A Short Post: The Last of 2010

For breakfast this morning, I had 2 pieces of light toast topped with PB and a sliced banana along with a glass of milk. Only 1 piece of toast shown- but I was feeling hungry, so I ate another one. 8 points.

After doing a few things around the house, I jumped on the treadmill to finish out my Merry-thon! I walked 1/4 mile, ran 1 mile at 4.5 mph, ran 1/2 mile at 4 mph and walked the rest to 2.1 miles total. It was a good workout! It took me 33:44 and I earned 8 AP’s. I actually ran 26.14 miles! WHOOHOO! So proud of myself for finishing- and now I’m ready for some cross training. My hips, legs, knees and foot have been hurting lately. I want to keep up running 3 days a week and add in some other workouts, but lately, running has been my only workout to get this Merry-thon completed- and my body feels it!

For lunch, I made up a salad of lettuce, pears, blackberries, pomegranate, pistachios, parmesan cheese (feta would have been better but we were out), Schwann's teriyaki chicken wings and Raspberry vinaigrette for a total of 8 points.

For dessert, I was craving a sundae, so I had a serving of Schwann’s light yogurt with a sliced banana and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for 5 points.

YUM! That was satisfying.

And then we headed to my Grandpa’s for the weekend. My mom and dad are here for the weekend, too- so it will be fun!

On the way to his house, I drank some diet cherry Pepsi that hubby picked up for me because he knows how much I love it! It has been a while since I’ve had it! YUM!

And I also snacked on 2 clementines for 0 points.

I’m going to sign out for the night and enjoy time with family! I have 13 points left for the day and 27 weekly points left- so I’m good! I plan on enjoying the food- but not over eating- my usual holiday plan!

Make sure to check out my recap of 2010 and check back tomorrow for my New Years Resolutions for 2011!

Goodbye to 2010

I cannot believe 2010 is almost over already! I have told Hubby numerous times that this was the best year yet. We had a lot of fun as we became a more active couple and my self confidence began to blossom. There were some hard times mixed in with the good, but overall, it was a great year!

First, I wanted to take a look at the resolutions I made on January 1st 2010:

1. Run 1 5k: Not only did I run a 5k, but I ran 3 of them this year!
2. Be a better wife: I asked my hubby about this and he said, “I’ve never really had a problem with you.” lol I guess I was a good wife. But I feel like I can always improve- and really, to make a happy marriage- both partners should always be striving to be a better spouse. I should always try to be a better wife- forever.
3. Continue to become healthier: I wish I could say that I’m off my BP meds, but I’m not. But I have lost a lot of weight and have made great strides in my fitness level. I eat more fruits and veggies than ever before. I drink lots of water everyday. I’m definitely continuing to become healthier.
4. Get debt under control: We are making strides in this area too. We don’t eat out as much as we used to, which saves a lot of money. But this one needs more work, too! Losing weight and being able to fit in smaller clothes does not equate to reckless spending.
5. Weigh less on January 1st 2011, than I did on January 1st 2010- Success! I started out the year at 245.8 and as of my last WI day, I weighed 214.8. That’s a 31 lb. weight loss this year, and I go by my first WI day in January for tracking purposes, so hopefully it will be more than that! I lost 30 lbs in 2009- so I did better this year (as long as WI next week goes well) than the last! It’s slow- but consistent!

Like a lot of bloggers have been doing, I went over my posts throughout the last year and picked out a few moments that stuck out to me- good and bad! It was fun to review 2010!

January-

• My grandma passed away at the end of December 2009- her funeral was at the beginning of January 2010.
• I participated in a Weight Loss Challenge at work, I didn’t win- but I just stayed consistent in my efforts. Many of the participants went back to their old ways- which I am still continuing- I’m a winner after all!  
• Hubby and I got very sick with the stomach flu. I hadn’t had the flu since elementary school! We spent a couple of days home together- SICK!

February-

• I did the 30 Day Shred for 30 days in a row.

March-

• I ran outside in public for the first time in my life- a big step for me!
• My FIL was in the hospital for a month.
• I got glasses for the first time in my life- I found out I’m near sighted. 
• I met my 50 lb. goal!

April-

• Looking over my posts, I really struggled in April with keeping on track.

May-

• We went camping in a tent right next to a lake, in 30 degree weather, and went on a 15 mile bike ride!
• We planted our garden.
• Our cats decided to hate each other and we had to keep them separated for a couple of weeks- but they got over it!

June-

• I ran a mile without stopping for the very first time.

July-

• Hubby and I participated in our first 5k.
• I started working at home and became MUCH happier. Looking over my posts prior to this, I talked a lot about how much I hated my job. What a blessing!
• Hubby and I attended a Country Jam concert.

August-

• I graduated from the C25K program.
• I met my 60 lb. goal.

