51 Search Results for "fun"

• Taking back control

  • From: bridge92
  • Description:

    Good morning everyone!

    I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!  My weekend started off pretty good.  On Friday, hubby stopped by and surprised me at work with some roses.  I was blown away!  I was totally not expecting it at all.  It really made my day!  He told me how much he appreciates and loves me and sees how much I do.  That really made me feel good! 

    I actually got a lot of rest this weekend.  I am proud of myself.  Resting is very hard for me.  I am truly a “busy” body.   But, I'm working on it.  I usually run around doing this and that and then regret it on Monday mornings.  But, this time, I did get some much needed rest.  I spent a lot of time with my 5 year old daughter.  That is always fun and adventurous.  She loves to challenge me. 

    But, even though I had some good things going on this weekend, there are the not so good times.  There are the stressful times, the disappointment times, the sad times and the just being "in dumps" times.  One thing I was thinking about was that this is the final week before Thanksgiving!  Whew....time has flown right by!   We are going to be pretty busy that week in our house.  I am sure it will be a busy week for most of you as well.  It is so easy to be in focus when things are going well, but what happens when things are not going well with us?  What happens when we are in stress mode?  Do we get derailed and lose focus?

    In last week’s blogs, I shared some great recipes and recipe links for the big festivities.  I even shared with you some tips on how to stay on track at parties and events this holiday season.  But, there is one more thing I want to share with you.  If you are like me, eating based on emotions, you will need some help when the holiday stress starts to get to you.  Here are some tips that I have discovered on my journey that really help me get through the stress and "not so good times" without turning to food for comfort.  I hope you find at least one or two or even all that are useful for you.  Here goes…..

    The six step zero calorie solution for handling emotional eating:

    1. Discover your emotional triggers
    2. Regain control
    3. Avoid unwanted extra calories  

    1.  Cry it out. Allow yourself to feel the pain. Tears allow you to release what is bothering you from deep inside. Don’t bury the feelings with food.  Let the tears roll. 

    2.  Pray it out. Once you start allowing yourself to feel the pain, you will need some help dealing with it. Ask God to give you strength. He will hear your cries and give you comfort like no other food. He can permanently fill that emptiness with peace and contentment. 

    3.  Write it out. When that moment hits you, write it down. A journal serves as a good distraction and allows you to say everything you are feeling at that moment. These are your thoughts and feelings and no one else has to know. Once you have it all on paper, your journal will serve as a very useful tool to identify your food triggers when you are in emotional overload.  

    Ask yourself these questions:
    • What happened to make you feel bad?
    • What are you thinking about eating?
    • Are you hungry at this moment?
    • What are you planning to do? 

    4.  Laugh it out. Laugher is truly the best medicine. Allow yourself to laugh at yourself sometimes. We often take ourselves too seriously. Some situations are very serious and should be treated accordingly. However, in most situations, you will find that it could always be worse.  

    5.  Work it out. Go for a walk or exercise. It clears your mind and refocuses your attention on something else rather than your present situation. It turns you away from the food and back to your weight loss and fitness goals.  

    6.  Talk it out. Communication is a key to opening the door to your inner feelings. However, be careful. Talk to someone who won’t judge you and someone you truly trust. Tell them how you feel and be specific. If they are the person who is causing you pain, tell them. If there are underlying problems in your relationship, discussing the issues will heal you and even the relationship.

    So, stop, take a deep breath, and take back control.  No matter what life throws at you, there is always a zero calorie solution. 

    For more info:  Feeding your feelings – WebMD.com

     

    Until tomorrow…..stay on the journey! 

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• Monday's Blog - Sharing ideas

  • From: bridge92
  • Description:

    11/9/2009 - Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a great weekend.  My weekend was busy, but I got a lot done.  I did my usual recipe testing, which is always fun for me.  I did my run/walk on the treadmill on Saturday.  I’m getting better and better.  I run for 1 minute, then, walk for 2 minutes.  I did this for 31.15 minutes and burned 200 calories and completed 1.5 miles!   I never ran a day in my previous life.  When I was overweight, it was very hard for me to run.  But, now, I WANT to run.  It sure feels good too!  J

     

    Did anyone try out the Pumpkin Cheesecake Pudding Recipe from Friday’s blog?  Well, I did and I loved it!  Got some suggestions and swaps for you too…..

     

    Instead of the 1 cup fat-free skim milk, I used ½ cup fat-free evaporated milk.  It gave a much smoother, creamier taste that reminds you of a mousse.  Also, my serving sizes ended up being about 1/3 cup each rather than ½ cup each.  Lastly, I put one of the servings in the freezer for about 10 minutes before eating it.  Wow….that took it over the top!  It was just a like a frozen cheesecake dessert!  You won't those high fat ones at all. 

