First day of school for the kids spells AWESOME FREEDOM for moms and dads.

 

The first day of school for my son Riley was a lot harder for me then it was for him. He only went for 2 hours on Friday, but it felt like I was missing my arm. But, I am looking forward to the new adventures I will be embarking upon with this childless freedom.

My weight loss progress has been a little/lot slower the last few weeks then I expected. This week I lost only .4 of a pound, it is tough after I have been working so hard. I have been tracking, walking more, and making the right choices. But this stubborn fat is not understanding the eviction notice I have given it. I wanted to hit my 60 pound mark before my mom and dad came for a visit, I have 9.4 pounds to go and 16 days to do it (I have been working hard at this for 2 weeks).  OKAY-OKAY-OKAY....rethink this Alisha....re-evaluate what it is you are doing and working toward. Maybe this goal was not the right goal to have at this time.

When I walked the kids to their first day of school, I saw people I have not seen since the end of June, they were shocked to see how much I had "lost", but it's not pounds that I've lost, it's inches. When I went to my WW meeting this morning a couple of people come up to my friend Sherry and I, commenting with encouraging words about how much we have lost during summer vacation. I have not lost a lot of pounds, but I know I have lost inches. So, I am going to take what the universe is tossing my way and take notice of the difference in my body.

This week I am going to take 5 minutes a day and look at myself in the mirror while wearing only my undergarments. I'm going to take notice how much my body had changed in the last 3 months. I'm going to take notice of how different my clothing feels, from my undergarments, tops, pant...everything. I am going to flex my muscles and view my whole body to see the physical definitions that are showing from my toes to my nose.
This is going to be a chance for me to take a new peek at the "new me". I have avoided mirrors for so long (I have trained myself to view myself from my chin to the top of my head) this will possibly be the toughest thing I ask of myself. I will post next week my discoveries.

Fall is coming, the leaves are changing. The summer bounty of fruit and veggies are going to become limited. I am going to miss watermelon but, I'm going to enjoy the coming fall bounty. SOUP season is coming and I LOVE soup, three cheers for soup...hip-hip-hooray!!!

*Sherry love, I know you are not a big fan of salads, how do you feel about soup??

*Jen, I know how much you love tomatoes, do you like tomato soup??

This is going to be a new week for me with no kids at home. I plan to add kickboxing into my weekly routine 2-3 times a week, walk in the mornings after I drop the kids off at school, and again in the afternoon with my walking buddy. This is new time in my life, I plan on embracing it with gusto and making it all about my health and fitness.

Have a great week y'all, let's ROCK IT!!!

The End of Summer

 

The end of summer brings with it, shorter days and cooler nights. The kids are ready to go back to school, YIPPEE-SKIPPY!!!! The last few weeks we have been having fun with the kids, making memories and sharing in their delights, as daddy and I spend time with them doing fun kid things.

 

This year all three kids are going to be going to school. This is a big step for our youngest who is joining the world of big-boy school and a bigger step for me as he is my only child. Riley will be going all day, everyday. I will miss my little buddy, my little rascal, my partner in crime. This will be a new phase for me, one I am excited for, and one that makes me just a little sad. Being a stay-at-home mommy, your kids become your whole life. One day they're under-feet exploring, the next they are out in the big-big world on their own, it makes you feel a little left-out.

 

 I haven't posted for a couple of weeks, sorry, I will do better in the future. I just wanted to get the last of the summer days in with my kids. As we all know, time runs fast even when we need it to stop for just a few hours. My days end with me needing a little more time, like most people I know. Again, I am sorry and I will do a better job at keeping this post updated in a timely manner.

 

The last few weeks I have had a tough time losing weight, due to stress and my not tracking as I should. Summer indulgences with the kids have been fun, and needed for a well rounded summer.

Memories made one day at a time, one event at a time. Soon they wont want Sean and I around for summer breaks, so I will bask in them now for as long as I can.

 

My weight loss during the following weeks:

 

The week of August 18, 2012 I maintained my weight.

The week of August 25, 2012 I gained 1.4 pounds

The week of September 1, 2012 I gained .2 of a pound.

For a total of 1.6 pound gained in the last three weeks.

 

There were days I made the choice to have something that was not the best of choice I could have made. But, I firmly believe you have to have days when you stray and allow yourself the indulgences of decadent delights. Life is too short to be strict with what you eat and do all the time. Life is suppose to be fun, and if you say "no" to yourself all the time life will become unfun. You will also have a harder time losing weight because you will constantly be thinking about food you want but don't think you can have.

 

In the last few weeks I have lived the following:

"Laugh" with your kids as often as you can. I enjoyed taking Riley to the CNE and watching him play, ride rides, and enjoy the treats that come with going to a fair. Watching his joy shine from his eyes is worth more then any pound lost.

"Time" Sean and I allowed the kids to stay up later then normal so that they could play with one another. Funny how in the evenings the kids find a magic hour that they all play nicely together, funny how it's right before bed. It was nice hearing them play NICE with one another.

"Love" spending time with the kids was not productive for my weight loss, but it was good for their little hearts. I think that is what will matter more to them when they get older. A mom that was there for them, that could have a fun time and splurge on "fun" food with them. I don't want them to obsess about food or weight like I have all my life, I want them to have normal childhoods that are healthy and fun.