September-

• Hubby and I participated in our 2nd 5k. I ran the entire thing this time- no walking!
• We made homemade apple cider.
• Hubby and I both took the day off work to celebrate my 25th birthday.

October-

• Hubby and I ran our 3rd 5k- a new PR!
• I shared my blog with my family for the first time- their support has been so appreciated!
• We celebrated our 4th anniversary- and ran a 5k to celebrate!
• Hubby was on the road and only home on the weekends, so my Mom stayed with me for a few days at the beginning.

November-

• I voted in the mid-term election.
• I met my 70 lb. goal!
• I hosted the first annual Thankful Healthy Blogger 5k on Thanksgiving day.

December-

• Girls night out with family to see The Nutcracker ballet.
• WW came out with the new Points Plus program and I struggled for the first few weeks.
• Hubby and I had a week off of work together that we spent doing things like sledding, playing games, shopping and relaxing!

I’m looking forward to a fabulous 2011! Stay tuned for my 2011 New Years Resolutions post tomorrow!

Wishing you a wonderful and healthy new year!

Shopping for Boots

I decided to get my workout out of the way first thing this morning. I walked 1/4 mile, ran 1.5 miles at 4.5 mph, and walked 1/4 mile for a total distance of 2 miles in 31:00. I earned 8 AP’s. I have 2.1 miles left of my Merry-thon to run tomorrow! I’m going to finish this thing!

By the time we got around to thinking about breakfast, it was almost lunch time- so hubby and I decided we would just eat some fruit. I had one banana, 2 clementines and also a glass of 1% milk for 3 points.

Today was a gloomy and foggy day- ALL day!

For lunch, we went to a Mexican restaurant. We started out with chips & salsa and Queso. I had exactly 12 chips- I counted. 5 points. Don’t mind hubby digging in…lol.

For the entrée, I ordered the “Speedy Gonzalez”. I immediately gave hubby the beans, so I ate just the beef enchilada and taco and both were small. I ordered chicken- but whatever. 11 points.

It was a delicious lunch and just the right size!

After that, we did a little shopping. I got a new pair of boots! I have the hardest time finding boots that fit over my calves and these ones did- so I got them!

I think they’re pretty cute! And different! I wanted some flat boots because I have some with heals but they’re not exactly the smartest when it’s snowy and icy outside. Can’t wait to wear them!!

We also checked out a local goodwill where I got 2 new fleece tops that look brand new- $6! Pretty excited about that! I just might start doing my shopping at consignment stores until I get to goal weight- much cheaper- if you’re willing to look through everything to find those “gems”.

We stopped at Coldstone for dessert. I was very proud of my decision to get a Like It- Sinless Sweet Cream with blueberries for 4 points! NICE!

Later on, I grabbed a Caribou coffee in the gas station, which I promptly spilled on myself when I got in the car- so me! But there was still enough left to drink and hubby and I split it- 1 point. It tasted old and definitely not worth burning my hand.

For supper, we had leftover chicken noodle soup and I made a grilled cheese sandwich for 5 points. I also had some diet A&W root beer. I drink water with my meals unless I have a drink pictured, FYI.

For dessert, I decided to have a fruit bowl because I hadn’t gotten in very many fruits/veggies today! I had blueberries, blackberries and a sliced banana along with a dab of Cool Whip Free for 0 points.

I still have 6 points left for the day- not bad for eating out!

It’s hard to believe that the week is almost over already! I don’t want our vacation to end! Tomorrow is the last day of 2010! Wow, the year sure has gone fast! Tomorrow I will do a recap of 2010 and check in to see how I measured up with my new years resolutions for 2010- so make sure to check that out!

Weigh in Day and New Windows

Hubby and I were excited to see that the Hawkeyes won the Insight bowl game last night! I watched about the first half and then fell asleep- but hubby let me know they won! Go Hawks!

I slept until 8 AM this morning! The longer that the vacation lasts, the longer I sleep in- I got 10 hours of sleep and it felt AMAZING!

I stepped on the scale this morning and weighed 214.8! That’s a 1 lb. loss this week and I’m so happy about that! Pretty good for a holiday week, huh? I have lost 73.2 lbs and I’m getting closer to that lowest weight again! Not to mention, 212 is the lowest weight I EVER remember weighing! Exciting!

For breakfast this morning, I made HG French toast, I altered the recipe a bit to make it a little lower in points. I  sliced banana on top and also had a cup of 1% milk. All of this for a total of 7 points. It was DELISH!

After breakfast, we got started on replacing the windows in my office. It gets SO cold in there because our windows are ancient and there is NO insulation in the walls! here are some before shots:

I sipped on some Duchess Gray tea to keep warm- in another new mug from my parents!

For lunch, I made a new recipe. Shrimp and Feta pizza. It was really good and very pretty! I had 2 pieces for 9 points.

I also had a small side salad with light Italian dressing for 1 point.

