An Average Tuesday

This morning I wanted to try to lower the points value of my breakfast. We get jars of canned peaches from hubby’s parents, so I like to mix those into my oatmeal sometimes, but with the new plan, they are 3 pts. for 1/2 a cup. So today, I had 1 cup of oatmeal (which shocks me at 4 points for a cup now) with 2 plums mixed in along with 1 cup of 1% milk for 7 points. I had never had oatmeal with plums, but it was pretty good!

I spent the morning finishing up homework and then it was time to head to school. On my way to class, I ate an apple for 0 points.

School went alright. I am so ready for this semester to be over. I somehow managed to lose one of my gloves while I was there, not a good day to do that! My hands were ice cold. It was 25*, windy and flurrying.

When class was FINALLY over, I headed over to Subway for lunch. I had a 6” turkey sub with baked BBQ Lay’s and a diet Coke for 11 points. The Turkey and Ham and the Turkey subs used to be the same points value. Now the Turkey and Ham is 8 points and the Turkey is 7. Interesting, but I went with the Turkey because of it!

After that, I went grocery shopping. Here’s what I got:

Lots of fruit to munch on. I really wanted to pick up some grapes, but they didn’t have any that looked good. But this should get me through the week! When I got home, I calculated the points values for the foods that I got. One interesting thing I found was that Sandwich thins are 3 points and so is a slice of the good, whole grain bread. Not the light stuff, the good thick kind. Very interesting! I think that will impact my choices a bit. I used to toast a sandwich thin because they were so low in points. But now I will definitely have a slice of the good bread- I miss that stuff! But if I were to eat a sandwich, I’d stick w/ the 3 point sandwich thin vs. 2 slices of regular bread for 6 points.

One of my finds at Aldi’s this week was Peppermint Mocha creamer. I had never had peppermint in my coffee before and let tell you- it was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I loved it. 2 Tbs of this in my coffee for 2 points.

I was feeling a bit hungry a little later, so I had a banana for 0 points. That just makes me grin. Bananas. I love ‘em- and they’re free! *giggle* Ok… I’ll stop, but it makes me giddy.

I worked on homework and read blogs. I am so glad there is only one more reading assignment for one of my classes, which is what I worked on tonight. I just cannot get interested in the material in this class, so the only thing that keeps me reading is to set a goal to read a few pages, and then I get to read a couple of blogs. Hey, it works for me! lol

For supper, I had baked salmon, acorn squash (yes the whole one!), and a slice of 12 grain toast with a wedge of light sun-dried tomato basil laughing cow cheese on top for 7 points total. This was a delicious supper and I don’t remember the last time I ate “regular” bread. It was so much more dense and delicious!

For dessert, I have a 1/2 cup of FF/SF chocolate pudding with a little light whipped cream on top for 2 points.

My goal was to finish Thursday’s homework assignments and I accomplished that. I finished up the very last bit of reading while getting in a quick bike workout. 30 minutes, I biked 8 miles and I burned 134 calories and I’m not sure how many AP’s on this new plan. Too confused about that- anyone have any answers on this yet?

And now I’m snacking on some dried fruit and raw almonds that I picked up at the store today for a total of 5 points.

I have 1 point left over for the day- not sure if I’ll use it or not, it’s almost bed time! Tomorrow is WI day and I think it’s going to go well. I would love to lose after a Holiday week!!

Tomorrow rings in the first day of December, can you believe it!?

First Day on New Weight Watchers Plan

First off, my 100 mile challenge ended yesterday. I wanted to prove to myself that if I set goals or challenges for myself that I will accomplish them. So I ended up biking almost 25 miles yesterday, 7.5 miles in the morning and the rest in the evening. But I did it!  

