Happy

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 203.0
Weight loss to date: -19.8 lbs

Almost at 20 lbs....

It's funny that my husband said he saw me from behind the other day and for a moment didn't realize it was me.  I've been getting that a lot.  LOL  I wish I had taken more specific "before" photos to compare but oh well.  Too late now!

I haven't been following the "plan" to the letter lately but I have been eating OK.  I am way overdue to shop for some fruit which I plan to accomplish today.  I have been exercising almost every day as well.  Once in a while I'll splurge on a meal (ex: lunch @ Vallarta's including cheese dip) but it keeps me sane and then I work harder on the tread.

I'm just happy the scale is going down.

Chugging Along

Just got to be too much work to post pix everyday but I thought I'd keep an update on my progress.

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 204.4
Weight loss to date: -18.4 lbs

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 10

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 207.0
Weight loss to date: -15.8 lbs

I haven't blogged the last couple days because I didn't want to reveal what I had put in my mouth.  Or my weigh ins.  I am up a bit but it is to be expected.  I am fully committed to losing all of this weight now and realize it will take me a while to get it off.  I also know I can't be perfect ALL of the time, so I accept that I will have the occasional "slip-up" (like at Tuscan Oven).  As long as I quickly get back on track, that's all that matters and I get to retain my sanity.  A bonus for the Harris household I think.

I am back on track though and today I biked 10 miles on the recumbent in the fitness center at work.  It was easier than I thought.  If my butt hadn't gone numb 15 minutes in, I may have last longer than 45 minutes.  I want to go longer faster as my constant goal.  I'm a bit tired of always walking so I'm going to have to visit the fitness center more often to get some variety into my workouts.  I think tomorrow I'll try the stepper thingy I forget what its called but it kicks my ASS.  But then my ass looks better, so there's the trade off.  hehe.  Ok, here's my food for the day:

Breakfast - Nectarine and yogurt

Snack - Turkey breast lunch meat but the chunky kind that actually looks like pieces of turkey off the bird.

Lunch - Lunch was eaten while on a 3 hour phone conference that I had 15 seconds of input for.  Which is why I took out my frustrations on the bike later on my "lunch" hour.  I had a whole wheat mini Lender's bagel, toasted in the cafeteria right before I dialed in, added some 1/3 less fat cream cheese, licked the knife, popped a few baby carrots in my mouth as well and called it a day. Oh don't forget the green tea, of course.

Dinner - I was STARVING and decided on the way home I wanted a chicken caesar salad but our salad expired so Rich was sweet enough to go get some at Publix.  It was yummy and I was satisfied.

Snack - These snacks are "optional" on the Cycle 3 plan and I don't have one every day, but damned if those Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches (pb and chocolate flavor) aren't my new favorite thing.  I inhaled it as my husband so sweetly pointed out while he happily watched me saunter into Scrapland for the evening and loudly pretended to be the contestant on 4 episodes of Dont' Forget The Lyrics while he tried to watch his "shows".  =D

My shift has officially changed from 6:30-3 to 7:30-4, so I don't have to get up at 4 AM to get my workout in if I choose to (although that time of morning is blissfully peaceful).  Thinking of taking a nice stroll in the AM since the humidity has been down and I hear it is in the 60s!  Yes, please!  Besides, I like to get my workout out of the way in the morning so I feel less guilty when I plop down on the couch after work with my laptop or Kindle.

Speaking of Kindle, it's pretty fun to read a trash novel while working out - it's like I'm cheating or something to enjoy my book while burning calories all at the same time.  I don't mind it one bit!

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 7

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 205.2
Weight loss to date: -17.6 lbs

Ugh, it was a great day until dinner.  What was I thinking driving us to Tokyo for hibachi?  So full right now.

Breakfast - Fiber One (1c) Honey Squares high fiber cereal, 1c skim milk

Snack - Peach & nectarine (from farmer's market -- amazing!)

Lunch - Whole Wheat tortilla chicken and steak fajita w/FF sour cream and FF cheddar, green peppers and onions, green tea.

