MrsGJr Back At It Journey 2009

[mrsgjr]

I'm back on SBD as I've gained half the weight I lost from 2007. So here I go again, on the path to a healthier way of life! Life takes you in many directions and through many emotions. Not making excuses for my fall off but am not back on track. I am a mother of 1 beautiful & smart daughter and a wife to the most wonderful man in the world. But on our 11th year anniversary this May, I saw pictures and was disgusted with my look. Felt like, which was worse, my body was just too heavy. The goal is not to be "skinny" but to be comfortable in my skin and body. We are our own worse critic but like they say, sometimes the truth hurts! My new quote is: "Stop talking about it and be about it!" So I did just that

I started P1 on 6.15.09 and lost a total of 10lbs when I weighed in on 6.29.09. Yesterday was a challenge as I work in downtown Chi-Town and the "healthy" pickings aren't plentiful and/or expensive. Here was the plan:

b-ww english muffin, egg, ff cheese & turkey link sausage
l-chicken breast lunchmeat, ff cheese, EVOO mayo, mustard on ww bread
s-sf jello
d-brat w/ onion, mustard on rye

Well that was the plan but didn't work as I'd left the bread at home and you can't just buy that down here for a day. So what I had was:

b-nf peach yogurt
l-half of half chicken breast, smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato, mayo on rustic italian flatbread (why I only ate half)
s-peanuts (30)
d-brat w/ onion, mustard on rye
s-doritos with a capri-sun juice

The last snack was my hardest down fall but the juice had the SB sign on it so thought it was half way alright. I've been doing a 20-30min workout at home and biking 11miles for a total of 4 days of doing something (2each) for my body. Wasn't doing anything before so this may seem light to some but for me it's good! In just a matter of 4 weeks I can feel my belly muscles get tighter the more I do it..got a long way to go on the workout level but I am doing something and that's more than nothing

This morning, b-ww english muffin, egg, ff cheese & turkey link sausage. It is my full intent to keep up with postings this time because I have realized how helpful it is to have people from the outside, but on the same side as you, take a look at what you're doing and can give you pointers and/or words of encouragement. I'll be back on later today to list my full meals and my mood.

Happy Beaching!!

[mrsgjr]

I have energy that I didn't have just a few weeks ago! In the mornings I am doing an a** kickin' workout! I've been doing it for consistent days and today was the day I REALLY felt the muscles that haven't been used Feeling that truly encouraged me to ensure I eat the right things:

b-ww english muffin, egg, ff cheese, turkey sausage link, cup of coffee, water
l-chicken breast lunchmeat, ff cheese, evoo mayo, mustard on ww bread, water
s-guacamole w/ 6 chips, water
d-grilled brat w/ onion, mustard on a slice of rye bread
s-sf vanilla pudding w/ lite cool whip

My body is a bit tired but feel good overall. I have very disciplined with weighing myself so won't weight in again until July 13th. Will be keeping up with my journal because I want to set some mini goals, document them and be able to look back and see progress or digression. Staying strong and in it for the long haul...

[mrsgjr]

Got confirmation this morning the brats are high in fat so I've messed up for dinner the past 3 days. A little disappointed in myself as I thought I was doing good eating it grilled with onion and mustard; had it on a slice of rye last night. What I refuse to do is give up and say, "Oh well, I messed up so may as well eat this!" Won't do that to myself and damage the progress I've made. The plan is to get my workout on and eat on plan for the next few weeks so that I can possibly work those brats off by my next weight in, 7.13.09.

Today's Plan:
b-plain yogurt w/ equal, nectarine
l-burrito bowl from Chipotle (no rice), pinto beans, chicken, pico, little cheese and guacamole
s-peanuts
d-TBD
s-sf vanilla pudding w/ lite cool whip

The above is subject to change but want to make a "plan" for my meals. How's this sound as a healthy plan meal?? Once dinner is planned, I will update this posting.

Today began with a 20min workout with 100 sit ups to follow. If it doesn't rain here today, I will get on the bike for 11.2miles. I committed myself to doing a total of 4 days of workout because I didn't do anything before; 2 days 20-30min workout and 2 days on the bike. So since I'm on day 3, I may test my endurance and add an extra day so that I can work off those brats

[KimberleeAnn]

Hey MrsG! Just checking out your journal! I am a brat loving Wisconsin girl. HARD to give up this time of year! Last night we bought a turkey kielbasa looking thing and grilled it up and served it cut up in a huge pile of grilled veggies (summer squash, zucchini, onion, tomato, mushroom and red/green bell peppers) - VERY good and the sausage itself was quite tasty! My hubby added a shake of hot pepper flakes to it to give it some nice heat too. It had a fraction of the fat of a brat and it almost felt indulgent....

