No More Excuses...

The other day I was reading Tony's blog (theantijared), he was hosting a give-a-way. Tony gave away all his excuses. I decided not to comment and try to win any of his... I've got tons of my own.

His entry really got the my wheels turning and thinking about all of my excuses... When I started this journey back in September I was on program, but not exercising. My excuse was that it was cold out and I didn't have anywhere to exercise (but I have a treadmill in my living room). I finally started using my treadmill for exercise instead of a coat rack... then it broke, so my excuse was my treadmill was broken and for safety reasons I couldn't walk/run outside in my neighborhood.

The no exercising grew into not sticking to my eating program, and my excuse changed to THE HOLIDAYS! Due to the end of the year holidays it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to stay on program. The holidays ended January 1st but my holiday excuse continued on until February!

In February I subconsiously let my holiday excuse go, but since then I've been using my daughter and everything else that's going on as an excuse... STRESS! That's been my excuse... and as long as I keep believing I can't stay on program due to stress I don't be able to stay on program.

I decided yesterday morning after I weighed in one pound heavier than last week (the gain was well deserved) that I am throwing away my excuses. I'm not going to even attempt to host an excuse give-a-way... I'm just going to toss them outside in the big trash dumpster in the back of my building.

Yesterday was a good day. My day started super early. My meeting topic was great and really hit home. I'll have to write about that another day. Yesterday I kept saying to myself NO MORE EXCUSES which worked to stay away from the snacking at my mothers, the temping candy and junk I came across while out shopping... In the end yesterday I ended up dipping in to my flex points. I'm going to try and not use anymore over the weekend or limit myself to only a few a day today, tomorrow, and Sunday.

However my exercising was great. I got 30 minutes of walking in and my total steps for the day were 16,032 which equals to 6.58 miles and earned me 4 activity points.

BTW I returned my Weight Watcher's pedometer at my meeting with no hassle... they just handed me a new one... which was super great! I love my Weight Watcher's pedometer.

Today I'm doing pretty good... the only mess up was the three mint leaf candies I had... they are so good, but so not worth the 3 points they cost me. Water wise I'm right on target. Yesterday, I only had two glasses of water - so today I'm working on getting some extra in. I've drank 4 glasses of water already, and I've walked 4598 which equals to 1.88 miles.... my goal everyday is walk 5000 steps... which is totally easy during the week and sometimes done by lunch time... but the weekends it's a challenge getting that walking in. If I'm spending it with Ross we usually spend the weekend in bed. This week I'm going to get my 5000 in everyday... including this weekend that I spend with Ross. Also this week my goal is to get a 30 minute hustle walk in five days. I got yesterday, and today while Victoria is at soccer practice I'm going to get my 30 minutes in walking over there to pick her up. I might try to get a walk in this weekend so I can skip a weekday next week.

I'm back on program, I'm not allowing anymore excuses in, and I feel great!

Happy Friday!

Journaling Exercise #4

SHARE, SHARE, SHARE

Think about which emotions trigger negative reactions that can and have sabotaged your weight-control efforts. Now think about alternative strategies for handling those emotions, then draw up a plan for what you'll do instead of using food as an emotional crutch in the future.

Comment here or blog about it and leave me your link in the comments.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Looking Forward...

I'm looking forward to tomorrow... tomorrow's weigh-in and a new week. I don't have much going on here... still a lot going on with my daughter, but we're getting things back in order.

Friday we found her a soccer team which is good. She's always been a soccer player but never played for a league... this is her first league team so she's pumped. I'm happy for her, I think soccer will get her mind of everything and motivate her to exercise and watch her diet. She's been doing a lot of stress eating - I think we both have... so she's put on some weight while I've just been maintaining.

Yesterday we went and got her some of her needed accessories. I finally got myself a new pair of running shoes. I hadn't brought a new pair in about 8 months... the last pair I brought I think was in July! It was def time, mine were run down the padding was falling out... not from the bottom of the shoe but the sides from the inside. I know I'm was abusing my feet for wearing those and working out in them, but I haven't really been in a while... I got a decent pair of Starter running shoes for $17.99 down from I think $49.99... not bad, huh... cheaper than Payless or Walmart.