     

    So, if you haven’t tried it, check out last Friday’s blog for the recipe.  If you did try the recipe, I want to hear from you.  Add some comments to this blog or shoot me an email at bridgetteywilson@prodigy.net .  There is a ‘send message’ link on my profile page for you to email me your thoughts as well.

     

    Speaking of pumpkin pie alternatives…….

     

    Hungry Girl announced a new ice cream treat!

     

    Artic Zero low-fat icecream is known for it’s good tasting low-fat qualities.  But, for the holiday season, they are introducing their Pumpkin Spice flavor.  Remember those stats I gave on Friday for the Baskin Robbins Pumpkin ice cream?  Well, check out Arctic’s stats:  A 1/2-cup scoop has just 34 calories, 0g fat, 10g carbs, 0g fiber, and 5g protein (POINTS® value 1*)  Definitely want to add this one to the list for a good alternative.  Check out their website: http://www.myarcticzero.com/index.html 

     

    Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, starting this week, I will be getting some recipes and tips to you as I come across them.  Well, here’s one to start your list……

     

    For some low calorie side options for this Thanksgiving dinner or anytime, check out the new mashed potatoes from Betty Crocker!  A 2/3-cup serving (prepared) has 80 calories, 1 - 1.5g fat, 17g carbs, 3g fiber, and 2g protein (POINTS® value 1*).  Great find from Hungry Girl.com!!  Check out the product website: http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/potatoes/potatoes-news.htm

     

    Until tomorrow, keep focused, keep out of those candy jars and stay on the journey.  J 

     

    Have great day!

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  • 1 week ago
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• Happy Wednesday - Ready for th

  • From: bridge92
  • Description:

    Good morning!

    It is Wednesday....two more days and the weekend begins.  As you can tell, I live for the weekend.  I don't have to get up early.  I don't have my commute and most of all, I can plan my weekly menu!!  Ok, so that doesn't sound like fun to most of you.  But, if you want to stay on track and make sure you are eating what you should, planning is key.  If you cook on the weekends, you can have all the work over with before your week gets started.  If you don't like cooking, then try picking some Smart Ones.  They have great breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert options!  Do your shopping on the weekends and then next week, you are set. 

     

    Here is a quick guide to help with your planning.  I use this myself and it really works!

    BREAKFAST (about 350 calories spent here)

    Entrée (examples: Smart Ones breakfast entree, whole grain cereal, whole grain bagel, whole grain toast, etc.)

    Dairy or protein

    Fruit

     

    MID-MORNING SNACK:

    Low-fat, 100-140 calories (example: protein bar, Fiber One bar, Kashi bar)

     

    LUNCH (about 300-350 calories spent here)

    Entrée (example: Smart Ones frozen entrée, Progresso Light soup (watch sodium), low-fat sandwich tuna with water or chicken with water and whole grain bread, turkey on whole wheat)

    Salad or raw vegetable with 2T low-fat or FF dressing or a Fat Serving (see grocery list)

    Dairy or Protein (yogurt or low-fat cheese or sugar free fat free Jell-o or South Beach pudding)

     

    AFTERNOON SNACK:

    Low-fat, 100-140 calories (example: fruit, yogurt or cheese, or Kashi bar)

     

    DINNER (about 500 calories spent here)

    Entrée (examples: Smart Ones Artisan Pizza (yum), grilled chicken, turkey burger, low-fat pasta dish, any recipes you choose that are low in fat; check online:  www.eatingwell.com)

    2 Vegetable servings

    Salad or fruit

     

    DESSERT (no more than 220 calories should be spent here):

    Low-fat treat (Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie dough dessert (my favorite), low-fat frozen yogurt, low-fat icecream or non-fat fruit sorbet)

     

    DRINK YOUR WATER!!! You can add Crystal Light or some other sugar-free low-calorie drink mix (no more than 5 calories per serving).  It goes down much easier. Or try a lemon or lime....works just as well and no added calories! 

     

     

    Have an awesome day!! - Bridgette

     

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Smart Pizza recipes

  • From: bridge92
  • Description:

    It is only Tuesday and I am already thinking about some fun food for the weekend!  Just because you are watching your weight doesn't mean you can't have what you crave.  Just have it smart and sensible.  I love Smart Ones Artisan Pizzas!!  But, if you don't feel like going out to the store, these recipes come very close to the next best thing.

    Recipe #1: Low-Fat “Pepperoni” Pizza (from Bridgette’s kitchen) Makes 8 slices

    Quick tip: Since most people eat with their eyes, try cutting the pepperoni slices in half. Then, cut up the cheese shreds a little bit too. Spread toppings evenly over pizza. It gives the illusion that you ordered a pizza with “extra” pepperoni and “extra” cheese.

    Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust – Classic
    34 slices of Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
    1-1/2 Cups Ragu Pizza Sauce
    1 cup Kraft 2% Reduced Fat Mozzarella (4 oz.)

    Follow directions on pizza crust tube for baking temp and baking time. Spray a baking sheet or cookie sheet with olive oil or canola cooking spray. Roll out pizza crust onto prepared baking pan. Spread out crust until it covers the entire bottom of pan.
    Tip: You may also use a two 12 in round pizza pans to make two round thin crust pizzas.

    Spoon on the sauce and spread evenly. Sprinkle ½ of the cheese, and then spread out the pepperoni sliced halves evenly over pizza for full coverage. Sprinkle over remaining cheese. Spray lightly with non-fat olive oil or canola oil spray.

    Bake in oven according to pizza crust instructions. Allow to cool slightly. Cut into 8 even slices. Note: If baking two thin crust pizzas, cut each into 4 wedges. Enjoy!

    1 serving (1 slice) = Approx. 201 cal/5.25 fat grams/less than 1 gram saturated fat
    24% fat

    Recipe #2: Bagel style “Pepperoni” Pizza (from Bridgette’s kitchen) – Makes 2 bagel pizzas.  Loaded with fiber and protein! Both bagel pizzas are less than 400 calories total. Compared to the calories of a traditional pepperoni pizza, this is a great calorie bargain! If eating only one bagel pizza, then it will be 187.5 calories/4.5 fat grams. 

    1 Thomas’ Hearty Grains 100% Whole Wheat Bagel
    8 slices Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
    ¼ cup Ragu Pizza Sauce
    ¼ cup Kraft 2% Mozzarella Cheese 

    Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Place bagel halves onto pan. Divide sauce between each bagel half. Add four pepperoni slices per bagel half. Add 2T cheese per bagel half. Spray lightly with non-fat olive oil or canola oil spray. Bake at 400 for about 10-15 min or until cheese melts and edges of bagels are slightly toasted.

    2 bagel pizzas = approx. 375 cal/9 fat grams
    22% fat

    Enjoy your pizza party!  And remember…….watch those portions!
    
    

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Bridgette Wilson - The Journey

  • From: bridge92
  • Description:

    Long as I could remember.  I was the “cute, but chubby” girl.  In the first grade, I weighed 90 pounds!!  I was the one that adults would say, “She has such a pretty face, if only she could lose a little weight…..” 

     

    Fast food was my obsession.  I loved French fries…..they were everything.  I never met a French fry I didn’t like.  When I was in Middle school, every Friday Mom treated us to somewhere special.  I would get off the bus and no matter what had happened that day, I knew we were going to go and eat later that evening.  There was a place where I grew up in Houston, called “Master Burger”.  They had small orders of fries: four for 25 cent with a coupon.  I would get the Master Burger with Cheese and four orders of fries and sometimes onion rings as well.  I would eat it all!! 

     

    College was where I had my first wake up call to do something about my weight.  One of my mother’s friends was into fitness and losing weight.  She recommended I try Slim-Fast.  I did it for about two weeks and lost 14 pounds.  I was hooked.  So, then I started exercising, watching what I ate and really giving it my all.  I went from 194 to 130!!  I was wearing a size 8 and thought I was the queen of the world.  But the part I didn’t learn was HOW to eat and WHAT to do after the diet is over.    I was finally thinner, but very unhealthy.  I realized that you can’t live on shakes for the rest of your life.  So, before long, I put the weight back on and was heavier than when I first started out.

     

    In spite of my weight challenges over the years, I met a wonderful man in the fall of 1997.  Shawn and I were married on May 20, 2000.   On our wedding day, I weighed 175, which I had accomplished to fit into my wedding dress.  Before I got pregnant, I had swarmed up to 210 pounds.  We had our daughter in 2004, which surprisingly, I only gained 30 pounds, so that took me to about 240 pounds.  After Kayla was born, I dropped 25 pounds just like that.  I thought to myself, hey, let’s try losing some more.  So, I did finally get down to 188 and was feeling pretty good.  I got on a 1500 calorie diet plan on my own.  I exercised and was feeling pretty good about my accomplishment.  But then, the yo-yo dieting started all over again for me.  I returned to my old habits and the weight returned as well.  I was back up to 215 pounds.

     

    A job offer came to me in November 2006.  We moved to Austin, TX.   I continued with my bad eating habits, rebelling on being healthy.  I tried to convince myself that since I keep going back to the 200 pound range, maybe this is just where I was meant to remain.  

