There's something about a fresh snowfall! Everything is clean and bright! There is a briskness to the air. And, if you don't have to leave the house, the look of fresh snow gives you energy! But, even walking outside in it just invigorates you!!! Just the bright white on a dull day seems to perk me up. I can't help it! I know... there are many of you who would rather not see snow at all! But come on, really. That first really heavy first snowfall brings a sense of excitement with it. After all, Santa will be here soon! AH, but Santa has already arrived at WW. Yep. Read on!
So, the fresh snow and all that comes with it got me thinking about WW. This week WW launches it's fresh new program. Just when you thought you were losing interest, and struggling to make it work, well in comes a new program to invigorate your eating habits, to make it all fresh and new, to shed some brightness on the dullness of everyday eating routine! I, for one, am looking forward to the new changes.
I need the change. I need to feel the challenge again. I need to shake up my routine. I need to feel that fresh excitement that the first heavy snowfall of the year brings....
I need, I need....my head examined?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I'm just a whirling dirvish!
I often wonder if I'll ever get my excess weight off. I had lunch a while ago with a friend (and former WW member). We were lamenting the trials and errors, the losses and gains, of the weight loss game. We were both determined to 'be better' to buckle down, to get'er done! We did this while we ate our salads and pizza. PIZZA! We justified it. Neither one had any meat on the pizza (thank you Mr. Greenjeans) but still, it was pizza. We did promise to stay connected and accountable. I guess I should call her soon, it's been about 3 weeks now! So much for promises!
Since that delicious, not weight-watchers friendly, pizza lunch, I've been to New Orleans. Nothing was weight watcher friendly there! I had way too much alcohol (gin & tonic, wine, martini's and cosmo's, oh my!) and way way too much decadent food! It was non-stop.
Since returning from NOLA, I have really struggled to get back on track. Why? I'm tired of watching every bite I put in my mouth. I'm tired of tracking, tired of it all!!! I skipped WW last week. I could have gone, I suppose, but chose not to. I went out with a friend instead. We did a Christmas Tour of Homes in the little town I live in. I invited her for breakfast first. I think I subconsciously did that so that I would have to stay home in the morning and not go weigh in. You know, I needed to "prepare". Hogwash. Also went out for lunch that day. Also went to a party that evening - the first holiday part of the season! And, then went to Swiss Chalet the next day and ordered a "Festive Special" - with fries! and ate it all!!!
I'm spinning out of control, a whirling dirvish!
What to do? What to do? I'll weigh in on Saturday, and, in the words of fearless Sue... I'll "suck it up, buttercup." Yep, I'll get back on track... after I finish this cinnamon bun!
*sigh*
whirling.... whirling...whirling....
Since that delicious, not weight-watchers friendly, pizza lunch, I've been to New Orleans. Nothing was weight watcher friendly there! I had way too much alcohol (gin & tonic, wine, martini's and cosmo's, oh my!) and way way too much decadent food! It was non-stop.
Since returning from NOLA, I have really struggled to get back on track. Why? I'm tired of watching every bite I put in my mouth. I'm tired of tracking, tired of it all!!! I skipped WW last week. I could have gone, I suppose, but chose not to. I went out with a friend instead. We did a Christmas Tour of Homes in the little town I live in. I invited her for breakfast first. I think I subconsciously did that so that I would have to stay home in the morning and not go weigh in. You know, I needed to "prepare". Hogwash. Also went out for lunch that day. Also went to a party that evening - the first holiday part of the season! And, then went to Swiss Chalet the next day and ordered a "Festive Special" - with fries! and ate it all!!!
I'm spinning out of control, a whirling dirvish!
What to do? What to do? I'll weigh in on Saturday, and, in the words of fearless Sue... I'll "suck it up, buttercup." Yep, I'll get back on track... after I finish this cinnamon bun!
*sigh*
whirling.... whirling...whirling....
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Taking it off!
Taking it off... and I don't mean my clothes. You can breathe a sigh of relief!
I'm working hard on taking off the 4 pounds I gained while I was away. I made the Weight Watcher's "Hearty Turkey Chili" and it's, well, hearty! I've been eating it every day for lunch (4 points per serving) and I feel quite full afterward.
Having said that - it still has the usual "chili effect".
I suppose it's part 'taking it off' and part 'blowing it off'.
Have a great afternoon!
I'm working hard on taking off the 4 pounds I gained while I was away. I made the Weight Watcher's "Hearty Turkey Chili" and it's, well, hearty! I've been eating it every day for lunch (4 points per serving) and I feel quite full afterward.
Having said that - it still has the usual "chili effect".
I suppose it's part 'taking it off' and part 'blowing it off'.
Have a great afternoon!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
It's a long way to....
Traveling. Can't be avoided in my job. But traveling is often such a long and tiring thing to do. For me, I travel throughout Canada, sometimes to the U.S. and Europe. All for work. And it's a very long journey, no matter where I go! From the time I leave home until I get to the airport, it's a long way. From the time I check-in at the airport and head through security, it's a very long way! From the time I get through security to the time I get to my departure gate... well you get the idea. Traveling is a long process, whether for pain (work) or pleasure (vacation).
I have traditionally done very poorly with my weight-loss efforts while traveling. Surely you can understand that! I attend meetings where the foods are so decadent. I'm in food heaven most of the time. On one particular trip, I came back 7 lbs heavier... SEVEN... S-E-V-E-N!!! On this, my latest trip, I had the great pleasure of choosing the menus for about 150 people. Hotels do not really have 'healthy' meals listed but I did the best with what I had to work with, including fresh fruit every morning and meals done au jus rather than in heavy cream sauces. I think I did reasonably ok. However, I eventually left that place, and traveled further west, to Lethbridge Alberta.
Beautiful! That is the word I can use for Lethbridge. Beautiful. Nestled in Southern Alberta, Lethbridge is a gem in the prairies with a population of about 80K. Meals - beautiful! Sigh. You know where I'm going with this, don't you?
Fortunately, the group I was with was given the opportunity to order "off the menu" each morning and I wisely chose Oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit each and every morning I was in Alberta. So proud of myself. Not really - this is where the healthy ended. The lunches, the dinners, the.... everything, so incredibly delicious. There was a fair bit of walking to do during this particular trip, so I had hoped that I wouldn't gain too much.
I returned home, on a late evening flight, cramped in my seat not able to stretch my legs, on an overfull flight thinking it was such a very long way to home. We hit a few pockets of turbulence which made the flight seem even longer for some reason, But, I survived.
Sadly, when I returned home, and stepped on the scale.... I was up approximately 4 lbs. FOUR. F-O-U-R. ARGH!!!!!!!!!
I've come to realize that whether you travel by planes, trains or automobiles, there is always going to be some type of turbulence. I've also realized that when you travel you will always have food choices that are beyond your control. No matter where I am, it's a long way from somewhere. For me, today, this moment, it's a very long way to.... my inner skinny self!
But, despite the turbulence, I'll get there!
Eventually!
I have traditionally done very poorly with my weight-loss efforts while traveling. Surely you can understand that! I attend meetings where the foods are so decadent. I'm in food heaven most of the time. On one particular trip, I came back 7 lbs heavier... SEVEN... S-E-V-E-N!!! On this, my latest trip, I had the great pleasure of choosing the menus for about 150 people. Hotels do not really have 'healthy' meals listed but I did the best with what I had to work with, including fresh fruit every morning and meals done au jus rather than in heavy cream sauces. I think I did reasonably ok. However, I eventually left that place, and traveled further west, to Lethbridge Alberta.
Beautiful! That is the word I can use for Lethbridge. Beautiful. Nestled in Southern Alberta, Lethbridge is a gem in the prairies with a population of about 80K. Meals - beautiful! Sigh. You know where I'm going with this, don't you?
