Weekly Goals #4

Last Week:

1. If we have nice weather, we are going outside for loooong walks!  I will not miss another opportunity when it is nice out, because who knows when that will happen again.  Success!  We went for some good walks and, since I've been at the cabin, I've done 3 days of C25K!!!
2. Back to the no snacking thing.  Feel like snacking?  Do something productive with that time and get things done!  Failed, failed, failed...  I have zero self control at the cabin and snacked way worse than at home.
3. Plan some healthy meals for this week.  Sometimes we just go with whatever I come up with and whatever needs to be eaten, but maybe I'll try a recipe out of one of my million WW cookbooks.  I'll be honest, I didn't even remember I set this goal!  Oops!

This Week:

1: Continue C25K.  Figure out a way to find a time and place, and maneuver our non-jogging double stroller.

2. Get a group of ladies together and host a work out at least one day a week. 

3. No chocolate or unhealthy snacks.  Zero.  At least until the weekend.

Bad eating + new workouts = the cabin + no weight loss

As I expected, I've had a few set-backs last week and at the cabin. My weigh-in brought me up a couple pounds... I don't know if the 3 pound loss the week before was a bit of a fluke, if I really did that bad last week, or if weighing-in a day early put me a little off. It could be all of that.

I was a little discouraged, and even more discouraged because I have a heck of a time resisting temptation here at the cabin. I have dipped into that candy jar more than I'd like to admit. I haven't been sticking to my original plan much at all.

Here's what I did do...

For those of you who've been hearing me talk about it, I finally started the Couch to 5K!!!

I'm on day 2 and, let me tell you, my legs are feeling it. I like that it is totally manageable, though! It's tiring, but I can keep up and want to keep going. We have about a mile loop that I've been going around. It took just over that yesterday and I think I could have gone around nearly twice today (I turned back at the same spot as yesterday and had to keep doubling back to finish).

I'm taking it pretty slow and it's not natural or graceful. I'm definitely that girl you pass on the road and think, "why would someone put themselves through that?"

I forgot to pack any work-out clothes that would even remotely make me pass for someone who is serious about getting in shape, and I've taken one of the kids each time in the old, hand-me-down cabin stroller.

Look at that - the perfect specimen of the physically fit!

Yep, there's a little snow in the picture and the lake is still completely frozen, but today was beautiful!  What a great time to start running!  I came back and had a healthy meal and, as long as the rain doesn't show, I plan on going for Day 3 tomorrow!

Yep, that's my plate sitting on the dock. What a nice day to eat outside! We grilled some chicken with an awesome marinade that, unfortunately, had to go with the skin. Next time I'll get it right and remember to remove just before the cooking is done and hit it again with some of the marinade. Still delicious, though!

I hope no one minds me peppering back in more pictures of my meals. It really helped hold me accountable for my portions.

Eye on the prize - even when I can't keep my eyes open!

So tired...

For some reason, my little one hasn't been sleeping too well at night.  I am exhausted!

I felt pretty good through the day.  2YO and I played and ran around the house a bit this morning.  We had oatmeal for breakfast and I had a good lunch of half of my wrap from yesterday with a nice big helping of Soycutash.

What a yummy and colorful lunch!

It snowed all last night and the ground was covered again this morning, but it began to melt quickly and we had some beautiful sun this afternoon. As promised in my weekly goals, we got out there while we could! I pushed that stroller over slushy patches of snow for nearly 3 hours and, I guessing, roughly four miles.

After that wonderful exercise, I was so tired. Not too tired physically from walking, but all that lack of sleep was catching up to me. I went into zombie-mode and heading to the pantry... "No! Don't do it!" you're saying? I did. Luckily I was so tired I slowly ate some Pringles and Hubby returned home. That snapped me out of it and I started dinner. We had intended on having some leftovers, but ended up making ourselves such big salads we never got to it. Zombie Me sat in a daze on the couch and decided to break into the infamous Reece's...

Ok, ok, snacking aside, today was still a good day. Lots of activity, decent meals, and I am committed to no nighttime snacking tonight! I may have had some weak points, but thank goodness I didn't go overboard!

Resisting!

I'm posting instead of running for the Reece's Eggs that I know are other cabinet and calling my name!

I need to remind myself that I already shared a piece of chocolate cake today...  That settles it, no more!  Other than that, today was alright.