I was happy with my shoes then I got home and seen that my darn Weight Watchers Pedometer had resetted itself so all the walking I did that morning over 7500 steps was erased... after messing with it a bit I realized the darn thing was broken. Yesterday marked a month I had it... so hopefully they'll except it back tomorrow when I take it into my meeting. The pedometer I know won't last forever but for $22.00 or whatever I paid for it... it should last me more than a month.

Today I'm okay... feeling a mixture of emotions... I can't wait for tomorrow. Right now I'm going to use my lunch break to write out a menu for next week. I'm going to try to get my daughter on board with the healthy menu eating.

Happy Wednesday

Journaling Exercise #3

STASH HEALTHY SNACKS IN THE RIGHT PLACES

If you typically hanker for a snack while driving to the office or working at your desk, keep healthy choices within arm's reach. Then, once you teach your destination or have a moment for a break, you needn't go out of your way in search of something healthy. What else can you do on the job to keep the healthy theme going?

Comment here or blog about it and leave me your link in the comments.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Saving The Week

Saving The Week
I refuse to do another post about how it's Monday and I am 'back on track!' I'm tried of getting 'back on track', I need to just keep my ass on track then I won't have to keep getting back on it.
My weeks for a while now have been going like this: Thursdays and Fridays I'm good, on track,program, eating clean... whatever you want to call it. Saturdays and Sundays are spend totally off track and program - fast foods, rich homecooked food, etc. Then Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are spent trying to get back on track and save the week hoping that Thursday morning the scale will take mercy on me and either give me the same weight from the week before or a smaller number.
It wasn't like this in the beginning... around the holidays something shifted and I've been stuck here mostly between 181 and 185. 6 months and only 10 pounds down. I want to see the positive in this, and say I'm happy with my 10 pound loss... but I'd be lying - not only to you but to myself.
I don't feel like I'm beating myself up... I'm just going to stop with the excuses. I was reading a blog the other day and the blogger I can't remember who, it might of been Tony (theantijared) was said that many people want to lose weight but don't want to change their lifestyle... they want to cut portions but not change the type of food they are putting in their body and end up falling on their face.
Basically, like me. I want to go to McDonlds. Instead of having a Big Mac I'll order a Hamburger... but a Hamburger doesn't fill me up, I'm left hungry... at the end of the day I end up going over my points. The 6 points I spend on a little hamburger I could have a chicken salad with a light dressing and possibly still have points left over. The salad would probably be a heck of a lot more filling than the hamburger.
I need to work on changing the way my mind and cravings think and work. I need to work on slowing my roll and thinking before I order. I've been meaning to make a handy little fast food cheatsheet to carry in my purse with me, so when I go the fast foods I know already what's low in points and what I'm going to order.
So today I'm back on track. I don't know if saving the week is possible. The only thing I do know is that I'm doing pretty with points today, I'm stocked with vegetables at home... I need to up my water drinking and I plan on walking this evening for at least 30 minutes.
I've been doing pretty good this week with my walking... except for this weekend I couldn't measure it because Saturday I had a dress on, and Sunday I wore my pajamas most of the day.
My PB2 came today... I'll save my review comments for my next video... I'll make possibly tomorrow.

You Can Achieve Anything

You can have anything on earth that you want, once you mentally accept the fact that you can have it.

If you want success, begin thinking of yourself as a success.

The feeling of being successful has to come first.

If you have a deep inner conviction that you will always have all that you need, if you actually feel prosperous, it will be so.

The only think that stands between you and what you want from life is simply the will to pursue it and the faith to believe that it is possible.

Only you mind sets your limits.

Journaling Exercise #2

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU'RE FAMILY CAN HELP

To remind family members of your weight-loss goals, literally post a "closed" sign in the doorway of your kitchen. It will remind you that you are done eating for the day. Whare some other ideas for gently reinforcing to others what you're trying to achieve?

Comment here or blog about it and leave me your link in the comments.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Journaling Exercise #1

SHOW YOURSELF SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Success breeds success. To help yourself maintain your motivation or your newly slimmer status, display a picture of yourself that you love or a certification of what you've accomplished in a place where you'll see it regularly. What other ways can you sing your own praises?

