A visit to the Las Vegas Strip before FR

If you see a picture of 2 tall blonde chubby girls posted at the various buffets in Las Vegas saying DO NOT ADMIT don't be alarmed, we're not criminals. Its just one of my plans to battle the alluring buffets that are available for pennies per potential pounds gained.
Sharie and I are going to be in Las Vegas for a few days prior to going to FR. I'm selling it to myself as a good way to be acculimatized to the weather, elevation and time zone changes before checking in to Fitness Ridge. But in reality I just as excited to be going to visit the roulette tables as to going to FR. Our plan is to get in some good walks while we are there. I found a good map and the distance between each hotel for walking the entire strip. See below, click on the pic for better resolution.

Slow but steady

In working towards the ultimate goal, progress has been slow - eeking out a small weight loss each week. Day by day it really tough to change lifelong eating habits - nevermind sedentary lifestyle. I have been feeling postive but a little dejected in the results on the scale - but when reflecting I own my current lack of further weight loss.
Today a small glimmer of hope, I have a pair of workout capris that I haven't fit into ( appropriately enough to wear in public LOL) for a long time. Well lo and behold put them on today and they are a little loose WOO HOO!!! What a great feeling.
I will treasure the moment - but am determined to work hard and go forward this week.
My weaknesses get me everytime - fresh bread (white of course), grape juice (hee hee) and habitual late nite salt fix - which I try to solve with micro popcorn.
Normally I make good choices but this week - what can I say, I broke :(

Oh well - here we are again...... New week new resolve!

Happy Bunny

A smallish victory

Hidden in the back of my closet are "the pair of jeans". They are not very expensive or super special in any way. But they are "the pair of jeans" that had big impact on my life and thinking. I used to wear them all the time, they were the pair that you always made sure went in the wash first and the ones that you didn't even get a chance to put away because you snatched them right out of the laundry basket to put on when you saw them. The comfort jeans, the happy me jeans, the I'm just kicking around and I want something I'm happy wearing jeans.

One day I put them on and was rushing out the door. Jeans have a tendency of loosening up once you wear them for an hour or 2. When I put them on they seemed tight. I figured they would loosen up and proceeded out and about. I was walking past a building with reflective glass windows and I looked at myself in the reflection. I knew they were tight; I was just fooling myself as to how tight they were.

My legs looked like over stuffed sausages in denim casings. I could not get home fast enough. I took them off and retired them from my life on a temporary basis. They have sat in my closet for a while now. They don't haunt me in any way, I'm not obsessing over them, but they are there. I've been thinking about them and trying to build the courage to try them on. Well today is the day I willed myself to do it. I put them on; I've decided to wear them. They are on the tight side, but people won't be gouging there eyes out seeing me in them. They won't be thinking about BBQing sausages. But I was hoping to put them on and have to say to myself "oh you can't wear those, they are falling off you" or at least something close to that. Maybe having to lament out loud if anybody has seen my belt.

You have to dream big, I have lost a little bit of weight. I have decided that these will be my weekly Sunday goal. Not sure if I will leave the house wearing them yet, but I’m happy that I got them on and it doesn’t feel like I have tourniquets on my legs. Hooray for small victories.

Trick camera?

When I went to the store to buy my new camera as a Xmas treat to myself and prep for going to Fitness Ridge I thought I was just buying a regular camera. Turns out I bought a trick camera. It seemed to be packaged the same way as the others but this camera is special.

It seems to take pictures of everyone else just fine, but when it’s pointed in my direction it does strange things. Reviewing pictures of myself taken with said camera it adds a large puffing deposit of flesh that look like the same skin tone as mine under my chin. The disturbing thing is it appears to be doing the same thing around my hips also.

So if you’re looking for a new camera be forewarned, you may not be able to tell from the package but you will know when you get it home and use it. You may find you have gotten yourself a trick camera also.

LaM

Dear Cigarettes

We have been seeing each other for a long time. You are like a bad boyfriend; I know I should break up with you. Everyone tells me that we are all wrong for each other. But you woo me back with your promises of fun and excitement. The last time we spilt up I gained all kinds of weight. That didn't make me very happy. I’m afraid that if we break up again it will happen again. It was a lot of work to quit and very easy to start again.

I'm putting you on notice cigarettes, I'm not very happy with you and I am seriously thinking about ending things. Its not you it’s me. But if we do split up I don't think we can even be friends.

With smokey affection
Laura

Good Friday

Took a long walk today, 4.2 miles (6.78 km for us Canadians). It took me an hour 1/2, I was out a little longer because I had to stop for the elixor life, a Tim Horton's coffee mid way.

Unfortunately I have been a little off this week and did not pre-plan my diet groceries. I came home after my walk and started the survey of my kitchen cupboards. Looking and relooking as if something good was going to be waiting for me. I instead settled for a bag of left over croutons (just crumbs really) and finished them off. Not to be statisified with that I had some chips. Way to go

Long time no blog ... Thats going to change. I promise

Well, its been a while since I have posted anything. But now is as good as time as any to catch up. I have lost 8 lbs since I have last blogged. No magic pills, or special soups. The way I have lost weight was to meal plan, that is every saturday I plan the menu for the week, make a grocery list and only buy whats on the list. Everyone knows what is for dinner each night so no phone calls with requests.

