Day 5 January 15, 2011

So yesterday was my semi-day off in that I figure if I'm generally on plan the rest of the week and don't use many of the weekly extra points, I can get away with a meal of more or less whatever I want. We took my son out to Rainforest cafe so he could enjoy a fish tank and some animatronic critters w/ dinner. I enjoyed my popcorn shrimp. Back to healthier choices today. At least I did some mild exercising following dinner w/ a walk.

Today was another day back on plan. Not much exercise but we're back to cooking at home and making lighter choices.

Day 3

I'd like to say that yesterday's snow shoveling counts as exercise. My back is certainly feeling its aftermath. It wasn't the best eating day but thankfully WW has extra points each week for that. This week, the crock pot will be getting a workout as well.

I'm finding that the new plan is working out reasonably well for me. I get more points than I used to for starters. While a lot of foods are more points now than they used to be, a decent number of low-fat, high protein or high fiber foods are the same so I can eat more overall. I'm also appreciating that fruit is now 0 pts as well as most veggies. So it increases the number of things I can snack on. As one of my former WW group leaders once said, we didn't get fat from eating too many fruits and veggies.

I'm also noticing there are a couple things I should do in the immediate future for better personal care. For one thing, I think I could really use a moisturizing conditioner for my hair. It's been looking ok but it feels really dry. I'm trying to remember to lube up my skin w/ moisturizer frequently through the day, though I need to remember to put some on my face as well. Getting through the winter dryness will probably be a challenge.

Day 1 - January 11, 2011

Jetlagged baby decided to wake me up at 4:15am to play. On the upside, he was dressed and ready to send off to daycare for 7am and I managed to fit in 30 min of an exercise video in already this morning. Now to see how things go with eating today.

A new year, a new me.

Last year was pretty much a bust health-wise for me. Between gaining weight from stress eating and no longer having the metabolic boost of nursing a baby, surgery with complications that left me on bedrest for weeks, and just generally not feeling motivated to get off my duff and move, I packed on about 20 lbs. This is on top of the 10 I already could stand to lose. At the beginning of this year, I no longer fit in clothes I've worn for years. I physically don't feel well. I'm exhausted on a flight of stairs.

For nearly 4 years, I managed to keep up some semblance of an exercise routine at least 3 times a week. For a long time, I've tended to overall eat healthfully. I'm not sure why it all went downhill in 2010 but it's time to pick myself back up. My goals are as follows:

1. Fit in exercise a minimum of 3 times/week. Whether it's at the gym, walking around the neighborhood, or an exercise video at home, I did it before, I will do it again.
2. Go back to following WW points.
3. Limit eating out to 3x/week. This should help keep my wallet fatter and me thinner.
4. Take the time to add a bit more personal "upkeep" into my routines whether it's to put on make up, get regular haircuts, maintain my hair color, etc.

For each month that I keep up the exercising and eating habits, I'm treating myself to a manicure and pedicure. I'm experimenting in non-food rewards. Somewhere in there will be a shopping trip for new clothes as a reward. A massage might be nice too...

But before we can get to the rewards, I have to do the work. Today is January 10 and I'm about to pass out for the night after being up rather early w/ a jetlagged baby. Tomorrow, I start anew.