8 Tips for Choosing a Fitness Buddy

A partner can boost your weight-loss success.

You know the old saying, "Two heads are better than one?" Well, that holds true for weight loss, too. Working with a partner to eat right, exercise and solve problems can boost your chances of weight-loss success.

"Having a partner can be incredibly beneficial," says psychologist Joshua Klapow, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In order to benefit from having a weight-loss buddy, however, you need to pick the right person. Partnerships work best, Klapow says, when the following hold true:

A partner can boost your weight-loss success.

You know the old saying, "Two heads are better than one?" Well, that holds true for weight loss, too. Working with a partner to eat right, exercise and solve problems can boost your chances of weight-loss success.

"Having a partner can be incredibly beneficial," says psychologist Joshua Klapow, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In order to benefit from having a weight-loss buddy, however, you need to pick the right person. Partnerships work best, Klapow says, when the following hold true:

You have similar behavior goals
Your buddy system will work best if your goal — to exercise four times a week and eat on plan, for example — matches your potential partner's goals.

You have a similar commitment to eating right and exercising
If you are very serious about losing weight and your partner is wishy-washy, the partnership won't work.

Your schedules mesh
You can't jog together easily if your partner works days and you work nights.

You agree to reinforce positive behavior and offer each other lots of praise.
"If a new behavior is not reinforced, it won't stick," Klapow says.

Jealousy won't be an issue
Good buddies are supportive even during weeks when one loses weight and the other gains.

You exercise at similar intensities
An effective partner not only shares your activity, but also does it at the same intensity as you. If you walk fast and your buddy dawdles, someone will have to change speeds.

You see each other in person
Pairing up with a buddy online or over the phone can be helpful, but Klapow says that face-to-face partnerships are more successful.

You do more than just form a buddy system
Losing weight with a friend is just one of the strategies that leads to weight-loss success. You'll multiply your chance of succeeding by following other proven strategies as well, such as writing down what you eat and charting your physical activity.

If you can't find the perfect buddy in your circle of friends and acquaintances, look in your community. Post a buddy-wanted note at work, church, social organizations or the local parks and recreations department. Or consider approaching someone you see at Weight Watchers meetings or someone you know from the Message Boards who lives in your area (be sure to take safety precautions when meeting a stranger). "You'd be surprised at how many people who are doing this alone would be happier doing it with a partner," Klapow says. "Someone has to take the initiative."

You'll both be on the road to weight loss in no time.

Article By: Alice Lesch Kelly Orginally Posted: http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=4&art_id=13511&sc=3039#Story

So Far So Good....

So far today I'm doing pretty good. It's almost 3pm and I still have 20 points... this weekend, since I'm use to having my flex points I'm working on an hour to hour basis... paying super close attention to my eating, points total, and staying on program.

So far, so good...

Flex Points Gone

I didn't finish all my flex points yesterday, but I did today! The rest of the week is going to be strictly to my daily points... no extras. I think I'll be exercising for the rest of this week for extra points.

These leftovers are kicking my butt.

How are you all doing?

T-Day Is Here! Are You Ready?

Well it's almost 12:30pm, and I haven't had a meal yet - but somehow I've already used up 16 points. I can feel it already, today's going to be challenging! I've been trying to count everything, including tastes and nibbles. I think for lunch I'll have a salad with a little turkey on top. For sure I'll be using of not all, most of my flex points today.

Every thing is pretty much made and ready to eat, I stayed up super late last night preparing everything. Now I just have to go pick up some tights, clean up a little and set up my table. This year I'm going to use all my vintage glass wear. I'm excited about that.

Whatever you're doing today... Happy Turkey Day to you. Remember, a holiday is just that ONE DAY not one day plus the following weekend.

Challengers, hang in there... WE CAN DO THIS!

Choosing2Lose's 12 Pounds of Christmas Challenge

Feeling Great...

I got up this morning and forced myself on the treadmill... it wasn't so bad once I was on it. Gave me some time to think and prepare for my day. When I got off I was super energized and ready to rock once I got to work.

I thought about a few things when I was on the treadmill...

I got on the scale this morning, mine is sometimes wonky but gives me an idea of where I am within a pound, sometimes even closer... either way, I got on the scale this morning - it said 181.5! I weighed in at 183.6 last weigh-in (on Thursday)... my starting weight was 196.2 so that means I'm down 14.7! I think for sure I'll be getting my 15 pound marker next meeting, I can't wait.

I started thinking about why this time is different from my other attempts. I'm actually doing it this time. I'm actually losing weight and sticking to my journey! I think this time I'm looking at it differently. When I go to meetings I take the time out from my day actually sit there and listen to what the leader has to say. Since I have a busy schedule, my meetings are really my only ME time. I think that's why I've keep it so hush-hush about me attending meetings. I want them all for me, my time.

I listen to what the leader has to say, but also I've changed the way I eat... I think healthy and getting the most out of my points (most days). In past attempts I was still going to fast foods, trying to convince myself a whooper jr. was really just a small 6 point hamburger. Since I restarted I haven't even thought about fast food, there really isn't anything there for me... and if there is, the servings are too small. Not worth the points.

