Saturday Report, Week 4

Today's Weight: 130 lbs
Lost so far: 6 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal = 2
Sub-total: 4

Not finishing this report today. I went to a b-day party tonight and snacked and ate cake to my heart's desire. I'm allowed a free night once a month, right? We'll see what the scale says in the morning...

Friday Report, Week 4

Today's Weight: 131 lbs
Lost so far: 5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal= 2
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
15 high fiber veggie crackers = 2

Lunch:
1 cup spaghetti noodles = 4
1/4 cup pork marinara sauce = 3
Sub-total: 7

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2 (burned 477 calories)

Dinner:
3/4 cup beef and bean chili = 4
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 1.5
1-1/4 cup 1% milk = 2.5
Sub-total: 8

TOTAL: 21 - 2 = 19

Thursday Report, Week 4

Today's Weight: 130.5 lbs
Lost So Far: 5.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1 orange = 1
3/4 slice Amish friendship bread = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
9 high fiber veggie crackers = 1
1 oz colby jack cheese = 3
2 oz tuna salad w/ light mayo = 2
Sub-total: 6

Exercise:
Rael System 17 Pilates = -1

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
2 slices ham = 1
1 toasted English muffin = 2
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
1 cup diet root beer = 0
1 cup fat free ice cream = 2
Sub-total: 2

Dinner:
1 cup spaghetti noodles = 4
1/2 cup pork marinara sauce = 6
Sub-total: 10

Snack:
1/2 oz cashews = 2

TOTAL: 31 - 1 = 30

Wednesday Report, Week 4

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs
Lost So Far: 4.5 lbs

Starting Measurements on 2/2/09 (inches):
Arm = 12.5
Bust = 37
Waist = 31
Abdominal = 38
Hips = 40
Thigh = 24.5

Today's Measurements (inches):
Arm: 11.75 ---> lost .75
Bust: 35 ---> lost 2
Waist: 29 ---> lost 2
Abdominal: 37.5 ---> lost .5
Hips: 39 ---> lost 1
Thigh: 23.75 ---> lost .75
Calf: 13.75
Total inches lost so far: 7

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal= 2
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
15 high fiber veggie crackers = 2
>1 oz colby jack cheese = 3
1/2 apple = .5
Sub-total: 5.5

Lunch:
1 whole grain English muffin = 2
1 fried egg = 2
2 slices ham = 1
1/4 oz shredded cheese = .5
Sub-total: 5.5

Snack:
1 oreo cookie = 2

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -2 (522 calories burned)

Dinner:
2 cups romaine lettuce and cucumbers = 0
2 tbsp fat free Italian dressing = 0
1/2 cup shrimp = 1
1/2 avacado = 3
1 cup Barilla plus pasta = 4
1/4 cup Barilla sauce = 0
1/4 cup corn = 1
Sub-total: 9

TOTAL: 26 - 2 = 24

Tuesday Report, Week 4

Today's Weight: 131.5 lbs

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal= 2
Sub-total: 4

Lunch:
1 - 6" Subway Ham Sandwich = 6
w/ lite mayo and cheese = 4
Sub-total: 10

Snack:
1/2 PBJ sandwich = 2

Exercise:
50 min Winsor Pilates = -1

Dinner:
1 cup chili = 6
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 2
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 10

TOTAL: 26 - 1 = 25

Starting Week 4

Today's Weight: 133 lbs
Lowest Weight So Far was on 2/14: 131 lbs
Lost 5 lbs, then gained 2 lbs back...

I can't say that I have been following the Curves diet perfectly, but I can tell that 1300-1500 calories a day is too much for me. The weight isn't budging. If anything, it is creeping back on. And it's not muscle weight! I am doing resistance training at Curves 3 times/week, but muscle actually takes a long time to build. You won't see 2 lbs of muscle weight gain in one week.

Let's analyze my diet so far:

Week 1: I lost 4 lbs eating 1200 calories/day, exercising every day.

Week 2: I lost 1 more lb. But I got sick with a nasty cold virus during the week. I had no appetite, so ate about 1000 calories/day and didn't exercise. I think I may have sabotaged my metabolism, i.e. my body thought I was starving. What a joke that is! Week 2 was supposed to be when I started eating 1500 calories/day...

