Day 7-1 Week Anniversary!!! I Made It!

It's been seven continuous days and I've been going strong. No feelings of deprivation or low energy. Searching for low calorie, high dense meals has really helped me. This is the last day of eating in moderation and then I'll do another round of the 3 Day Diet tomorrow.

BREAKFAST-11:45am (IT'S THE WEEKEND, I SLEPT IN!!!)

2 eggs, over easy, fried in Organic Canola Spray 184 cals

1/2 cup white steamed cilantro rice 100 cals

1 slice Dave's Killer Bread 65 cals

1 tbsp Smucker's Apple Butter 45 cals

TC: 394 cals, TRC: 806 cals

my daily walk

2, 000 Steps = 1 mile

Distance= 6, 548 steps = 3.5 miles

Time = 1 hour

Calories Burned = 236 cals

COMMENTS: I really didn't feel like walking today or doing anything else (like cleaning my damn house!) I decided to push myself and get it over with already. I am so glad I did because it felt so good to see my house at the end. It's out of my way and those calories burned can be a credit towards a meal/snack today because right now I'm looking at only 806 to be split between lunch and dinner. I would like to drink and knit tonight so I might just save it for then. We'll see!

Day 6-My Body vs. the Scale

I'm 136.4 lbs! (I'll take 1/2 lb down!)

THE SCALE

Yes, I am a habitual scale person. What can I say? GUILTY! I can't stop it. When I pee a lot, I weigh myself. When I have a large BM, I weigh myself. After exercising, I weigh myself. After a shower, I weigh myself (you never know, dead skin cells have weight, too). It's obsessive but why not? I don't see how anybody tracks their progress any other way. What about those people who use clothes to gauge their weight? Clothes? So, what! If I wear a pair of jeans long enough I'll be able to slide right into them regardless of how much I weigh. Why? Because I've stretched the materials from years of wear and tear. Yes, I have goal clothes that I intend to get in by the end of March but I don't try them on going, "Nope, not today. Maybe tomorrow." The scale is instant and it tells the story of my journey. It tells me when I'm on target and when I need to cut back. It lets me know when my body is being stubborn and won't let go of the fat and that I need to find a different way to challenge my body to get the weight off.

MY TRIP TO OUT OF THIS WORLD LAST NIGHT

My kids' school had a fundraiser night at Out of This World. We went and the kids had lots of fun climbing, sliding and jumping on all of the inflatables. It is a pizza and ice cream place, too. Since it was so late (7pm) we decided to have dinner there. I ordered the spinach salad, they ordered a 16" 1/2 pepperoni and 1/2 combination. Their pizza was smelling way better than my salad but I ate it down to the last leaf and busied myself with helping my three year old on the climbing structure. I shadowed him most of the night to keep myself away from that pizza.

There was 1/2 a pizza left at the end of the night so we took it home with us. It's weird but since I've been watching my calorie and carb intake I've been wanting to save and store left over food more. Before I could care less if we threw it in the garbage but now I save it. Why? Could it be that mentally I am storing up the things which I don't put in my body for when I fall off the wagon? Is this self-sabotage? I need to stop saving and storing and keep those foods where they belong--the garbage!

BREAKFAST-9:40am

1/2 Jack in the Box's Hearty Bowl (1 cup) 390 cals

16 oz. water

COMMENT: It really wasn't worth wasting my breakfast calories on 1/2 a bowl (which was 1 cup!) I was only full due to the amount of water I drank. I felt like I wanted more after that and there you have it: fast foods give you a desire of wanting more versus home prepared, veggie-dense food which leaves you feeling not-to-full but satisfied. I'll NEVER do this again no matter how good it smells!

LUNCH-1:45pm

1 can Chicken of the Sea tuna in water 250 cals

10 Fred Meyer Saltine Crackers 120 cals

COMMENTS: I LOVE saltine crackers better than any other cracker on earth. Why? Because it was a comfort food for me growing up {along with free cheese:)} Hey! We were a family of eleven and poor so saltine crackers were very satisfying! It's also lower in calories than their buttery counterparts. They're 12 calories each so two peanut butter crackers are a snack (the 2 table spoons of peanut butter jacks this snack up to 202 cals.)

