.

I also made an amazing apple pie last night, mmmm..... from apples off our tree, so yummy. I managed to only have one forkful of pie, but I do have a very odd weakness for dough, yes even disgusting pie dough and that's a bad one, so unhealthy. But at least I didn't have a full slice of pie as well. And I probably ate a whole apple while in the process of slicing them up, they're so sweet and good.

Had a great workout last night. 60 min of running (in 30 min intervals) with 30 min of weights and ab work in between sets. I was going to do 10 min intervals interspersed with weights, but I felt good so kept going and next thing I knew I was at 30. Pretty proud of that.

My parents are coming into town this week so I may have to seek up some new recipes to try while they're here.

Class was pretty good last night. Though, while it wasn't easy, I would have liked it to be a bit harder. Did a variety of sprints/runs alternated with some strength moves - push-ups, burpess (OMFG!!), planks. Did some lunges, a ton of squats and the move that is killing me today - outer thigh abduction ... ouch! Then did a bunch of different weights and sit-ups. I haven't done squats for a long time and actually missed them(that sounds weird even to my ears). I think I'll perform my own boot camp class at home at least one other day per week as I like the basic idea of it and the variety of mixing things up.

Made a yummy veggie pasta salad this morning for lunch (which I'm eagerly waiting for heehee). And I've been looking for some new ideas for dinners. Going to try this one this weekend:

Sesame Chicken Strips

6 Chicken Breasts, 4 oz each, cut into thin strips
2 tblspn. sesame seeds

MARINADE
½ c. chicken broth
2 tblspn. soya sauce
4 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp ground coriander
few drops hot pepper sauce
¼ c. finely chopped parsley
¼ c. finely chopped green onion

Combine the marinade, add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavour).

Preheat broiler. Drain the chicken & discard the marinade. Sprinkle chicken with sesame seeds.

Broil 4" from the heat for 3 minutes. Turn and broil for 3 to 5 minutes more, or until the chicken is no longer pink.

You could do this with whole chicken breast too, but I’d think you’d want to marinate it longer to get the flavour infused. You could also thread it onto skewers if you wanted, make sure to soak them in cold water first if using wooden skewers.

I also have a hankering for Grilled Tomatoes (like you get at the Keg) topped with olive oil, salt & pepper, some parmesan cheese and maybe cilantro or oregano. Mmmm - so good!

Wearing my new jeans and fitted sweater today and not only are they comfy but I feel pretty good wearing them. WAHOO!! Hubby gave me a hug this morning and said I felt slimmer - hahha. Sad thing is he probably could tell as he's very intune to minor changes which can be a good thing and a not so good thing depending on which direction it's going.

Did pretty good last night. I only drank water, and a ton of it - at least 3, maybe 4 500 mL bottles. And I snacked on alot of veggies with very minimal dip. But I did have a few of those greasy (yummy) spring rolls and a couple deep fried cheese sticks. All in all though I kept it manageable.

I was really proud of one thing though. My SIL brought up her annual cookie exchange that I've participated in for years. And a few years I've done my own as well. When she mentioned it I immediately said I'm not participating in it. I think she was surprised, but I just know that every year it's a problem for me. I can not handle having that much variety of delicious baking around me. Plus having to bake 12 or 14 dozen (or whatever it ends up being) means in my house I have to bake about 25 dozen because my family eats so much of it. I know they'll still want me to do some baking but I'll do it just for us. Besides, they usually prefer my stuff anyway so this will be better.

I need to get some more variety in my meals. I'm starting to feel a bit stagnant. Part of the problem is I need to go shopping and I'm not in town as much as I used to be and hate to drive in just for shopping. But I really do need to do it soon.

Excited to start my new class tonight!! I hope it turns out to be as good as I'm hoping and I don't get disappointed. It's only 6 weeks though for this first session so I can see how I feel and decide if I want to do the 2nd one or not.

Down 2.2 this week!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!!!

Last night I ran for 40 min on the track and walked 50 minutes. There was a Cardio Core Boot Camp class going on in the inner circle while I was running. Looks like a pretty tough class, but fun. They sure used alot of equipment.

