Abs and Arms

I need to really work on my abs and arms. I still have the baby pooch...(my baby is six...and so is my pooch). I need to work out my abs.

AND...I saw a picture of me...oh, my arms. I really don't want to talk about it. :(

Anyone have any good, quick workouts that you've seen results from?

I already run 45 minutes a day...I can't do too much more. (Mom guilt, ya know)

Let me know!
J

Recipe Winner

I have a new recipe...that I think I created. I'm sure some of you have made this, too. But, please, let me bask in my glory! :)

It is my husband's newest favorite (and mine too) that I cook. It is simple and easy...and LOW in points. Winner!

Even my daughters will eat it.

Here are the pictures.

I call it...

Mediterranean Zucchini

(I don't know why I named it that...)

1. Start with fresh zucchini. Cut in up into bite size pieces. I use 3-4 zucchinis.

I cook them on medium in 2 tsp. of EVOO. The zucchini is 0 points. The EVOO is 2 points.

2. When those are cooked like I want them (still firm), I add in some cooked tomatoes.

These tomatoes are from my MIL's garden. She cooks them and then cans them.

I found some canned tomatoes (Delmonte) at the store that were 0 points.

3. I cook those until they are bubbly. Then I drain off the excess liquid.
Then, I sprinkle Parmesean Cheese in it and stir.
1/8 of a cup is 1 point. But I doubt I use that much.

4. Then, I sprinkle 1/4 cup of mozarella shredded cheese (2  points). I cover the pan and let it melt.

5. Yum! I know it looks like a lot of cheese, but it is only melted on the top.

The whole pan is 5 points. :)

I usually eat about 1/6 of pan or maybe a bit more.

**************

I have been using these measuring cups/bowls. I bought a scale to weigh my food, but these cups really help me to measure my food and keep track of my points. They stack up so cute!

I hope you make this dish and love it as much as me! :)

J

Water is Key

Let me start with a joke I heard that made me chuckle:

The average woman in the US wears a size 14.

Why would anyone want to be less than average!!! 

Well, even though the joke is cute, we all know I want to be smaller. I think everyone has to find "their comfortable size." Some people exude confidence at a 14, some a size 2. Me? I'm definitely somewhere in the middle...maybe an 8? We'll see. I'm tall--almost 5'8". So, I've got to find my size, the weight where I feel like me. When I weighed 125, I had to run 6 miles 6 days a week...and eat like a bird. That's NOT ME. First off, I just don't have that kind of time anymore. Second, I'm not a bird, and I need to model healthy eating for my girls!!! I want them to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise.

So, to the title of my post. My weight has been fluctuating. One day I'm down a pound or two, and the next day I'm up. I have made a discovery. If I drink tons and tons of water, my weight seems to stay consistent. No big *surprise* jumps UP the scale. I only want that scale moving down!!!!

I thought I was drinking enough water (at least 64 ounces) but when I wrote it down, I was surprised that I my intake was less that I imagined.  The flew days the scale went up for no reason...I didn't drink enough water those days. But, I did eat within my points. I am trying to figure out if I am eating too much sodium. I don't really add salt to my food. But, I know sodium can be sneaky. It is the only thing that can explain the gains, I have been exercising and eating really well. That is frustrating. I want to see the benefits of being so diligent.

Anyway, the past two days, I drank tons of water. My weight came back down. And, I bet it will be down again tomorrow. We'll see. :-)

Don't forget your H2O,

J

PS--I weighed 177.2 this morning. So, I have only lost .8 from last week. Not exactly what I wanted but I'll take the loss! :)

Swings

It is so weird to me how my mood can swing from one end of the spectrum to the other...in such a short span of time. One day, I am feeling on top of my game --like I am winning my battle against FAT.

Today...the opposite. I am struggling.

We are considering adding onto our home. We met with builders last night and an architect. We are talking major work.

Major money. Big bucks. Mucho dinero.

We've NEVER jumped into a cost like that...other than our home. We are VERY close to paying off our house so this is causing my darling husband some stress. AND that causes me stress.

I keep thinking things like...what if something happens --like one of us loses a job? Or you know, an unforseen expense...something we didn't plan on.

Well, you know what stress does to an emotional eater.

I WANT TO PIG OUT.

I have struggled all.day.long.

I almost did a driveby thru the drive-thru. Thank goodness I saved myself. I've almost made myself miserable with cravings.

I'm going to try to go for a run.

