This Unfamiliar Road: WW

Showing posts with label WW. Show all posts

March 26, 2012

Proud Wife

Sometimes, you just feel the need to brag on your husband, right?

Around the first of the year, Ben's work began a "Biggest Loser" challenge among the employees. As a manager, Ben is almost obligated to participate, but this year he decided to really take on the challenge. He decided that cutting portions and just "watching" what he ate would not be enough, so he decided to join Weight Watchers online. "Hey, if Charles Barkley can do it..."

Overall, he has lost 20 pounds (in 3 months) and continues to lose each week. What an accomplishment! I'm very excited, too, that he now understands the concept and system of WW so he can be there to support me when it's time to lose baby weight!

Another huge change in his (our!) life is a career change. After nearly 5 years of working at the country club, Ben took a new job with a great company.

Although he (we) will greatly miss all of the staff and club members, this new opportunity has excellent hours and the ability for him to work from home. This new job is truly an answered prayer for our growing family.

"Before Picture"-Ben was very offended that I was trying to find a 'fat' picture of him ;)

The last St. Paddy's event for Ben :(

His first day of work! (Also a great "after" WW picture!)

(Can you tell who buys all of his clothes? I have an unhealthy obsession with green)

I am so proud of my hubby for many things, but these achievements are huge and deserved a little extra attention!

July 08, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 8:00 AM 0 Comments

Who doesn't LOVE desserts? They are a must for summertime, but a quick way to add on the pounds! Here is a tasty, but healthy (and easy!) dessert:

Red, White, and Blueberry Crisp

-2 cups blueberries

-2 cups strawberries, quartered

-1/2 C uncooked old fashioned oats

-2 Tbsp sugar, divided

-2 Tbsp unpacked brown sugar

-2 Tbsp light butter, melted

-1/2 C lite whipped topping

Instructions:

-Preheat oven to 375

-In a small bowl, toss blueberries with 1 Tbsp sugar; in another small bowl, toss strawberries with 1 Tbsp sugar

-In another bowl, stir together oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Spread mixture on baking pan in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally (until lightly browned).

-Place blueberries & strawberries in a glass dish, alternating to create stripes. Top with cooked oats and whipped topping.

*Serves 8; 3 Points per serving*

# Recipes # WW

June 17, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 9:26 AM 0 Comments

I have discovered a delicious and filling breakfast that is awesome for WW.

- 3/4 Cup Kashi Go Lean Crisp! (Berry Crumble)

-6 oz Greek yogurt (I use Chobani)

-Mix and enjoy!

Ok, I know yogurt and granola isn't revolutionary...BUT this combination contains 23g of protein! If I eat this around 8am, it will last me until at least 1pm. Oh, and it's tasty!

# Food # Recipes

June 10, 2011

Fitness Friday....I'm Baaaack

Andrea 8:00 AM 0 Comments

No more excuses! I am back to working a somewhat normal schedule (like...during the day), I don't have a lot of upcoming trips, and I am in 2 weddings this fall-all good reasons to get back to business with WW. I have spoken with a few coworkers who have had great success with the new program, and gave me some tips I had not tried before (although I feel like I have tried everything).

For my daily allowance of 29 points, I have always eaten 5-6 for breakfast,0-2 for snack, 5-6 for lunch, and the rest (15-17) for dinner. I like having extra points in the evening because I always struggle between lunch and dinner...I go in to major snack mode. Plus, if I am cooking dinner for both of us, I have to keep in mind that Ben doesn't always want to eat light for dinner.
One of my coworkers suggested that I split up the points evenly-9 points for each meal with 2 to spare for a snack. I have tried all the other tricks for losing weight on this program, so let's see if this does it!

If you haven't heard, the food pyramid is GONE! I am actually pretty excited about this and I hope it creates an easier system for Americans to follow. The old food pyramids were difficult to read and didn't provide a good system for portion control (which is what most Americans struggle with). The USDA has created MyPlate- a better image for what your plate should look like. The website is very interactive and easy to follow. (Yes, this was created from Michelle Obama's initiative on the issue of overweight Americans-but I like it and think it will be more effective)

Play around with it!

# Fitness # Food

April 15, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 2:11 PM 0 Comments

I need this in a refrigerator magnet
to deal with my junk food cravings!