Fortunately, the group I was with was given the opportunity to order "off the menu" each morning and I wisely chose Oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit each and every morning I was in Alberta. So proud of myself. Not really - this is where the healthy ended. The lunches, the dinners, the.... everything, so incredibly delicious. There was a fair bit of walking to do during this particular trip, so I had hoped that I wouldn't gain too much.
I returned home, on a late evening flight, cramped in my seat not able to stretch my legs, on an overfull flight thinking it was such a very long way to home. We hit a few pockets of turbulence which made the flight seem even longer for some reason, But, I survived.
Sadly, when I returned home, and stepped on the scale.... I was up approximately 4 lbs. FOUR. F-O-U-R. ARGH!!!!!!!!!
I've come to realize that whether you travel by planes, trains or automobiles, there is always going to be some type of turbulence. I've also realized that when you travel you will always have food choices that are beyond your control. No matter where I am, it's a long way from somewhere. For me, today, this moment, it's a very long way to.... my inner skinny self!
But, despite the turbulence, I'll get there!
Eventually!
Monday, September 27, 2010
I should. You should. We should. No, I should!
It's been a long time since I blogged. I was told this past weekend to blog again, so here it goes....
I had an interesting discussion with someone at WW on Saturday morning. It left me thinking....
I should really take control of my diet (and by "diet" I mean what I eat!). I should not let others sabotage me. I tend to blame everyone else for my failures! Real or imagined. When someone near and dear to me tries to 'help' me in my efforts, I get upset and tell her/him (ha, identity hidden!) to mind his/her own business and that I should know what I can and cannot eat. Then, I promptly eat a whole lot of crap to prove that I can do whatever I want. I should blame that person and not me! Right? Hmmm, ok, wrong.
I spend my life saying things like "I should do" or "I shouldn't do" or "he shouldn't say" or "she should leave me alone". What have I gained from that? More pounds!
So it got me thinking.... In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, are we should-ing all over ourselves?
Yes! Let's face it - we can blame whomever we please, but nobody is tying us up and forcing us to eat the wrong foods! It's our own choices. I have decided to lose the word 'should' and substitute it with will! Here's what I mean - I will take responsibility. I will track. I will not let anyone else sabotage my efforts. Will is a much stronger word, assertive, positive. So with my new-found resolve to stop should-ing and start will-ing, I am looking forward to a fresh vision and a losing not only a passive word but some heavy pounds to go with it!
I was going to write more but thought maybe I should end here...
On second thought... I WILL end here!
Have a great day!
I had an interesting discussion with someone at WW on Saturday morning. It left me thinking....
I should really take control of my diet (and by "diet" I mean what I eat!). I should not let others sabotage me. I tend to blame everyone else for my failures! Real or imagined. When someone near and dear to me tries to 'help' me in my efforts, I get upset and tell her/him (ha, identity hidden!) to mind his/her own business and that I should know what I can and cannot eat. Then, I promptly eat a whole lot of crap to prove that I can do whatever I want. I should blame that person and not me! Right? Hmmm, ok, wrong.
I spend my life saying things like "I should do" or "I shouldn't do" or "he shouldn't say" or "she should leave me alone". What have I gained from that? More pounds!
So it got me thinking.... In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, are we should-ing all over ourselves?
Yes! Let's face it - we can blame whomever we please, but nobody is tying us up and forcing us to eat the wrong foods! It's our own choices. I have decided to lose the word 'should' and substitute it with will! Here's what I mean - I will take responsibility. I will track. I will not let anyone else sabotage my efforts. Will is a much stronger word, assertive, positive. So with my new-found resolve to stop should-ing and start will-ing, I am looking forward to a fresh vision and a losing not only a passive word but some heavy pounds to go with it!
I was going to write more but thought maybe I should end here...
On second thought... I WILL end here!
Have a great day!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday.... oh Friday.
Well, I made it through another week. However, today IS Friday. Friday's are my most challenging day. Why, you ask? Go ahead, ask. Okay - Friday represent the end of a work week, let your hair down, chow down on some 'junk', eat on a patio, and need I go on? I didn't think so.
I am 'training' for the Weight Watchers/Running Room 5km challenge. Yesterday was my rest day. Today, I must push myself - because I don't want to train today.... it's FRIDAY! I am up to 2km though, so I should really keep going. Nuff said.
Today, is also Herbie Day at the hospital. The Herbie Fund helps children from countries where life saving medical procedures are not available. But today, Herbie Day, means bbq day! Right outside (and 7 floors below) my window I hear music, laughing, loud speakers, and smell (yes 7 floors up) the scent of Oliver & Bonacinni cooking up a storm! It's just not fair. It's FRIDAY!!!!!!
I better do something.... like close my window?
Weigh in tomorrow. Ugh.
I am 'training' for the Weight Watchers/Running Room 5km challenge. Yesterday was my rest day. Today, I must push myself - because I don't want to train today.... it's FRIDAY! I am up to 2km though, so I should really keep going. Nuff said.
Today, is also Herbie Day at the hospital. The Herbie Fund helps children from countries where life saving medical procedures are not available. But today, Herbie Day, means bbq day! Right outside (and 7 floors below) my window I hear music, laughing, loud speakers, and smell (yes 7 floors up) the scent of Oliver & Bonacinni cooking up a storm! It's just not fair. It's FRIDAY!!!!!!
I better do something.... like close my window?
Weigh in tomorrow. Ugh.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Fat grams - oh the shock, oh the horror!
My daughter works at Boston Pizza here in town. A friend of mine, upon finding this out, said "oh I'd NEVER eat there!" Okay, I thought, I'll bite (no pun intended) why not? "Their food is so high in fat!"
Again, um, this is a PIZZA PLACE of course it's high in fat. However, my friend pointed out that she ordered an entree sized Greek Salad... and halfway through, she asked her server for a nutrtional guide. To her "shock and horror" (her words, not mine) her Greek Salad had 105 g of FAT! At first I thought they must be deep frying the lettuce. However, after my own shock and horror (my words) wore off, I did an analysis of that salad.
Now... fyi, there are 14g of fat in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Then, just one black olive has 2.5 g of fat - all of these are "healthy fats" but lots of fat nonetheless...so let's say you had an average of 3 tbsp of olive oil on your salad - that's 42g, plus say 6 olives is 15g - You are looking at 57g of fat in just the olive oil/olives. The remainder of the fat would come from feta! In 1 cup of regular crumbled feta there are about 32g of fat,..So, let's say you had about 1/4 c on your salad (seriously, that's not much!) that would be another 8g of fat to your 57g... So now you are up to 65g of fat on a 'regular sized' greek salad that you would make at home! If you order a restaurant size salad, aka the "entree" salad, it's considerably larger than you would make for yourself at home... so 65g x 1.75 (not quite double) = 113.75g of fat in your Greek Salad. ... you can always ask for your salad without feta! That same Greek Salad has 1960 mg of sodium - feta is very high in sodium.
Now, I know you are saying (with your own shock and horror) that you would NEVER use 3 tbsp of olive oil on your own salad. Remember, that most greek salads have marinated the tomatoes and cucumbers in oil prior to adding them to your salad - so yes you would use 3 tbsp!
Don't like the numbers? Don't order the salad! Make your own at home. You are actually better off (in fat grams) to order the Citrus Chicken Salad - it only has 7g of fat!
Enjoy!
Again, um, this is a PIZZA PLACE of course it's high in fat. However, my friend pointed out that she ordered an entree sized Greek Salad... and halfway through, she asked her server for a nutrtional guide. To her "shock and horror" (her words, not mine) her Greek Salad had 105 g of FAT! At first I thought they must be deep frying the lettuce. However, after my own shock and horror (my words) wore off, I did an analysis of that salad.
