- Mon - 112 mins
- Tues - 70 mins
- Wed - 92 mins
- Thurs - 92 mins
lapband bandster fill
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Nada...
That's seriously what I have at the moment. Just been a week of gym, work, sleep. Oh, and don't forget the crabbiness. I do like Halloween though and will be dressing up and going out with friends. Looking forward to it and hope that we all have some fun acting stupid. Can't remember last exercise post, so here's the week so far...
lapband bandster fill
lapband bandster fill
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tight Tight TIGHT!!!
Enjoy the flurry of recipes from Weight Watchers. They sound pretty good to me and I plan on trying some of them out. That won't be until I am not so tight though. As usual - miserable. TTOTM I am always tighter, but sometimes I am really tight. This stupid time it is one of those really tight times. UGH! And to top that off, I'm not very hungry. Some might consider this a good thing, but I am a big believer in keeping fuel in your system - just not a lot of it! (It stalls my weight loss.) So, I have been trying to come up with things that 1 - sound good to eat and 2 - won't cause me a bunch of pain.
All I can say is: UGH, UGH, UGH!
Exercise today: 70 mins
lapband bandster fill
All I can say is: UGH, UGH, UGH!
Exercise today: 70 mins
lapband bandster fill
Tex-Mex Rice and Bean Casserole - 4 WW pts
POINTS® Value: 4
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 40 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Creamy, cheesy Mexican food is irresistible. This one-dish casserole is a vegetarian feast.
Ingredients
* 1 spray(s) cooking spray
* 1 cup(s) canned yellow corn, drained, or frozen, thawed corn kernels
* 1 tbsp canned green chili peppers, chopped, mild or hot
* 15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 cup(s) cooked brown rice, fresh or day old
* 3/4 cup(s) shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
* 3/4 cup(s) fat-free sour cream
* 1/4 tsp chili powder
* 1/4 tsp table salt
* 1/8 tsp black pepper
* 2 tbsp scallion(s), chopped (dark green part only)
* 2 tbsp shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
Instructions
* Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 2-quart glass baking dish with cooking spray.
* In a large bowl, combine corn, chilies, beans, rice, 3/4 cup of cheese, sour cream, chili powder, salt and pepper; stir in scallions.
* Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and casserole is slightly bubbly, about 10 minutes more. Let stand for 5 minutes to firm up before slicing into 6 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Notes
* Change the beans or cheese to your liking: white or black beans, reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses all work well.
If you want to brown the cheese more, place the dish (make sure it's broiler safe) under the broiler for a minute or two.
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 40 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Creamy, cheesy Mexican food is irresistible. This one-dish casserole is a vegetarian feast.
Ingredients
* 1 spray(s) cooking spray
* 1 cup(s) canned yellow corn, drained, or frozen, thawed corn kernels
* 1 tbsp canned green chili peppers, chopped, mild or hot
* 15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 cup(s) cooked brown rice, fresh or day old
* 3/4 cup(s) shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
* 3/4 cup(s) fat-free sour cream
* 1/4 tsp chili powder
* 1/4 tsp table salt
* 1/8 tsp black pepper
* 2 tbsp scallion(s), chopped (dark green part only)
* 2 tbsp shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
Instructions
* Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 2-quart glass baking dish with cooking spray.
* In a large bowl, combine corn, chilies, beans, rice, 3/4 cup of cheese, sour cream, chili powder, salt and pepper; stir in scallions.
* Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and casserole is slightly bubbly, about 10 minutes more. Let stand for 5 minutes to firm up before slicing into 6 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Notes
* Change the beans or cheese to your liking: white or black beans, reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses all work well.
If you want to brown the cheese more, place the dish (make sure it's broiler safe) under the broiler for a minute or two.
Grilled Portobellos with Garlicky Herbed Bean Salad - 5 WW pts
POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 25 min
Cooking Time: 21 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
This nutrient-packed meal is really filling. Vary the types of beans each time you make it: Great Northern, flageolet, navy and pinto are all tasty.
Ingredients
* 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
* 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* 4 large portobello mushroom(s), remove, mince and reserve stems
* 1/2 medium sweet red pepper(s)
* 1/2 medium yellow pepper(s)
* 1 spray(s) cooking spray
* 1 1/2 cup(s) canned white beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
* 3 medium garlic clove(s), finely minced (or to taste)
* 3 medium scallion(s), chopped
* 1 large tomato(es), seeded and chopped
* 1 tsp fresh sage, or rosemary, finely chopped
* 1 tsp table salt
* 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
* Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium.