Dinner - Hibachi scallops and steak (didn't eat much of the steak), fried rice, mushrooms, salad w/honey mustard dressing.  Ate way too much and drank way too much water with dinner, too.

Worked out a bit using my Wii -- played tennis and bowled for about 35 minutes.  Planning to walk in the morning - going for 3 miles again.  Have to work off this guilt!

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 6

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 205.2
Weight loss to date: -17.6 lbs

Tanita was nice to me again today.  Love getting closer to 20 so I can buy my new workout clothes and shoes.  My 30 lb. reward is still up in the air.  Was thinking about getting a bluetooth headset so I can listen to my Runkeeper coach and music at the same time.  Anyone have any better ideas?

Today was good food wise.  I'm still needing to do my walk and plan to go out later.  Made two things with my NuWave today -- a "Right-Side Up, Upside-Down Pineapple Cake" that ended up being undercooked except for the top inch, which I scraped off and put in a container for Rich to enjoy.  I did have a small lump plus a pineapple ring and it was delicious, but I don't plan on going back for 2nds. 

Breakfast - Mini Whole Wheat Lender's Bagel, 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese individual serving size, naval orange, green tea.

Lunch - 1 slice high fiber bread with low fat mayo, low fat lunch meat, celery stalks and green bell peppers.

Dinner - Finally made the Chicken Vegetable Soup from the 17 Day Diet book recipes.  Rich helped me out with all the chopping (I don't get along with knives) and he jazzed it up with some red pepper flakes and cayenne.  I also added lots of mushrooms, extra cabbage, and an extra 10.25 oz. can of Campbell's chicken broth.  It was extremely tasty and we got about 8 servings out of it.  Froze a bunch and have a few servings in the fridge to heat up for the next few days.  Highly recommend!

That's all folks!

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 5

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 206.0
Weight loss to date: -16.8 lbs

Very pleased with Tanita (my scale's new name) today.  Although I'm worried (paranoid) that it was only that low because I had just walked a 5K over the course of the last hour.  How much can my sweat really weigh? 

My wedding rings fit on my middle finger.  I just had them sized last year.  Maybe I should wait until I accidentally start fling one off into the Atlantic before I go get them sized again. 

Breakfast - Oatmeal w/Truvia and bing cherries....

Lunch - Leftover whole wheat pasta with marinara, green bell pepper slices...

Dinner - I roasted an entire zucchini with EVOO, fresh garlic, thyme, basil, sesame oil, soy sauce and ginger powder.  Pretty yummy! 

We had the farmer's market at work today -- I can't believe how much stuff I got for so little money (as compared with the small fortune I spend at Publix once a week!).  In addition to the zucc, I got fresh okra (first time purchase), peaches, nectarines, strawberries, onions, green pepper, carrots, and kiwis!  I'm going to be eating GOOD this weekend!

Thinking about going for another early morning walk tomorrow -- start my weekend off right! 

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 4

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 207.6
Weight loss to date: -15.2 lbs.

Breakfast - a yummy peach and 2 eggs scrambled + green tea

Lunch - Very Vanilla Yoplait lite yogurt, an orange and a Pepsi Max (can't believe I bought one, but I didn't finish it)

Dinner - Whole wheat pasta + marinara sauce

Snack - Skinny Cow

Walked after work today for 27 minutes -- I would've gone longer but it was SO hot outside!!!  I know, excuses, excuses.  To get this gain off of me, I am planning to get up at 4 AM and do an hour walk.  Hope I follow through.

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 3

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 206.4
Weight loss to date: -16.4 lbs.

Not much to say -- this was yesterday's entry that I am late posting.  My cheating has caught up with me unfortunately (check new blog post later tonight).  It makes me sad to go in the wrong direction on the scale, so I have to refocus and start planning my meals (esp. dinner!) more consistently.

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The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 2

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 207.2
Weight loss to date: -15.6 lbs

Oops

Double Oops

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 3 - Day 1

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 207.6
Weight loss to date: -15.2 lbs

I'm so relieved to hit 15 lbs!  I think that is a decent number after 34 days.  I really enjoyed my food today!