Wish me luck,
J

Feeling ALMOST Normal

I have gotten into size 12s comfortably the past week or so. I know I still have 30 pounds to lose, but I am more determined than ever. Weight Watchers was definitely a good choice for me. I am learning a lot about eating "normally"...as in, I don't have to eat everything today, because I can eat a little and have more tomorrow if I want it.

In the past, I would eat everything in sight (planning to start the diet ---tomorrow).  I enjoyed ONE chocolate truffle the other day (2 points) and stopped at that. It was an ah-ha moment for me. I only ate the one. I have been known to eat the entire package...in secret, of course. But, this time, I ate one and told myself I can have one everyday until the package is gone if I choose. So far, I've only eaten one more. This restraint is new for me. :)

I am starting to feel normal again. Like a normal person. I walked past a mirror the other day, and I could truly see the results of my hard work. Of course, I still see so many flaws, but I'm working on those. I'm also working on not being so tough on myself.

When, I was out at the restaurant with Cindy, I felt normal. I didn't feel self-conscious about my size. I like that feeling. Not feeling like I need to hide and blend into the walls. It was nice.

I did however find myself wishing two things:

1. I wish I hadn't waited so long to get my act together.
2. I wish I did not waste so much time losing weight only to regain it and having to lose it again! I get frustrated with myself. Wasted time.

But, I have *GOT* to let this go. I have caught myself thinking these thoughts too often nowadays. This is water under the bridge. That time is gone. It is time for me to focus on my future. A healthy future.

I love this quote I found in my Guidepost Magazine (March 2011):

"I try to incorporate faith every day, to not remind myself of past failures, to learn how to forgive and to trust the future." 

~Vanessa Williams 

Isn't that wonderful!

Forgiving Myself,

J

The REAL deal...

I'd rather eat real stuff than the skinny version of stuff.

For example, I hate fat free cheese. It just doesn't melt correctly.

I also don't like fat free sour cream on my Mexican food. Ugh.

And...fat free mayonnaise.

Some fat free salad dressings are just pitiful!











I'd rather not eat it, than eat the fat free version of some items. I just make sure I have enough points and only eat a little bit. All things in moderation, right? Or, find another healthy choice. I want my food to taste the way I like it. I'm learning to eat in moderation and enjoy smaller portions.


What about you? I'd love to hear from you...

J

(BTW, I just found those pictures...not picking on "certain brands"...)

Results

I had so much fun at the 5K!!!!! We are definitely going to do one about every 5-6 weeks. It is just too expensive to do them more frequently: race fees, hotel room, dinner, movie= $215. Of course, that was for both of us. But still, we are budget conscious people! :)

I finished the race in just under 39 minutes. That is a pretty good time for me--about 13 minute miles. It was very crowded (1000 people) so it was difficult to get up to speed at the beginning. Cindy had to stop to tie her shoe twice. AND, there were two major hills. UGH.

I learned that I am going to have to push myself more on my treadmill. I need to use the incline more and more. I can't wait until Daylight Savings Time. I will be able to run outside.

My injured leg...oh, my calf muscle! I definitely need to train for the hills!!! Ouch.

I also made great decisions while eating. Dinner was grilled fish and veggies and about 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes. YUM. I stayed within my points! I had peanut butter toast and yogurt for breakfast (while Cindy ate one of the biggest waffles I've ever seen...that syrup smelled so good, but I stayed on track).

You should have seen all the food at the race. Pizza, Mexican food galore, Dunkin Donuts (chocolate covered), cookies, bananas...it was wild. Those people put away the groceries...it was something to see. I was so glad that I didn't even want it. I had a banana :).

The male and female winner finished the race around 14 minutes. A-MA-ZING!!! That blows my mind.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. It REALLY helps!

Don't forget to exercise,
J

Update

Yesterday, I posted that I had my first week of "NO LOSS." I was a little disappointed but I think it is to be expected on any weight loss journey. It happens.

Well, last night, I ran my 3 miles and went to bed satisfied that I was doing the right thing. I told my husband I wasn't frustrated by it at all. As long as I lose this Friday...I'd be okay. I meant what I said.

But, this morning I got up and weighed 178. Yay! I definitely updated my weight on WW even tho it wasn't a weigh-in day (mine are Fridays). I just couldn't stand it. I did lose. I knew it...I can tell in my clothes --size 12 jeans yesterday that I haven't worn in FOR-EV-ER!!!!

Anyway, I was happy. AND, on WW I've lost 10 pounds that's 5% of my goal. :)

That makes it an official 20 pound loss for me so far!