The plan was to eat breakfast at Ikea before the store opened, but our huge, unplanned detour got us there almost an hour later than we thought.  We skipped the breakfast idea and did some shopping at the mall first.  We headed over it Ikea and grabbed some lunch.  I had a buffalo chicken wrap and my mom had some chicken strips and fries which, of course, she couldn't finish.  I hate being wasteful and I helped her out and saved the second half of my wrap because it would keep better.  So I had half the wrap, one and a half chicken strips, a very small handful of fries, and half the chocolate cake.  Ugh... That could have gone better...

Dinner wasn't spectacular health-wise either.  We had leftover pork that I shredded with BBQ sauce and put on buns.  I threw some tater tots in the oven because I was completely out of quick ideas.  We also had Soycatash from Trader Joes - corn, red peppers, and edamame.  Ever had it?  Mmmm!  My family loves it!  Highly recommended!

On the plus side, we did an awful lot of walking today. Hopefully it's enough to counteract that cake!

Weekly goals 3

Last week's goals were accomplished!  I felt so good about it!  I'm not sure why I let it slip so much this weekend, but I am back on track!

Goals for the week:

1. If we have nice weather, we are going outside for loooong walks!  I will not miss another opportunity when it is nice out, because who knows when that will happen again.
2. Back to the no snacking thing.  Feel like snacking?  Do something productive with that time and get things done!  
3. Plan some healthy meals for this week.  Sometimes we just go with whatever I come up with and whatever needs to be eaten, but maybe I'll try a recipe out of one of my million WW cookbooks

FMM - 4? I think...

Inside My Head

I like… when I can be productive and make a dent in my never-ending list

I don’t like… this complete lack of sleep lately. Is there some reason the little one won't sleep anymore?...

I love…my kids and family

I dream of… finding some way to provide for my family and still be home with my kids

I wonder… how I can gather the knowledge needed to start my own business. Where to start? How do I make sure I do it right?

I know… that I'm sooo tired but won't get any sleep for a while

I went… to Target today and got the free Earth Day bags and some other freebies.

I think… I am growing as a person and doing what is best for my family - and it feels good

I plan…to head to Ikea and the MOA tomorrow - fun!

I regret… allowing myself to eat so much junk this weekend after such a good week last week.

I do… need more "me" time

I drink… water almost exclusively

I wish…I could magically have a website set up for my business and be ready to go

I am… tired

I am not… good at coming up with these answers

I need… a full night's sleep

I hope… that I can give my kids everything they need - physically, mentally, emotionally

I want… to win the lottery

I sometimes… get this healthy eating thing right

I always… feel a sense of urgency to get started with all the plans I have

I can… count my blessings right now and work very hard on improving the future

I cannot… wait to see what the future holds

I avoid… doing things with people because I'm so embarrassed of my size right now

I will… have a good week and continue to improve little by little

Friday weigh-in and Tiny Twisters

Drumroll please.... Down 3.6 pounds!!!  Amazing. 

This is really just do to a little more activity and portion control.

I haven't joined a gym, I haven't taken up running (although I keep thinking about it), I haven't counted calories, and I haven't started eating only healthy foods.

I have had some chips here and there, eaten whatever I feel like making for my family (just a bit less), gone to a Chinese buffet, snacked at the movie theater, and not stressed at all about how I'm going to get those numbers I want.

It doesn't seem like I should be losing anything.  Just goes to show you how much of a difference small changes make.  I attribute it all to:

• Being conscious of my portions - keeping size and variety much like I feed my 2YO and eating off the same sized plates
• Trying to play more with my son each day and add a little activity
• Putting obstacles in the way of times when I would normally snack (binge, really) - trying to keep busy during rare downtimes and doing things like brushing my teeth early to prevent snacking in bed
• Including healthier snacks to keep from getting hungry and turning to junk

I definitely don't feel like I'm on a "diet."  I eat plenty, feel satisfied, am happy with my choices, and play a bit more actively with my kids.  Sure, I could lose more if I was a bit more strict and worked out a bit, but these smaller changes are working for right now and I will keep adding to them and increasing my healthy lifestyle in stages.  I feel like this will help me be successful in the long run.

I'm adding some new activity to the mix also.  2YO and I will be going to a Tiny Twister gymnastics class each Thursday.  We went to try it out today and he had such a good time!  It will be so much fun!

Mid-April snowstorm means a lazy day

Another snowstorm - can you believe it? We were stuck inside today, and a lazy day with bad weather is the perfect excuse to throw it all out the window, eat some comfort food, and finally have that chocolate I've been thinking about. But I didn't!!

We started off the morning off with some yummy Egg Breakfast Muffins. Not a super healthy breakfast with the sausage and cheese, but remember I'm going for portion size here and they are small muffins and I had two.