* Combine 1 tablespoon of oil and vinegar in a cup; brush mixture over top of mushroom caps and let sit 5 to 10 minutes to release juices.
* Grill mushrooms, stem side down, brushing with any extra oil mixture/juices, until slightly tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn mushrooms over and grill until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes more.
* Meanwhile, lightly coat pepper halves with cooking spray; grill, skin-side down, until skin starts to blister, about 3 to 5 minutes; coarsely chop peppers.
* Place peppers in a medium bowl. Add beans, minced mushroom stems, remaining tablespoon of oil, lemon juice, garlic, scallions, tomato, sage, salt and black pepper; toss well to coat.
* Reduce grill heat to low or move mushrooms to a higher rack level. Spoon vegetable mixture into mushroom caps. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Yields 1 filled mushroom per serving.
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 25 min
Cooking Time: 21 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
This nutrient-packed meal is really filling. Vary the types of beans each time you make it: Great Northern, flageolet, navy and pinto are all tasty.
Ingredients
* 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
* 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* 4 large portobello mushroom(s), remove, mince and reserve stems
* 1/2 medium sweet red pepper(s)
* 1/2 medium yellow pepper(s)
* 1 spray(s) cooking spray
* 1 1/2 cup(s) canned white beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
* 3 medium garlic clove(s), finely minced (or to taste)
* 3 medium scallion(s), chopped
* 1 large tomato(es), seeded and chopped
* 1 tsp fresh sage, or rosemary, finely chopped
* 1 tsp table salt
* 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
* Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium.
* Combine 1 tablespoon of oil and vinegar in a cup; brush mixture over top of mushroom caps and let sit 5 to 10 minutes to release juices.
* Grill mushrooms, stem side down, brushing with any extra oil mixture/juices, until slightly tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn mushrooms over and grill until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes more.
* Meanwhile, lightly coat pepper halves with cooking spray; grill, skin-side down, until skin starts to blister, about 3 to 5 minutes; coarsely chop peppers.
* Place peppers in a medium bowl. Add beans, minced mushroom stems, remaining tablespoon of oil, lemon juice, garlic, scallions, tomato, sage, salt and black pepper; toss well to coat.
* Reduce grill heat to low or move mushrooms to a higher rack level. Spoon vegetable mixture into mushroom caps. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Yields 1 filled mushroom per serving.
Greek-Style Spaghetti Squash - 3 WW pts
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
In addition to being a great side dish for chicken or fish, this combo of feta, chickpeas, sautéed scallions and spaghetti squash also makes a fantastic vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
* 2 pound(s) raw spaghetti squash
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1/2 cup(s) scallion(s), sliced
* 2 tsp minced garlic
* 14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup(s) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp lemon zest, freshly grated
* 1/4 tsp table salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1/4 cup(s) dill, or mint, fresh, chopped
* 1/4 cup(s) pot cheese, or fat-free crumbled feta
Instructions
* Pierce squash with a fork in several places; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high, turning squash over every 3 minutes, until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes; let stand 5 minutes. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds. (Or to bake squash, preheat oven to 350ºF. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in a large baking dish and prick skin all over with a fork. Bake until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.)
* Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add scallions and garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, oregano, lemon zest, salt and pepper; increase heat to high and bring to a slow boil.
* Using a fork, scrape strands of squash into skillet with tomato-chickpea mixture. Cook, stirring, until squash strands are well coated; remove from heat and stir in dill or mint. Top each serving with cheese. Yields about 1 cup of squash mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese per serving.
Notes
* Add a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
In addition to being a great side dish for chicken or fish, this combo of feta, chickpeas, sautéed scallions and spaghetti squash also makes a fantastic vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
* 2 pound(s) raw spaghetti squash
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1/2 cup(s) scallion(s), sliced
* 2 tsp minced garlic
* 14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup(s) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp lemon zest, freshly grated
* 1/4 tsp table salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1/4 cup(s) dill, or mint, fresh, chopped
* 1/4 cup(s) pot cheese, or fat-free crumbled feta
Instructions
* Pierce squash with a fork in several places; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high, turning squash over every 3 minutes, until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes; let stand 5 minutes. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds. (Or to bake squash, preheat oven to 350ºF. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in a large baking dish and prick skin all over with a fork. Bake until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.)
* Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add scallions and garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, oregano, lemon zest, salt and pepper; increase heat to high and bring to a slow boil.
* Using a fork, scrape strands of squash into skillet with tomato-chickpea mixture. Cook, stirring, until squash strands are well coated; remove from heat and stir in dill or mint. Top each serving with cheese. Yields about 1 cup of squash mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese per serving.
Notes
* Add a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Chowder - 3 WW pts
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
We wrap up Vegetarian Week with our hearty chowder. It's packed with vegetables and TVP (textured vegetable protein) but even carnivores will love it.
Ingredients
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1 cup(s) onion(s), diced
* 3/4 cup(s) carrot(s), diced
* 1/2 cup(s) celery, diced
* 4 cup(s) vegetable broth
* 28 oz canned tomatoes, diced, in juice, undrained
* 15 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 3 tsp minced garlic
* 1/4 tsp dried thyme
* 1 cup(s) kale, frozen, chopped
* 1 cup(s) frozen cut green beans
* 1/2 tsp table salt
* 1 cup(s) dry textured vegetable protein, granules (TVP)
* 1 tsp fennel seed
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
* Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, carrots and celery. Saute 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add broth, tomatoes and juice, beans, TVP, garlic, fennel and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes.
* Stir in kale, green beans, salt and pepper. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until vegetables and TVP are tender. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving. (Note: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future consumption.)
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
We wrap up Vegetarian Week with our hearty chowder. It's packed with vegetables and TVP (textured vegetable protein) but even carnivores will love it.
Ingredients
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1 cup(s) onion(s), diced
* 3/4 cup(s) carrot(s), diced
* 1/2 cup(s) celery, diced
* 4 cup(s) vegetable broth
* 28 oz canned tomatoes, diced, in juice, undrained
* 15 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 3 tsp minced garlic
* 1/4 tsp dried thyme
* 1 cup(s) kale, frozen, chopped
* 1 cup(s) frozen cut green beans
* 1/2 tsp table salt
* 1 cup(s) dry textured vegetable protein, granules (TVP)
* 1 tsp fennel seed
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
* Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, carrots and celery. Saute 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add broth, tomatoes and juice, beans, TVP, garlic, fennel and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes.
* Stir in kale, green beans, salt and pepper. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until vegetables and TVP are tender. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving. (Note: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future consumption.)
Provencal-Style Fish Stew - 3 WW pts
POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 8 min
Cooking Time: 13 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
This French-inspired stew is so flavorful, it's hard to believe it's made mostly from canned goods. Use frozen chopped onions to streamline the process even more.
Ingredients
* 15 oz canned chicken broth, divided
* 1 large onion(s), chopped
* 15 oz canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 6 oz water-packed tuna fish, drained, flaked with a fork
* 15 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1/4 tsp dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp table salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1/4 cup(s) basil, fresh, chopped
Instructions
* In a medium pot, heat 1/4 cup of broth over medium-high heat; add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
* Add beans, tuna, tomatoes and oregano; stir in remaining broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and basil; simmer for 1 minute more. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.
Notes
* If you can't find fresh basil, substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh, flat-leaf parsley in its place.
Rouille sauce, a garlicky condiment that tops French bouillabaisse, is a delicious optional topping for this stew. For a quick version, blend together 1 slice of French bread (torn into pieces), 1 garlic clove, 2 roasted red peppers (from a water-packed jar), 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne and 1 tablespoon of chicken broth (or enough broth to make a sauce). Add a dollop to each serving of stew (adds 0 POINTS values per serving).
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 8 min
Cooking Time: 13 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
This French-inspired stew is so flavorful, it's hard to believe it's made mostly from canned goods. Use frozen chopped onions to streamline the process even more.
Ingredients
* 15 oz canned chicken broth, divided
* 1 large onion(s), chopped
* 15 oz canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 6 oz water-packed tuna fish, drained, flaked with a fork
* 15 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1/4 tsp dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp table salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1/4 cup(s) basil, fresh, chopped
Instructions
* In a medium pot, heat 1/4 cup of broth over medium-high heat; add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
* Add beans, tuna, tomatoes and oregano; stir in remaining broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and basil; simmer for 1 minute more. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.