I have this next week off work so I know I will be consistent with my running since I won't be so tired. I can't wait to see the results.

I'll post after the race!
J

Feeling Anxious

I'm a little nervous today about my race this weekend. The 5K I'm running with Cindy. I know I can run it. BUT, I'm having the insecurities floating around in my head...

...will I be the fattest woman there?
...will I be the slowest person there?
...will I be wearing the right thing?
...what if I can't run it and I feel let down?

I know, I know.

It will be fine. Just nervous getting back out there...it's been a LONG time!!!

****************

In other news, today was weigh in day. I am exactly the same as last week. I'm don't get it. I stayed well under my points every day except last Friday (I splurged and used my PointsPlus on Chinese food). I have been drinking plenty of water. I have been exercising. I really can't explain it. I thought it would be 1-2 pounds!!! Maybe I didn't eat enough.

My grandfather has been put in hospice care and a couple of nights I was at the hospital late...One of them, I chose not to eat dinner b/c the choices available were so UNhealthy. Then, on another day, I only ate about 13 points (my amount is 29). I ate fruits and vegetables most of the day so my points didn't add up.

I am hoping this is just a one week deal. Being so good...it's hard not to see a loss.

I'll be gone all weekend!

Enjoy yours,

J

Keeping a secret

I'm keeping Weight Watchers a secret from people in my life. My husband, my mom, my sisters, and my teammates at work are the only people who know. Oh, yeah and Cindy knows.

I have NOT told my inlaws or anyone at church about WW. None of my other friends know. I don't want anyone who may see my mother-in-law to tell her. Is that silly or what?

Let me tell you why.

If I tell her, she will start to monitor my food. She will try to count points for me. She will think she has to "watch" me. Then, I will get angry and upset...

Eventually, she is going to notice that I have lost weight. Eventually, she will ask someone about it (not me of course). And, I don't want them to tell her it is WW. I don't want her to know I am counting points. I don't want her to even think for ONE MINUTE that she can count my points.

Do you think that's stupid?

I also haven't told any of them about my running...

My husband wants me to tell them about my race this weekend. I just say I'm going on a "girls' weekend"---well, that's true, too. It just happens to include a 5K.

I don't want HER to ask me ..."did you run today, dear?"...ugh....

I don't want her to monitor that either.

I like what I'm doing. I don't want her to steal my joy. I don't want to have ammunition to use against me. That's sounds brutal, doesn't it!

Is this making any sense???? Or, am I completely nutty????

Sealed lips,
J

Close Call

Yesterday morning, I weighed 181....holy cow, how did I gain 2 pounds overnight? I was trying to figure out what I ate with so much salt? That had to be it, right? Was it the church lunch that the elderly ladies fixed us (roast beef and green beans is all that I had)???? Or, was it the frozen Tyson grilled chicken strips that I wrapped up in lettuce with salad dressing and cranberries????

I thought I drank plenty of water. I tried not to mope all day. But, I have to be honest, it got me down.

THIS IS WHY I SHOULDN'T WEIGHT EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!!!

When will I learn?

Today, I was back down to 179. Whew...

My sister fussed at me. Told me to stick with once weekly weigh-ins. I think I might listen now!

I am also needing some good low point (calorie) snack ideas. I'm tired of yogurt and fruit. Any ideas???

Hoping for a good loss on Friday,
J

Digging Deep

Yesterday, I reached another goal. I was on the treadmill and I ***RAN*** 3 miles.

3 whole miles!!!

People, it was about 7 weeks ago that I would barely run a whole minute! I about burst into tears when I finished that 3 miles....I was so proud of myself.

Now, I have to be honest. There was a moment at minute 23 where I had to slow down and dig deep. I thought about walking a little while, but I didn't. I slowed to a steady jog. Then, when I felt like I caught my breath, I upped my speed again and finished. It felt right and so good.

My 5K race is in a week. I am very confident that I am ready to RUN the race! Yay!

My knees were a little shakey, not quite sore, this morning. So I walked most of my 3 miles today. It didn't feel quite right to run. I really don't want to injure myself this week. Cindy (running partner) might kill me.

I am thinking of taking 2 or 3 days off of running before my race, what do you think? I am so used to running on the treadmill so I know outdoors will be tougher for me. I want to be ready.

On another note, do you think it is possible to wear a sports bra too tight? I like to wear mine SO TIGHT. I can't stand any jiggle. Mine leaves marks on my shoulders. BUT...no jiggle. Is that okay??? It isn't unbearably uncomfortable, but I take it off when I finish. Any thoughts? I hate to buy a new one because I always lose  "weight" in that area if you know what I mean. I'd like to wait to spend money on a really good one.

