My Food Scale “Is No More. It Has Ceased To Be.”

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My little food scale finally died on me today after nearly 4 years together.

My little food scale – one of the most important tools in my weight loss efforts — finally died on me today after nearly 4 years together.

Sad news this afternoon. My trusty food scale weighed its last grams of kale. After trying three 3 different batteries, I’ve finally accepted that my food scale is no more.

Out of all my kitchen tools, gadgets and appliances, the only two I’ve used more than my food scale these last 3-1/2 years are the refrigerator and stove.

That’s just how I roll.

I picked up that little Weight Watcher’s scale at the start of my journey in 2012. Too bad it couldn’t make these last 20 or so pounds.

Tossing it in the trash seems like a dishonor. After all we’ve been through a lot these last few years. Perhaps a viking funeral is in order. That’s certainly better than this (NSFW).  Actually, the Pythons have the best send off:

Weekly Weigh In: Shed 3 Pounds To Close Out Great Week

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I capped off an awesome week with a weight loss of 3 pounds. That pushes me into the 180s! The march to the 170s begins now!

I capped off an awesome week with a weight loss of 3 pounds. That pushes me into the 180s! The march to the 170s begins now!

When I stepped on my doctor’s scale mid-week, I was so happy I entered the 180s. But the next day I started worrying about my weekend weigh-in.  Ah…I hate the fact that damn scale still can do this to me. Since I talked with my doctor about setting a goal weight, I’ve got numbers on my mind. So it is understandable, but I can’t let it dominate (i.e., derail) me.

Anyway, I worried about today’s weigh-in. At 189 pounds I barely snuck into my new weight range. I could easily go back into the 190s if I didn’t keep my focus.

Well thanks to a lot of running, walking (the weather gods were kind to me), and listening to motivational podcasts this week, I kept that focus and tracked everything.  Thanks to that constant vigilance, I did some course correcting before potential problems hit (man, I love cream in my coffee). The result, I lost 3 pounds this week.

At 187 lbs., I am firmly in the 180s now…but don’t intent to stay their very long. My new mini-target is 179 lbs. Why? When my weight reaches 179, that means I’ve lost 45% of my total weight since this journey began. Just 8 more pounds then onto the next mini-target. Yay!

The last time I took an “after” photo, I was 30 pounds heavier. So I think it’s time to take new measurements and a new “after” photo. Nothing takes away the power of the scale like photography and a good old fashion tape measure.

Weekly Weigh-In: Fat Loss Continues; Down 1.4 Lbs.

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I ended February on a high note, losing 1.4 pounds. For the first time this year I feel like I'm mentally in the weight loss game.

I ended February on a high note, losing 1.4 pounds. For the first time this year I feel like I’m mentally in the weight loss game.

I end February strong. Not only did I lose 1.4 lbs. this week, but my intermittent fast is going great. As of January I’m down 5.8 lbs. which brings my total weight loss to 133 pounds. My weight loss may be off to a slower start than expected this year, but I finally feel as if I’m once again firing on all cylinders.

I’m tracking and measuring everything. My daily activity is high. I just need to remember to wear that blasted Fitbit to track my steps.

Each Saturday, I refrain from eating and drinking anything until after my Weight Watchers weigh-in and meeting. This week I worried a little, because water and coffee are the only things I can consume until noon, due to the semi-fast I’m now doing. Despite the lack of liquids, my stomach didn’t make a peep during the meeting. No hunger pains after, and no growling. Just a general feeling of awesomeness. Read More

Weekly Weigh-In: Breakthrough! Down 3.5 Pounds

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Thanks to a bit of detective work, I'm down 3.5 lbs. this week.

Thanks to a bit of detective work, I’m down 3.5 lbs. this week.

I’m finally going in the right direction. At Saturday’s weigh-in I lost nearly 4 lbs. this week. Sweet! What changed? I played detective. I didn’t make any changes in what I was doing other than tracking and measuring everything. After 3 days I analyzed my food log and quickly found the problem.

