My Weekend... Staying on Track!

The weekends are sometimes bad enough to undo all of the hard work of the week.  So I have decided to really focus on staying ON POINT as much as possible over the weekend.

Friday Night: Since we are in the middle of Lent, I follow the No Meat Fridays!  Anthony and I decided to make a Boboli Thin Crust Pizza (10 points for half the crust)!  Since I cannot have meat, we decided to make a huge salad to accompany the pizza.  Anthony made a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing!

Half plain tomato sauce.  Half
tomato sauce with pesto and
anchovies (for Anthony!)

The finished product!

                 

My plate.  Half the pizza with an amazing salad!
Total Points for this (plus a little more salad): 15

Saturday Night:  For Lent, I gave up going out to eat.  My sister in law was visiting so I decided that family relationships are more important than not going out to eat (even though I did NOT drink alcohol... my other Lenten sacrifice).

For dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants.  Below, you will see that I made all the right choices!!!

I did not eat ANY appetizers, bread OR dessert!! I ordered salmon even though I really wanted pizza!  All in all, I am so proud of my night.

Sunday: Francesca's Baby Shower:  I had the pleasure of attending one of my best friend's baby shower!!! They served Chinese food and I am so happy with my plate.  I made sure to LOAD UP on veggies and just take a small portion of lo mein and meat!  Also, I steered clear of the amazing desserts!

My lunch plate at the shower!

For dinner, I had two Trader Joe's Chicken Chili Lime Burgers (7) with a huge salad (3)!

As I reflect back on my weekend, I am truly proud of the choices I have made.  Not only did I stay on point, I was satisfied and happy.  I am learning new ways to accomplish my goals each and every week!!! 

Here's to an awesome and pre-planned week!  

Weekly Meal Prep! Greek Shredded Chicken and Emily Bites' Sausage Tortellini Skillet!

As we are about to start a new week, I find myself meal prepping again.  Although it can sometimes be a pain, it is 100% worth the time and effort.  A little extra work on the weekend makes for a much easier (and on-track) week!  Below, you will see my meal prep for the week of March 30-April 2.  Things are a little different this week because I only have a four day work week, my husband only has a three day work week (before going to a Bachelor Party in Florida on Thursday) and I will be starting Spring Break on Friday!!!

First on my meal prep list, I started with my Crock Pot Greek Shredded Chicken:

I threw frozen chicken into my Crock Pot with approximately 3/4 cup of low fat chicken broth and a generous sprinkling of Cavender's Greek Seasoning.

Once the chicken was in the Crock Pot, I began the side dish prep.  I decided on pearled couscous and roasted asparagus.  The couscous was a little higher in points than I had wanted (1/4 cup=4 points) but the asparagus is free!

Asparagus roasting in the oven

Pearled couscous

After four and a half hours, the chicken was shredded and portions were put into containers.  I gave myself 3 oz of chicken, 1/4 cup couscous and asparagus for a total of 7 points each.  My husband got two containers with 6 oz of chicken, 1 cup of couscous and asparagus!

Greek Shredded Chicken with couscous and asparagus

Then, took a break from meal prep to attend one of my best friend's baby shower!!  I made sure to LOAD UP on veggies and just take a small portion of lo mein and meat! (posted in my other page, which you can find here.)  I steered clear of the amazing desserts and drank my water!

After getting back from the shower, I knew it was time to finish my meal prep.  My hubby and I decided to make Emily Bites' Sausage Tortellini Skillet! (It is a favorite in our house!)  I will post several steps below!

The supplies: I make several modifications to her amazing recipe!  I use vodka sauce instead of tomato sauce and I add extra veggies.  Also, instead of cheese tortellini, I use Buitoni Herb Chicken Tortellini!!!

First, I chop up the vegetables!

Once the veggies are chopped, I throw the meat (without the casings) into the pan and to brown it.  

After a few minutes, I add the veggies to the pan and let it cook for 8 minutes!

Next, I add the tortellini and the sauce and a little water.  Simmer the mixture for approximately 8 minutes (enough to let the tortellini cook).

Top with cheese and ENJOY!!!

Finished Product

I got 7 servings out of the tortellini skillet.  I made two double servings for my husband (he works out REALLY HARD and it requires more calories than I like to eat) and I made five single servings for myself.  I am calling each serving 9 points.

I cannot wait for this week!

Post-Reveal Feelings and Reaction

So I bit the bullet and shared my blog with everyone on my Facebook!!!