So today was the first day of the new Weight Watchers Plan. Here’s the scoop. WW PointsPlus™  are calculated based on Fat, Carbs, Protein and Fiber. They’re no longer based on calories, fat and fiber. It’s a lot more to remember and takes a bit longer to calculate. I haven’t quite figured out what I should be getting more of. I’m guessing that the lower in fat and carbs the food is, the lower PointsPlus™ value it will be. The new system is a little overwhelming to me. Instead of 28 points, I get 35 points. Instead of 31 weekly points, we now get 49. Most fruits and veggies are free, which is a plus, and YES that includes bananas, something I am thrilled about. Ultimately, I think the plan is a good one. I know without a doubt that it’s going to make me eat more fruits and veggies. I will think twice about eating some of my favorite snacky foods. I am feeling overwhelmed only because I have been following this plan for over 2 years (and in the past before that!) and I am used to it. I had points values memorized. I knew what I could eat and still have points left over at the end of the day. One good thing is that I found myself measuring everything today so I knew exactly how many PointsPlus™ I was consuming. I do wish that we could have started the new plan on our WI day. With 2 days left before WI day, I had the choice to go through and edit all of my activity and foods I entered manually, or delete them all. I chose to delete them all. So I am going to try to stick to my daily points and not use any weekly points until WI day. That was a little overwhelming for me- not knowing where I stand. I also do not know how to calculate AP’s anymore based on calories burned on my HR monitor. On the old plan, 100 calories= 1 AP. Anyone know the answer to this? I also had to shell out $43 for a new calculator and books, but I didn’t want to wait until they’re cheaper on eBay- that could be a long time! So those are my thoughts on the new plan thus far and I will be sure to share my thoughts and I continue.

This morning was an early one. Hubby had to get up at 4 AM and leave by 4:30. So I got up with him and we ate breakfast together so I could see him off for the week. I had 1 cup of oatmeal, 1/2 cup of canned peaches and 1 cup of 1% milk. This was for a total of 10 PointsPlus™. This used to be 5.5 points. It’s differences like this that are confusing as I learn how 10 points actually equates out in the new system.

After breakfast, hubby left. It was so hard to see him go after he had been home for a week. I went back to bed for a couple of hours and then it was time for work.

By my first break, I was really hungry and I wanted to eat something that would keep me satisfied until lunch. So I decided on a second breakfast. I had 1 slice of light wheat toast topped with PB and a boiled egg for 6 PointsPlus™. I had to turn this picture upside down because the eggs look like eyes…hehe.

I also brought back a cup of diet cocoa, which is no longer free on the new plan. It’s 1 PointsPlus™. 2 Tbs. of light whipped topping is still free though!

For lunch, I made a stir fry of 3 oz. turkey, 1 cup mushrooms, 1 cup broccoli, 1 roma tomato, and 1 wedge of laughing cow blue cheese. I also had 8 oz. of 100% juice and a HG corn muffin. This was 9 PointsPlus™.

For dessert, I finished up the last HG red velvet cupcake for 4 PointsPlus™.

On my last break, I shipped the giveaway package to Lori. When I got home, I had a cup of Ghirardelli coffee with vanilla creamer for 2 PointsPlus™.

And then it was back to work again. I ended up staying almost 45 minutes late tonight- which is never fun.

For supper, I only had 3 points left over. So I had 1/2 cup of egg beaters with 2 slices of turkey bacon and green onions mixed in along with an apple for 2 PointsPlus™.

After supper it was time to get back to homework after a week off. I had plans to do homework over break, but I threw all that to the side and completely enjoyed every moment of not thinking about school. While I caught up on reading, I had about 1/4 cup of blackberries for 0 PointsPlus™.

I was so hungry later on- note to self- don’t use so many points early in the day! I had 1 point left, so I had 11g of Special K crackers for 1 PointsPlus™.

That satisfied me for a little while, and then I was hungry again so I had a pear for 0 PointsPlus™.

As you can probably see, I definitely ate more fruits and veggies since I knew they were free. And I feel healthier for it. I think I’m going to like this plan once I get used to it and end up with more than 3 points left for supper!

