THIS!!!!

This is what you want to see in the Shapa scale app!  I've been in Green for so long with Teal only showing up as a blip!  This week I managed to keep Teal for 2 days and this morning it went to BLUE!

I won't weigh in until Friday, so I'm not sure where I'm at; but I am heading in the right direction.

I know it will take hard work and determination to stay in the Blue.  One change I had made was starting the Leslie Sansone walking videos I found over on YouTube.  Though they only run 10-15 minutes, I feel like I've had a workout more than when I just walk.  So I'll be switching those around to keep things moving.  I'm also going to look for some videos for legs and arms.  I think it helps to switch things around.

 

Saturday Shout-Outs

Diana's Delish Dishes 

I found Diana originally on instagram:  WW Diana's

What this lady does to a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt is absolutely phenomenal!  Don't eat any boring oatmeal and/or yogurt bowl - check her out and make those boring meals into a delicacy!

Today I went to the market downtown and though I didn't buy anything; I did buy a bowl from one of the food trucks.  It was awesome!  So a shout-out to The Lotus Bowls and Juicery in Chambersburg, PA.  I can't wait to get another!

I don't think the Lotus Bowl was actually WW friendly but it was certainly healthier than a donut or pastry!

Oops!!

Often you can have an "oops" in weight loss.

I get up at 5:30 a.m. to walk dogs and such before work.  I leave for work around 7:10 a.m.   I'm not normally hungry at that time nor do I feel like cooking at that time.  I have to find grab and go breakfasts and lunch as well.

I'm not into meal preparing.  I've done it, have made very tasty things; but by day 3 I'm tired of eating the prepped meal and that can send me off the deep end.

Grab and go breakfasts can be a slice of 647 bread with whipped peanut butter, yogurt, fruit.  Simple.

Lunch can be sandwich, soup, leftovers from dinner the night before.

So what happens on those occasions I go out the door and breakfast and lunch is still on the kitchen counter?

Ooops!!!

This is where my "just in case" drawer comes in handy at work.

Yep that's my drawer!  I just recently cleaned it out and put some new things in.  So if breakfast and/or lunch is on the kitchen counter, if I need something "extra", if a co-worker needs food...it's all there in the drawer.  Oatmeal, tuna, soup, unsweetened applesauce, microwave meals (that need no refrigeration), even WW snack bars.  There's also a scale, measuring cups/spoons, salt & pepper and cinnamon!

I realize not everyone has a job that can allow you to do this; but if you do - then do it!

***This is an old post that I decided to rehare; the photo is old so the point values may be different as the plan has changed; but I still keep one of these drawers at the office!!***

Our Journeys Are Not The Same

Your journey is not like mine.

My journey is not like yours.

No two people share the same weight loss journey.

I love the bloggers and vlogger and influencers that I follow.  They are inspirational, they give good ideas, they understand your journey BUT, I know my journey won't be exactly the same.

And that's where people fail....

We all want the easy journey, so we follow someone that posts "What I Eat In a Day on "some number" points." or "What I Eat In a Day That Helped Me Lose "some number" pounds".  It would be nice to eat those exact same things and lose that same weight.  Guess what? That's not going to happen.

Why? Because we're all different.  We're different ages, body type, metabolism, genetics...it's not going to be the same.

I've nothing against someone who wants to try whatever their favorite "influencer" is doing.  You need to try and try to find out what's right for you; I do have an issue with those that immediately follow and then question after question on why it's not working for them.

Case in point.  A lot of members are hopping on the low carb bandwagon right now - which is fine, mostly due to an influencer being diagnosis as pre-diabetic.  This person purchased a monitor to find out what foods caused her blood sugar to spike.  Nice tool to have; BUT people started suggesting foods they were interested in.  That would be nice except what makes her blood sugar spike, may not make yours.  Asking and then saying "Thanks, I won't be eating that." Why???  Why would you not eat something that makes her blood sugar spike???  You will need your own monitor plus your own doctor to make those decisions.  Diabetes is a health condition that needs monitored by your doctor, not your influencer.  This influencer I've followed for a while, I love her vlog and think she's a wealth of information; but I know her intent is not to replace your doctor.  When dealing with a health issue - always check with your doctor first.

