Monday for Mishka

Breakfast

Egg (1) 70 calories
Egg white (2) 35 calories
Cheese, mozerella (1) 80 calories
Bagel (1) 140 calories
Onion/Garlic
Oil (1/2) 60 calories
Coffee (1/2) 10 calories
Peach (1) 38 calories

1 fruit, 3 proteins, 1 dairy, 2 grains, 1 oil, 1 sugar and 433 calories

Lunch

Sushi, tuna (2 pieces) 120 calories
Sushi roll, california (4 pieces) 180 calories
Sushi roll, rainbow (4 pieces) 240 calories
Diet Coke

3 proteins, 3 grains, 1 veggie and 540 calories

Exercise

Yardwork (1/2 hour) 172 calories
Swimming, leisurely (1/2 hour) 207 calories

379 calories burned

Dinner

Turkey meatballs (1 serving) 190 calories
Tomato, roma (1) 16 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories
Squash, summer (2) 49 calories
Okra, steamed (2) 25 calories
Dressing, ranch (1) 73 calories
Drink (12 oz) 140 calories

3 proteins, 1 oil, 1 sugar, 6 veggies and 505 calories

Total calories 1478 - BMR 1461 and exercise 379 = -362 and I even feel full....I am out of baby carrots but we have so many veggies from the farmer guy from the other day that I didn't feel a bit guilty just eating mostly those. I left the second half of my sushi lunch for J for dinner and he will eat some of the veggies too...

Sprite's Monday

Albertson Lite smoothie 1 point
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp reduced fat peanut butter 1 point

6" Subway turkey & ham w/lite mayo & olives 6 points

12 pretzel squares 1 point

WW ravioli dinner 5 points

Kashi peanut butter bar 2 points
1 cup milk 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points

Mishka's Weekly Recap

Well even with an anniversary dinner and a birthday dinner in there, I managed to burn 2218 more calories than I took in....not too bad. I can do better though...still have not reached that elusive 3500 that I need to burn each week to lose a pound...of course, getting to the gym might actually help with that...haha

Sunday for Mishka

Breakfast

Toast, multigrain (2) 200 calories
Laughing cow, lite (1) 30 calories
Peach (2) 76 calories
Coffee, iced (2) 40 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 fruit, 2 sugars and 346 calories

Lunch

Top Ramen (2) 360 calories
Mozarella cheese (1) 80 calories
Almonds, roasted (1) 170 calories
Diet Coke

1 protein, 2 grains, 1 dairy and 601 calories

Exercise

1 hour yardwork/housework 241 calories
1 1/4 hours playing soccer in 95 degree heat with 60% humidity 862 calories

Dinner

Summer squash (2) 50 calories
Margarine (2) 204 calories
Baguette (1) 150 calories
Turkey meatballs (1 serving) 190 calories
Drink (10 oz) 130 calories

2 veggies, 1 grain, 2 oils, 3 proteins, 1 sugar and 724 calories

Total calories 1671 - BMR 1461 and exercise 1103 = -893

Sprite's Sunday

3/4 cup Honey Graham Oh's 2 points
banana 1 point

2 slices wheat bread 2 points
3 oz turkey breast 3 points
1 slice fat free cheddar cheese 1 point
1 tsp fat free mayo 0 points
1 cup grapes 1 point

1/2 halibut filet 1 point
dipped in egg white, crushed corn flakes & spices, drizzled with olive oil 1 point
baked potato w/ 1 Tbsp Brummel & Brown 2 points
1 cup steamed farmer's market green beans (YUM!!!!) with butter buds 0 point
2 cups skim milk 4 points

WW ice cream bar 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points

Sprite's Saturday

We had a game day for all our friends all day on Saturday. I saved as many bonus points as I could all week (not that I really ended up needing that many) and we bought the healthiest snacks we could find, which helped a LOT! The points are approximate, but I tried to keep track and rounded up if in doubt.

1 slice wheat bread 1 point
1/2 can tuna with 1/2 slice fat-free cheese 2 points

fruit - about 3 cups total 3 points
olives - 6 2 points
Natural white cheddar cheetos - about 16 2 points
pretzel sticks - about 48 2 points
hummus - about 1/4 cup 2 points
Baked Lays potatot chips - about 20 2 points
salsa 0 points

small hamburger bun 2 points
4 oz hamburger patty 4 points
slice non-fat cheese 1 point
1/2 tsp fat free mayo 0 points

2 whole grain waffles 3 points
1 Tbsp regular peanut butter 2 points
milk 2 points
TOTAL: 30 points (21 bonus points remaining)

Sprite's Friday

1 cup Wheaties 2 points
1/4 cup fat free milk 0 points
banana

1/2 African lukkula (spiced chicken, saffron rice, lentils) 4 points

4 oz filet mignon steak 4 points **
small baked potato with Butter Buds & garlic salt 1 point
1/2 piece cheese bread 2 points
2 Tbsp green bean casserole 1 point
1 medium brownie 6 points
TOTAL: 21 points (29 bonus points remaining)

**this was a birthday dinner for Boo Boo at my parents. I thought it was going to be really hard to resist eating too much. I had a small taste of things I really like, like the green bean casserole and the cheese bread, prepared the potato with no extra points (no cheese or bacon bits) and only ate as much steak as made me full. I savored every last morsel of the brownie!

Sprite's Thursday

1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter 1 point
Dannon Lite smoothie 1 point

1/2 Subway club sandwich 3 points
Diet Coke 0 points

apple 1 point

macaroni & cheese made w/Butter Buds & skim milk 6 points
ground turkey 4 points
milk 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points

Mishka's Saturday

I was bad today and didn't keep track of things as well as I should have, so I am lucky to just get the list up much less any calories. I helped a friend clean another friends new house (they aren't here yet) for 7 hours so I am not worried about calorie burn today. Tomorrow I have soccer so that will take care of Sunday....yeah for having things to do that burn calories....makes exercising so much easier.

Anyhow, here is the food and exercise from today....

Breakfast
Cereal (1) 180 calories
Milk (1) 100 calories
Coffee (1) 20 calories

300 calories

Lunch
Turkey ham (2) 70 calories
Cheddar (1) 110 calories
Lettuce/tomato (not enough to count)
Condiments (1) 100 calories
Tortilla (1) 170 calories
Chips, tortilla (1 serving) 130 calories
Salsa (1) 15 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 25 calories
Tomato (1/2) 20 calories

640 calories

Dinner
Veggie + Sausage Pizza...(4) ~1340 calories
Diet Coke

~1340 calories

Exercise
Cleaning house, heaving (7 hours) 1448 calories

Total calories 2280 - BMR 1461 and exercise of 1448 = -629 it would have even been better without the pizza, but I think if I hadn't eaten the pizzza, I wouldn't have been able to continue cleaning. That place was a mess but it is better now (not perfect, but definitely better).

Friday for Mishka

Breakfast

Bagel (1) 140 calories
Cream cheese, lite (1) 60 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 70 calories
Coffee (12 oz) 40 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 2 sugars and 310 calories

Exercise

Yardwork (1 hour in heat and humidity) 345 calories

Lunch

Yakisoba (1 serving) 150 calories
Pears, lite (2 servings) 120 calories
Almonds, roasted (1 serving) 170 calories
Diet Coke (24 oz) 0 calories

1 grain, 2 proteins, 1 fruit, and 340 calories

Dinner (out with friends for a birthday)

Steak
Fried rice
Zucchini
Broccoli
Salad
Mushroom soup

Snack

Popcorn (2) 40 calories
Drink (1) 140 calories
Apple (1/2) 35 calories

Don't know totals from dinner, but took some of my meal home so I didn't eat all of it. It was a Japanese steak restaurant so it was pretty good minus the fried rice....

