Tuesday, May 28, 2013

~ Tuesday ramblings ~ an abstract tangental post!

These are handy to have on hand...


any thoughts as to what they are?

Napkins by the roll.
You simply pull them off where they are perforated and they can be washed and reused many many times.
I purchased both the luncheon and the dinner sizes.
They usually are a tad expensive but these were on clearance.


I popped them in the napkin basket
we use cotton or linen napkins every day.


I brewed a pot of coffee this afternoon.
I usually drink tea but after our recent cup of Drum Roaster brew I knew that tea would not cut it.


Tracking points seems like a never ending job...
I am hoping that my due diligence will pay off.
Last week I was sorely disappointed by the reading on the scale...
I have not cheated at all.

I have noticed that my thoughts are always on food and planning ahead.
This is new, and I wonder if it is healthy to be so focused on meals and snacks.

For example a few minutes ago I had a "modest" snack 
consisiting of 6 wheat thins and a wedge of lite Laughing Cow Cheese.
I was ravenous when I got home from work and thankfully the pangs of hunger have abated.
Normally I would have grabbed a handful of crackers and a chunk of full fat cheddar or brie
munched them quickly and maybe have gone back for more...

Any thoughts on mindful eating?
~ ~ ~

It's a dreary day out there but I need to put on my walking shoes and get going.

Attitude is huge isn't it?
It might sound crazy but when I am wearing fitness gear I feel more like walking...

What motivates you to stick to your exercise regime?
Do you have a personal trainer or do you work out with a friend?
Any tips that you care to share?
~ ~ ~

I bought the new Michael Buble CD "to be loved"
and could benefit from an uplifting energizing listen.


Just finished booking my appointment...
so glad that they send out reminders.

If you are due for yours perhaps you'll make that important call.
~ ~ ~

Don't forget to enter the giveaway...
Jamie Cat Callan's new book could be yours!
You've got one more day to enter.

~ ~ ~

Bon Chance!

41 comments:

Sunday Taylor said...

I have been on weight watchers for a few years now, and think it is the best weight loss program around. I am not always good, but when I follow it I do lose weight. I love my leader and she is half of the reason I go to the meetings. Sounds like you are really taking care of yourself!

Susan B said...

Hi Hostess,

I found with the WW that after a while you work out some "regular" meals and snacks and you know what the points are. Have you tried tracking online? Planning is a big part of what worked for me, but it was a BIG adjustment at the start. My meals are now more on autopilot, so that helps. Good luck! I really like that napkin idea, we could sure use at our place!

Anonymous said...

I agree that WW works: you will definitely lose weight if you stick with it and this was the motivation that worked for me when I joined ww some years ago. I kept thinking it will be worth it at the end and it was...

I also agree that once you work out a few "standard" meals/snacks the program becomes less onerous. (The danger I found was that instead of looking at eating as an enjoyable activity it became a point scoring bore.)

It's early days yet and you are doing very well. The basics of WW - tracking food, portion control and exercise - really do result in weight loss and for every dispiriting weigh in there will be an inspirational one.

Sue

Madame Là-bas said...

You will lose the weight if you persevere. I tend to get discouraged when it doesn't drop off every week. Your initial loss was significant and it does level off. Keep walking. I walk with a friend and seem to require a trainer to keep me going to the gym.

mette said...

I have no experience about the WW. In fact, we no longer have it over here in Finland. I was surprised to hear the news.
But in my own opinion, the most important thing is a total change in the attitude towards food in general.
To eat to live, not living to eat.
I must be a weirdo, as I don´t like to think about food and cooking and eating at all. I avoid doing the groceries. have passed that chore to my husband. He buys only the basics, and our grocery bill as decreased.
But, when giving up something you like, you have to replace it with something else.
Exercising is good. I used to walk daily for 2-3 hours with fast pace, but never lost a kilo.
Instead, I broke the bones on my feet ( due to too much walking ).
Giving up alcohol totally, is very effective in losing weight. It also improves the quality of life enormously.
I get my " kicks " by taking care of the furry ones. They are - in this empty nest period - of extreme importance.
I like to have conversations with people.
Blogging is therapeutic too.

Anonymous said...

