Home Stretch November 13, 2009

Well folks it looks like we are on the home stretch.  I am hovering at the 40lb mark (offically it’s 34-35lbs through the prgram)… but I know what I weighed at the docs that very same week!!!  I am working really hard with my food choices and it’s getting increasingly more difficult with the holidays coming.  People are already bringing in punpkin breads, cookies and cakes.  I am trying really hard to allow myself to have a little bit- because if I don’t- I know me.  I will get VERY ANGRY and feel deprived if I do not.  I have used spending time with my son Cooper as a way to get my excercise in.  We have played in the gorgeous fall weather and it has been wonderful to be able to play with him and not get so winded.  I can actually chase him.  Or push him fast in his cars. It almost makes me cry to see how happy he is and how much fun he has playing with me.  this program has honestly given me my life back.  And given Cooper a mommy that can be with him 100%.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Be well, jennifer

Halloween= those little pieces of chocolate…. October 28, 2009

that I am trying sooooo hard to stay away from!  I used to blame everyone at the office.. and then I bought some myself!!!  Thanks to tips from Julie (Emory Nutritionist) there are ways to manage this evil, evil temptation.  There are studies that show that the farther the candy is away from you/desk the less you eat.  so- if you put it accross the office, or in a drawer or in a cabinet- that’s better than right on your desk.  I am trying that and I can see a difference.  I don’t eat as much as I did when it was on my desk. 

So I was up 2lbs this week but I am not real upset over it…. it is a particularly bloated time of the month and I know that I am really trying.  Well- at least with eating and modified excercise at home and with Cooper.  I do make an effort to play every day- for the most part outside if I cannot get the the Forum.  We have had such gorgeous weather and Cooper loves it so it is a win win for me.  As far as my Crohns and RA go- I feel pretty good right now…. I did have a flare recently that gave me what felt like a set back but Julie helped put that back into perspective too.  Anyway- Cooper is dressing up like a beaver and we are going to trick or treat this weekend.  I vow to only eat one or two little chocolate candies.  Ok- there it is.  In writing.  Im banking on that warding those little devils off…. BOO!

Happy Halloween!!  Eat apples and fat free caremel dip (although watch the sugar!!)

Blessings, jennifer

Current music addiction: Kings of Leon

Current Read: Still Scar Tissue- Anthony Kiedis.

And the Countdown Begins October 9, 2009

And so we are moving to a close for 2009 and I can honestly say that even if I make no more progress from here, I am proud of what I have accomplished.  I am so grateful to Subway and WSB for allowing me the opportunity to see that change can happen and that it does happen one small step at a time.  One of the biggest de-motivators for me that I identified when we started this challenge was that staring down the barrell of all that it took to excercise… all it would take to lose 50lbs…. all of that thinking kept me from making any progress.  This experience has helped me to see that little decisions do add up to big results.  I have to admit that I have been a little slack- and I feel horribly guilty for it.  I have a new plan (well an old one if you read back on the last post) for getting back to my indulgent reads and treadmill time.  And- I have discovered my new weakness NUTELLA!!  I am staying away from that stuff- well maybe just a teaspoon here and there.  I hope everyone is doing well, and look forward to seeing everybody tomorrow. Blessings, jennifer

Current Read: Scar Tissue, Anthony Kiedis

Cuurent Music: Van Morrison

Better than I thought! September 30, 2009

So After vacationing on the Cape and being a Kennedy wannabe I had a crohns flare. When I have a flare I cannot eat veggies, or anything with fiber because it messes my stomach up. So- I ate alot of “less heatlthy” things. I was so certain when I saw Julie today that I was up 10 lbs. I weighed on a scale I haven’t used consistently- and I was prepared for the gain. After my session with Julie- it put things in perspective and made me realize that I really did do good things this month too- and that one week did not “undo” my progress. I played with Cooper on the beach. We walked alot. So- I lost 3.8lbs!! I am so happy- and this takes me to 36lbs. ( I had gained some last month). I was thrilled- and even more motivated. thanks Julie!!!!

Cape Cod September 16, 2009

So my last vacation trip of the summer is coming up.  We are headed to Cape Cod for a few days.  I’m really looking forward to it and we used to go every year until I started trying to have a baby so now I’ll get to take my baby there!  We always stay with this lovely liberal couple names Ken and Maryse in a cottage that they rent to us for the same amount every year in Hyannis.  Cooper turns 2 on Thanksgiving, so we are going to try and get a few pics of him up there and we are really excited to eat at Seafood Sams.  Seafood Sams is a divish type of roadside seafood place that sells all manner of scallops, lobster, shrimp, clams etc.  We eat there almost every day we love it that much.  My healthy twist on this vacation is that we are planning to rent bikes and bike over Provincetown!  I haven’t biked in years but I think that will be a good way to ensure that we are active and off-set my Seafood Sams experience.  After we get back I am getting back to the forum on a tighter schedule.  I need to really focus and lose this last 15-20lbs and plus I want my “me” time back.  Being on that tradmill late at night was really great for me in more ways than one.  As a mom with a full-time day job I always feel like I am competing with the clock- and no matter what and by choice and joy.. Cooper’s needs come first.  That can leave little or no time for me to do anything to refuel, relax and rejuvinate.  The treadmills did that for me.  The drive to and from the gym did that for me.  Send me good thoughts and “move”energy so that I remain motivated when I return. 

