PMS Sabatoge

Alright Ladies, spill the beans...how do we combat the oh so powerful, hormonal waves that create an appetite to rival King Kong's.  Tuesday was the day of the bottomless pit.  Thank goodness it only lasted one day.  I did what I could to maintane my self-control.  I only ate when I was hungry(ie ALL DAY), I ate controlled portions and I waited 20 before scavenging my surroundings for the next morsel. I ate fiber rich, high protien, low carb, low fat foods but at some point that just wasnt gonna cut it.  I cant even begin to recount all the snacks I sampled as the day went on.  I do remember ending the day with 3 squares of Ghiradelli Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter and being damn glad I did it.  See I could be proud of my indulgences because I did it in a controlled fashion.  I could have eaten the entire large candy bar but I stopped myself at 3.

My weekly weigh-in didnt go so well either.  THis could be due to a scale discrepancy seeing as I was housesitting this wk. But the fact of the matter is that I took my "Eat Whatever The Hell"  want Sunday a little too far, esp when I extended to Monday and pretty much started on Friday, haha.  So it should have been no surprise when the scale went 3 lbs in the wrong direction. Another possibility is the famous PMS bloat, but I will take responsibility for my over indulgence and learn not to do that again.  The truth...and some self-disciple...will set me free.

On a more positive note last weeks discovered weight-loss inspired me to get back on the dating scene.  I took the fashioned route and signed up for match.com, haha.  The immediate feedback was more than encouraging...some would say ego boosting.  I paid for my membership at 7am Wed and had a date on my calendar by 1230 pm same day.  Labor Day weekend was busy busy busy for my as I crammed 3 dates with 3 men into 3 days (w/ 2 on Monday, hehe).  Fun was had on all occasions but nothing is developing (or looks like it will) at this point.  It was a great way to get back in the game and an eye opening experience to be reminded that I'm still pretty cute. :)

I want to hear from you all.  Any good recipes this week?  Any commendable moments where you looked temptation in the face and said "My goals are more important.?"  Any new exercise routines now that the weather is cooling off?

Take care and take some time for yourself this wknd.

How is this for motivation...

Dont have long to write but wanted to update you all with some great news.  I knew I had lost a few lbs. in August but was unsure due to scale discrepancies.  Well, I visited my doctor this week and according to their records I have lost 7lbs since March.  I'll take it!  That's just what I needed to hear to encourage me to keep making small changes and to stick with the ones I've already made.  August was pretty much me getting ready to get ready if ya know what I mean.  I did a lot of research on healthy recipes, attended a weightwatchers meeting, and took some time to reflect on where my motivation was coming from so I could use that as a good way to remind myself to stay the course.

That's my update.  Let me know whats going on with yourself.  Are you currently trying to loose weight?  What is your strategy?  How are you doing with it?  What is keeping you from committing to weight loss?  I want to know it all people.  I cant be the only one bearing my soul here.

Feeling Good

Although its only mid week in the first week of the journey I must say I am feeling pretty good.  PS dont think that I am intentionally up at this insane hour. It all has to do with the margarita I consumed last night while celebrating a friends bday and the crazy way my body processes alcohol these days.  I digress.

Back to what I was saying.  I'm feeling pretty good...correction, really good and its a good thing.  Shamefully, I must admit that up to this point in my life my motto has pretty much been "if it feels good do it."  (Much more of a feeler than a thinker.) While I know some weeks or days will be challenging I am grateful for an immediately rewarding first week.

I did play an active part in this by planning, planning, planning.  I dedicated my entire Sunday to meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking.  Currently, as I write to you I am starting my day with a wonderful Zucchini Blast Muffin from my new favorite, appropriately titled, website Hungry-girl.com.  Recipe below.  These muffins are great for people like me who never leave time for breakfast and would rather grab a morning snack to be enjoyed in the car than have to cook during the week.  Plus, if its made ahead of time that is one less decision to make for the day.  As you will see from the nutrition information provided by the website. these make-ahead muffins are loaded with fiber and protein, two key ingredients for successful, healthy weight loss.  To accompany my muffin, I hard-boiled 3 eggs on Sunday night and have been eating one each morning with these zesty (nutmeg) nutritious muffins.  I must also brag on myself and thank the creators of this recipe.  Not only are these muffins great for those looking to loose weight but with the rest of my family as well.  Having lived along for 3 years I forgot how fast a dozen muffins goes in a house of 4 people, but I'm ok with that.

I decided to start slow with my lifestyle changes and incorporating breakfast made a big difference from the start.  Eating breakfast jump starts my metabolism and keeps me from binging on whatever I can find in the pantry after dinner.  What I eat in the morning also has an effect on my appetite and blood sugar for the rest of the day.  Eating protein is key to staying full and avoiding the roller coaster that a sugar or high carb breakfast can induce.  Oatmeal is also an extremely filling breakfast with heart healthy benefits.  Check out the recipe and let me know if you decide to give it a try.  Do you eat breakfast regularly?  If so what?  If not, is this something you would be willing to incorporate as a first step to healthy living?

Ingredients: Zucchini Zazzle Muffins 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 large zucchini) 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) 1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed) 1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (likeEgg Beaters Original) 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 3 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown) 3 tbsp. crushed walnuts, divided 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine both types of flour, Splenda, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the zucchini, egg substitute, applesauce, butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add this mixture to the first bowl, and stir until thoroughly blended. Mix half the crushed walnuts (1 1/2 tbsp.) into the batter. Line 9 cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with baking liners and/or spray with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute batter among the 9 cups. Top each cup with a sprinkling of the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. crushed walnuts. Bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool and then enjoy! MAKES 9 SERVINGS

Serving Size: 1 muffin Calories: 147 Fat: 3.5g Sodium: 246mg Carbs: 25g Fiber: 2.5g Sugars: 7g Protein: 4.5g POINTS® value 3*