We didn't get too much exercise in this morning like we usually do.  I guess the weather and lazy day got to us both.  Lunch was leftover pork, potatoes, and veggies.  Looks like a feast on my small plate!

I know I've said that I'm excited about the times when I realize I haven't even craved unhealthy snacks, especially chocolate. However, even more impressive is when the cravings are strong and I resist. After this meal, I wanted chocolate! instead of giving in I grabbed two Clementines and shared them with 2YO. Success!

Snack time included some and ants on a log and cheese for 2YO and we had some yummy baked chicken and sweet potatoes and russets roasted with olive oil and rosemary. Yum! No snacking after dinner and I am still chocolate free for the week - an amazing accomplishment for me!

Tomorrow is my weigh-in and Hubby and I are taking 2YO to check out a gymnastics class. I'm so excited! I think he will love a place to run, jump, and climb on everything and a chance to play with some other kids! Can't wait! If we sign up I think we'll do two days a week which will give us some Momma-Son time and I think he'll love it!

NSV #3 for me!

I didn't even think about it as I posted tonight, but I pretty much already mentioned my non-scale victories for the week.

To sum it all up:

• I don't even realize some of the changes I have been making and they are forming into habits
• Eating on smaller plates has become habit and leads to smaller portions without me having to think about it
• Nighttime snacking is still going well - not only am I not snacking but I'm not even thinking about it or having chocolate cravings
• Speaking of chocolate, who hasn't even had any this week!?! Me that's who!!!
• One not-so-smart choice is not leading to a day (or week) of not-so-smart choices because "I already messed it up"

Feeling pretty good about this week!

Productive day = no snacking!

I'm pretty darn proud of myself!  5 productive hours without kids and I never once gave in to the urge to snack!

We had oatmeal flavored with a little peanut butter and honey this morning.  I was home by myself for lunch, which could be a little dangerous.  I wanted to snack the second I walked in the door, and I normally would use that time as a chance to snack kid-free and relatively guilt-free. Instead I had a ham sandwich and I sprinkled a little toasted flax seeds to add some yummy crunch and goodness.

I allowed myself some veggie chips and put them in 2YO's snack cup for portion control.  For dinner we had the leftover portion of this yummy meal.

I fixed some mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes to go with it.  I kept my potions a nice size and didn't go back for seconds.

I should mention that I have served all my meals on small plates lately.  I think it really helps to fool your brain and tummy, because I myself don't even notice if I'm eating less - even when I purposefully doing this.

Looking back on dinner tonight I realize that I have been getting used to these smaller portions and limited snacking without even noticing.  I've been feeling satisfied with eating off the smaller plates and I brushed my teeth with 2YO without even thinking that I wish I could be snacking.  Hopefully this is a sign that these small changes will continue to lead to really healthy life-long habits.

This week will be better!

I am determined to make this week better than the last couple!  Yesterday was great and I think today was pretty good too.

I did the oatmeal thing for breakfast and was almost sabotaged for lunch.  I was out with the kids and my parents and the easiest p,ace to eat was a Chinese buffet.  Sounds dangerous, right?  It was a super small buffet and I didn't exactly eat a perfect meal but O don't feel like I overdid it either.

I was craving chips later something fierce, and normally I would have given in because, "I already ruined my day with Chinese, why not just eat what I want..."  I did no snacking until dinner and I decided to let myself have a <b>small</b> handful lie of chips with dinner.

I've said it before, these are definitely not a health food, but I do feel better choosing these with loaded with veggies over Cheetos!  I also tend to eat a little less, especially if I'm good and portion it out instead of eating out of the bag.

After dinner I battled with a chocolate craving.  Again, it would have been so easy to give in and use lunch as an excuse to go crazy.  I am happy to report I did NOT give in!  I drank my water and brushed my teeth with my little guy!

Sure, I could look at my lunch choice and get down on myself.  That would have normally spiraled into a total unhealthy binge day.  I'm so happy I could keep my eye on the prize and hold strong the rest of the day!

Really late to the show - FMM

I'm so late with this, but the questions were fun and I couldn't resist.

Guess what?  No chips or chocolate today!!  Not that I wasn't tempted but I didn't give in!  We had an ants on a log snack instead and check out this delicious dinner!  Mmm!  Did I mention 30 minutes of cardio as well?  Oh yeah.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. (By the way, this lady has an awesome giveaway right now!  check it out!) Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Twenty Questions

1. Share something that you enjoy doing when you’re alone.  If I was ever alone I would love to do some crafty things - maybe someday...