Now... fyi, there are 14g of fat in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Then, just one black olive has 2.5 g of fat - all of these are "healthy fats" but lots of fat nonetheless...so let's say you had an average of 3 tbsp of olive oil on your salad - that's 42g, plus say 6 olives is 15g - You are looking at 57g of fat in just the olive oil/olives. The remainder of the fat would come from feta! In 1 cup of regular crumbled feta there are about 32g of fat,..So, let's say you had about 1/4 c on your salad (seriously, that's not much!) that would be another 8g of fat to your 57g... So now you are up to 65g of fat on a 'regular sized' greek salad that you would make at home! If you order a restaurant size salad, aka the "entree" salad, it's considerably larger than you would make for yourself at home... so 65g x 1.75 (not quite double) = 113.75g of fat in your Greek Salad. ... you can always ask for your salad without feta! That same Greek Salad has 1960 mg of sodium - feta is very high in sodium.
Now, I know you are saying (with your own shock and horror) that you would NEVER use 3 tbsp of olive oil on your own salad. Remember, that most greek salads have marinated the tomatoes and cucumbers in oil prior to adding them to your salad - so yes you would use 3 tbsp!
Don't like the numbers? Don't order the salad! Make your own at home. You are actually better off (in fat grams) to order the Citrus Chicken Salad - it only has 7g of fat!
Enjoy!
Monday, May 24, 2010
The May Two-Four weekend!
Well, it's been a while... thought an update was in order!
Struggling to stay focused. Why is it so difficult? I want to eat well, be thin, and wear a smaller size. Shouldn't that be focus enough? I find that now the 'bbq season' is upon us, I have even more difficulty.
This morning, however, I was successful! I made egg white only omelets with fresh chopped spinach and about a tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese (light, of course!). Delicous! Fresh fruit salad on the side completed it! My husband, of course, decided he wanted waffles and so got out the waffle iron and away he went! So, I don't think it's a fail to have two tiny waffles... with maple syrup, is it?
Moving on...
My herb garden is now planted. I'll soon be ready to cook with fresh herbs, harvested from my own backyard - including sage, cilantro, oregano, thyme, dill, lavender, rosemary, mojito mint, and two types of basil - regular and cinnamon basil. Mmmm, imagine the flavourful cooking!!! I'll be channeling my inner Julia.
Yesterday I signed up for the 5Km Running Room-Weight Watchers challenge. So this morning, I began my training. By June 23rd, I should be ready - wish me luck!
This week's weight loss: -1.4
Struggling to stay focused. Why is it so difficult? I want to eat well, be thin, and wear a smaller size. Shouldn't that be focus enough? I find that now the 'bbq season' is upon us, I have even more difficulty.
This morning, however, I was successful! I made egg white only omelets with fresh chopped spinach and about a tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese (light, of course!). Delicous! Fresh fruit salad on the side completed it! My husband, of course, decided he wanted waffles and so got out the waffle iron and away he went! So, I don't think it's a fail to have two tiny waffles... with maple syrup, is it?
Moving on...
My herb garden is now planted. I'll soon be ready to cook with fresh herbs, harvested from my own backyard - including sage, cilantro, oregano, thyme, dill, lavender, rosemary, mojito mint, and two types of basil - regular and cinnamon basil. Mmmm, imagine the flavourful cooking!!! I'll be channeling my inner Julia.
Yesterday I signed up for the 5Km Running Room-Weight Watchers challenge. So this morning, I began my training. By June 23rd, I should be ready - wish me luck!
This week's weight loss: -1.4
Monday, May 3, 2010
What's eaten in Kelowna, stays in Kelowna!
I've missed several weeks at WW now. Work. Wedding. Work again. This past weekend (Thursday through to Sunday a.m.) I was in Kelowna, BC. I cannot tell you the deliciousness of the food,and the incredible beauty of the City. Gorgeous seems like such an understaement!
However, the food.. and that IS what I blog about. The food was amazing. At several of the venues we were able to choose off the menu which meant I had no excuse for a weight gain - I should choose carefully. For the most part, i think I did. There were a few exceptions. Overall, it was unbeliveable.
Strangely, another WW member was there... we were each other's food police. We finally agreed that what's eaten in Kelowna, stays in Kelowna! No tattles! (I do have a great picture of Holly licking her spoon clean after a delicious warm chocolate souffle!) The highlight for me was meeting so many chef's. I am a bit of a foodie and so to get up close and personal with such amazing talent was indeed thrilling for me.
Now, however, I am back at work... and back to routine...and back to my own fridge. Sigh.
Back on track, with a few exceptions!
Update soon!
However, the food.. and that IS what I blog about. The food was amazing. At several of the venues we were able to choose off the menu which meant I had no excuse for a weight gain - I should choose carefully. For the most part, i think I did. There were a few exceptions. Overall, it was unbeliveable.
Strangely, another WW member was there... we were each other's food police. We finally agreed that what's eaten in Kelowna, stays in Kelowna! No tattles! (I do have a great picture of Holly licking her spoon clean after a delicious warm chocolate souffle!) The highlight for me was meeting so many chef's. I am a bit of a foodie and so to get up close and personal with such amazing talent was indeed thrilling for me.
Now, however, I am back at work... and back to routine...and back to my own fridge. Sigh.
Back on track, with a few exceptions!
Update soon!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Mid-week Musings
Well, it's hump day, Wednesday that is. I've been a bit under the weather but improving. I am now heading into the busiest three weeks of my year.
I am out of town at meetings this week from Friday to Sunday. I am home Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday (a week from today) I leave for Amsterdam. I am there until the following Monday. Home Tuesday and Wednesday, and then off to Kelowna, BC where I will stay until Sunday a.m. THEN, finally, I am home until June! Yea!!!!
So my challenges will be - tons of flights over the next few weeks, tons of unhealthy eating, tons of sitting in meeting rooms.
Update from last week: stayed the same. No change in weight. So relieved I wasn't "up" that the number was a pleasure to see!
Will update again soon - from somewhere!
Enjoy the sunshine!
I am out of town at meetings this week from Friday to Sunday. I am home Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday (a week from today) I leave for Amsterdam. I am there until the following Monday. Home Tuesday and Wednesday, and then off to Kelowna, BC where I will stay until Sunday a.m. THEN, finally, I am home until June! Yea!!!!
So my challenges will be - tons of flights over the next few weeks, tons of unhealthy eating, tons of sitting in meeting rooms.
Update from last week: stayed the same. No change in weight. So relieved I wasn't "up" that the number was a pleasure to see!
Will update again soon - from somewhere!
Enjoy the sunshine!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Surviving the bunny
I did it. With very little chocolate intake, I survived the bunny! I did have a few (6?) small foil chocolate eggs. Otherwise, I was ok.
I had lots of company over the weekend. My children were all home, Jay & Liz, their 3 dogs, Adam, Kirstie, her boyfriend Steve, my sister & her husband Kevin, my niece and her husband Dave and their 2 month old son, friends, more friends. Lots of cooking. Lots of eating. I managed to not have seconds, not even once. he he, get the irony? sigh..ok. Anyway, I ate an ooey gooey sloppy incredibly sweet buttertart on Sunday afternoon. The syrupy goodness was dripping out of the wonderfully divine pastry. Oh my goodness... nuff said.
I'm happy to be back at work today. I'm happy to be back to some semblance of normalacy. I'm happy not to have any chocolate in site!
Oh, and by the way, I was down 1.6 lbs on Saturday. So the count is now:
NEW GOAL = 74 lbs
TO DATE = -3.8
Lbs TO GO = 70.2
Yea!
I had lots of company over the weekend. My children were all home, Jay & Liz, their 3 dogs, Adam, Kirstie, her boyfriend Steve, my sister & her husband Kevin, my niece and her husband Dave and their 2 month old son, friends, more friends. Lots of cooking. Lots of eating. I managed to not have seconds, not even once. he he, get the irony? sigh..ok. Anyway, I ate an ooey gooey sloppy incredibly sweet buttertart on Sunday afternoon. The syrupy goodness was dripping out of the wonderfully divine pastry. Oh my goodness... nuff said.
