Switching Things Up!

I've been having a slightly difficult time with Weight Watchers. I love the program, but my schedule can get so busy, and I have to eat something quick. It's hard to eat something quick and measure out exactly what you're eating, especially on the go. I was also having a hard time because I rarely eat at home. It's usually at restaurants or take out. I have found 2 great apps that list chain restaurants and their menus, with the points of everything. But, just my luck whatever I decide to eat, would not be listed. I've been trying to estimate but estimating is not enough. Since my surgery, I am not allowed to do any kind of lifting, running or vigorous activity. The stitches are still in and any pressure to the nose could pop them. All I can do is walk. I am proud to say that I have not put on one ounce of weight since last week. I don't know why, but the scale this morning said the exact same thing! At least I'm not gaining!

Anyway, so after doing some online browsing for holiday gifts, I came across a pretty cool gadget. I initially thought about getting it for my mother. It's called the BodyMedia Core Armband. I did some research on it and basically it's an arm band (duh), that you wear for 23 hours each day. (You take it off to shower and to plug it in to your computer).

The armband is on the left, there is a separate display that you can buy on the right, and then the computer screen shot is what the program looks like on your computer. It tracks how many calories you burn each day, whether you're sitting, laying down or working out. It also acts as a pedometer and counts how many steps per day you take. For your calories in, you are required to log them in on your computer. If all goes well, you should be eating less calories than you burn per day! If you eat 3,500 less calories than you burn per week (a 500 calorie difference per day), that a 1 lb weight loss each week. Another cool thing that it does, is it reads how many hours each night you are actually sleeping. It can tell the difference between you laying down, and actually sleeping. Why does that matter? Well I for instance, do not sleep through the night.. like, ever. There has been research done that if a person is not getting enough sleep, they are hungrier. AND even if they eat a nutritious, satisfying meal, it will not be satisfying to the person. The picture below shows what the inside of the band looks like:

So I told my mom that I found something for her because I thought she would like it, but she said she didn't want me to get anything for her or my dad. The band was on sale!! I couldn't pass up the deal, so I ordered it. If she still doesn't want it, then I will use it. It's gotten pretty good reviews online! 

Post-Op, Thanksgiving Recap & Black Friday Deals!

Wow, Ok. I'm officially the worst blogger ever.

I said that I was going to post throughout my recovery after surgery, but I'm sorry, I was not up to it AT ALL. I was absolutely miserable: so weak, congested, couldn't eat or drink much, swollen and black and blue! I went back to the surgeon on Tuesday and got the splint off, and my nose vacuumed out. They said everything looked great. It was very weird to look at myself for the first time but I got used to it and now I love it. It's not drastic at all, no one could even really tell, unless I show a before picture. Then people are like, "oh wow!". As far as breathing, that still isn't great yet. The doctor said it would take some time because I'm still swollen. The stitches also look like little black hairs coming out of my nostrils. UGH! I am a teeny bit happy though, because I did end up losing some weight throughout this. I got down to 170.0. I know it was all water, but it's always fun to see the number go down.

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was very nice. I'm the baker in the family, so dessert was up to me. My bestest cousin Samantha, (who should've been my sister), came over early and we baked a pumpkin crumb cake with a brown sugar glaze, and a chocolate raspberry pie. Both came out AMAZING. Our Thanksgivings are pretty low key. There was maybe like 12 people. Luckily my family likes to eat kind of healthy, so there were a lot of vegetable options. I filled half my plate with veggies, then one slice of white meat turkey, a scoop of mashed potatoes and a smaller scoop of sweet potatoes. I was also picking on appetizers all day, so by the time it actually came to sit down and eat the meal, I wasn't even that hungry. For appetizers, I stuck to cucumbers with hummus, pretzels, and roasted peppers. I didn't track that day, but I don't think I did too terrible. When we brought dessert out, no one went for it! Everyone was either diabetic, or on a diet. I was kind of annoyed because I spent all morning making everything and had to take it all home. Do you know what that means? That means I'm eating pumpkin cake for breakfast. With a spoon. Straight from the serving pan.

I weighed myself this morning and am up to 171.6. Not terrible, but don't want it to creep up again!

I did NOT want to deal with what was happening in the picture above. Michael wanted a new TV and wanted to go to Best Buy at midnight, but I talked him out of it. We decided we didn't NEED a new TV. Well boys will be boys, and on Friday after work, he stopped at Best Buy on the way home and texted me asking me if I think he should get it. LOL. Well, Merry Christmas to us, because we now have a new 55" LED TV sitting on our little TV stand in the living room. I have to admit, it is very nice looking.

On Saturday we went to Roosevelt Field to attempt to do some shopping for our families. It was so crowded, and we didn't even know what we were looking for. The first thing we did was eat, and that took up a good half of our time there. All we ended up getting was a few DVDs to watch on the new TV.

I will be doing all of my shopping online from now on, thank you very much.

Back to normal tomorrow! NO MORE PUMPKIN CAKE!

I'm Alive, I Promise!

So sorry I've been MIA! 