Chicken's Friday

Breakfast
1 cup Corn Puffs (not the sugary kind) 2 points
1 cup skim milk 2 points

Snack
20 Pretzels 2 Points

Lunch
1 WW Fettucini Alfredo with Broccoli 6 points

Dinner
LaTortilla Factory Whole Wheat Low Fat Low Carb Fajita sized Tortilla 0 Points (according to my slider)
1/2 cup black beans 2 points
1 oz Cheddar Cheese 3 points
Diced Green chili, tomato, onion 0 points

Mishka's Thursday

Breakfast

Bagel (1) 140 calories
Cream cheese, lite (1) 60 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 70 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories
Pears, lite (1) 60 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 fruit, 1 sugar and 350 calories

Snack

Almonds, roasted w/salt (15 pieces) 150 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories

1 protein, 1 sugar and 170 calories

Lunch

Bagel (1) 140 calories
Cheddar cheese (1) 110 calories
Veggie burger (1) 100 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 25 calories
Tomato, roma (1) 40 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 3 veggies, 1 portein and 415 calories

Dinner

Yakisoba (2 servings) 300 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories

2 grains, 1 protein, 1 veggies and 300 calories

Snack

Yogurt, lite (1) 110 calories

1 dairy, 1 sugar and 110 calories

Total calories 1345 - BMR 1461 = -116 calories. Not too bad for no exercise today...we ended up with some awesome lightening and thunder and I didn't end up getting outside after that, except to do some work cleaning up from the run off of our rainfall.

Chickens Thursday

Breakfast
1 Cup Corn Puff 2 Points
1 Cup Skim Milk 2 Points

Snack
10 Pretzels 1 Point

Lunch
1 WW Meatloaf and potato lunch 5 points

Dinner
3oz Chicken Misc Veggies 5 Points

Exercise
45 minutes walking
50 minutes Eliptical

Wednesday for Mishka

Breakfast

Onion bagel (1) 140 calories
Cream cheese, lite (1) 60 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 70 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories
Watermelon (1 cup) 72 calories

2 fruits, 2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 sugar and 362 calories

Late Lunch

California Roll (8 pieces) 300 calories
Tuna sushi (2 pieces) 120 calories
Salmon sushi (2 pieces) 136 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories
Tomato, roma (1) 40 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories

2 veggies, 3 grains, 2 proteins, and 608 calories

Exercise

Soccer practice (2 hours) 1100+ calories burned

Snack (at practice)

Nut Power Bar (1) 210 calories

1 protein, 1 grain, 1 sugar, and 210 calories

Dinner

Sirloin (6oz) 400 calories
Lettuce (2 cups) 15 calories
Carrot (1) 30 calories
Tomato, roma (1/2) 20 calories
Cucumber (1/4) 6 calories
Grapes (1 serving) 87 calories

2 proteins, 3 veggies, 1 fruit and 558 calories

Snack

Yogurt, lite (1) 110 calories

1 dairy, 1 sugar and 110 calories

Total calories 1848 - BRM 1461 and exercise 1100 = -713 calories. Soccer saved me and all those veggies were yummy.

Sprite's Wednesday

Breakfast
banana 1 point
2 whole grain waffles 3 points
1 Tbsp Brummel & Brown spread 1 point
1 Tbsp syrup 1 point
1 cup fat-free milk 2 points

Lunch
1 piece wheat bread 1 point
1/2 can tuna 1.5 points
1/2 slice fat free cheese 0.5 points
1 cup grapes 1 points

Dinner
WW frozen enchiladas 6 points
1 cup fat-free milk 2 points

Snack
1 cup grapes 1 point
TOTAL: 21 points (30 bonus points remaining)

Sprite's Tuesday

I had my temporary replacement tagging along with me today, along with lunch provided at a meeting, so I was a little off my schedule today.

banana 1 point
3 wheat crackers 1 point
string cheese 2 points
yogurt 1 point
pretzels 1 point
Asian chicken salad (only ate half) 5 points
Campbell's Double Noodle soup** 4 points
1 cup peas** 2 points
1 cup fat-free milk 2 points
applesauce 1 point
TOTAL: 20 points

**We were supposed to go out to eat to celebrate a friend's birthday, but after my fall I wasn't feeling up to it and wanted comfort food. Luckily I had some points to work with.

Chicken's Wednesday

Breakfast
1 Cup corn puffs 3 points
1 1/2 cup of skim milk 3 points

Snack
1 small banana 1 point
24 Pretzels 1 point (Thanks for the tip on this one mindsprite!)

Lunch
Left over chicken 2oz & veggies- 5 points

Snack
20 Rye Crisps 2 Points
1 Wedge of Lite Laughing Cow 1 point

Dinner
2 piece wheat bread 4 points
1 Gradenburger 2 Points
2 piece of Lite Jarlsberg cheese 2 Points
1 tbs mayo 2 points
misc veggies 0 points

Dessert
1 Fudgecicle 1 points

Total Points 27 - 1 over.....I lost count somehow

Sally's Birthday!

Breakfast: Amy's Tofu Wrap--1.5 carbs, 1 fat, 1 protein

Snack: Kashi TLC Bar--1.5 carbs, .5 fat, 4g fiber

Lunch: (My husband surprised me at work to take me out!) corn/potato chowder--2 carbs, 3 fat; chicken salad with fruit in it (1/2 sandwich): 2 carbs, 4 fat, 1 protein. (It wasn't the best choice but was better than what I thought about getting.)

Tonight is my birthday dinner--we're going to a creperie--so I know I will be eating poorly there. But it won't be as bad if I can keep up decent eating till then.

Tuesday for Mishka

Breakfast

Bagel (1) 140 calories
Cheese, cream lite (1) 60 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 70 calories
Coffee (1) 20 calories
Watermelon (1/2 cup) 23 calories

1 fruit, 2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 sugar and 313 calories

Snack

Apple turnover (1) 260 calories

2 grains, 1 fruit, 2 sugars and 260 calories

Lunch

Rice, jasmine (1 serving) 160 calories
Gyoza (4) 140 calories
Sauce (1 serving) 75 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (24 oz) 40 calories

1 grain, 1 protein, 3 sugars and 415 calories

Dinner (at Outback for our anniversary)

Outback Special (1/2) 405 calories
Jacket Potato (1/2) 200 calories
Steamed Veggies (1/2) 40 calories
House salad (1) 110 calories (assuming a full serving of cheese)
Rye bread (3 slices) 100 calories
Ranch dressing (1/4 serving) 25 calories
Margarita, w/salt (1) 170 calories

2 proteins, 2 grains, 3 veggies, 1 oil, 2 sugars and 1050 calories

Exercise

Cleaning (1 hour) 241 calories

Total calories 2038- BMR 1461 and exercise 241 = 336 calories today. Could have been worse and hopefully with all the yardwork I need to do and the soccer practice I have tomorrow, I can work it off. Anniversary dinner is hard to say no to, but we tried to be careful.

Going Out

We are going out to dinner for our anniversary tonight....I will try to be good but might have to make up for it in exercise tomorrow because I was just not up for exercise today (girl reasons) and I may end up eating more calories than I should this evening. I will be definitely feeling better tomorrow, and can perhaps get a double workout in, I also have some yardwork calling me to use up.

I hope it is cooler tomorrow like it was today so I can get some stuff done around the house outside before we get back up to hot, hot hot....

Welcomes Are Due

We need to welcome two new members to Finding My Happy Medium to the group. Sally and Mind Sprite are both working on their fitness goals and we are thrilled that they feel this blog can help realize those goals.

Use the blog however you feel works best for you, don't feel obligated to log everything like some of us are doing or to comment on everyone's posts if you don't have the desire or time. We want this to be a place of support and motivation (we'll keep the guilt to a minimum...haha).

See you around the blog...

Starting out

Here I am. Eek! This means I have to get back to being serious about taking care of myself.

I lost about 35 pounds in the last year. I didn't lose weight *for* my wedding, but after my wedding in March, I did stop working out and stop paying as much attention as I used to. At the doctor's office a few days ago, I found out I have regained 15 pounds! In four months! That's truly, truly awful.

So ... I have to figure out a way to get myself to exercise despite the 100-degree, 90-percent humidity GA heat. And I have to get back on track with eating according to the plan I developed with a nutritionist. It's totally reasonable. I just find it too easy to cheat after a while (clearly).

Tomorrow is my birthday, my 26th birthday. On my 25th birthday I promised myself I would look and feel great by the 26th one. I do look somewhat better, but I am still far, far from my goal. I don't want to be tiny; I want to be a size 10. I was in 14's but now am back in 16's. (I can't believe I just admitted my size in a public forum!) I bought a new pair of jeans last week by mail and was afraid they wouldn't fit, but they do. Now I just can't expand out of these!

