Week 59 - Weight Watchers

Week 50's weigh-in was: +1.2 lbs.
Week 51's weigh-in was: -0.8 lbs.
Week 52's weigh-in was: -2.6 lbs.
Week 53's weigh-in was: +1.8 lbs.
Week 54's weigh-in was: -1.6 lbs.
Week 55's weigh-in was: +3.6 lbs.
Week 56's weigh-in was: -3.6 lbs.
Week 57's weigh-in was: +2.0 lbs.
Week 58's weigh-in was: -0.4 lbs.
Week 59's weigh-in was: +.08 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 59.6 lbs.

Well I'm almost done my Salsa Classes with my daughter now.
I'm really enjoying those. The fast beat and great atmosphere has been fun!
My daughter is also enjoying the class. It's nice to be able to do something with her (Mother-Daughter alone time).

My spouse and I have officially joined a Gym. Our membership starts this Saturday (in 2 days). So this should prove to be interesting. I've been wanting and talking about joining for quite some time now and this time I signed us up for an entire year. It's not even a month to month thing - I'm in it for the entire year! Yikes! Hoping that it goes well and that I like it!... that we like it?!

I'm still managing to keep the weight off. I'm bouncing up and down a little (fluctuation) but overall I feel pretty good. I'm buying new clothes which is great! I feel great. I want to tone up as I had previously mentioned and am planning on to with this new Gym membership!

Winter is fast approaching us (we're in November of 2009 already!!) and soon I'm not going to want to fret the cold for walks. I know myself. I'll probably go on nicer days and/or take the 'short' walks but ... reality is, I don't like the cold and it don't like me. So I guess that's also another reason I resorted to this Gym thing. (Notice how many times I'm talking about it ~ I'm still trying to convince myself that it's done and that there's no turning back now... it's paid and by golly lady, you're going!!) The Gym... I also don't have a big house so I can't store any equipment in it and besides I probably wouldn't use it?! So ya, I joined the Gym. Phew! I'll say it again, I joined the Gym. And now I'm gonna have to work on saying - I went to the Gym.

Wish me luck!! And remember, Choose Healthy!

Week 49 - Weight Watchers

Week 42's weigh-in was: -1.0 lbs.
Week 43's weigh-in was: +1.6 lbs.
Week 44's weigh-in was: -2.0 lbs.
Week 45's weigh-in was: -0.8 lbs.
Week 46's weigh-in was: -1.4 lbs.
Week 47's weigh-in was: +0.4 lbs.
Week 48's weigh-in was: -1.0 lbs.
Week 49's weigh-in was: +0.6 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 60 lbs.

Wow time is passing fast. I'm still trying to maintain and choosing "Healthy".
Time is passing by for me because we started on house renovations and this is consuming a lot of my energy - mentally and physically; plus to top it off the kids' school year has also begun which means the running around stuff has started-up again. I am going to try to stay stable - which means not run around like a chicken with its head cut-off (pardon the expression) - but try to keep a more relax, calm paced environment.

This is where my lifestyle change needs to be re-evaluated. I've signed-up my daughter and I to some Salsa Aerobics classes which begins in about 2 weeks. It's only (1) night a week, but at least it's something! I'm hoping it'll be fun and will help with my toning-up requirements. I don't want to loose anymore weight - where I'm at, I would never have dreamed of being - so I'm good!! I'd like to do some toning to my body so that I'm a little firmer then what I have now... (wink wink)

Summer had gone by so quickly - our month of July was very wet which caused a very dull July. August was somewhat (a little) better however our nice weather has just joined us the last week of August and first week of September... however also joining us have been very cooler mornings and evenings - so we're just enjoying nice afternoons, in which most of us are at work... inside a building!! But ... on the positive side... it's all good!

Here is an updated Before and After picture of me... with 60lbs gone!



Remember - Choose Healthy!

Week 41 - Weight Watchers

Week 38's weigh-in was: +0.8 lbs.
Week 39's weigh-in was: -1.8 lbs.
Week 40's weigh-in was: +0.2 lbs.
Week 41s weigh-in was: -1.4 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 58 lbs.

Well as I mentioned before - I've made it. I'm there. I'm within my BMI range!
Wow, me - Tammy - I can't believe I've made it.

