Stressed = Desserts

I always get a laugh when I see that the word "stressed" is "desserts" backwards. It makes me think that someone, somewhere, in the land of creating words and definitions has a sick, sick sense of humor.

I'm not a dessert person, really. I have mentioned before that my weakness is more of the salty snacks, rather than the sweet. At this point, I have a good hold on my salt cravings and rarely give in. Recently, I have been really stressed out. The kind of stressed out that makes my face look like that of my high school students, which only stresses me out more. I typically handle stress pretty well, most the time I don't even realize I'm stressed when others see I am. I believe my attention to detail and my time management abilities reduce a lot of stress I would otherwise experience.
All week I have had a craving for cake. It is really strange and I almost laugh at the craving because I know although I crave it, that does not mean I'll eat it. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't really even like cake. Frosting hurts my teeth in a wicked way. It is just a weird craving. Yesterday at work (student teaching), we celebrated a birthday for a very important person at the school. There was a potluck brunch, no big deal - but then I saw that beautiful cake! Funny thing was, as soon as I saw the cake in all its' frosting glory - I lost my craving. In no way am I saying that I'm superior in that I have the ability for cake to look disgusting after craving it for a week, it was just a strange feeling. And it is not to say I don't give into other cravings. After being sick and barely eating for four days (lost 3.2 lbs), I craved nothing more than a gyro and fries once my appetite returned. And you can bet I ate that gyro and fries. I worked really hard that week to maintain the 3.2 lbs loss from being ill and luckily I had.

Back to handling stress....

On one hand, I am glad that when I am stressed, I'm not an eater. On the other hand, I become a very quiet, secluded person, which is just as bad. I don't want to do anything, have any conversation with anyone and just be under my covers alone. Last night, Kristian suggested that I go to my favorite pub, have a few drinks and sing some songs since it was karaoke night. I was still in my "mood" and could not make a decision which I also don't like. Indecisiveness is just not me. I made the decision to get out for a few hours and I think it's just what I needed. I had not been out in quite a while and karaoke always makes me happy, I received a ton of compliments from some of the regulars I had not seen in a while, and I even danced in some activity points. One friend told me to "go eat a pork chop or something." While I know I'm not at goal yet and I'm at the very top of my healthy weight guideline, I never imagined I would be in a conversation where someone is telling me it looks like I need a little food in my belly. It's a good feeling.

With all that being said, I am back to my regular, happy, chipper self today. I begin some personal training today to tone my newly defined abs and arms to be ready for swimsuit season. I think that is just what I need to shed these last 10 lbs or so and hit goal. Oh, I also have a phone interview with Weight Watchers in two weeks, to hopefully become a leader of my own meetings. I am so excited to being that new journey.

Until then, I'll leave you with this.

"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety."

Finding the Silver Lining

By now I'm sure you know I did not get the commercial. I was disappointed and sad by the phone call from New York saying I was not chosen this time around, but the experience was one that not many get to do. Like I said before I knew my fate, I have worked extremely hard the past year on my weight loss journey and to some, 50-60 pounds to lose is not much to recognize, but until you have done it, it is so much harder than you think. 

I am one to always find the silver lining. I always think there are reasons why something happens or does not happen. During the time I was to be in California, Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, putting California until Tsunami warnings. Fortunately, California was spared damages, unlike Japan, but I found this to possibly be a reason why it was not my time to be in California. 

I also have not written lately because I have been uber sick for the past week with an upper respiratory infection. I could barely talk without coughing and the coughing began to hurt my body so bad I was physically exhausted, even after taking multiple naps throughout the day. I also had no appetite. 

Silver lining...?

I went to my weigh-in Monday night, just to weigh-in and leave and I had lost 3.2lbs. That's about unheard of at this stage in the game and so close to my goal. Now to keep that off for the next weigh-in. I know I may gain a little of it back, that happens when you go from eating next to nothing to your regular daily points again, but certainly not all 3.2 lbs of it. 

So this put me at 132.4 lbs. That's only .4 lbs until medically I'm not considered overweight anymore. 

