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Do You Visualize Your Weight Loss?
2008-04-30 04:49:00
Travel with me back in time, will you? (I seem to be doing this more and more the older I get.) The date is July 27, 2005, just a few days after my 29th birthday. I have a 6 week old baby boy. I’m 191 lbs, embarking on yet another weight loss attempt. I've been attending Weight Watcher meetings and I start a small web site to track my progress. One of the first things I do on this new site is post an image of my virtual model. Click here to read my old posts from the first year! Why? Well it was a great motivator for me to see what I may look like at my goal weight. Sometimes it’s easy to lose site of our goals, especially when we may not be able to see the big picture. So I used a 3D model to do it, some people may use old photos of themselves or maybe even a picture of an outfit they really want to wear. There's also a new online tool at WeightView.com where you can upload one of your own photos and Weight View will show you what you may look like after losing 20l...
More About: Weight Loss , Loss

Ask Roni - Exercise Weight Gain
2008-04-29 15:13:00
I notice as I look at your weight progress that, if I am not mistaken, you didn't gain ever.  You consistently lost at weigh ins....so my question would be during your time on plan, did you excercise?  I had a 3 pound gain the first week I started excercising and my leader told me about muscles holding water..(which has no consolation somehow)..did you not have this issue ever or has excercising been something that you have started after your loss?  Thanks so much...honestly, your site keeps me picking myself back up when I fall! Talysa, Great question and I think your leader is right. Did you see my recent post on exercise? It gives you my complete workout history. But long story short I did NOT workout while I was losing and now that I am hitting the gym hard I am experience exactly what she is talking about.   My trainer confirmed that it is true. I know it isn't a consolation but it should be. You are doing wonders for yourself! I t...
More About: Weight , Exercise

Insatiable
2008-04-29 04:17:00
I mean really, hunger pangs all day. Food 2 egg Mommy and Me Omelet leftover 7 Layer Mexican Casserole Idea Multi Grain Mini Crisps apple granola bar handful of pretzels leftover Tortilla-Less Tortilla Soup orange light yogurt granola bar baked chips and homemade Black Bean Dip Activity nothing, 12 hour day (only 2 left!!!)

And I Ran...
2008-04-28 05:57:00
...I ran so far away. I just ran, I ran all night and day… Ok, sorry. That was stuck in my head all night. The reason you ask? Well, you guessed it, I RAN! Not only did I run but I did it outside in my hilly community. I’m not quite sure how far. I’m estimating about 2.5 miles but I never stopped to walk, not once! I held a nice steady jog pace. I think I started out too fast at first and then I slowed down and took my time. Based on my new iPod mix (see below) I ran for about 33 minutes. Not to shabby for this recent exercise convert and running newbie! ;~P On the food front, I’m not as proud of myself. Ever since this weekend, I’m having a hard time shaking off the munchies. I swear when I eat more refined carbs and sugar (what I ate all weekend) fending off cravings is really tough for the next few days. I truly believe our diets really affect the way our bodies run and react which affects what we crave. I caved into some of those crav...

Note to self... (Back from AC)
2008-04-27 07:12:00
You went. You played. You ate (and ate, and ate). You drank. You had FUN! Now you’re home and it’s time to make better choices, hit the gym and prepare for the week! (AC = Atlantic City – the husband’s and I favorite gateway)
More About: Note , Back , Note to Self

Journal Time (with some fun news!)
2008-04-25 05:41:00
Sorry I didn’t post yesterday.  It was a long day. All my days seem long anymore. I can NOT WAIT until the end of the semester. Spreading myself too thin is getting old and I’m getting tired. However, I FEEL good. I’ve been eating good, getting to the gym and I’m really starting to see results from my workouts (it only took 8 months!). I’m noticing muscles tone in my arms, my cardio capacity seems up (is that a term?) and I think I’m ready to start running outside to train for the 5k race. Tuesday I spend the day at an Earth Expo. I had a booth to talk about healthy recipes and I shared GreenLiteBites. Everyone was super friendly and they seemed to like my ideas and food photos. I brought a few squash and showed how easy they were to prepare. It was the first time I really did any kind of face-to-face marketing for the site, any site for that matter. It was fun. Yesterday I spent working on my classes and projects. I have a few...
More About: News , Journal , Time