Week 3: Gained back 2 lbs while eating 1300-1500 calories/day, exercising every day.

Week 4: Starts today! My new plan is to stop tracking my calories on CurvesComplete.com, since my 1-month trial is almost up anyway. I will count Weight Watcher points, aiming to eat 18-22 points/day. That is about 1000-1200(?) calories/day. And I will alternate exercise every day between Curves strength training and Pilates. My goal is to lose 1-2 lbs.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal= 2
Sub-total: 4

Lunch:
1 cup Barilla Plus penne pasta = 4
1/8 cup roasted garlic sauce = 0
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
1/2 slice Amish friendship bread = 2

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = -1

Dinner:
1 cup chili = 6
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 2
2 tbsp light sour cream = 1
Sub-total: 9

TOTAL: 19 - 1 = 18

Sunday Report, Week 3

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/4 cup granola cereal= 2
Sub-total: 4

Snack:
1.5 oz salted cashews = 6

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
1 English muffin = 2
1/2 slice deli ham = 0
.25 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 4

Dinner:
3 oz grilled chicken breast in oil = 3
2 tbsp Italian shredded cheese = 1
1/4 cup marinara sauce = 0
1 cup Barilla plus penne pasta = 4
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 9

Dessert:
1.5 slices Amish bread = 5
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 6

TOTAL: 29

Saturday Report, Week 3

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/8 cup 1% milk = .5
1/2 cup granola cereal & raisins = 3.5
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
13 high fiber Wheat Thins crackers = 2

Lunch:
1 slice bread = 2
1 tsp peanut butter = 1
smidge of grape jam = 0
Sub-total: 3

Dinner:
1-1/2 cups creamy Parmesan Tuna Helper = 9
1 cup steamed carrots and broccoli = 0
Sub-total: 9

Exercise:
50 min Winsor Pilates = -1

Dessert:
1/2 cup root beer = 1
1 cup fat free ice cream = 3
Sub-total: 4

TOTAL: 23 - 1 = 22

Friday Report, Week 3

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1/4 cup 1% milk = 1
1/3 cup granola cereal & raisins = 3
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
10 Cheez-it crackers = 2

Lunch:
1.5 slice bread = 3
1/2 tbsp peanut butter = 1
1/2 tbsp grape jam = 1
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = +1

Dinner:
1 cup white rice = 4
1 cup beef stir-fry = 3
Sub-total: 7

TOTAL: 22 - 1 = 21

Thursday Report, Week 3

Breakfast:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
1 English muffin = 2
2 slices deli ham = 1
.25 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
1 tbsp peanut butter = 2

Exercise:
50 min Winsor Accelerated Pilates = +1

Dinner:
4 oz grilled chicken breast = 3
1 cup Rice-A-Roni country cheddar = 8
1 cup sauteed zucchini and mushrooms w/ oil = 1
Sub-total: 12

TOTAL: 25 - 1 = 24

Wednesday Report, Week 3

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1/3 cup granola cereal & raisins = 3
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
13 high fiber wheat thins = 2
1 oz colby jack cheese = 3
1 can drained tuna with dill relish and Dijon mustard = 2
1 tbsp light mayo = 1
1 apple = 1
Sub-total: 9

Lunch:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = +1

Dinner: (Planned)
1 cup white rice = 4
1 cup beef stir-fry = 3
Sub-total: 7

TOTAL: 27 - 1 = 26

Tuesday Report, Week 3

Breakfast:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Snack:
1 apple = 1
3/4 oz sliced cheese = 2
9 high fiber wheat thins = 1
Sub-total: 4

Dinner:
4 oz grilled chicken = 3
1 cup sauteed veggies = 0
1 tsp oil = 1
1 oz shredded cheese = 3
Sub-total: 7

Snack:
1 slice Amish friendship bread = 3

Dinner:
1 cup skillet baked spaghetti = 7
10 bittersweet chocolate chips = 1
Sub-total: 8

TOTAL: 27

Tuesday Thoughts

Starting weight: 136
Today's weight: 132.5 lbs
Lost so far: 3.5 lbs
# of days on diet: 17

Measurements (inches):
Arm: 12 ---> lost .5
Bust: 35 ---> lost 2
Waist: 29 ---> lost 2
Abdominal: 37.5 ---> lost .5
Hips: 39.5 ---> lost .5
Thigh: 24 ---> lost .5
Total inches lost so far: 6

I am convinced that the Curves diet is not taking into account different calorie requirements for different sized people. Phase 1/Week 1 was great. 1200 calories seemed to be just about right for me. I even felt like eating less than that. I can tell, because I've really started to be more in tune with my body's needs over the last couple of weeks: a greater sensitivity to when I'm hungry, when I've had enough to eat, and what kind of foods to eat, etc.