Traditionally we would go to the grocery store after work hungry. By not going to the grocery store every couple of days it elimnates the purchase of snack items that seem so rewarding when you are hungry after work. As soon as we get home I start making supper, this eliminates snacking. I am choosing the menu so it what I like to eat. That also means its healthier, no KD, no junk. We have salad or fresh vegetable every night.

It also seems that whatever need for snacking I had has been surpressed. I don't know if thats a mental thing or if its because we are eating healthier.

83 days to go

Been a while....

Watching the show and getting motivated once again......although haven't been very good lately. Always seem to put off working out, think about it alot but never seem to get my a## in gear!
Really want to lose at least 20 pounds by ranch time - which is very doable, but c;mon I must get serious here. Never mind that my eating could be better- why can't I get in gear?
It's probably one of the things I want really want the most - but WHY can't I get it together??
I'll be the first to admit that I am lazy at times and lack the motivation. When my sister and I were chatting everyday and keeping each other honest and on track -we did well - both of us.
So - I m going to start again - messaging throughout the day to keep the dream alive ; )
God knows we both need the support from each other

Rah Rah....here we go!!

p.s. also recognize that regular blogging helps too - so I will commit to keeping that up as well

Asian Lettuce Wraps - fantastic

I made the Asian lettuce wrap recipe twice so far. Saturday I made this recipe with ground turkey and used weight watchers wraps. very yummy.

Tonight I made it using ground chicken and used boston lettuce for wraps instead. Even better. My new favorite recipe.

I could eat this 7 nights a week. Great dinner with a large salad with a low calorie dressing.

Partying does not bode well for diets!

Attended a wedding yesterday for some very dear friends. Of course the reception was great and fun was had by all. Too much you might say..........
I certainly enjoyed myself and partook in absolutely everything that was offered- to that end I have now found a new favourite appetizer - Walnut & Brie bundles - yummy : ))
But, alas they are not diet condusive to say the least - enough to make me cry.
Dinner was fabulous and let's just say the wine flowed in torrents through the nite.
Very thirsty today don't know why???

Let's just say I took the day off from dieting, but I have booked a new ticket on the diet bus that arrives in the morning. I have maintained a 1 LB loss this week - not spectacular but still going in the right direction. Also, going to start Wii fitness program tomorrow - really need to add in exercise.

Note: in reveiwing pictures from last nite, I have determined that I need to reduce my size - including all of the extra chins that showed up in each picture - it is astounding to see-you never really think you are THAT big or have gained THAT much weight.
As they say "the proof is in the picture"
Yikes - wake up call!

Resisting the wrong decisions

I skipped breakfast - Bad me
Had an okay lunch of an Apple and veggies - Good me

Then I came home and this is where I usually face my downfall. I come in the door hungry and start snacking until dinner. Sometimes I'm not even hungry. Today was different; I came home and had a mini cucumber. It’s a great snack, its crunchy, quick to grab, no heating or prep in any way. Good me

I then passed up spaghetti, McDonalds, and chicken nuggets. Instead I had a Weight Watchers Dinner and followed it up with a WW dessert. Super good me.

I'm very proud of myself for not taking the easy way out and making the wrong decision.

Doing good - inspiration works wonders!

Knowing that we are going in June has really worked well for me. I think seriously about everything I'm going to eat and drink. My jeans feel good - less tight and more comfortable.
I really wanted to start exercising but after recently tearing my calf muscle and completing my physio, the therapist told me to wait 3 weeks or so. I'm stretching everyday and trying to get in some walks.......need more.
Just ate an apple - dont get enough fruits and veggies so I'm trying......

Things that rock

Baby Carrots

Breakfast Burrito's to take on the train

Mini Cukes for a crunchy after work snack

Fuji apples to have with lunch

Everyone is Jealous that we are going to Fat Camp

I have told a couple of friends about going to Fitness Ridge and they are JEALOUS. I do have some questions about the length of the hike. I have read on various blogs that the "Stop Sign" hike that is the first hike you go on is 4.5 miles. Wow, that seems like a lot but then it seems like it’s not so bad. For Canadians that’s 7.30 km. I have use Mapmyrun.com to figure out a good route that is equal to what this first hike will be. This doesn’t seem so bad. I'm not a winter person so I won't be starting this anytime soon. Come the spring I'm going to be excited to give this a try to see how tuff it’s going to be.

Make ahead Burritos Recipe

I have been introduced to the McDonalds Breakfast Burrito Sandwich by someone who shall remain nameless, I then progressed to the WW breakfast burrito and these seemed to be enjoyed by others in my house also. @ $3.99 for a box of 2 this could begin to add up after a bit. The Breakfast burrito is a great item to take on the go. So .... how can this be solved. The recipe below is a good start, but some adjustments will need to be made to bring the calories down.