 

This week I intend to get back to tracking, that is what keeps me on track and when I do my best. I will also try new menu items, I have gotten out of habit of making a menu and I will need this once the kids are back in school. With the menu's I will post the new meals with pictures that I make. This will be fun. Fall foods that are both enjoyable, but also point worthy. I love the comfort foods that come with the cooler weather, so do my kids.

 

Have a blessed week all, and enjoy the last of summertime.

We are going to "ROCK THIS WEEK".

Alisha

 



100 Club

 I’m sorry I have not posted anything in the last couple of weeks, some of my days ran wild and the others were filled with summer vacation joys.

Being a Weight Watcher Goddess has its good days and its bad days. The past couple of weeks were filled with both. I am not just a WW Goddess trying to gain her health back.

♥ I am also the wife to an amazing husband whom daily shows me love, understand, and immeasurable compassion. He gives me strength when I need it the most.

♥ I am the mother to a delightful, funny, challenging, and energetic four year old.

♥ I am also the step mother to two loving, bright, challenging step kids.

Being a step parent is a gift given to me by God and I value His faith in me. It is a loving, challenging, emotional, prayer filled job. I love them as they are my own, but they come with their own special needs and lets face it, road blocks. I can love them as my own but if I love them too much, then some people feel their toes are stepped on. If I don’t love them enough, then I am the evil stepmother. There have been days these last few weeks I wondered if I truly lost my mind...I think the jury is still out. 

The last three weeks I did not post an update, for one reason or another my weeks flew by and I did not get a chance to catch-up to with my weight loss blog.

The last three weeks I have seen many ups and many downs, both emotional and physical.

The week of July 28, 2012; I lost 1.8 pounds, for a total of 52 pounds. That was an exciting week as I reached the weight loss goal of the 100 club. My weight for this week was 199.8 pounds, I was thrilled. This journey has been so emotional and challenging. To hit this milestone was sheer joy and triumphant elation.

The week of August 4, 2012; I had a slight step back, I gained 2.4 pounds and went back to weighing 202.2 pounds. I took this gain in stride and knew it could not be avoided. I threw my back out and could barely move, I was on pain pills and just moving was agony. Walking for “fun” was out of the question. It took me a week and a half to recover, the longest week and a half of my life. During this I came to the painful realization that back pain is not for the week of heart or soul. My body functions came to a grinding halt, and to be blunt, it took all my effort to fart. It was four days until I could muster the strength to go number two, ‘holy cow Bat Man’. I felt like I was six months pregnant and let me tell you I was *Super Mommy Cranky Pants*. I was happy to return to almost normal by Wednesday THANK THE LORD. I kept track of what I ate and I really tried my best to get in extra water and to move as much as I could without relapsing.

The week of August 10, 2012; REDEMPTION week, I lost 3.2 pounds, for a total of 52.8 pounds lost and my current weight of 199, back in the 100 club. YIPPEE YIPPEE KY YI YEA!!!!

I was so happy and shocked. I still had low mobility due to my back, but I have been able to move more and more each day. I think my saving grace was my plumbing is almost back to normal and I tracked every lick, bite, and taste I put into my mouth.

My plans for the next week are to keep on the track that I have been on. To keep remember how far I have come and where I want to be. Healthy!!!!

Have a great week all. Let’s ROCK this week!!!

July 14, 2012

This week I stayed the same on the scales but, I had a major leap of personal growth. I took the kids swimming and this year I put on a swimming suite and joined in on the fun. I still don't like the way I look but I know they don't care, they were just happy to have me play with them in the water. So, folks here it is....

me in my swimming suite. This was such a big moment for me, I knew that I had to let you in on it. One day at a time, yes sir, one day at a time.

I hurt my back and I am trying to bounce back, I miss walking and working out. Saturday I knew that I would either stay the same or have a gain, thank goodness I stayed the same. I hope to be able to move more this week, keeping fingers crossed.

I bought a panini press and I love it. This week I made a pressed quesadilla. It was AWESOME and only 7 points plus!!! Super YUMO!!!! if you pair this with a summer fruit salad, it is the perfect summer meal. 

I want to give my friend a shout-out, Sherry, I am so proud of you. Having hit a milestone, the loss of 65 pounds is amazing. YOU GO GIRL!!!! WOOT-WOOT-WOOT!!!! Now, we dance around the room...snap-snap, wiggle-wiggle, twirl-clap...snap-snap, wiggle-wiggle, twirl-clap...snap-snap, wiggle-wiggle, twirl-clap...snap-snap, wiggle-wiggle, twirl-clap...snap-snap, wiggle-wiggle, twirl-clap... 

I hope everyone has a great week, lets ROCK IT!!! Have a blessed week, and have fun.

I DID IT!!!! 

I MADE MY 50 POUND MARK!!!! 

HIP-HIP HOORAY!!!!!

After such a trying month and a half, I finally crested over the 50 pound mark. YIPPEE-SKIPPY (My inner cheerleader has got her pom-poms and she is doing high kicks, she is in such good spirits)!!!
This week I lost 1.4 pounds for a total 50.2 pounds shed from my glorious body. I get to add another bead on my bracelet, I am so excited. This journey has been filled with joy, sadness, determination and triumph these emotions have spurred me along. And yes, I have had a DIVA moment or two, not proud of them, but they are part of my journey so I need to acknowledge her. 