Another slow week...and I am feeling a little discouraged. ( I really should have posted last week when I lost 1lb!) I talked to my BFF this week (who is also on WW, and familiar with the old program) and she really helped me out. She reminded me that by counting fat, carbs, protein, and fiber (but not calories), the weight loss will be slower but will actually stay off.

"But it will all add up in the end and you will be more likely to keep it off. And the changes will be so minimal that at the end you have completely altered your way of eating and can really stick to it"

Thanks CLC- I needed that, and continue to refer to your inspiring text!

# Fitness # Friends

March 25, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 9:04 AM 0 Comments

Well here we are again...
I've got to say I was a little disappointed with my weight loss number this week. I know I have to be realistic-I'm not going to lose 2 pounds every week-but I have been super focused on counting my points and watching my portions this week. I know exactly what would boost my weight loss (and metabolism)- exercise! The question is-when?

Yup, back to the night shift problem. One night of work affects 2 days, so by the end of the week, I'm all out of time! I love going to Zumba classes at my gym, but they offer them on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. So, if I work Monday and Wednesday nights (which I typically do), I can't go! One more reason why day shift just makes so much sense : )

I have thought about running. My neighborhood is great for it, and the weather has warmed up quite a bit. But guess what? I hate running. Always have. Believe me, I have tried to enjoy it...but maybe I should try again?
Sorry for the ramblings today- I am using this post as a brainstorm for exercise ideas. I am going to leave you with a tasty WW recipe:

Parmesan-Thyme Popcorn

Need:

1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is always best)

1 tsp ground thyme

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp table salt

8 cups air popped popcorn (plain), hot

Cooking Spray

Directions:

Mix cheese, thyme, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl. Spray popcorn with a few sprays of the cooking spray. Toss cheese mixture into the popcorn. Delish!

2 cups/serving= 2 points

# Fitness # Food

February 11, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 12:41 PM 1 Comments

I have decided to dedicate a weekly blog post to my new fitness goals. I will blog about the good and bad- recipes, workout routines, and tips!

The Weight Watchers system has definitely worked for me before, and I was excited to launch this program again to achieve my weight loss goals and adapt a healthier lifestyle. Because I have used this program before, I have many of the books and point slider guides so I know what I'm eating. I have also discovered a Weight Watchers support network that has lots of great recipes, point values for dining out, and supportive articles! Check it out here.
Of course, if you want to actually join, the online program costs about $17.95 monthly and comes with lots of tools and phone apps! You can also check out a local meeting for free!

The biggest challenge I am having with the points system is my work schedule (imagine that!). The daily point allowance is tricky when my day lasts for 24 hours! My exhaustion at work is usually cured by a little snack-just keep myself busy by eating! NOT a good habit, but I am starting to figure out how to manage this.

Fitness- I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout video this morning. It was actually challenging for other reasons than the cardio. Rowen thought me doing jumping jacks was a signal for *play time* and really got excited when I got down on the floor to ~~do some ab work~~ wrestle with her. I managed to get through the whole video while almost knocking Rowen in the head with my hand weights. Sigh....we will have to work on this.

Food- My new(ish) favorite discovery is my homemade "Egg McMuffin".

I use:

Thomas' Light English muffin

Parkay spray butter

Egg Beaters Whites

Nonfat Cheese

Put the egg beaters in a microwave safe bowl. I like to use one that has a small round part at the bottom so my egg will fit on my english muffin. I microwave for about 1min, 30 sec.

Spray your toasted english muffin with some spray butter and top with egg beater, pepper (if you like), and cheese!

Points Value= 3

I love this for a quick breakfast to go. It carries the same points value as a bowl of cereal, but you get some great protein too.

You can add Canadian bacon, but it will increase the points value by 1-2

I'm excited to see what next week will bring and how I manage my snacking at work, and getting Rowen to cooperate while I exercise!

# Fitness # Recipes

This Unfamiliar Road

March 26, 2012

Proud Wife

July 08, 2011

Fitness Friday

June 17, 2011

Fitness Friday

June 10, 2011

Fitness Friday....I'm Baaaack

April 15, 2011

Fitness Friday

March 25, 2011

Fitness Friday

February 11, 2011

Fitness Friday

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