I was always the one saying to others, "Ya right, like who could ever be within that range?! Only people born skinny and/or if they come from a skinny family could they live within a BMI range! No 'real' person can live that way!" ... I'm biting my words now!

I feel healthier! Everything I do is affected by my weight loss. I'm able to do more. I have more motivation to do things. Hey I've been biking for the last few weeks and really am enjoying it!!

I'm not saying that I'm 'cured' - because this lifestyle is a choice it's not like taking a pill and just forgetting about not having to worry. I am my own pill - I am my control. I can't blame anyone else but me when I "forget" - cause I don't forget, I choose not to "choose".
I live in my own 'battle' and right now I'm enjoying 'my control'.

I'm choosing to stay healthy - not by "need", not by "have to", not by anything else but by my "choice".

Until next time, choose to live healthy!

Week 37 - Weight Watchers

Week 34's weigh-in was: -2.6 lbs.
Week 35's weigh-in was: -0.8 lbs.
Week 36's weigh-in was: +0.4 lbs.
Week 37's weigh-in was: -1.6 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 56.2 lbs.

Well I'm there!
I've reached my "Healthy Weight Range" / "Ultimate Weight Goal"!
The Weight Ranges are based on Body Mass Index, or BMI.My height is 1.65 m (5'5") which puts me a BMI range of 120lbs. (minimum) to 150lbs. (maximum).

I am now working on maintaining my weight within this range - for life!
I'm not officially a "LifeTime Member" yet since I have to be in a 'maintenance' phase for a period of 6 weeks (as a paid member).

One step at a time, one day at a time.
I'm in for the long run!

Until next time, choose Healthy!

Before and After

Week 33 - Weight Watchers

Week 28's weigh-in was: +0.4 lbs.

Week 29's weigh-in was: -2.2 lbs.

Week 30's weigh-in was: -1.2 lbs.

Week 31's weigh-in was: -1.6 lbs.

Week 32's weigh-in was: -2.4 lbs.

Week 33's weigh-in was: 0 lbs. (stayed the same)

My new weight loss total: - 51.6 lbs.

I've started my 3rd Weight Watchers session on week 30.
I received my 50lbs. medal last week (Week 32) ~ wow I can't believe I've lost that much!

I've been trying to keep things easier for myself but finding it harder.
There are times where I'm not "watching" what I'm eating as much and not marking my points down as frequently as I used to. This is a habit I need to get out of!
I feel the weight loss all over. I now need to concentrate on toning up!

Summer is fast approaching and I'm going to have to walk a lot more then what I'm doing now.

One day at a time - one meal at a time.
It's not easy ~ Temptation is everywhere and it's sooooo easy to just keep saying, "Just this one time", or "Just a little piece...".

I have to keep surrounding myself with positive influences and thank goodness my family and friends are supportive of my decisions and not making things harder for nothing.

Until next time, choose healthy!

Week 27 - Weight Watchers

So sorry I haven't updated things lately...



So here's the scoop, I did some re-calculations on my weight numbers cause things weren't adding up correctly. The Weight Watchers representative in the back room entering the numbers in my log book, obviously miss calculated some of the calculations.

My weigh-in pounds are acurate since I saw those numbers but it was more of the deducations calculations that she wrote down that were miss read.



Anyways... from my last post, I had mentioned that my total weight loss was -39.4 lbs which in fact it was -40.4 lbs. Not a huge difference so that's why I'm just going to leave it as that and move on...



Week 25's weigh-in was: -2.2 lbs.

Week 26's weigh-in was: -2.4 lbs.

Week 27's weigh-in was: -1.2 lbs.

My new weight loss total: - 46.4 lbs.



I can't believe I've lost that much already!!

...ah no I haven't formally started any new exercises...

I am one to talk!!... I'm just doing the same things...



I try to make efforts in "little" things like -

Sometimes I'll go down 2 flights of stairs at work to go to the washroom.

I try to walk alittle faster for my work-break walks.

...just little things... but I am going to have to start something!!



Otherwise all is well - I am noticing that I'm patterning what I eat when I'm rushing.