It's time I start thinking harder about my goal weight and what I can maintain. 116 lbs might be a bit too thin, that was my original goal. I also need to make sure it is something I can maintain for the rest of my life. For anyone who thinks Weight Watchers ends when you hit your goal weight, you are mistaken. Those are the people who put it all back on. This is a lifelong journey and I intend to see it through until the last day.

Commercial Update

As many of you know, I applied about a month ago to be looked upon for the next Weight Watchers commercial. Everything has happened so quickly since sending in my application, when a week later the casting company called me for an interview later that week!

I had my first interview last Thursday. It was a web conference because the casting company is in New York City. When I got to my interview and was connected via web cams to the casting director, I was more than excited to introduce myself to her. There were basic questions; what's your name? Tell me a little bit about you. I told her how I am a special education teacher, I love to sing karaoke, I've lost 53 (well, now 54) pounds on Weight Watchers, etc. Then she went in to asking me questions specific to Weight Watchers. How do PlusPoints fit into your daily schedule? (How doesn't it?) What is your favorite part of the new PlusPoints system? Do you utilize eTools?

It was all cookie cutter kinds of questions that I was more than able to reply to. After all, I've never believed in a program so much and there isn't anyone this program is not for! Whether it 100lbs or 10lbs you want to lose, Weight Watchers is the way to go, so it made it easy to talk so positively about the program. At the end of the interview she asked me if there was anything else I'd like to add for the director/producer to see. Surprisingly, I got a bit emotional. I explained that I have worked extremely hard in the past year and I've truly made this a lifestyle and so many thing have changed for the better in the past year, a lot because of Weight Watchers. I explained how I gained my confidence back and how I believe I truly do deserve this opportunity. If you know me, I'm not much of a crier, but the water works made an appearance. Honestly, thinking about it I think it's silly how I was so emotional, but really, it IS an emotional journey and unless you've made the changes and have the sense of control over your own life, it's hard to understand.

Luckily, they must have loved my emotion because Friday (day after interview), I was called in for a second interview the follow Monday.

As luck would have it, I was sicker than a dog on Monday, but as they say, "the show must go on."

It was a much shorter interview. She asked for a recap of who I am, what I like to do and my weight loss journey in a nutshell. Then asked me to add anything else I've thought of since my first interview. I added that I think I would be marketing to a different demographic. Typically when I think of Weight Watchers, I think of older people. Maybe women with multiple kids, little time for the gym or even older than that. I've opened up the option of Weight Watchers to many of my friends even younger than I, and I think it's a great chance for us younger ones to get a good control on our weight before it becomes more difficult.

So, two interviews down. Next step is filming. I will find out tomorrow if I am chosen to be flown to Los Angeles (March 8-14th). I could technically still end up on the editing room floor at the end of filming, but quite frankly, getting this opportunity would be enough. I would still get paid for every day I am there ($550/day) but if I do get on air then it's much more, or so they tell me.

Regardless of what happens, I've thought about both interviews and what I've said and there is nothing I would have said differently, added, or not said at all. I can honestly say I am very happy with how I presented myself and I can only pray that they are too. If I get the call tomorrow that I did not make it through to the filming, I will be no doubt disappointed, but I will remain proud of the accomplishments I've made. I have obviously done enough right to be recognized so strongly. I've gained a lot of supported and have inspired others. That is reward enough.

That being said, I do hope I get a call tomorrow telling me to pack my bags. :-)

Hard Work Pays Off

About two weeks ago my Weight Watcher leader, Jennifer, posted on Facebook a link to fill out an application to be in the next Weight Watchers commercial. Naturally, if you know me, I filled it out right away. I've always loved being in front of the camera, ever since I was little.

I didn't think much of it. Really, I just filled it out, told my story of my successes and setbacks and when they received my online application they emailed asking for my documentation (weigh-ins). Right away I went to the library and made copies and set it right over.

This morning, as I was waiting in the Starbucks drive-thru (Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte, please!), my cell phone rang. I answered, although typically wouldn't when it's clearly an out-of-state number, and the nice lady on the other end stated she was from Weight Watchers. In my head I thought, "NO WAY!"