2. What do you plan to eat next? Nothing until breakfast!

3. When did you first travel on a plane?  Where did you go? I know I was a baby when we traveled to CA.  I guess I cried the whole time until they had some super scary turbulence and then I was silent.

4. Do you currently have a crush on someone?  If so, share a few of the reasons why.  I guess my husband?... He's alright ;)

5. List one thing that disgusts you that probably wouldn’t bother someone else.  Lint

6. If you could buy a new car tomorrow (and money was no object) what would you buy? Right now I want a nice big car to fit the whole fan a little better - I'd like an Escalade or Arcadia I think

7. Who was the first person who broke your heart? Maybe Jon - the high school bf

8. If you could spend the night with a celebrity tonight, who would it be? I've seen a lot of Channing Tatum movies lately, so I'm going to go with him - shhh don't tell my husband!

9. Are you a morning person or a night person? I used to be a total night owl, but since the kids I've been more of a morning person.  I still stay up until midnight, so I'm both and a no-sleep person.

10. What’s your favorite board game? Scrabble

11. Can you play an instrument? If so, what do you play?  I tried to play the violin when I was younger and the guitar when I was older - neither really worked out...

12. What is the last thing you ate?  Dinner - chicken and cucumber salad

13. Do you wear a watch?  All the time!  I sleep with it and go a little crazy when I don't wear one.

14. Do you go to church? I'm a holiday church-goer.  We just went last week for my little one's baptism too.

15. Do you ever wish on stars? Not in a long time.

16.  Have you ever been on a motorcycle? Yep, I think twice.

17. What is the last thing you purchased? Twelve burritos for hubby.  I went a little coupon crazy.

18. How big is your bed? King, and we could use bigger with the way my husband sleeps and the kiddos who like to wiggle in.

19. What size shoe do you wear? I was always an 8, bit since pregnancy I think I'm closer to a 9

20. What are you looking forward to most in the coming week? Nothing especially - no plans or events this week... maybe a good number on the scale?

Weekly Goals 2

Last week's goal were accomplished for the most part.  Except for this weekend, I did manage to include a fruit and vegetable with every lunch.  I did increase my water but I would like to get more in.  I also made the most of the bad weather and got my exercise inside with my little guy.

My biggest downfall this week was snacking!  Here are the goals for this week:

1. Continue to increase water intake.
2. Cut out the bad snacking!!!!  I'm almost afraid to say this one because I already feel like I will fail.  I need to hold myself accountable.  No more chips and chocolate - I need to be more responsible with including healthy snacks so I don't resort to junk.
3. Focus on goal #2 and hopefully see this reflected in the Friday numbers!

Date Day!

The grandparents took the kiddos today and we had 8 full hours all to ourselves!  Oh the freedom!

What did we do with this time?  We went to Half Priced Books where Hubby bought movies and I loaded the cart with 10 different books about money, web design, food, time management and mommy tips.  So excited to steal away a couple minutes each day to read a bit of each!  We ran some other errands, saw G.I. Joe, and picked up a trampoline for 2YO's birthday in June (when he'll really be two).

How did this busy day without kids affect my goals?  I can say that I definitely didn't achieve my goals and I didn't eat the best, but I did make better choices that before.

Breakfast was eggs and sausage and mini doughnuts...  I know...  Did you ever go to the fair and wish you could have mini doughnuts all year long?  Well let me tell you, they need to stay at the fair!  My step-daughter's grandpa sells them and we end up with bags full.  Usually I don't give in but the penny-pinching side of me wanted to start clearing them out of the fridge before we have to throw them.  Bad choice, I know.

Hubby was hungry and wanted to grab a quick lunch before the movie but we only had a few minutes so he swung through Arby's.  Luckily, a salad sounded good but I did have it with crunchy chicken.  Not the best choice again, but the salad was likely the best choice I could have made.

It gets worse... We picked up some candy before the movie and Hubby got the large popcorn.  I would proudly say that I didn't have a ton of the popcorn, but that is because I was more interested in the chocolate.  Bad choice, but let me pat myself on the back for only eating a few and not the entire bag like I would have before!

Dinner was a dish I got from grandma when picking up the kiddos.  Pat on the back for a smaller bowl than I normally would shave dished up.  I'm also trying to catch up on my water.  I had a bottle at the theater but that's about it.

All in all, I wouldn't call today a success, but a small step in the right direction.