This is my half way mark on my journey. I say half way mark loosely, if I feel in 25-30 pounds I am happy with the way I feel then that will be my end mark for weight loss, and the maintenance portion of my journey will start. But for now, I get to add my 50 pound coin to my key chain from Weight Watchers. At my meeting on Saturday it was such a rush to hold the super shiny copper medallion. I am pron to be delighted in all things that are shiny.

I am thankful for the people that are so supportive of my journey, knowing that I don't want to be super thin but healthy and curvy. My husband who supports me as I am, who loves me as I am, and tells me all the time that he loves me no matter what size I am, thank you honey. I am thankful for my walking buddy Jennifer, you help solve the worlds problems, you are such a joyful treasure to have as a friend. You keep me out-and-about walking and talking, much love to you my friend I cherish you more then you know. And a shout out to my WW friends, Sheri, I am so proud of you and the journey you are on, you keep me motivated and awe-inspired. Your journey reflects mine in so many similarities, it is nice to see your awesomeness and how joy filled you are at your milestones. Thank you for keeping me motivated during the moments I have been down, you ROCK!!! and last but not least, I want to give a shout out to my family, my mom and sisters. You have helped me, listened to me, and kept me on track. Katie I would not be where I am today if it weren't for you, holding my hand my first meeting. Thank you.

     

I got to add a new bead to my bracelet, each 5 pounds I get a new bead and at 10 pounds I get a sparkle bead. I went with a smokey crystal-like bead. I think it really help, when I am out and about and I get a snack attack, I just look down and see how far I have come. I know it is a little crazy but I love it and it keeps me on point. 

If you don't know, I love anything cinnamon, and Ericia found these little Weight Watcher snack delights at a store near her. It is a close out store, they have a best before date, but I just take them and pop them into my freezer. I love the fact that they are only .99 cents for a box of 4 snack cakes (3 points plus each) or a box of 9 cookies (2 points plus each). Life changing is hard, but it is harder when there is no desserts to be savoured. I maybe retraining my eating habits but I know that I cant give-up on sweets, be it cakes, cookies, or frozen yogurt. Life is too short not to have sweet treats. 

I find I get in a rut when it come to eating, there are a couple things I love. Salads are my big time life savers. A large salad filled with veggies is zero points, add a little lean meat and dressing and the point value is only 4-6 points depending on how much meat and dressing I want. I LOVE SUMMER SALADS. 

I also love to have bar-b-q'ed chicken and veggies. What is it about food being cooked outside that makes it so yummy? I have had to learn that I don't have to have potatoes with dinner, they are not worth the points for me. I would rather have a salad and have points left over for some dessert. 

I know that some of my friends don't like to be limited to a point range, but it keeps me in check. I know my limit, and I know I can succeed on my journey. This way may not be for some but it is perfect for me, veggies and fruits are 0 points in moderation. I don't think I could do this if I was limited to or had to eliminated them from my diet. I am thankful that Weight Watchers has been successful for me, but I have also worked very hard to make sure I succeeded. I exercise, track my eating, weigh and measure my food portions. Keeping on track is hard and I know there will be weeks that I fall off the waggon and take a step or two back. This is life, this is a journey, this is a life change. I remind myself, the choices I make today my body will be happy with 3-6 months from now.

Thank you for all the support, I look forward to the other half of the weight loss journey.
Lets ROCK this week ya'll.

3 pound loss this week !!! 

WOOT WOOT!!!!

June 30, 2012, I was hoping I would have gotten to my 50 pound mark but, I am still 1.2 pounds away from this goal. Last week I had gained of 3.8 pounds for unknown reasons, some weeks are spot on and others will surprise the heck out of you. Last week I tracked, worked out hard but it was not in the cards for me. So, I was happy this week to have had a 3 pounds loss. I was hoping for more but, I know deep down inside it's not possible.
This week summer vacation started, so that's a little stressful with all three kids home, but, all-in-all it has been okay so far. As the good mom on the last day of school I made homemade peanut butter cookies topped with M&M's, the kids loved them. Last night I made them cheeseburger egg rolls,my husband LOVED THEM. All this yummy stuff and I have been super good, I have not touched one yummy tid-bit to my lips. They got the yummy stuff and I had loaded veggie salad, YEAH BABY!!!! I have been towing the line like a mad woman.

This week I added a kickboxing routine to my workout twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday. I found a fun workout on "youtube" I admit, I sweated my buns off.  On Tuesday I did a video by Janis Saffell, Kickbox for Weight Loss video. I made some modifications to the workout when they were doing things that was just to hard to do on my hard wood floors. On Thursday I took portions of the workout video and I did my own routine. below is a list of things I did with the amount reps. When I was doing  punches I bobbed and weaved from side-to-side making sure I was working my abs.

• Half jacks-25x4
• Leg side kick-25x2
• Leg back kick-25x2
• Leg front kick-25x2
• Jab punch-25x3
• Upper cut punch-25x3
• Elbow jab-25x3
• Chair squats-25x2
• Couch push-ups-25x3
• Chair inner thigh cross-25x2
• Ab Leg lifts on the floor (lay on the floor and bring both feet up off the floor)-25x2

I mixed up the moves and rotated from arms, legs and abs. I kept the cardio up and to be honest I was dripping with sweat and my face was super red. It was a super awesome workout. I will keep doing this for a while, it felt so GOOD to workout so HARD.