I have to say that the support was overwhelming.  There are a few people that I was SOOO shocked to hear from regarding my journey (shocked in a good way!).  On the other hand there were a few people I had hoped would share in my joy and success who have not.  It was a risk that was worth taking!

As I reflect on the last (less than) 24 hours, I am more motivated than ever to succeed.  I know I have so many wonderful people on my team.. Supporting me and wanting me to succeed!  This afternoon, I decided to do my typical treadmill workout.  I once again shortened my three mile time!  The progress is showing me that little changes make a major change.

Even though I gave up going out to eat for Lent, I am going out tonight with my Gerbasio family.  (My  dinner will only consist of an entree... No appetizers/bread/dessert for this girl... ) Anthony took a full body shot of me in my new shirt.  I am pleased to say I didn't hate it.  Surprisingly, I kinda like it!

Although I am happy with this picture I am NO WHERE near where I want to be BUT I am on my way to getting there!  I can see that my hard work and determination is paying off.  It's adding fuel to my fire and pushing me to do more to succeed.

And of course, I had to take a selfie! (Just got my hair done!!!)  There is NO shame in my game!

Happy and healthy Saturday everyone!  I will be posting about my meal tonight.

Taking my journey public!

With the help and consultation of my #wwsendtheloveteamslim ladies, I have decided to make my weight loss journey a little less private.  I have now shared my blog with all of my Facebook friends. This took a lot of thought and consideration.

I'm still nervous about it but I am hoping to receive the love and support that some of my fellow group members have received.  I guess only time will tell. 

The worst case scenario: People say something rude that makes me feel embarrassed. 

The best case scenario: People will show more support than ever. 

Knowing the people in my life, I will get nothing but love and support.  And honestly, at this point it is a risk I am willing to take. The journey I am on requires risk to get a reward. I know in my heart that people that don't care to read about it won't, and those who do want to read it, will!

I am going to be starting a blogging challenge and I am going to be posting more meal preps/food ideas again! 

Wish me luck !

Me... A runner?!?

I have NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER liked running.  EVER!  Example: In high school, I would pretend I was running the mile and I wouldn't.

With that said, I have recently become a self-proclaimed, avid walker/semi-runner!  Yesterday, I did intervals of fast walking and running for three straight miles... THREE MILES!!! Not only did I do that, I improved my time by 11 and a half minutes.  When I started walking, it would take me an hour to walk three miles.  I am down to 48 minutes and 30 seconds (but who is counting?!)!!!!  I am so proud of what I have been accomplishing.  This newest accomplishment is one of my proudest yet!

Not only am I proud of what I have accomplished... I am looking forward to making more progress continuously and I'm even contemplating signing up for a 5k!

If I had to give advice to someone in the same position where I was when I started this journey:

1. Don't feel bad about moving slow... At least you're moving!  When I started this process, I moved slower than I am moving now.  I now find myself randomly taking a longer route (just to walk more)!

2. Get some kind of activity tracker... I have the Fitbit One and I LOVE it.  Not only does it track how many steps I take, it monitors how active I am every day.  It helps me hold myself accountable and I am loving it.


3. Do not give up!!!!  There have been days that I did not want to work out.  Instead of giving into myself, I pushed myself to get on the treadmill.  More often than not, I walked more than I planned to once I was actually on the treadmill.


4. Do not throw yourself a pity party if you do skip a day.  Instead of letting it ruin the rest of your week, push forward and work out tomorrow!  I have done that two times and made up for it both times.


I am NO expert when it comes to running, however, I do know what it is like to start something new and luckily, I have had some success with it.  If you have tips or suggestions, please leave them in the comments.  I am new to this and would love to hear other people's ideas and tips!

Skype Night (3/24/15): Two New Members!

Welcome to our group Christina and Trista!!!! It was so nice to have a few new girls on our Skype night.  I am so proud and excited to be a part of a group like #wwsendtheloveteamslim because we are a group of women here to support each other.  Instead of tearing each other down, like so many people do, we are here to help each other and to motivate one another.

Normally at this point in my Weight Watchers journey, I would have retreated to my old ways (not counting, slacking off, not being active).  I am so happy to say that I have been more determined than ever to continue on this journey.  I can say with confidence that my success is directly related to the support I receive from my girls in #wwsendtheloveteamslim.

Our group has a bunch of women from all walks of life.  They have had different weight loss experiences, they have different goals, different lifestyles, different family situations, and live in different places around the country.  Even with ALL of these differences, we have found this sisterhood, this irreplaceable bond.  We are all the same when it comes to this journey.  We are here for each other.  We are a built-in buddy system.  We are best friends.  We are sisters.  Together, WE GOT THIS!