Wednesday

Today I decided that I deserved a dinner out!  Hubby wasn't going to be around, so I treated myself to a dinner from a local diner.  Not a high point/calorie one though...I had broiled haddock, a baked potato and applesauce.  I only ate half the haddock and potato so that will be lunch tomorrow!  And I had the points to have the dinner roll with a little regular butter (I used spray butter on the potato).  So a good meal without falling off the diet.

I still haven't caught up with my walking; I have, however, been doing the walking videos I found on YouTube.  I'm enjoying them more.  I guess once the weather clears, I'll want to walk more.

On the live chat with Jean-Luc & Nick last night they mentioned setting habits.  One of the ways to set a new habit is to attach it to a current habit.  I found that interesting.  So today, at lunch, rather than being on social media sites; I chose to read and plan to continue doing so.  Reading is one of my commitments that I don't always get in.  And let's face it - we all could use a little less social media at times.  So hopefully that will form into a  new habit!

I've Discovered....

These:

I've always liked the bread and I first bought these when I had some HUGE hot dogs that didn't fit a regular roll; these were perfect.  They come in at 3 pts and one roll has 17 g of fiber - YAY!

So this week I bought them and some lunch meat and decided to make hoagies for lunch.  When I went to grab lunch meat for today, I saw steamed shrimp I had bought also and forgot about.  So not wanting it to go to waste, I peeled and chopped up the shrimp, mixed in 2 tbsp of light mayo and made shrimp salad!  Today at lunch I toasted the roll in the toaster oven and then put the shrimp salad on it.  It was heavenly and only came to 6 pts!  I also had a dill pickle and an orange.

Hubby really likes these rolls too....I told him to slow down because they definitely aren't cheap! 😂

I'm 2 miles behind in my walking but I just started doing some walking videos and have been enjoying them.  They supposely get you to one mile, but my fitbit says differently.....BUT, count it as my mile anyway!

A Though

 

Sunday Update

I want to share my menus for today:

17 points used / 6 pts leftover

Other Stats:

I wanted to share that to show you that you can eat normally on Weigth Watchers without overdoing the points.  I really should aim to get more calories and protein in, but.... I'm just not hungry.

As you see I had a Magic Spoon treat as a snack.  I've heard a lot about Magic Spoon high protein treats and cereals in the WW groups.  I've seen the cereals in the stores but never tried them; cereal costs are up as it is, but I'm not paying $10 for a small box to get a little more protein.

This week I found one of the treats and decided to give them a try.  I got 4 in the box for $3.99.  I'm not sure if that is the regular price or a sale price; but I bought them to try.

Taste wise?  It was okay, I'd buy again, BUT they aren't as great as everyone raves about.  I would like to try some different flavors though.

 

 

Hiccup!

I had a little hiccup in my weight loss journey (all ready 😏 ).

My sister-in-law passed and her service was last night followed by a dinner sponsored by her church.  Obviously, I over ate and ate some things I wouldn't normally eat while in weight loss mode.

But it was one meal, one day and I need to move on.  That's what you do in weight loss.

This morning, I got up (later than usual) and made a breakfast.  I had some canned diced potatoes, so I fried some of those up in a little bit of oil along with 2 eggs and a L'oven Zero Net Carbs Tortilla.  I love those tortillas (available at Aldi's) and one has 14g of fiber!!!  I just heat it up in the microwave for 30 seconds and just eat it.  Yes, sometimes I'll put the eggs in it; but this morning I ate it while the potatoes and eggs were cooking.  None-the-less my breakfast ended up being 2 pts, 316 calories, 16g fiber and 21g protein.  Not a bad start for the weekend.

I still do not have the update for the WW app.  I have an android phone and I'm told that update isn't out yet.  However, a good many of the iPhone uses have the update and if you're interested in some details I highly recommend:

Dish With Dee's Video

It'll take some patience learning how to get around!

I once again tried to get the $14.95/month deal that Lifetimers not at goal get.  Why?  Well one, it would give me access to the virtual or informational meetings that WW provides.  This was the answer I got:

"You will need to go back to in person meetings at the regular meeting price, get back to within 2 lbs of your goal weight, and then if you ever go over the 2 lbs range, you'll be charged $14.95 a month until back at goal."