Lets see what this week has to offer and pray that it is another Kick-Buns week. 

Enjoy it ya'll, it is going to be super awesome this week.

50, I have you in my sights and I am coming after you. 

June 23, 2012

I worked hard this week at Nick and Ericia's warehouse, doing lots of stairs, lots of arm workout, and bending like crunches. Oh my, it was so hot and, yes, I drank lots and lots and lots of water. I tracked my points and enjoyed my Birthday even without birthday cake because I wanted to lose .4 of a pound this week.
So, after all my hard work and keeping on point ( I was determined to make it this week) I was hoping to have at least a 1 pound loss only to see that I did a 2.8 pound gain. A GAIN!!!! I admit, I am tearful and so upset. I want to punch something, I want to yell and scream at anything. I want to do something...something because I am so MAD. I am MAD MAD MAD. I don't know what to do. I don't know that I am missing.
I understand that I worked out hard this week, and muscle weighs more than fat and I am going to start my magical lady-time within the next 2 days. BUT STILL, jeesh. I process food different since I don't have a gallbladder, high fat food makes me feel like I am being stabbed in my stomach and then I have 20 minutes to find a restroom. So what do I do?? Too much fibre and I feel like my gut is clogged...what do I do to make things run smooth? What works for people with gallbladders does not work for me. 


Okay, I am going to keep on track and I know I am going to keep doing what I am doing. I am going to keep tracking, weighing my food, measuring my meals and deep down I know that what I am doing today is going to make me a better person 3, 6, 9 months from now. 


Have a blessed week.

Riley turned 4 this last week, and boy did we have fun fun fun!!!!

Riley wanted a BIG cake for his birthday, so being 4 years old he got a 4 layer cake. I made the cake with apple sauce and not oil, it was SO moist and delish. He helped me add the sprinkles.

I lost .2 of a pound this last Friday, June 8th. I did not post since I was super busy and then sick and down for the count. I was hoping for a little more then .2 of a pound, but it is a loss and I will take it. I have 1.4 pounds until I reach 50 and I know I can do it.

Since I have been on this journey I have lost the following inches:
Waist: 4.5
Hips: 6.5
Thighs: 2.25
Upper Arm: 1
So, even though the scale likes to take her sweet time reflecting my loss, the inches show more. This is a total loss of 17.5 inches in my arms, legs, and belly and hips. WOWZA!!! Okay, I'll take that :)

It has been too hot to make kale chips in the oven, but I found something that I love A LOT!!! Sprouted Chia seeds, they are super yummy and so easy to sprout. I love them on salads, sammy, tacos, what cant I put them on?? I love Chia seeds sprinkled on my food, but how delightful when they are sprouted. If you are reading this and wondering if they are the same seeds as the Chia-pet, you are correct. I don't know if sprouting them on a chia-pet is healthy, I don't know if the clay molds are made with consumption in mind, so I just used a sham-wow towel (kept moist) and an inverted glass bowl. It takes a couple of days for them to sprout ♥ ♥ ♥

 

My plan this week is to feel 100% and workout every day. I think I need some hand weights to workout with. I want some kettle bells, hand weights...hmmm....Okay, have a great week all and lets ROCK IT!!!



June 1, 2012

What a great week. I have been super busy and on the go. This week I lost 1.2 pounds for a total of 48.4 pounds lost. YIPPEE!!!! My goal this week is to hit my 50 pound mark, I know I can do it, I know I can!!!

I spent the night at my sisters house so I could shop for Riley's BIG day. He has no idea what we have in store for tomorrow. I love spending time with my twin, she makes me feel so grounded. I love her to pieces.

Tomorrow is my little boy's birthday, he is going to be 4 years old. WOW!!! Where did the time go? It feels like yesterday that he was just a little pumpkin noodle. We are going to do lots of wonderful and great things with him. I want tomorrow to be so special.

The weather this last week was awesome, we BBQ'ed often. There is nothing better then cooking outdoors.

So, this next week my goal is to get my workouts in, starting with Weight Watchers 5K on Sunday. Jen we are going to have a blast, what a great way to start the week on the right foot.

Have a blessed week everyone.
Alisha

It has been a couple of weeks since I last blogged. WOW, is all I can say. It has been a rough couple of weeks for the Bahr house. I got sick and was down for a week, then getting my emotions in order took me another week to balance. Sometimes when we are bombarded with to much negative issues  we need to deal with it's hard to keep upbeat and positive. This lady here needs some good news to come her way, all this bull-poopie I have been having to deal with has sucked major lemons and in turn it has made my weight loss journey a struggle. I dont want to struggle, I know this is a life change, but too much tough is not fun.

I am happy to that I did lose 1.4 pound this week, it has made me super happy. SO CLOSE TO 50 POUNDS LOSS, I CAN ALMOST TASTE IT!!! I really want to make the 50 pound loss before my birthday in June...I know I can do it, I know I can, I know I can....

I am super excited that I booked my Mother's Day gift that I got from the kids...SPA day here I come!!! facial, massage...this mommy is looking forward to this delightful day of pampering. Thank you Honey for such a special treat, I have not had a facial since I lived in California...SOOO EXCITED!!!!