I will also be talking down my running log on my sidebar...not that you care. But I thought I'd explain just in case any of you are keeping tabs on me! ;) It's just too much work. I have to redo the whole thing everytime b/c the format messes up when I go to enter new data (why?). So, I will just try to remember to enter my exercise when I post so I can keep track. But, I also enter it on my Weight Watchers page for my information to enter my points. I figured it was a good time to stop logging on my sidebar since it is race time. I made it. And, I'm not stopping. We are going to keep running races!!! :) I'm hooked.

Anyone have a favorite hoodie/ running jacket they love...that doesn't cost a fortune? I need a tip! :)

Don't forget to exercise!!!
J

Favorite Winter Fixers

Winter can be very harsh on the skin and hair...

Here are some of my favorite things to keep me "fixed up!"


I love Aquaphor. I think it is better than Vaseline. Now, it is more expensive, but this stuff works!!!!! I discovered this stuff when my kids were babies. You can put it on your lips, hands, feet, face, anywhere. I buy the tub, tubes, and lip thingy for my purse. My girls even keep it in their backpacks. I put it on their chapped lips at night...healed in the morning. I put it on my feet at night with socks...all better in the morning! It is wonderful for cuticles and dry hands. Miracles...I'm telling you!




I use this Neutrogena Body Oil (unscented) after my shower EVERY day! I put it on and then add lotion. The scented has a sesame fragance, but I use the unscented b/c of my daughter's sensitivity to smells.
This is the lotion I like:


The mixture of the oil plus lotion makes my skin feel so smooth. I shave my legs every day and these two things leave my skin feeling baby soft. My husband loves it! A few years ago, I got some little bumps on the backs of my arms in the winter. My dermatologist said they were from dry skin. That body oil cured me. I even use that body oil on my girls in the winter. It is so mild. You can buy both at Target, Walmart and most drugstores.


I have recently fallen for this shampoo and conditioner! Now, I know what you're thinking! J, how much is it? Well, the twin pack was on sale for $30. I know, I know! But a little of it goes a LONG way! And, if you add up how much you pay on smaller bottles, it comes close. This is the TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Re-Energize Shampoo and Conditioner # 1. I can tell the biggest difference in my hair. I swear! You can find deals online. My salon has it on sale every now and then, too. It smells SO good too! They have a #2 and #3 for hair that is more damaged (really they have types for all kinds of hair). I color my hair so I'm using #1.


My next item has nothing to do with skin and hair but I need it in the winter...


My Tervis Tumbler. I use it for my coffee every morning. It keeps my coffee warm for over an hour. You have to have the lid though. (I don't recommend using the straw with coffee.) After I finish my coffee, I rinse out my cup, and fill it with ice water throughout the day! Wonderful! These tumblers don't sweat or leak, and I'm pretty sure they have a lifetime guarantee. A bonus--they are dishwasher safe! :) I have tons of them that are personalized. You can buy differenct color lids. You can either order on the website, or I've purchased them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. They are also perfect for boating or laying on a dock!

Well, that's it for now! What are your favorite things for winter?

I'm looking for an inexpensive jacket (with a hood) to run in. Any tips?

Thanks,
J

Drumroll.....

My weigh-in was this morning...............and............

179.0!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy about that number. It was my goal for this difficult week, and I made it! Whew! I didn't think I would. Whew, again! I got on and off the scale several times this morning. The Lord must have known I needed this number today! :)

This is my lowest weight in a few years! Yay!!!

It is only a 1.6 pound loss this week (it may be more without my "visitor") but I am satisfied!!!!

I'm not really sure why 179 meant so much to me, but for some odd reason it did. It only strengthens my resolve to keep going. Keep running, keep making healthy choices. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to make the decision to change my behavior.

I'm on my way to the new me!

Thank you so much for your encouragement!!!!
J

Worried

Well...that's the perfect word for what I am. Have been since Monday.

Worried.

I'm WORRIED that I will not hit 179 by Friday. I am  *so* PMS I can barely stand it. I wish it would hurry up already. I started spotting today and weighed 181. Oh, no. It doesn't look good for my weigh in on Friday, does it?

Even though I KNOW my eating has been perfect and I've been exercising well, I am still worried. Even though I tell myself it is just my period and it will pass in a few days, I am still worried.

What the heck is wrong with me?

I have been eating less than my 29 points and earning activity points so I should be fine. I just need to calm down!!!