Chicken's Weigh In

I was pretty worried before my weigh-in because I weighed myself at home and it didn't look good. According to my scale I somehow miraculously gained 4 pounds between Sunday and Monday. It didn't make sense and I was getting upset. I felt like I lost weight, even William says I have.

I had to go to my meeting whether it was good news or bad. I need to make the meetings every week to keep myself on track and I also want to be there for Mind Sprite (she is doing a great job!!). So when I arrived I told my leader what happened. She said that people have heavy days and light days even if they are doing everything right. Mondays were the worst for her.

I stepped on the scale. I lost 5.2 pounds last week!!!!!! So that is a total of 7.4 pounds since I started. I was relieved and happy.

After my meeting I talked to William and he said he weighed himself on the scale. It said he gained 5 pounds. We are thinking the battery must be dying or the scale needs to be recalibrated. In any case, I'm going to try my best to stay away from the thing and just weigh-in at the meeting if I can help myself.

Chicken's Tuesday

Breakfast
1/2 whole wheat bagel 2 Points
1 wedge laughing cow lite 1 Point
1 cup of skim milk 2 points

Snack
1 Kashi Bar 2 Points

Lunch
None I am a Bad Bad Chicken

Snack
10 soy chips 2 points

Dinner
4 oz grilled Chicken Thigh (from Natures) 7 Points (w/marinade we think)
Grilled Mushrooms, Zuch, Onion, Bell Pepper w/rice wine & peanut oil 3 points

(have left overs for lunch)

Exercise
1 hour Yoga

20 Points- too low, should have ate lunch

Mishka's Monday

Back on the blog again....

Breakfast

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Cheese, laughing cow lite (1) 30 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories
Coffee, iced slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 sugar and 230 calories

Lunch

Chili (1 serving) 210 calories
Cheese, lite mozarella (1/2 serving) 40 calories
Tricuits (1/2 serving) 60 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories

1 grain, 2 proteins, 1/2 dairy, and 310 calories

Exercise

Cleaning (1 hour) 241 calories burned

Dinner

Kaeng khiao waan gai (Thai Green Curry w/Chicken) (1 serving) 306 calories
Rice, jasmine steamed (1 serving) 160 calories
Cranberry/vodka drink (1) 140 calories

2 proteins, 2 grains, 2 veggies, 1 oil, 1 sugar and 606 calories

Dessert

Kisses, dark chocolate (4) 92 calories
Peanuts, roasted no salt (1 serving) 170 calories
Watermelon (2 cups) 91 calories

2 fruit, 1 protein, 4 sugars and 353 calories

Total calories 1499 - BMR 1461 and exercise 241 = -203 calories. Not too bad considering I had no exercise exercise today. I did a lot of housework.

Chicken's Monday

Breakfast
1 Cup Os 3 points
1 cup skim milk 2 points
1/4 cup Raspberries .5 Points
1 Iced Nonfat Latte 1 Point

Snack
Kashi Bar 2 Points

Lunch
1 WW Ravoli 5 Points

Dinner
1 Whole Wheat Bagel 4 Points
2 slices of Lite Jarlsberg 2 Points
1 Gardenburger 2 points
Misc veggies 0 Points

Total Points 21.5

Mindsprite's Monday

Breakfast
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp reduced fat peanut butter 1 point

Lunch
leftover veggie fettucini 4 points
fat-free cottage cheese 1 point

Snack
1 cup grapes 1 point

Dinner
WW lemon chicken frozen dinner 4 points

Snacks
3 wheat crackers 1 point
1 wedge Laughing Cow lite cheese 1 point
1/2 bag Healthy Pop popcorn 1 point
WW ice cream bar 2 points
1 cup fat-free milk 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points (31 bonus points remaining)

Mindsprite's Weekend

SATURDAY
Homemade yogurt smoothie 2.5 points
1/4 cup berries 0.5 points
Kashi bar 2 points
Taco Bell Grilled Stuff't Burrito 15 points
2 skinny cows 4 points (it's HOT!!!!)
2 slices DeLite cheese pizza 8 points
1 cup fat free milk 2 points
Cookie 1 point
Hansen's raspberry soda 3 points
TOTAL: 38 points
End of WW week: still had 13 bonus points for the week. I seem to be hoarding my bonus points so I can eat more of the "good" stuff on the weekends. They are my points to use, so I guess that's my choice :)

SUNDAY
Jamba Juice smoothie 5 points
Subway Sub 5 points
1/2 Subway cookie 3 points
1 cup grapes
Leftover veggie fettucini 4 points
1 cup Healthy Pop popcorn 0 points
WW ice cream bar 2 points
1 1/2 cups movie popcorn 4 points
TOTAL: 24 points (31 bonus points remaining)

Chicken's Sunday

Breakfast
1 Cup Os 3 points
1 cup skim milk 2 points
1/4 cup Blueberries .5 Points

Lunch
1/2 cheese and veggie sandwich
1 piece whole wheat bread 2 points
1/4 tsp Mayo 1 point
1 1/2 oz cheese 3 points
Misc veggies 0 point

Dinner
3 oz Grilled turkey breast (skinless, boneless) 2 Points
Small salad w/oil vinegret 2 points

Snack
1 Fat Free Fudgecicle

Sunday for Mishka

Make up log for weekend out of town....

Breakfast

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1) 110 calories
Egg (2) 140 calories
Olive oil (1)
Coffee (1) 20 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 oil, 1 sugar and 400 calories

Lunch

Bread,wheat (2) 200 calories
Cheese (1) 110 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories
Lettuce/onion/tomato
Carrots, baby (1 serving) 40 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories
Cucumber/Tomato 25 calories

1 grains, 2 proteins, 1 dairy, 3 veggies and 425 calories

Dinner

Tortilla (1) 170 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories
Cheese (1) 110 calories
Lettuce/Tomato
Condiments (1) 100 calories
Tortilla chips (1) 130 calories
Salsa (1) 10 calories
Drinks (2) 440

2 grains, 2 proteins, 1 dairy, 1 veggie, too many sugars and 1010 calories

Exercise

Unpacking and laundry (1 hour) 241 calories

Total calories 1835 - BMR 1461 and exercise 241 = 133 calories. Not great but better than I expected. Didn't get home in time to play soccer.

Saturday for Mishka

Make up post for weekend out of town...

Breakfast

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Cheese, laughing cow lite (1) 30 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins and 210 calories

Lunch

Bread, multigrain (2) 200 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories
Condiments (1) 100 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1) 110 calories
Lettuce/tomato
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories
Grapes (1 serving) 87 calories

2 grains, 2 proteins, 1 dairy, 1 oil, 1 veggie, 1 fruit and 547 calories

Dinner

Fish, grilled (2) 189 calories
Rice, white (1) 103 calories
Shrimp (1/4 lb) 112 calories
Cake (1/2) 117 calories
Corn, grilled (2) 118 calories
Drink (2) 220 calories

3 proteins, 2 grains, 2 veggies, too many sugars and 859 calories

Exercise

Swimming, leisurely (40 minutes) 276 calories
Walking leisurely (1.5 hours) 341 calories

Calories burned 617 calories

Total calories 1606 - BMR 1461 and exercise 617 = -472 calories...wow at least one day was productive.

Chicken's Saturday

Breakfast
Mango Mantra Smoothie 5.5 Points

Lunch
2 Small whole wheat pita 2 points
1/2 cup hummus 4 points
Lettuce, Onion, Bell Pepper 0 Points
1/2 tsp olive oil 1 Points

Friday for Mishka

Make up log for weekend out of town....

Breakfast

Egg (2) 140 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1/2 serving) 55 calories
Tea, hot (8 oz) 20 calories
Potato (1/4) 54 calories
Olive oil (1 tbs) 40 calories
Tortilla, small (2) 220 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories

2 proteins, 1/2 dairy, 1 sugar, 2 grains, 1 veggie and 529 calories

Lunch

Tortilla small (2) 220 calories
Chicken (1/4) 55 calories
Beans (4 tbs) 110 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1 serving) 110 calories

2 grains, 3 proteins, 1 dairy and 495 calories

Dinner

Trout, filet broiled (2) 236 calories
Hushpuppies (1 serving) 240 calories
Rootbeer (20 oz) 278 calories
Green beans (2 serving) 24 calories
Cole slaw (2 tbs) 85 calories
Drink (1) 220 calories
Mushrooms, fried (6) 195 calories

4 proteins, 3 veggies, 3 grains, several sugars and 1275 calories

Exercise

Walking, leisurely (40 minutes) 175 calories
Swimming, leisurely (1 hour) 414 calories

Calories burned 589

Total 2299 - BMR 1461 and exercise 589 = 249 calories. Better but not great...glad this is only a weekend thing or I would be in trouble.