     

    Finally, my turning point came.  I had to get self-employment insurance because my consulting firm was not going to be able to provide group insurance to the Texas employees.   So, that meant every consultant for my company working in Texas had to get their own insurance.  Once the agent found out how much I weighed, they put me in a high risk category, which meant my rate changed so drastically.  This was the wakeup call I needed.

     

    On December 28, 2006, I started my weight loss journey, weighing 215 pounds.   For once in my life, I realized, it was an addiction with me and fatty foods.  I didn’t want to go back this time, but go forward.  I didn’t need to be skinny, just healthy.   I started changing the way I was eating and got into exercise.  After a year, I got to my ultimate goal of losing 92 pounds!

     

    I have been maintaining my weight loss (between 121-124) since March 2008, which is over a year and half.  I am now a size 4-6 Petite in pants and skirts and small in tops!  I use to be a size 22W pants and XXL in tops.  This makes shopping so much easier and more fun now!

     

    But the three things that are the key to my success are:

     

    • You must make it a lifestyle change.   
    • You can not return to old habits.
    • You must do it for YOU.

     

    I have learned to find sensible alternatives and still get the same satisfaction as the high fat foods gave me.   Some people want to challenge me to see if I will stick to my new way of eating.  I use this as a tool to make me stronger.   I have adopted a new way of thinking and along with it came a new life.   

     

    Before I go out to a restaurant, I research online for calorie and fat counts.  I know what to order before I get there.  I only eat out twice a month, and I make Smart Ones part of my lunch menu at least 3 times a week!

    I have learned on my journey that you must plan or you will fail.  I have finally learned that I am a food addict and I have to be aware of that or I will end up back in the plus-size department.   But with a little planning ahead, I believe I will make it this time.    

    The surprising conclusion is that I don’t even like the way those fatting foods made me feel.  I know that I didn’t like the way they made me look.   So, do I miss it??  Not one bit, because when I look in a mirror, I am so grateful to God for helping me to find a new life.

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  • 3 weeks ago
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• Autumn Lost 40Ibs!

  • From: autumnleaves
  • Description:

    After my first born (1999) I had great intentions of getting the weight off, but it just never happened. I kept telling myself that I’m going to have another baby so why work hard to get the weight off I was just going to put it back on… A few years went by before I gave birth to my second child in 2004. By then I had gained an extra 40ibs. I felt beautiful and big and I thought I loved my life. By 2006, I had put on another 10ibs and I noticed my health starting to change. I couldn’t walk around the block without losing my breath, I couldn’t run around with my kids at the park, and I started getting sick more frequently. It was a doctor’s visit and a friend that changed my life…

    In 2006, I had another typically cold during the winter months that lead me in an urgent care facility. While there it was brought to my attention that my blood-pressure what so high that if I didn’t do something about it my kids wouldn’t have a mother in a five years. This was heart breaking to hear those words. I asked what I should do and they told me to lose weight and start working out. I knew the years of saying I need to get the weight off would catch up to me, I just didn’t realize it would happen so quickly.

    It took a few weeks to sink in and as I started talking about it to a friend of mine at work she asked me to join weight watchers with her. I really toggled over the idea wondering if a program could really change my life. She really encouraged me to just check things out and said she would 100% support me if I joined, she was going to join. That next week I decided to make the change and join the journey.

    My journey started in 2007 I call it a journey because it was an adventure of ups and downs. I attended weekly weight watchers meetings and worked out three or more days a week. During our meetings we were able to discuss recipes, the best tasting SmartOnes and ways to conquer hunger. I also owe a lot of my success to my friend, she committed to supporting me 100% and she meant every word of it. We were buddies the entire way, we called, texted and emailed each other during moments of weakness and moments of success. I credit my success to great meals, fun workouts and to a supportive friend.

    I joined weight watchers in 2007 and have been a lifetime member since March of 2009. I’m still keeping it off!

    Name: Autumn

    Age: 28

    Height: 5’3”

    Was: 189ibs

    Lost: 40ibs

    Weight: 148ibs

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• A Journey worth every effort

  • From: krisnturner
  • Description:

    86 pounds!  That is what the final count of pounds lost was for me!  Of course it was a journey and took me 15 months of dedication and will to do it....but it was worth the end results! 