DINNER-7:45pm

14 Skinny Loaded Nachos 347

1 cup sweet red wine 32 cals

Skinny Loaded Nachos with Chicken, Beans and Cheese

Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: about 14 chips • Old Points: 7 pts • Points+: 9 pts
Calories: 347 • Fat: 9.4 g • Protein: 27.1 g • Carb: 40.6 g • Fiber: 7.1 g

4 oz baked tortilla chips (I used Baked Tostitos Scoops)

8 oz 99% lean ground chicken

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper

1 cup fat free spicy black bean dip

1 1/3 cup reduced fat Mexican cheese like Weight Watchers

2 cups pico de gallo salsa

1/2 cup light sour cream

2/3 cup fresh cilantro

Directions:

Preheat oven for 350 degrees. Place nicely formed Tostidos scoops on a cookie sheet and bake them for 3 minutes in the oven, meanwhile:

Cook the ground chicken breaking it up into small pieces. Add the spicy black bean dip until mixture is even. Remove Tostidos from the oven. With a table spoon, spoon chicken-bean mixture into each Tostidos scoop. Using the same table spoon, spoon the pico de gallo on top, firmly pressing it into the bean mixture with your hand (if not it'll fall off to the sides.) Sprinkle the whole pan of nachos with the cheese and put in a 350 degrees oven for 6 minutes or until melted.

Remove from oven. Using a Ziploc baggie full of sour cream, pipe a small dot of sour cream on top of each scoop. Using kitchen shears, cut cilantro over the entire batch of nachos. Place 1 jalapeno on top of each nacho. Serve or eat immediately!

COMMENTS: These nachos were AMAZING! I didn't feel cheese or sour cream-deprived. After eating 14 I was full! These are great for movie night, game night or Girls' Night In. You will definitely see this meal again, for lunch, dinner or snack (if you half the portion.)

my daily walk

2, 000 Steps = 1 mile

My Distance= 4, 013 steps = 2.0 miles

Time = 30 mins

Calories Burned = 135 cals

Day 5-I AM NOW 136.8 LBS. !!!!

It so worth it to stick to my 1200 calorie limit. I am now 136.8 lbs.! I was so happy to see those numbers; it is PURE motivation for me to see the scales move in my favor. I just finished another breakfast masterpiece. A 2TLB sandwich (turkey bacon, tomato, lettuce, & bell pepper sandwich. YUMM!!

WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH

BREAKFAST

2 pieces of Dave's Killer Bread

2 thin slices of tomato

2 slices red bell pepper

1 leaf butter lettuce

1 tbsp mayo 40 cals

1 tbsp French's yellow mustard 0 cals

24 oz water

LUNCH-2:10pm

12 Coconut Shrimp

2 tbsp dipping sauce

24 oz. water

DINNER-7:02pm

OOTW's Spinach Salad:

2 cups spinach 14 cals

1/8 c feta cheese 20 cals

5 cherry tomatoes 2.5 cals

2 tbsp dried cranberries 93 cals

1/2-1 pkt Newman's Own Ginger Balsamic Vinegerette dressing 50 cals

3 tbsp chopped walnuts 26 cals

16.9 oz. Dasani water 0 cals

Day 4-I LOST 6 POUNDS IN THREE DAYS!!!!!

6:45am-I'm awake! I'm awake! No Before Breakfast workout for one reason: Just read an article in REAL SIMPLE magazine, that my best friend let me borrow, that said, "Working out on an empty stomach won't burn more fat. A common belief is that if you exercise before you eat, your body will turn to its fat reserves for energy instead of the food in your stomach. In fact it's just the opposite: The authors of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism theorize that when you eat before exercising, your body uses more oxygen, resulting in a metabolism spike and improvement in fat burning.

PROGRESS REPORT------------SW: 143 lbs., CW: 137.4 lbs., GW: 120 lbs.

What I Put in My Mouth

9:23AM-BREAKFAST

2 slices of Dave's Killer Bread 130 cals

1 slice turkey breast 55 cals

1 slice Muenster cheese 80 cals

2 tomato slices 5 cals

1 leaf of butter lettuce 1 cal

2 slices red peppers 2 cals

2 tbsp French's Classic Yellow mustard 0 cals

24oz. water 0 cals

TC=273 cals, TRC=927 cals

COMMENTS: Subway's got nothin' on my homemade turkey sandwich with butter lettuce, mustard, salt/pepper and crunchy veggies! The bread really makes it, though. If you haven't tried Dave's, you haven't had a real slice of bread. I can't believe I designed a custom sandwich for under 300 calories!