I'm happy to be back at work today. I'm happy to be back to some semblance of normalacy. I'm happy not to have any chocolate in site!
Oh, and by the way, I was down 1.6 lbs on Saturday. So the count is now:
NEW GOAL = 74 lbs
TO DATE = -3.8
Lbs TO GO = 70.2
Yea!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
All you can eat fries!
Seriously. Who does that? We stopped at Swiss Chalet last night - I've been so focussed and needed just a wee break. Work has been tough this week with year end and a competition deadline. Just needed something extra. I chose my meal - quarter chicken, white, witha multigrain roll, and (gulp) yes fries! And a club soda with lime to drink. I counted it all, no worries there.
BUT....
We weren't quite finished when our server came up and asked "would you like more fries? they're free!" ARE YOU NUTS? Well, actually I did want more fries. Swiss Chalet fries have to be the best on the planet (next to the Rose Potato Farm). However, i was strong - and gave a polite "no thank you." So, although I did have the fries, I didn't have the free (all you can eat) seconds, thirds....
Enjoy your Easter weekend - weigh in is Saturday, I'll let you know how it's going!
BUT....
We weren't quite finished when our server came up and asked "would you like more fries? they're free!" ARE YOU NUTS? Well, actually I did want more fries. Swiss Chalet fries have to be the best on the planet (next to the Rose Potato Farm). However, i was strong - and gave a polite "no thank you." So, although I did have the fries, I didn't have the free (all you can eat) seconds, thirds....
Enjoy your Easter weekend - weigh in is Saturday, I'll let you know how it's going!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Success!
Success is a great word. I love the way it sounds so forceful when you say it! Try it... SUCCESS!!
Lifts your mood, makes you smile, makes you feel... well... successful!
I had a good weigh-in on Saturday, down 2.2 lbs. Yea me! Yea program! I've stayed on track since then and have written down every morsel that I put in my mouth. Sometimes I think dreaming about certain foods carries 'points'.. should I write that down?
Snacking at night is my biggest issue. Not that I'm hungry. I think it's just a nasty habit. Last night, I was craving something crispy and salty, something, oh say like potato chips! I must confess, I bought a small bag at the train station last night, tracked it, wrote it down. Still good. Followed that bag with a chaser of water. A full bottle. It satisfied my craving for crispy and salty, for a moment. So, back to last night - after dinner - my danger time.
Knowing what I wanted, and knowing that there was nothing in my house that even remotely resembled potato chips (yea!!) I sliced myself some fresh strawberries - 2 cups worth! - and then poured some Lemon yougurt over the whole thing, 1 cup. I was surprised, and very delighted, to learn how satisfied I was following my delicious snack.
Last night = success... the sound of success... crisp, clean, forceful!
Gotta love it!
Lifts your mood, makes you smile, makes you feel... well... successful!
I had a good weigh-in on Saturday, down 2.2 lbs. Yea me! Yea program! I've stayed on track since then and have written down every morsel that I put in my mouth. Sometimes I think dreaming about certain foods carries 'points'.. should I write that down?
Snacking at night is my biggest issue. Not that I'm hungry. I think it's just a nasty habit. Last night, I was craving something crispy and salty, something, oh say like potato chips! I must confess, I bought a small bag at the train station last night, tracked it, wrote it down. Still good. Followed that bag with a chaser of water. A full bottle. It satisfied my craving for crispy and salty, for a moment. So, back to last night - after dinner - my danger time.
Knowing what I wanted, and knowing that there was nothing in my house that even remotely resembled potato chips (yea!!) I sliced myself some fresh strawberries - 2 cups worth! - and then poured some Lemon yougurt over the whole thing, 1 cup. I was surprised, and very delighted, to learn how satisfied I was following my delicious snack.
Last night = success... the sound of success... crisp, clean, forceful!
Gotta love it!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Winter or Spring?
I'm tired today. I stayed up quite late last night waiting for my daughter to finish work so Icould pick her up. She finished at 12:30 a.m. We got home at 12:45.. and I got into bed at 1:00. The alarm on my cell-phone started buzzing at 5:30. I'm tired. Really did not want to get up today.
The walk today was so cold, probably felt colder because I was so tired. But, -10 is still cold no matter how you look at it. I got to work, stopped for some hot tea on my way up to the office, and settled in. I had left my office window open about 3" all night. My office was very cold. It's now 2:45 and it's still chilly in here. I can't get warm. I'm tired.
I wish the weather would decide what it wants... is it winter or is it spring? It just doesn't seem fair that last week at this time the weather was so delightful, and today it's so cold! Thankfully the sky is a delightful cloudless blue! It seems so much better when the sun is shining.
Tomorrow is weigh-in. Other than the epic fail pizza (and really, did I fail? I only had 1 piece!!) I've done reasonably well all week, staying on track, journalling my 'intake'. I am hoping that tomorrow is not a day of winter discontent but rather a sunny spring day of encouragement! I guess that's my decision! So, I'm choosing a sunny day of encouragement.... and lower numbers on the scale!
That is, of course, after I get some much needed sleep!!!!
The walk today was so cold, probably felt colder because I was so tired. But, -10 is still cold no matter how you look at it. I got to work, stopped for some hot tea on my way up to the office, and settled in. I had left my office window open about 3" all night. My office was very cold. It's now 2:45 and it's still chilly in here. I can't get warm. I'm tired.
I wish the weather would decide what it wants... is it winter or is it spring? It just doesn't seem fair that last week at this time the weather was so delightful, and today it's so cold! Thankfully the sky is a delightful cloudless blue! It seems so much better when the sun is shining.
Tomorrow is weigh-in. Other than the epic fail pizza (and really, did I fail? I only had 1 piece!!) I've done reasonably well all week, staying on track, journalling my 'intake'. I am hoping that tomorrow is not a day of winter discontent but rather a sunny spring day of encouragement! I guess that's my decision! So, I'm choosing a sunny day of encouragement.... and lower numbers on the scale!
That is, of course, after I get some much needed sleep!!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Numbers
Numbers are important. Numbers give us our bearings, as in an address, or latitude/longitude etc. Numbers can be insignificant, like the number of times I smacked myself in the head for forgetting my delicious homemade lunch today. Or the number I get when i step on my scale...that number is actually pretty scary! But really, they are just numbers, holding no power over me! So here are some of my numbers today - what are yours?
3641 - steps this morning walking to work from Union station in Toronto to my office.
187 - stairs I walked up this morning.
7 - coffee shops I pass along my walking route into work.
1 - forgotten lunch at home.
2 - visits to Tim Horton's to buy tea (with skim milk)
0 - wins at said Tim Horton's.
74 - pounds to go to my target weight.
1 - case of water in my office
1 - singular sensation! I'm tracking.
3641 - steps this morning walking to work from Union station in Toronto to my office.
187 - stairs I walked up this morning.
7 - coffee shops I pass along my walking route into work.
1 - forgotten lunch at home.
2 - visits to Tim Horton's to buy tea (with skim milk)
0 - wins at said Tim Horton's.
74 - pounds to go to my target weight.
1 - case of water in my office
1 - singular sensation! I'm tracking.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Decisions
Decided to show my face at Weight Watchers today.... Decided to step on the scale.... Decided NOT to cry... Decided to take this seriously, really, honest, I'm not joking!
I'm feeling just slightly guilty but I'm not cooking my usual "gourmet" dinner for guests to night and went with a WW recipe for Chicken Cacciatore, served over whole wheat bowtie pasta (total 8 pts per serving) with a lovely spinach salad (spinach, mushrooms, red onions, raspberries and a nice raspberry dressing (1pt for the dressing.) For dessert - PC Blue Menu Apple Crisp (2 pts per serving) and Chapman's Madagascar Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. I feel like I am cheating my guests - but I'm being true to me. My one indulgence tonight? Bread!
Appetizers for our guests include a low fat hummus with greek-style pitas. For me - I'm passing.