    October 2007 I saw myself in the mirror and was disgusted!  I could not beleive how big I had gotten.  I had quit looking in the mirror, had quit being in pictures, and had quit caring.  Well, that all changed one day.  I called a friend who I had watched lose 100 pounds and asked her if I could attend her meeting with her.  Of course I could...so that Wednesday in October I attended my first Weight Watcher meeting.  There was so much inspiration and motivation at that meeting that there was no turning back.  I joined that day!  Now, I had not been on scale in quite awhile and had no idea how much I weighed.  I stepped on the scale and began my journey at 238 pounds.  I immedietly started counting points on everything.  When I would eat it was not longer: "Oh, that sandwich was good!" It was, "Oh, that sandwich is 8 points!"  I became what my mother called me....a Weight Watcher Nazi!  For the next 15 months I stayed dedicated and would watch the weight come off.  I couldn't always see it, but everyone around me could.  I continued to make smart choices in what I was eating and watching my portion controls.  That is one thing that was the hardest for me.  I did not realize how much I was actually eating!  When I would have something to eat, I would eat what was given to me or eat until I felt full.  I never measured or weighed anything until that October.  I bought a scale for food and weighed or measured everything that I would eat.  The weight started litterally falling off of me.  There were some weeks that I would have a slight gain or not lose as much as I had hoped to lose but I stuck with it.  I always tracked what I was eating also.  It made it so much easier to see what I had actually taken in and would keep me in contol.  My motto became....if you bite it, write it!  15 months after starting my journey at 238 pounds I had finally reached my goal.  I had lost 86 pounds!  I look better, feel better and am all around a better person.  I am always looking to inspire someone to lose weight and get told all the time I am a huge inspiration!  I never knew it was so much fun to be healthy and skinny!  I can do more with my kids, I don't get tired as easily as I used to, and I can ride rollar coasters and actually not get stuck in them!!!  I have been maintaining my weight now for 8 months and plan to stay the way I am.  I will never go back to being big again!  The journey was all worth it in the end!

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  • 2 months ago
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• I'm Never Joining Weight Watch

  • From: Doingthis4Chris
  • Description:

    OK ...let me explain.  I'm never joining Weight Watcher's again, because I'm never quitting again.  I know that I need to be at meetings and work the program.  Now, for a bit of background on my weight loss journey.

    My first time at Weight Watcher's was in 1973.  I was at a large get together and noticed that an acquaintance of mine was 'melting away'.   I desperately needed to 'melt' a bit myself.  I was about 185 pounds at the time.  I'd seen her off and on for months, and wanted to know what she was doing.  She looked wonderful!   She told me that she'd been attending Weight Watcher's meetings and had lost about 40 pounds.  Well, I went to the next Weight Watcher's meeting with her.  We worked the program together, and we had such fun trying to figure out ways to incorporate liver into our diets.  The program in 1973 was remarkably different.  The list of foods that we could choose from was nothing compared to the foods that we couldn't eat, but we got results!  I was down 50 pounds in about 6 months.  I was young so my goal weight was lower than it is now.  125 pounds ...I thought (and so did she) that "we can do this on our own now!"  WRONG!  We both quit Weight Watcher's and we both gained weight ...lots and lots of weight, and it came back with a frenzy!

    The second time around was about 2 years later.  The program had changed a bit, but the food choices were still very narrow.  I was not quite 200 pounds and my friend was probably about the same weight as I was.  Together, we joined again.  We were both successful.  We lost lots and we lost fast.  Once again, we made the mistake of thinking that we could do it without going to meetings.  It took me years to figure it out.  ...why?  I don't know! 

    Over the years, I tried lots of different things to lose weight.  I tried counting calories, the banana diet, the grapefruit diet, the egg diet, the spinach diet and more.  I always knew that what works for me is Weight Watchers.

    When I was in my late 40's, I went to the Dr and weighed in at 266 pounds!  I was horrified!  The Dr talked to me about trying Fen Phen.  He gave me information that show how successful the diet drug was.  Well, that was something that I'd heard others were trying, with wonderful results but I decided that I'd research it first.  I did, and what I found out scared me!  I went back to the Dr and told him that I wasn't going to go on this 'diet' pill and gave him the information that I'd found online.  He scoffed at me and said, "Well then, you're just stupid!  Here's something that works, and you're not even willing to give it a try!"  I was stunned at his attitude but not stunned enough to just take it!  I replied, "Well, maybe you Drs just want to kill off all the fat people so you won't have to treat them anymore!  I know what to do, and I'm going to do it.  By the way, you're fired!"  I walked out of the office.  Who needs a Dr like that?

    The next day, I joined Weight Watchers for the last time!  I have to say, the program is the best in the world!  It's healthy and reasonable.  In a year, I'd lost 70 pounds, and by the end of the second year, I was down 100.2 pounds and became a lifetime member.  I got (from my wonderful new Dr) a 'weight goal waiver'.  He said that I'd be fine at 175 pounds.  I got down to 166.8.  I was in size 10's and so happy with myself.  I was able to maintain my weight for quite awhile.  About 3 years ago, there was a tragedy in my family.  My sister died suddenly and it devastated me ...and of course, I turned to food.  I know that it doesn't solve anything, but at the time I didn't care.  I just wanted to fill that void with food.  I gained back about 38 pounds.  BUT ...I haven't quit going to class, and I'm not going to.  The support I get from my class is awesome!  My leader is the best.  I've been shown nothing but kindness and patience ...after all, "life happens".  I'm losing again.  I have about 26 pounds to get back down to my goal, and I will do it because I'm never joining again!