What 5 things would you tell yourself?
2008-04-23 06:20:00
I can’t take credit for this question as I know there was a meme going around awhile back asking bloggers to write a letter to their younger selves. Like, if you went back in time what would say to the high school version of you? I thought it was an interesting activity but I didn’t have time to participate then, so I’m stealing the idea for this weeks question and changing it up a bit. Instead of a letter, I want us to think about 5 specific things we would tell ourselves if we could go back in time. They don’t all have to be weight related but I think we’ll discover even the non-weight issues are relevant to self-esteem, confidence, body image and a host of other things that may manufacture themselves as “weight issues”. So travel back in time with me. The year is 1991 (HOLY CRAP) I was 15, wearing my cuffed jeans, hot pink BUM wind breaker, listening to Def Leppard and Boyz II Men. Don’t believe me? Look at this...
More About: Things

Snapple Antioxidant Water - A Review
2008-04-23 04:20:00
Last week Snapple contacted me asking if I’d review some of their new Antioxidant Water s. Of course I said yes! I mean who doesn’t like Snapple?  Well their new line of drinks comes in seven unique flavors inspired by nature’s “superfruits,” including pomegranates and acai berries.  The antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes in each flavor provide one of four distinct benefits for the body:  The Power to PROTECT:, Vitamins A and E, electrolytes and a complete dose of Vitamin C help protect the body against free radicals.  Available in Tropical Mango and Orange Starfruit flavors. The Power to DEFY: Vitamins A and E, Grape Seed Extract, plus electrolytes assist in refreshing the body and mind.  Available in Raspberry Acerola and Grape Pomegranate flavors. The Power to AWAKEN: Vitamins A, E and B, Caffeine, Guarana, Ginseng and Ribose, plus electrolytes will awaken your senses.  Available in Strawberry Ac...
More About: Review

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Really Real Quick!
2008-04-22 05:32:00
Today I didn’t do much except work but this weekend I took a step class, ran 5k again and cooked some good food (see my leftovers below). Now tomorrow I’m doing this green eating thing at an Earth day event on my campus. I’ve been making a slideshow of my favorite recipe from GreenLiteBites to have on display. Whatca’ think? Food Mommy and Me Omelets carrots Sausage & Pepper Skewers a handful of the office mates kettle corn orange 2 servings of Southwest Chicken Salad Topper (I didn't have any greens so I ate it straight up with some baked tortillas light favored yogurt Quick Tortilla Pizza (Video Post) Multi Grain Mini Crisps 1 peanut butter chocolate egg Activity nothing formal - 12 hour work day
More About: Today , Real , Yesterday , Tomorrow

House Plants and Dieters – More in Common then you Think?
2008-04-21 14:46:00
I wrote this yesterday while taking a break from all my Sensational Sunday activities. I hope it makes some sense. ;~P I’ve never been a gardener (not until recently—stop laughing mom) so I can’t believe I’m about to make this correlation. This morning I received an email from a reader... I am just so frustrated because I keep trying different weight loss programs...i guess that's my problem...and i just need to stick with one. what makes any of them different? I go between Weight Watchers, Richard Simmons, and the Biggest Loser...I guess it'a all so OVERwhelming because i need to stick to just one, but I think one is easier than the other then I switch. I’ve received many emails from her, I can feel the pain, frustration, and overall hopelessness through here words… I've just been so frustrated. I just keep going from one weight loss program to another because i think it will work better...sigh! I just need to lose this we...
More About: House , Plants , Common

Ask Roni - What is the "Key"?
2008-04-21 02:53:00
Roni, I have started several times, but never stayed with it, what is the key to sticking to WW for such a long time and how can i do it? -Darlene Hi Darlene, That's a great question! I wish I knew the answer. I really do. But, unfortunately, all I can do is speculate. I truly think it has a lot to do with mindset, readiness, commitment and the right plan. Weight Watchers gave me the tools that made it easy to stay on plan. It wasn't hard to journal and keep track of points. I treated them like money and that worked for me. I made the commitment to stay on plan no matter what. Others find the same simplicity in the CORE plan, and still others find plans like South Beach or Jenny Craig to give them most logical approach. My suggestion is to research the right plan for YOU! Maybe Weight Watchers isn't it. Or maybe you aren't ready. And I say that in the most non-condescending way possible. I wasn't ready for 15 years and if I tried Weight Watchers in ...