Weigh-in Week 5

Down another 1.6 pounds!  Not a big number but it's moving in the right direction.  It averages out to about 2 lbs a week, which sounds good but is a little less impressive because I lost 6lbs in Week 1.

Considering that I've had a big issue with self-control since Easter, the fact that it is still going down is amazing.

I feel really good about my meals, they keep me as stifled and I don't feel like I'm going overboard on the portions because I keeping them to around the size I serve my 2YO.  We've been playing more and getting creative inside since we're kind of stuck due to weather.  I'm conscious of my water intake and it is pretty good but could be increased.

If I could be a bit smarter about giving in to junk foods, I think that number will go down a bit faster. If I can't resist an urge for junk (I'll work on resisting next), I will limit my portion to a small cup so I know what I'm eating and don't overdo it.

Ultimately, I'm so happy that I've been losing weight making very little and manageable changes!

Good thing my goal for the week wasn't "no cheese balls." It should be,though.

Another good activity day!  I thought 2YO might like to try another fitness video today.  I picked a beginners 60 min cardio.  I stuck with it, but there was no music, the guy was a little dry, and 2YO lost interest quickly.  He did like that I moved the coffee table aside and he had more space to run around.  He also liked when I did bear crawling, mountain climbers, and a couple other exercises.  I did have a little trouble doing planks with him crawling on my back for a horsey ride!

Eating was pretty good for the most part. Oatmeal and half a banana for breakfast, a big salad for lunch (with a clementine to get the fruit in with my veggie), and a small bowl of pasta with broccoli for dinner.  My only misstep was some cheese balls around 3:00... Could have been worse, could have been better.

Water consumption is at about 50 oz so far.  Should finish the last 12oz in my bottle before bed.

Tomorrow is my weigh-in.  Hopefully I'll remember to get my number I. The morning before I've eaten, unlike last time.  I'm interested to see how it is going to turn out.  I've done alright on meals, but I haven't done well on snacking.  I'm wondering if being conscious, even when snacking cheating, along with the boost in activity might give me better results than I think.

Fingers crossed!

NSV - Playful Momma

I think I may only have one Non-Scale Victory this week. It was the way I felt playing with my son today. We had quite the workout and I loved how happy it made him to have me run with him and show him that kind of energy and attention. The Kids Yoga video we did really gave me a goal - I want my kids to remember Momma playing with them. I want them to be joyful because I have the energy to play with them. Today was a start and we will keep it up!

Check, check, check!

Feelin' pretty good about today!

Along with our activity this morning, 2YO and I did some more running around the house.  Like any smart Momma, I cleaned as I ran.  During each sprint I tried to pick up one or two things to put away.

Another success, killed two goals in one lunch. Check out those fruits and veggies and all that water!

I made sure to get a snack in so I didn't go crazy on something I shouldn't have. I didn't make the healthiest choice, but these chips have all sorts of veggies in them and are tasty. Bonus, this whole bag was $1.47 as Sam's Club - what a deal!

Not a health food by any means, but I did make sure to measure out a cup instead of snacking right from the bag.

2YO and I had some Easter candy, but I don't feel too guilty about it. We had a darn good day activity-wise! I've also consumed over half a gallon of water, I'm aiming for 4 bottles tomorrow.

Baby Boot Camp

Whew!

Yuck!  What is this white stuff doing back after it was just about gone?  I pray that the rumor if 12 inches is just someone's cruel joke!  Don't get me wrong, I'm more than ready for snow come September and the more the better for snowmobiling, but it can be gone by March!  We certainly don't need a snowstorm in mid-April!

The kiddos and I are staying in, but we just got one heck of a workout in!

Thirty-five minutes of:

• Sprinting down the hallway
• Sprinting down the hallway holding 2YO or the baby
• Crawling
• Army crawling
• Bear crawl
• Crab walking
• Galloping
• Horsey rides
• Jumping jacks
• Moving along with Grover who happened to be doing a song/dance with shaking, turning, jumping
• We finished it off with a kids fit yoga video On Demand

Constant movement for 35 minutes and I broke a sweat!  The yoga video really inspired me.  It got to the heart of why I am doing this, how I want to live, and how I want my kids to feel.  

Here's my new mantra:

I am joyful, I am playful, I am happy!

This is exactly how I want my kids (and myself) to live!  I want them to play and have fun, and I want them to remember me as a playful mom.

Workin' on those goals

How are things going, you ask?

"Eh" would be my answer.  Meal portions have been going well.  I'd say being active with the kiddos has been pretty good too.  Snacking has been a killer!