Notes
* If you can't find fresh basil, substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh, flat-leaf parsley in its place.
Rouille sauce, a garlicky condiment that tops French bouillabaisse, is a delicious optional topping for this stew. For a quick version, blend together 1 slice of French bread (torn into pieces), 1 garlic clove, 2 roasted red peppers (from a water-packed jar), 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne and 1 tablespoon of chicken broth (or enough broth to make a sauce). Add a dollop to each serving of stew (adds 0 POINTS values per serving).
Monday, October 27, 2008
Komen and Weigh In
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I participate in the local Komen race and raise money to hopefully find a cure. Well, the cool people at Lean Cuisine have a really neat deal. For essentially 10 bucks you get a cool lunch bag and 5 bucks goes to Komen. I ordered the block pattern one. Go check it out here.
Weigh In
Well I was right dang it! I didn't gain, but just stayed the same this week. Honestly it is a bit strange when I look at everything in total, but maybe it has something to do with TTOTM. I'll just keep plugging away and see what happens next week. And remember when I said in my last post that I would be happy if I remained the same? Well, I lied! ;-P
- Week 1 - 8/19 - 155.5 lbs - DOWN 3 lbs (My body was in shock. Let's be real. First week, I always see something)
- Week 2 - 8/26 - 156 lbs - UP .5 lb
- Week 3 - 9/2 - 155.5 lbs - DOWN .5 lb (notice same .5)
- Week 4 - 9/9 - 155.5 lbs - SAME (drastic measures called for. switch weigh in day.)
- Week 5 (Switch to Mondays) - 9/15 - 153 lbs - DOWN 2.5 lbs
- Week 6 - 9/22 - 151. 5 lbs - DOWN 2 lbs
- Week 7 - 9/29 - 147.5 lbs - DOWN 4 lbs
- Week 8 - 10/6 - 150.5 lbs - UP 3 lbs
- Week 9 - 10/13 - 146 lbs - DOWN 4.5 lbs
- Week 10 - 10/20 - 145.5 lbs - DOWN .5 lbs
- Week 11 - 10/27 - 145.5 lbs - SAME
lapband bandster fill
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Stolen Base = FREE Taco
Get your FREE taco people! Any World Series game that has a base officially stolen means that Taco Bell will give anyone that comes in on a certain day during a window of time a FREE taco. Last night it happened and Tuesday is the day. This promotion will continue throughout the World Series. Pretty cool, huh?
Exercise was excellent this week. Here's the stats:
- Mon - 70 mins
- Tues - 70 mins / 65 mins
- Wed - 75 mins
- Thurs - 70 mins / 30 min walk at lunch
- Fri - 110 mins
- Sat - 120 mins
- Sun - OFF
It is getting close to TTOTM and I am feeling tight today. It has been hard to eat and honestly I just don't feel like it. That's what happens to me - the week before - eat like a pig. The week of - don't like to eat which works out well since my band always gets tighter at this time.
lapband bandster fill
Friday, October 24, 2008
Stand Up Straight!
Remember how your mom used to tell you that? Well, as with a lotta things, my dang mom was right! And this is most important at the gym. As you know, I'm a fan of the elliptical and treadmill on an incline to manage my knee problems. I just have to have a little-itty-bitty rant about how good posture is important.
Good posture will give you a good workout and use the muscles that are intended to be worked out while ensuring others are not being pulled and strained in a way they shouldn't be. Do not hunch over people! I cannot tell you how many people I have seen do this. It isn't good for you and honestly you aren't getting as much out of your workout as you could be.
So, what's the correct posture? Again, not a doctor or a trainer, but here's my thoughts for the elliptical: stand up straight (back straight) with your shoulders back. Pretty much everything else will align where it is supposed to when you do this. Keep in mind your core and tighten your abs. You do this during your workout and those places that the machine says are supposed to be working out (some combination of hams, quads, butt, and calves) will be worked out and I bet you feel it.
Whew - I feel better now! :-) I haven't worked out yet today. Yesterday gym: 70 mins.