Now, that would make sense if I had an in person meeting to get to.  So I replied:

"There isn't a convenient in person meeting for me to attend in my area."  Their reply?

"We're adding meetings all the time."  And then a big long link for me to look for meetings in my area.

Wait, what????  I just told you there are no convenient meetings and you're sending me the link to look one up????  So I replied:

"There are no convenient meetings in my area other than meetings during my work hours which I cannot attend."

Their response?  Nothing, zelch, sounds of crickets, end of conversation.

So there is no possible way for me to get back to lifetime status at all. What happened to the the "Once lifetime always lifetime".  WW has failed their lifetime members in so many ways.

Saturday Shout-Out

This Saturday I'm mentioning the website Dee Dee Does.  This website will give you healthier recipes, weekly meal plans and recipes worth the splurge!

I came across this site when I paid an influencer for a montly meal plan.  Nothing against the influencer, but all she was doing was finding recipes online, changing ingredients to the low fat/fat free versions and charging you for it.   I get it, she was doing the work; but still!

Found Dee Dee Does where recipes/meal plans are free.  Check her out!

Weight Loss Tip

Let's Talk The App Changes

For the record:  My app has not updated yet, not even a litttle.

I wanted to say that because I can only discuss by what I'm seeing online in various groups.

There will different modes you can choose from, one being called "All In".

I watched an influencer talk about this particular mode.  She didn't like that she asked 2 questions in a virtual meeting and they chose to ignore them.  She also doesn't like that in this mode, you have no weeklies.  What is she suppose to do when her 23 pts are gone, she's way below in calories and still hungry????

I can answer that - you do what you do now; eat off that zero point food list.  That's kind of a no brainer.  She mentioned she'd get tired of chicken, yogurt and cottage cheese.  Ummmm...again, there's more on that list than that!  Every lean meat is on there!  Fruit, veggies.....  I was so very confused watching this.

She did though think that "whole" foods would be included in this.  "Whole" foods meaning the full versions of things like mayo, cheese, yogurt, etc...(not fat free or reduced fat programs).  They are not, and I must agree with her here - fat free and reduced fat products are just not healthy.  They are lower in points, but not healthy.

However, let's not knock the program without trying it; and guess what?  You have the choice not to do it at all!  This mode is only to be used in 4 week increments; it seems to me that it is a quick start if you choose to use it.

And again, you do not have to use it.  Just continue as is.  Don't knock the whole program just because one mode doesn't suit your needs. 

I saw someone else looking around for their weekly points, they were in all in mode.  Don't just choose a mode and then complain that you can't find something.  Read what that mode is and what it is for.  You do not have weekly points in all in mode; only your dailies.  

Don't have the new version of the app yet??  Neither do I.  WW is rolling it out a little at a time, be patient, it'll happen!

A Thought

 

Let's Talk Restaurant Points

 I see a lot of people ask about how to calculate points for restaurants not in the WW database.

This is one of those things where people tend to make things more difficult then they are.

There are several ways to do this:

The most obvious (and most suggested) is to use the camera option on the WW app.  In case you didn't know, you can take a photo of your meal and the app will translate it to points. Now, let's be honest, this isn't perfect and if I were you, I'd double check what it lists to make sure it is what is on your plate!  I, for one, wouldn't trust this; however, it may be okay if you don't eat out too often.

The next would be to find similar options in other restaurants.  I use this method quite often. Say I have spaghetti at a local Italian restaurant; I'll use Olive Garden's point values for their spaghetti.

Another good option (especially if you can't find something similar) is to break down the meal by ingredients.  I often get a certain burrito at a local Mexican restaurant, but it's name does not show up in the database.  So I start putting it in ingredient by ingredient.

None of these are perfect, but it isn't necessary for it to be perfect - just honest.  Remember, restaurants are not using fat free or reduced fat items nor sugar free items.  So you have to take those points!

Weight Watchers and Weight Loss Drugs

Let's discuss Weight Watchers and the weight loss drugs.

First....I have no problem with anyone that uses weight loss drugs to help them lose weight; the drugs are just another tool to help with your weight loss, in the same way that weight loss surgery is.