Aside from WW people, or my healthy friends... everyone either laughs or looks at me crazy when I say I'm making it a healthy Thanksgiving this year. They assume all I'm having is turkey and salad... funny thing is I don't even have salad on my thanksgiving menu right now. I don't think I will add it either, it's a holiday... I don't want a bowl of lettuce with turkey sprinkled on top. I want the good stuff, except healthier. There are a few things I won't be making healthy, like the cheese cake, cookies, and peach cobbler crisp. What I am doing is making myself a crustless pumpkin pie, the cheese cake if I break it up into a pan of 24 cupcakes comes up to I think about 3 points (I'll have to calculated it again). The cookies are to take to Ross' mother's house... and the peach cobbler crisp is for Ross.

I'm making the cranberry sauce with splenda, the veggie sides should be okay... the only fattening thing is the stuffing, gravy, and cornbread. I'm skipping over the casserole dishes like macaroni and cheese. I'm sure all the fattening stuff will be at Ross' mothers... so I'll eat healthy at home and just nibble at her house.

I feel good and confident I'm going to make it through this holiday on-program.

NOTE:
CHALLENGERS 1 WEEK DOWN, TIME TO CHECK IN PLEASE CONTACT ME TODAY BY COMMENTING THE BLOG, EMAIL, OR YAHOO GROUP TO TURN IN YOUR LOSSES (or gains).

Feeling Good...

I think I'm going to shake this Plateau! I think what I have been doing wrong is when I calculated how many points I should be getting I counted myself has a 1/2 housewife... instead of giving myself 2 points for housework I gave myself 1... even though I do all the housework at home, and for my mother's apartment I still work 24 hours where I sit mostly on my butt, and I go to school for 5 more hours where I'm also mostly on my butt. Okay so I gave myself 1/2 credit for being a housewife... but also have been counting my cleaning as activity points... so I've sort of been non-aware cheating myself... I think.

So this week I stopped counting those points. I got on the scale this morning... and it said at first I was down 1.6 then the next three times (with in minutes) I got on the scale it said I was down 1.1... I'll take either one! Hopefully, by December 4th I'll be down at least two pounds.

I went to bed super late last night, so I couldn't wake up in time to workout... I should of went to bed early. So today, as soon as I get home - before I do anything else... especially turn on the computer, I'm going to do 30 minutes on the theadmill, I have to get into the habit of NEEDING to work out everyday... I can do it, I know I can. I did it with my walks here at work. Up until recently, I use to walk at least 20-45 minutes every other day. At lunch before I had my lunch I would go for a walk, somedays I didn't want too... but went anyway, even if I just went for a walk around the block - I would still go, even if I wasn't feeling good I would still go. Sooner or later before I realized it, it just became habit - and if I didn't go for a walk I felt off the rest of the day.

Recently, my schedule here at work changed, so I can't go for walks at lunch time... it's been about two weeks now - I'm still adjusting.

Hopefully, I'll get around to making a video sometime soon... I don't think tonight, I'm thinking possibly Wednesday or Thursday early in the morning when the Turkey is in the oven.

Sunday...

I usually post earlier in the day, but I waited because I had plans to make a video today but I don't think that's going to happen. I didn't end up going to Ross' this weekend, so I spent the weekend cleaning and preparing for Thanksgiving...

I pretty much have everything I need for the cooking Thursday... well actually I'm going to start the cooking on Wednesday night. I'm hoping to have all the sides done by Wednesday night and leave the Turkey for last.

Today, I started my workout routine... did 30 minutes on treadmill. It's almost the end of the night for me and guess what... :)

I still have flex points left!

I usually run out by the end of the weekend. I'm not going to weigh-in next week... my regular day to weigh-in is on Thursday so that means Thursday (Thanksgiving) I'll have a fresh new set of points to work with... my next weigh-in is promising...

Once I get organized I'll be posting my Thanksgiving Menu and it's Points Value.

Well, I've better get going now... for all the Holiday Challengers... remember Tuesday is check in... make sure to comment here, the yahoo group, or email me your weight directly... dietsodadivaATyahooDOTcom.

Holiday Eating and Exercising

'Nothing exceeds like excess," observed Al Pacino's character in the movie "Scarface." When it comes to healthful eating, holidays seem to have a monopoly on post-celebratory condemnation. What we all need is a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for all of the guilt we pile on ourselves! It is possible to reconnect with the fun of food and holiday fetes without feeling as if we should beach ourselves at the shores of the closest reservoir. Thanks to fitness writer Suzanne Schlosberg and Minneapolis lifestyle coach Kate Larsen for the following ideas and suggestions:

- Don't deny yourself or skip meals. If you watch others enjoying food and drink while nibbling on a rice cake, you will go bonkers and overindulge later. Go ahead and enjoy small portions of all the goodies. Also, it is unwise to skip meals in order to save up for the big feast. Eat some healthful foods before the party.


- Move. No, you don't have to organize a post-feast marathon around the neighborhood; but throughout the holidays, set yourself up to do more walking. In the mall, walk through and check out all the stores before shopping; take after-dinner walks; park a few blocks from the shops; organize walks at lunch with co-workers. Movement gives us a sense of control and helps us maintain some of our conditioning. Walking also provides some stress control. Post-holiday, when you get back into your normal routine, you won't feel so defeated.