All I know is I cannot wait to see what this group is going to accomplish together.  Even with new members, I know we are all going to be successful together.  And I know we will all help each other get where we are going!

To the girls who were unable to Skype, we love you too!! :D

Bullies on Instagram?!

Hi everyone!! Sorry for the lack of blogs lately! (I was sick with a stomach bug and happened to lose FIVE POUNDS... Hoping to at least maintain when I weigh in on Friday (if not lose) but trying not to get too obsessed with it.)

So, I am back to points and I have been eating some things that I would NOT be able to on Simply Filling.  Earlier today, I posted my lunch which consisted of a chicken salad wrap and some baked Cheetos.  (total of 9 points).  A few hours later, I was notified by a follower that the IG account Prisondiet felt the need to mock my picture and talk about how unhealthy this meal was.  Seeing this really pissed me off for several reasons:

a) I do NOT post my food for anyone's benefit but my own. (However, if people get ideas from my posts YAYYY but I do NOT post for anyone's approval)

b) IG has been a way for me to get support during this journey.  It is NOT for people to tear me down.

c) People need to get a hobby if they dedicate their time to making fun of other people.

This whole ordeal really upset me because it was rude and disrespectful.  However, the more and more I think about it, the better I feel about myself.  If these people need to bring other people down, they have more issues than I do!  I actually feel sorry that they need to make fun of other people instead of doing something constructive with their time.

The moral of this story for me: Do not let other people (especially ignorant and disrespectful people) bring me down.  I use IG for motivation and support... Not for criticism and negativity.  I REFUSE to let other people get in my way!

If the same thing happens to you, do what I am doing.. Brush it off, let it go and realize you are in this for you... NOT THEM!

Re-post: Fail to plan, plan to fail!

Every Sunday since starting Simply Filling, my husband and I have meal planned for the entire week! I truly believe this has helped us both as we continue on this journey to health and well-being!

It helps to have each other because even though my #wwsendtheloveteamslim girls are AMAZING, if I didn't have support at home, it would make this much harder. 

Here's what we prepared today: 

Anthony made a cream of mushroom beef, veggies, and rice casserole. 

I made Shredded Greek Chicken and put 1/4 oz feta, broccoli, and brown rice on the side!

We will both eat these meals for a combination of lunches and dinners (alternating) depending on what we have going on any given day!

This week's goals: treadmill five days (can't Friday but will walk on Saturday) and I will attempt to hit 10,000 steps Monday through Saturday!!!

Here's goes nothing. Good luck to everyone else!!!

Re-post: Family and Friends on this Weight Loss Journey- 3/11/15

Bridgette's Skype topic had the group focus on social interactions and on how we handle our weight loss journey with those near and dear to us. 

Since recommitting myself to Weight Watchers, I have been avoiding as many social events as possible. I know the areas where I struggle and I have been trying to keep challenges to a minimum. Lately, I have used Lent as a means of taking my weight loss goals further because I gave up alcohol and going out to eat. I don't feel like my family or friends would pressure me to do something I don't want to but I feel like I do not want to set myself up for failure. 

I know I still have a long way to go. So what I say today may not apply in the future. 

With that said, I have kept my journey out of focus for friends and family. Those closest to me know I am on Weight Watchers but they do not know specifics about my journey (weight, total lost, pictures of before/after)...For some reason, I am not comfortable with sharing this part of me yet. Maybe farther along my journey I will be more willing to share it with others. 

I am always making adjustments and changes while on this journey. Only time will tell how I handle these situations in the future!!

Re-post: Snow Days!

I have a snow day. 

Snow days are often a struggle for me.

For some unknown reason, I am ravenous when it snows... Being stuck at home makes it even harder. I can say that the past few snow days, I have done better than usual but I still struggle. 

Today, with the help of my WW girls, I pre-planned my day (down to potential snacks) and I am trying to surpass my daily intake of water to stay full. 

I am confident that I will be able to stay on track this time. With that said, I will be working hard to accomplish this. I have set goals for myself. 

Today's Goals:

-hit 6,000 steps

-eat only what I have planned

-drink 120 ounces of water

-hit the treadmill

-try a workout DVD

LET's SEE HOW THIS GOES!!!

Re-post: Steph's Guide to Dining Out!

The struggle is real... It's not just you feeling that way... There are real-life obstacles that can take you out of the game at any moment. This journey is all about finding ways to make life work for you, not against you!