For dessert, I had Schwann’s light chocolate brownie fudge ice cream for 4 points.

While hubby finished putting in the last window by himself, I made some Kisses/Hugs Pretzel Smores that will be for New Years Eve- and maybe a few before then! They come out to only 1 point each and they’re so cute!

So I had a cup of coffee with peppermint mocha creamer and a Kiss Pretzel smore for 3 points.

I also baked a loaf of bread for New Years Eve.

And by mid afternoon- the project was complete! I’m loving it!

After that, hubby and I sat down to relax a while.

For supper, I made homemade chicken noodle soup for 2 points.

I also had PB&J for 6 points.

And then I had to sample the bread I baked, Cheddar Bacon bread, and I ended up having 1 slice (1/2 shown) for 4 points. This bread seriously tastes like Cheezits.

For dessert, I had 2 smores for 2 points.

Tonight I am going to have a snack of fruit- 2 clementines and a banana for 0 points.

I had to take a picture of the cats piling up on hubby. haha The cats drive me nuts when I’m trying to do something on my computer and they climb all over me- but not hubby!

I ended up using 4 weekly points today. Now hubby and I are going to watch Toy Story 1. Can you believe he hasn’t seen any of the Toy Story movies? I’ve seen all of them except 3. We’ve downloaded all 3 to watch over our vacation. Looking forward to it!

Sleeping in, Sledding and Scrabble

Today was another morning of sleeping in and it felt great!

For breakfast, I had 1 slice of light wheat toast topped with PB and a sliced banana along with 1 cup of 1% milk for 5 points.

As always, I struggled and struggled to get myself to workout- but finally I decided that I didn’t want to deal with guilty feelings all day, so I just worked out. After I got stated, I felt pretty good so I completed 2.5 miles and I am very proud of my workout today. I walked 1/4 mile, ran 2 miles at 4.5 mph, and walked 1/4 mile. I am progressing! Once again, the HR monitor didn’t work because it gets interference from my treadmill or something, but I earned 9 APs!

For lunch, I made lunch based on a HG recipe. Grilled cheese with turkey bacon. My version was 4 points. I always dip my grilled cheese in ketchup- anyone else do this? I also had a side salad with light poppy seed dressing for 1 point. I also had some Diet A&W Root beer.

For dessert, hubby and I split a Blueberry Greek yogurt and I topped mine with 1/2 cup of blueberries and a tad Cool Whip Free for 2 points. Yum!

Like little kids, we excitedly headed out to go sledding after lunch! It was fun. The first time I went down the hill, I veered to the side, lost control, and went into snow that was about 2’ deep. I had snow up my pants, up my shirt, in my ears and all over my face. BRR! But I got back up and continued down the hill. lol. I forgot how steep that hill is! Whew- it’s quite the workout walking up the hill! I wore my HR monitor and I burned 313 calories in 45 minutes of sledding. The WW Activity tracker said that I earned 11 AP’s. I was REALLY exhausted after this. Climbing that hill was hard work- especially after running 2.5 miles this morning! My camera battery died, but hubby did get one picture:

I was wearing 3 pairs of pants, 2 shirts and a coat that’s about 2 sizes too large- but it worked!

We came home and got warmed up! I made hot chocolate for us to sip on. Don’t you just love the new mug my parents gave me? LOVE IT!

I also had 4 Joseph’s Sugar Free Chocolate Chip cookies and 2 hugs and 2 kisses for 6 points.

It was the perfect snack after sledding! We cuddled up and watched Around the World in 80 Days- it was pretty cute!

I also snacked on 2 clementines for 0 points.

For supper I made something new- fish tacos (I had 2). They were actually REALLY good! I topped them with avocado, tomato, light sour cream and salsa. I also had fat free refried beans. This was a total of 10 points.

And then I made a little quesadilla with a tad bit of 2% cheese and the leftover tomatoes for 2 points.

For dessert, I had a banana drizzled with chocolate syrup for 1 point.

After supper, I sipped on some Duchess Gray tea for 0 points.

Hubby and I decided to play a game of Scrabble- being on vacation is awesome! Hubby won by a landslide…he’s good at Scrabble!

While we played, I snacked on some pistachios and a chocolate kiss and hug for 5 points.

That put me at my points target for the day. I will admit I had a couple bites of some other snacks after that- but I’m ok- nothing major. But I also just realized I forgot to count the little Quesadilla I made for supper- oops!

Tomorrow is WI day and I’m hoping my weight will be what it was this morning or less! I’m not worried about being in the red this week because of all that we had going on. I feel like I really made great strides in respect to how I will handle holidays from now on and that’s something to be very proud of- it’s PROGRESS! I don’t have to meet goal ASAP- it’s a journey and I’m slowly changing my habits- and that’s what is most important- not the number on the scale TOMORROW- but what I do with the rest of my life- and the scale will reflect that in the long run- it already has!