I am printing off the list of 0 PointsPlus™ foods to take with me grocery shopping tomorrow!

I took the day off from working out today. I worked out 5 days last week- some days more than once, so I am really proud of that. Now it’s time for my next challenge- any ideas?

I also want to say that I am so proud of my Mom and Dad. Today is their first day of their new healthy lifestyle!! We are all cheering you on, Mom and Dad!! You will do great!

RevAbs Giveaway Winner

There were 33 entries into the giveaway and the winner was chosen via random.org

Congratulations, Diet Chic!! Email me your address and I will forward it on to Beach Body so they can send out the program!

Shutterfly Promotion: Which card do you like the best?

The last couple of years hubby and I haven’t sent out holiday cards. But this year we decided to send them out again, which was why I was thrilled when I found out about Shutterfly offering 50 free Christmas cards to bloggers!

There are a lot of cute designs for Christmas photo cards on their site to choose from. You can also order photo calendars, who wouldn’t want to receive one of those? They also have a great selection of party invitations to choose from.

I have ordered photos from Shutterfly before and have always been happy with the results. It’s so easy to order online and just wait to get them in your mailbox instead of at the store.

I love all of the colorful cards they have featured. They are all really cute and you could find a card you like and coordinate your clothes for the card and it would turn out really cute!

So here are a few of our favorites. I’m not quite sure I am going to use any of these photos, but these are the best of what we have so far.

Which one is your favorite one? I don’t like the picture in the last one, but I do like the card itself. We may have to retake the pictures because it was cold and windy and they didn’t turn out the best. I’m not sure If I want to go with us wearing our coats as an outdoor picture, either. Also, would you use the photo in the black and white example? I’m not sure if I want to use a full body shot or not. So many to choose from!

The Thankful Healthy Blogger 5k RESULTS AND GIVEAWAY WINNER

Congratulations to everyone who finished a 5k (and some of you more than that!) and made a commitment to be active on Thanksgiving this year! We have some great photos of all of the participants. There were 20 participants, some of whom got their families to participate, and so 25 people actually participated in all. Here are the final results in the order of finishing times (look below of photos and info on each participant!):

1. Katie (Run For The Bikini)- 21:52

2. Kim (Everstrong)- 27:07

3. Bethany (Chronicles of the Sneakered Sisters)- 29:25

4. Loren (my hubby)- 29:30

5. Kim (*Just* Trying is for Little Girls)- 30:22

6. Lori (For the Run of It)- 31:13

7. Kellie (running Rodeo)- 32:00

8. Angie- 32:15

9. Lori (Finding Radiance)- 32:48

10. Elizabeth (Canyon Cairns)- (33:44)

11. Jenna Renee (Confessions of a Jaded Runner)- 34:01

12. Shelley (My Journey To Fit)- 35:37

13. Stephanie Anne (Running to Health)- 48:00 for 4.77 miles

14. Brenda- 41:00

15. Mrs. D (In Pursuit) - 42:00

16. Andie (Chronicles of Weight Loss…Running from Plus Sizes)- 42:09

17. Crissawills (Fat to Fit- A Weight Loss Journey) – 42:47

18. Alissa (Me)- 44:36

19. Jury (Diet Chic on a Mission)- 46:10

20. Jana (Happiness is a Journey for Janna)- 1:06:00

And here are the photos and stories of everyone who participated in the order that they came in to me. Enjoy!

I (Alissa) ran the 5k on the treadmill because it was too cold to run outside. My goal was to run the entire thing and I accomplished that in 44:36. This is a picture of me post race (hence the really red face). I am holding one finger up to show that this is the first Thankful Healthy Blogger 5k of hopefully many more to come! This is going to be a new tradition for hubby and me as a family and anyone else who cares to join in!

Hubby ran the 5k on the treadmill after me. He ran it in 29:30- absolutely amazing! I’m so proud of you!!

