A big thanks!

Thank you whoever borrowed my credit card information and so kindly purchased the "wu-yi weight loss tea" system for me. The mere $4.95 start-up fee seems like a bargain for the convenience of not having to sign up or do the research myself. Having it arrive on my doorstep unannounced today was a particularly clever and surprising way to say either, "I am supporting you in your goals" or "yeah, porky, you've really bulked up" in a supportive and non-threatening way. And for only $59.99 I can receive the benefits of the whole program out of "California" (but shipped from Des Moines) each month.

So thank you nameless, faceless friend. However, since I don't drink tea, I may have to find another less miraculous and convenient way to meet my goals! I don't mind trying to ship it back and pay the delivery confirmation with the numerous return/order confirmation orders so I wont continue to get charged each month. Now, I can focus on something else besides the stressed of school.

Ups and Downs

I am glad to see people are willing to post some of their failures or discouragements. I like seeing I'm not the only one have trouble keeping up the "new me." We still have quite a ways to go and I like hearing about everyone's progress. Please feel free to post as often as you like, preferably once a week so we know how you are doing.

Also, I think we will not do an incentive. We didn't have enough people vote to make me comfortable asking people for money. And, I'm not even sure all who are participating since not everyone is contributing. It is hard to know who is winning if you aren't keeping me posted. I hope that is okay.

So, I guess the motivation is an investment in yourself! That is better than $10 from each person, anyway? (Trying to be motivational here)

If it is broken, fix it!

I started off really ambitious, in fact so ambitious it was quite unrealistic for me.
Why? Because I l-o-v-e desserts and my goal was to eliminate all treats. Bad idea. Take about downward spiral. Some people can go cold turkey with their addictions, I can't.

So out with the old, in with the new.

New and improved goal:
1. Can have one serving of dessert on Saturday (or Sunday) IF, I have not had dessert that week. I will be keeping this goal! I will post about my success at the end of the week. yay!

A New Committment

I decided today that I needed to do better. I feel more committeed to lose some weight. I don't want to be old, but I can't help that. I don't want to be a fat, old lady and that is something I can do something about.

I went to the gym and sat in the car for about 10 mins trying to work up the strength to go inside. I finally did and I worked the weights so hard my arm is still shaky. I did 100 reps on my arms and legs and back and did 30min of eliptical. I ate 1/2 a banana for breakfast and the other half for lunch. I had a roast beef wrap and soup for dinner with 5 pringles.

Hope the scales reflect the effort tomorrow.

Week Two Report

Week two was harder. I found that although I have been focusing more on eating fruits and veggies, I didn't stuff my face with them at night when I realized I didn't quite make it. Maybe in the long run this is a better strategy, but I am trying to make sure I eat the recommended amount.

Exercise was harder to initiate as well. The most important thing is that I feel more motivated. Even if I run out of time, I feel bad about it. I find that I want to work out every day and am making it much more of a priority. I am feeling stronger and firmer. I don't think I would say I look any different yet, though.

So, I think I am on the right track. I just need to stick to it.

Sun Dried Tomato-Basil Pizza

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/NU00447

I made this yummy pizza last week. I was worried that without the sauce or the "real" cheese it would be rather bland. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of flavor and it felt very healthy with only 2g of fat for pizza! Abe and I both ate it right up and it was super easy and fast to make. I used 2 boxes of Jiffy pizza dough (talk about EASY and CHEAP!) which seemed perfect and I added some fresh spinach and substituted low-fat cottage cheese instead of ricotta. In the future a homemade wheat crust would be a nice touch. Give it a try, I think you'll like it!

Going backwards?

I was very discouraged to find that I've gained 2 1/2 lbs. I haven't gained weight in 10 years since I started taking Synthroid. I am hoping it is the muscle I've developed from my strenuous strength training. If not, ...?