1:13PM-LUNCH

10 Tyson Any'tizers Popcorn Chicken 255 {I ate three before taking the picture:)}

2 cups watermelon 96 cals

1 tbsp Kraft Honey Mustard dipping sauce 55 cals

24 oz. water 0 cals

TC=406 cals, TRC=521 cals

COMMENTS: You have GOT to try this popcorn chicken from Tyson, it tastes like a restaurant style appetizer (tender all white meat chicken with just enough batter to give it a light crispy coating--it was baked but you would swear it was deep fried); pair it with a fruit or/and veggie and you've got yourself a meal! If I play my cards right, I'll put together a 300 cal dinner so I can have 220 left for a late night treat! I'm thinking soup with a turkey rollup, hmmm?

6:51PM-DINNER

6 Aqua Star (from Fred Meyer) large coconut butterfly shrimp

+ 1 tbsp sweet chili dipping sauce 260 cals

1/2 medium banana 50 cals

24 oz. water 0 cals

TC=310 cals, TRC=211 cals

So I won't go over my Total Caloric Intake of 1200 cals, I will opt NOT to eat the 1/2 cup of vanilla icebcream. I decided to have a Skinny Cow instead and it didn't break the calorie bank!

8:51PM-NIGHT TIME TREAT

TC=120 cals, TRC=91 cals

Day 3-January 3, 2012

It's 5am, why am I up so early? sacrifice, dedication, one word...RESULTS! I'm going for my 20 Minute Walk early because I have to be at work in two hours, vacation's over:(. Anyway, gotta go, will report breakfast, soon!

WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH

BREAKFAST-9:05am

1 slice Muenster cheese 104 cals

5 Fred Meyer Saltine crackers 54 cals

1 Granny Smith apple 80 cals

1 cup coffee w/Splenda 0 cals

TOTAL CALORIES FOR THIS MEAL 238 cals

LUNCH-2:36pm

1 small hard-boiled egg w/salt & pepper 54 cals

1 slice of Dave's Killer Bread 65 cals

1-24oz. cup of water

TOTAL CALORIES FOR THIS MEAL 119 cals

COMMENTS: I have never been so disappointed at a so called "lunch" in all my life but it was actually satisfying! It was very hard to resist preparing sticky rice, black beans, roasted chicken, PB&Js, bananas and more for the kids in my care. These may not sound tempting to people who chose to eat anything but when there are restrictions; average foods sound mouthwatering.

DINNER-8:16pm

1 cup Chicken of the Sea tuna 100 cal

(1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (10) + 1 tbsp mustard (0) + 1/2 tbsp mayo (57 cals))

1 carrots + 1 tbsp Kraft Honey Mustard 52 cals

5 Fred Meyer saltine crackers 54 cals

1 cup watermelon 46 cals

1-24oz. cup of water 0 cals

TOTAL CALORIES FOR THIS MEAL 319 cals

COMMENTS: I know it took awhile before I ate dinner but in the child care industry there is no such thing as a break. You have to wait until the last child leaves before you can relax. My food is not enjoyable unless I can relax. This meal was well worth the wait! It may not look like much but it was so satisfying and filling. The best part was (see below....)

Late Night Treat-10pm

1/2 cup (3.6oz.) Haagen Dazs vanilla icecream 220 cals

Total Calories For the Day 676 cals

COMMENTS: This one allowance makes the whole day worth while. It's a sweet ending to a new beginning. Tomorrow will be the first day of my 4-Day Moderation Diet. Can I continue on my journey without resisting temptation? How much did I actually lose at the end of three days? Follow me tomorrow and see!

Day 2-January 2, 2012

MY BEFORE BREAKFAST EXERCISE

Got up at 10:00am. Went for a walk around 11:00am for about 35 mins. Jammed to Lady Gaga (duh, who else would I be listening to?) Walked to Johnson & Cornelieus Pass Road and back.

I couldn't find my tennis shoes for the second day in a row; I smell sabotage! Nope, didn't deter me, I wore my Croc open-toe flip-flops and suffered for it; not comfort-wise but temperature-wise (my toes were FREEZING!)

The temperature was 49 degrees and it felt so good! I got caught in a little drizzle on the way back.

WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH

BREAKFAST-12:00pm

1 slice of Dave's Killer Bread 65 cals

1 med banana 105 cals

1 All Day Cafe Hard Cooked Egg w/sea salt & pepper 54 cals

1 cup Ginger Peach tea w/Splenda 0 cals

1 16.9 bottle Dasani water 0 cals

TOTAL CALS= 224 cals

I have to say, I can actually taste the grains and sweetness in the bread today. The flavors of the egg and banana were strong. Before this diet I would've considered this type of meal as boring to my taste buds but know I actually am enjoying it!