So- until next time… be well!  Oh and the new Philly Cheesteak sandwhich from Subway is YUMMY!  It’s my treat from time to time.

Current Read: Scar Tissue- Memoir by Anthony Keidis from The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Current Music Addiction: Brandi Carlile

When Can I go Back? September 4, 2009

Vancouver is the most amazing city.  It is stunningly beautiful and it’s clean.  We had gorgeous weather during the whole trip.  sun, 72 degrees and zero humidity.  Now, I did not see Edward Cullen…. but I did get to visit the sites where they filmed New Moon and are now filming Eclipse.  I watched a live shoot!!  I so wish I could have gotten closer.  I was thinking of ways to smuggle carrie in- steal her audio gear and act like a member of the crew.  I also considered trying to be on of the 500 extras they had on set that day.  I bet you I could have…. but mom was with me and I was feeling less gutsy.   Even though I had room service cheescake and chocolate amaretto cake and an all you can eat chocolate bar….. I think I managed to do enough walking (and running after stars) to keep the weight gain to a minimum.  I was conscious of every single solitary bite that went into my mouth though- and that alone is a big positive change for me.  I was notorious for “mindless eating”.  I would be so full- to the point of nausea, and would not be able to tell you what all I had just eaten or how much of what.  Not now… I know.

If you have a chance- visit Vancouver.  the Canadian mountain range just wraps around the city like a security blanket.  there is a gorgeous park which is bigger than the city and NY’s Central Park called Stanley Park.  It is beautiful and filled with protected forrest- filled with hemlocks, cedars…. huge redwoods.  I really just can’t say enough.

And yes!  I did wear my bathing suit to the pool!  Mom and I even took a photo although it will be burned.  I hope everyone has a great labor day weekend!  I’ll be playing as much as possible with Cooper to burn some calories…and since there’s a little bit of a nip in the air I think I’ll make vegetable soup for the weekend. 

Be well, jennifer

Current Music Addiction: Daughtry, The new Black Crowes

Reading: Anything twilight.  just started the book over.

Edward Cullen- I’m coming to Vancouver for you! August 25, 2009

So- this is the week that my mom and I are going to Vancouver to visit the third Twilight movie set!  I am so excited excpet I have this stinkin head cold.  Colds are not fun!!  I am hoping that I run into Rob Pattinson (Edward) .  Mom and I are taking the movie too so we can watch it in the room.  We are such dorks!  I am probably most excited because I have a new tank top that has a vampire mouth complete with fangs in all red sequins that I can now wear and not feel self conscious!!  I am thrilled.  So- wish me luck……

I had my session with Julie and she gave me alot of fantastic suggestions for getting myself back into track with my moving and fitness.  I am at the end of the last Twilight book (remember my rule was that I could not read it unless I’m on the treadmill) and I have like 10 pages left.  I just don’t want it to end.  So- I am going to re-read the books and go public with my US Weekly addiction!!  Also, we did brainstorm about ways to excercise with Cooper when I can’t find a sitter.  So- all in all I am very enthusiastic about meeting my newly set 50 lb goal.  I moved it from 40 to 50.  I was up 1.5 lbs this week but it’s not getting me down!  I hope all of you have a wonderful week and I’ll check back in after Vancouver!!

Be well,

jennifer

Current music addiction: Daughtry

Dr. Bombays August 7, 2009

Current weight: 172 (I’m down 31 lbs)- actually 34 because I was really 206 at the start!

Mood: Encouraged

Struggle: I’ve plateaued!