Smells delicious in here!
Good decisions!
I'm feeling just slightly guilty but I'm not cooking my usual "gourmet" dinner for guests to night and went with a WW recipe for Chicken Cacciatore, served over whole wheat bowtie pasta (total 8 pts per serving) with a lovely spinach salad (spinach, mushrooms, red onions, raspberries and a nice raspberry dressing (1pt for the dressing.) For dessert - PC Blue Menu Apple Crisp (2 pts per serving) and Chapman's Madagascar Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. I feel like I am cheating my guests - but I'm being true to me. My one indulgence tonight? Bread!
Appetizers for our guests include a low fat hummus with greek-style pitas. For me - I'm passing.
Smells delicious in here!
Good decisions!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Spring
I guess we are at the end of winter - I hope! I found myself dreaming of spring this week. The air smelled like it. The temperature screamed it. Best of all, my footsteps felt it! I switched my walking route to work from the winter "Path" in Toronto to outside fresh air. The fresh air makes me walk faster. Faster must be good because I get to work winded! Winded must mean I've raised my heart rate, burned some calories, done something good for myself.
Ah, spring!
Now the hard part... working off the ravages of winter! Dry hands, dry feet, dry hair... extra pounds from all the 'comfort foods'! It was definitely the winter of discontent. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't stay motivated. So, what's motivating me now?
Easy. I just returned from 11 days in Florida. The first four were business, and included the usual business lunches and dinners, delicious but not diet friendly. The last 7 were vacation with my husband. I ate much better during the vacation part than I did during the business part. We bought a small styrofoam cooler so that we could pack picnic lunches, buy milk, fruit, etc. Much more successful, but not entirely! I tried on a few bathing suits down there. Oh my. If you read my 'tag line' in this blog you know that this is a journey toward skinny jeans and bathing suits. I couldn't find a single suit that made me look anything but like a beached whale! So, no bathing suit. Funny, before I left for Florida I thought I'd try on my old Victoria's Secret bathing suit that I bought when I was at a much nicer weight! Cute little 2-piece. I couldn't get the cute little bottoms up! [insert disgusted look here.]
I weighed myself when I got home from Florida, and not surprisingly, the numbers were not very nice to me.
So,it's time to enjoy all that spring has in store for me including putting that 'spring' back in my step before I hear the 'spring' on my scale go "BOING".
Ah, spring!
Now the hard part... working off the ravages of winter! Dry hands, dry feet, dry hair... extra pounds from all the 'comfort foods'! It was definitely the winter of discontent. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't stay motivated. So, what's motivating me now?
Easy. I just returned from 11 days in Florida. The first four were business, and included the usual business lunches and dinners, delicious but not diet friendly. The last 7 were vacation with my husband. I ate much better during the vacation part than I did during the business part. We bought a small styrofoam cooler so that we could pack picnic lunches, buy milk, fruit, etc. Much more successful, but not entirely! I tried on a few bathing suits down there. Oh my. If you read my 'tag line' in this blog you know that this is a journey toward skinny jeans and bathing suits. I couldn't find a single suit that made me look anything but like a beached whale! So, no bathing suit. Funny, before I left for Florida I thought I'd try on my old Victoria's Secret bathing suit that I bought when I was at a much nicer weight! Cute little 2-piece. I couldn't get the cute little bottoms up! [insert disgusted look here.]
I weighed myself when I got home from Florida, and not surprisingly, the numbers were not very nice to me.
So,it's time to enjoy all that spring has in store for me including putting that 'spring' back in my step before I hear the 'spring' on my scale go "BOING".
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Birthday Weekend Extravaganza.... and Julia Child
Friday, February 5th was my birthday. My adorable husband took me out for dinner - to the Wild Onion, a new little restaurant here in my little town. The menu was extraordinary. I had bison. Done to perfection. And a wonderful chocolate mousse for dessert. I kept thinking "eat in moderation... you are weighing in tomorrow morning." I tried. I truly did try! The food was absolutely fantastic.
From the Wild Onion, we walked over to the Uxbridge Music Hall to see "Guys and Dolls". I love community theatre. People in Community Theatre have such passion! Guys & Dolls was fantastic. I highly recommend supporting your own local community theatre. It was a long evening, but great.
After a short night sleep, I was up and showered, dressed, and on my way to my weigh-in. I was scared... I had done great all week, but having such a huge dinner the night before I knew would interfere with any planned 'success.' I was right, I was up 1.4 lbs. RATS! I'm sure it had to do with the wine, the garlic mashed potatoes, the chocolate mousse.
Well, birthday weekend extravaganza continued and Scott and I ended up going out for breakfast after my weigh-in. We went to The Buttery, a nice little place in Newmarket. Poached eggs, rye toast, peameal bacon, and I substituted the home fries for some sliced tomatoes. That was a good thing! Overall, a successful breakfast. But the food fest continued.... and I ate my way through Saturday, ending with a favourite recipe from my childhood. My mom used to make this wonderful "Pasty Pie" which was basically beef, potatoes and onions in pastry. So delicious. Mind you, she used to use stewing beef... I modified the recipe years ago to some good quality steak! Much better!
Scott bought me a pre-viewed copy of Julie & Julia and that was my favourite part of my birthday. I watched it last night and loved every minute of it. It is my favourite movie. I'm watching it again today.
I'm back on track today, and planning the rest of my week... I have a few business meetings this week, out of town, which always means food.
Oh food, glorious food!
From the Wild Onion, we walked over to the Uxbridge Music Hall to see "Guys and Dolls". I love community theatre. People in Community Theatre have such passion! Guys & Dolls was fantastic. I highly recommend supporting your own local community theatre. It was a long evening, but great.
After a short night sleep, I was up and showered, dressed, and on my way to my weigh-in. I was scared... I had done great all week, but having such a huge dinner the night before I knew would interfere with any planned 'success.' I was right, I was up 1.4 lbs. RATS! I'm sure it had to do with the wine, the garlic mashed potatoes, the chocolate mousse.
Well, birthday weekend extravaganza continued and Scott and I ended up going out for breakfast after my weigh-in. We went to The Buttery, a nice little place in Newmarket. Poached eggs, rye toast, peameal bacon, and I substituted the home fries for some sliced tomatoes. That was a good thing! Overall, a successful breakfast. But the food fest continued.... and I ate my way through Saturday, ending with a favourite recipe from my childhood. My mom used to make this wonderful "Pasty Pie" which was basically beef, potatoes and onions in pastry. So delicious. Mind you, she used to use stewing beef... I modified the recipe years ago to some good quality steak! Much better!
Scott bought me a pre-viewed copy of Julie & Julia and that was my favourite part of my birthday. I watched it last night and loved every minute of it. It is my favourite movie. I'm watching it again today.
I'm back on track today, and planning the rest of my week... I have a few business meetings this week, out of town, which always means food.
Oh food, glorious food!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Define 'Indulge"
This weekend I had a successful weigh-in. Well, let me clarify. Every weigh-in is successful by definition because if you step on the scale and get an accurate number, it's successful. However, this past weekend I had a successful "hey you weigh less" weigh-in. Yep, down 3.2 lbs. I got a Bravo sticker for it. What I really wanted was a bag of potato chips! But, that would really be an indulgence.
My weekend was quite busy. I won't get into details, suffice to say it wasn't nearly as exciting as my weekend in Niagara Falls! *sigh*. That was quite an indulgence.
I got on my stepper on Saturday for a bit, just a bit, and felt justified in indulging in a snack. My snack was an apple and a 1 pt WW bar. Again, what I really wanted was a bag of potato chips!
So, I got thinking....is a bag of potato chips REALLY an indulgence? By definition, to indulge means to give free rein to, or to take unrestrained pleasure in, or to yield to the desire of, or to treat with excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration. I decided that a bag of potato chips was not an indulgence at all, mostly because I take no unrestrained pleasure in eating potato chips! Rather, I enjoy the salty crispy taste of the little snack! I mean, I guess the size of the bag would matter! In this case, apparently size DOES matter! :) I guess if I ate one of the "MEGA" bags of chips it would be an unrestrained pleasure.