Yesterday I had my rhinoplasty/septoplasty/turbinate reduction surgery. Wednesday night I got a phone call saying I had to be at the surgery center at 7 am. I woke up at 6 am to get ready. I had to shower with antibacterial soap, take out all my piercings (I have 11!), prepare my couch with a blanket, magazines and all my medicines. I was not nervous at all leading up to it, except for this morning. I was so nervous and nauseous, I was dry heaving until I got to the center. I was the first patient they were taking, THANK GOD, because waiting is the worst part. I was brought in to my room and asked to change into a stunning blue polyester robe, with a blue hair net, and bright blue booties. I looked GOOD.  

The anesthesiologist came in to give me the IV which relaxed me right away, and then they were ready. I literally walked into the OR, and got on to the table. All I remember is staring at the ceiling, and there were about 5 nurses in there running around and getting everything ready. Next thing I know, I crack my eyes open in the recovery room and my mom and Michael were walking in. I was SO confused and felt like SHIT. I had no idea that they were putting a tube in my throat during surgery, so my throat was killing me and my mouth was so dry. I could not keep my eyes open at all for about 2 hours. They literally just had to wait for me. I was finally well enough to get up and walk to the car. 

As soon as we got home, I got in my comfy spot on the couch and Michael made me a PB&J. Not the best thing to eat when you can barely move your face. I have a splint on my nose, stitches inside, and a gauze drip pad covering my nostrils that is taped to my face. I took a Percocet but it didn't do anything, so I took another one and I was able to sleep for a little bit. My throat is so raspy and my nose is so so congested, it's hard to eat, drink or speak. I'm not taking the pain killers today anymore because I don't want to get sick, so I switched to Tylenol. 

So today is day 2. I haven't eaten much today because I have no appetite. I'm really weak, and to top it all off, my monthly friend decided to pay an early visit! 

Besides the cramps, I actually don't have that much pain. My nose doesn't hurt, it's just uncomfortable. My throat is doing a little better, as long as I chew gum or something throughout the day to keep it moist. I'm really swollen, but am no where near as bruised as I expected. It's just a little black and blue under one eye. Tomorrow is supposed to be the worst day, and then it will slowly get better. 

The splint comes off on Tuesday, and I was told they will vacuum all the shit out so I can breathe. Sounds delicious. 

Anyway, here is what I look like right now. And as you can see, I am THRILLED.

It could be a lot lot worse, so I'm trying not to complain, but I swear if Aunt Flo didn't come to town early, I wouldn't be as miserable. 

Til tomorrow!

Positive Monday

I had my first official weigh in.

174.0

Not TERRIBLE. I did gain like .4 lbs, but after how I ate over the weekend, I'll take it.

I apologize for not updating as often as I'd like. I had originally wanted to write a post everyday with my meals, and points used, but unfortunately I'm dealing with some personal issues that leave me with little time to sit down and focus on a post. I'm just emotionally drained.

On a more positive note though, after my weekend of splurging, yesterday I ate really well and was under my Points range for the day!

Breakfast: 
1 Apple - 0 points
1 Probiotic La Yogurt Original - 4 points
25 Pistachios - 2 points

Lunch:
1 Taco Salad - 5 points
2 c. Progresso Penne Vegetable soup - 4 points

Dinner:
2 c. Romaine Lettuce - 0 points
2 tbsp. Goat Cheese -  1 point
1 tbsp. Craisins - 1 point
2 tbsp. Light Vidalia Onion dressing - 2 points
3 1/2 oz. Chicken Marsala - 5 points

WW Points used: 24
WW Points remaining: 6

I maaaayyy have eaten 2 fun size Snickers bars at work around 4:00 that I did not track. They probably equal the 6 points I had left, but whatever.. ok fine, let's say I broke even. I do have to say though, compared to the amount of sweets I would be eating normally, that's pretty damn awesome for me!

I haven't worked out since the day with Michael, but my cousin actually showed me these Zumba videos on YouTube that I could do at home. We'll see if I feel like doing that.. I always feel like an idiot doing any kind of at home workout. Those instructors are just too damn energetic for me.

Excuses, Excuses.

Why do people see the weekend as not only a mini vacation from work, but from our diets as well? It is so freaking hard for me to control myself sometimes, especially when going out to eat. I'm sorry, I don't want to go to a restaurant to eat a salad that I can make in my own home. Or have chicken with veggies. Going out to eat is a treat! "Come Monday, I'll go back to being good." How many times have you all said that one?

Friday night, Michael and I went to a really good pizza place after work. I ordered chicken marsala. "Side salad, or pasta?"  "Pasta, please!" What is wrong with me!? I was fully conscious of what I was ordering too. If I was really motivated, pasta wouldn't have even been considered. I ended up eating half of the chicken, but I sure did finish the angel hair.

Saturday night, my amazing friend Laura took me to dinner for my birthday. We got an appetizer of chips and spinach dip to share, I got a buffalo chicken sandwich for dinner (ate half), and chocolate fondue for dessert. SO. MUCH. FOOD. It's just so hard to be celebrating something, and not want to fully enjoy yourself. And for me, that involves food.