Mindsprite's Friday

Happy TGIF!!!

Breakfast
Kashi peanut butter bar 2 points
Banana 1 point

Snack
1/2 cup raw veggies 0 points
Laughing Cow lite cheese 1 point
3 wheat crackers 1 point

Chicken's Friday

Breakfast
1 Whole Wheat Englis Muffin 2 Points
1 Lite Laughing Cow wedge 1 Point
1 WW Yogurt 1 Point

Snack
1 Kashi Honey Almond Flax Granola Bar 2 Points

Lunch
1 WW Three Cheese Ziti Marinara (super yummy) 6 Points

Dinner
1 1/2 Cups Baked Red Potatoes 2 Points
1 Tbl Olive Oil 1 Point
Misc Veggies 0 Points

Snack
1 oz cheedar cheese 2 points

Exercise
40 minute walk

Thursday for Mishka

Make up log for while I was out of town...

Breakfast

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Cheese, laughing cow lite (1 serving) 30 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories
Tea, hot (8 oz) 20 calories
Milk, 2% (8 oz) 120 calories

2 grains, 2 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 sugar and 350 calories

Lunch

Banana (1) 80 calories
Diet Coke (24 oz) 0 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1 serving) 110 calories
Chicken breast (1/3 serving) 55 calories
Beans, pinto (4 tbs) 110 calories
Tortilla, small (2) 220 calories
Tomato/Onion

1 fruit, 1 dairy, 3 proteins, 2 grains and 575 calories

Dinner

Shrimp, peel/eat (1/2 pound) 225 calories
Wild rice (1 serving) 220 calories
Broccoli, steamed (2 servings) 55 calories
Apple, Fuji (1 servings) 72 calories
Carrots, baby (1 serving) 40 calories
Drinks (2) 440 calories

2 proteins, 2 grains, 3 veggies, 1 fruit, 4 sugars and 1052 calories

Dessert

Cookies, chocolate chip (1 serving) 110 calories
Milk 2% (8 oz) 110 calories

1 dairy, too many sugars, and 220 calories

Exercise

Swimming, leisurely (20 minutes) 92 calories
Walking (2 miles, 4 mph) 172 calories

Calories burned 264 calories

Total calories 2197 - BMR 1461 and exercise 264 = 472 calories. Guess I am adding back the calories I was able to avoid last week....don't think the rest of the weekend will be any better.

Yum scrum!

I just had the Weight Watchers Thai Style Chicken and Noodles and it is yummy! It's by far the best WW frozen meal I've had. It's no Thai Orchid, but it hit my craving spot and is pretty tasty.

Mindsprite's Thursday

Breakfast
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp peanut butter 1 point
2% milk 2 points

Snack
Banana 1 point

Lunch
WW Thai noodle frozen lunch 5 points

Snacks
Kashi Peanut Peanut Butter bar 2 points
Apple 1 point

Dinner
Veggie fettucini at Cup & Saucer (guessing) 4 points
Salad w/ a few croutons & minimal ranch dressing 2 points

Snack
Fat free Fudgecicle 1 point
WW smoothie 1 points

TOTAL: 22

Chicken's Thursday

Breakfast
1 scrambled egg 2 points
1/2 oz cheese 2 points
1 english muffin 2 points
1/2 tsp mayo .5 points
1 cup of skim milk 2 points

Snack
1 WW Raspberry Yogurt 1 Point

Lunch
2 Cups Yaki Soba 8 points

Dinner
1 Halibut Fillet 4 Points
1/2 cup Green Beans 0 Points

Snack
10 Soy Crisps 1 Point

Total Points 22

Exercise
20 minute walk

Mishka's Wednesday

Make up log for Wednesday as I was out of town....

Breakfast

Egg scrambled (2) 140 calories
Toast, whole wheat (2) 200 calories
Coffee, iced slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories
Salsa (1 serving) 10 calories
Cheese, mozarella (1) 80 calories

2 proteins, 1 veggie, 1 dairy, 2 grains, 1 sugar and 350 calories

Lunch

Cheeseburger (2) 620 calories
Diet Coke (20 oz) 0 calories
French fry (small) 230 calories
Snickers (1) 280 calories

2 proteins, 5 grains, 5 sugars, and 1130 calories

Dinner

Bread, multigrain (2) 200 calories
Condiments (1 serving) 100 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1 serving) 110 calories
Turkey (2/3 serving) 50 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories
Tomato, roma (1/2) 20 calories
Drink (2) 440 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 2 veggies, 4 sugars and 932 calories

Exercise

Walking, leisurely (20 minutes) 80 calories burned
Packing (20 minutes) 80 calories burned

Calories burned 160 calories

Total calories 2412 - BMR 1461 and exercise 160 = 791 calories. Terrible but part of this was due to eating at McDonald's on the way to the beach.

Mindsprite's Wednesday

Breakfast
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp peanut butter 1 point

Lunch
Teriaki chicken breast 4 points
1/2 cup sticky rice 2 points
2 small slices cantaloupe 0.5 points
2 small bites pineapple upside down cake 0.5 points?

Snacks
1 mini bag popcorn 1 point
banana 1 point

Dinner
Subway Turkey & Ham sub 5 points

Snacks
8 sweetarts (last of the box!) 1 point
Skinny cow 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points (still 35 bonus points left)

I'm a little hungry now, but it's time for bed, so I might need to up the points a tad or eat some of my bonus points tomorrow. I was hungry and light headed for the third day in a row :(

Mindsprite's Tuesday

Breakfast
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp reduced fat peanut butter 1 point

Snack
1 banana 1 point

Lunch
WW tuna au gratin frozen meal 5 points

Snack
1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese 1 point

Dinner
Stir fry - chicken breast, carrots, zucchini & squash in olive oil and spices 4 points
1/2 cup brown rice 2 points
1 cup FF milk 2 points

Snack
1/2 cup FF pudding 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points

I have decided that I am going to aim for 20 points a day, but if I hit 22, that's OK too. I would like to know whether 22 a day would be sufficient to keep losing weight. I can't really tell that after only one week. If I'm at more than 2 pounds loss at the next weigh in, I'm going to up it to 22 again. My metabolism may be able to handle that much and still lose at an acceptable rate. How's that for a compromise?

Chicken's Wednesday

Breakfast
1 Cup Os 3 points
1 cup skim milk 2 points
1/4 blueberries 1 points

Lunch
6 inch Turkey Breast Sub on Whole Wheat with cheese and light mayo 7 points

Snack
Baked Lays 3 Points

Dinner
2 small whole wheat pita 2 points
1/4 cup hummus 2 points
some sprouts 0 points
4 slices of tomato 0 points
2 tbl olive oil 2 points

Total 22 points I need to get my fruit and veggies in.

Exercise
40 minutes on the eliptical at the gym- burned 423 calories

Beach Trip

I am going to the beach tomorrow (Wednesday) for a few days so I will not be online (I don't think). I will keep track of my food while I am gone and will log when I get back....hopefully I won't be too bad and if I am, I hopefully will be getting lots of swimming and walks on the beach in...

Congrats on the great progress you are all making...stick with it and I will catch up with you when I return.

See you in a few days.

Mishka's Tuesday

Breakfast

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Cheese, laughing cow lite (1) 30 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 40 calories
Iced coffee, slightly sweetened (24oz) 40 calories

2 grains, 2 proteins, 1 dairy, 2 sugars and 240 calories

Lunch

Baguette, french (1 serving) 140 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 40 calories
Condiments (1 serving) 100 calories
Cheddar, medium (1 serving) 110 calories
Tomato (1) 22 calories
Baby carrots (9) 40 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories
Wasabi peas (1 serving) 130 calories

2 grains, 2 proteins, 2 oils, 1 dairy, 2 veggies and 582 calories

Exericse

Swimming, leisurely (1 hour) 427 calories burned

Dinner

Ravioli, cheese (1 serving) 330 calories
Pesto, sundried tomato (1/2 serving) 105 calories
Cranberry juice (1/2 serving) 40 calories

2 grains, 2 dairy, 1 veggie, 1/2 fruit and 475 calories

Total calories 1297- BMR 1461 and exercise is -639. I didn't feel too bad about the pasta and pesto after the swimming. We actually were at the pool for 2 hours but I figure I was only swimming for about 1/2 of that.