So, I had no potato chips on the weekend. I did have some mini rice cakes, carefully counted out and written down. I had lot of water, and I had lots of fruit and veggies. I ate well, and I indulged.. .er, I enjoyed every morsel that I ate. For my weekend eating habits, I treated myself with excessive consideration and enjoyed a good chunk of a baguette with some delicious butter, fresh from a local bakery!
Now THAT was an indulgence! Unrestrained pleasure!
I wrote it down. Hmmm, does that make it 'restrained'??
My weekend was quite busy. I won't get into details, suffice to say it wasn't nearly as exciting as my weekend in Niagara Falls! *sigh*. That was quite an indulgence.
I got on my stepper on Saturday for a bit, just a bit, and felt justified in indulging in a snack. My snack was an apple and a 1 pt WW bar. Again, what I really wanted was a bag of potato chips!
So, I got thinking....is a bag of potato chips REALLY an indulgence? By definition, to indulge means to give free rein to, or to take unrestrained pleasure in, or to yield to the desire of, or to treat with excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration. I decided that a bag of potato chips was not an indulgence at all, mostly because I take no unrestrained pleasure in eating potato chips! Rather, I enjoy the salty crispy taste of the little snack! I mean, I guess the size of the bag would matter! In this case, apparently size DOES matter! :) I guess if I ate one of the "MEGA" bags of chips it would be an unrestrained pleasure.
So, I had no potato chips on the weekend. I did have some mini rice cakes, carefully counted out and written down. I had lot of water, and I had lots of fruit and veggies. I ate well, and I indulged.. .er, I enjoyed every morsel that I ate. For my weekend eating habits, I treated myself with excessive consideration and enjoyed a good chunk of a baguette with some delicious butter, fresh from a local bakery!
Now THAT was an indulgence! Unrestrained pleasure!
I wrote it down. Hmmm, does that make it 'restrained'??
Monday, January 25, 2010
Food is a four-lettered word!
A week ago, I was invited to participate in a FAM trip. FAM is short for familiarization. Because I plan conferences and meetings as part of my job, I was invited by Niagara Tourism to take part in this weekend for Conference and Event Planners. All paid. So, why not? Okay, THIS is why I should and shouldn't have gone! (I went, by the way!)
Friday, January 15th. Pick up at Toronto City Center Terminal. I was the only Toronto participant, the other 11 came from Ottawa and Montreal, thus the pick up at the City air Terminal. Shuttled from there to the Niagara Hilton Hotel & Suites where my suite, yes, was on the 45th floor overlooking the falls. It was an amazing room. I knew I was in for a great time the minute I got to my room. Waiting for me was a plate of fruit, but not your average apples, banana, grapes, etc. This was papaya, star fruit, guava, and mango. Delicious. Also the Hilton had a beautiful memory box waiting, with a note welcoming the FAM group.
Just enough time to freshen up (my bag had not yet been delivered to my room)... and back down to the mezzanine level for the walk over to the Niagara Casino , which was attached to the hotel via a bridge. The Casino had prepared a welcome reception/luncheon for the group...all the food you could possibly imagine and drinks.. anything you wanted and as much as you wanted! Dessert... don't get me started. Cheesecake on a stick! I was in heaven, and scared to death at the same time! ALL THAT FOOD & DRINK! We then participated in speed meetings. I met with 12 different hotels/AV companies/convention centre/wineries/parks commission, etc. to get an idea of what each venue had to offer a program such as the one I manage. The afternoon was long, and at 4:30 I was happy to be finished.
Again, just enough time to go back to my room, unpack, find and steam my dress for the "Ice Wine Gala" - at $175 a ticket, I was happy I wasn't paying for it! Thank you Niagara Tourism. We walked in the door, through a 'security' curtain and immediately handed a vodka/ice wine martini! It was scrumptious. Then into the main event. The first stop - cheese! Oh how decadent these cheeses were! A sampling on each plate of 4 artisanal cheeses and tasting notes to go with them. I was in heaven (and trying hard not to think of the fat content). Over 2 dozen wineries were represented and served complimentary (or included in the cost of your ticket!) wines - reds, whites, and of course the jewel - ICE WINE. The food was out of this world. I never had such delicious treats! Beef, duck (although I didn't like the fact that the duck was smiling at me through its crispy well done head!) lamb, sushi, more cheese, more beef, desserts and more wine! I was happy to be tasting some delicious wines and happy to learn that some of the wines that I thought would be good were actually awful! (Really didn't like Dan Akroyd's wines.. the slogan says they are made from "snob free grapes". I'm thinking he should have used the snobby grapes!) My favourite winery of the evening was Fielding Estates. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality! However by 11:30 p.m. I was exhausted and my feet were killing me. I headed back to my room at the Hilton.
To my utter delight, waiting for me in side my room, gift wrapped, was a copy of Fresh by Anna Olson. It was personalized too! To Heather, best wishes and fresh dishes. Anna Olson. [Side note, this past weekend I prepared the baked pears from this cookbook and they were fantastic!] After a nice hot bath, in my luxury suite, (sigh) I went to bed.
Saturday began early - pick up and shuttled over to Sheraton on the Falls, for breakfast and a site tour of that hotel and their sister property next door, the Crowne Plaza. Breakfast began with the waiter circulating in the room making sure everyone had a mimosa. yummy way to start breakfast. It was a buffet, of course, and it had everything that the Sheraton offers for breakfast. I had Eggs Benedict. Why not? Fail. I sat down at my table and in front of me was a huge bar of yummy chocolate. Guilt began to settle in as I imagined my friends back home at Weight Watchers, who would be weighing in at that very moment. Guilt lasted until I had my first bite of my Eggs Benedict. S0 wonderful! Guilt returned after I finished. Stupid guilt!
Oh well.
After our site visit, we were then picked up by the Niagara Parks Commission who had promised helicopter tours for us. Cloud ceiling too low, had to settle for the Butterfly Conservatory, which, strangely enough, was pretty cool, in a tropical sort of way. From there to Table Rock for... lunch. The group was now referring to food as "that four-lettered "F" word." Decadent lunch of beef - in portions that were way too large, but cooked to absolute perfection, and more wine, and desserts... we got our walkers out to help us move our now fat and food/wine bloated bodies out of table rock, and shuffled our way back to the shuttle. I forced myself into my seat on the shuttle and thought, hmm, I may never get out of here!
Off to Chateau des Charmes winery. Tour, tasting and reception. And when I say 'reception' I mean more food and wine!
Then to Peller Estates for a tour and custom Ice Wine Seminar... with food pairings. Yes... MORE food! Our 'seminar' included such delights as chicken liver mousse in a puffed pastry with a glass of Vidal Ice wine, Blue Ice cheese (blue cheese infused with ice wine) with a glass of Oak aged Vidal Ice wine, Fresh oysters with ice wine jelly and a glass of Riesling Ice wine, and finally a Flour-less chocolate cake with a Cabernet Franc Ice wine. Ice wine/sugar overload! We were taken outside to the ice wine bar - you know, in case the sugar levels in our blood were not quite high enough - and served ice wine infused hot chocolate, and handmade ice wine marshmallows which we roasted over an open fire outside. The marshmallows were the highlight of the day! Seriously, never had anything so delicious ever! Or maybe I was just getting drunk! Not sure.