Good luck on your journey!!

[mrsgjr]

Thank you Kimberlee for the understanding! Your dish sounds yummy and will use it the next time my hubby fires up the grill...which knowing him won't be long

So I was only off on breakfast for today's plan:
b-cherrios w/ equal in 1% ff milk
l-burrito bowl from Chipotle (no rice), pinto beans, chicken, pico, little cheese and guacamole **MAN was it good!**
s-peanuts
d-chicken breast lunchmeat, evoo mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato on 1 slice of rye (wasn't really hungry but was looking forward to my snack )
s-sf vanilla pudding w/ lite cool whip

I looked up a whole grain guide for whole grain cereals and cherrios was an option along with total (well these are the 2 I would be interested in). Since I'm not a true breakfast eater, I find this a really simple meal. While I enjoyed the ww english muffin w/ egg, ff cheese and turkey sausage, I just couldn't see myself eating that every single morning. My preference would be something light as in: yogurt w/ fruit, fruit by itself, cereal or the muffin sandwich every once & awhile. What I haven't realized yet is if it will affect my weight/inch loss but will be monitoring that.

The goal here is to get healthy and stay healthy. I do have an event and challenge going on but I am looking forward to getting and STAYING in this healthier lifestyle. SBD is such an easy plan and what I've found is all it truly takes is a strong will and full commitment to yourself and your life! My family is behind me and I've found a support team here and all that helps one during this journey. It is not only about weight loss, it is about being healthy, comfortable & having the ability to enjoy family and life.

Tomorrow is another day and for that I thank Him in advance should He see fit for me to see it...

[Kyan]

Hey MrsG! Welcome to the Beach!

Don't feel too badly about the Brats. They're so yummy and we've all eaten stuff we didn't know was bad. One night I ate a South Beach dinner with roasted peanuts on top - and halfway through my dinner I read the label. You do NOT want to know what Planters puts into their roasted peanuts!
The worst part? I ate a second helping with more peanuts.

Pardon my stupidity, but since I live in Colorado which is kind of far away from any China Towns... where IS it? I have been in one in California, but I have also been to one (I think it was called China town) in NYC. What are the foods like, that make them bad for you?


Ooo I have two breakfast ideas that are awesome and fit into what you like. The first is simple... 1/2 cup GREEK yogurt with 1/2 cup sliced strawberries (or any fruit) and 1/8th cup toasted slivered almonds. SO yummy and it keeps you filled up! The other is a cereal made out of rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and wheat germ. You sprinkle flaxseed on top and then put any fruit you want. I usually use a bit of diced green apple or fresh pear. If the cereal sounds like something you might like, let me know and I will give you the actual recipe. It keeps for 2 weeks in tupperware in the fridge!

Anyway, it sounds like you are off to a great start!

[mrsgjr]

Thanks Ky! Funny what you said about planters...I will not look at the label but those are the peanuts I eat, lol. The cereal doesn't sound too good to me (I’m very picky) but will surely be trying the yogurt one! Will let you know what I used and how it filled me up so thanks for passing that along

Also funny and not a stupid question at all...Chi-Town is an acronym for Chicago. We do, however, have a China Town here and their foods are great I've also visited the one in NY and it was the bestest Chinese food I've had ever!! Downtown Chicago is on the "higher end" of the food chain and while you can find a salad anywhere, the other tempting foods are so readily available that you may overlook the good stuff. It's best for you to bring lunch and dine out occasionally...not to mention dining out down here is VERY pricey! Just can't always trust that the restaurant's food is SB friendly so I've found bringing to be the best choice with the every now and then splurge.

Today started with a skinny grande iced hazelnut latte w/ an toasted english muffin topped with I can't believe it's not butter. The latte was my treat for the week as Starbucks is in my building. I will say this, I haven't had it for almost 3 weeks and going from, literally, EVERY DAY to a treat a week is a great accomplishment for me . Chipotle was so good to me yesterday that it may be on the menu again today but not real sure. Will be back later today or early tomorrow with progress or digress. I've found that I need to be honest with myself and you so if I slip, I learn from it so that it doesn’t happen again.

Wishing you all a Happy Beachy Day!!

[InIt2Win]

Congratulations you are doing so great! And you are absolutely right its not about the weight is about feeling good about yourself and knowing your healthy with everything going on in the world the least we can do is create better bodies for ourselves and our families that will get to keep us aroung for a long time

[mrsgjr]

Thanks InIt2Win! I'm trying my best. Thank you for the well wishes and sending them right back your way!!