On another update, my friend Cindy (the 5K partner that kinda bailed on me there for awhile) has been training 4 days a week! Yay! She's says she is back! We are set to run in less than 2 weeks!!!! I'm even more excited about a weekend away...just the girls! :)

I also have my winter break from school coming up! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you are doing well!

Hang in there,
J

PMSy Hunger

I was really hungry today. I mean I can't get satisfied. NO MATTER WHAT I EAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is so frustrating. I am desperately trying NOT to go over my points!!!! ARGH!!!!

I think I might be PMS. Is it just me or does PMS get worse with age? My boobs are sore for at least a week prior, and I admit...I am a grump, I'm so tired, and I am HUNGRY!

And, ladies over 35...is your cycle messed up? Sometimes mine is 28 days, other times 20 days!!!! Crazy! I can't plan it!

My doctor has talked with me about birth control pills, but I really don't want to do that. There are several reasons.

• The main one is I still hope for a miracle baby. Yes, I admit it. (Husband's bout with cancer left us "no chance" of more babies.)
• I'm not crazy about taking a pill for BC when I don't need to prevent pregnancy. There are risks related to BC.
• I am scared it will make me moody.
• I worry it will cause migraines (it did before babies).
• I worry it will make me hungier (=gain weight).

I had the Mirena IUD before he got cancer, but again...risks associated. (I did love that thing though and highly recommend it if you are young and don't want permanent BC. Easiest BC I ever had.)

BUT, my PMS is a little wild. Do any of you have anything going on like this? I saw these One-A-Day vitamins for women and a better PMS...anyone try those?

Give me your thoughts...tips, opinions!

Going to sulk,
:)
J

The Difference

I'm close to being able to say (to myself) I've lost 20 pounds. It's funny. Lots of people at work (mostly women work there) have said something to me. Hardly anyone at church (maybe 4 people). ALL of my family. NONE of my husband's family. Now, my husband can definitely tell and he lets me know it. His family- nada. They're another story.

But, I don't *really* care about that (well...my husband's comments I do). I'm really doing this for me. Does that sound selfish? I was tired of feeling the way I felt.

It's funny how this small difference is already changing me. I walk a little taller. Feel better.

I used to be embarrassed that I had let myself go. I knew people thought it was awful that I had lost and gained the weight numerous times. Maybe some of them are waiting for me to repeat my cycle. Heck, let's be honest. I thought it was awful! I was ashamed of me. I wanted to hide and the way I dressed was beginning to show it!

Today, my dress for church fit perfectly. I felt like I looked okay. I still have so far to go, but I felt different. On my way to a *new* me.

I am pretty confident I will not regain the weight this time. I think I have found my key.

When you know better, you do better.

I am aiming for the the 170s this week...wish me luck!
J

10,080

There are 10,080 minutes in a week. When trying to lose weight, it feels like it takes each and every single one of those minutes of BIG effort to be successful. Or...at least it does to me at times. Working in an elementary school, I am constantly tempted. Students and parents shower me with food to show their love, I've had numerous birthday parties to attend lately, my anniversary, a baby shower, a going-away luncheon, and on and on and on. Sometimes it feels like my will-power has to be "ON" every one of those 10,080 minutes.

Losing weight has been a huge battle. In my case (maybe yours?), it is rarely far from my thoughts. I have tried so hard over the years...often giving up when I couldn't take it. It took me awhile to find my groove. I am confident I am staying here. I often get angry with myself for the weight I have lost and regained and lost and regained over and over so many times. Talk about wasted effort. But, the fact is...this is difficult!

So why after 10,080 minutes of trying hard all week, doing the right thing most of the time, do we let ourselves be ruled by a FEW SECONDS ON A SCALE while weighing in????

Why do we let THAT moment define whether or not we have been successful or failed? After all, we really already know depending on how those minutes went right? Sometimes those minutes are perfect, but the scale doesn't reflect that. Why would we let the darn scale ruin a perfectly great week? It's frustrating I know.

I am guilty.

I was so good for 21 days in January when I didn't weigh myself. I judged my success by how I felt, by the fit of my clothes, and things like how my skin and nails looked. NOW, I am weighing EVERY morning. I am tied to the darn number. I am frustrated when it doesn't move fast enough for my liking. I am afraid to admit I might be a bit ounce obsessed. This morning, I did a little dance that I lost .2 from yesterday! Ridiculous! I know.