So, here is the deal:

This week, Weight Watchers will set up a time and place for me to go do a preliminary web conference/interview. If I "pass" this preliminary, I go on to a second interview with the Producer I believe, next week. Assuming I "pass" that interview, Weight Watchers will fly me out to L.A. March 6th-12th for filming. There is still a chance then, that I may not end up on TV but on the editing room floor. However, I will still be paid about $550 per day while I'm there filming. According to the nice lady on the phone, IF I do get aired, that's where the "boo-coo bucks" come in.

Honestly, just the experience of doing this is enough. I have worked so hard in the past year and I know I deserve this. Please keep me in your prayers and your thoughts. I hate to be so excited for this and it not go through to the end, however, I do keep in mind that I have obviously done something right to have them look so closely at me for their commercial.

It's taken a long time to get here. But it was definitely worth the hard work and time I've put in.

First Time For Everything

For the first time since being a Weight Watcher, I used just about all of my extra weekly points. I have never done this before. If you are not a WW, I will explain...see, you get a Daily PlusPoint Value, mine is 29. And then you get 49 Extra Weekly PlusPoints so that you don't feel like you are depriving yourself. A lot of people use these Extra WPP to enjoy a dinner out with friends or a few glasses of wine or what have you. I rarely ever touch my Extra WPP and if I do it is only just a few.

This week, I've pretty much used them up. There was Valentine's Day where we had a heart-shaped pizza with a bottle of red wine. I had lunch with my Aunt and dinner with my Grandparents this week, although I do believe I did really well one both occasions. Last night, we went on a date to a new restaurant in town and for only the second time on WW, I ate a burger. I had them keep the mayo off and it had the regular good stuff like lettuce and tomato plus avocado but it also had cheese on it. Not to mention I haven't eaten a regular hamburger bun in months.

A few weeks ago at my WW meeting we talked about using your WPP and how they make you feel if you use them. I raised my hand when my leader asked if you felt like you were cheating. I always feel like I'm cheating when I'm using them because I know I don't need them to be satisfied. I get everything I want/need within my 29 DPP. I wanted to try using them though, so my burger last night was half a conscious decision and half impulse. I will say it made my stomach hurt after I ate it. I don't know if it is because I haven't eaten much red meat lately or because it's a greasy burger.

I guess I will see on the scale tomorrow how using my Extra WPP effects me. I really don't think they are for me, but I wanted to give them a fair chance. I do, however, feel like I've cheated on my regular plan and I have no doubt that tomorrow will show a gain. Because I decided to try this, I'm okay with a gain.

On a lighter note - I bought new pants today. Size 5 and they are slightly loose. I can't remember the last time I was in a size 5 and they were loose. It's an amazing feeling. Since I'm almost done with losing my weight, I'm hoping I'll be in a 3 or 4 in the end. I also had my chest resized. I've lost two cup sizes since starting, going from a DD to a C cup. Definitely more manageable now and I can wear tank tops without pouring out of them or showing much cleavage. It's fantastic! I'm just about ready for bathing suit shopping which is something I do every year but I'm especially excited for this year.

If you have tomorrow off of work for Presidents' Day (I DO!) enjoy your time off. I plan on getting in some activity points, that's for sure!

Valentine's Day

A lot of people I've talked to in the days leading up to Valentine's Day, who are always watching their waistline, refer to Valentine's Day as the Valentine's Day Massacre...of their waistline. First off, it's only one day...have a few chocolates! Why not!? Luckily, I don't really enjoy chocolate much and my husband knows not to buy me candy. I'm just not a sweets eater. 