I didn't stay away from Hubby's chips today, but I did try to make up for it by taking the kids out for a walk.

I have been doing well with Goal 2.  Yesterday's lunch included broccoli and grapes.  Today's lunch was a chicken salad wrap (with celery mixed in) and a half Clementine - the other went here.

I'm having a little trouble with the water goal. It's funny how I've always felt like I was a huge water drinker. I've never been without a few water bottles at home. Recently, when I've been trying to drink more to snack less, I can't seem to do it. I filled my 24oz bottle twice today and yesterday I probably only had 1 or less. I brought the kids to my parent's house and brought along some work I wanted to do. They have well water and they thought it tasted a little funky with all the runoff of the melting snow.

I've still kept the nighttime snacking I check, so that is an accomplishment. As we speak I am setting my water reminder. I actually do seem to remind myself throughout the day, but there are always reasons not to fill up the bottle (feeding a baby, putting someone to sleep, rushing to get something done before the kiddos need me), so we'll see if that reminder does anything.

Weekly goals

I could use some manageable and attainable goals for the week...  

Goals

1. Go back to using my water reminder on my phone and get that water in!
2. Add both a fruit and vegetable to each lunch 2YO and I eat.
3. The weather is looking a little yucky for the week.  My third goal into get my activity in while stuck inside and get out if the weather permits!

Anyone share these goals?  Any tips for activity when stuck inside with 21 and 5 month kiddos?

FMM - television and movies

I'm so excited to take part in Friend Making Mondays again.  I really could use some support on this journey!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

TV, Movies and Me

1. If you could be a recurring star on a show that is currently on TV, which show would you choose?  Is it strange that I would choose Duck Dynasty?  It's on right now and they crack me up!  I guess since it's a "reality" show I would have to move in down the street and learn to make duck calls or something.

2. Name the movie that you are most embarrassed to admit that you love. I could watch The Wedding Planner over and over, along with Heartbreakers.  I used to watch them pretty often but can't convince my husband to ever watch them with me.

3. Name one show that you’ve never seen and would love to watch.  I really think I would love Downton Abbey.  I'm a Jane Austen freak and I think it would be right up my alley if I had time to watch something besides Sprout before 10pm.

4. Do you ever go to movies alone?  I have never gone to a movie alone.  I wouldn't even think to go alone - movies just seem like a social thing to me.

5. If you could only watch one TV show for the next year, which show would you choose and why?  Hmmm... Are we talking current shows or past shows over and over...?  I think I could go back in time and only watch Boy Meets World.  As for current show, I'm not really hooked on any.

6. If you could star in one reality show, which one would it be and why? Oops! I already mentioned this one.  Maybe my second choice would be Swamp People and I'd hang out with Troy for a day.

7. If someone rented a billboard for you, what would it say?  It would show a picture of my kiddos next to a picture of me from 3 years ago and say, "do it for us, Mom."

8. Who is the most famous person with whom you have been in the same room?  It wasn't a room, but while I was working at the Coolship in Tomorrowland, John Stamos and Rebecca Romijn walked up to order.  We only sold soda and bottled water but our CO2 was out.  As John ordered a Sprite the girl I was working with obnoxiously yelled, "we don't have no soda all we have is water!"  John seemed a little ticked, Rebecca was super nice and got two waters, and I was mortified.  When they left, I told the girl who she just yelled at and she started texting her friends.  :/

9. If you were chosen to be a contestant on a TV game show, which show would you want to be on?   The Price is Right!  It would be better with Bob Barker though.

10. If there was a movie being made about you, which actor would you choose to play you? I'd love it to be Reece Witherspoon or Sandra Bullock (although she looks nothing like me) but they're both pretty wholesome and funny.

Alright!  Let me know what you think. Am I the only Duck Dynasty lover?

Ok... I think I can explain my spaz moment the other night...

I've been really off lately.  I have no idea what it stems from, but I haven't been feeling like myself.  I've been suffering from a bit of lack of sleep with the two kiddos, was going a little crazy preparing for my little girl's baptism today, and just got to a point yesterday when I was pretty down.  To make matters worse, our computer was having issues and the guy who fixed it lost some files (pictures and videos).  I'm stressing myself out thinking that all of my kiddos videos and memories are gone - I could cry thinking about it...

I think all of this contributed to my anxiety about sharing my numbers.  I've been thinking about it a while and I will probably share one day, but it made me feel pretty vulnerable to have that out there. (Of course, one could probably do the math and figure out where things stand now.)