Anyway, when I switched to Phase 2 last week, the diet required me to raise my calorie intake to 1500 a day. Not one day did I feel anywhere near that hungry. Granted, I've been sick, so my appetite was not normal I suppose. Still, every day I would eat my normal meals until I felt full enough, and tried to eat a good proportion of proteins and carbs. At the end of the day, I would enter all the food on the Curves website where it calculates daily totals. My calories were coming up short every day, by about 300 or more. The owner at Curves encouraged me to follow the diet as closely as I can, so that I don't sabotage my metabolism. So yesterday I tried harder to eat the required amount of foods. It was really hard. I made myself eat more than I wanted to. By the end of the day I felt bloated, and the scale showed it this morning. On 1500 calories, I'm gaining weight back, instead of losing. Maybe my low calories last week already slowed down my metabolism too much? Or maybe it was because I was sick and didn't exercise at all? I don't really know.

It seems like I should be listening to my body more than anything else. Shouldn't it take less calories to sustain a small person like me than someone who is much larger or who needs to lose more weight? It makes sense to me. How can a diet prescribe 1500 calories a day for all ages, all sizes? Even Weight Watchers has a different range of daily points depending on your age and weight. So, my new plan is to stick mostly to counting points. It worked for me in the past. I know it will work again.

Monday, Back on the Band Wagon

I weighed in at Curves today. I was 132.5 lbs with clothes on, no shoes. Normally, I weigh myself first thing in the morning at home with nothing on to get a true measure. So, I'd say that's not too bad.

I'm feeling better now, despite a few remaining sniffles. So I'm trying to eat what I'm supposed to again. Here's hoping for a great week. I'll do my home weight and measurements tomorrow.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1/3 cup granola cereal & raisins = 3
Sub-total: 6

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = +1

Snack:
.5 oz cashews = 2

Lunch:
4 oz. grilled chicken breast = 3
1 oz. mozzarella cheese = 2
1 cup sauteed veggies = 0
1 tsp. oil = 1
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta = 1
1/4 cup tomato basil marinara = 0
Sub-total: 7

Snack:
1 chocolate power bar = 4
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Sub-total: 5

Dinner:
1 fried egg = 2
1 English muffin = 2
2 slices deli ham = 1
.5 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 6

Dessert:
2 double chocolate cookies = 6
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 8

TOTAL: 34 - 1 = 33

Sunday Report, Week 2

I went to church without eating breakfast first. Big mistake! By the time I got home four hours later, I was starving and had a horrible headache. So I ate the first thing in sight, which happened to be a chocolate bar someone gave to me at church today. Noooo! I don't even know why I ate any of it. I hate Hershey's chocolate with a passion. So, I guess today is my "free" day...I just made that up. But it's back to business tomorrow! I can't ruin this diet just when I was starting to make progress.

Breakfast:
None

Snack:
1 oz milk chocolate bar = 3

Lunch:
1.5 cups skillet baked spaghetti = 10
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 12

Snack:
1 double chocolate chip cookie = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 5

TOTAL: 20

Wow, this was a very unhealthy day. I just couldn't help but satisfy my chocolate craving after two weeks of denial. It was SO worth it! And somehow I managed not to go over my points...probably because I didn't eat any real food today. How embarrassing. But I'm allowed a day like this every once and a while, aren't I?

Saturday, Valentine's Day

Today is V-day, though I'm not feeling like celebrating. Dustin and I are both sick. Blah! So, no romantic evening planned for us. Not that we would have anything planned even if we weren't sick...we've never hired a babysitter and don't know that we ever will. I know, we're pretty boring.