Don't be discouraged and keep on keeping on with WW it does work. I lost 13kg and my sister about 20kg. Remember that every gram off counts. I used to lose only about 1kg a month and would sometimes be disappointed but I just kept going and bit by bit it came off and was SO worth it. You will feel amazing. Keep diet drinks and sugar free lollies around for when you feel the need for something sweet. Be organised with your shopping and your food. Put yourself and your health first. Keep WW snacks in your bag for when you go out and others are having the dessert. Sometimes if I was feeling weak I would brush my teeth. Peppermint would take away the urge. Lots of cups of tea. Good Luck.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to publish as anon - had trouble new to this! Tonkat

Susan said...

I rejoined WW yesterday here in Dallas. I KNOW it works, so hang in there.

You will probably see a weight loss next week.

Kristien62 said...

Bravo for reminding women about regular mammograms. Mine saved my life exactly one year ago next week.

I restarted WW on-line a while ago and understand how frustrating it is to level off. I had lost 2 1/2 lbs and then appeared to regain them after a particularly stressful week. I kept on plan anyway and, lo and behold, they are gone again, two days after I had weighed in heavier. I don't believe that I actually regained the poundage, but may have been retaining fluid. Anyway, slow loss is sustainable loss. I do acknowledge that tracking leads to an almost obsessive focus on food. Wish it could be otherwise. And Anonymous is right- a lovely tea is my savior.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Love those napkin rolls! Hubs and I are doing the British 5/2 eating plan. Two days of the week we restrict calories to 500 for me 600 for him. Our first two meals of the low cal days are the same as every other day of the week, but we have a savory non fat chicken stock soup filled with carrots onion and celery for dinner. Very satisfying. The rest of the days we just eat sensibly and forget about it. He has lost a ton effortlessly. I've dropped a few. We really don't feel hungry or deprived. I take acai berry twice a day in capsule form. It helps control appetite a lot and has a ton of antioxidants.

Marguerite said...

Hostess, I would like to suggest you read the book "Wheat Belly". It's written by a cardiologist and has been a NY Times best seller. Wheat is a major dietary problem for many people. It's a fascinating read and compelling theory. I have struggled with weight gain for years, mostly since menopause. I can identify with what the doctor is saying in the book! Just some food for thought, pardon the pun.

Judith said...

Not sure if this will help,when hunger pangs strike I find having cup of tea/coffee helps fill me.
I do admire you, the thought of counting calories or points (not sure what they are as I have no knowledge of WW) would drive me mad.

Duchesse said...

Many, many wmen lose on WW in fits and starts. I was kind of worried by that first week epic drop, in terms of setting up expectations. A pound or a half-pound per week is what my leader told us post-40s to shoot for, with some weeks holding steady and even some fluctuation (that is a nice way of saying, gain). Don't give up, eat when you are hungry, and record it all. It works!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Our leader is incredibly funny and she struggled with her weight for years and has kept it off by following WW so I know it does work. It's always nice to hear from you Sunday. Have you attended that fabulous annual garden open house this year?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It's a learning curve...
you look svelte and gorgeous these days...I think you look radiant as a blonde!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sue,
I'll take your advice...
and bravo for you for achieving your goal.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will persevere...because I am paying every month that is helping me stay motivated, that and the meetings where we all share our successes and slips in a supportive environment.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Walking 2-3 hours briskly does seem like a lot!
I am sorry that your feet were injured I hope that you are not troubled by them now the bones have healed. Alcohol has points on WW and we track that too. Everything in moderation!
I agree mette, blogging is theraputic!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes to lots of tea!
Congratulations on your weight loss!
Thank you for those great tips...I lkie the peppermint tooth paste idea!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Fingers crossed!
Good luck to you Susan.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh Kristien I am so glad that you were diligent and went for that mammogram...
we gals need to stick together and be proactive about spreading the word.

I read somewhere that stress is a factor in weight gain.
Have you tried Yoga? I love it but have been away from it for awhile. The walking I have been doing seems to help wash away a lot of tension and anxiety...and a cuppa is so restorative!
Take care

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I read about that UK eating plan.
My aunt used to fast one day a week and that sounds a bit like a fast...
the French have a fast rather like that where leek soup is sipped for two days with an eye on weight loss. There are so many eating regimes out there...sounds like you've found one that suits you.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I actually have read that book!
It was quite an eye opener about how wheat has been changed over time.
Your pun is welcomed!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Points are assigned to all foods. Weight Watchers is an international weight loss program.
"Counting points or calories" is not the best fun but it makes eaters accountable.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Well that first week's loss did set me up for high expectations even though I had been told otherwise...you were right to warn me.
I know now what I can expect.