My challenge for myself is to keep walking...and make sure I get all my water in since it has been such a hot dry Canadian summer so far. Water is sometimes hard to get in, I forget that I am thirsty until I am bone dry, but we all need it, it's so good for us. I was outside yesterday and I looked over at my tomato plants and they looked so sad, they reminded me that thirst is not good for any living thing. So, I am going try and keep hydrated.

I also wanted to share something I fell in love with this week. I have been reading about kale chips all over the place, so I wanted to try and make them. Can I tell you...SUPER YUMO!!! I love them ♥ I used spray pam instead of oil and they turned out awesome. You take a head of kale, and rip the leaved into big bite size pieces, wash them and then pat them dry. Lay them out on a cookie sheet spray lightly with spray pam and salt to taste, bake them for 10-12 minutes at 350F. They turn out light and super crispy. One some of mine I sprinkled some hemp hearts on them, so good.
My husband tells me he does not like them but he keeps eating them. I asked why he eats them if he does not care for them, his response was "I want to like them, they are healthy for you" HA HA HA, I love it.

If you try these I hope you like them, remember to season them with stuff you would like. It is healthy and good for you.

Take care and have a blessed week y'all

Alisha



ONE ROUGH WEEK!!!!

Well, I had a tough week and the end result was a 1.4 pound gain. Am I going to beat myself up over this? No. 

Am I going to be sad and sulk around? Nopa!
I'm going to keep doing what I am doing, knowing that I am working toward a healthier body. Some weeks wont reflect my journey on the scale, it fact it may go the opposite direction. I will not let this single week bog me down. Today I choose to accept what I have done, know what I can do and live with life's ups and downs. I choose to be happy where I am, know how far I have come, I feel great!!!

This week I allowed my emotions to dictate how I reacted and thus it lead me to a small gain (I admit I fed my emotions and baked goodies that I don't need in the house). Sometimes Betty Crocker needs to come out and bake. 
I'm a feeder my nature and since I don't have a place of employment to take it to it sits here in my house, giving me the come-hither look and silently beckons me to nibble and sample.


My vow this week is to get back to tracking, I know that unless I track I stray, and I am going to weigh out my portions. I know these handy dandy tricks are what kept me on track and headed to my end goal.

So, now I am going to pull up my-too-big-for-me-panties (giggles) and ROCK this week. I am tackling my walking buddy and we are going to push each other this week to work a little harder. Jen, I am ready for this week to be our week. 

This week on the menu is lots of fresh veggies, salads with chicken and fruit-galore. Hubby, I am glad you like all the things I cook, it's going to be fresh spa-meals this week.

I wanted to share with you something I fell in love with. My family had Chinese food and I wanted to stay on point. So I shared the  sweet and sour chicken with my son, I had the sauce on the side so I could measure it out. I had one cup for 11 points plus value and the veggies were steamed with no sauce. It was wonderful and I got to eat all the veggies I wanted, I was full and happy. So you can have your Chinese and eat it too ♥

Have a blessed week ya'll.

Week 8

HOLY MOLE GUACAMOLE!!!!!

This has been one of the toughest weeks I have had in a while. My depression and anxiety was super high and my ability to control my cravings was out of bounds. I maintained my walks, even though my walking buddy was on vacation and being sorely missed. I made it out almost every day, and truth be told some days it was the hardest thing I did.

Sunday I bought some girl guide cookies for my kids, and I have to admit during the week I ate a whole sleeve of them, A WHOLE SLEEVE!!! I also made cereal and marshmallow treats for the kids and as I look back I ate the same amount as them, if not more. What was I thinking???

I truly tried to take this last week one meal at a time, one snack at a time and not beat myself up over indulgences. Life is ups and downs, gains and losses and I was going to take this week as it came. For good or bad, this was only one week.

When I went in today for my weigh-in I was prepared for a 2-3 pound gain, I was more then shocked when I was told I has lost 3 pounds, HELLO WHAT???? YIPPEE!!!!! The only thing I can think of is my walking and water helped me more then I thought it would. I am now at a 48.2 pound total loss, only 1.8 pounds and I will be half way there, 50 pounds here I come!!! 

I was asked by my leader to bring in a beginning picture of myself to share with the group. I find it funny, I know I am losing weight, it shows in my clothes and I feel healthier. But, when I look at my physical self I still see how much more I have to go. I know I can do it but when does the mental part of weight loss kick in? I know I have gone down 4 sizes but when will I be able to look at my reflection and not judge what I see and accept how far I have come?

I think this is the hardest part of weight loss, how long until my brain makes the switch, or how the heck do I shut up the negative thoughts. This is a topic I will look into and share any information.

Next week I will post another Lunch and or dinner, with pictures. 

Have a blessed week and let's ROCK IT!!!

Week #7

I lost 1 pound this week

45.2 Total loss

I have been busting and a moving this week with my walking buddy, Jen. I was hoping and praying I would have been a better loss, but I will take it. This last week we walked 7-10K a day. I think I will change it up this week by walking 3 days (7-10K a day) and the other 2 days I am going to do my wii fit, so that I can work some of my other muscles.  