One of my biggest weight-loss struggles has been sticking to plan when going out for dinner (or any meal)!  Over time, I have learned what works best for me!

My tips:

1. Look at the menu:  Look at the menu beforehand and plan what you're going to eat. This allows you to plan ahead for points. 

2. Be vocal about your needs/desires:  Don't feel bad when your friend says "hey, let's go to Mama Tony's Italian Meatball Heaven" when you know that you do not want to eat that many points! Speak up and vocalize what will help you stay on track! 

3. Avoid the free goodies on the table: Stay away from the bread! If there's bread on the table, try to avoid it. Personally, that is a slippery slope for me to go right off track. 

4. Leftovers: Try to leave some food on your plate. Even better, try taking some home. It will feel good to have a doggie bag and you'll get two meals for the price of one!

5. Relax and enjoy: Allow yourself to enjoy! Don't feel guilty for choosing to go out. Life is about living. If you restrict yourself too much, you might lose control and have a hard time getting back!

I'm no expert... I'm just a person going through this journey and I am keeping track of what is working for me and what is helping me to be more successful! 

Hope you find this helpful!

Re-post: Non-scale Victories- 2/21/15

This time around with Weight Watchers, I've made it my mission to focus less on the scale and more about making the right choices (food and exercise)!!!

My newest #nsv has just echoed this sentiment. I went to the mall today with my husband to return jeans I purchased at Old Navy in December. It's not that I didn't think they fit... It was because I wanted a different style. I walked into the store and just grabbed three pairs of jeans in my normal size. We headed over to the dressing room and one pair after the other was TOO big! It was such an amazing and thrilling feeling. 

The fitting room attendant went and got me the size smaller and to my surprise, all three fit (perfectly, not tight)!  The joy I felt was more sincere and moving than seeing the number change on the scale (even though seeing the number go down never hurts). 

Here's me, in the changing room, with the smaller size jeans! 

I'm so excited and cannot wait to keep going on this journey!!! 

Re-post: Small Changes=Big Results!

THIS is what is motivating me lately! I've recognized that small changes will end in major results!!! One of my #wwsendtheloveteamslim loves, Jen G., said this to me once and it just clicked!! 

My newest "small changes":

1. Simply filling

2. Working out

These two changes have literally turned my life and weight loss journey around!!

I have made better food choices, I've been working out a lot, and I've been losing weight. I'm thankful for this journey each and every day because I am happier, lighter (physically and emotionally), and more excited for my future than ever!

Small changes=Big results!!! 

Re-post: The struggle sometimes!

me

To

me

Today at 7:46 PM

The past few days, I've really been following plan but I have felt extremely bloated! It's almost like a mind f*** because I know (based on what I'm doing) that I should be feeling better. Usually, this is the point where I give up. I start making excuses and find myself slacking, making bad choices, and allowing myself to slip back into old patterns. 

Well this time, I REFUSE to do that! I am almost at 30 pounds down and I will NOT give up. I've worked too hard and felt too awesome to stop now. Here's what I've been telling myself to stay on track:

1. You feel so good losing almost 30 lbs, imagine what losing 50 lbs will feel like. 

2. You don't want to weigh more than your husband forever (huge motivation)!

3. You eventually want to be a healthy mother who is a good example for her kids and who will be around a long time. 

4. You have more energy than you used to. 

5. You can do this... No matter how hard it gets. 

Last night, our Skype topic focused on #NSV (non-scale victories)! At first, I was nervous to share because I didn't think I had too many... But as I thought further , I had quite a few:

1. Being down a size in jeans 

2. Having my dad tell me he sees a big difference

3. Continuously making better food choices

4. Working out more in the past two weeks than I had in the past six months!!!

After thinking of these victories, I decided to stop stressing over feeling bloated and just allowing my body to ebb and flow... There are going to be days when I feel bloated but I know there will also be days when I feel wonderful and unstoppable. 

No one ever said this journey would be easy but it is worth it. 

Until next time... Keep working hard and keep owning it!

Re-post: Skype Topic: Binge Eating-2/18/15

I've taken some time since our Skype session last night to think about the topic... Binge eating! 

I can't say that it's something that I deal with daily but I could say on a weekly basis, the temptation or feeling of a binge is looming! Since recommitting myself to WW and since becoming a member of Team Slim, I have found my desire to binge becoming less frequent. I literally used to go to the BK drive-thru two times a week, order a whole meal, go home, eat it, light a candle, and then proceed to eat dinner normally. It feels good to admit that but I still feel embarrassed by it because it shows my lack of willpower. 