Backfire

I just realized I dropped below the next weight category. I now only get 20 points a day. This has completely changed how I feel about my weigh in. I want to eat a bunch so I go back over the threshold, so I get more food! I'm feeling really deprived right now and that is NOT a good motivation.

Weighing in

My first weigh in was better than I expected.....4.6 pounds. HOWEVER, I have been known to gain or lose 10 pounds in a matter of a week with no explanation, so I'm not really counting on that. The number of pounds I weigh doesn't have much true relevance to what I look like. I really go more by how my clothes fit and although I think it's minutely better in that department, I haven't noticed that much difference. When I can put on this one particular pair of jeans straight out of the dryer without having to struggle and bend to strech them out, THEN I am at my goal (and coincidentally where I was a year and a half ago after the South Beach diet).

The other drawback to the good result is I think it creates a false sense that losing weight is easy. I think to myself, "Oh, if I gain a little back, look how easy it is to lose", which makes it really hard to maintain over the long haul.

I know a lot of it is genetics and metabolism. I have to eat pretty often (every 2-3 hours) so I have to constantly work the points to make sure I can keep up the grazing. On the other hand we have B......who is working the points so that he can eat the biggest, most borderline food he can. But then he doesn't eat anything else the rest of the day. It's hard to hear him talk about his meatloaf sandwich or calzone and still staying under his points, knowing that me eating that would cause me to starve the rest of the day. Not to mention he gets more points a day than me to start with! Somehow five little 1-point snacks don't seem as satisfying as a big sub sandwich! But that's what I have to do to keep my blood sugar level.

I guess we all have our own issues to deal with when it comes to food. Like the leader at the WW meeting said last night, we have to re-learn how to EAT. And properly, this time around. I learned some pretty bad eating lessongs growing up and this certainly doesn't come easy. I would kill for a scone right now, but then I couldn't eat dinner. And somehow that doesn't seem worth it to me!

Mindsprite's Monday

Breakfast
Fruit smoothie (low fat yogurt, fat free milk, banana, berries, ice) 3 points

Snack
1 small apple 1 point

Lunch
Tuna pocket 3 points

Snack
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp reduced fat peanut butter 1 point

Dinner
Can of beef barley soup 5 points
1 cup fat free milk 2 points

Snacks
1 banana 1 point
1/2 cup fat free, sugar free chocolate pudding 2 points
TOTAL: 22 points (35 bonus points remaining)

Chicken's Tuesday

Breakfast
1 Slice of wheat toast 2 Points
1 Wedge of lite laughing cow 1 Point
1 Cup of Skim Milk 2 Points

Snack
1 WW Smoothie 1 point

Lunch
1 WW Creamy Rigatoni w/Brocoli & Chicken 6 Points

Dinner
Turkey Sandwich again (I have deli turkey to eat up)
2 slices Whole Wheat Bread 4 points
Mayo 1 Point
Cheese 2 Points
Sprouts 0 Points
Tomato 0 Points
1/2 Avocado 2 Points
Turkey 2 oz 2 points

10 Points - This was a bigger Turkey sandwich than the last ones. I included avo on mine.

William and I both noticed that we were a little too full. Next time we will split one and see how we feel.

22 Points Total

Exercise
1 hour Yoga
I didn't end up at the gym. This Yoga session was harder and I was sore afterwards.

Chicken's Weigh In

Well I was pretty disappointed in my weigh in last night. I have only lost 2.2 pounds. I know that I was down 4 pounds but somehow gained 2 on Sunday or Monday. I was upset about it last night but I have to move on. I can't turn back now. I'm going to Yoga during lunch and to the gym tonight. I hope that makes me feel better.

Monday for Mishka

Breakfast

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Cheese, laughing cow lite (1) 30 calories
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 40 calories
Coffee, lightly sweetened (12 0z) 20 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 2 proteins, 1 sugar and 220 calories

Lunch (at Olive Garden for girlfriend's birthday)

Salad (2 servings) 100 calories
Bread (1 stick) 140 calories
Chicken Ghiadiana (1 serving, their servings) 408 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (24oz) 50 calories
Diet Coke (20 oz) 0 calories

2 veggies, 5 grain, 4 oils, 1 protein, 4 sugars and 698 calories

Total calories 918 -BMR 1461 is -543 which looks okay from the final total but the original amount of calories is way too low. I didn't do any exercise and I got busy and forgot about dinner...lunch was kind of late. I'll do better tomorrow.

Chicken's Monday

Breakfast
1 Cup Os 3 points
1 cup skim milk 2 points
1/4 blueberries 1 points

Snack
1 WW Lemon Cream Pie Yogurt 1 Point

Lunch
1 WW Lemon Herb Chicken Piccata 4 Points

Dinner
1 Turkey Burger 4 Points
1 1/2 slice of cheese 5 Points
1 Cup of Corn 1 Point

Snack
1 Slice of Lite Jarlsberg Cheese (3/4 oz) 2 Points
1 oz of Turkey Breast 1 Point
10 Wheat Thins 3 Points

27 Points Total 1 point over my daily but I hardly ever used my bonus points.

Exercise
45 Minutes of Walking

Chicken's Sunday

Breakfast
1 Cup O's 3 Points
1 Cup Skim Milk 2 Points
1/4 cup Blueberries 1 Point

Lunch
1 Veggie Burrito - Taco Time 9 Points

Dinner
1 Turkey Burger 4 Points
1 1/2 slice of cheese 5 Points
1 Corn on the cob 2 Points

Total Points 26
Total Cal?

Taco Time was a bad decision. Too many points, too filling, huge portion size.

Chicken's Saturday

I had to eat out a lot as Bill and I were trying to get to a camp ground and get a space before they filled up.

Breakfast
1 16 oz Jamba Juice Mango Mantra Smoothie (which I highly recommend) 3 points

Lunch
6 inch Turkey Breast Sub on Whole Wheat with cheese and light mayo 7 points

Snack
Baked Lays 3 Points

Dinner
Homemade Turkey Sandwich on wheat with lite Jarlsberg cheese. 8 Points

Total Points 21
Total cal ? Don't have time to figure out right now.

Mindsprite's Sunday

Breakfast
Smoothie (lowfat yogurt, fat free milk, banana, fresh blue- & raspberries) 3 points

Lunch
Tuna sandwich pocket w/fat free swiss cheese & lettuce 6 points

Snack
3 wheat crackers 1 point
2 Tbsp hummus 1 point

Dinner
Chicken breast 3 points
cooked in olive oil & crushed corn flakes 1 point
Baked potato w/Butter Buds (YUM!) and garlic salt 1 point
Steamed fresh green beans 9 points
1 cup fat free milk 2 points

Snack
Fat-free, sugar-free chocolate pudding 2 points
TOTAL: 20 points

I'm doing well on my milk servings and my six 8-oz glasses of water a day, but I'm still not getting enough fruits and vegetables. I expected that would be a hard thing for me, as I don't like a lot of vegetables and most fruit has points.

Mindsprite's first week recap

Along with Chicken, I just finished my first week on Weight Watchers. There were times when it was really hard, like walking past all the candy in the checkout line, but I think I did allright.

At my current weight, I get 22 points a day, plus another 35 bonus points over the week. Tuesday was my first day tracking, so here is the week's recap.