Back to the hotel to freshen up. Off to the Sheraton Fallsview (not to be confused with Sheraton on the Falls) for yet another reception - and TONS of food, I won't bother to list it all, it's not weight watchers friendly... but oh so delicious, and of course more wine or whatever else you wanted. Then - we had to sound intelligent while touring that hotel. There was way too much giddy giggling happening by that time. I wished the men could have controlled themselves more! :o) A quick nip across the street to the Marriott Fallsview. Apparently everything has the name "fallsview". Another quick tour of that hotel, and then dinner... yes more "F" stuff. Diner was late, however, and I remember looking at my watch when my main entree arrived (after drinks, appetizers, salad first). 10:30 p.m. Of course, new wine with each course. Dessert was a sampling of their five most popular, and decadent, desserts. I was feeling rather ill by the end of the evening - way too much rich food.
A few of us decided to walk back to our hotel, about 5 minutes away, but got sidelined by the casino door. In we went. I decided to bet just $5... and I ended up winning $126.50. I cashed out and went to bed. All in all, a profitable evening for me!
The final day was breakfast at the Watermark Restaurant, within the Hilton hotel. We had a private room for the 12 meeting planners, our Niagara Tourism host and the reps from the Hilton. THANKFULLY, we were given menus to choose from. Here's the kicker - of the 12 meeting planners 8 chose the same breakfast - plain unsweetened yogurt and a side of fresh berries, with juice and coffee. I was one of those 8. I felt for the first time all weekend I had something healthy! It felt good. It felt so good.
Our final tour, this time of the Hilton, and then check out. We were each handed a boxed lunch for our trip back to Toronto (and the airport for the other 11). It, too, was decadently delicious. I gave my 'cookie' to the shuttle driver. Okay, no I didn't. I ate it. It was the best chocolate cookie I've ever had. So moist, so delicious... so laced in fat no doubt.
Arriving home Sunday evening... I decided not to have dinner. I know... how brave of me! I did have some fruit and a cup of tea. I really wasn't hungry.
Monday - back to reality, and a shocking step on the scale at home. I already knew that the number I got on my scale was the same as the number I got at Weight Watcher weigh-ins. So, I stepped on. I stepped off. I stepped on and looked again. I stepped off. I stepped on, cried, and stepped off. I gained over 5 lbs over the weekend!!!!!
I knew I was already at an all time high for my body weight. So, this was indeed disappointing but not unexpected. I worked 'the program' all week and thankfully when I weighed in on Saturday (Jan 23) I was only up 0.4 lbs. I felt like I had another casino win!!! I was able to drop much of what I had gained the previous weekend.
So now... I MUST keep at it. I must focus, I must decide that health is what I want... I must decide that no matter what, I will be back in good shape again. I must decide..... that that cookie tasted delicious and if that was all I had it wouldn't have been such a big deal.
Now it's Monday again, and I'm determined. I'm set. I'm ready. I'm.... going through food withdrawal. I wonder when I can get on another FAM tour?
Friday, January 15th. Pick up at Toronto City Center Terminal. I was the only Toronto participant, the other 11 came from Ottawa and Montreal, thus the pick up at the City air Terminal. Shuttled from there to the Niagara Hilton Hotel & Suites where my suite, yes, was on the 45th floor overlooking the falls. It was an amazing room. I knew I was in for a great time the minute I got to my room. Waiting for me was a plate of fruit, but not your average apples, banana, grapes, etc. This was papaya, star fruit, guava, and mango. Delicious. Also the Hilton had a beautiful memory box waiting, with a note welcoming the FAM group.
Just enough time to freshen up (my bag had not yet been delivered to my room)... and back down to the mezzanine level for the walk over to the Niagara Casino , which was attached to the hotel via a bridge. The Casino had prepared a welcome reception/luncheon for the group...all the food you could possibly imagine and drinks.. anything you wanted and as much as you wanted! Dessert... don't get me started. Cheesecake on a stick! I was in heaven, and scared to death at the same time! ALL THAT FOOD & DRINK! We then participated in speed meetings. I met with 12 different hotels/AV companies/convention centre/wineries/parks commission, etc. to get an idea of what each venue had to offer a program such as the one I manage. The afternoon was long, and at 4:30 I was happy to be finished.
Again, just enough time to go back to my room, unpack, find and steam my dress for the "Ice Wine Gala" - at $175 a ticket, I was happy I wasn't paying for it! Thank you Niagara Tourism. We walked in the door, through a 'security' curtain and immediately handed a vodka/ice wine martini! It was scrumptious. Then into the main event. The first stop - cheese! Oh how decadent these cheeses were! A sampling on each plate of 4 artisanal cheeses and tasting notes to go with them. I was in heaven (and trying hard not to think of the fat content). Over 2 dozen wineries were represented and served complimentary (or included in the cost of your ticket!) wines - reds, whites, and of course the jewel - ICE WINE. The food was out of this world. I never had such delicious treats! Beef, duck (although I didn't like the fact that the duck was smiling at me through its crispy well done head!) lamb, sushi, more cheese, more beef, desserts and more wine! I was happy to be tasting some delicious wines and happy to learn that some of the wines that I thought would be good were actually awful! (Really didn't like Dan Akroyd's wines.. the slogan says they are made from "snob free grapes". I'm thinking he should have used the snobby grapes!) My favourite winery of the evening was Fielding Estates. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality! However by 11:30 p.m. I was exhausted and my feet were killing me. I headed back to my room at the Hilton.
To my utter delight, waiting for me in side my room, gift wrapped, was a copy of Fresh by Anna Olson. It was personalized too! To Heather, best wishes and fresh dishes. Anna Olson. [Side note, this past weekend I prepared the baked pears from this cookbook and they were fantastic!] After a nice hot bath, in my luxury suite, (sigh) I went to bed.
Saturday began early - pick up and shuttled over to Sheraton on the Falls, for breakfast and a site tour of that hotel and their sister property next door, the Crowne Plaza. Breakfast began with the waiter circulating in the room making sure everyone had a mimosa. yummy way to start breakfast. It was a buffet, of course, and it had everything that the Sheraton offers for breakfast. I had Eggs Benedict. Why not? Fail. I sat down at my table and in front of me was a huge bar of yummy chocolate. Guilt began to settle in as I imagined my friends back home at Weight Watchers, who would be weighing in at that very moment. Guilt lasted until I had my first bite of my Eggs Benedict. S0 wonderful! Guilt returned after I finished. Stupid guilt!
Oh well.
After our site visit, we were then picked up by the Niagara Parks Commission who had promised helicopter tours for us. Cloud ceiling too low, had to settle for the Butterfly Conservatory, which, strangely enough, was pretty cool, in a tropical sort of way. From there to Table Rock for... lunch. The group was now referring to food as "that four-lettered "F" word." Decadent lunch of beef - in portions that were way too large, but cooked to absolute perfection, and more wine, and desserts... we got our walkers out to help us move our now fat and food/wine bloated bodies out of table rock, and shuffled our way back to the shuttle. I forced myself into my seat on the shuttle and thought, hmm, I may never get out of here!
Off to Chateau des Charmes winery. Tour, tasting and reception. And when I say 'reception' I mean more food and wine!
Then to Peller Estates for a tour and custom Ice Wine Seminar... with food pairings. Yes... MORE food! Our 'seminar' included such delights as chicken liver mousse in a puffed pastry with a glass of Vidal Ice wine, Blue Ice cheese (blue cheese infused with ice wine) with a glass of Oak aged Vidal Ice wine, Fresh oysters with ice wine jelly and a glass of Riesling Ice wine, and finally a Flour-less chocolate cake with a Cabernet Franc Ice wine. Ice wine/sugar overload! We were taken outside to the ice wine bar - you know, in case the sugar levels in our blood were not quite high enough - and served ice wine infused hot chocolate, and handmade ice wine marshmallows which we roasted over an open fire outside. The marshmallows were the highlight of the day! Seriously, never had anything so delicious ever! Or maybe I was just getting drunk! Not sure.