LUNCH-3:55pm

1/2 cup Fred Meyer cottage cheese 110 cals

1/2 cup Chicken of the Sea tuna100 cals

5 Fred Meyer Saltine Crackers 54 cals

1 16.9 bottle Dasani water 0 cals

TOTAL CALS= 264 cals

DINNER-9:03pm

1 cup shredded broccoli 110 cals

1/2 cup carrots15 cals

2 turkey dogs 220 cals

1 banana 105 cals

TOTAL CALS= 450 cals

Total Calories For the Day 938 cals

Day 1-January 1, 2012

BEFORE-01-01-12 CW: 143 pounds, GW: 120 pounds
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

WHY THE JOURNEY? WHY NOW? I've been dieting for years losing and gaining the same 15 pounds over and over again! I am tired of this unhealthy roller coaster of easy get thin quick diets that don't work (HCG, WW, Atkins, Low-Carb, South Beach, juicing, fasting and damn near starving myself!) I am approaching 40, soon, and I do not want to be 40 in an unhealthy and (let's face it, I don't care WHAT my husband says!) unattractive body.

AREN'T YOU AFRAID OF NOT SUCCEEDING? We all have fears but I will NOT give up until I see between 115 and 120 appear on my scales then I'll kick it up a notch by sculpting my slim figure into the woman I used to be in my 20s.

WHEN WILL YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL? My deadline is March 31, 2012 to get to my goal weight, which I believe is reasonable. As far as sculpting it will start on April 1, 2012 and I'll provide plenty of documentation of how I am achieving this long term goal.

ARE YOU GONNA EAT WHAT EVER YOU WANT AFTER MARCH 31ST? Of course NOT! This is a lifestyle change. How I am eating now, here on this blog, is how I'll eat for the rest of my life. The amount of calories might be low for some but it isn't for me. I can't stand people who say when you're working out you should add calories so you'll have enough for your workout, I say, bullshit. I'll up the protein and maintain the same calories (duh!)

MY BEFORE BREAKFAST EXERCISE

Went for a walk around 10am for about 30 mins. Walked to Safeway & Rite aid to get a few personal items. On the way back carried 20 lbs. worth of groceries and other items (every little bit counts!) The temperature was 49 degrees and it felt so good to walk outdoors! There was lots of wind resistance on the way back; you cannot get this type of walking on the treadmill!

WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH

BREAKFAST-12:45pm

1 slice of Dave's Killer Bread 65 cals

1/4 tbsp Fred Meyer peanut butter 23 cals

1 cup Ginger Peach Stash tea

w/ 2 pkts Splenda

1 cup Simply Grapefruit juice 90 cals

1 -16.9 oz. bottle of Dasani water

TOTAL CALS= 178 cals

1:20pm- I will now go clean my messy kitchen. This kitchen seems like it is ALWAYS messy so I really have to eliminate EVERYTHING that hasn't been used or eaten in the past year. I'll report back later.

LUNCH-4:52pm

5oz. Chicken of the Sea tuna packed in water 50 cals

1 slice Dave's Killer Bread 65 cals

1tbsp Steinfield's sweet relish 10 cals

1tbsp Fred Meyer cottage cheese

1/2=14 cals

1tbsp French's yellow mustard 0 cals

1 cup Stash Ginger Peach tea

0 cals

2 pkts Splenda 0 cals

1 -16.9 oz. bottle of Dasani water

TOTAL CALS= 139 cals

DINNER-8:38pm

Crock Pot Curry Chicken (3 oz.) 144 cals

1 cup carrots w/3 tsp Kraft honey mustard dressing 52 cals

1 cup green beans 30 cals

1 cup Stash Ginger Peach tea

0 cals

2 pkts Splenda 0 cals

1 -16.9 oz. bottle of Dasani water 0 cals

9:00pm-Total Calories So Far 461 cals

LATE NIGHT TREAT-11:00pm

1/2 cup (3.6oz.) Haagen Dazs vanilla icecream 220 cals

1 -16.9 oz. bottle of Dasani water 0 cals

Total Calories For the Day 681 cals

GOOD NIGHT! SEE YA TOMORROW!

How My Day Went