Apparently I was HACKED!
2008-04-19 00:22:00
HACKED?!? SERIOUSLY?!?! COME ON PEOPLE! What are we 10, here? I know you are all smart, and web geniuses and all but why do you have to mess with people who are just minding there own business. I mean, PLEASE! I go to the park with the toddler only to return home and find THIS MESSAGE on all of my web sites. COME ON DUDE! I barely have time to keep up and now I have to deal with your immature ass. If you are that good and that bored then go out and get a job and leave me alone. Don’t you have anything better to do? Some people. GEESH!
More About: Hacked

Why am I up?
2008-04-18 06:50:00
I don't know. I get on this computer and then hours FLY by. I had a great day but now at almost 1AM, I'm hungry. Bed or snack? ummmm bed! Well maybe I'll have a fruit leather on my way up. Food generic wheat chex with strawberries and skim milk orange 2 fig newtons (I was starving and it was the lesser of the vending machine evils) Southwestern Turkey Burgers a nugget and a handful of fries from the husband's value meal handful of pita chips chinese take out - steamed chicken and mixed veggies with my homemade dipping sauce. (soy sauce, ground ginger, ground red pepper and a bit of sweetener) 1/3 of an egg roll I split with the toddler and a couple of forkfuls of the husbands fried rice. frozen yogurt with fresh strawberries Activity 45 minute cardio blast class with a great ab workout

Killer Ab Workout
2008-04-18 03:38:00
Tonight (after mustering enough energy to get out of the door) I hit a cardio kickboxing class.  The instructor always ends with 15 minutes of ab work and tonight she did such a simple effective routine I have to share. I still feel like I have a rock in the pit of my stomach! Ok so here’s the routine… (I’ll link to the a description of the exercises as they do a much better job of describing and illustrating then I ever will!) Start with 10 Reverse Sit Ups Then 10 Basic Crunches Then do 10 of them together (aka a Full Crunch)   The end with a Modified Plank for as long as you can hold it (at least 10 seconds) Rinse and Repeat 3 TIMES! It’s so simple and the exercises varied enough I didn’t get board. Midway through the second set my stomach muscles were on fire! Try it and let me know what you think.
More About: Workout , Killer

How did/do you choose your goal weight?
2008-04-17 05:33:00
I almost forgot about this weeks question! I can't believe it. I normally look forward to it but I've been so distracted by new new MAC! ;~P A-n-y-w-a-y (I'm feeling a bit goofy tonight, please forgive the over the top voice inflections that are going through my head.) Chatting with my friend Anne today, we came up with this question. It's actually something I've wanted to ask for awhile as I know many people are curious. I mean, really how do you pick a goal weight? Is it something you weighed before and want to get back to? Or a weight you heard is a good number for your height? Maybe it's goal your doctor recommended? For me, it was a number I've never seen, at least not in this adult body. I remember clearly the day I found out I weighed 150 pounds I was 13 years old. I'm not going to go into all the hairy details, I talk about it a bit in My Story but let's just say that was the start of my 15 year yo you dieting fiasco. So when I had to pick a goal weight for ...
More About: Weight , Goal , Choose

Music, a Movie and a MAC at Midnight
2008-04-16 06:23:00
So much for the early to bed concept, it’s just about midnight and I’m up playing with my brand new toy! I can’t believe I’m a MAC user now. Well, almost. I’m still writing this post on my PC but only because the new MAC isn’t completely set up yet. It will probably take me a few day, but I’m super excited! Besides the new computer, I accomplished a lot today. First the toddler and I had a little fun in the kitchen making fruit kabobs. Then, it was off to the gym where I actually ran for 5K on the treadmill. I’m still in a state of shock! I mean, me, a runner. HA! When did this chubby, lazy computer geek with the short spiky hair turn into a skinny, active MAC user who runs for fun with a long ponytail flapping in the wind?? I mean seriously, it’s just crazy. Ok, back to these M’s. We covered the midnight, the MAC, the Movie so onto the Music . A few people have asked what’s on my iPod for workouts. WOW th...
More About: At Midnight , Midnight

