I love my Weight Watchers meeting and my Weight Watchers friends

I never in a million years would ever think that I would enjoy going to a Weight watchers meeting.  I always went with dread....facing the scale, being embarrassed.  When I started this time, I tried several meetings until I found the one that fit, and I remember sitting there those first few meetings hearing people share and wondering if I would ever feel open enough to speak up.  Thankfully, I have made some sweet friends along the way and we are here for the long haul.  It is funny we get there 30 minutes before the meeting so we can chat, then we stand in the parking lot for 30 minutes after the meeting to chat.  Who would have ever thought.........................

this was the week that I was fairly certain that I was going to starve to death.  Someone on the Weight Watchers board said if you are hungry, eat an apple....if you don't want an apple, then you are not really hungry.  I ate a bunch of dang apples this week and it paid off.

Here I Am to Worship

This is one of my favorite songs that Servants Heart sings....

My next decade weight loss goal

I have not really had a reward for myself since I went horseback riding. I have decided that it is time. The numbers on the scale are dropping much slower than they were which is to be expected, but I thought I would give myself some incentive. I want to go for a massage when I get down to the next decade. That is still 9 or so pounds away, but I know I can do it. My next long term goal is One-derland, but that is a ways off, so for now, I will look forward to a relaxing massage.

39 pounds down!

It really is the little things! I have been going to WW longer than 16 weeks, so I was upgraded to a brand new book. Our leader even gave me all new 5 pound stars so I could keep on adding to my weight loss. We love our 5 pound and bravo stickers. I really like Susan our leader and Sharon at the scale. They are great. I have made some great friends at my Friday morning meeting too. I am so thankful for that support system.

I had a 0.8 pound loss this week, so, as they say, slow and steady wins the race. I am almost to the 40 pound mark....maybe next week or so. Until then, I will keep on tracking and exercising and drinking the crystal light flavored water. I didn't get this way over night and I will not get to goal over night either.

Cupcakes!!!!!

So, this photo is just too funny not to share. Thank goodness my cupcake cravings have subsided, but if you have followed my blog, you know that they are my weakness. I just had to share this.

I have been on plan all week, been exercising at the gym or walking at least 4 times this week. I have even drank some water. Tomorrow is my weigh in day. According to my scale at home I am still the very same, but I know that I am working the program and I will get results. It may not be this week, but it will eventually come off. I am still looking forward to my meeting tomorrow because I have made such great friends there and I go there for support, not just to face the scale.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week.

Got in a little bit of exercise with Dwayne today

We had the day off together today, so after sleeping in a bit, we decided to hit the gym.  Usually when we go together it is after work when it is crazy busy.  I try to go on my days off when it is laid back and not so many people there.

He likes to walk on the treadmill in the air conditioning and watch TV, I can't stand the treadmill, I much prefer to walk outside.  Lucky for us, the gym that we go to is a mile and a half from home, so he drove and I walked up there.  To get there I have to walk through the neighborhood, then through this little wooded area (it is paved and lit, so not like I am out in the country) and then follow the walking track around to the gym.  It is my favorite part of my walk, other than the walking playlist on my ipod.

When I got there and drank water - I KNOW!!!!!!  I was thirsty!  We did the exercise weight machines.  We even went into the zumba room and I showed him some of the exercises we do with the huge exercise balls.

Then we went to the gymnasium part, no one was in there so we played a little basketball.  We both said that was the best part of the workout.  We even did a little Biggest Loser type of exercise where we each had a ball and threw the ball back and forth while going down the court.  It was funny, I could even run from one end of the gym to the other.  It felt good.  

Then we went to the grocery together.  He is the King of the grill, so he was looking for lean options in the meat department, I was getting all sorts of veggies that I could grill and lots of fresh fruit.

This afternoon, I did my meal prep for the rest of the work week and we grilled chicken and zucchini for dinner.  It was Dee-Lish!

I love this time of year when it is not too hot, the food is fresh and tasty, and more than anything, I love spending time with my husband.

He's a keeper.  

Getting Ready to go Sing

It has been a busy week for Servants Heart.  We sang at Sweetpeas in Bartlett on Friday, we sang in Millington at the Nazarene church last night and we are leaving in a few minutes to head to Selmer to sing at the Latta Center.  It has just been crazy busy.  I got up at 7 to start getting ready.....my hair is a chore!!!  Dwayne on the other hand slept till 9 and 20 minutes later, he is showered, shaved, teeth brushed and ready to go.  Ugh!!!!  Men!!!

Before and Now - Ooooo Weeeee!

Recently I posted a Before and Now picture of just my face and with some encouragement, I am posting a full length photo of my Before and Now. It is funny, I can see the difference, but the "old" me feels like I have to defend or justify it by saying that the smaller picture was taken a bit farther back giving the illusion that I am smaller, it was not on purpose, I just couldn't get it to work in the photo collage....blah, blah, blah. I get so sick of my own thinking sometimes. I just want to be proud of the accomplishment so far and people that care about me will be proud that I am on the road to becoming healthier.