     October 20, 2009

    I recently tried Smart Ones Artisan Creation Flatbread Sandwiches & the Artisan Creation Pizzas.  My husband and I decided that we'd have them again.  They were satisfying and tasty. 

    I would highly recommend the Ice Cream Sundae's if you have a chocolate craving.  The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the Peanut Butter ones are sooooo good!

    Well, I'm losing again, and happy about it.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.

     

     

     

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  • 2 months ago
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• kraftyladyincali

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• m8roger68

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• Frozen Meals and a Reheated Lo

  • From: jenniferp_04
  • Description:

    I always considered myself that "overweight" girl in high school.

    You know, the kind that everyone likes but feels bad for. The kind that's everyone's friend but no one's girlfriend.That girl that was just ....so darn funny. And that was me, but I was who I wanted to be on the inside, but no who I wanted to be on the outside.

    I struggled daily with self image and esteem issues and because of the stress of dealing with my parents divorce and of course the politics of high school, I let those issues get the best of me and I found myself at a startling 362lbs. at 16 years old. I had blood pressure and sugar problems, not to mention the beginnings of, what looked to be a thyroid problem. Sixteen... the world in front of me and I was too depressed and physically unable to run and grasp all of those tiny opportunites and moments we take for granted. The shopping, the boys, and all the silly little things we love when we are that age weren't fun for me. Nothing fit and no boys liked me... but how can you blame them? I didn't like me. No matter your size, you are beautiful, but if you don't love yourself... you can't expect anyone else too.

     So after another year of throwing myself the most involved pity party I realized I was in control and it was time I did something about it. I joined Weight Watchers, joined a gym, and started trying to be more positive and looking toward my new and bright future I was beginning to create for myself. It's funny how losing 1lb. seems like the biggest feat... and it should, because it is.

    At the time I was a teen, I hated that I couldn't go out with friends and get pizza all the time, I hated taking my lunch to school, and I hated having cravings for those "no-no" foods and never being able to fully satisfy myself. When I discovered Smart Ones, at first it just seemed like another frozen diet food, like so many before it, that probably tasted like cardboard. My aunt convinced me they were different, so I bought the Alfredo and I bought the Mac and Cheese one and I went home with very little expectations. Needless to say I was wrong, and now 6 years later Smart Ones are still a staple in my healthy eating. I owe a good deal of my weight success to Weight Watchers and it's line of products and foods just because it didn't ever "feel" like a diet. I still lived my life and at the foods I wanted too but with a more conscience attitude on portions. I ate all the same foods I loved... pizza, pasta, ice cream, but was given options that had less harmful calories and fat in them.

    To date, I have lost 160lbs. and still going. It's all about baby steps and I'm so close to my goal I can taste it! Thank you so much Weight Watchers, Smart Ones, and all of the community of strong and inspiring fellow dieters for being a staple, backbone, and inspiration to me through my hard but worth-while journey into a healthy life and becoming the person I was meant to be.

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
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• Half the Girl I Used to Be!

  • From: kimsimiele
  • Description:

    As of August 30, 2009 I've gotten rid of 217 lbs. I've lost more than I weigh, who'd have ever thought? What I did to achieve this was decide I was DONE with my old life. In September 2007 I began my journey of change.  I started small and it has been a process.  I started with portion control and cutting down to 3 reasonable meals and 3 snacks each day. After about six months I added exercise which at first was only a slow 1/4 mile on the tread mill, it was all I could do at first.  As time passed I gradually increased length and speed, now a do a mile each morning before work. After nearly a year I was ready for upping the exercise and joined Curves, then 8 months after that I was ready for co-ed and joined Planet Fitess. Now am at the gym on average 5 days a week.  I look at it as just a part of my life now, not an option.  My eating has been a process of weaning off foods with no nutritional value and moving towards healthier choices. No food is off limits, but there is better portion control and my tastes have evolved to where I want healthier choices.  I use a lot of Smart Ones for lunches at work, it's easy, proportioned, I save money and they're delicious! The Three cheese ziti is a favorite! I don't consider myself to be 'on a diet.' This is simply my life now.  I'm experiencing a whole new world, and my old life seems like that was someone else's. I will never go back.