- Avoid temptation. The office is a spider's web of overindulgence during holidays. Take a more healthful alternative to work so that high-calorie snack breaks are minimized

- Take smaller portions, eat slowly, and stop when satisfied. Try smaller helpings of a variety of foods. Try some foods that are unfamiliar so that you will concentrate on flavor rather than just wolfing it all down in one gulp. Enjoy conversation while eating to slow things down; try speaking a complete sentence between bites. Finally, when you are full, stop. This is not as easy as it sounds, but if you eat half of what is on your plate and take a short break, you may be surprised to find you don't want any more food.


- Go easy on the alcohol. Alcohol stimulates the appetite and numbs your reserve. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver. Once the liver is engaged, blood sugar drops, which stimulates hunger.


- Get your sleep. Shopping, travel, social engagements, family stress — too often all of this exhaustion comes across as a need for energy (calories) when what is really needed is rest.


- Celebrate the holiday spirit. Pay more attention to relationships with friends and family than to food. Stay involved in social interactions and conversations so that mindless munching doesn't become the focal point.


- Don't strive for perfection. Instead of trying to maintain the pre-holiday health routine, stay flexible. Plan on being 80 percent healthy instead of 100 percent. Maintain a consistency with your normally healthful eating and exercise habits, but don't make yourself crazy trying to adhere to high standards. Have fun and enjoy these annual indulgences without beating yourself up in the process.

- After the holidays, you should be able to look back and reflect on the fun. Did you enjoy or just survive? Enjoyment is far more important. We can always get back on a healthful eating and exercise schedule. Time spent feeling guilty and miserable is lost forever.

By Linda Buch Oakland Tribune Correspondent Originally Posted: http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_10986923?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com

A Gain? WTF!?

For the past 4 weigh-ins I've stayed the same 183.2, 183.2, 183.0 and this week it was 183.6. Double Wammy, not only did I stay at 183.something I had a gain! WTF?! I did pretty good with my points and my water. This is frustrating.

But I'm not going to give up. The Holiday Challenge just started and I refuse to give up. I got journaling down, water down... now my focus is going to be exercising and following the guide for healthy living... getting enough fruits/oils/proteins everyday.

I'm changing up my breakfast... everyday I have a Weight Watcher's Shake... this week I'm going to have real food for breakfast and have the shake (required dairy) some other time in the day.

Yesterday, I got all my water in, 2 fruits and both oils. No dairy.

Today I'm going to do even better... I'm going to have more fruits and vegetables. Today, I've had a cup of carrots so far... that's 1 down and 4 more to go.

Next week, due to the holiday - I'm not going to be able to weigh-in until the day after Thanksgiving... F^$* that! I'm not going to weigh-in the day after I'm most-likely to use a lot, if not all of my flex points... hell no! I've already had a big blow to my self-esteem by having my first gain this week... I don't need a 2nd blow the following week. So I'm waiting until December 4th to weigh-in.

These two weeks I'm going to work on getting more workouts in and eating more veggies/fruits and also getting my needed oils in. I think I'm going to go back and read my Weight Watchers Book 1 - Week 1 handout again.

This week I need to sit down and get busy writing out my Thanksgiving Menu... I've decided to get totally Weight Watchery on Thanksgiving... offering my family a healthier/lighter meal. I don't think my mother's crazy about the idea... and neither is Vi... but so what. I'm not trying to get crazy over the holidays and I'm the one that's going to be busting my butt in the kitchen doing all the cooking.

Well, that's my rant for the day... I might be posting some healthy, points-friendly Thanksgiving recipes tomorrow and early next week.

Happy Losing...

Did I What?

It's the holiday season and aside from great high point foods comes nosy relatives/family friends with no tact that think it's okay to ask questions like: When do you plan on getting married? Do you plan on having more children? Are you STILL in school? Or the worse... Have you gained weight?

For me a 32 year old single mother... if Mr.Right would of already proposed to me... don't you think I'd be married by now?! DUH!? More children? With who? Or do you expect for me to add a baby to plate along with raising a teenage daughter, caring for a crazy old mother, full time work, and school? WTF?

Anyway, I was reading an article a few weeks back in the Oakland Tribune that addressed what to answer in these situations... I thought I'd share one of them with you... what to answer when you're asked: Have you gained/lost weight?

Here's some answers you can give:
- Yes, I have.
- I was hoping nobody would notice.
- Yes/No, Same old diet roller coaster.
- (Lost) I had a 12-year old surgically removed from m back last week.
- (Gained) I just started buying pants that make my butt look big.
- (My favorite) Why do you want to know?

Some of these answers might work at your holiday table... some might get you in a bit of trouble... depending on who's asking and who's table you're at... lol Good Luck this holiday season.

Day 1, PreWeigh-in and All That Good Stuff...

This hasn't been one of my best weeks but I'm hanging in there... and still have hope for a loss.

Yesterday was the first day of the challenge. I didn't do as good as I wanted. I went over my points by 9! Only got half my water in and wasn't able to exercise in the morning like I had planned.

I got up at 5:14am got my workout clothes on. I was pumped ready to go... then I couldn't find my running shoes. They were hiding...

The upside to yesterday,I did go over 9 points - well there is no upside to that, but on the other hand I did have extra water this week so that sort of makes up for yesterday's lack of water. My day was pretty busy so morning time was my only chance to get on the threadmill - but I did get lots of walking in, including walking a mile up a mountain to get to my daughter's school - on the street/dirt/grass. They don't have sidewalks up there. It took me 30 minutes to get up there, by the time I got there I was ready to let myself fall on their front lawn.