Lori (For the Run of It) ran the 5k on her treadmill and finished in 31:13, her personal PR! Great job!

Crissawills ran the 5k on her treadmill. Here’s what she had to say about it:

“I have only been running for 7 weeks. I started couch to 5K a couple weeks after I started WW. I didn’t realize then how much I would really enjoy running, now I get antsy when I can’t get a run in. Today has been a really good day. When I got up I started cooking then I decided to do my 5K. Now I hadn’t actually run more than 2.5 miles before today so I was sort of nervous. My only goals were to finish and to run the entire thing. So that is exactly what I did.” She finished in 42:47! AWESOME JOB!

Bethany ran her 5k outside and here’s what she had to say about it:

“I ran my 5k this morning, and ran it in 29:25!  It rained, rained, rained the entire time, but luckily the temp stayed in the 50s and there wasn't much wind.  My picture is attached... my bondi band (LOVE them!) says "Will Run for Chocolate".. to which I add... "and all other holiday foods!".  :)  As I was taking the picture, my hand was still jittery from all the coffee I had consumed through the morning.  I meant to get a picture when I returned from my run, but I was so soaked that the hubs directed me straight back to the bedroom to get into the shower and get wet clothes into the washer.  Haha... he's a neat freak like that.” She ran a total of 6.2 miles.

Jenna Renee ran the 5k outside where it was just barely 30* and finished in 34:01. She actually went on to run a total of 4 miles. Great job!

Jury- Diet Chic ran her 5k outside- this was her first 5k and she finished in 46:10! GREAT JOB! I am LOVING the bib that she made for this 5k! So cute and creative!

Kim ran outside after a full day of volunteering at another race earlier in the day! Her goal was to run 10 minute miles and she finished in 30:22. Way to go, Kim!

Angie ran the 5k on a treadmill at a resort hotel where her family was staying for Thanksgiving. She ran the 5k in 32:15. Great job!

Janna completed the 5k in 1:06. She even brought her nieces and dog along to be active with her! Great job, Janna!

Lori ran her 5k on the treadmill and finished in 32:48. She ended up running 5 miles total.

Kellie ran her 5k outside in Texas where it was 72*-must be nice!! She finished in 32 minutes! Way to go!

Brenda ran/walked her 5k. Here’s what she had to say about it, “I was worried I would get rained on yesterday but ended up finishing up my run/walk before the rain. My time was 41 minutes, so I was happy. This was a great idea, the virtual 5k. If I hadn’t signed up for this I could have very well seen myself putting off going outside until it was too late or some other excuse. As it was I pulled my son off the PS3 and made him come with me.” Great job on getting out there and getting active and taking your son along, too!

Mrs. D completed her 5k in 42:00 on the elliptical because of a her injured knee, now that’s dedication! Way to go!

Andie ran her 5k on the treadmill in 42:09! Way to go, Andie!

Stephanie Anne ran 4.77 miles in 48 minutes and this was her fastest min/mile pace ever! Way to go!

Shelley ran her 5k in 35:37- her new PR! Awesome job!

Katie ran her 5k in 21:52- a new PR for her too! Fabulous job!

Elizabeth ran her 5k  and sustained an injury, here’s what she had to say about it:

“I ran a 5K on my own and sustained the following (very serious) injury. :D

(sorry to be sending you random pictures of my feet, but that's one big annoying blister! note to self: get inserts fixed!)

I ran it in 33:44, which is not the best I've done, but is better than my current (old) race PR of 34:41.”

Great job on pushing through!

Kim participated in the Up and At Em' 5K in Johnson City, TN and finished in 27:07. Way to go, Kim!

Thank you to all of you who participated- AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

The winner was chosen via random.org.

LORI- FINDING RADIANCE

Congratulations, Lori!! Email me your address and I will get your giveaway package mailed out to you! Lori has an incredible and motivating story and has accomplished so much- make sure to check out her blog- she is a HUGE inspiration and role model to me!