    My story, in detail, can be read at the link posted below.  The posts start with most recent, then go back to the beginning of my journey.  Here is an excerpt from my web journal ( http://myjourney-kim.blogspot.com/ )
     
    "I feel like a new creation. The best compliment I love to hear is when people say they didn't even recognize me. I LOVE THAT! And I also love not having the extreme anxiety of being stared at and made fun of. FREEDOM! ...It's so funny how quickly I seem to forget my old life. I can't even believe how long I lived the way I did. So much time wasted...because of food! STUPID! Yet that was my life. I missed out on so much...who knows where I'd be if I'd gotten a handle on this 20 years ago...married? a mom? a better job? Well, I can't live in the past, all I can do is carve out a new future. I've created my own bucket list...it seems to keep growing, I have a lot of time to make up for..."

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
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• Mr. & Mrs. journey to a health

  • From: janie2009
  • Description:

    My man and I married in December 1980, myself weighing in @ 195 lbs, and my husband @ 255 lbs., we have always been heavy, during the past twenty nine years we have enjoyed life, and always ate what we wanted.  During these twenty nine years, we have two children, who also face the overweight battle. I was brought up with the meat potato vegtable meal, and always some kind of dessert, as the rule. 

    In November of 2008, our son married, which meant that after 25 years with children at home, we were once again a solo couple.  We decided that January would mark a new beginning for us for my husband and I had soared to 374 lbs and 247 lbs, which I might add was not respectably !  I had known for the past couple of years that we needed to get healthy and active again, because we truly hope to enjoy grandchildren one day. 

    I had made my decision to attack my lifestyle when my son married in November, and during our mother son dance I could hardly finish, as I was out of breath.  And the wedding pictures were shameful of me, I was almost red purple in color in them.   

    January 15th, my D-day, I started with changing my sugar intake, watching calories, and jumped right in and joined Curves, 3 days a week.  I explained to my husband, leary as I was, that I had to do this. Much to my surprise he was all on board and since I wanted to be healthier then he would do it to.  We donated all "bad food" to the local Salvation Army, and from that day forward have only kept healthy food in our cupboards, fridge, and freezer.  We both have busy jobs, and don't leave our offices, we live by Smart One meals for lunch, quick and very good.  Being new @ this I had tried several different frozen lunch meals, I was so disappointed until I tried Smart Ones, and strangely enough my husband agrees.  We also keep the Smart Ones desserts around for a special treat.  

    Well its been 8 months for me, and with making healthy changes, I now can mow my whole lawn, dance the night away with my husband, fast and slow dances, walk and jog, I have lost 59 lbs, and weigh 188 lbs.  My ultimate goal is 150, and maintain it, but most of all enjoy life as a healthier me.  My husband has lost an amazing 95 lbs, weighing 279 lbs to date, it was as though he melted when we changed our lifestyle.. We make this fun, and weigh in every morning just to keep us alert to our daily action.  We found that using a dry erase on our bathroom mirror allows us to weigh and mark, and add things like smileys, frowns, or even hearts !

    We are very proud of our accomplishment, and look forward to a lifetime of healthy choices, and appreciate the opportunity to share it with you.

    Mr & Mrs

        P.S. The photo we sent was taken in the middle of July, just about 1 month ago, and this is true, I have never been that close to my husband before due to his protruding belly, and I love it !!!

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
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• Life is too short...

  • From: WhitneyAdkins
  • Description:

    My name is Whitney and I'm 28 years old. Ever since about the age of 12 I've been "chubby." All through elementary school and middle school I was teased a little bit about my weight. Kids can be really cruel. When I got into high school I felt very self conscious. I felt like all of my friends were skinny and beautiful and I was the chubby awkward one. I had the same feeling all through college. My weight held me back from doing a lot of fun things. I didn't want to participate because I was afraid people would laugh at the chubby girl. I have a lot of regrets about all those years I spent feeling low just because of my weight.

    About 6 years ago I thought, "you know what... life is TOO short to feel this way." I decided I was going to lose weight and get in shape. I lost about 30 pounds by using diet pills and exercising. I looked and felt great! But then I broke up with my boyfriend of 5 years and gained every single pound back in the span of 6 months. I couldn't believe how easy it was to gain that weight back. I was really disappointed in myself. I would never, ever recommend using diet pills to lose weight. They were NOT the way to do it. A quick fix is never a good fix.

    Then about 3 years ago I decided it was time again to motivated. I needed to lose this weight. I wanted to get in shape and do all of the things that I've always wanted to do with my body. So I started running. I joined a gym. I started counting calories. (During the week, I wrote down everything I ate. On the weekends, I ate pretty much whatever I wanted within reason.) I drank more water. I gathered healthy recipes and started cooking better meals for myself. I took my lunch to work (which was pretty often a Smart Ones). I walked the dogs more often. I stopped eating meat. I became more active. All of those things allowed me to lose 45 lbs. I've kept it off for 2 years now. I can't even describe how much better I feel. And I look great! I went from a size 14/16 to a size 8/10.