Today's Weight: 131 lbs
Lost so far: 5 lbs

Breakfast:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Snack:
1 frosted sugar cookie = 3

Lunch:
Subway 6" club sandwich = 6
w/ light mayo and cheese = 4
Sub-total: 10

Dinner:
1 cup skillet-baked spaghetti = 7

TOTAL: 25

Friday Report, Week 2

Phase 2 isn't going so great, because I have a cold, and NO appetite. I'm having trouble eating in the higher point range, and I don't feel like cooking. So, we'll see how this affects the diet when I'm feeling better again.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup oatmeal = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1/3 cup granola cereal & raisins = 3
Sub-total: 6

Lunch:
1 slice bread = 2
1/2 tbsp peanut butter = 2
1/2 tbsp grape jam = 0
Sub-total: 4

Dinner:
3/4 cup whole wheat pasta = 2
1/2 cup tomato & basil sauce = 1
1/2 cup cheese tortellini = 4
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese = 1
Sub-total: 8

TOTAL: 18

Thursday Report, Week 2

Breakfast:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Lunch:
1 cup whole grain pasta = 3
1/2 cup marinara sauce = 1
1 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese = 2
Sub-total: 6

Snack:
6 graham crackers = 3

Dinner:
2 slices toast = 4
smidge of butter = 1
hot chocolate = 3
1/4 cup milk = 1
Sub-total: 9

TOTAL: 23

Wednesday Report, Week 2

Not feeling well today. I'm going to take a break from exercising...

Breakfast:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

Snack:
1 sliced apples = 1
1 tbsp creamy peanut butter = 2
Sub-total: 3

Lunch:
1 6 oz. grilled chicken breast = 4
1 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese = 2
1/4 cup marinara sauce = 1
1 cup sauteed onions & red bell peppers = 0
1 tsp olive oil = 1
2 cups romaine lettuce = 0
1 tbsp fat-free dressing = 0
Sub-total: 8

Dinner:
1 fried egg = 2
1 English muffin = 2
.25 oz shredded cheese = .5
1 slice ham = .5
Sub-total: 5

Tuesday Report, Week 2

Higher Point Goal = 30

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oatmeal = 2
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1/2 cup granola cereal & raisins = 4
Sub-total: 8

Snack:
Handful Quaker Oat Squares = 1

Lunch:
1 fried egg = 2
1 english muffin = 2
1 slice deli ham = .5
.25 oz shredded cheese = .5
Sub-total: 5

Exercise:
50 min Denise Austin Pilates = +2

Dinner:
1.5 cups 3-cheese tortellini = 8
1/2 cup marinara sauce = 1
1 tbsp grated parmesan = 1
Sub-total: 10

Snack:
1 chocolate protein drink = 5

TOTAL: 29 - 2 = 27

On to Phase 2...

This week I completed Phase 1 of the Curves diet. I tried hard to eat a higher percentage of proteins and less carbs. I avoided sweets completely! I did not eat one bite of chocolate all week. (I can't believe I did that!) And, I restricted my calories to around 1200 per day. I think I actually ate less than that. This may be the reason:

While tracking Weight Watcher "points" on this blog, I have also been tracking my food intake on CurvesComplete.com. I discovered that the Weight Watcher's point system doesn't exactly mesh with the Curves system. Meaning, the points are not equivalent to a certain number of calories. "Point" values are based on the calories, fat and fiber in foods. Whereas, CurvesComplete was trying to get me to eat certain amounts of protein, carbs, and calories. Anyway, at the end of every day I would figure out my points, aiming for between 18-24. But when I would go enter the same exact foods and quantities into CurvesComplete, it would usually come up short on carbs and calories. So, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...but I did lose 4 lbs and I feel good, so I must be doing something right! I don't want to rely on CurvesComplete too much because I won't be using it after the first month on this diet. (I have a one month free trial, and then it's $15 per month after that.) Then all I'll have is the point system to rely on.

Starting today, I am supposed to bump the calories to 1500, carbs to 160 g, and protein to 115 g. I think this will be hard, because I am not as hungry as I used to be. 1200 calories was plenty to fill me up. So, I will actually have to make myself eat a little more. I should be ok if I increase my serving size. On to another great week of dieting and exercise!