Comment here or blog about it and leave me your link in the comments.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Take-Aways #21

- THINK OF THINGS YOU'D WANT TO DO IF YOUR WEIGHT WEREN'T AS ISSUE: Wheather you want to go sailing, learn to salsa, or travel to faraway places, keep in mind activites you've longed to try but haven't because of your excess weight. This will provide a built-in incentive to slimming down.

- DONATE SWEETS TO A WORTHY CAUSE: When fund-raisers come around, with people selling cookies, candies, or other confections, buy as many packages as you'd like and donate them to a charitable organization that will distribute them to people who'd appreciate them. That way, you won't feel guilty about not supporting the cause - or about eating the goodies.

-- DON'T HIDE UNDERNEATH YOUR CLOTHES: Wearing baggy outfits may feel more comfortable when you're overweight, but they can keep you in denial about your weight. It's better to wear clothes that fit well to remind you of your long-term diet and fitness goals - and of the slimmer you that you want to be.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Take-Aways #20

- PUSH YOURSELF TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE: As you're slimming down, make an effort to try new activites that you wouldn't have tried when you were heavier. Discovering how much you enjoy new experiences will bolster your resolve to keep up the good work.

- BE REALISTIC: To set yourself up for success in the weight-loss department, aim to acheive a weight that's realistic and healhty for you, given your stage of life, your health, your activity level, and other facets of your life.

-- CHECK IN WITH YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM REGULARLY: Talking with people you trust about challenges you face can help you keep things in perspective and stay on track as you pursue your goals.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Take-Aways #19

- LET YOUR ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS: Take way the bowls of chips and nuts, get rid of the hunk food in your cabinets or pantry, and put a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen table. This way, you'll have healthy choices staring you in the face when you're hungry.

- ASK FOR SUPPORT EVERYWHERE YOU CAN: Be specific and tell family members or friends what they can do to support or assist you as you head toward your goals.

- EXERCISE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING: Getting in a workout before the official start of your day helps to ensure that you make time for exercise - and beginning the day in such a healthy way can inspire you to stay on track with your eating all day long.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

New Week, New Beginnings.

I know I start over a lot. But really I'm not because in 6 months I've been back on Weight Watchers I haven't given up... I just go through weak moments/days. Saturday and Sunday were some of those days. With everything that's been going on at home lately I think I'm going into an emotional shock. So drained my mind doesn't even know where to go or how to focus instead I spend it eating.

This weekend it wasn't that I couldn't control myself. I didn't even try... I however journaled everything instead of just giving in to complete freestyle eating.

As you might of guessed I'm back to detoxing for the next few days. I need to try to save this week... I went over 42 points during the weekend. If I lose on Thursday I'll allow myself to move on to phase 2 of the Fat Smash Diet... if not then I'll finish off another round of detoxing. I knew I went over, just not 42 points over.

We're going through a rough patch at home. But when we get through this (and we will get through this), it will only bring my daughter and I even closer together. I'm emotionally drained and this weekend just brought on a new wave of draining... but regardless I need to learn to separate my food intake/cravings from my emotions.

Today I feel stronger. I'm still hurting inside, but I am determine not to let this pain destroy me completely. I refuse to allow this pain to destroy the 6 months I've put in to get this weight off.

So far I'm on program today and detoxing and I feel better already. I used 3 points for Breakfast and 1 point for snack. Lunch is soon... I'm having beans - 6 points worth. My snacks until I get home is fruit and yogurt.

I can do this! I will do this!

Take-Aways #18

- BUDGET FOR SPLURGES: If you enjoy snacking in the evening, at the movies, or any other time, you don't have to give up these pleasurable experiences if you plan for them ahead of time.

- DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP ABOUT BAD EATING DAYS: If you seriously overindulge on a particular day, look at it as a minor setback and get right back on track with your get-healthy plan at the next meal or the next morning.

- PLAN YOUR MEALS: When you plan what you're going to eat ahead of time - by packing a lunch to take to work or preparing dinner in advance - you take the guesswork and spontaneity out of eating when you're ravenous.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

Take-Aways #17

- DON'T EAT WHILE WATCHING TV: If you do, eating becomes mindless, and before you know it, you can have eaten too much - without even really enjoying, or truly noticing, what you're consumed.