Got up this morning at a 1/4 to 7am CST and got ready to get on the bike. Biked my 11miles, 100 sit ups and a wonderful stretch! I'd committed myself to working out 4 times a week and I've done just that for 3 weeks consistently. My brother-in-law is a health nut and has a 90 day program that I will begin Monday. I explained to him that my goal is not to drop weight but to maintain more energy and be healthier. So hoping that while I follow and commit to the SBD way of life and incorporate this program, I will be able to achieve my goal!

Today:
b-nf yogurt w/ equal, a strawberry and half ww english muffin
s-sf orange jello, popcorn w/ ICBNB
d-grilled chicken breast sandwich, lettuce, tomato 1/2
s-sf vanilla pudding

I ate pretty late this morning as I went to see a friend after my workout. But even though I was traveling, I took my meal with and didn't give in to temptation. My friend and her mother were inspired by my motivation so are thinking of starting on Monday. If they do, I will be sure to recommend this site for a True Blue Help & Support!

Tomorrow is another day and I thank Him for allowing me to see another day!

[mrsgjr]

Ok, yesterday I forgot to document the cup of coffee I had after the workout. I use non-dairy creamer and 2 equals with my hazelnut flavored coffee (no added sugar). This morning I didn't work out; just felt good not having a place to be or breakfast to cook for the Hubby or Daughter..ahhh Tomorrow is another day and will begin my program to see what it can do for me and my body!

This morning I had 2 cups of coffee w/ a half tuna sandwich on slice rye, a nectarine & peanuts for a snack. Heading over to Mom's house for 4th of July cooking shortly and saying a little prayer before I go that I won't eat too bad. I mean, the meat won't be the leanest but it is grilled and we have the sauce on the side so don't have to use that and have the disciplined enough that I won't touch the spaghetti or potato salad. Sweets won't be hard either..will look forward to my sf vanilla pudding with lite cool whip when I get home after dinner. So I know this won't be a hard day at all for me because, why...I'm committed!!

Wishing all a safe, happy & Beachy holiday!!!!

[Kyan]

Soooo.... how DID your BBQ go? What did you end up eating? Did you have a good time?

[mrsgjr]

Ky, I ate a total of 2 hot dogs and a small piece of a rib, 1 slice of w bread & a grape soda. Didn't eat the spaghetti, potato salad or the cookies but simply Adore grape soda so had a can. My Mom was slightly upset that I wasn't eating but told her don't take it personal..I'm on a life journey. And as all good mothers would do, she hugged me and told me she was proud . So the above was for l/d and had sf vanilla pudding w/ lite cool whip, topped with crunched peanuts (about 10). All in all I felt like I did well with my menu yesterday because it could have been a catastrophe! Also got to enjoy the family without temptation or being on edge.

Today:
b-bowl of cheeriosin nf 1% milk w/ equal (1), half english muffin topped w/ ICBNB & a cup of coffee w/ non-dairy creamer, equal (2)
l-tuna sandwich on toasted ww bread & nectarine or some fruit

If you notice from my menu the past few days, I've begun to incorporate fruit already. I've done so in very small quantities but adding nonetheless and have found that it isn't causing discomfort to my belly so plan to add as a side dish to some meals. The need to snack in between meals is becoming difficult! I can't eat peanuts all the time but these seem to be what gets my through because I read that they are needed..but what if I don't want it??!! Don't want to disrupt any progress but just not hungry all the time for a snack and don't feel like I need to overeat for l/d if I don't have one.

Was thinking about having some brown rice sometime this week as a treat or some ww pasta w/ chicken, either asparagus or broccoli in marinara sauce. I'd thought about incorporating that into a meal this week but decided against it. Will either make it a treat this week or the following weekend for sure...Benihana here I come!

So my brother-in-law brings me the program he suggests for me. He got it from something called "No Rest Exercise" and he has tailored it for me. Well initially when I looked at it, I immediately thought, "Are you crazy??!! I can't do all this right now!!" But then I said, "I can try and work my way to the full program!" How can I call myself an optimist if I think negatively and find fault before I even attempt to take on something new. Tomorrow is another day and will begin to incorporate the plan so wish me luck . Since I didn't workout yesterday, I will take a 2mile walk, 100 sit ups and jumping jacks, 25 squats and mountain climbs today for movement & consistency. It's been a good 4 weeks that I've been working out and I can feel it when I even take a day off. Hopefully when I'm able to keep up with the workouts that I have found that work for me, I can keep that variety along with the consistency to help myself!

Hope everyone had a Happy and Successful Beachy Holiday!
**update for menu & workout plan**

[mrsgjr]

Dinner last night was tuna on 8 wheat thins and my usual sf vanillla pudding, lite cool whip w/ peanuts. Is this a bad treat for the evening?