Tomorrow is weigh-in and today's a new day! So far so good... I'm with in my points. I've been getting on the scale it still says 183.something. I hope that's not the case tomorrow... if so I'll just have to try a different approach. I'll really have to get tough and make a menu for the week.

The scale is working my nerves but I'm gonna be patient. I have a feeling something is happening, even if the scale doesn't want to say.

I use to have these favorite pair of low-rise jeans. I wore them all the time, until they got didn't want to rise anymore. I could get them on, but my butt and belly would hangout when I sat down. I stopped wearing them... but for whatever reason never threw them out.

This morning, running late with no clean clothes I went in my closet and grabbed a pair of jeans not knowing which ones they were. They didn't feel familar, the jeans were falling off. No falling off because my butt and belly were pushing them off... but falling off because they were too big. I checked in the mirror, and they were my old jeans! I was happy they fit again... I thought they fit perfect now... my butt and stomach were staying in... but as I got moving and finished getting ready I realized I couldn't leave with out a belt... they kept slipping down to my hips! That was a good feeling.

As I mentioned before I was running late this morning, so another morning with out a workout - but as soon as I get home I'm jumping on the treadmill... I made it a point to find my shoes before I went to bed last night.

DietSodaDiva's Holiday Challengers

On your mark, get set, GGGGOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! And we're off! DietSodaDiva's Official Holiday Challenge has started. We have 50 days to reach our goals. And get through the holidays on program. Check in with us weekly to see our progress!

Name: Amy
Blog: http://onemoretimediva.blogspot.com
50 Day Goal: TBA

Name: Brittney
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SmileWithUrHeart
50 Day Goal: Lose 16.5 pounds

Name: Hollie L.
Blog: http://skinnyhollie.com
Location: Tennessee
50 Day Goal: Lose 10 Pounds

Name: Jen
Blog: http://pabstfamilyjs.blogspot.com/
50 Day Goal: Lose 20 Pounds

Name: Kelly S.
Location: Wisconsin
50 Day Goal: Lose 20 Pounds

Name: Krista
50 Day Goal: 15 Pounds

Name: Lisa
Blog: http://senseieyes.blogspot.com/
50 Day Goal: Lose 10 Pounds

Name:Rosie
Blog:http://dietsodadiva.com
Location: California
50 Day Goal: Lose 12 Pounds

Name: Sars
Blog: http://runsarsrun.blogspot.com
50 Day Goal: Lose 13 Pounds

Name: Shelly
50 Day Goal: Lose 16.2 Pounds

If for some reason your information hasn't been included and you would like to participate please email me asap... also if anything is incorrect or information you do not want shared please also email me asap I will make sure to change it or take it down.

It's The Last Dance, It's Your Last Chance...

Okay it's not the last dance... or your chance to lose weight... but it is your last chance to join in all the festive fun going on around here... your last chance to join DIETSODADIVA'S HOLIDAY CHALLENGE!

It officially starts tomorrow! So you have until midnight to contact me and let me know you're in.

If you haven't already - there is still time to join! Just email me your information and I'll add you to the list. Information I would like is the following:

Name - Of course we need to know what to address you as.
Nickname if any - if you would prefer to be referred to as that
Blog Address if any - so we can add a link to the challengers post, anyone who visits this blog and follow your progress on your blog.
Current Weight - to know your start weight.
Address - I plan on mailing out certificates and possibly prizes one the challenge is over, regardless if you make it to your challenge goal.
Before Picture - nice to see a before and after picture for comparison.
50 Day Goal - to know what your aiming for.
Biggest Challenge Staying On Program - so we can get an idea of how we can help you stay on track.
Suggestions, Ideas for This Challenge, For Other Challenges... if any. Feedback is always welcome.

Minimal information I really need for you to participate:

Name
Current Weight
50 Day Goal

All or any information that you do not want posted on DietSodaDiva.com please let me know - I will respect your wishes and not post it. You don't even need your name posted to participate in this challenge.

I think that's it... tomorrow morning I'll be making the Official Challenger Entry posting pictures weigh goals, etc...

Get ready people to see a whole lot less of us in the new year!

Happy Losing...

DWLZ.COM

I can't believe I haven't told you about 'Dotti's Weight Loss Zone' before. It's a kick ass website with all kinds of great information... it's privately owned by Dotti and ran by her and her husband. It's years and years of Weight Watcher's stuff lists, recipes, etc... all in one site. I use and find that site more useful than WeightWatchers.com. I think she also has a forum, but I've never joined... I might check it out one day. I guess I've never told you about it because I use assume everyone already knows about it... but recently I realized new to Weight Watcher's people might not have heard of it yet...

Dotti Rocks! And her site is def a Weight Watcher classic... if you're following the program she's a must see...

This sounds like a commercial for DWLZ but I swear I AM NOT A PAID ACTOR! Just an admirer.

Anyway... the link is http://dwlz.com

A Cold and Being Overweight Connected?

Is it true that being overweight can raise my rick of catching a cold?