Example - I know how many points certain things are so if I need more time to get ready -

I grab and go with the foods I "know".

I will need to start menu shopping again to gain something new... variety.



I just signed up for my third session - so that should get me through till this summer.

I'll need it since I've got a bunch of weddings to attend... not standing in any, which is nice!



So until next time - choose healthy!

Week 25 - Weight Watchers

Well here's my update for the last two weeks:

Week 23's weigh-in was: -0.8 lbs.
Week 24's weigh-in was: -1.6 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 39.4 lbs.

Week 25's weigh-in is null since there isn't a session this week due to March Break (Spring Break).

Wow it's been already two week since I last updated my blog - that means it's been two weeks of procrastinating! I haven't done anything new! I'm still doing the same old - same old.
Wow it's pretty amazing to see time flash in front of you and realize that things are always easier said then done. I'm always one to give advice... I now have to start actually listening to myself.

But Tammy it's too cold outside...
But Tammy I'm too tired...
But Tammy...

There are always going to be excuses and things to allow me to keep putting things off!
Stop it! and Do it!
Ok... I'm gonna try... again!

Until next time, live healthy!

Week 22 - Weight Watchers

Well here's my update for the last two weeks:

Week 21's weigh-in was: 0 lbs. (I stayed exactly the same.)
Week 22's weigh-in was: -1.6 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 37 lbs.

I've been finding these last few weeks alittle more of a struggle.
What I mean is that my cravings have been alittle higher and 'sometimes' harder to resist.
I've been managing however like I said - sometimes they are harder to resist.

During week 21, I was alittle more relaxed and figured I would try to be let a few things pass-by. I had a piece of chocolate and sometimes would make my 'spoon' sizes bigger or alittle 'extra'...
Well I guess I just proved to myself that being alittle more lax keeps me where I'm at.

Now during week 22, I started watching alittle more and voila: -1.6 lbs.
This means that I have to keep at it - My body isn't ready to start taking-in 'extras'.

Life is too short to waste time being unhealthy. Unhealthy lifestyles lead to being at home doing nothing since you don't have the energy or motivation to do anything. I was living unhealthy - and now need to choose healthy. I am still working on 'motivation', however have chosen to live healthy.

I'm still participating in lunch hour Belly Dancing sessions once a week at work - which are nice. I didn't think I could get a workout out of those classes, but I am.
I take (or at least as much as I can) walks twice a day at work during my two 15 min. breaks. I usually walk with a group of friends from work which is encouraging since if I don't feel like going someone else does which then encourages me to go.
My sister provided me with an Exercise Ball chart which I have to get my butt up from the sofa in the evening to start doing...! I also have videos for the ball - came with it when I bought it, to which I also have to at least watch once!

So this week I will be trying to start working out. No... not trying I will.
I will be working out.

Until next time, live healthy!

Week 20 - Weight Watchers

This week's weigh-in was: -1.8 lbs.
My new weight loss total: - 35.4 lbs.

Several people have commented on my "Before & After" picture collage.
They were amazed at the change in my weight - not realizing just how much I did actually loose.
I figured that pictures speak louder than words - I also needed to see the difference myself.

I was browsing some of the Weight Watchers groups and sites and was admiring picture postings of "Before & After" pictures of so many people - and then thought; "Hey, they're just like me. I should share my success too!"

That's when I started looking for pictures. I was trying to find a picture of myself during the Christmas holidays - but obviously I avoided pictures altogether during this time (most were of my face and/or I was sitting). Past is past - moved on. So in February I took a picture of myself - needed a more recent one. I then made the "Before & After" collage and posted it also in the Weight Watchers group I take part in (FaceBook). Anyways the feedback was amazing.

Even people at work have been commenting. I don't look for comments but feedback is appreciated. I'm not the type of person who seeks comments and has a need to have people say things - but like everyone else, if you have something to say, say it to me - not to others. It's nice to hear it for yourself instead of having someone tell you that someone else said something...
Anyways - moving forward.

I know my journey has only just begun. But I know my journey has also had an impact for others. I've had to explain the Weight Watchers plan to several people - I mean several have even come to my home to discuss Weight Watchers and tell me that they're interested in joining.
I don't discourage it since I do believe in the plan - as long as you have some type of commitment (and most of the time it's because you've invested $$). If it's FREE some people don't commit as much as they should.