Also got a call last night that the Boot Camp class I wanted to go in (that we were waitlisted for) has added another class. So YEAH we are going to do that class instead of the Kickboxing one. I'm quite happy about that. Plus it saves me a whopping $6 and change so that's all good.

Tonight my SIL is having one of those home party things so I have to stay strong with all the appy's (a big weakness for me). I've already decided though that I will not drink wine tonight. It's just wasted points which I'd rather save for other occassions. Will get myself a big glass of water instead and enjoy a few of the appy's in reasonable amounts.

Didn't get around to posting this weekend. Friday I went out shopping all day and had a blast. Bought a bunch of things for the house AND some clothes!!! I HATE buying clothes. I even bought jeans which is amazing because I can never find them that fit. The ones I got are too long, but otherwise they fit pretty good. And I got a nice brown sweater and a really comfy, silky short sleeve top. The top is quite different from something I normally wear, but I like it, and it feels so good. The two tops were mediums, they're a bit snug but not horribly so. I didn't want to get the large, since I'm shrinking and all - heehee.

Saturday my son had his second soccer game of the season and it was horrible and I actually kind of felt depressed for a while afterwards. I sure hope things will turn around for the team otherwise this will be a tough, tough year (again). Had a relaxing evening at home, ate too much but accounted for it all and just used up some flex points. Watched that movie What Stays in Vegas - that's pretty funny, predictable, but funny and cute. I like Ashton and Cameron and thought they were good together.

Sunday I was supposed to do the Terry Fox run but M had to cancel to do yard work and my son decided not to come, so I didn't feel like going alone. I probably should have, but actually I didn't sleep all that well that night and slept in which felt really, really good! Then I got a whole bunch of housework done and attempted to cut the lawn until the stupid mower had a problem. I did get on the treadmill last night though and my love of running is just increasing like crazy again.

La Tortilla Factory Wraps

Oh My Heaven ... yesterday at the produce store I found some wraps that are amazing!! In fact, they appear too good and I'm very skeptical. They're made by La Tortilla Factory and one wrap is 100 calories, 3 g fat and 12 frickin' grams of fibre. Not to mention 9g of protein which is nothing to shake a stick at. I calculated them at 1 point with a 4g fibre cap. But, seriously.... I can't believe that so I'm counting them as 2 points for safety sake. I've used one today to make a wrap sandwich for lunch. It's Tomato Basil Flavour and I filled it with ham, romaine lettuce, tomato, cilantro (YUM!) and then 1 tblspn of light ranch dressing mixed with Louisana Hot Sauce for a kick. It looks so pretty - heeheee. They're kinda expensive - 4.59 for 6 wraps, but I'm hoarding them from the family.



I've discovered a few things in the last 24 hours. One - rice from my rice cooker is a challenge food. I have a hard time stopping with a single serving and will need to be more diligent with that. Two - Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal is too sweet for my tastes now. I'm going to have to start with regular and flavour it myself with less sugar. Too bad because I love the stuff as an easy and quick breakfast. The next one I've known for a while but rediscovered last night ... Three - A big warm cup of tea in the evening, especially if it's Chai made with just a splash of milk, is really satisfying and much better than munching and it really does stop a craving for something sweet. Especially when you don't really have anything sweet in the house and the alternative is to just eat your way through the cupboard until you do find something.

So my new runners are amazing! 30 min run (in 8 min intervals) on the treadmill last night and they felt fantastic. I left the run until LATE, didn't start until 10:40. But, as usual, I slept fantastic afterwards, I think I'm lucky that way.

The Boot Camp class is full - overfull. Including me and M, there are 11 people on a waitlist. Would be nice if they'd add another class. We're signed up for the 2nd session though which starts Oct 29th. And in the meantime I'm going to sign us up for Kickboxing Boot Camp. Kinda scared about the Kickboxing portion but want to give it a try. It's only 7 classes, though we'll probably only take 6 because the last class overlaps with the first class of the other session (same date & time - different location).