- BUILD UP YOUR EXERCISE GRADUALLY: Even if you can walk for only five or ten minutes without stopping at first, continue to put one foot in front of the other and take breaks as needed. If you listen to your body's comfort signals and increase your time or distance slowly, you'll be able to condition your heart, lungs, and muscles without risking injury or burnout.

- KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR: As you navigate the weigh-loss journey, try to see the humorous side of things, whether it's marveling at how healthy your new ravings are, how your bod is changing, or how you've become hooked on exercise.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

DIETSODADIVA'S 1/2 ANNIVERSARY GIVE-A-WAY WINNER(S)

Well, Wednesday's give-a-way wasn't as popular as I thought it was going to be... lol I got two entries... I had decided earlier but didn't announce it that I would be giving prizes to the first entry and possibly to the second and third if I have over 30 entries plus the random winner. But since I only got two entries I will be sending prizes to both of them!

CONGRATULATIONS JENNI AND CARRIE!!!

Jenni's blog is Nenni's World (http://nennisworld.blogspot.com/)

Carrie's blog is Newlywed Gal (http://newlywedgal.blogspot.com/)

Go check them out... both have pretty fun blogs!

ATTENTION JENNI AND CARRIE: Make sure to email me your mailing address to dietsodadivaATyahooDOTcom.

Happy Friday Everyone...

Guess Who's Back On YOUTUBE?!?!...

Happy 1/2 Anniversary DietSodaDiva.com!

February was a month of turmoil. A lot of confusing and sorting out in my home. Now I'm back on track with my weight-loss and I'm starting to feel good again. So it's a time of picking myself up and dusting myself off.

Part of that is getting organized. If you know me, you know that I'm always working on one project or another... so it's time to close out the finished projects and get the current ones together again. Two of the finished projects are the two challenges I've hosted so far... DietSodaDiva's Holiday Challenge and DietSodaDiva's Getting HOTT By Valentine's Day Challenge. They're done so now it's time to get out the promised prizes. I've been collecting little goodies here and there to send out packages to the participates... now it's time to get started. I don't have everyone's address as you can tell from the list below... if you're not isn't listed I don't have your address so if you'd like your prize package please email it to me.

On my list:
Hollie L.
Krista C.
Richelle R.

Now for the good stuff... THE GIVE-A-WAY!

Today marks 6 months I rejoined Weight Watchers and revived DietSodaDiva.com after letting it go 2 years ago. In these 6 months I've met some pretty cool people, and have come across some fabulous blogs. As a thank you to you for following along with me on this journey and always offering your advise, tips, etc... I would like to give you something. As I'm getting the prize packages together for the challenge challengers I'll also be getting together a special package for YOU! As of right now I'll be giving away one prize package of weight loss/fitness goodies. All you have to do to play is leave me a comment on this entry and you'll be entered to win! You have 24 hours exactly to comment so that means you have until Thursday at 3:03pm PST to enter!

I'll be announcing the winners on Friday - March 6, 2009!

Take-Aways #16

- SET A 10 PERCENT MILESTONE: If you have a lot to lose, instead of setting your signs on achieving your ultimate goal, which can feel overwhelming, aim to lose 10 percent of your weight at a time.

- THINK HARD ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT: If you jot down a list of your primary reasons for wanting to slim down, you'll have a handy source of inspiration when your motivation begins to flag.

- START A GRATITUDE DIARY: Each day, jot down three to five things you're grateful for in your life in a special diary. When your spirits flag or you're in the midst of an especially aggravating day, paging through your diary can bolster your mood and your resolve to stay on track with your goals.

Originally printed in Weight Watchers Start living, Start losing.

10%HICS CHALLENGE - Day 4 and Other Goodies

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I slightly went off my detox... I had chocolate milk with my salad. I didn't want water and they didn't have any caffeine-free diet drinks so I went ahead and had a chocolate milk.

I don't think I've had chocolate milk in years, it was sooo good like a milk shake. I did go off my detox but I'm okay with that, I stayed with in my points. Actually, at the end of the night I was under by 5 points! The detox phase isn't so bad. I miss meat - but I’m almost done with this phase. Friday's my last day. Phase 2 allows I think poultry and fish, that's mostly what I eat anyway. I feel good and on program. I got on the scale this morning and am down 3.6 pounds. My scale like I've mentioned before is sometimes nice to me but if I keep this up I can at least expect a 3 pound loss on Thursday. Being on program this week makes me feel like I've gotten my 2nd weight-loss wind.