Down 38 pounds

I have always heard that as Oprah and others have lost weight in the past, it was so much more than just about eating and exercise. There is such an emotional side to my weight issues. Self image and self esteem are huge for me. I am slowly trying to break down those walls.

For this past week, I decided if someone says that I am looking nice with my weight loss, I will just say "thank you"..........not "Oh, but I still have 75 pounds to go".

I am so thankful for my friends and family that are so supportive.

Ruby - my inspiration

I have watched Ruby for years on TV when she started her journey to wellness weighing over 750 pounds.  She is a sweet southern belle from Savannah Georgia.  She is hilarious, she has the sweetest southern accent, and a great support system of her friends.

What I love about her is that she is real, she shared her struggles with us. She delved into the emotional part of her eating.

She is no longer on TV, but does make speaking engagements.  I hope to one day meet her.  I want her to know what her story means to me.  She is such an inspiration.  It gives me hope that I can do this too.  

A Blog from a Weight Watcher Charlene

I borrowed this from a WW Blog that I follow online....it is so inspirational to me...I love it!!!  This WILL be me one day.

You are an incredible person that deserves your love and attention.You give so graciously to others that sometimes you forget to give to yourself. Well, no more. I am here to tell you that your are worthy of the very love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance you show others.

You are a complex person who sees things in so many ways, someone who constantly analyzes and looks for a better way. You are hardest on yourself and in the past you would place tremendous expectations on yourself. You held yourself to a higher standard than you did everyone else and when those standards went unfulfilled you would not forgive yourself.

That part of your life did not work for you. In fact, it caused you to spiral downward at an ever increasing speed.

You are a different person now, you are a person who is in control. A person who loves herself enough to make the best choices you can and forgive poor judgement and moments of weakness.

I am here to offer you proof (because I know you oh so well).

The picture is one of the many reminders that yes, you have come far and you really were in desperate need of taking control of your life.

Another snapshot of your success, you no longer avoid mirrors or pictures being taken.

You no longer sit in the Dr office afraid of the "you need to lose weight" speech.

Your lab reports and physical body no longer add risk factors for a slew of medical conditions.

You are comfortable and confident in the clothes you wear and your appearance.

You smile more.

You no longer have a double chin.

Your wedding band fits.

You have zero back fat.

You can walk several flights of stairs without resting at the top.

You do not ache with the start of each new seasonal chore--like raking leaves or garden resets.

Your hair and nails are way healthier.

Your meals are anything but boring or mundane. You don't need to fry things just so they have some taste.

Your muffin top is nearly gone.

You can tie your own shoes without the bow being off to the side.

You are not too embarrassed to run outside.

These and so much more.

My dear Charlene--you are worth it--don't forget that!

I Love All of You!

Forever true,

Charlene

Had a great week!

I am so excited.  I lost 2.4 pounds this week after amping up the exercise.  I had done Senior Zumba at the gym and missed my class because my WW meeting went over...imagine that, we LOVE to TALK!!!  So I decided to go to regular Zumba.....well, I walked into the wrong class room and it was actually Total Body Conditioning.....what was I thinking????  I survived, I was sore, and I went back again.

My goal for this week is to drink a smidge of water.  As I have said before I HATE water....I mean hate it!!! If even a drop slides down my throat while brushing my teeth it is purely accidental. In our meeting today, people were talking about different ways to drink water, different additives, etc. I have always been of the assumption that if I am going to drink water with crystal lite or lemon in it, I may as well drink water with Diet Coke flavoring in it...it is still water based, right!!

Well, I have been much thirstier since exercising more, so I decided I will try for this week to drink 1 tumbler of water a day. It is only 24 ounces, but just for this week, I will try.

I took this to the gym for my classes today and managed to get it all down. It is crystal light orange citrus something, but it was good.......well, better than plain water.

I will try.

P.S. my favorite thing about my cup is the lady laying on the loungechair...the caption says "I'm in a Meeting" - ha! My nurse manager gave it to me and it is SO true.  It seems like we go from one meeting to the next.  She does Orange Theory Fitness and works hard to maintain her petite figure.  I am hoping seeing the cup and thinking of her will inspire me.

Slow week, but down 36 marbles

I was having trouble getting my computer to open the internet so this is my loss from April 8th.  It was a tiny loss for the week, but a loss none the less.  I will take it.  I decided to increase the exercise and see if it would make a difference.  I have not been exercising like I was since having the stomach bug a few weeks back.

A Beautiful Song

This afternoon, Kenneth texted that he would like for me to learn a Perry's song "The Potter Knows the Clay".  I listened to it on the way home from work.  Dwayne and I listened to it on the way to our LFBC Lifegroup tonight.

We were sharing our testimonies.  and one of the guys there was talking about thinking back to a time of trial in your life when you just didn't know how you would ever make it through and you are able to see that God was really in control and He knew the plan.  Much like the Potter and the Clay.