Good posture will give you a good workout and use the muscles that are intended to be worked out while ensuring others are not being pulled and strained in a way they shouldn't be. Do not hunch over people! I cannot tell you how many people I have seen do this. It isn't good for you and honestly you aren't getting as much out of your workout as you could be.
So, what's the correct posture? Again, not a doctor or a trainer, but here's my thoughts for the elliptical: stand up straight (back straight) with your shoulders back. Pretty much everything else will align where it is supposed to when you do this. Keep in mind your core and tighten your abs. You do this during your workout and those places that the machine says are supposed to be working out (some combination of hams, quads, butt, and calves) will be worked out and I bet you feel it.
Whew - I feel better now! :-) I haven't worked out yet today. Yesterday gym: 70 mins.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Jell-O is My Friend
When I am convinced I am hungry, but it is too early to eat - or I've already had a snack - I pull out my trusty friend - Sugar Free Jell-O and eat one of those. I like all the flavors and keep them on hand at all times. Gotta love a snack that kinda fills you up and only has 10 calories!My other favorite is the Sugar Free Jell-O pudding. When I am looking for something creamy and a treat, I have one of these pud
dings. A surprising favorite flavor of mine is the dulce de leche. My friend convinced me to try it and it was a definite good call. (It does taste a bit artificial though, so you have been warned!)I thought I might go to the gym for a second time today, but realized my legs were a little sore and I was over doing it. So instead I am blogging about Jell-O. Go figure!
Btw - the Jell-O is free Weight Watcher wise. The pudding is 1 pt.
Exercise today: 75 mins
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Me and My Phone
OK, I am convinced. I have a problem with my mobile phone. My name is Fluffy and I am a mobile-phone-aholic. Here's the story. I decided to go to the gym and get on the treadmill to watch half of Biggest Loser. Great idea, right? I get to the gym and looked around for my phone. (I text like a tween - about 5,000 a month - yes, seriously. And, I'm old!) Couldn't find it and seriously almost considered driving HOME to get it. That is seriously sick! I was planning on being at the gym for about an hour and I can't be without my phone? Seriously, I need a program...
Exercise so far this week...
Monday - 70 mins
Tuesday - 70 mins morning / 65 mins evening
Monday, October 20, 2008
Comment Responses and Weigh In...
Deb - Please let me know if you have any questions. I strongly believe that there is no such thing as a stupid one. Getting banded is a big decision. Good luck with the doc in November.
Kathleen - First, congratulations on the 150 lbs you lost!
I was actually totally average/normal whatever you want to call it as a child. Had some challenges (minor) in high school, but related to a move in schools. In fact, I had stayed thin throughout my twenties as well. The problems started in my 30's and battling severe depression. I found that if I have a picture taken that I can see my 'real' size. It is very bizarre and the other day I didn't recognize myself in a picture. Like you said, I might never get over it.
Your comments on vanity sizing were so interesting that I am going to post them here...
You're friend is right and there is no such thing as vanity sizing. In a nutshell, designers size their garments to their demography. Contrary to popular opinion, wealthy people are thinner. Therefore, expensive designer apparel is sized smaller ("true to size") than inexpensive items. Even a designer sizes differently according to each of their labels. Ex, Ralph Lauren puts out 7 different lines, each priced to a different demography. His high end purple label is sized at least two sizes smaller than his lowest end line of tees and hoodies. There's more info here if you're interested.
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/the_myth_of_vanity_sizing/
There's links at close to more entries in the series. Btw, I'm a pattern maker in the apparel industry but I'm no apologist, the industry is guilty of many sins but vanity sizing isn't one of them.
First, I've never *met* a pattern maker. That is seriously cool! The information you shared is extremely interesting! Thank-you for sharing it with me. I am going to check out the link you provided as well, but haven't had a chance to do so yet.
WEIGH IN
Yippeeee! A small loss, but still a loss. Wondering if it might have been a bit more considering my exercise for the week, but had sushi (look out soy sauce!) last night. Note to self: Having a salt-fest the night before you weigh in is probably not a good idea.
I think this is a very good week for exercise!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Kathleen - First, congratulations on the 150 lbs you lost!
I was actually totally average/normal whatever you want to call it as a child. Had some challenges (minor) in high school, but related to a move in schools. In fact, I had stayed thin throughout my twenties as well. The problems started in my 30's and battling severe depression. I found that if I have a picture taken that I can see my 'real' size. It is very bizarre and the other day I didn't recognize myself in a picture. Like you said, I might never get over it.