Possibly. Extra pounds can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off illness. And if you do get sick, you're more likely than someone at a healthy weight to develop complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The good news? You can boost your immune system with exercise. One study found that womn who take a 45-minute walk 5 days a week are 3 times less likely to geet a cold than women who don't work out. But should you exercise when you're sick? It's safe to work out when you have a cold, but not when you have flu symptoms, such as body aches and chills.

Taken from Weight Watcher's Magazine November/December 2008 Issue

It's A New Day

Yesterday, what was I thinking? I used up 27 of my flex points. Those are suppose to be saved for the weekend! Now I only have about 8 to use over the weekend. Good thing for exercise... I think I'll do an hour of cardio both Saturday and Sunday that'll earn me about 3 extra points per day if I go at medium intensity. Actually 3.59 I'm tempted to round it up to 4 but naw, I'll stick to the 3 points.

I've been under a lot of stress, and I think stress causes me to snack and snack and snack. Yesterday, I had everything from cheese sticks to chocolate dipped tootsie rolls! Definitely not a balanced day, the only
good thing I did yesterday was added 3 more cups of water to my regular 6.

The great thing about today is... today is a new day!

I'm back in control and on track this morning. I got on the scale and it said 182... even though my scale is always off from Weight Watcher's it's still nice to see it go down or at least move. I don't want to spend another week at 183. I'm hoping the extra water flushes out some of this weight. Could happen... right?

I need to remember to pack my workout clothes to take with me to Ross this evening. Tueday's the start of the challenge, so I'm not going to workout on Monday to give myself a day of rest before the challenge starts. I am pumped about this! I'm aiming to do 60 minutes of cardio 5 days a week... that would be 15 activity points a week... if I go at medium speed. Now, if I speed it up it'll be 8 points per workout. (YOOHHHOOOO! I could use those 8 points.) I think what I'll do is start one week at medium speed then do 15 minutes of faster speed and 45 at medium and every week move up slowly until I'm doing a full hour on a high intensity level. I don't want to overwork myself or worse injure myself.

Well, I've better get going now. I wish you all a losing weekend on program and chat with you soon...

DAMN YOU ONE-EIGHTY-THREE!

I seem to be stuck at the same weight for the past three weeks... for two weeks I was 183.2 then today I weighted in again the same, but then noticed the scale was off balance... so the leader re-weighed me and I was 183.0 aaggghhhh still 183.something! aaaggghhh! It's very frustrating but since I blogged my food journal I realized this past week I lived on Weight Watcher shakes, cheese sticks, and Fiber One bars! Not a very balance.

This week, especially with the challenge starting Tuesday I'm going to work on balancing my food better, getting more oils in, and drinking more than my required water. I think now that I've sort of plateaued I'm going to start taking measurements too, but just of my waist - that's where I'm most concerned.

I already started the DietSodaDiva Challenge yahoo group... so if you send me your information to join the challenge, you should of already gotten an invitation... of not please contact me here or by email ASAP so I can get that sent right away.

I'm excited about the Challenge finally starting... aren't you?

Feeling A Little Blah...

I'm feeling a little blah today. I think it's a mixture of everything; the weather, what's going on in my life right now, and not having a loss last week... I just feel blah.

Tomorrow is weigh-in, and I'm sort of whatever about it. I've done pretty good this week I got more oils and exercise in then I have in the past... which is a good thing. I should have a loss but I'm not nervous, excited, or worried about it like I usually am.

I'm going to stick to my points today, finish my water, and try to get a good nights sleep...

I didn't post my Monday's Food Journal yesterday because I did a video entry (hope you all enjoyed the video)... so I'll be posting both Monday and Tuesday's Food Journal today:

Monday
1 Weight Watchers Chocolate Shake Mix - 2pt
1 Cup Fat Free Milk - 2pt
1 Smart One's Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffin - 4pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Lean Cruisine Ranch Flat Bread Sandwich - 7pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Blackberry Yogurt - 2pt
Pizza - 7pt
1/2 Lean Cruisine Steak Sandwich - 3pt
Cake Crumbs - 2pt
Celery - 0pt
EXERCISE POINTS +3pt
-------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL - 31pt


Tuesday
Monday
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Weight Watchers Chocolate Shake Mix - 2pt
1 Cup Fat Free Milk - 2pt
2 Cheese Sticks - 4pt
2 Fiber One Bar - 4pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Cheese Sticks - 2pt
1 Cheese Sticks - 2pt
Weight Watcher's Garden Vegetable Soup 2 Cups - 0pt
1 Cheese Sticks - 2pt
1 Pear - 1pt
2 Servings of Pineapple - 3pt
EXERCISE POINTS +6
-----------------------------------------------------
TOTAL - 27pt

Yesterday, I should was loving Cheese Sticks and Fiber One bars! Today I'm going to try to have a little more balance. Yesterday, I worked out a full hour plus went for a walk to the store. Today I didn't get up early enough to work out, but I'm going to try to get at least 30 minutes in today. I need it... the stress is building, good thing is usually I love the binge when I'm stressed - this time as soon as I thought about binging I remembered my points and I would have to put everything in my journal. I remembered I already went crazy with the cake on Friday so I don't have enough points to binge... thinking about Weight Watcher's and keeping up my journal helped me move my thoughts away from eating.

On to other news... Tuesday's the day... DIETSODADIVA'S HOLIDAY CHALLENGE starts! Are you excited? For those of you who are participating you should of already gotten an invite email from me to join the Challenge yahoo group... if you didn't get one please email me asap and I'll send you a link to join.