This last weekend was Easter and we kept to our family tradition, we went to the Toronto Zoo for a family fun filled day. Sean, Riley and I were joined by my twin sister Ericia, her husband Nick and their daughter Soph-io. Ericia and I packed the family lunch so that we would be able to keep is healthy. Thank you Kooks for keeping me on track. I loved this activity, we are all walking for hours, we see cute animals and the kids LOVE it. The bonus the kids sleep like charms that night. Super bonus for me, it keeps me from the tempting candy that the Easter Bunny brought.

For dinner last night I made some of the best baked chicken breasts ever (sorry no pictures). I roasted them with carrots and yellow potatoes, I paired it with a green salad, super yummy!!! The kids even loved it. I really tried to make healthy meals this week knowing that I was working out so hard.

My next goal is to get my 50 pound coin from WW, I am so excited, I am only 4.8 pounds away, 50 pounds is only my half way mark, but I am almost there. I am so excited and so happy!!!! I am praying that I can make it to that mark by the end of the month. So here is to another wonderful and exciting week...I will challenge myself with the new goals I have planned for the week.

I pray everyone has a blessed and wonderful week. Now, lets ROCK THIS WEEK!!!!



Week # 6

WOOT HOO!!!

What a good week!!!

First the kids kept their fighting to a low..WOW!!!! I love weeks when I am not stressed from sun up to sun down. THANK YOU KIDS!!!

Second, I lost 1.6 pounds this week!!! (I want to give my Friend Jen a shout-out, losing 3 pounds is something to be super proud of!!! You are doing great.) I worked hard and it was tough with all the Easter yummy goodies filling the holiday aisle's at the market. I even made Easter cookies for Riley's Easter party at his daycare. Bunnies for the Easter Rabbit and hearts for our love for Jesus. It was really cute, I told Riley about the hearts and he started to sing a "I love Jesus" song, too stinking cute. I maybe on my journey but at the same time I want to make sure that my new "lifestyle" doesn't deprive them of kid pleasures that come along with holidays.



Tri-color cookies (fun)



Sugar cookies

  


Easter Eggs, No mess-no fuss



I also made cute little hard boiled Easter Eggs, I have discovered the joy of the No Mess, No Fuss wrappers, JOY!!! And for all my WW friends remember 3 egg whites are only 1 points plus value, and they are full of protein, so enjoy as a snack, or make a meal featuring them.They are egg-cellent for you ♥

As for a meal that I loved this week, I made a quinoa chicken mushroom dinner with Broccoli, it was delightful and only 8 points plus. I used 1 cup of quinua, 3 oz chicken and mushrooms with onions and paired it with steamed broccoli. I was filled and the flavor with yummy scrummy. You can use any seasonings you want to make the flavor fit what you like. I used Italian seasoning and added red pepper flakes for added heat.  My husband liked it too.

I want to close this week with a quote that I keep running into.



"Your body will thank you a year from now with the choices you make today"

I know as I look at the changes my body has been making I am so THANKFUL that I made the choice to focus on me eight months ago. I am so WORTH IT!!! It has been a tough road, a happy road, a stressed road and  at times I wanted to give in and eat myself silly. But I know I am happier as I reach my small goals. I take it one pound at a time, reward every five pounds with a new bead for my bracelet. Rewards work for me and I love the visual reminder when I need to be grounded and steadfast in my journey.

Have a great week my friends, I am going to ROCK IT and reach for the stars!!!!



Blog/Week #5

Well this week I gained 1 pound.....Grrrr....But, I understand that each month during this week I do a little gain, sigh, love being hormonal (I'm sure my husband and kids love it too, lol). Still, I hate to see the number inch up, even a little when I work hard to get it down. So come on boot straps, we have to hike you up this week, lets lose this water retention, fat cells we are so on "like Donkey Kong".

Today was date day for hubby and I. Sean and I went to the book fair, I will be going back tomorrow to see if they put anything new out. We also went to Kelsey's for lunch. If you know me you know that I love burgers, peppercorn burgers if they have them. But, I wanted to be good so I took a deeper look at their menu and I found a salad that looked good. It was a Roasted Mushroom Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast (only 280 calories), it was only 8 points and chuck-full of flavor, can you say WINNER. I picked the croutons out, I thought that texturally it was over kill with them. I give the salad a 5 out of 5, LOVE-LOVE-LOVED IT, will have it again.
I pointed out the burger and onion rings that I love, it was 27 points and I only get 31 points a day...YIKES!!!! The burger alone was over a thousand calories...

All-in-all I had a great week, just a few bumps and hurdles. Kids will fight, things will get broken and at some point I am going to yell, so this week was an average week for me. Yippee for average. Everyone is healthy and I am feeling 100% back to normal, well, aside from my moodiness, but hey, we have all been there, life is SUPER AWESOME FUN like that.

Last Saturday I went scrapping with a couple of besties. Gen, Jen, Kooks, and I attended a Creative Memories all day scrapping event in Toronto. What an amazing time!!! I love getting together with friends; laughing and basking in each others awesomeness. Having this down time to be with the girls and sharing pictures of loved ones is so soul enriching. I have to admit, my life is so much more fun with these amazing people in it. Oh NO!!! Was I starting to get sappy? hormonal? wishy-washy-wawa? I think I was about to get all emotional with weepy ya-ya friendship goo.... All the same, I am loving my friends and their organic selves.