    I am no longer scared to be seen in a bathing suit. I hike, I run, I swim, I am very active. I'm not scared to do anything! My confidence has soared through the roof.  My body feels so energized and healthy. When I look in the mirror I see a healthy woman. I am by no means skinny, but I'm fit and happy. I don't care about wearing bikinis. I don't care about wearing Hollywood fashions. I just want to look good in the clothes that I like to wear. And I do!

    I know people say this all the time, but it's SOOO true in my case -- If I can do it, you can too! And you'll feel so glad that you did. After all, you only have ONE body, it's your only chance to do the things you want to in life. You should treat it right and take care of it.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
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• A New Start

  • From: Mamacat
  • Description:

      I'm beginning a new start on my dieting.  I have 50 pounds to lose and am hoping with the help of the good SmartOnes, I will be able to achieve it.  I don't always feel like cooking (most of the time now). I only cook for myself so at times, it is so much easier to pop in a microwave meal and eat it.  I like the SmartOnes meals and am hoping if I watch what I eat with them, I can get the weight to come off.  I have found it is so much harder now that I'm over 60.  As a young person, my metabolism was so high that I was underweight and now the opposite is true.  I struggle with the weight.  I love to eat and when I cook, I tend to fix too much and end up eating it all.  So thought that with the SmartOnes, the portions are small, the food is good and it will help me get on track to losing the excess weight.  When the weather is not raining, I walk 6 days a week up to 2 1/4 miles a day.  If it is too humid out, we end up walking a mile and a half.  Otherwise we do the 2 1/4 miles.  I am starting a workout routine in the afternoon with the Wii.  Along with a good workout, it is fun and your time flies by.  I hurt my knee so have to be careful with what I do when exercising. 

      I'm ready to get started and lose the 50 pounds...up to 2 pounds a week...  I know that losing it slow is the best way to get it off and maintain. 

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 74
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• Dressing for the Occasion: Sum

  • From: jenniferadams1985
  • Description:

    It's an opportunity to stand out from the crowd - literally, of course! When it comes to attending those summer festivals, why not mix fun with a bit of fashion? The sun could be baking down from the sky or perhaps pouring down with rain at your festival of choice, but there's no reason why you can't still look good for the occasion.

    When it comes to summer festivals, you may automatically think that it would make sense to pack sun cream, day cream, sunglasses, plenty of skirts, and vests into your suitcase or holdall. Unfortunately, with the difficulty in predicting the weather conditions, there is now a common trend of being overwhelmed with mud at your nearest festival, so it may be worthwhile considering a pair of Wellingtons; perhaps even a woolly hat and weather proof coat into your luggage. The latter items of clothing may not sound fashionable, but they can be!

    There are of course many different types of festivals to attend in the summer, ranging from music festivals to family orientated events and most things in-between with perhaps the only difficult choice being what clothes to wear. However, festival fashion wear is your oyster, and while usually almost anything goes there are a few obvious what-not-to-wear suggestions to bear in mind.

    Firstly, consider your footwear; stilettos may not be the best footwear of choice for a festival, with the ground normally either quite hard or very soft, which often results in your moving nowhere fast! More obvious choices such as trainers, flip flops, sandals or Wellington boots may be more practical depending on the prevailing conditions.

    Flip flops are popular at festivals, especially on hot days, allowing your feet to breathe but also for comfort after a long day of standing in front of the stage. But if the weather turns inclement, then perhaps flip-flops aren't the most sensible of choices. If - or when - the weather does turns for the worse, don't be put off by the thought of Wellington boots; you don't have to look like a farmers wife, and with a great range of floral patterns available, you can have dry feet and look as good as celebrities do. After all, Wellington boots and a pair of hot-pants worked for Kate Moss at 2005's Glastonbury Festival.

    Accessories are a female's middle name and when it comes to summer festivals a clutch bag wouldn’t go too far astray in holding those important valuables - that obviously being make-up. A bandana can be very useful for those who don’t like the prospect of displaying greasy hair, whilst also acting as a useful eye mask for when you are getting ready to settle down to sleep as the sun starts to rise.

    The men may not understand festivals completely from a female perspective; the music or function is great fun, you persevere with the strange body odours, where ideally you would have a shower at any available moment but the fashion will also be there. Don’t be ashamed about modelling the best dress, coolest Ray Bands, wearing lots of layers or perhaps showing off your girly roots, it's your festival and a great opportunity to display your fashion sense.

    Jennifer Adams writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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  • 4 months ago
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