My issue has always been with WW offering the drugs. 

Why?

You can go to your own doctor, you know the person that knows you and your health, and get a weight loss drug prescription.  You can then, sign up for the WW app only and access the program that is for glp-1 losers.  That's right, you don't have to be going through WW clinic to use the program.  It would actually be cheaper that way.  (Note:  WW is updating the app this week, I'm unsure if the glp-1 program will be available with just Core; you may have to do the Core+ for an additional fee).

You go through WW?  Well you're assigned a clinician (doctor???), they'll even want bloodwork done if none has been done recently.  They'll make a decision on whether or not you're a good fit for the drugs.  I've never met one person yet, that has ever been denied the drugs through WW.  I have met people who have been denied the drugs through their doctor, but approved through WW.  I have to question that.

You'll pay WW a monthly fee (higher than the app and/or meetings fee) and then you'll pay the price of the drug.  If your insurance won't cover the cost or partial cost; you'll pay the amount out of pocket which may be very pricey.  Can't afford the drug after being approved through WW?  Okay, but you're still stuck in the WW contract to the end of the term.  I have been told that when this happens there is a pill that WW will prescribe as part of the monthly fee; it may or may not work for you.

I highly suggest that you check with your insurance plan to see if they cover the cost of the drugs first. If not, don't sign up through WW.   

Another thing to consider is if something goes wrong - bad reaction, sickness - anything from the drug.  You go to the ER, Urgent Care or doctor and who are they contacting regarding this?  Your online WW clinician (doctor???).  Will they be able to get in touch with them?

Those are my concerns when it comes to WW offering prescription drugs.  You do you however.

I do like that WW does offer a program to go with weight loss drugs and that's all that I think they should be doing.

I know that everyone is offering weight loss drugs now; I just always have put WW at a higher standard then those other sites.

Kickstart Begins!

Kickstart with Jean-Luc & Nick begins today!  It's FREE and you can still sign up!  Come join us!

All it is, is a motivational and supportive group helping people set habits for their life.  No judgement, no failing.

As for me, I'm still hanging in there.  My weight isn't moving though regardless how I'm eating.  So that has me bummed a little; but I'll keep moving forward.

A Product You Should Look For

If I order a sandwich out...I like a crusty hard roll.  I don't want it on bread or a hamburger roll.  I want a sub.

I always look for the little club rolls at stores.  They use to be so easy to find and now seem non-existent.  Sometimes I will buy the large sub/steak rolls and cut them in half and just use half.  Another option is to pick your roll and pull out the bread on the inside to get the roll to the weight you want in order to have the points you want.  I always consider that sub rolls should be 3-4 pts.

I was in Walmart and found these in the bakery section (not the bread aisle):

Crusty like I like and only 3 WW points!! (I've included the nutrition label so you can check what they are on your plan, if you do another).  They actually weren't very expensive either!  However, I will advise that you should freeze them and take out as you need them - they'll mold fast otherwise.

I'll add 1-1/2 oz. Virginia Ham and a half a slice of Sargento's Thin Sliced Swiss and 1/2 a tbsp of light mayo for a total of 6 points!  

I'll have this sandwich along with a mini cucumber and soup or fruit.  This bread makes you feel like you're cheating, lol!

I've seen others post about these rolls and someone mentioned they make french bread pizza with them!  We have a local sub shop that makes awesome steamers (you may know them as sloppy joe's); I prefer them on a mini sub roll rather than the hamburger roll but don't like the upcharge to a sub price (even though the mini sub uses no more steamer than the regular).  Next time I know that we're going there, I'll just order the regular and switch it to one of these when I'm back in the office!

Water

My water goal is six 8 ounce servings a day.  Why 6?  When I started WW back in 2010 one of the healthy guidelines was to have 6 servings of a liquid a day.  "Six" servings of a "liquid".  I don't know why "six" was the chosen number but back then, WW allowed you to count any liquid towards that goal.  Liquid?  It could be water, soup broth, milk, coffee, tea, soda...etc...  The only catch was some of those liquids may come with a point value, so you would have to count that!  Anyway, I've stuck with the six servings but all mine are plain old water - I've never had an issue drinking water, though I know a lot do.  