Your comments on vanity sizing were so interesting that I am going to post them here...
You're friend is right and there is no such thing as vanity sizing. In a nutshell, designers size their garments to their demography. Contrary to popular opinion, wealthy people are thinner. Therefore, expensive designer apparel is sized smaller ("true to size") than inexpensive items. Even a designer sizes differently according to each of their labels. Ex, Ralph Lauren puts out 7 different lines, each priced to a different demography. His high end purple label is sized at least two sizes smaller than his lowest end line of tees and hoodies. There's more info here if you're interested.
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/the_myth_of_vanity_sizing/
There's links at close to more entries in the series. Btw, I'm a pattern maker in the apparel industry but I'm no apologist, the industry is guilty of many sins but vanity sizing isn't one of them.
First, I've never *met* a pattern maker. That is seriously cool! The information you shared is extremely interesting! Thank-you for sharing it with me. I am going to check out the link you provided as well, but haven't had a chance to do so yet.
WEIGH IN
Yippeeee! A small loss, but still a loss. Wondering if it might have been a bit more considering my exercise for the week, but had sushi (look out soy sauce!) last night. Note to self: Having a salt-fest the night before you weigh in is probably not a good idea.
- Week 1 - 8/19 - 155.5 lbs - DOWN 3 lbs (My body was in shock. Let's be real. First week, I always see something)
- Week 2 - 8/26 - 156 lbs - UP .5 lb
- Week 3 - 9/2 - 155.5 lbs - DOWN .5 lb (notice same .5)
- Week 4 - 9/9 - 155.5 lbs - SAME (drastic measures called for. switch weigh in day.)
- Week 5 (Switch to Mondays) - 9/15 - 153 lbs - DOWN 2.5 lbs
- Week 6 - 9/22 - 151. 5 lbs - DOWN 2 lbs
- Week 7 - 9/29 - 147.5 lbs - DOWN 4 lbs
- Week 8 - 10/6 - 150.5 lbs - UP 3 lbs
- Week 9 - 10/13 - 146 lbs - DOWN 4.5 lbs
- Week 10 - 10/20 - 145.5 lbs - DOWN .5 lbs
I think this is a very good week for exercise!
- Mon - 80 mins
- Tues - 70 mins
- Wed - 70 mins
- Thurs - 70 mins
- Fri - 70 mins
- Sat - Komen 5K
- Sun - 110 mins - **OK, yes this is a little excessive. I did my normal workout and the football game was on. I figured rather than going home and putting my ass on the couch that I might as well just walk the treadmill on an incline. So that's what I did.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Clothes...
Well, when I had regained this bit of weight - I had complained about my clothes not fitting. I now have the same frickin' problem! My clothes are now too big. I am still 3 lbs from my lowest weight since banding, but I'm smaller. All the working out is doing some magic!
This would not be so bad, but I'm between sizes it seems. An 8 is too big and for me a 6 is too tight. My friend totally disagrees and she says I wear my clothes too loose and that the 6 actually fits. With the economy the way it is, clothes are all on sale. I ended up getting 3 pairs of slacks (nice ones and size 6) for under 75 bucks.
Funny thing is that I don't feel that small, but I guess people are getting concerned that I am losing too much weight????? I'm tall (5'8") so I guess a 6 is pretty small, but I don't believe these are true size 6 pants. I think it is vanity sizing. My friend pointed out the pants are made by 3 different designers. I don't know. What is my deal?
I'm sure that people reading this might be thinking 'what the hell? get over yourself and shut the hell up'. But I guess I'm concerned. Concerned I don't see myself as I really am and need to figure out how to do that. I still look in the mirror and see a smaller version of the fat person I had become, but still fat. Sounds weird, but I am sure some people can relate to this.
I'm going to have to ponder all of this more. I've been feeling a lot of anxiety as well. Hell, I'm a mess. (Remember - my job also sucks.) Maybe I need to consider going to a counselor for a bit again. Or maybe, I am just stressed, anxious, and in a funk....
Gym: 70 mins
This would not be so bad, but I'm between sizes it seems. An 8 is too big and for me a 6 is too tight. My friend totally disagrees and she says I wear my clothes too loose and that the 6 actually fits. With the economy the way it is, clothes are all on sale. I ended up getting 3 pairs of slacks (nice ones and size 6) for under 75 bucks.