I'm super excited about this. I started exercising this week so I'll be in the mode by Tuesday. I also went to the store yesterday and picked up a few things to start getting prize packages together. They didn't have what I was looking for - but I still have time to get it together. Ideally, I would like to send everyone a little something for making it through the challenge... I just might be able to do it because right now there's under 10 of us.

I feel great about the challenge. It's really going to help having that extra support to stay accountable during the best food time of the year.

The invitation to join the challenge is still open... so if you're interested drop me an email at dietsodadivaATyahooDOTcom.

Weight Watcher's Vegetable Ssssssoup

Happy, Happy Monday

Next week DietSodaDiva's Holiday Challenge starts, so I decided to be proactive and start working out now... so that when the challenge starts I'll be semi-conditioned to workout everyday.

I got up this morning earlier than usual and got my butt on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I did 30 minutes of powerwalking, and walked a distance of 1.83 mile(s)... which is odd but I walked my weight. I walked 1.83 and I weighed 183 my last weigh-in.

Anyway... I think this week I'm gonna do good. I got on the scale this morning and I weighed in at 182.5 which means I'm down .7 from my last official weigh-in. I'm expecting to be down about a pound on Thursday. I'm excited... that means if I'm down a pound I'll only have 11 more pounds to lose during the challenge.

My challenge goal is going to be to have a total loss of 25 pounds... but I'm gonna try real hard to get there by Christmas (a week early).

I am pumped and excited about the Challenge, about staying on the Weight Watcher's wagon, about exercising, and the holidays.

Exercising this morning really woke me up... I feel alive and happy. Why didn't I think about working out in the morning before?

I might be making another video tomorrow... I have an idea and hopefully it works out. I'll also probably be creating the Challenge yahoo group today... I'll be sending you all invitations.

Well, here's what I had yesterday (didn't hit my quotas - but I did stay within points):

2 Corn Tortillas - 2pt
3 Egg Whites - 1pt
1 Egg White/2 Slices of Thinly Sliced Sandwich Ham/3TBS of Salsa - 1pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Cheese Stick - 2pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Cup Fat Free Milk - 2pt
1 Weight Watcher's Chocolate Shake Mix - 1pt
4 Slices of Thinly Sliced pizza - 14pt
2 Slices of Thinly Sliced Sandwich Ham - 1pt
EXERCISE 75 MINUTES SLOW WALK +3pt
---------------------------------------------
TOTAL - 25pt

I make it through the weekend on points! Now for the rest of the week I don't have to suffer by cutting my daily points down... yyeeaaahhh!!!!! I feel GREAT!

I Made It!

I didn't hit all my fruit and Veggies, etc quotas... but I did stay with in my points this weekend! Well, I still have a few more hours until bedtime... but I think I'm going to make it!

I also got on the scale this morning and found that I'm .2 lighter - it's not much but it's motivating! I got 75 minutes of walking in today. We walked to the local Goodwill... now that I'm on a losing streak I don't want to spend too much money on new clothes since I'll be leaving them behind soon. I've been doing a lot of secondhand shopping lately. After that Vi and I walked to the grocery store and then walked to meet my mother for pizza. After dinner we walked home.

Here's what I had yesterday:
3 Egg Whites - 1pt
Cheap Lunch Meat Ham/Salsa - 1pt
2 TSP Oil Canola - 2pt
6 Cheese Sticks - 12pt
3 Fiber One Bars - 6pt
1 Cheese Stick - 2pt
1 Weight Watchers Chocolate Shake - 1pt
1 Cup Fat-Free Milk - 2pt
Exercise Slow Walk 50 Minutes +2
---------------------------------------
TOTAL - 25pt!

Yesterday, I was sure loving my Cheese Sticks... huh.

Back to the secondhand... I brought a belt that was M/L lately especially this year I've only been able to buy XL... I also brought a Large button down sweater that a couple of months ago wouldn't have fit me... little by little, more and more I'm starting to fit into more and more larges... this feels GREAT. I love it! Total NSV!

So, how did you do this weekend?

It's Saturday

I think staying the same this week has gotten me a little bumped. I'm motivated to lose weight but I'm drawing a blank on what foods to eat. I think I need to go through some of my old journals and see what I had those days... I lost 6 pounds in week one... I'm go see if I have my journal from that week.

Yesterday, I lost control with cake... today I've had 6 cheese sticks and 3 fiber one bars. I'm down to 5 points for the rest of the day. I think I'll do a shake and focus on getting some veggies in. Tomorrow's a new day. It's already close to dinner time and I haven't even finished my first three cups of water yet. Bad me...

Here's my journal for yesterday. I was bad... oh so bad...:
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Weight Watchers Chocolate Shake Mix - 2pt
1 Cup Fat Free Milk - 2pt
1 Serving Strawberry Yogurt - 2pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
1 Servings of Frozen Corn - 4pt
Butter Spray - 0pt
Smart One's Peanut Butter Sundae - 3pt
1 Plum - 1pt
1 Fiber One Bar - 2pt
2 Egg Rolls - 13pt
Pineapple Cake - 9pt
Lemon Cake - 19pt

Exercised slow 24 minutes +1pt
-------------------------------
TOTAL - 59pt used 34 Flex Points

I didn't get my oils in, only a few of my fruits/veggies. I did however finish all my water and milk.