This last week I made a couple of delish meals. Some brought tears to the kids eyes.
Brussel Sprout burrito for me, chicken burritos for the kids. I wish I took a picture of it, but sadly I didn't, sorry. Another dinner I made was spaghetti squash spaghetti, the kids had normal noodles. I used 1/4 cup noodles and loaded it up with spaghetti squash, I then added a loaded green salad with broccoli and spicy dressing, green beans and a sour dough roll. I counted this as a 6 point dinner. It was a super supper!!!

At WW we talked about fibre. Soluble fibre helps slow the digestion of carbs and insoluble fibre helps flush the waste from food, in-other words it helps keep things moving.

A couple of fibre surprised for me: Women should have 25 grams of fibre a day, wow, who knew? Corn has more fibre in it then brown rice, artichoke hearts have more fibre then sweet potatoes, and raspberries have 8 grams of fibre per 1 cup (for 0 Points Plus), WOW and YUMMY!!

We also were given a challenge this week at Weight Watcers. WW is hosting a 5K walking event on June 3rd, 2012. I am so excited, Jen and I walk 5K 3-4 times a week so I know we can do this event with our eyes shut, maybe even backwards.

I am thankful for the people in my life that bless me beyond words, much love to you all. I wish every one a blessed week and lots of love. Thank you for taking your time to read my words. Now lets rock this week !!!!



Week 4 Blog

I lost .6 pound...and yes, it may not be a lot for some, but for me I think it is AWESOME!!!
This week I was sick AGAIN, this time with a double ear infection strep throat and the pink-eye from last week, it was tough to get rid of. I went to the doctors on Tuesday and he gave me new meds and eye drops ( I LOVE HIM!!!).

I was able to walk with my buddy 4 times this week, I love solving our world problems during our walks, thank you Jen for your ear and advise. Other then that I was in bed sleeping and honestly snoring my little head off...Big shout-out to the best husband in the world that kept the fort going while I was dead to the family, you are the best Honey Bear, you are the best father and husband, much love to you.

I have lost a total, of 43.6 pounds, I have 6.4 pounds until I reach my first 50 pounds...YIPPEE!!
I have a little problem, some of you may think it's silly but when I started I set my first 50 pound mark as my goal for all new underwear, and I admit I need them...my current unmentionables are so big it is getting to be a personal joke. I am looking forward to the day I get to walk-into the store (not walmart or big box store) and pick out pretty undies. My skinny friends my not understand but I know all my full figured friends know, pretty panties are hard to come by (more so in Canada, I don't know where to go) that not only fit nice but make you feel sexy and don't cost half the farm.

Last week I said I would show you a favourite lunch and dinner, so here we go I hope you enjoy.

Subway Turkey and Ham. I love a 6in flat bread filled/stuffed with ALL the veggies you want. I never use any kind of sauce or mayo. I also love the BBQ Baked Lays (eat only 30 grams for 3 pts), I think they are sooooooooo yumo! and once in a while I have a diet cola. I count this as a 10 pt lunch, and I am stuffed until dinner. I love Subway, so may choices, so many veggies.

Go ahead, go get ya one :)

This is a Asian grilled chicken broccoli dinner. I served it with wilted spinach and green salad. I counted this dinner as 8 pts. I was full and delighted with this dinner. I plan on playing with this to get the point value down and flavor up.

This is what we had for dinner last night. Grilled chicken, baked brussel sprouts with garlic, green salad, spinach, and pineapple, I count this as 6 pt dinner. My kids about cried when they saw so many veggies. I know they don't like them now but, when they are older they will thank me.

Thank you for taking time for sharing my journey this week, have a blessed week.

Much love to you all.

Alisha

Well, this has been a heck of a week!!!!

Sean, Riley and I spent the night at Kooka's (twin sister) house on Tuesday, that night Riley vomited all over the bed, himself and me...eeewww... Yeah, it was as much fun as it reads, loads of fun. Thank you Honey and Kooks for helping me out, that was just gross. I then got the tummy flu from HELL, I was down for the count. Then to add insult to injury my son then gives me pink-eye. REALLY!!!! I feel like Quasimodo, all I need is a bell tower. Anyone have a bell tower I can purchase??

For the good news, I stayed the same weight. YIPPEE!!!!

For the decent news, I was sick-sick-sick all week long. I thought I would have a great weight loss since I could not keep anything in or down.

For the hopeful news, I pray I have a great loss next week since I have not had a BM since Wednesday. Imodium, you need to made an Imodium light, you work too well. I know this may be too much information for some, sorry. Others take this as advise, no need to make exlaxx cookies for the people that treat you like poop, use Imodium and fix their spinxter's good and tight....ha ha ha....no, just kidding.

So, you may guess that food was the last thing on my mind this week, so, I will post a lunch and dinner that I love next week, sorry.

I would love to give a shout out to my friend who is on her own journey, Jen, you may have had a upset this week at the scales but you have done it right. You have had one busy week and very little sleep. We have all had weeks where the numbers don't reflect the work we have done. I have had weeks where I gained and thought WTF!!! I have to tell you how impressed I was with the way you kept your composure and cool. Unlike my Diva moment a few weeks ago, wow, you handled yourself with so much dignity. You are AWESOME!!! We will rock the scales this week, I know we will. So lets have a kick butt and rock-it girl...