I knew I had a good week. My clothes are so baggy. More and more people are asking me if I am "doing something." I know it's working. Why did I need that scale to confirm I did well? Just so I could know that I lost exactly 2.4 pounds this week???

I think I am going to make my new rule to only weigh on Fridays. My WW weigh in day. Can I do it? I'm not really sure. I really don't enjoy surprises on weigh in day...well, I should say I don't enjoy gains as surprises. But, I don't like being a slave to my scale either. I'm going to work on it. Maybe I'll do twice a week??? That may be more doable for me. (I know...did I just read my own post?)

Don't worry about the scale so much...and I'll try not to either!

Anyway, I hope your 10,080 minutes were fabulous this week! Have a great weekend!
J

Shooo FLU

On Tuesday night, I came home and ran. Felt good. Cooked dinner and ate. Then...I went to bed at 7:30. I was SO tired. My back was a tad better. I stretched out really well. I thought I just needed sleep.

Then, I went to school on Wednesday morning. I was still feeling sluggish. By 9:30, I felt like a truck had run over me. By 11:30, I wished to go home. But I couldn't really find a *reason* to leave work. I didn't have a fever, no snot, no puking, ...I just felt awful. By 2:00, I was miserable and would have probably laid down in any bed available if I had found one. I waited for my daughter to finish her guitar lesson, stopped and picked up the other daughter's birthday cake, and came home. I made sure homework was completed (thank goodness Wednesdays are light days), gave them a quickie bath, put the next day's clothes out, and I called my husband and told him to pick up a pizza. I was done.

I literally crawled into bed. My entire body HURT. My joints ached terribly. My eyes burned. I had chills and sharp pains shooting through my arms and legs. Under my arms...whoa, it was the worst! I couldn't get warm enough. I took 4 Advil and finally fell asleep under piles of blankets. I woke up around 1:00 am and prayed that I would be well for today (youngest girl's birthday!). I went back to sleep. I am so thankful my husband took care of feeding and putting girls to bed...I'm not even asking if he made them brush their teeth. I woke up this morning...A NEW WOMAN! Whew...it was gone.

What the heck was that?

The fly-by flu?

Whatever it was...I don't like it and it can just move on. I am so thankful to say I feel tons better. Still a little tired which is hilarious considering how much I have slept in the past two days, but I don't hurt like I did. Thank the Lord.

We had a wonderful birthday celebration!

AND...I weighed 180.8 this morning. BIG NEWS. I feel very confident I will be in the 170's soon!!!! This is the lowest I have weighed in a long time!

I love that I am learning to eat things in moderation and learning *self-control*...that is huge for me! I've always dieted and deprived myself of my favorite foods. That just didn't work for me. I am learning how to eat in a "normal" way for me, and I am thrilled with these results! Who knew!

I wish I had taken more "before" shots to show you. You wouldn't believe the difference in a pair of pants I have. I wore them just after Christmas. They were snug and almost too short b/c of the snugness. I felt like I was pulling on them all day. I even wore a long cardigan to cover my bum b/c I was worried they were too tight in that area. I wore them yesterday...they are so big. Almost too long b/c they are hanging on me. My bum has moved out in those pants (Now, don't get me wrong! I've still got plenty to lose back there...these pants just showed my loss!). I'll have to do better with the camera. ;)

Don't forget to drink lots of water!
J

Dieting Around Kids

I never use the word DIET around my girls. I just don't feel good about it. I never say I'm too fat or anything like that. I never put myself down around them. I guess I want them to *think* I have a good body image. (wink, wink).

I'm trying to become the person I'm pretending to be. We do discuss that I'm eating healthier foods, because believe me...my 7 year old has noticed that mommy isn't chowing down on the fast food and chocolate any more. She also notices mommy is hitting the treadmill frequently. I just tell her health is important to me. We try to get some exercise as a family and talk about healthy eating as a family. I told her I'm making healthier choices and changes. Nothing has been said about my weight.

I WISH they didn't have to see the zillion commercials about weight loss that zoom across on the TV (especially in January) or hear their grandmother (my MIL) obsess about her weight. I wish those worries would disappear for them...but I know they will come one day whether they have weight issues or not.

Is it okay that I don't say mommy is trying to lose weight or mommy is on a diet? Although I'm sure they know what it is! I thought I was doing such a good job at this, and then my oldest said, "Mom, how many points is that?" Oh, no....what do I say about this???



I want my girls to be strong. Self-confident. Secure. Healthy. Energetic. You know...everything I'm not. Everything I want to be. Everything I'm trying to become.

Is there a secret to achieving this?

Happy February!
J