Tuesday
1/2 Applebee's quesadilla (leftovers) 5 points
yogurt 1 point
1/4 can Pelagrino 1 point*
Chicken noodle soup 4 points
Pretzels (24) 1 point
Cheese stick 2 points
Sweet tarts (8) 1 point
Chicken stir fry - frozen pre-made 5 points
1 cup fat free milk 2 points
TOTAL: 22 points
*Had to buy something to use the restroom b/c of all the water I have to drink now :P

Wednesday
1/2 wheat bagel 2 points
1/2 Tbsp reduced fat peanut butter 1 point
1 cup chicken pad thai 9 points
Albertsons Light fruit smoothie 1 point
Asst veggies 0 points
Asst fruit 0 points
WW chicken enchilada dinner 6 points
WW chocolate chip cookie dough sundae 3 points
TOTAL: 22 points

Thursday
Breakfast sandwich at restaurant 8 points
1 cup 2% milk 2 points
Chicken ceasar salad (w/minimal dressing) 4 points
Small chocolate chip cookie 2 points
Brownie w/nuts 6 points
Sandwich pocket 2 points
Laughing Cow Light garlic & herb cheese - 1 wedge 1 point
Strawberries 0 points
1/2 Sprite 1 point **
WW beef pot roast dinner (YUK!) 3 points
TOTAL: 29 points (28 bonus points remaining)
**Needed soda b/c I was getting airsick in the airplane!

Friday
Alberstons Light smoothi 1 point
Cheese stick 2 points
3 wheat crackers 1 point
Apple sauce 1 point
1 cup Pad Thai 9 points
3/4 cup peas - 2 points
Kraft mac & cheese with ground turkey 10 points
Green beans 0 points
1 cup fat free milk 2 points
Chocolate pudding cup 2 points
TOTAL: 30 points (20 bonus points remaining)

Saturday
Jamba Juice smoothie 5 points
1 cup blue & raspberries 1 point
Subway turkey sandwich 5 points
Skinny cow 2 points
Sweet tarts (8) 1 point
Pretzels (24) 1 point
Taco Bell Nachos supreme 10 points
1 cup fat free milk 2 points
Twix candy bar 7 points
TOTAL: 34 points (8 bonus points remaining)

Since I had so many bonus points left and didn't want to cut back too much the first week, I ate way more on Saturday than I normally would on this eating plan! The nachos and Twix were a splurge that I won't do very often.

Mishka's Weekly Recap

I was able to burn 2244 calories more than I ate this week. Not that bad for my starting week. It is an average of -320 calories a day. To lose a pound a week, I need to get that number up to -500 calories a day. I can do that easily by getting more consistent exercise in. If I hadn't had soccer today, and that accidental two hour walk the other day, I would have been sucking big time.

Next week, I am leaving on Wednesday for the beach for 4 days. I will still have soccer on Sunday and I will try to get some exercise in everyday while I am there...I figure the place we are renting with friends is right on the ocean and it has several pools so I might get some walks on the beach and some swimming in both the pools and the ocean. I also have a few geocaches I want to find there but I am not sure that it will require any substantial hiking.

Mishka's Sunday

Breakfast

Egg (1) 70 calories
Egg white (2) 34 calories
Cheese, skim mozarella (1 serving) 70 calories
Salsa (1 serving) 10 calories
Tortilla (1) 170 calories
Apple, Fuji (1) 72 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories

1 grain, 2 proteins, 1 dairy, 1 veggie, 1 fruit, 1 sugar, and 446 calories

Snack

Yogurt, lite (1 serving) 100 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (12oz) 20 calories

1 dairy, 1 sugar and 120 calories

Lunch

Baguette, french (1 serving) 150 calories
Condiments (1/2 serving) 55 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1 serving) 110 calories
Cilantro/Onion (not enough to worry about)
Turkey ham (2/3 serving) 40 calories
Cucumber (1/2 serving) 12 calories
Tomato (1) 22 calories

2 proteins, 2 grains, 1 oil, 1 dairy, 1 veggie and 389 calories

Exercise

Soccer (1.2 hours) 827 calories burned

Dinner

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Chicken, breaded patty (1) 230 calories
Lettuce (1 leaf) 5 calories
Baby carrots (9) 40 calories
Condiments (1 serving) 15 calories
Gatorade (1 serving) 50 calories

1 veggie, 2 proteins, 2 grains, 1 sugar and 470 calories

Total calories 1425 -BMR 1461 and exercise is -863 calories. Not bad, I guess I could have eaten whatever I wanted for dinner, but I tried to stick with the plan, considering next week will be a beach weekend and I am not sure how much I will be able to count calories...

Cookbook recommendation

Hi there, I'm the new kid on the block. I'm happy to be here for support and to pass along good foods I find.


I have had this cookbook for quite a while. I figured out several recipes this afternoon and there are many tasty things, most for less than 7 Weight Watchers points. I have a hard time cooking for only one or two people, so that was what drew me to this book. The recipes are easy and not "frou frou", which I find so many cookbooks to be. I like my food simple and tasty!

I bought it used at the bookstore and they also have it at our library.

I will post more about my personal efforts a little later. But now I need to find out what to have for dinner!

Saturday For Mishka

Breakfast

Turnover, apple (1) 284 calories
Iced tea slightly sweetened (12oz) 20 calories

1 grain, 1 fruit, 3 sugars and 304 calories

Lunch

Egg (1) 70 calories
Egg, white (2) 34 calories
Cheese, skim mozarella (1 serving) 70 calories
Salsa (1 serving) 10 calories
Tortilla (1) 170 calories
Fruit, lite canned (1 serving) 60 calories
Iced tea slightly sweetened (12oz) 20 calories

2 proteins, 1 dairy, 1 grain, 1 fruit, 1/2 veggie, 1 sugar, and 434 calories

Dinner

English muffin (1) 130 calories
Veggie burger (1) 100 calories
Condiments (1 serving) 15 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1/2 serving) 55 calories
Mushrooms (5) 20 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories
Tomato (1) 22 calories
Carrots, baby (1 serving) 40 calories
Alcohol drink (12 oz) 220 calories
Peanuts, roasted (1 serving) 170 calories

3 proteins, 2 grains, 1/2 dairy, 3 veggies, too many sugars, and 784 calories

Total calories 1522-1461 = 61 calories

No exercise today, I'll do better tomorrow since I have a soccer game and that will be some serious calories burned there.

Thanks Free Mind Sprite

Free Mind Sprite stopped by after work and gave me this book. Thanks Free MindSprite for the awesome cookbook. Everything in it is low calorie and under 8 points. They even have Chimichongas and Thai food!!!
Once I make some recipes I'll let everyone know how they went.

Mishka's Friday

Breakfast

Cereal (1 cup) 200 calories
1% milk (1 cup) 100 calories
Iced tea slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories

2 grains, 1 dairy, 1 sugar and 320 calories

Exercise

Walking (2 hours/8 miles) 689 calories

Lunch

Triscuits (9) 180 calories
Smoked oysters (1 can) 170 calories
Lite cream cheese (1 serving) 60 calories
Strawberries (7) 27 calories
Sugar (1 tsp) 20 calories
Tomato, cherry (6) 18 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories
Diet coke (20 oz) 0 calories

1 grain, 4 proteins, 1 dairy, 1 fruit, 1 veggie, 2 oils, 1 sugar and 487 calories

Snack

Canned fruit, lite (2 servings) 120 calories

2 fruits and 120 calories

Dinner

Pasta salad (1 cup) 260 calories
Peanuts, roasted no salt (1 serving) 170 calories
Green beans (2 cups) 80 calories
Iced tea slightly sweetened (12oz) 20 calories

2 grains, 1 protein, 4 veggies, 1 sugar and 530 calories

Total calories 1457 - BMR of 1461 and exercise = -689 calories

Not bad although my feet are tired from that long @ss walk this morning.

Friday for Chicken

Breakfast
2 scrambled eggs 200 cal 4 points
1 serving cheese 113 cal 2 points
1 cup of Fat Free Milk 90 cal 2 points

I need to make sure I have the right food in the house. I needed fruit with this meal.

Lunch
Cashew Chicken Salad Wrap ? Cal 6 Points
1 piece Hershey's Chocolate 56.5 Cal 1 Point

Dinner
Weight Watchers Tortilla Chicken Melt at Applebees 480 cals 10 points

I don't know what the total calories are because of the chicken salad.
Total Points 25

I didn't eat as well as I have been but I felt like a deserved some tasty stuff for being good.

Exercise
30 minute walk

Total Points 25

Welcome Haha

Haha (means mother in Japanese) is the mother of both Chicken and Mishka and is also trying to reach some new fitness goals. We welcome her as a contributor on this blog so that we may all support each other and find a happy medium for ourselves.

Welcome to the pack, Haha, hope you enjoy posting here.