Back to the hotel to freshen up. Off to the Sheraton Fallsview (not to be confused with Sheraton on the Falls) for yet another reception - and TONS of food, I won't bother to list it all, it's not weight watchers friendly... but oh so delicious, and of course more wine or whatever else you wanted. Then - we had to sound intelligent while touring that hotel. There was way too much giddy giggling happening by that time. I wished the men could have controlled themselves more! :o) A quick nip across the street to the Marriott Fallsview. Apparently everything has the name "fallsview". Another quick tour of that hotel, and then dinner... yes more "F" stuff. Diner was late, however, and I remember looking at my watch when my main entree arrived (after drinks, appetizers, salad first). 10:30 p.m. Of course, new wine with each course. Dessert was a sampling of their five most popular, and decadent, desserts. I was feeling rather ill by the end of the evening - way too much rich food.
A few of us decided to walk back to our hotel, about 5 minutes away, but got sidelined by the casino door. In we went. I decided to bet just $5... and I ended up winning $126.50. I cashed out and went to bed. All in all, a profitable evening for me!
The final day was breakfast at the Watermark Restaurant, within the Hilton hotel. We had a private room for the 12 meeting planners, our Niagara Tourism host and the reps from the Hilton. THANKFULLY, we were given menus to choose from. Here's the kicker - of the 12 meeting planners 8 chose the same breakfast - plain unsweetened yogurt and a side of fresh berries, with juice and coffee. I was one of those 8. I felt for the first time all weekend I had something healthy! It felt good. It felt so good.
Our final tour, this time of the Hilton, and then check out. We were each handed a boxed lunch for our trip back to Toronto (and the airport for the other 11). It, too, was decadently delicious. I gave my 'cookie' to the shuttle driver. Okay, no I didn't. I ate it. It was the best chocolate cookie I've ever had. So moist, so delicious... so laced in fat no doubt.
Arriving home Sunday evening... I decided not to have dinner. I know... how brave of me! I did have some fruit and a cup of tea. I really wasn't hungry.
Monday - back to reality, and a shocking step on the scale at home. I already knew that the number I got on my scale was the same as the number I got at Weight Watcher weigh-ins. So, I stepped on. I stepped off. I stepped on and looked again. I stepped off. I stepped on, cried, and stepped off. I gained over 5 lbs over the weekend!!!!!
I knew I was already at an all time high for my body weight. So, this was indeed disappointing but not unexpected. I worked 'the program' all week and thankfully when I weighed in on Saturday (Jan 23) I was only up 0.4 lbs. I felt like I had another casino win!!! I was able to drop much of what I had gained the previous weekend.
So now... I MUST keep at it. I must focus, I must decide that health is what I want... I must decide that no matter what, I will be back in good shape again. I must decide..... that that cookie tasted delicious and if that was all I had it wouldn't have been such a big deal.
Now it's Monday again, and I'm determined. I'm set. I'm ready. I'm.... going through food withdrawal. I wonder when I can get on another FAM tour?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Year - New Me? Again????
Okay, I read back through my blog and found the above title "New Year - New Me"... but in actuality it seems it was the same OLD me! So here I am... again! It's been awhile - so my update may be longer...
I ended the year over my starting weight from last year. Sad, but true! I got right back at it though, and on Saturday (January 2nd) I weighed in! I was right, I was over. I had not been to WW for the three previous weeks and so I was predicting an increase in weight - I was up 4.4 lbs. But now, I am focused - for real!
I found a few new products that I'd like to tell you about too. For starters, i have a thing for potato chips. Oh the crispy salty delights that they are! Today, I found a box of Ruffles "100 Calories" snack packs. True said! So I check them out - each little package inside (there are 5 in the box) are 2 pts. So I get my crispy/salty fix without over eating!! That to me was a huge plus! Yummy good! Yummy, YUMMY good.
Also, WW has a new product called "Melts". These are little hard candies (Cappuccino Cream flavoured) that take away that urge for something sweet. If I were to eat an entire box, it's only 1 point... I opened a box on Saturday, shared with the ladies around me, put the box in my purse and now that box sits on my desk at work - I still have some left. Good investment.
What else did I get new? Hmmm... oh yes. WW Smoothies. Haven't tried them yet so I can't comment. I got the chocolate ones - 1 pt if you mix with water, 3 if you mix with Skim Milk.
This is my 2nd day back at work after the holidays and I've made my lunch both days. Wow, I know.... shocking! I have water in my office, snacks (aka potato chips), and packed healthy lunches - so proud of myself. ha ha. Then, last night for dinner, I cooked chicken cacciatore from the Week 1 booklet. It's delicious and very filling! 8 pts. Fantastic.
I guess the most important thing to know is that I am focused and determined that 2010 is MY year! It was 10 years ago this month that I joined WW in Kingston, ON. I lost 55 pounds at that time. It took me a year and a half to do it, but I did it. I was at my lowest in self esteem when I joined then. My previous marriage was in the toilet and getting sucked down the drain. I felt horrible about myself, my life, my body. It was not a good time.
Losing weight gave me a new confidence - or rather, a renewed confidence. When I was on my own (2001-2003) I felt strong, independent, and beautiful! I remarried in August of 2003 and my husband is a wonderful man - strong, handsome, kind, and loving. He's also a wonderful cook. And.. of course... I like to eat. We're a great combination! :)
All my weight is back on, and then some. My overall self esteem is good. I just don't like the way I look - the way my clothes feel, the way I get tired easily when walking. So, 2010 - ten years later.. it's time to really get serious, and get it off! This is MY year. This is MY decision. This is MY way of getting a new wardrobe!
Happy New Year!
I ended the year over my starting weight from last year. Sad, but true! I got right back at it though, and on Saturday (January 2nd) I weighed in! I was right, I was over. I had not been to WW for the three previous weeks and so I was predicting an increase in weight - I was up 4.4 lbs. But now, I am focused - for real!
I found a few new products that I'd like to tell you about too. For starters, i have a thing for potato chips. Oh the crispy salty delights that they are! Today, I found a box of Ruffles "100 Calories" snack packs. True said! So I check them out - each little package inside (there are 5 in the box) are 2 pts. So I get my crispy/salty fix without over eating!! That to me was a huge plus! Yummy good! Yummy, YUMMY good.
Also, WW has a new product called "Melts". These are little hard candies (Cappuccino Cream flavoured) that take away that urge for something sweet. If I were to eat an entire box, it's only 1 point... I opened a box on Saturday, shared with the ladies around me, put the box in my purse and now that box sits on my desk at work - I still have some left. Good investment.
What else did I get new? Hmmm... oh yes. WW Smoothies. Haven't tried them yet so I can't comment. I got the chocolate ones - 1 pt if you mix with water, 3 if you mix with Skim Milk.
This is my 2nd day back at work after the holidays and I've made my lunch both days. Wow, I know.... shocking! I have water in my office, snacks (aka potato chips), and packed healthy lunches - so proud of myself. ha ha. Then, last night for dinner, I cooked chicken cacciatore from the Week 1 booklet. It's delicious and very filling! 8 pts. Fantastic.
I guess the most important thing to know is that I am focused and determined that 2010 is MY year! It was 10 years ago this month that I joined WW in Kingston, ON. I lost 55 pounds at that time. It took me a year and a half to do it, but I did it. I was at my lowest in self esteem when I joined then. My previous marriage was in the toilet and getting sucked down the drain. I felt horrible about myself, my life, my body. It was not a good time.
Losing weight gave me a new confidence - or rather, a renewed confidence. When I was on my own (2001-2003) I felt strong, independent, and beautiful! I remarried in August of 2003 and my husband is a wonderful man - strong, handsome, kind, and loving. He's also a wonderful cook. And.. of course... I like to eat. We're a great combination! :)
All my weight is back on, and then some. My overall self esteem is good. I just don't like the way I look - the way my clothes feel, the way I get tired easily when walking. So, 2010 - ten years later.. it's time to really get serious, and get it off! This is MY year. This is MY decision. This is MY way of getting a new wardrobe!
Happy New Year!
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