I weighed in this morning and didn't lose or gain but truly put my menu in perspective. It was a good thing I've documented my meals so I was able to go back and noticed I hadn't really had any veggies or salads at all last week..what is wrong with me?! Not too discouraged because it allowed me to see what foods I need to balance everything out. My weigh in's will be on Monday mornings instead of every 2 weeks (thanks for the Sunday Weigh In forum). Also in light of how my week began with the brats, I'll take no loss and even more no gain .

So there was no excersise yesterday but began my new program this morning. Boy does your heart rate get up there with this plan! I was sweating and almost panting by the end but I did it from top to bottom and reversed. My brother-in-law said that the first week focus is getting completely down the list at least one time but was able to go down the list of 20 reps and back up to the top today, yay me ! His instructions were to do this at least twice a week along with the biking, 20min workouts, 100 sit ups. But I may be able to do this on the days I do my 20min workout & sit ups to get a total of an hour workout. Will still commit only to 4 days total right now but feel this is attainable so will try this for the week. So I did a total of: 250 jumping jacks, 140 leg lifts, 120 toe touches, 80 squats and 100 sit ups. Man that is a lot after you type that out...now I know why my legs felt like jello afterwards, lmao!

Today:
b-nf peach yogurt, hazelnut coffee w/ non-dairy creamer & equal (3)
l-tuna sandwich on toasted ww bread w/ a nectarine
d-chicken breast w/ roasted veggies (zuccini, onions, red bell pepper & tomato)

I have cheerios, wheat thin (ranch) & triscuits (fire roasted tomato) in the event I need a snack. Right now I'm hooked on the sf vanilla pudding, lite cool whip & peanuts for my night snack so trying to ease up on the peanuts for a snack during the day. I've also got sf jello I can bring for later in the week for a snack. This site seems to be half & half on the wheat thin vs triscuit topic. I've found that I crave for a "chip" sometimes with my sandwich and would really like to find an alternative and thought this would be great. With this being my first time even trying either (not to mention they were on sale) I purchased both brands in different flavors. If someone is reading this and can give me some pointers, it would be GREATLY appreciated. Just need validation and confirmation!

Happy Beaching today and wishing you all the luck!

[penguin993]

Hi mrsgjr!

From what I can gather, Wheat Thins are not allowed on SB, but Triscuits are fine. Wheat Thins have enriched flour and are not 100% whole grain. I did see some people mentioning a 100% whole grain Wheat Thins variety a while back, but they still don't sound like as good of a choice as Triscuits do. viewtopic.php?f=16&t=85253&hilit=whole+wheat+thins

I like the Triscuit Thin Crisps - still 100% whole grain, and 15 crackers are a serving (vs. 6 crackers for the original variety).

Also, are Cheerios considered SB friendly? I was under the impression they were not because they don't have enough fiber. If you like cereal around as a snack, may I suggest Kashi Go Lean? Tons of fiber and just enough sweetness, and nice and crunchy!

That's a lot of exercise you're getting! I'm very impressed.

[mrsgjr]

Hi penguin993! Thanks for the tip and the topic post. I bought both brands and have to say I prefer the Wheat Thins but will try the Triscuit Thins..once this box is gone of course. The texture of the Triscuit is just too much for me and feel like I'm eating wood! Wonder if they come in a variety of flavors but will check it out and try it. As for the cereal, here is the link I looked at: http://www.cspinet.org/nah/wwheat.html. Read through a few sites but this particular one listed a difference between the cereals on ww.

This morning I was so sore from my workout yesterday that I just couldn't get up! I do, however, plan on doing some weight lifting or bike this evening for movement because if I don't, I'll be even stiffer tomorrow. Life in general can be very stressful and these past few months for me have been just that. What I have found is that exercise is a great way to release some of the stress...positively. It doesn't take the issue away, but allows you to have a clear mind and make good judgments. I feel better so I can think better and the combination of both makes my body feel better and want to do the best for it! We, as women, already have mood swing (we're entitled to) and this has been very instrumental for me. Not a health nut or a compulsive exerciser but truly able to enjoy life and my family more over the past few weeks. Just wanted to document that because I've been down but slowly working my way back (to you Babe, lmao).

I'm finding also that planning my meals is a good thing and have read that lots. This is going to be a wonderful week for me; I feel it!

Today:
b-toasted ww english muffin w/ ICBNB & cup of coffee, non-dairy creamer, equal (3)
l-chicken breast sandwich on ww bread (1/2), evoo mayo, mustard & salad w/ mixed greens, egg, little cheese topped with balsamic vinaigrette dressing
s-nf peach yogurt (can you tell this is my fav
d-chicken breast w/ roasted veggies (zucchini, onions, red bell pepper & tomato)
s-sf vanilla pudding, lite cool whip, no peanuts today

As always, wishing you all a successful beachy day!