Lately, if I binge, it's been with better choices (instead of fast food its a few pieces of chocolate)! I think I'm on the path to recovery. The biggest thing I've gained from thinking about this: don't make myself feel guilty after the binge is over. It is what it is... It's done. Don't let it ruin my day or week!!! 

I continue looking forward to making progress in all areas of my struggle! I am hopeful it will help me on this journey! I am so grateful that I'm not alone on this long process!! 

Re-post: I strongly Dislike Valentine's Day- 2/14/15

I strongly dislike Valentine's Day.

There, I said it...

I'm happily married and just find this Hallmark holiday dumb.  It makes people who are single sad and it makes people who are unhappily together feel pressured to pretend they care.  If my husband can't show me throughout the year that he loves me, it means NOTHING on February 14th!!!

To people who are single, don't let TODAY get you down.  It's a made up holiday meant for people to spend money.

To people who are in relationships, don't let today give you unnecessary stress.  Just love your partner the way you should every day.

I for one, don't care about this crap!  And no, I've never had anything terrible happen to me on this day (which has left me bitter).  I just really hate when people feel pressured into things because its what everyone else does.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Re-post: Rough Week

So this week was rough! Last weekend I went out to dinner Friday and Saturday and I felt like it messed up my rythmn on SF! Today is weigh-in day and I'm a little nervous about it. 

ON A POSITIVE NOTE: I earned 37 AP's this week which is probably one of the highest since getting my Fitbit!!! 

Fingers crossed for weighin. Thankfully, I had my bffls in #wwsendtheloveteamslim to talk me off the eating ledge a few times. 

Re-post: Simply Filling Week #2 2/8/15

So this past Friday, I had my second weigh in since starting Simply Filling and I lost another 1.6!  I am so happy with these results.

What I am even happier about is how I am feeling on this journey!  Simply Filling has felt so wonderful for so many reasons:

1. Better Skin (IMO)

2. Not feeling hungry all the time

3. Making GOOD food choices consistently

4. Getting in more than my daily water intake goal!

I'm going to keep working on it!  Today, I did my meal prep for the week in addition to making more banana cookies and baked Cinnamon Spice Cheerios!

Here is my grocery haul!!! :D

Until next time, keep it simple! 

Re-post: Simply Filling so far 2/2/15

Today is day #11 of Simply Filling!  First and foremost, I have to say that I LOVE IT!  I have found great success with it and I am really filling fulfilled.

What I love about Simply Filling:

1. I love the food that I am eating.

2. I love the choices I have been making on my own!

3. I love only eating when I'm really hungry and knowing when to stop!

What I am still working on with Simply Filling:

1. Variety- I have yet to have a wide variety of meal ideas.  I know this will change in time.

I know I don't have too much information yet but you can see that I am really enjoying Simply Filling.

Week #1- I lost 4.4 pounds*

*I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing the successes I will have with it.

Re-post: Skype Night Success: 2/3/15

So tonight was my first time running our Skype session! I was nervous and excited because I wanted to do a good job for my ladies!!! 

My topic: "Family members: Their weight situation? How does their health affect your journey?"

This topic was important to me because I know that I have had issues with this in my life. I have a wonderful and loving family but I have had to overcome comments and negativity. 

I don't want people to have the same problems but I am relieved to know that I am not alone. 

I am so grateful for this wonderful group of women. 

I cannot wait to see what else we do as a group!!

Re-Post: The Fab Five!

Time and time again, I have been on this journey to lose weight and to keep it off.  Although I have very supportive people in my life, nothing compares to being on this journey with people who know what I am going through and who do not judge me... EVER!

Several months ago, I was lucky enough to be accepted into a Facebook Weight Watchers group.  There are over twenty women in this group.  With all of that support, you would think that's enough.  However, I have been lucky enough to be a part of the group I will call the Fab 5!

THE FAB 5?

These ladies are literally making the difference between me being extremely successful and me not being successful at all!  Since January 1, we have all been in constant contact with each other (text, FB, etc).  These women have empowered me, supported me, and helped me to be successful!  (Down over 11 pounds in the month of January)

Additionally, these girls have helped me overcome some of my weight loss hardships and have encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone a little.

One of my favorite tools that we are utilizing is Skype.  Although we are from all over the country, we get the opportunity to constantly stay in touch and really get to know one another.  Not only have I found WW support with these girls but I have found life-long friends.

I am looking forward to the future of my friendship with these wonderful women.  I know that with their help, I can and will continue on this weight loss journey.