Funny thing is that I don't feel that small, but I guess people are getting concerned that I am losing too much weight????? I'm tall (5'8") so I guess a 6 is pretty small, but I don't believe these are true size 6 pants. I think it is vanity sizing. My friend pointed out the pants are made by 3 different designers. I don't know. What is my deal?
I'm sure that people reading this might be thinking 'what the hell? get over yourself and shut the hell up'. But I guess I'm concerned. Concerned I don't see myself as I really am and need to figure out how to do that. I still look in the mirror and see a smaller version of the fat person I had become, but still fat. Sounds weird, but I am sure some people can relate to this.
I'm going to have to ponder all of this more. I've been feeling a lot of anxiety as well. Hell, I'm a mess. (Remember - my job also sucks.) Maybe I need to consider going to a counselor for a bit again. Or maybe, I am just stressed, anxious, and in a funk....
Gym: 70 mins
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
SHOUT Out!
To my new follower Deb! Seriously, it is nice to know that someone is checking out the blog every now and then. So, thanks Deb! Didn't see that you have a blog. If you do, please let me know.
Gym...
- Mon - 80 mins
- Tues - 70 mins
- Wed - 70 mins
Monday, October 13, 2008
Weigh In Day...what the hell?
This yo-yo is nuts.
I went shopping over the weekend as I had snagged up a pair of pants at work. With a coupon, door buster, etc. at JCP, I paid less than 15 bucks for the pants. :-) I figured I would get a couple other pairs - which ended up being about the same price when all was said and done - roughly 45 bucks for 3 pairs.
Anyway, I knew the replacement pair would fit as I bought a size smaller. The other two are actually the same style (um, I wear black slacks to work and that is pretty much it on the bottom. I'm fine with them being the same style if they fit). I tried them on and they fit. Wellllll, I had those damn pants on today and they are too frickin' big. There is good and bad to that. The good they are too big. The bad - I just bought the damn pair and wore them once. No way to return them. Grrrrrr.
Lesson: Be sure to factor in that your pants need to be kinda snug. Cause you wear them and they stretch out a bit from the spandex they are putting in everything. Saggy ass is not so nice.
- Week 1 - 8/19 - 155.5 lbs - DOWN 3 lbs (My body was in shock. Let's be real. First week, I always see something)
- Week 2 - 8/26 - 156 lbs - UP .5 lb
- Week 3 - 9/2 - 155.5 lbs - DOWN .5 lb (notice same .5)
- Week 4 - 9/9 - 155.5 lbs - SAME (drastic measures called for. switch weigh in day.)
- Week 5 (Switch to Mondays) - 9/15 - 153 lbs - DOWN 2.5 lbs
- Week 6 - 9/22 - 151. 5 lbs - DOWN 2 lbs
- Week 7 - 9/29 - 147.5 lbs - DOWN 4 lbs
- Week 8 - 10/6 - 150.5 lbs - UP 3 lbs
- Week 9 - 10/13 - 146 lbs - DOWN 4.5 lbs
I went shopping over the weekend as I had snagged up a pair of pants at work. With a coupon, door buster, etc. at JCP, I paid less than 15 bucks for the pants. :-) I figured I would get a couple other pairs - which ended up being about the same price when all was said and done - roughly 45 bucks for 3 pairs.
Anyway, I knew the replacement pair would fit as I bought a size smaller. The other two are actually the same style (um, I wear black slacks to work and that is pretty much it on the bottom. I'm fine with them being the same style if they fit). I tried them on and they fit. Wellllll, I had those damn pants on today and they are too frickin' big. There is good and bad to that. The good they are too big. The bad - I just bought the damn pair and wore them once. No way to return them. Grrrrrr.
Lesson: Be sure to factor in that your pants need to be kinda snug. Cause you wear them and they stretch out a bit from the spandex they are putting in everything. Saggy ass is not so nice.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Why the Incline is Your Friend
I have been a big believer in the incline, but decided when I heard reference to this on Biggest Loser that I must not be an idiot! I was super athletic as a kid, teen, and adult through college, so my knees are not what they used to be and there is some cartilage damage and stuff like that. My goal is to not do anything about it until I have to and therefore I have to modify workouts a lot to get the calorie burn, heart rate, etc. that I would if I did more higher impact workers. The rub is higher impact = sore knees. So, for a long time, I have been a big fan of the incline on a treadmill. By putting the treadmill on the incline going the same speed you would if it was flat, you will see a dramatic increase in your heart rate and therefore a dramatic increase in calories burn. All with no running!