But don't get me wrong, I'm definitely splurging a little tonight. It just so happens that Valentine's Day also falls on my weight-in day, so we typically don't eat dinner until after I get back from my meeting which is around 7:45pm. If you know us, you know that is really late for dinner. We typically eat dinner between 5-5:30pm. During the day, it's become my habit that I don't eat as much as I would, call it scale superstition.  So Monday nights we get to eat a little larger meal than we would any other day. Since it's Valentine's Day and 7:45pm is much too late to go out for dinner (considering I'm in bed by 9pm), we have decided to get a Take N' Bake pizza from Papa Murphy's. They are having a Valentine's Day special on heart shaped pepperoni pizzas. We will also enjoy a bottle of wine. Do I expect to go over my daily points? Absolutely. I'm entirely okay with that too. I may just bump up my activity this week to make up for some of my points. 

So don't deprive yourself of the chocolate or whatever it is you look forward to on Valentine's Day. Treat yourself! One day of a little indulgence is not going to make you a failure. 

525,960 Minutes

31,556,926 Seconds

365 Days

This is how long, as of today, I've been a Weight Watcher! Yes, today is my one year anniversary. 

A lot has happened in the past year since joining Weight Watchers, besides losing weight. I've changed a lot about myself; habits and such. I have new friends, I've rid myself of friends who really weren't friends at all, and most importantly, I've reconnected with an old friend, very special and dear to my heart. I've started my senior year in college. I've built a new resume. I've helped others begin their weight loss journey. 

That's a lot of stuff in just one year. 

I think back to one year ago today when I joined. I remember going all by myself to the meeting location. Super nervous but excited because I wanted to make new friends who were on the same journey as I. I remember walking in to the meeting and first being introduced to who was to be my spunky, excited leader! Gosh, I remember how difficult it was the first week. I expressed at my first meeting how I've heard it's easy to track points but felt overwhelmed and thought it would be difficult. That first week, tracking wasn't the difficult part...eating less was the difficult part! I tracked like no one has ever tracked before and luckily I started a great habit...write it before I bite it! I remember how hungry I was but stuck to it no matter what. It didn't take long to realize that although I ate healthy, I ate far more than one person needs to function. 

I remember how supportive Kristian was (is) and how he tried every new recipe I made and encouraged me daily. Ugh, I also remember how that first weekend was the annual Mardi Gras party at a family friends' house and how nervous I was to be around alcohol and crab cakes! 

Then I remember my first weigh-in. I gained. GAINED! I couldn't hardly believe it. How discouraging, after 7 full days of eating so much less than I was use to, probably cutting my calories in half but to a health amount. I gained! My peers among me assured me that it happens. That my body was not use to getting so fewer calories and that I was holding on to those calories instead of using them for energy because my body thought it would not receive any more. Luckily I listened because my second week I lost 5.8 lbs. Talk about motivation!

Week 11 started an amazing trend. By then I had already lost 20.4 lbs but for the next 10 weeks, I continuously lost, averaging a pound each week to by down 30.6 lbs until week 21 when I gained .2 lb. That's hard. Doing so well and being on this amazing upwards trend...then you ruin it. It takes a toll on your heart. From there on it was up and down...lose for two or three weeks in a row, gain one week, lose it plus some the next week. 

 I've lost 10 of these. 

Then week 41 rolls around. Introduction to the new Points Plus program. I had just lost 43.2 lbs on Momentum and now they go and switch it up on me!? However, I was very excited for the new change, unlike a lot of others I spoke too. I knew that a change would be good, kind of a jump start for all our bodies.  I jumped right into the new program. It was a tough switch, more daily points was great but all the foods I had learned to love were also higher points. I had to start substituting certain things, like bread for instance. I use to buy whole wheat bread but now I buy 7 Grain Deli Flats and use those in lieu of bread in every situation. I was right though, it was a jump start. I had lost 2.2 lbs that first week and at week 42, anything over a pound is something to celebrate! Thankfully, Points Plus took my to my 50 lb loss and I love the new program. 

I look forward to the next year. I know there were be more victories, but also more setbacks. I look forward to hitting my goal weight this year. I look forward bathing suit shopping for the summer and having the confidence to wear it, not to mention all the other cute summer trends! I look forward to graduating and starting a career in the fall as a special education teacher. And the whole reason I wanted to lose weight was to be healthy when we decided it's time to start a family...so who knows if that will be in the next year or not, but physically I will be ready to start our family this year.