Breakfast - Fiber One Honey Squares (1 c), 1 c skim milk, 1 c sweet cherries, green tea

Lunch - 1 slice high fiber bread, turkey, baby carrots, green tea.  I meant to eat an apple too but it was after 2 by the time I finished my lunch.

Dinner - a dozen shrimp, cocktail sauce, romaine side salad with lots of cukes, balsamic vinegar dressing.

Snack - I made KALE CHIPS!  They were pretty good but I burnt them a bit.  You just take some kale (no stems) and toss with EVOO + seasonings of your choice - I used sea salt and garlic powder.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, flip over, another 5-10 minues until crispy.  Pretty tasty and I've never had kale until tonight.

Snack #2 - Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich (chocolate + peanut butter flavor).  This was delicious.  I liked Skinny Cow stuff before but this was the first time I've had ice cream (ok, I know it's "fake" ice cream") in a loooong time.  This from someone that used to have a bowl of the bad stuff almost every night.
Something nice I noticed is that I don't dread getting dressed in the morning anymore.  I feel so much better about how I look -- even after only 15 lbs. -- that I know I can pull together an outfit and look good and feel good, too. 

Looking forward to creeping closer to 20 lbs....and then to the 100s.  =D

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 17

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 209.2
Weight loss to date: -13.6 lbs

Ahhhhh, I deserved to gain a pound.  Today I ate better and got lots done.  Clipped a dozen books of coupons, organized my coupon binder, made a shopping list for Cycle 3 starting tomorrow, and did lots of walking at Walmart and Publix.

Breakfast - 2 eggs scrambled with FF cheddar cheese

Lunch - Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast + Mixed Berry Smoothie

Dinner - I was lazy so I had another salad with chicken and LF Asain Sesame dressing.

So I am SUPER excited to start Cycle 3 tomorrow.  I am going to be able to have lunch meat, lite mayo, high fiber bread, whole wheat bagels and low fat cream cheese, CHERRIES, and many other things I'm really looking forward to adding to my diet.  The whole thing with Cycle 3 is to teach me how to eat for a lifetime, so this means portion control (no more "plenty" of protein - my serving size is limited to the size of a kitchen sponge now).  Also, I have to ramp up my exercise -- 45-60 minutes a day is recommended.

My weight loss is supposed to slow down, but I can help lose more by continuing to avoid alcohol (I'm allowed one drink per day starting tomorrow, but I probably won't have more than one serving a week if that).  Also, I should stick to the lower sugar fruits (no bananas, cherries, pineapple). 

Should make things more interesting.

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 16

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 208.2
Weight loss to date: -14.6 lbs

Breakfast - On the beach - Yogurt + Orange, Carrot Sticks

Lunch - @ The Coffee Cup: Ham & Cheese Omelette, Biscuit (amazing).  Plus I had a couple bites of Rich's fried french toast. 

Dinner - Melting Pot.  Need I make any further confessions?

After the meals I have had this week, I am definitely getting back on track tomorrow, especially since it is my last day on Cycle 2.  Plus it is too expensive eating out!  I expect a gain tomorrow.  I've earned it.  LOL

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 15

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 208.2
Weight loss to date: -14.6 lbs

Today I was off from work.  We were going to go tubing down the Blackwater River but Rich checked the weather and anticipating extreme heat and possibly t-storms, we decided to catch Planet of the Apes and lunch at Portobello Market.  Good stuff!

Walked 2 miles this morning!

Breakfast - 2 eggs scrambled with FF cheddar.  Forgot to have my fruit!

Lunch - Salad greens, cukes, oil/vinegar, Grilled chicken & 2 pickle spears (forgot to take pic!)

After Lunch - Dessert @ Oh Snap! Cupcakes........Whopper Cupcake.  My stomach hurts a little as I write this blog, but it was super delicious and I don't feel super guilty.  I am going to exercise twice today to try and work some of it off. 