First Week Complete!

It's been a week since I kicked off my new diet. It's going great so far and I don't feel deprived of food like I have in past diets. I think the key is eating more often during the day. Three small meals and two snacks per day has been just enough to tame the "irrational and ravenously hungry me". I make way better food choices when I am not to the point of starvation at mealtime. And exercising every day has helped as well. Here's to kicking off another great week!

Today's Weight: 132 lbs
Lost So Far: 4 lbs

Measurements:
Arm = 12.25 - lost .25
Bust = 35.5 - lost 1.5
Waist = 30 - lost 1
Abdominal = 37.5 - lost .5
Hips = 40 - lost 0
Thigh = 24 - lost .5
Total inches lost so far: 3.75

Higher Point Goal = 30

Breakfast:
1/8 cup oatmeal = .5
1/4 cup 1% milk = .5
1/4 granola cereal = 2
Sub-total: 3

Snack:
12 high fiber crackers = 2
1 oz colby jack cheese = 3
1 apple = 1
2 slices deli ham = 1
Sub-total: 7

Lunch:
1 scoop chocolate protein drink = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 5

Snack:
1/2 cup black bean, salsa & corn = 2
.25 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 3

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = +1
Burned: 431 calories

Dinner:
1 cup Tuna Helper Creamy Parmesan = 7
1/4 cup mixed veggies = 0

Snack:
1.5 slices Amish bread = 4.5
1/4 cup 1% milk = .5
Sub-total: 5

TOTAL: 30 - 1 = 29

Sunday Report

For anyone who reads the nutritional info on the foods they eat, this is a great link to help you understand what really qualifies as "fat-free", "low-fat", etc.

Breakfast:
1 scoop protein drink mix = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 5

Went to church...

Snack:
.5 oz cashews = 2

Lunch/Dinner:
1 serving chicken Marsala (4 oz meat) = 6
1 cup pasta = 4
Sub-total: 10

Snack:
1 slice low fat Amish friendship bread = 3

TOTAL: 20

Ok, I wasn't supposed to weigh myself today, but I did anyway. I'm back to 133, thankfully.

Saturday Report

I'm a little bummed this morning, because my weight went back up to 133.5. I have to remind myself that it's normal to have fluctuation during the week. I should probably only start weighing my self once a week from now on. My next weigh-in will be on Monday, since that that will be my first completed week of the Curves diet.

Breakfast:
1/4 cup cooked oatmeal = 1
1/4 1% milk = .5
1/4 cup natural granola cereal = 2
1 tbsp raisins = .5
Sub-total: 4

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves cardio/strength training = +1
Burned: 467 calories

Lunch:
1 cup chicken and dumplings = 8

Snack:
20 high fiber crackers = 3

Dinner:
1 scoop chocolate protein drink mix = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Sub-total: 5

TOTAL: 18 - 1 = 17

Friday Report

Today's Weight: 133
Lost so far: 3

Breakfast:
Protein Drink = 5

Snack:
1-1/2 oranges = 1.5

Exercise:
1 hour Denise Austin pilates/yoga = +1

Lunch:
1/2 chicken breast = 1.5
sauteed squash & zucchini = 0
1/4 cup black beans & salsa = 0
.25 oz shredded cheese = 1
Sub-total: 2.5

Snack:
13 high fiber crackers = 2
1 can white tuna = 2
1 oz sliced cheese = 3
2 tbsp light mayo = 2
diced onion = 0
dijon mustard = 0
Sub-total: 9

Dinner:
1/2 cup spaghetti = 2
1/2 cup marinara sauce = 1
1/2 cup sauteed squash and zucchini w/ oil = 1
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese = 1
Sub-total: 5

TOTAL: 23 - 1 = 22

Thursday Report

Today's Weight: 133
Lost So Far: 3

Breakfast:
1 whole grain English muffin = 2
1 fried egg = 2
1 slice ham = .5
.5 oz shredded cheese = 1.5
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Total: 8

Snack:
1 apple = 1
10 high fiber crackers = 2
.5 oz cheese slices = 1.5
Total: 4.5

Lunch:
1/2 chicken breast = 1.5
sauteed squash & zucchini = 0
1/4 cup black beans & salsa = 0
.25 oz shredded cheese = 1
Total: 2.5