Here's an example, let's say your speed is 3.5 - put your incline to the same thing or higher - and then monitor your heart rate. You'll see it go up, feel more exertion, burn more calories, and get a waaaaay better leg workout. I am not a trainer or a doctor, so please ensure you do any appropriate checking beforehand, but please give it a go!
For cardio, if I'm not on the treadmill, it is the elliptical, or the revolving stairs. The stairs are amazing. Don't be scared of them. And, don't be afraid that you are going slow. Anyone that has actually been on these torture chambers KNOWS that they kick your ass (almost literally) and going longer on them is better. Start slow and work up to more time. On these things, I personally believe in a longer workout that a slow quick one - but that's me.Here's this week's round up...
- Mon - 75 mins
- Tues - 60 mins
- Wed - 60 mins
- Thurs - 66 mins
- Fri - 60 mins
- Sat - REST
- Sun - 90 mins
Saturday, October 11, 2008
My New Gadget (Hopefully)
In late December/early January, I should be receiving my pre-ordered fit bit tracker. For those of you watching Biggest Losers, you might have noticed that they are wearing a monitor on their arm. That isn't the fit bit, but is another device that functions very similarly. The biggest differences are the size, the cost, and NO ongoing website payments. It is one cool little gadget and only 100 bucks.
It will help me know: Did I get enough exercise today? How many calories did I burn? Am I getting good quality sleep? How many steps and miles did I walk today? The Fitbit Tracker helps you answer these questions. Sweet, huh?
Here's some other stuff from the website...
You can wear the Fitbit Tracker loosely in your pocket, clipped to your pants, shirt, bra or to your wrist when you are sleeping. You can wear it all day!
The Fitbit Tracker is wireless. Walk within 25-50ft of the provided basestation and your data will be automatically uploaded to the Fitbit website. The auto-sync software runs on both Macs and PC's.
View calories, steps and distance on the Fitbit Tracker itself. You can login to the Fitbit website to see even more detailed data and also participate in collaborative fitness goals with friends, family and co-workers.
I can't wait
until it gets here! (My only concern is that they are seeing if they get enough orders to go into production. So, please check it out. I want one!!! Think of how many times you have wasted money on weight loss 'stuff'. This is only a drop in the bucket AND will tell you when you are being a sloth.)I think I am taking today off from the gym, but not sure. Still plenty of time to go. I could just go and do an easy workout. Workouts so far this week have been good...
- Mon - 75 mins
- Tues - 60 mins
- Wed - 60 mins
- Thurs - 66 mins
- Fri - 60 mins
- Sat -????
Hearty Vegetable and Beef Stew - 3 WW pts
Weight Watcher POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 4 Preparation Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 60 min Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Instructions
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
Music
Doesn't good music just make gym torture better? Personally, I think so. I recently added to my ipod (which I love - see post somewhere about that - there's a picture too!) some dance music. It is perfect for getting me going and making sure I get my speed and heart rate up. Check it out!
Gym today: 66 mins. Yep, I count every stinking minute and so should you. This was an evening workout. Normally I do the morning thing. That way 'something' doesn't come up, which for me has been a problem in the past. I was going to take today off and rest, but then decided to go. I am trying to convince myself that 5 days a week is enough, but what happens is that I start thinking well what if I don't want to go on X day? I better just go. Guess when I think about it that is the best use of the what if game EVER!!!!
- Lady GaGa - Beautiful, Dirty, Rich
- Lady GaGa - Just Dance
- Lady GaGa - Poker face
Gym today: 66 mins. Yep, I count every stinking minute and so should you. This was an evening workout. Normally I do the morning thing. That way 'something' doesn't come up, which for me has been a problem in the past. I was going to take today off and rest, but then decided to go. I am trying to convince myself that 5 days a week is enough, but what happens is that I start thinking well what if I don't want to go on X day? I better just go. Guess when I think about it that is the best use of the what if game EVER!!!!
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