I weighed myself yesterday morning and I didn't show the gain that I had the day before so that was a relief.  I haven't been watching my food the best lately, though.

Yesterday was a hectic prep day and today was the baptism.  Yesterday wasn't too bad because I was busy, but today was not the smartest food day.  I started with oatmeal so I could make it through 11:00 mass and the baptism following without going crazy.  We served gyros for lunch and I had two and a huge slice of chocolate fudge cake.  I haven't eaten since lunch, which also isn't the greatest but I haven't been hungry.  I meant to at least have some leftover broccoli but the kids took all of my attention and I didn't get a chance.

I'm going to try very hard to eat smart this week.  I plan to get all our fruits and veggies in and drink all my water...  That's always the goal but I'm going to give it another go and do better!

We were all exhausted after today!

Regrets!

Ahh!  I'm already having anxiety about that last post.  Maybe the numbers aren't important and I can take it down before anyone sees it!  I think I have to go back and change it to pounds lost/gained...

I guess I'm not ready yet...

Secrets revealed!

It's so strange that this makes me nervous...  I'm actually getting a little nauseous as I type this...

I think it's time to start talking numbers...

Isn't it funny how I don't even want to share my numbers here?  We're nobody knows me or will judge?

As you can see, I haven't shared my name or any identifying pictures either.  Maybe that will come.

I will open up about one thing and here's my story in numbers.

Until pregnancy, my highest weight was 186.  That was back in 2006 or 2007 and I made the decision to join WW online.  I was in grad school, lived alone, had a great gym with awesome classes on campus, and had some great friends to exercise with.  Within a year I had lost 50 pounds.

I maintained a weight of somewhere around 140 until I graduated and started dating my future husband.  By our wedding in 2010 I was around 160 and dropped about 15 for the wedding.

When I got pregnant with our honeymoon baby I ballooned up to *censored* [gained 70 lbs] by the end of my pregnancy.  I only managed to get back down to *censored* [lost 20 lbs]  before getting pregnant with our second child.  They are 16 months apart, and I basically decided it would be easier to get pregnant again than lose the weight...

My youngest is 5 months now and we're not planning on having any more, so it's time to get healthy again.  I want to keep up with my (almost) 2-year-old.  I REALLY want to be in pictures with my children while they're young!  I haven't let myself be photographed with them except a picture of our faces with me giving them a kiss because it's the only way I think I look acceptable.  I just want to be the best I can be for them!  I want to be the fun mom!

Alright, let's talk current numbers...

*deep breath*

I started this blog at *censored* [an insanely large number of lbs] ...

Week 1 weigh-in:*censored* [lost 6.8 lbs] 
Week 2:*censored* [lost 1.6 lbs] 
Week 3: *censored* [lost 2 lbs] 

And today, after overindulging in Easter candy and giving in to cheese balls... *censored* [gained 1.2 lbs] 

So, it went up... I guess I'm not surprised...

I want to say I've done better today, but I did give in to the cheese balls and Easter candy...

Yesterday I resistencia those horrible snacks with a couple of these yummy things! Anyone above the age of ten, besides me, still eat Ants on a Log?

To show you how much 2YO can eat, here was our breakfast. Egg, hash browns, and turkey bacon.

I was surprised with sushi for lunch and 2YO had leftover hambone soup. Our dinner was leftover Pasta with Avacado "Cream" Sauce.  Did I mention that 2YO had 2 bowls of this last night!?!  I had to give him some of mine because I was feeding the baby and that was easier than getting up.  Such a big Easter!

Tomorrow the kids with be with the grandparents while we do some cleaning and cooking for Little Lady's baptism on Sunday. I hope I do we'll without 2YO and with my bad-influence husband!

Non-Scale Victories

I love this!  

I forgot about the importance of non-scale victories since weight watchers.  I love this idea!  I feel like all I do is beat myself up over the times when I indulge too much or don't make the best choices.  There are plenty of things I should remember to pat myself on the back for, and I need that to realize I'm on the right path.

Here are a few:

• By blogging I have realized that, although I give in to temptation every now and then, my meals and portions have actually been pretty great.  The portion size is the key for me.  I've been keeping them to the size that I give my hungry (almost) 2-year-old.  I think if I make sure to fit in the healthy snacks, I'll do much better.

• I have been trying to keep up with 2YO's activity level.  I run and play more with him and I'm making sure to get both kiddos outside each day for a stroller ride.