Snack:
1/2 scoop protein drink mix = 1.5
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Total: 2.5

Exercise:
1/2 hour Curves strength training = +1
Burned: 461 calories

Dinner:
1.5 cheesy bread sticks: 8

TOTAL: 25.5 - 1 = 24.5

Wednesday Report

Today's Weight: 133.5
Lost so far: 2.5

Breakfast:
1 scoop protein drink mix = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Total: 5

Snack:
1/2 cup strawberries = .5

Lunch:
1/4 cup cooked oatmeal = 1
1/4 1% milk = .5
1/4 cup natural granola cereal = 2
1/8 cup raisins = 1
1 fried egg = 2
1 slice deli ham = .5
Total: 7

Snack:
17 wheat thins high fiber 5-grain crackers = 3

Exercise:
45 minutes low-impact aerobics = +1

Dinner:
1 grilled chicken breast = 3
1/2 cup sauteed onion and red bell pepper w/ olive oil = 1
3/4 cup black beans and salsa = 1
1/2 oz shredded cheese = 1.5
Total: 5.5

TOTAL: 19 - 1 = 18

Tuesday Report

Today's Weight: 134
Point goal for today: 18

Breakfast:
1 scoop chocolate whey protein drink = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Total: 5

Exercise:
1 hour Accelerated Pilates = +2 points

Snack:
1 apple = 1

Lunch:
1 whole grain English muffin = 2
1 egg, fried = 2
1 tbsp shredded cheese = 1
2 slices deli ham = 1
1/2 cup strawberries = 1
Total: 7

Snack:
1 cup baby carrots = 0

Dinner:
1 cup chicken and dumplings = 8

TOTAL: 21-2= 19

Monday Report - Kickstart!

Thanks to my friends out in Utah, I have further motivation to help get me going. My friend Crystal started a Facebook page devoted to keeping track of everyone's progress towards being healthy and losing weight. So far there are four of us. And today is the "Turbo Your Life Kickstart". We were all supposed to take "before" pictures, so here is mine, taken by my husband last night. I'm not sure what expression I'm making. I look a little exasperated or bewildered, as I should be! I am ready to kick my butt...

Me at 136 lbs. I currently wear size 12 jeans. (I know weights and sizes don't define me, this is just for reference.)
For even more inspiration, this is me in 2005 at my goal weight of around 115. I think those jeans are size 4. I still have them and I plan on wearing them again!My firstborn in this pic is now almost 6! And I also now have a 2-1/2 year old boy.

Starting Measurements (inches):
Arm = 12.5
Bust = 37
Waist = 31
Abdominal = 38
Hips = 40
Thigh = 24.5

Breakfast:
1 scoop chocolate whey protein drink mix = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
2 tbsp sugar free chocolate pudding mix = 1 (I got this suggestion from my Curves book but it tasted gross! Totally not doing that again.)
Total: 6

Snack:
1 apple = 1

Lunch:
2/3 cup cheese tortellini = 3
1/2 cup marinara sauce = 1
1/4 cup sauteed veggies = 0
Total: 4

Snack:
1 oz cashews = 4
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1

Dinner:
1 cup Chicken and Dumplings = 8

TOTAL: 24

Exercise: 1/2 Hour Curves Cardio & Strength Training

Sunday Report

Starting weight: 136
Point goal for today: 18

Breakfast:
1 scoop chocolate protein drink mix = 3
1 cup 1% milk = 2
Total: 5
Exchanges: 1 protein, 1 dairy

Lunch:
1 slice whole wheat bread = 2
2 oz tuna = 1
1 tsp mayo = 1
diced onion = 0
Dijon mustard = 0
romaine lettuce = 0
1 cup grapes = 1
Total: 5
Exchanges: 1 protein, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat

Snack:
1/2 oz cashew nuts = 2
1/2 cup 1% milk = 1
Exchanges: 1/2 protein, 1/2 dairy

Dinner:
1 cup three cheese tortellini = 5
1/2 cup marinara sauce with mushrooms = 1
sauteed zucchini, squash & onion w/ oil = 1
Total: 7
Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 veggie, 1 dairy ?

Daily TOTAL: 20