I was doing so good until that patient came with homemade egg rolls and 1/2 cakes for each of us made from scratch... darn that woman!

Today's a new day but I still feel blah and unmotivated. I'll make it through today on program, not sure I'll get all my veggies in, I did get all my oils in... and I'll get my dairy and milk in. But most importantly I will stay with in my points today. I refuse to go over my points this weekend...

I'm going to go look for my week one QuikTrak journal and see what I ate that week to do so good. I'll be back tomorrow to update you on how I did today.

I did it!

I did it! Yesterday was my first day going Back 2 Basics... I got both servings of oil in, all my veggies, milk and water! I also stayed with in my points!

It wasn't that hard. I just kept an eye on what I was marking off at the bottom of my tracker.

Here's my intake journal for yesterday:
1 Footlong Roasted Chicken Sandwich (Subway) - 12pt
2 tsp Olive Oil - 2 pt
2 Fiber One Bars - 4pt
1 Weight Watcher's Chocolate Shake Mix - 1pt
1 cup Fat Free Milk - 2pt
3 cups of Carrots - 0
1/4 cup fresh lime juice/salt - 0
----------------------------------
Total - 25pt

I'm aiming to do the same today. Except I won't be spending 12 points on a sandwich. I did however spread that sandwich out over the course of a few hours.

I think I'll post my journal this whole week... after that it might become too repetious and also takes up time I could be looking up recipes or something.

It's Friday! I hope you all enjoy your weekend! DietSodaDiva's Holiday Challenge starts in 10 days! So if you haven't gotten your information to me do so asap. I'll be setting up categories and stuff possibly this weekend. Also the Challenge yahoo group should be set up this next week. I didn't want to create it too soon. I'm excited about this.

At first I was aiming to be at 20 pounds by Christmas, but I think I'm going to aim for 25 pounds... that means I have 7 weeks to lose exactly 12 pounds... that's a little under 2 pounds a week. I should start exercising this week - shouldn't I. Ross is going to start his program the same day we start the Challenge. He's not overweight, he's focusing on toning up and losing that extra little body fat he's claims he has.

This weekend we wanted to make homemade tortillas, menudo, and biscocitos... but we're going to hold off on getting carried away and make only one of those, probably the menudo. Or maybe a Weight Watcher's dessert. He feels he's gained this week... he stayed the same weight wise but says his body fat went up...

It feels so good to be back on program and having the support I need really helps. Even though I'm not anywhere near my goal weight, I feel good... I don't cringe that much anymore when I look in mirror. I'm already starting to feel better about myself.

Okay, now I think I'm babbling - so it's time to sign off for the day. Happy Friday and I wish you all a losing weekend!

Back 2 Basics

I weighed in today, and stayed exactly the same.

Instead of feeling discouraged I'm still inspired by Tuesday... so it's back to basics for me. Lately I've been really splurging over the weekends and try to make up for it on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before my weigh-in, this week I did the same thing with the water.

Yesterday, I drank 18 glasses of water. The day before that I had 12... I need to get my food and water in check and organized. I also need to add oils and more exercise.

There's about one more week until DietSodaDiva's Holiday Challenge begins - I want to start it on the right foot... so this week I'm going to tighten my tracker up and make some intake improvements... I might start posting my journal also - to keep me accountable.

So far today I'm doing okay... I get 25 points a day, and so far I've had 20 - so I might have some veggies and a Weight Watcher's shake for dinner. I'm going to try not to use any of my flex points until this weekend... I even had my oil intake for the day. I need to have three more fruits or veggies, the shake will cover the milk and water I've had about two servings. I think I'll hit all my food quotas for the day... yeeaahhh me!

TOGETHER WE CAN...!

Last night was amazing. The media announced our soon to be 44th president... my guy, Barack Obama!

(I'm going to keep this short and non-political as possible...) Barack Obama is a man who reached not only his goals last night, but also filled the dreams of many minority Americans in the United States.

Against many odds - not just in this presidential race, but also in his life he will now be living his dream. If an ordinary man can accomplish what he has at such a young age, that is very inspiring and motivating for me to continue working toward not only my educational and career goals but also my weight loss goals.

If a minority kid from Kansas can grow up to be President of the United States... one of the most powerful countries in the world - I can shed these 60-something pounds!

It's the eve of my weigh-in and this hasn't been a horrible week - nor the best... but I'm excited and motivated and want to hurry and get on that scale. I can do this, even if I just have a tiny loss or no loss at all week. I have found new inspirations, a new surge of motivation, I want this and I can do this, I can and will reach my goals.

And guess what... SO CAN YOU!

Weight Loss Stifficulties

Holidays Here We Come...

1 Holiday down... 3 major ones to go...

For me my birthday is the pre-gateway to the Holiday Season and Halloween is the gateway... I'm officially in the Holiday Season! It's time to start thinking about my holiday menus. What am I going to make for Thanksgiving? Turkey of course... what about the sides?

Christmas - a two day celebration for me... What to cook? What to bake?

New Years... the eve if full of good foods, but the actual day is starting program all over and straight and narrow.