This is your life - this is forever.
This is your chance to start over.
Your body and mind won't change unless you commit to changing them.
Make the change - if I can do it, you can do it.
Slowly but surely - little steps.

Not everyone is built the same (body types).
Example: I could wear size "whatever" and someone could also wear the same size, but that doesn't mean we weigh the same thing.

Everyone works and functions differently.
Just because you do something doesn't mean it'll work the same way for me.
I could lose 2 lbs. in a week doing nothing while you may lose 3 lbs. but had to work your butt off working out at the gym for the entire week.
Different bodies -

Anyways - enough about that.
Believe you can and you will - Believe you can't and you won't.

Take care and live healthy!

Before and After Pictures

Here are some Before Weight Watchers and After Weight Watchers pictures.
I've inserted the dates on them so that you can see the transition.

Week 19 - Weight Watchers

Ok here's my last two week's logs:

Week 18 weigh-in was: -3.6 lbs.
Week 19 weigh-in was: -1.2 lbs.

That's giving me a total of -33.6 lbs!

The weekend of Week 18 we headed out to London for a Sledge Hockey tournament -
so this meant traveling foods and hotel accommodations results: - 1.2 lbs. weight lost for that week which is pretty good if I may say so myself.

This past week, I've been sick so I don't know how this will influence my weigh-in this week.
I'm tired of this cold!!

I had an updated picture taken of me - which was taken yesterday.

According to my height 5’4” & age (32) my healthy weight range would be between 134 – 140.

My goal would be to reach the 140 lbs. That would be great for me – reaching the 134 would simply be a bonus!

My timeframe – I’d like to reach my goal weight by the end of 2008, so let’s say for Christmas.

I know I’ve lost a lot (so far 33 lbs. in about 19 weeks) and some of it fell off fast (not done on purpose) however I’m assuming that my body will be adjusting soon enough and will slow down this fast weight lost. I’m sure I’ll be having to work harder for some, if not the remainder, of my journey.

Smaller set goals are to keep persevering and to keep logging.

Logging it what works for me – If I’m not writing down what I’m taking in, it all goes down hill.

I have to continue watching my salt in-take. I’ve noticed more and more that salt is a high craving for me.

Goals:

- Loose 25 lbs. by Christmas, bringing me down to 140 lbs.

- Start some sort of exercise program or just start doing any type of physical activity (beyond my daily walking – I currently walk (on average) about 15 minutes, twice a day during my work week). Looking to do at the minimum 20 minutes 3 times a week.

- I’d like to, at the least, loose another 10 lbs by July 2008

Disassociate stress (and mood swings) with food. Every time I PMS I had always O.K.’d myself to eat. Saying that it was ok to eat whatever I wanted (unhealthy choices of course) during this time.

- Keep exploring new foods and recipes. So maybe I will try a new recipe at least once a month.

I want to reach my healthy weight by the end of this year so that I can work on my maintenance for 2009.

I plan on taking my spouse to the Dominicans in early 2010, since it'll be our 10 yrs anniversary, so I want to be succeeding with maintaining my weight by then. Also this will be my reward for success - so I want to be wearing a "real" swimsuit by then!

Until next time - stay healthy and believe you can!

Week 17 - Weight Watchers

So far so good. I hope that I'm adapting to this new lifestyle and hoping that I can stick to my guns.

My weigh-in this week was: -2.2 lbs.
So my new weigh-loss total is -29 lbs.

Getting there.
I feel it.
I see it.
I hear about it.
I talk about it.
I am living it.

A lady approached me on Tuesday and commented on how great she thought I looked.
She asked what I was doing - so I shared with her that I was on Weight Watchers.
Her return comment was something along the lines of "Oh, I've done that plenty of times. I loose it and it just keeps coming back. I guess it just doesn't work for me?"
I mentioned to her that maybe she's at a different stage in her life, where she isn't ready for the commitment? She told me that she's a lifetime member - so I asked her if she still goes to meetings and she said no.