So my advise this week is SLEEP...We all need sleep in order to lose weight. So, check yourself and make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep, 6-8 hours a night people...more if you are like me and hate being cranky. Let the sandman in and dream a little dream.

I wish everyone a great week, much love.
Let's Rock It Ya'll

Blog #2
This is one of my all time fav breakfast
1c All Bran Flakes
1/2 c blueberries
6 strawberries
1 banana
1 c 2% milk
8pt breakfast and it fills me up

Plus 20 oz water and a coffee with cream

GOOD MORNING!!!!

Well I did it!!!

I lost 3.6 pounds this week for a total of 43 pounds.
I finally made it past my 40 pound mark, and it feels so GREAT!!!
I want to take this time to thank a very good friend, Jen, you have been such a great support, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I would also like to add that this week she lost 6.2(?) I hope that is right, I know you lost over 6 pounds and I am so over the hill EXCITED for you, YOU GO GIRL!!!! Together we lost almost 10 pounds this week, 10 POUNDS!!!! All of our hard work this week paid off.

This week I have been craving fried foods with dipping sauces, yes I know, anything fried is SOOO NOT POINT WORTHY. Sweet and Sour Chicken how I have longed for you this week, along with torpedo shrimp and that little friend noodle dish I love so much. You know you have it bad when you wake-up in the middle of the night longing for Chinese takeout. Can you visualise the drool that is pooling in my mouth? Can you feel my longing and pain rolled into one ball of I wants but cant haves? I feel like an addict going through withdrawals....I am proud to admit I stayed away and stayed on track, weighing and measuring everything that I ate.

I walked 16.5K and did my mini-cardio workout. Not including walking my kids to school, walking stairs doing laundry and other household chores. The weather has been wonky and so I have kept my walking at the Milton Sports Centre in-door track.

Tips that I used this week: For breakfast I use a shallow bowl, that way I feel like I am getting a lot more then I really did. I choose veggies for snack along with a string cheese or yogurt. I measure EVERYTHING, and I use my digital scale to weigh things. Lets be honest, if I cold eyeball it I would not be where I am now. I admit I have three sets of measuring spoons and cups, that way I always have one on hand, no excuse for not doing it.

Next week I will add a fav lunch and fav dinner with pictures.

Quote for the week: In order to take care of you, I must take care of me first.
As a wife and a mom of three active kids I need to remember this. My family comes first in every area of my life, but in order to take care of them, I need to take care of me.

Much love to all, have a blessed week. Until next week, keep it real and keep true to yourself.
Each day is only a day, and food is only food.

First Blog

I am a loving wife, mother to three. I love crafting, cooking, reading, hanging out with my family (when they are not fighting and tattling on one another) and spending time with my friends.

This blog is for me, I don't know if anyone will read it beside me, but this is for my journey. One that I have been on for a while and will be on for a lifetime. This is for me to channel myself into, to fill it with honest words, painful truths and hopefully personal motivation.

I have been on this journey since July 2011, when my little sister Dee-Dot (age and height) came for a visit and took me to my first Weight Watchers meeting, I weighed-in at 252 pounds. I have lost 39.6 pounds to date...but, I still need to lose 58 pounds to hit my "goal" range. 
I know 39 pounds is a lot of weight, but I have hit a major slow down the last 2 months, its more like hokey-poky, I lose one pounds then I gain one pound, I lose 1.6 pounds and then I gain .8 of a pound...  I am just feeling frustrated and at a complete loss.
Last week at weigh-in I had myself a major Deva tantrum (not a proud shinning moment), filled with tears, cuss words and me throwing my book and newly purchased box of ginger snaps...I SNAPPED!!! I had only lost 1.2 pounds and I had worked my buns off. I sat there during the meeting with tears dripping down my face, in extreme inner turmoil and not one of the leaders tried to comfort me, not one offered advise. So, with the help of my buddy I dusted myself off and vowed to have a better "next" week.
Welcome to "this" week and I have to boast I walked 20K and I made all the right choices. I tracked every lick, bite and taste; every smidgen, morsel and tid-bit. I cooked lots of veggies, ate lots of fruit and choose all the right carbs (high fibre). I stepped on the scale and I was eager to get a "YOU GO GIRL!!!" what I got was a hushed, "you lost .4 of a pound". I said "I what!!!!" (silent pause), I know they were getting ready for another Deva moment; but I held her at bay and sat-down...mentally screaming in visual reds, orange, and white.....
I LOST ONLY .4 of a pound. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH can you say overwhelmed and MAD MAD MAD. My leader asked to see my journal and she noted that I was making the right choices and eating in my range, so her solution was to have my thyroid checked. REALLY!!! Like I never thought of that. I did last year and it was normal.
I left the meeting with my friend ready to move my anger filled body, determined to do something this week that I have not done last week. We went to the walking track, I accidentally left my walking shoes at home so I walked in my snow boots, yep my snow boots. We also did our mini cardio of jumping jacks, push-ups, crunches and lunges.

I maybe upset, mad, and ready to quit but my fat does not know who it is up against. I am tired of lugging it around, tired of being fat and tired of being judged by my size. So this week and many more I am going to work hard to get to where I want to be. My motto this week is "sweat is fat crying" and I am going to make it cry a lot. I plan to walk 20-25k along with boot camp one day, and aqua-fit one day, we are going to mix-it-up baby and pray that the scale will show my hard work.