Thursday For Mishka

Snack (last night)

Cookie (3) 215 calories
1% milk (8 oz) 100 calories

1 dairy, too many sugars, and 315 calories

Breakfast

Egg (1) 70 calories
Egg white (2) 34 calories
Cheese, skim mozarella (1/2 serving) 35 calories
Tortilla, wheat (1) 170 calories
Salsa (2 tbs) 10 calories
Strawberry (1 serving) 23 calories

2 proteins, 1 veggie, 1 fruit, 1/2 dairy, 1 grain, and 342 calories

Exercise

Walking (2 miles/30 minutes) 172 calories
Lunges (3 sets of 20) 34 calories
Abs (3 sets of 30) 92 calories

Calories burned 298 (almost got that snack off, whew)

Lunch

Veggie burger (1) 100 calories
English muffin (1) 130 calories
Condiments (1 serving) 20 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1/2 serving) 55 calories
Tomato (1) 22 calories
Baby carrots (5) 20 calories
Celery sticks (5) 12 calories
Plums (2) 61 calories
Diet Coke (24oz) 0 calories

2 veggies, 1 fruit, 2 grains, 1/2 dairy, and 424 calories

Exercise

Powerwashing the patio furniture and patio/vacuuming house (2 hour) 483 calories

Dinner

Turkey meatballs (6) 190 calories
Cheese, cheddar (1 serving) 110 calories
Mushrooms (5) 20 calories
Tomato, roma (1) 11 calories
Carrots, baby (9) 40 calories
Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories

3 proteins, 1 dairy, 2 veggies and 383 calories

Snack

Popcorn, light (4 cups) 80 calories
Alcohol drink (12 0z) 220 calories

2 grains, too many sugars, and 300 calories.

Total calories for the day -478...now that is more like it. If I can add a few more things in for working out, I can actually eat like a human and still lose weight...hmmm what a concept.

Chicken's Thursday

Breakfast
1 cup of Healthy Os -125 Cal 3 points
1 cup of Fat Free Milk- 90 cal 2 points
1/2 small banana- 56 cal 1 point
1 non-fat iced latte with sugar free hazelnut 75 Cal 2 points

Lunch
1 Weight Watchers Fetticuni Alfredo 290 Cals 6 Points

Snack
10 Soy Crisps 45 Cal 1 Point

Dinner
1 English Muffin- 120 cal 2 points
1 Wedge Laughing Cow 35 Cal 1 point
1 Gardenburger 100 Cal 2 Points
5 Tiny Dill Pickles 8 Cal 0 Points

20 Points
944 Calories


I won't be able to exercise at all today. I'm going to the dentist to have 2 fillings replaced.

I Did It

It is 7:30am and I am up after failing at this everyday this week...I am so excited. I wrote in my regular journal last night and I think I got some stuff out of my head that has been bouncing around and I am definitely feeling more focused and ready to go.

I've got to get some breakfast in me so I can get walking this morning before the temp climbs up higher. I have plans to drain and refill the hot tub today and perhaps even powerwash our teak patio furniture so I can oil it. It is looking a bit drab.

Okay, got to go, will write more later, as usual.

Just About There

I almost have the leftovers from our BBQ out of the fridge. There is no more cake or cookies and the pasta salad is down to one last serving....whooeeee, at least now it will all stop taunting me.

I got 5 little cherry tomatoes off our plants in the backyard and boy were they good.

Mishka's Wednesday

Breakfast

English muffin (2 slices) 130 calories
Peanut butter (2 tbs) 190 calories
Cheddar cheese (1 serving) 110 calories
Seedless green grapes (9 pieces) 100 calories
Cherry tomato (6 pieces) 15 calories
Iced tea slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories

2 grains, 1 protein, 1 dairy, 1 fruit, 1 veggie, 1 sugar and 565 calories

Lunch

Tortilla, wheat (1) 170 calories
Egg (1) 70 calories
Egg white (2) 34 calories
Shredded skim mozarella (1/2 serving) 40 calories
Salsa (2 tbs) 10 calories
Diet Coke (24 0z) 0 calories

1 grain, 2 proteins, 1 dairy, 1 veggie, and 324 calories

Snack

Cookie (2) 96 calories

Dinner

Cucumber (1/2) 12 calories
Tomato (1 medium) 11 calories
Mushrooms (5 medium) 20 calories
Baby carrots (9 pieces) 40 calories
Strawberries (5 medium) 19 calories
Tuna (1 can) 140 calories
Relish (2 tbs) 30 calories
Rycrisp (2 crackers) 60 calories
Yogurt (6 oz) 100 calories

3 veggies, 1 fruit, 2 protein, 2 sugar, 1 grain, 1 dairy and 432 calories

Calorie total 1321 -BMR of 1461 is -140. No exercise again today. I did some abs last night but nothing cardio wise. I am not sure why I am having a hard time getting motivated but at least I am not overeating. I think if I can get out of bed earlier in the morning, I can get a walk in outside before it gets hot and then hit the gym later in the day. I know if I get started I will be able to stick with it, it is just getting it going that takes some effort.

Chicken's Wednesday

Breakfast
1 cup of Fat Free Milk- 90 cal 2 points
1 English Muffin- 120 cal 2 points
1 Wedge Laughing Cow 35 Cal 1 point
1/2 Navel Orange-Cal 45 0 Points

Total Cal-290
Total Used Points- 5
Total Points Remaining- 21
1 Grain 1 Dairy 1 Fruit

Snack
1 Medium Nectarine- 60 Cal 1 point

1 Fruit

Lunch
Meatloaf & Mashed Potato Smart Ones 290 Cal 6 Points

1 Protein, 1 Veg

Dinner
Chicken Salad-
2 oz Canned Chicken 70 Cal 2 Points
1/2 Tsp Mayo 50 Cal 2 Points
1/4 Olive Oil l 40 Cal 1 Point
Celery 2 Cal 0 Points
Bell Pepper 15 Cal 0 Points
Flat Leaf Parsley 1 Cal 0 Points
Red Onion 6 Cal 0 Points
Spike 1 Cal 0 Points

1 English Muffin 120 cal 2 points
10 Soy Crisps 45 Cal 1 Point

1 Grain, 1 Veg

Exercise
Walking 40 minutes
No gym again (bad)

Total Cal 868 Total Points 18

2 Alcohol 200 Cal 4 Points

Total Cal 1068 Total Points 24

Mishka's Tuesday

Breakfast

1% milk (1 cup) 100 calories
Multigrain bread (1 slice) 100 calories
Lite Laughing Cow (1 wedge) 35 calories
Turkey Ham (1 slice) 20 calories
Mocha (12 0z, no whip cream) 165 calories

2 dairy, 1 grain, 1 protein, 3 sugars

Lunch

Iced coffee (12 oz) 0 calories
Non-dairy creamer (1 tbs) 40 calories

2 sugars

Dinner

Turkey meatballs (6) 190 calories
Pasta salad (1/2 cup) 122 calories
Baby carrots (9) 40 calories
Plums (2) 61 calories
Popcorn (4 cups) 80 calories
Iced tea, slightly sweetened (12 oz) 20 calories
Roasted peanuts, no salt (1 serving) 170 calories

4 proteins, 4 grains, 2 oils, 1 veggie, 1 fruit, 1 sugar

Dessert

German chocolate cake (1 serving) 260 calories

Sugar, grains and a whole bunch of stuff I shouldn't be eating....

Totals: BMR 1461, calories eaten 1403, end total with no relevant exercise is -58 calories. Better than I expected...but still not good. My sis is doing much better than me. I can't wait until all this left over stuff is out of here...

Chicken's Tuesday

Beginning Points 26

Breakfast
1 cup of Healthy Os -125 Cal 3 points
1 cup of Fat Free Milk- 90 cal 2 points
1 small banana- 112 cal 1 point
1 glass of water

Total cal- 327
Total Used Points- 6
Total Points Remaining- 20
1 Grain 1 Dairy 1 Veg 1 Water

Lunch
1 Fettucini Alfredo Smart Ones 290 cal 6 points
1 23.7 Oz Propel 30 Cal 1 Point

Total Cal-
Total Used Points- 7
Total Points Remaining- 13
1 Grain 1 Dairy 1 Veg 3 Water

Dinner
1 Grilled Mahi Mahi Fillet- Cal 173 2 Points
12 Asparagus Spears - Cal 40 0 Points
1/2 Navel Orange-Cal 45 0 Points
Less than 1 Tbls Oil- Cal 18 1 Point
Onion- Cal Points- 0
2 Diet Coke 0
1 Protein, 2 Veg, 1 Fruit, 1 Water


Total Cal-276
Total Used Points- 3
Total Points Remaining- 10

Exercise-
1 hour Yoga
Didn't go to the gym. Had to work OT.