And today, I payed for all that overeating. Blehh. I almost felt hungover! I did go food shopping though  and now my fridge and pantry are filled with easily accessible healthier choices.

Tomorrow is my first official weigh in. I'm not sure how it's going to go with the damage I did this weekend, but we shall see! ::Fingers crossed!::

If At First You Don't Succeed..

Man, I picked the worst week to try and get my healthy eating back on track.

Since celebrating my birthday at work was a bust on Monday, my coworker friends made up for it on Tuesday. They got me some gift cards, and a Diamond Candle! They are so awesome. I wanted one for so long! It's a nice big, soy candle and they come in so many different scents. The fun part: inside each candle is a ring worth either $10, $100, $1000 or $5000! I've been burning mine every chance I get so I can get to the ring faster. It's the little things in life people..

Anyway, usually with birthdays at work, that means baked goods are very accessible. A few weeks ago, when asked what kind of dessert I would like, I picked cheesecake. But since I decided to change my ways, I mentioned last week that I would prefer something like chocolate covered strawberries. A little healthier, but still indulgent! Well due to the storm, and people having no power etc, no one had time to make them, which was fine!!! But they did bring in a chocolate layer cake, with chocolate mousse, covered in chocolate ganche! Then my other friend baked Funfetti cookies with Funfetti frosting on top! What was I supposed to do? Say, 'Thanks, but no thanks!'? It was really nice of them to bring in anything for me at all! So I had a piece of cake yesterday, and today I had 3 of the cookies =\ Not my finest moments.

On a more positive note, I DID workout yesterday! I wasn't entirely in the mood, so I asked my boyfriend if he could train me. Give me a little push. Ok… Yes. My boyfriend is a personal trainer. I can just imagine your eyes going wide. "You live with a personal trainer, and still managed to become overweight?! How lazy are you!?" Judge all you want, but when you're comfortable talking back to your trainer, it doesn't make for such effective sessions. When Michael and I were first dating, him training me was fun and a way for us to be flirty and get to know each other. I was also in much better shape back then. Now that we're so comfortable with each other, he tells me to drop and give him twenty, and I tell him to shove it. He ended up taking me through a 15 minute circuit arms routine and because I didn't drink enough water, I felt like throwing up. After a hissy fit that almost turned into a full blown tantrum, I convinced him to let me stop. He said he was never training me again. Yeah, yeah..

I hopped on an exercise bike after the nausea passed and did an interval course for 20 minutes. I was actually sweaty! I have to give Michael credit though, because today my arms and shoulders are SORE. So the guy knows what he's doing.. (sorry babe!)

Today I had another awful day at work, got stuck coming home in rush hour traffic during a nor'easter, and had my windshield wipers die when I was 15 minutes from home. By the time I got home, I was starving and what did I do? Went straight for the Doritos. Dinner was no where near ready and all the fruit I had in the house, I had brought to work. In fact there aren't too many healthy, ready-to-eat snacks in our apartment because of the hurricane.

Tomorrow is another day, right?

A Very Unhappy Birthday To Me.

Today I turned 27.

I feel very indifferent about it. First of all, I feel guilty celebrating anything while most of the tri-state area is working on getting their lives back together after Hurricane Sandy. Plus, I don't like getting older, (but then again, who does?) Every year comes more pressure, more responsibility, and more wrinkles.

The thing I WAS looking forward to, was today was the day I was going to start taking control of my life and my body. I woke up early, had some oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, with some green tea. Great start! My office has had no power for the last week, which meant no work for me! To make up some hours, one of my bosses said I could come in today for a little bit to organize my desk and clean up. Said he'd only need me til 1. That was perfect, this way I had time to do my first workout afterwards. I even wore my gym clothes there, that way I had no excuse. (Just a side note: I work in a physical therapist's office, and we have access to a full gym.) Well, when I walked into my office, we had power back, and since the power was back that meant there was work to be done. I got a big to-do list right away, plus a "Oh, and happy birthday." It was so busy and I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. (Do I get activity points for that?)

By 4:30pm, I was still buried in paperwork and I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day! We weren't closing until 7. There was no way I could make it til then, and if I did, I probably would have binged. Thankfully I didn't even have any junk in my desk to eat. I asked my boss if I could leave at 5, since it was my birthday and I hadn't expected to be there all day. Finally free!!!

Michael, my boyfriend, took me to California Pizza Kitchen for an early dinner since we were both starving. We got chicken lettuce wraps for an appetizer and I got a salad for dinner and only ate half. I DID track the WW points for everything and I went over by 4 points. Not good planning on my part.

I got on the scale at home this morning and it said 173.6 lbs. Very different than the scale at the doctor, but since this is the scale I will be using most, I am going to go by mine.

Tomorrow will be a better day! I will definitely get a workout in, plus I have tons of errands to do after work to keep me busy. As long as I stay busy, I won't be eating out of boredom!

WEIGHT: 173.6
WW POINTS: 34
OVER BY: 4
WEEKLY POINTS LEFT: 45