My Morning Cuppa’ Joe
I’m brand spanking new to drinking coffee, but it quickly became a morning ritual for me. No, I don’t drink those sugar/carb-laced monstrosities from Starbucks. I only drink what I make at home. That way it’s healthy. Ha!

How can coffee stall my weight loss? It doesn’t have any carbs and is zero points. Plus coffee has a ton of health benefits. Read More

Weekly Weigh-In: Got My Game Face On

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I'm up a few pounds this week. Time to kick things into high gear as I implement my Dots & Blots rewards to motivate me for the last 60 lbs.

I’m up a few pounds this week. Time to kick things into high gear as I carry out my Dots & Blots rewards to motivate me for the last 60 lbs.

While I finished 2014 strong, I didn’t reach my goal of weighing 195 lbs. by December 31st. Sadly, as of today I’m actually up a few pounds.

The good news is I’m still in Onederland, but not by much. Thankfully the holidays are over. That means no more treats. No more parties.  Just time to get serious about losing my last 60 lbs.

My game face is on. Today I’m preparing for my new Dots and Blots rewards system (starting tomorrow). That means I’m menu planning, prepping my food for the week, and mapping my workout schedule.

The hardest thing on my activity list:  Squeezing in my 5K training and daily 5+ mile walks.

Burrr…its sooooo cold out! Thankfully we get a little relief next week as the weather’s suppose to reach the upper 30s and lower 40s. Practically balmy!  If it holds, then I can get my 3 runs and 6 walks in. Otherwise it’s off to the treadmill with me — something I loath.

I’m aiming to earn 50 dots next week. If I’m successful, I’ll be half way to getting my dumbbell charm.

Weekly Weigh-In: What’s My Ideal Weight?

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Lost 2 pounds this week as my efforts to put distance between Onederland and 200 lbs. continues.

Lost 2 pounds this week. But where does this adventure stop? Is 130 lbs. still my ideal goal weight?

I dropped 2 lbs. last week and that means I’ve lost 40% of my total body weight. Yep, I’ve lost 130 lbs. in a little less than 3 years. I’m so much closer to my goal weight, but with just one small problem.

What is my ideal goal weight?

For some reason, I set my sights on weighing 130. I have no idea why. Given my height, Weight Watchers’ ideal weight range (subscription required for link) for me is 124-155 pounds.  At least my target goal was in the ballpark.

So how does my loose skin factor into setting my goal weight? I’m estimating I’ll have up to 10 pounds of loose skin to get rid of via plastic surgery.  But when losing a lot of weight, you’re not suppose to have plastic surgery until you’ve reached (and maintained) your goal weight.

For the time being, I’m still comfortable with a goal of 130 lbs. I just don’t know if I should stop losing weight when I hit 140 and then see where I end up after a tummy tuck. Of course, my body may decided that 150 lbs. is a healthy stopping point.  Ugh!

Most likely I’ll chat with my doctor during my next physical to see if we can come up with a plan that makes sense for me. For now, the march to lose weight continues.

Weekly Weigh-in: Close To Losing 40%

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I'm down nearly a pound this week. Thanks to my Thanksgiving menu, I've extended my stay in Onederland...and I have no intention of ever leaving!

I’m down nearly a pound this week. Thanks to my Thanksgiving menu, I’ve extended my stay in Onederland…and I have no intention of ever leaving!

I’m late in posting my latest weigh in results. I’ve had a lot more errands that needed to get done, like that special 2-hour trip to the DMV. The news is good on the weight loss front: I’m down about a pound…actually 0.8 lbs.

Funny thing, I was nervous stepping on to the scale this Saturday. I’d miss my last two Weight Watcher meetings – one because of a horrible traffic jam and the other due to post-Thanksgiving duties. I had no clue if I did well on Turkey Day or not.

I know I always talk about not fearing the scale. But it is amazing how that fear kicks in when your confidence is napping. Turns out the fear was silly (as is usually the case when stepping on the scale). I’ve extended my lease in Onederland. Now it’s time to buckle down and go for those squatter rights.