Breakfast Burritos
To get you started on the road toward simple breakfasts, here's a recipe for easy Breakfast Burritos ... definitely one my family's all-time favorite make-ahead meals.

BREAKFAST BURRITOSFrom: Frozen Assets: How to cook for a day and eat for a month(24 burritos)
12 eggs, beaten
1 pound bulk sausage, cooked (or crumbled links)
1/2 cup chunky salsa (your choice of heat)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
24 flour tortillas (you can also use whole wheat)

Scamble eggs in large skillet until done; stir in cooked sausage and salsa. Warm tortillas in microwave 20 - 30 seconds or until warm and flexible. Place 1/2 cup eggmixture into tortilla; roll burrito-style.Freeze burritos in single layer on lightly greased cookie sheet. When fully frozen, wrap burritos individually; place wrapped burritos in large zip-top freezer bags; freeze.

TO SERVE:Unwrap burritos from foil or plastic wrap that you used for freezing. Wrap in a paper towel. Cook in microwave until heated through (about 2 minutes). Or thaw burritos (remove plastic wrap if used in freezing), wrap burritos in foil, and bake at 350 degrees for ten minutes.

Optional Ingredients:
1 green pepper, finely diced
6 potatoes, shredded and fried until cooked through(or use hashbrowns)
Jalapeno slicesSmall can chopped green chiles
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 onion, finely diced
1 tomato, peeled and chopped
2 green onions, sliced with tops

Spreading the word....

With a mulitude of family and friends get togethers over the holidays, I've spread the word about our undertaking. Well some of the comments were interesting - from "hahahahaha are you kidding me" to 'ya right are you crazy" from cousin Jeff to "Oh are you sure youre ready for that" to "I hope you have hired a trainer to get ready" and of course our dear supportive Mother who worries only about us "sharing a room and not fighting for a week" Since we are not 12 anymore I don't see that as being a problem.
Some thought that we were going to be on the tv show - ya I dont think so.
My wonderful husband offered to set us up at home- he figures he could train us to hike with the dogs every morning, eat lettuce leaves and drink lots of water - of course totally restricting our coffee and smoke intake. What a peach huh?
The flight leaving from Toronto goes to Ls Vegas, (what a last blowout we could have) and then it.s a 2 hour bus to the resort. I would also like to visit Dogtown ( which my Sis has graciously agreed to do), which is an hour from the facility< so we need to do some thinking on how we are going to work the schedule.

Since we are booked to go 1st week of June, it's really motivating. We have lots of time to start getting our diets on the go, work on reducing coffee intake(tough one) and MAYBE look at quitting smoking(really tough one)
It's only a few days to New Years so - like the rest of the planet -New Year New Us.

Dinner Tuesday ?

Ed's Biggest Loser Asian Lettuce Wraps (Made with Lean Ground Beef)

Ingredients
2 pounds extra lean ground beef
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup green onions
1 1/2 Tablespoons ginger root, finely grated
3 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2/3 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions
Saute bell peppers and celery in oil for 2 minutes. Add ground beef, green onions, ginger, red pepper flakes, garlic, and water chestnuts. Stir while cooking for 5 minutes, until beef is no longer pink. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and almonds. Heat thoroughly for 1 minute. Place 1/16 of beef mixture into each lettuce leaf. Roll up tightly and serve immediately.

Number of Servings: 16

Stuff we need




A 2 L. Hydration backpack

http://www.camelbak.com/en/sports-recreation/hydration-packs.aspx

Trailrunner shoes of some sort
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/sportsinjuries/tp/trailshoes.htm

And some of these Anti-Blister socks

http://walking.about.com/od/socks/tp/socks.htm

And a heart rate calorie counter watch

http://walking.about.com/od/heartratemonitor/tp/hrm.htm

True Blood paper dolls

http://andyswist.com/TrueBlood-dolls.html

Well, It's Christmas Eve and I`m baking. and it`S NOT LO-CAL......sheesh!

Since this is my first post, Ill attempt to describe my long journey to continued `fluffiness`! Or in other words - how I ate and drank my way to a plus sized, chubby cheeked, fat butt!



My sis and I are both tall and can carry our weight well...under NORMAL circumstances. Ahh this is where it all goes to pot, so to speak. We learned how to eat well early on as our Mom who we`ll refer to as Helen going forward, really enjoyed cooking and boy did we reap the benefits.

I stayed in pretty good shape until I hit 25 and then I don`t know what happened - really......everything just started stay with me, but of course I didnt notice and kept on partying- eating and drinking and not worried in the least. And you`d think I`d notice my clothes getting tighter - but no- keep on keepin on! And so it went for many years and I kept getter `fluffier`



Like every other person out there with extra weight' I have tried all the diets - too numerous to bore you with. Up down Up down you know how it goes' and I am tired. I want to be slim, healthy and look good in a bathing suit. It it too much to ask?

Well it`s 163 days to go and «i can`t wait to get started........
Ok how about after the holidays..................