Weight Watchers

So I decided to join Weight Watchers. The program basically teaches you to eat right without restricting everything. I bought some books and got the starter pack and it is pretty easy. I have a restaurant guide and a points books plus a slide that I can use that determines points for each serving. The points are based on the calories, fat and fiber content.

I think my next step is to buy a cookbook or two. Oh and William is going to try it with me (he won't go to meetings). Woo Hoo!!

Mishka's Eats on Monday

Breakfast

Honey Nut Shredded Wheat (3/4 cup) 150 calories
1% milk (1 cup) 100 calories
Green seedless grapes (3/4 cup) 100 calories
Lightly sweetened iced tea (12 oz) 20 calories

1 grain, 1 dairy, 1 fruit, 2 sugars

Lunch

Pasta salad (1 cup) 260 calories
Baby carrots (1 serving) 40 calories
Peanuts, unsalted (1 serving) 170 calories
Diet Coke (12 oz) 0 calories

2 grains, 1 veggie, 1 protein

Dinner

Turkey meatballs (6) 190 calories
Corn, frozen (1 cup) 120 calories
Multigrain bread (1 slice) 100 calories
Green seedless grapes (3/4 cup) 100 calories

3 proteins, 2 veggies, 1 grain, 1 fruit

Snack

Yogurt, lite (6 oz) 100 calories
Apple, Fuji 72 calories

Comes to 1522 calories, my BMR is 1461. I geocached, which entailed light walking for about 1 hour for a slow burn of 138 calories bringing my total for the day to -77....not quite good enough to lose weight but definitely better than gaining. Tomorrow I will eat more and work out as well. I find that I am hard pressed to get all the recommended allowances from the pyramid in and still stay under my BMR...I have tons of the oil and sugar ones left for today as well as one of the proteins...I just can't add the calories at this point. At least I got all the minimum fruits and veggies in.

Chicken's Monday

Breakfast
1 English Muffin - 120 cal
1 Laughing Cow Cheese- 35 cal
Small glass of milk- 100 cal

Snack
Small Banana 112 cal

Lunch
Smart Ones Alfredo and Broccoli- 290 cal

Snack
Soy Crisps 100 cal

Dinner
Applebees weight watcher menu before the meeting
Confetti Chicken, rice pilaf and vegetables- 370 cal

Dessert (Maybe)
Fudgesicle 90 cal

Estimated Total Calories - 1227
I know this is probably too low. Hopefully I can find out where I should be at tonight.
My BMR says that I should be eating 1774 a day.

Exercise
No exercise today because of the meeting. Hitting the gym tomorrow.

Chicken Starting Again

Tonight will be my first Weight Watchers meeting. I've been eating a low calorie diet for five days and lost eight pounds (mostly water weight I suspect). I'm probably not eating enough calories so this meeting will help. I have been exercising but inconsistently. I walk at work but I hit the gym here and there.

William is going to go to the gym with me and I hope that we will make each other exercise more and push ourselves harder. He has also decided to alter his diet (probably not as much as I am) which makes cooking a lot easier. I'm weighing in tonight at the meeting so I will post my results later.

Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator Again

This is a repeat of my BMR Calculator post from last year so I could get going with the program...it helps me to figure out how many calories I can have a day with or without exercise.
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I found this BMR calculator...I figured mine out sometime ago but thought I would link this one here to anyone that wondered could figure out their BMI and know how much they needed to eat and not eat to lose weight.

Your BMR is the number of calories you expend just living based on your weight, height and age. It is obviously not specific to each person's particular body but it gives you a basic idea of where to start.

My BMR is 1461 calories...which means I burn that much just being alive, before any kind of exercise. So basically if I didn't want to exercise at all, I could reduce my calorie intake to 1000 calories a day (not really a healthy number to go with) and I could still lose a pound a week (because this would equal a 3500 calorie decrease over the week which equals a pound). Or I could eat the 1461, and exercise off the 3500 calories a week...it is really up to me, although as I mentioned that low of a calorie intake is not that healthy and I would rather get some exercise and eat more freely.

As you age and you lose weight, your BMR goes down (note that this does not take into consideration the fat burning less than muscle issue) so that is partly why it is harder to lose weight as you get smaller...those last few pounds are always the hardest. This is also why building muscle mass is a good idea because it helps to keep your metabolism up.

I know it sounds like I am concerned about the pounds, and I realy am not...if I look better in the mirror, feel fitter and fit in my clothes better, I could care less what the scale says (I tend to weigh more when I am lifting weights anyhow). I just use the calorie thing as a guide to get portions under control (which seems to be my big issue). We eat pretty healthy otherwise.

I added this link to the sidebar as well. Hope it is useful.

Rationality Again

Here is basically a repeat of my Rationality post from when I started this blog so I could redefine my intentions and motivation.

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My idea for this blog came from my need to log my activities and food in my quest to get more fit.

I usually log my food when I am embarking on a new goal in my day calendar but it gets crowded there and my regular blog didn't seem like the place so here we are.

I invited my sister to contribute on this blog since she has fitness goals of her own and I thought we might be able to keep ourselves motivated. We are not setting any kind of guidelines to what can and can't be included here, it is whatever each of us needs it to be. I like to track my workouts and food. It makes me feel like I am accomplishing something. I also like somewhere that I can voice feelings, opinions and interesting things I might come across without sounding like I know everything or am hoping for a pity party. My sister will use it however it works best for her, it could be a sounding board for both of us, who knows.

We'll see where this trail leads us, I figure any fitness is better than none at all.

Mishka's Stats for Starters Again

Since I am starting fresh again on this thing, I thought I would include this little bit (and maybe a few more) from when I first started this blog last year to get it started off right. So here goes...

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I don't really care about sizes and pounds because fitness is more important but since sizes and pounds are how some progress is measured, I will include them here. As far as I am concerned, as long as I feel better about myself and how I look, then I am achieving my goals.

Okay, today I am as follows:
Female 5' 6 1/2"
152 lbs
In between size 10 and 12 in clothes
I am pretty athletic just not consistent.

Program Starts Today For Mishka

Well, it is Monday and I promised myself that I would start logging food and exercising like a mad woman to try to get fitter than I am. I had a soccer game last night (our last one for the season), so I got home late and ended up eating a salad and some stirfried meat and veggies for dinner. We will start up a new season of soccer soon (another reason I need to get in better shape, so I am able to kick some butt on the field).

The to do list in general is not any shorter, so I better get in gear and get this day started. Hasta for now.
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Update:

I am doing a mix of keeping track of what types of food I eat (trying to meet the recommended servings of each) while also watching the calories to help keep portions in control. I don't know if I will continue to log both or just use it to be my muscle memory working. I tend to believe that you should be able to modify your diet to a point that it becomes part of your lifestyle. I don't want and don't think I should have to measure, weigh and log my food for life. I just need to get some good habits going again.

Mishka Update

Well today was supposed to be the start of my dedication to logging my food again but I didn't feel that great last night (too much work and not enough sleep the last few days), so I slept in...half the day!!!! I guess I could still do it but it will be really off I think.

I also need to get moving more...I have just been too lazy lately and it is really annoying me, especially since J decided he wanted to work on his body and is going forward with it without any problems at all....apparently procrastination doesn't affect him like it does me.

Anyhow, I might wait until Monday to start logging. This weekend might be hectic and I think we might even have some visitors for part of it. Monday, J will be at work and I can start fresh....

Mishka's Monday

Played 18 holes of golf with J in a 104 degree heat index....sweated my ass off. Need to do more still.

Mishka's Sunday

Played soccer today after not playing for two weeks while we were on vacation. The heat index had us in the high 90s so it was hot, hot, hot out there but I played okay, stayed in it for the whole game and we won too!!!!

Tried to be good about food as well but think I am going to have the kick the exercise up a notch or two in order to see any results...

Mishka's Saturday

I did some yardwork here at home and then at my friend's nursery, and then hit golf balls with J in the evening. I tried to keep the food under control since I didn't get an real exercise in.