So I have a new favorite place.  It’s called Dr. Bombay’s Tea Shop.  Dr. Bombay’s is a quaint little tea/coffee bistro of a place in Candler Park near the Flying Biscuit.  When I have a spare second, I find myself trying to get here.  It has a very eclectic and whimsical decor, and more importantly, they have the most delicious Earl Grey tea.  I have switched my creamer and calorie laden coffee for earl grey tea with Splenda and skim milk  When I looked over the calories I was taking in from my creamer, I was floored.  Now, let me say that I used ALOT of flavored creamer.  I loved Hazelnut, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Italian Biscotti- you name it. A serving size is a TABLESPOON!  Are you kidding?  I’m talking at least 1/4 cup! So- by cutting it out and switching to tea I am saving about 400 calories a day!!! Anyway- back to Dr. Bombay.  So in addition to a fantastic atmosphere, 50′s and big band swing music and yummy tea, they have “High Tea” everyday at 3:30-5:30 (really anytime you want to order it).  High Tea consists of tea for two, scones and finger sandwiches.  FUN!  It ends up being a fun and light dinner for me (if I have the will power to skip on the Devonshire clotted cream .  Stop by and check it out if your ever in the Decatur area.  I will warn you though- it’s crowded on the weekends and the space is small.

I was going to attend my 15 year high school reunion this coming weekend, but I did not want to miss the Forum workout with my challenge buddies.  Also, I figure if I chose to workout now- I’ll look better for the 20 year reunion.   I have not been on the treadmill in a few weeks, so Im hoping this will kick start me back into getting back in the groove.  

ok- till next post, eat well and be well.

Blessings, jennifer

Current music addiction: Glenn Miller Band, Tommy Dorsey

Reading: Anything that has to do with Twilight- companion books, tabloids.  That’s right- I”m shameless.

I am really going to wear a swimsuit! July 20, 2009

Folks,

We have a trip to the beach planned and I am wearing a swim suit!!!  I cannot believe that Jennifer- yes, Jennifer is going to be able to swim without a T-shirt and shorts.  Yay me!  I also went to a fantastic pool party recently and wore the swim suit there too- and no I didn’t keep my cover up on the entire time.  I actually did swim- and play with my son Cooper.  We swam, ran and played and I was able to keep up.  I was so very happy because just 5 months ago I would not have wanted to even go to the party- much less get in my swimsuit.  Also, I would have felt horrible about not feeling like playing with Cooper in the water and it would have spiraled from there.  Not this day.  I had such a good time- and the feeling is omnipresent that this subway get fit challenge has given me my life back.  It has given Cooper his mommy back.  It has given me sense of well being and control over my illnesses.  I hate to be so dramatic but I am going to be- it has saved my life.  I have lost about 32.5 lbs.  I am just thrilled.  My scales have not moved as much this month- but my spirit has continued to soar.  For me- I know that everyday I am making a better life for me and my family by the choices I make; so although I really want the scales to continue to go down I am really ok that they have leveled off.  I think I am at a plateau.  I have a few ideas up my sleeve for changing my activity around and making a few adjustments to my food choices and I look forward to chatting about those with my nutritionist.  I am really hoping I can take off another 25 lbs or so.  After being part of this challenge- I know I have the ability to do it- and I AM GOING TO GET THERE!  The reason I know that I can is becasue before I started this program and before I was meeting with my nutritionist- I really felt like all was hopeless and that I simply had too much against me and too far to go.  I felt sorry for myself.  Now- after getting where I am and seeing how small successes build up and add up to huge change- I know I can continue to do better and more.

I am on my last Twilight sequel and saving my reading pleasure for treadmill time and I have about 1/4 of the book left.   I”m sure I will finish that up in the next week or so.  When I am reading I walk for over an hour sometimes without even realizing it.  I just get so caught up in Edward’s dreaminess I forget where I am sometimes.  I really think I am in Forks Washington until the tradmill shuts off because I have reached the maximum time limit. ok- well I am signing off.  I missed seeing all of you at the beginning of the month on here- I thought I made a post but it was late in June.  You can bet that won’t happen again!  I’ll be sending all of you healthy thoughts and energy.  Keep pushing yourself!  I have, and it has so paid off.

Blessings,

jennifer

Current read: Twilight- Breaking Dawn

Current music addiction- Michael Jackson

Even when you think your doing “bad” June 26, 2009

I had my meeting with the Emory nutritionist- and I just “knew” I would be up on the scales. Afterall, I went to WV and during the 8 hour road trip ate things like gummy bears, biscoff cookies, chicken nuggets. Also- my food journal software isn’t working because I cracked my iphone (I know Im sick over it). To my surprise, I still lost about 4lbs this month. My current weight is 176.5. I started at 205, so that’s a total of 28 lbs!! I was delighted, and probably more importantly encouraged because it looked like although I had made a few “less healthy choices” I was successful with portion. When we talked about it I did remember being extremely aware of how much I was eating of each snack and I think that really helped alot.

I have been enjoying shopping a bit when I have extra $$. It feels good to be able to wear heels again without being so unbearably uncomfortable, and to wear shirts that have more shape. I am hoping I can get to the Forum more this month- it has been a challenge for me to get there this month so I am on it!!!! ok- many blessings to all of you and be well…

Jennifer