I know that I'll probably always need to go to meetings. I need to be held accountable for what I am doing otherwise, one slip-off will become two slip-off and then before I know it I'll just give up because I caught myself "sliding" and that's easier and more fun. ( wink wink)

Of course this isn't easy - Of course this takes time - Of course there's a chance I'll stop and gain it all back ... but do I want to live off of "what ifs" and negativities? No - I'll take my chances and keep learning - because I am learning, lots.

My family has been great! My spouse and children have been so supportive - I just can't thank them enough! I have them try out new menu items, foods, cooking techniques, and over and over again they hear me talking about calories, fat, fiber, points, etc... Gotta love them!!
But they've assured me that its ok as long as the stuff isn't disgusting or tasteless. So far so good.
We've been trying out new things and so far they like what I end-up proposing and actually like eating it too. Awesome family!! Its so good to know that I'm not alone and that I don't have to make exceptions in cooking for myself.

Well we have a big weekend ahead of ourselves our two boys are in a hockey tournament this weekend. So should prove to be interesting - I'll have to ensure to pace myself in choices and accessibilities (ex. snacks; water; proper meals; etc.).

So until next time - live healthy!

Week 16 - Weight Watchers

Well yesterday was the start of my second session.



My weigh-in from 2 weeks ago had me down -1.2 lbs.
So my new weigh-loss total is -26.8 lbs.

I've noticed that my Thursday afternoon sessions do make a difference.
Not having a weigh-in last week showed me that I tend to slack-off a little more since "no one will know but me" attitude takes effect.

So I paid for my second session because for me - I need this support.
I couldn't quite understand why people needed to have someone else weigh them in order for them to quick off the weight. I just wasn't getting it - but now having chosen this new lifestyle, I get it. In reality, we are all human and we need to be held accountable for what we do - and if that means that we need someone to watch our weight, what a genius ideal!

Weight Watchers is a genius - probably an easy money making ideal at the time - that just turned out to work wonderfully. Thank goodness they didn't just take the money and run cause this program really works!

Ok - I have to go now, but until next time, be happy and live healthy!

Week 15 - Weight Watchers

Well "Happy 2008" to all!

No weigh-ins this week - ekk?!
No enough people confirmed for our representative to make it in.
Wow - I'm feeling a little weird about that ~ not being able to know how I'm doing for a whole other week...

I'm unsure as to how I did this past week since I consumed a lot of wine New Year's Eve.
Fruit wine to top it off! Plus its the first time since I started Weight Watchers that I consumed so much. I used up all of my 35 extra points plus another 3!! I consumed more this week then I did even over Thanksgiving and Christmas!!

Most people I believe probably enjoyed the Christmas holidays and started relaxing then. I didn't start relaxing till after... It was probably not till New Year's Eve ~ Day that I really started slowing things down for myself. It was indeed a hectic time for the family: visiting; trying to make sure to touch bases with everyone; keeping the family in check; keeping up with the house (ensuring food is made; cleaning; making sure the dog is still alive; etc... LOL).

I noticed that my eating choices aren't very good late in the evenings and when I'm under pressure/stress. I had to work late on Wednesday (Jan 2/08) and when I was coming home I was already stressing about what I wanted to eat. When I got home, my selection wasn't the greatest and (you know what) at that point I didn't really care. Then on Thursday (Jan 3/08) I was supposed to leave work early (didn't happen) so because I was upset and stressed since I was trying to get stuff done so that I could leave - my water intake wasn't consistent (like I drank nothing at work) and if I hadn't only brought healthy food selections, I would have chosen the "junk" first.

So what does this mean for me - it's showing me that "Yes" lifestyle does have an impact on my health. Not only do I have to eat better, I also have to live a better lifestyle. Avoiding stress and upsets will indeed help me stay focused ~ easier said then done, I know! But I have to start somewhere.

So my next "little step" will be to happy. I have to stay focused. I can't always be so worried about what's surrounding me; how I can make everything (or everyone) better. I have to invest in myself - no one else will.

Like I heard in a presentation once: Treat yourself like you would treat your car.
If you know you need "gas" then stop and get some.
If you know you need an "oil change" then get one.
... You can't keep expecting your "car" to take you everywhere if you don't take care of it.

Ok, so that's my blog of the week.