At 197.2 lbs., just 2.2 pounds more and I’ll have lost 40% of my total weight when this little journey started. Woo hoo!

 

Weekly Weigh-In: Dot In Onederland

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Oh, what a beautiful sight! I was so excited this morning that I did something I don't normally do -- I jumped on my home scale prior to my Weight Watchers meeting. I just had to know if I landed in Onederland.

Oh, what a beautiful sight! I was so excited this morning that I did something I don’t normally do — I jumped on my home scale before my Weight Watchers meeting. I just had to know if I landed in Onederland.

Since July I’ve set my sites on Onederland – that wonderful mythical place that all of us fatties dream about. I haven’t seen Onederland for nearly 25 years.

Today felt like Christmas. I woke up excited and I couldn’t wait for my Weight Watchers meeting. I don’t use my home scale that often, but this morning I couldn’t help myself. And sure enough, I finally reached the promise land – “Under 200 lbs.”

I ran down stairs and told my husband, who gave me a big hug and wisely told me to get to my meeting and lock it in before I drink or eat anything. Smart man.

Celebrate Success, But Don’t Lose Site Of The Ultimate Goal
When I stepped on the home scale this morning and saw the 198.5, I ran for my iPhone, got back on the scale and took a picture before leaping for joy. Imagine my surprise when I got to Weight Watchers and saw I was really at 198.2 lbs. — that extra trip to the bathroom helped a lot! Read More

Yummy Egg Dishes Will Fill You Up

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Nice thing about sauteed veggies -- you can cook them ahead of time. Just reheat either in a microwave or on the stove before adding them to an omelet.

Nice thing about sautéed veggies — you can cook them ahead of time. Just reheat either in a microwave or on the stove before adding them to an omelet.

I love eggs! To me, the egg is the perfect food  and just so dang good for you.  Back in December I actually thought about shaking up my breakfast and looked for recipes that didn’t include eggs.  Ha! I soon came running back to the incredible, edible egg. Yes, it’s just that good.

Right now I’m mining Dana Carpender’s amazing 500 Low-Carb Recipes for some tasty egg dishes. This week I tried her curry scramble and the Denver Omelet.

These dishes are low carb, delicious and filling! Start your days with either of these meals, I guarantee it will keep you full until lunch time and even then, you’ll want a light lunch. Read More

Weekly Weigh-In: Onderland, You Tease!

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Onederland here I come! Just 0.8+ lbs. shy of finally weighing less than 200 lbs. I think I hit it next Saturday.

Onederland here I come! Just 0.8+ lbs. shy of finally weighing less than 200 lbs. I think I hit it next Saturday.

Just got back from my weekly weigh-in at Weight Watchers. The good news: I lost 2.8 lbs. this week, putting my total weight loss at 125 lbs.The bad news? I’m 8 ounces shy of Onederland.

Ugh…so close. But next week is it! I’m going to finally dip below 200 lbs. Of course, I’ll need a plan to stay in Onederland. I don’t want to be evicted after Thanksgiving. With the holidays coming up, my plan is to weigh between 190-195. That should give me enough cushion to stay in Onederland through December.

I’m working on my Turkey Day menu today and will post it tomorrow. It’s just the hubby and I this time around so I expect to stick to my 20g of carbs/day routine.

I’m only serving turkey, an almond-bread based stuffing and one veggie dish. As for dessert, the hubby gave me go ahead to skip the pie and go with a low-carb chocolate pudding (recipes coming soon!).

Now I just need to work in 2 glasses of wine into my 20g. Decisions, decisions…

To keep my mind preoccupied on Turkey Day, I plan to watch the Mystery Science Theater 3000, one of my all-time favorite shows. The Turkey Day Marathon starts at noon on YouTube.  Nothing like bad movies with wisecracks from Joel, his robot friends (who make any bad movie delightfully watchable), and the whole Satellite of Love gang. Strangely enough, I just can’t eat anything while this show is on…pretty cool.  Hmmmm…must be all those bad movies.