I did okay on my birthday. I made it through that week with a loss. Halloween... I've had worse weeks so I have to say for the 'candy' holiday and weekend I did pretty good. I went over 12 points and used up all my flex points. I'll make those up before Thursday. It's been raining here, so there's no walking outside - I might have to hop on the treadmill sometime this week.

I do all the cooking at my house for Thanksgiving, so that meal will be pretty controlled. The only problem is that I'll be having two Thanksgiving meals. An early one at my house, and a second one at Ross' mother's. So here's my plan. Usually by the time I get done cooking I'm too tired to even sit down and enjoy my meal. I'll make the turkey and only a few sides. A carb (okay maybe two with the rolls), a veggie, cranberry sauce, and a dessert. Maybe I'll toss a salad too. I'll have a good amount of points to spent at my BFM's house.

Christmas - she's making Tamales - and I told Ross that I can go help her with those. I won't cook on Christmas Eve. Growing up Christmas Eve wasn't really celebrated at my house until mid-night. My mother and grandmother use to spend the day shopping and dropping off other's gifts. I'll do cooking for Christmas at my place.

I asked my mother if she had any ideas. She said Chicken Mole, and Vi wants to make Tribal Taco's which won't be a lot of cooking. I don't want to do the traditional Turkey or Tamales this year. I wanted to try something different. If I make Tamales at my house I won't have ANY control. I LOVE TAMALES! So along with the Chicken Mole and Tribal Taco's... I'll make a salad and dessert.

I'm tempted to use WW recipes for my holiday desserts this year. To take to my BFM's house since she follows WW too, I think I'll make regular cookies and a WW dessert for her. She'd like that.

I think it's a good idea to start thinking about the holidays early and having a plan of attack - or non-attack on the food we'll be cooking or being served. For the meals I'm making before I make them I'll be figuring out points to be on the safe side.

On to other non-holiday news. I'll be working on and hopefully have a new video posted tomorrow. Tomorrow is also another big day for me. I'll be voting for the first time. I'm excited, this is a very important election. Not just for the presidential candidates but also for the propositions that are on the ballots. So if you haven't already... get out there and vote. You're vote does count!


DietSodaDiva's Holiday Challenge is starting in less then 2 weeks. Ladies are you excited? So far we have 7 Challengers. Here's who they are:

Hollie L. (need your info)
Amy S. (need your info)
Richelle
Krista (need your info)
Jen
Lisa
Rosie B. (me)

Ladies, you'll be hearing from me this week. I'll be emailing you invites for the Holiday Challenge Yahoo Group I'm creating. It'll be just the 7 of use where we can better keep each other accountable.

If you haven't already - there is still time to join! Just email me your information and I'll add you to the list. Information I would like is the following:

Name - Of course we need to know what to address you as.
Nickname if any - if you would prefer to be referred to as that
Blog Address if any - so we can add a link to the challengers post, anyone who visits this blog and follow your progress on your blog.
Current Weight - to know your start weight.
Address - I plan on mailing out certificates and possibly prizes one the challenge is over, regardless if you make it to your challenge goal.
Before Picture - nice to see a before and after picture for comparison.
50 Day Goal - to know what your aiming for.
Biggest Challenge Staying On Program - so we can get an idea of how we can help you stay on track.
Suggestions, Ideas for This Challenge, For Other Challenges... if any. - because feedback is always welcome.

Minimal information I really need for you to participate:

Name
Current Weight
50 Day Goal

All or any information that you do not want posted on DietSodaDiva.com please let me know - I will respect your wishes and not post it. You don't even need your name posted to participate in this challenge.

Well... I think I've ran my fingers long enough this morning. I wish you all a losing day and week. Chat with you soon...

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups ice cubes
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk
1 Tbsp smooth peanut butter
1 squirt chocolate syrup

In a blender, combine all ingredients; puree until smooth.
Pour into a tall, chilled glass.

POINTS: 3

PER SERVING: 135 Calories, 5 g Total Fat, 1 g Saturated Fat,
2 mg Cholesterol, 72 mg Sodium, 20 g Total Carbohydrate,
2 g Dietary Fiber, 5 g Protein, 82 mg Calcium

Quickies That Are Good...

Quickies That Are Yummy

Sometimes life is a balancing act for me. I have to juggle everything on my plate, doing this - sometimes neccessties become luxuaries like having time to cook.

Being on Weight Watchers cooking is somewhat of a neccessity unless you don't mind living on prepackaged meals. I don't mind prepackaged here and there, but I can't do it everyday... so lately I've been trying to come up with quick and easy (healthy) things I can throw together to eat, for either a snack or meal.

Here are two I came up with over the weekend... and as I think of more I'll be sharing them here.

- This can either be for Breakfast or a mid-morning snack. Three scrambled egg whites cooked using cooking and butter spray. Served with a bit of Old El Paso Chunky Salsa... so good and only 1 point! The salsa is about 10-15 calories per serving you can count it as a point if you like... I don't if I use just a serving. (MEAL OR SNACK 1 POINT)

- I didn't use to be a rice person especially spanish rice, but my boyfriend is a big spanish rice person - I think it's starting to rub off on me. Mix 1 cup spanish rice, 2 oz of chopped up chicken, a serving of El Paso Chunky Salsa... Mmm so good! (MEAL 7 POINTS)

That's all I have for now... but I'll be posting more soon.