And I've decided to go ahead and do the Terry Fox Run this weekend with the girls. It's on our "normal" running day anyway, pretty much same location, and similar distance. Only difference will be that it's on the road and it's a big group setting. I'm a bit uncomfortable with it but need to push myself to try different things and I think this will be a good group run to start with as the committment level is very low. We'll see how I feel about it. Was going to do only 5K and run the whole thing but thought about it and will do the 10K. We already pretty much run that distance, time really doesn't matter, and I want more exercise. I'll just walk as needed, which may be more than usual as it's supposed to be hot. I told M I'm going to run at my own pace though and meet up with her at the end because I want to see how I can do. I love that she's so cool about things like that and it doesn't bother her at all if I want to do my own thing. I'd like to get out and get one of those water bottle belts so I can drink along the way. Need one anyway!

Week One Success (sort of)

So to start off I had a loss this week, 0.2 - but a loss. At least it's in the right direction. Given the lack of OP days I had this past week, eating tacos for dinner last night, and a little irritating monthly visitor - I think all in all it's not too bad.

Went after work yesterday and got new runners. I had bought some at the beginning of summer - same style and size as my previous pair (Saucony Grid 8 1/2) - and they were insanely tight and uncomfortable. Seemed a bit tight in the store, but once I got really wearing them they're horrible. Stupid me waited too long to take them back so now I'm stuck with them. Hopefully my daughter will wear them. I was hoping they'd "break in" and I realized that it was me that was going to break. So I'm trying a brand I've never had before, Adidas Response Cushion 16 - Size 9. Took them out for my 90 minute walk last night and I think they're a winner. I could possibly use some inserts for arch support, we'll see. Going to try them for a short run tonight and see how that goes. My son bought the same runners (in a men's version of course) in a Size 11 1/2 - YIKES! He's 14 and only 5'6" (and a bit maybe). Obviously his feet are well into their growth spurt.

Went to sign up for my Boot Camp class last night and wouldn't you know it ..... the computer was down at the location I went to. So I have to either go somewhere else or go back another day to sign up. GRRR. Not sure why but I KNEW that was going to happen. I played the scenario over in my head before I got there. Oh well, that won't set me off, I'm doing that class!

Back to blogging....

I want to give this blogging thing another try. Was doing really well with my weightloss until a leg injury and summer derailed me a little bit. Got down to about 152 around May/08 and as of last Tuesday I was 159.2. So I guess that's not too bad if I look at it overall.

Started a new challenge on the WW's boards and it's getting me fired up, though I've got a ways to go to be completely OP again.

Started running again the last 2 Sundays with my running gals. My one friend has also been off for some time so her and I are getting back into it together. I'm a bit more ready to move on and go faster/longer, but it's probably good for me to not push it too fast right now. Besides, I'm thoroughly enjoying our time together and it is only once a week. For now I want to keep at her pace and we'll see how it goes over time. Sad (for me) that the other girls have improved so much since I last ran with them.

Next week I'm starting a Boot Camp class with my friend I run with. It's only 6 weeks, but I'm very excited about it. It will give me another thing (besides the Sunday runs) that I'm committed to and have to go to. Plus Mondays are designated long walks days while my son is at soccer practice and I usually get a good 90 minutes of hoofing it.

Been making some positive changes in my way of thinking and the people I'm surrounding myself with. I don't want or need negativity in my life. Picking apart other peoples faults, or everything that's wrong in this world is just a downer, as is jealousy. I want fun, I want enjoyment, I want support and encouragement - from me and to me. I'm trying very hard that when others start a bashing session to walk away from it and focus on something else. I can't change other people by talking about what bothers me about them. But I can change how I let it affect me.

My fitness goals for this week are:

Mon - 90 min walking
Tues - 30 min run on the treadmill
Wed - 20 min run & 20 min weights
Thursday - Off (multi-sport evening)
Fri - 30 min run on treadmill & 20 min weights
Sat - Probably Off
Sun - 5K Terry Fox Run - might do 10km, haven't decided