I am recording everything and avoiding temptation at work and when we go out for dinner.
When I went for tea with Pondside and had scones and jam I came home and calculated the points and had a salad for dinner!

Kristien62 said...

Yes, I do yoga with a lovely group of women each week. But during this particular week, our class was between sessions. That said, I should have practiced on my own. I do look forward to my practice each week and especially to the wonderful women that I have practiced with for the past 12 years. I have no doubt that stress causes us to retain weight. Probably something left over from the "fight or flight" response.

Susan said...

Thanks Hostess.

Pondside said...

You have inspired me, and I have been very mindful since last Thursday, counting points and enjoying the planning of healthy meals for one. After nearly a week the scale has inched down a couple of points, and that is all the incentive I need!
We are so very lucky to live in a province that provides such good health care. I'm sure there are many who couldn't imagine getting a reminder in the mail to go in for a no-cost mammogram. They do save lives!

Sandra said...

OK, I've been off the WW wagon for a while now. i just have a hard time concentrating on food and eating. I've started a blog and it seems to take all my time and energy. I've been inspired by your work with WW. But not enough to start counting points again. :-) I will, I will.

Lane said...

Hostess, you are doing well!

Menopause also has an unfortunate tendency to slow our metabolisms and rearrange our weight more to the abdominal area. I simply don't need as many calories; I was one who could eat what I pleased for decades. No more! But I have come to love the food I do have. Always eat from a plate, preferably a little one. I keep rough track of fruit and veg servings and fill in around that ( 7-10/day). I don't do much baking any more-- miss that! I see people eating as they drive-- never! I love sweets, but usually am happy with my chunk of dark chocolate; if there were no consequences, I'd have a cupcake with buttercream and a bowl of Chocolate Therapy ice cream from Ben and Jerry's every day. But there are. I walk, but I do intervals-- every few minutes, speed up for a minute, total 30-40 min/day.

Anastasia Schembri said...

I have never seen the napkin rolls before, I am very curious now!
I don't have any experience with WW but I have been told that it does work, you just have to stick to it, I know its hard when you don't see the kind of results that you were expecting but think of how good you will feel when you do see the results (and you will!).

Anonymous said...

Those napkins by the roll are intriguing. I can't believe you can wash and reuse them. I wonder what they're made of?

Amities,
Marsi

Duchesse said...

Lane: All this: :)
and same for me. I now think of a bowl of cut-up fruits as I used to regard a three-layer chocolate cake: delicious treat.

Duchesse said...

Sandra, as someone who is a WW Lifetime Member, not logging was the kiss of death. This year, I lost 35 lbs I'd gradually regained.

I'm now on use MyFitnessPal; find logging online so much easier. I can save standard meals and don't have to re-enter everything, and (like a spreadsheet) it adds as I go.


MFP uses calories, not points, but some people say if you count 50 cals per point, it 'translates' pretty well.

There's a discussion about it here:
://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/376887-can-anyone-convert-ww-points-into-calories

Duchesse said...

Kristien, Oh I am so thankful for your attention and results for your health.

KSL said...

I've never been on WW's, but have heard only great things about it. I manage my weight a different way, and I too have to constantly be planning ahead. Lots of great suggestions here about simplifying the task by planning ahead, and having "go-to" meals and snacks that are no brainers. I'm lucky in that I don't get bored eating the same thing over and over. Are you retired yet?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

100% cotton! It's hard to believe and they are fabulous!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I thank my lucky stars about our provincial health care system often...
congrats on the shifting scale!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Having never been on any organized weight loss plan I figured that I would need some guidance and support so I opted for WW which is working for me. Once I get to my goal weight I think I will shift over to MFP.
Losing 35 pounds is quite the accomplishment Duchesse!

Our WW instructor said that if you log your points you stay accountable and focused...and hearing stories like yours just supports that theory.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I bake for teas and company...
fruits make up most of my snacks too!

I'd love to eat salt and vinegar potato chips! It's a salty crunch that weakens my resolve.
They are not in our house anymore.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I retire at the end of term...which here is the end of June.
A bit of variety with salad ingredients, vegetables and protein keeps me satisfied.

I think you look fabulous! When is Pearl due to arrive on the scene? You must be so excited.