I've made a new discovery at Subways that isn't too bad... a Veggie Delite Salad. It's only 1 point for the whole salad minus the cheese. I count it as 1 point because of the olives. The crotons are 2 point per bag, and the dressing are a point per packet. 4 points you have a super filling dinner. Yesterday when Vi and I went to Subways I asked for dressing, they had ran out of the Low-Fat Ranch in the packages but had some in a squirt bottle. The girl wanted to put in on the salad herself. I asked her to please put it on the side. She said she didn't have anything to put it in. I told her anything would be find... the wrap paper they use for their sandwiches, even a napkin - just not on the salad. She rolled her eyes and said she couldn't do that. I told her find she can squeeze some in my hand... her co-worker heard and suggested she put some in a soup bowl.

I was going to explain to her why I needed it on the side, but then I thought to myself... and remembered I am the customer. I am paying for this there for I shouldn't have to explain my reason for such a simple request of having the dressing on the side. Subways in my area now have tip cups... she got no tip!

I've been meaning to inform you since I posted about my Baja Fresh Nacho situation... The Chicken Nachos from Baja Fresh are 2020 calories, 108 grams of fat. The upside is they also have 35 grams of fiber... but it doesn't make much of a good think when you're dealing with 108 grams of fat! Just thought I'd let you know just in case you're in Baja Fresh one day and aren't sure what to have DON'T HAVE THE NACHOS!

Here's a some reasonable items from their menu that are under 10 points:
Tortilla Soup without Chicken (220 cal/12 g fat/3 g fiber) - 5
Tortilla Soup with Chicken (270 cal/12 g fat/4 g fiber) - 6
Baja Ensalada, Charbroiled Chicken (310 cal/7 g fat/7 g fiber) - 6
Baja Ensalada, Savory Pork Carnitas (370 cal/18 g fat/7 g fiber) - 8
Baja Ensalada, Charbroiled Shrimp (230 cal/6 g fat/6 g fiber) - 4
Mahi Mahi Ensalada, Charbroiled Fish (310 cal/12 g fat/10 g fiber) - 6
Side Salad (80 cal/3 g fat/3 g fiber) - 1
Baja Fish Taco, Breaded Fish (360 cal/17 g fat/3 g fiber) - 8
Grilled Mahi Mahi Taco, Charbroiled Fish (340 cal/13 g fat/6 g fiber) - 7
Original "Baja Style" Taco, Charbroiled Steak (310 cal/11 g fat/3 g fiber) - 7
Original "Baja Style" Taco, Charbroiled Chicken (280 cal/8 g fat/3 g fiber) - 6
Original "Baja Style" Taco, Savory Pork Carnitas (320 cal/14 g fat/3 g fiber) - 7
Original "Baja Style" Taco, Charbroiled Shrimp (280 cal/8 g fat/3 g fiber) - 6

March 4th is my 1/2 year anniversary being back on program and back to weight loss blogging. So in honor of that, I have a surprise for you Thursday. I'm not telling until then, so you'll have to come back and see what it is.

CURRENT WEIGHT: 186.6
GOAL WEIGHT: 177.2
AIMING DATE: April 30th, 2009

10% HERE I COME SOLO CHALLENGE - Day 3

I think I did okay yesterday... I however have fallen behind in my water so I need to catch up today. Also since I didn't exercise Friday I need to make up for that exercise today... my goal is to workout 5 days a week. I have 1 workout in so far.

Yesterday, I was under my daily points range by 4 which is pretty good - I need to make up for the 10 I went over on Friday. Now I have 6 points left to make up. I'm sure I'll be able to do that by the end of the week.

Today I'm going to work on doing the 1 missing workout and my water. If we ever get ready today we're planning to walk over to the secondhand... I need to get some walking in today to make my 5000 step quota.

I'm good so far points wise, I've had a cup of plain yogurt and 4 egg whites so far. I think in a bit I'll have a cup of beans and maybe for dinner I'll have a Subway's Salad.

I have lots to do today, or have lots I want to get gone today and it seems today is slipping by. I've better get going...

Happy Sunday and Happy Losing!