Weight Loss Wednesday

The rented bridesmaid dress - Aug. 2005

A couple weeks ago I signed up for Weight Watchers on-line. This isn't my first time trying WW, I've done it four or five times over the past nine years. The only time I was really successful was the first time, and I think at that point it was about the motivation. I was standing in my best friend's wedding and we were renting our bridesmaids dresses. I had to fit into that dress, there was no two ways about it. (Plus I was single, working part-time and going to school, and living at home. I think that all played a part.)

I haven't been doing too badly on my journey so far. I lost 2.6lbs my first week, and another 1lb the second week. I've already noticed a huge difference in my energy level. I've cut out pop almost entirely. (I've decided to let myself have one small bottle on the weekend for now because I'm worried I'll cave in through the week if I don't.) I'm packing my lunches, and I made a healthy meal plan for our suppers. I'm drinking tons of water and eating a lot more fruit and vegetables.

I know eating better is only the first step, and that I need to start moving more. I'm struggling with it though. I keep telling myself I don't have time, or if the weather was nicer I could walk Daisy but the truth is I do have time (I could be on the treadmill right now!) and Daisy has no problem walking in this weather.

I'm not sure what will work. I'm not sure if it's settting goals, or finding the right motivation, but I know I need to figure it out! If you're on your own weight loss journey, what motivates you? How do you keep going?

Have a great day!

xo,
Sara

Breakfast of Champions

I knew when I joined Weight Watchers that I needed to start doing a better job eating breakfast. If I don't have breakfast before I leave for work, I end up snacking on muffins and other pastries all morning. (One of the downsides of working in a grocery store - lots of fresh baked treats available.) However, I also knew that I wasn't getting up an earlier. Quarter to six is early enough thank you very much! So I turned to Pinterest to look for some healthy, make-ahead breakfast ideas.

I decided to try this Overnight, No-Cook, Refrigerator Oatmeal from Monica at The Yummy Life. (I made the vanilla raspberry version.) I liked that the recipe included chia seeds, I've had several customers mention how beneficial they are. I especially liked that they're supposed to make you feel fuller, longer. I thought that would be perfect as I began my Weight Watchers journey.

They were quick and easy to put together. I made three to get me through until my day off. On the first morning I got up super excited and eager to try my breakfast.

And it was gross.

Okay, it wasn't that bad. It was definitely edible. But my experience with oatmeal has been limited to oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and highly sweetended instant oatmeal packets. The oatmeal in my breakfast didn't taste like that. And greek yogurt is TART. At least, I think it is. Combined with the tartness of the raspberries it had my lips puckering as I tried to eat my breakfast.

The second day it wasn't as bad. I don't know if I brushed my teeth right before I ate my breakfast the first day or what, but the second day it wasn't nearly as tart. I still wasn't blown away though.

 After I finished my third jar I decided to try the chocolate banana version. Chocolate-banana is one of my favourite combinations. Again, I got up super excited and eager to try my breakfast. And again, I was disappointed. This week I'm going to try the maple-blueberry version. Hoping that the maple will add the sweetness that I seem to be looking for.

If that doesn't work I'm not totally sure what I'm going to do. Any suggestions for make-ahead or really quick breakfasts?

Oh, and I lost 2.6lbs in my first week on Weight Watchers. I'm pretty happy with that!

xo,
Sara

I Did It! ... Again

And by "it" I mean I finally signed up for Weight Watchers. For the past month or so I've been telling people (like my parents and my husband) that I was going to sign up for Weight Watchers On-Line. I was going to go big and commit to the six month membership. I finally did it tonight. I went with the 3-month membership instead of 6, but still, I registered. I paid my money, and they calculated my points target for me.

If I'm being totally honest I thought I'd be more motivated right now.

I thought I'd be excited, and ready to start doing all those things that I know I should be doing.

I thought I'd be hunting for recipes and putting together a meal plan and grocery list for the upcoming week.

But I'm not. I'm sitting on the couch trying to decide whether or not I should get into J's "secret" candy stash. And I'm leaning more towards should.



I could just pose with my hands on my hips every time someone wants to
take my picture... It's kind of slimming I guess... (Oct. 2013)

Did I just waste $85? I've done Weight Watchers before. Once I was even successful and lost a little over 25lbs. And I know that it works when you stick with it. But I also know how easy it is to get J to stop for pizza or donairs on his way home from work. And how easy it is to go to Darrell's Restaurant for a peanut butter burger instead of eating the healthy salad I packed for lunch. (Side note: peanut butter burgers are amazing, I know it sounds crazy, but it's true.) And J says he's supportive - but he can still eat chips and candy and ice cream, so they'll still be in the house. I wouldn't want to deprive my husband afterall...

Are you on a weight loss journey? How do you stay motivated? Wish me luck!

xo,
Sara