Dinner - Fish House - California Roll and Crunchy Shrimp Roll

I just realized that I'm creeping up on Cycle 3 in a few days!  I really need to read that chapter soon and then do some serious planning.  I don't feel like I've done very well on Cycle 2 -- weight loss wise or eating wise.  The Cycle 1 days within Cycle 2 are easy peasy but I can't quite get used to not being able to have my natural starches after 2 PM.  I mean, who has corn or potatoes with their LUNCH?  No one!  It's a dinner thing.  Besides, how does my body know what time it is.  Grrrrr.

I'd have to say that Cycle 1 (although more limited menu) is probably easier than being on Cycle 2.  I hope Cycle 3 gets easier as far as being able to keep on track with what I'm supposed to be eating and stuff.  I wonder if I get to eat any new foods.  Ooooh I think I get to have edamame.  Yay!

17 Day Diet Thoughts

• Clothes I haven't worn in years now fit.
• I have had very very little heartburn since I started this diet.
• I haven't had that "2:30" drowsy feeling at work
• I have more energy
• I am sleeping better
• I crave green tea and veggies and fruit
• Exercising is not as much of a chore to me - my body is starting to expect it
• It's pretty cool that others have started this diet after seeing my results

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 14

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 208.6
Weight loss to date: -14.2 lbs

I actually don't remember the last digit of my weigh in this morning, but the first three numbers are right.  I really need to put up a dry erase board or something in my bathroom LOL.

Today we went to Biloxi and ate at the buffet.  I made a bee-line for the salad bar and made a big salad, then I got some turkey breast, 1 corn nugget, some teriyaki green beans, and a small slice of sugar free cheese cake.  Yeah, I probably shouldn't have had teh cheesecake but it was sugar free. 

Breakfast was oatmeal and I meant to have an orange but I forgot.  I had strawberries later and for dinner I had Schwan's tilapia loins (hehe) and a small side salad with balsamic dressing.  Then I had some dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt.  Then I had one of my cookie bars.

I didn't work out today, but I should be able to make up for it tomorrow.  Tomorrow we're going to Adverntures Unlimited to float down the river in tubes.  Should be fun!

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 13

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 209.0
Weight loss to date: -13.8 lbs

Breakfast - Yogurt and an orange

Snack - Bag of baby carrots

Lunch - 2 scrambled eggs with FF cheddar cheese

Dinner - Oven roasted chicken bites & a green pepper cut up + green tea

Accomplishments for today:

• Left work on time
• Resisted Joyce's birthday cake and ice cream
• Did my work out despite it being late (I can sleep in a little tomorrow)

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 12

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 210.0
Weight loss to date: -12.8 lbs

Very good weigh in day!  Very good food day!  Good workout, too!  I get three gold stars.  =D

Breakfast - Oatmeal and strawberries

Lunch - OMG leftover turkey burger with low sugar ketchup, carrot sticks and roasted baby baker potatoes and green tea.  One of my favorite lunches in a long time.

Dinner - Scallops, Shrimp (cooked in the Nuwave), Side Salad with balsamic and green tea.  Scallops needed something more - too bland and didn't really love the old bay seasoning.  I like them crunchier.  Maybe I should try the Foreman grill next time.

I also had an orange (before 2 PM of course) and an entire green pepper between breakfast and lunch.

I am crossing my fingers for a figure under 210 tomorrow.  PLEASE, GRAVITY GODS!

The 17 Day Diet - Cycle 2 - Day 11

Starting weight: 222.8
Today's weight: 211.8
Weight loss to date: -11.0 lbs

Today was good.  Walked in the morning before work and even did a little running.  Breakfast was typical, lunch was also typical and dinner was fabulous!

Breakfast - Yogurt & Berries

Lunch - Grilled chicken breast with pickles, onion, lettuce, celery sticks.

Dinner - Turkey burger with reduced sugar ketchup, pickles and green beans.

Overall a GREAT day.  Looking forward to turkey burger leftovers and POTATOES for lunch tomorrow as well as oatmeal for breakfast (it's my higher calorie day, yay!)