• Nighttime snacking has been cut out!  That used to be my biggest weakness, I couldn't relax in bed after I got the kids down, without getting my chocolate fix.  I think this is also aided by blogging since I tend to do it at the end of the day.  Let me tell you, it would have to be a pretty strong craving to give in to while I'm tracking my progress for the day!

Not too shabby!  

I love comments and could really use some friends and support so don't be shy!

Really? Throw it all away for cheese balls?

What is it in our wiring that makes it so difficult to exhibit a little self-control!?!  You'd think, as a Behavior Analyst who did research on self-control and impulsivity, that I'd have it all figured out.  I may understand why we go for the immediate reinforcement instead of the delayed but greater reinforcement, but that doesn't mean I don't give in...

In an effort to keep my husband from spending money at the gas station, I've resigned myself to buying him chips and candy and making him cookies.  I've tried to change his habits or substitute, but he usually just buys the stuff at three times the price and seems to eat twice as much.  Buying, baking, and packaging junk food is not the smartest thing for my weight loss, but it is the best for our budget and keeps me at home with my babies.

All this leads up to why today was not a good day...

I ate oatmeal for breakfast and headed out to Sam's Club to shop for my little one's baptism.  Turns out they had some amazing prices on chips and Easter candy.  I stocked up and plan to hide it from Hubby so he doesn't polish it off in a week.

Here's the problem...

I can't resist them!!!

I deviated from the plan because 2YO was pretty much fed on the fly outside today. He had some chicken and veggie chips and he had already had some grapes and candy from Grandma while we were shopping.

I had some of the veggie chips and grabbed some leftover asparagus for lunch during nap time.

It would have been great if I would have stopped there... But I had to open the cheese balls... And I really dug in!

I tried to make up for it by taking the kids on a 90 minute walk after nap...

Then there was dinner. I did alright here too. 2YO and I split some leftover chicken (skin removed when eating) and half a twice baked sweet potato.

2YO ate so well I decided to give him some cheese balls for dessert because he had asked for them at the store. And I dug in again! Almost worse than in the afternoon...

Grrr!!! When will my long-term goal be worth more than immediate gratification.

"Nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels." And repeat mantra...

Just took a weekend to gain half back!

I'm taking this with a grain of salt, but the scale is up 5lbs!  Disgusting!

To not be so hard on myself I have to say that I weighed myself after a big dinner of pasta with chicken and avocado "cream" sauce. Yum!

I usually weigh-in early morning before eating.  I also had some heavy sweats on instead of light pjs. I know this isn't a super accurate measure, but I had to check the damage.

That being said, there are no excuses for how I ate over Easter...

I'm not sure when I will finally understand that it is worth so much more to me to be healthy and confident than it informed to have seconds or some chocolate...

Tomorrow is another day!

I could really use some friends around here

Friend Makin' Mondays 

I haven't done this before but I could really use some friends and support on here.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. 

Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 Childhood Flashbacks

 1. Did you have a set bedtime as a child? If so, what was it? I know I did but I can't remember what it was - probably around 8:00

 2. Were you taught to be a member of the “Clean Plate Club?” Did it have affect your eating habits as an adult? I think I must have been... I can't remember it being enforced, but I know I have a difficult time throwing food away now.

3. Share one thing that you were not allowed to do as a child. I was not allowed to talk back AT ALL! There would be hell to pay.

4. What is the cheapest gas price you can remember? I don't remember exactly but I do remember it being under a dollar.

5. What was your favorite thing on the playground? I loved the swings but in elementary school, the thing to do was four square! I also liked the random bars they would have - I remember thinking I was hot stuff because I was in gymnastics and could spin around those

 6. Share one thing that your parents always made you do that you didn’t like doing. I hated swim lessons! I remember hiding in my closet so I wouldn't have to go. I also hated taking tiny fluoride pills each morning (seriously the size of bc pills) and I used to throw them in the back of the closet when I got my shoes. I had a thing with closets! :)

 7. Do you remember your first kiss? If so, share the details! Yep - I was at the roller rink - it was gross! :)

 8. Did you prefer to play inside or outside? I was always outside! All the neighbors played ball a lot - we were ever inside.

 9. What was your favorite TV show growing up? Saved by the Bell was always the best! Boy Meets World was another one.

 10. Share one awesome childhood memory. Most of my childhood memories are from the cabin - particularly the Fourth of July and the boat parade on our lake.

 Bonus: Share a picture of yourself as a child.
Here are the only childhood pictures I have here at the cabin.  Check out the Cabbage Patch Kid - her name was Franny Janice - gotta love those names!