It reminded me of the song that we had just heard for the first time this afternoon.  I love it when the Lord shows Himself like that.  It confirmed that I need to learn the song.

It might be a little twangy, but the message is beautiful, and it is right in my range.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Our WW weekly booklet this week was about using spices to Spice Things Up.

We have been grilling quite a bit since the weather has been nice. My husband likes nothing better than a good ole burger on the grill. I had a burger (just on a plate without bun or condiments) along with grilled zucchini and grilled corn on the cob. I sorta hated to waste 3 points for that darn corn, but I figure a whole grain for 3 points is better for me than 4 points on a chocolate ice cream bar. I have been using I Can't Believe it's Not Butter on my corn. The nutritional information says 0 calories per spray. I plugged it into the WW app and used 6 sprays and it still says 0 points (scares me a tiny bit as to what sort of chemical it actually is), but it tastes and looks like melted butter and then I sprinkle a dash of blackened seasoning on it and it is a yummy treat. It takes me back to the roasted corn on the cob I use to get at the fair.

I have used lots of blackened seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, and low sodium taco seasoning. I use Rotel tomatoes in lots of recipes that call for tomatoes.

These are just a few of the spices that I use. I have been trying to cut back on salt, because I DO LOVE IT!!!

Will Power for Today

Today was my last day of vacation. It is back to work tomorrow. I hate the thought of setting that alarm clock, but will be glad to get back into my routine on eating on a schedule, eating exactly what is planned and brought to work. Not have the pantry and fridge beckoning me to come. I also usually manage to get in 10,000 steps in each day at work as a nurse. It is not really aerobic, but I do get lots of steps in. I did my meal prep for the week and made some of my easy go-to things.

My daughter came home from school and decided to make home made chocolate chip cookies for a friend at school. I had to really use some will power to resist. It smelled SOoooo good. I put it on facebook as a status and got lots of words of encouragement and my WW buddy commented that if I ate one to remember to track it. I put it in the app and 2 cookies was 7 points. Just not worth it for an afternoon snack sitting in my sweat pants watching Law and Order on TV.....so I did what I thought was a smart thing. I went and brushed my teeth. I am one of those people who can't stand to eat after brushing their teeth. Something about that mint.

The 23rd Psalm

Recently I heard a word about the Psalms.  We all can probably quote the 23rd Psalm from memory.  The Lord is my shepherd HE IS ALL I WANT!  He makes me to lie down in green pastures (doesn't that sound cool and refreshing.  I remember laying on the cool grass as a child).  He leads me beside still waters (Is there anything more soothing that a creek bed or the ocean?). He restores my soul (how many times do we call out to God for a renewal of our spirit?). He guides me (I am so thankful he is just a prayer away when I need encouragement and discernment).  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will have no fear (I claim those promises often that He will never leave me, nor forsake me.  He will give me courage through those tough times).  Goodness and Mercy shall follow me my entire life (Wow!!!)   The 23rd Psalm really sounds like David, the author, was someone that has a real relationship with God doesn't it?

If you go back a chapter to Psalm 22, not really knowing when it was written in relation to Psalm 23.  It could have been days, weeks, months, maybe even years.  But just read those first few verses.

"My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?  Why are you so far away when I groan for help.  Every day I call to you, my God, but you don't answer.  Every night I lift my voice but I find no relief."

Our friends, Steve and Christie Bradford (of the Southern Gospel group the Bradfords) was with their youth group a couple of weeks ago in Nashville at Youth Evangelism Conference.  They were on top of the world, encouraging their youth group and worshiping and learning together.  They were likely very close to the Lord during that time.  They got a phone call that their 30 year old daughter Randi had died unexpectedly.  In an instant, their life changed.  I am sure that during this time they have both cried out, My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me? 

I am so thankful for the verse that says he will NEVER leave us, nor forsake us.  Although He might seem far away, he is only a prayer away and He can strengthen us and bring us through the trials of life. 

My prayer tonight is for Steve and Christie and their son Brandon.  May they find a peace that passes all understanding.

A Scale and Non-Scale Victory

So, this week, I have really struggled since Easter.  That rich sweet food really started my sugar cravings back up in full force.  I had really not had much that was sweet or rich, other than fruit and maybe a WW bar here and there.  Man, oh man, I had a sweet tooth this week.  I was also on vacation and at home and having to work hard to get some steps in.  It was tough to get back on track, but in my frustration, my son reminded me to not focus so much on the scale and look at how much I have changed in my appearance.  As I posted earlier, I was finally able to see a difference in my face.  Last night I wore some slacks that were getting really big on me.  That was a good feeling.

I went to my meeting today and was down 0.6 pounds, but it put me over the 35 pound mark so I got a 5 pound star.  I felt bad because it really was not a great week, but I have to be proud that I have lost those 35.2 pounds, one little 10th of a pound at a time.

So for this week, I will celebrate.  Thank you Weight Watchers for what your program, your meetings, your leaders, your online community and now my friends are helping me to accomplish my goals.