A serving is 8 ounces (1 cup).  I have an old tupperware cup that I've measured 8 ounces to.  I fill to that line and drink it.  Once you see what 8 ounces looks like.....you'll realize it isn't that much. 

That ridge on the cup is the 8 oz. line.

I know that many fill those HUGE cups with the whole days water in it - if that works for you, go for it.  For me though, those huge cups are way too overwhelming, I'll stick to the little servings sizes.  Once I have my six servings in, I drink whatever I want!   And that's something to work towards.....drink water, then whatever you want!  It's like a little prize at the end.  In case you're wondering; yes, I do have coffee in the morning, I drink that along with my water.

Moving Forward

I've been tracking, weighing and walking; however, it's only 3 days in! 

I did have a mishap yesterday on the walking pad.  You do have to watch your stride length on the walking pad as you don't want your heels to hit the back.  That happened to me yesterday and I fell off the walking pad.  Fortunately, I wasn't hurt, oh I have aches and a little pain, but nothing broke or sprained or bruised; well maybe my ego; hubby was proud that I got back up and finished the walk on the pad!

Today though I braved the cold (no wind today) and did my walk outside.  I do prefer outside walks as I can do them faster than on the walking pad.  I'm so looking forward to Spring.

I will get back on the pad though!  Just will be a little bit more careful.

Weight Loss Tip

The Shapa Scale

You'll hear me mention the Shapa scale.  The Shapa scale is a numberless scale - it gives you a color rather than a weight number.  It can be very helpful if your are someone obsessed with the scale.

I bought mine some time ago at the suggestion of Jean-Luc & Nick.  I didn't really use it; but when Kickstart started last year, I decided to dust it off, put in a new battery and sign-up again for a membership.  Note: yes there is a monthly, yearly or lifetime membership involved with this scale and its app.  Last year, I went with the yearly to see if I really would use it, and I did!  This year I renewed at the Lifetime rate only because they had a really good sale price for the holidays for newbies.....but I asked and they gave me that price as well!

Shapa:

How Shapa works:  open the app and step on the scale.  It's that easy.  It will give you a color indicating how you are doing weight loss wise:

BLUE - this is what you aim for; Blue is the best!

TEAL - this is good too; it means you're losing.

GREEN - this means you're maintaining.  If that's your goal, then that is great!

LIGHT GRAY - with this one, you may want to step back and get back on track.

DARK GRAY - this is the bottom one, but don't despair...you can move back up those colors!

I've been in all those colors.  Weight Loss is an up and down progress.

I noticed that Shapa offers other options these days including a food plan (all at costs) but I only use the scale.  I use my Shapa daily.

Mile One of Thirty-One

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

And Mile #1 is complete:

Since I'm off work until Monday, I like to get the walks in as early as possible.  I much prefer walking outside, however, it is freezing out there today!!

This morning I had a 4 pt breakfast - 2 slice of light bread with 1 tbsp vegetable spread, 2 scrambled eggs, 3 oz hashbrowns and coffee.

Though "officially" I'm not starting until tomorrow diet wise, it never hurts to watch what you're eating!

Have a good day!

It's That Time Again!!

It's that time to challenge myself to walking!  The goal is to walk 31 miles in the month of January.  That's one mile a day.  If you're new to walking; you can split it up into several walks a day to equal one mile.  Of course, there are many out there that can do more than that; but this isn't a contest, you don't have to do all 31 miles in a day.  Just remember: your regular steps in a day don't count; this needs to be an additional walk to those!

Can't do 1 mile a day; make it 1/2 a mile or a 1/4 mile a day; or just to get out and take a short walk.  Do what you can do and then you can increase it in February if you choose.

Get out there and walk!

Bad weather days?  Yeah, it happens.  I used to go out and walk anyways.  I had to or I'd lose my motivation - freezing temps, rain, snow, etc...  I was out there.  These days I take my bad day walks indoors with a walking pad:

I bought it 2 years ago from Deer Run.  This is a very basic one but they do have one with handles to hold onto and much bigger treadmill type ones.  The type I have is normally on sale for $159.00.  I do recommend it!