HOLY $HIT – I just ran a 5K!
2008-04-15 20:23:00
OK, sorry I don’t normally curse but I’m super excited!  Most of you know I’ve been considering signing up for a 5K run after my friend, the trainer, mentioned it to me a few weeks back. I’ve been talking about it ever since but haven’t started actually running.  See, I’m the type of person who need a goal, a reason to do something or I never actually get started. So a few days ago, there was a running booth set up at the gym. They had a pamphlet for a local 5K event in about 6 weeks. I thought, “Perfect” that gives me 6 weeks to start running and training. Well, today was the day I started. I hoped on the treadmill I made a running mix for my iPod (I’ll post it later), I hit the 5K button, level 1 and away I went! At first it wasn’t too bad (6 mph), then at about the 8 minute mark I got a cramp and I thought, “uh oh, I can’t do this” and turned it down to a walk (4.7 mph). Then a goo...
More About: Holy

Note to Self...
2008-04-15 05:15:00
Don't buy Doritos telling yourself they are really for the husband and then proceed to eat half the bag. Don’t even BUY the baked Doritos in the first place. You KNOW you have no self-control when they are in the house. Food pretzels (ok, so the toddler grabbed them first thing this morning and we munched - hey it was 6:30 and I didn't have it in me to argue) Cinnabon Cinnamon Crunch Cereal with skim milk apple Sensible Portions Multi Grain Mini Crisps orange Quaker Mini Delights Butternut Carrot Chicken Soup/Stew light yogurt 2 small slices of pizza frozen yogurt with fresh strawberries WAAAAYYYY to many baked Doritos Activity I had a 12 hour day BUT this morning the toddler and I had a a bit of a dance-fest and played some balloon baseball!
More About: Note , Note to Self

Blogger Appreciation Day!
2008-04-14 14:45:00
One of my favorite (non-weight loss) blogs, Problogger announced an unofficial Blogger Appreciate day! What a fabulous idea! To quote Darren We’re in it together, blogging is about collaboration and together going further than we can by ourselves - so why not help another blogger today by shooting them a word of encouragement, a pep talk, a congratulations, an idea to help them improve or some other positive constructive message. Better still, do it publicly on your blog and tell the world about another blogger who you appreciate. Couldn’t have said it better myself!  My shout out goes to… All the active, supportive, amazing weight watchen community bloggers.  Every day you guys amaze me with your words of encouragement to each other. I may not be as active as I want to be but I’m reading! MizFit. Her blog (and her physique) motivate me on the workout front daily. Red. Whose videos give me a much need...
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Early to Bed, Early to Rise...
2008-04-14 04:00:00
...makes Roni stop snacking before bed! I’ve been staying up late, WAY too late and it seems that’s when I lose all control. I’ve snacked my way out of many a good day and I’m tired of it. Literally.  I’m making an effort to get to bed early all this week (that may mean shorter posts) but I have to change something up and get out of this snacking cycle. Speaking of snacking, Andrew from Linda’s Diet Delites emailed and asked if I’d be willing to try a new product they have coming in, Chocolite Peanut Butter Cup Patties. All I have to say is Oh My WORD! They reminded me so much of the homemade chocolate peanut butter eggs my mother-in-law brings on Easter. The chocolate was delish, the peanut butter filling was dry and crumbly. It was just perfect!  Now you’re curious about the nutritional information, aren’t you?. Well, I was surprised to find out that each peanut butter cup patty is only 40 calories, 3g fat...
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Ask Roni – Exercise Motivation
2008-04-12 07:04:00
I am wondering how you stay motivated to exercise.  I know, from reading your posts you seem to really enjoy exercising, saying it’s "me" time.  Did you always enjoy exercising?  I have been exercising for a long time now--sometimes I am more committed than others--but I can never say it's fun!  My idea of  “me” time is to put my nose in a good book.  Choosing to exercise over choosing to read (or do other things) is always a struggle for me and I can't honestly imagine being excited about choosing exercise time over reading time!  Any suggestions?  Thanks! Sandy Hi Sandy! Thanks for your question. This is an interesting subject for me as I didn’t always enjoy exercise. Actually, I hated it. I mean, I didn’t mind a nice walk but the thought of getting in the car, going to the gym and taking a 45 minute spinning class was not even on my radar for a “good time” (I actually do...
More About: Exercise , Motivation

You know spring has sprung when you...
2008-04-11 04:24:00
eat your lunch outside while talking to a good friend on the cell phone instead of at your office desk reading your emails. come home and change into a t-shirt that you had to pull out of summer clothes storage. play in the sandbox with the toddler. fire up the grill, pull out burgers and cook outside for the first time in months. skip the gym for a L-O-N-G after dinner family walk. Just thinking about the day makes me smile.  :~)  Man, I LOVE spring/summer. Sometimes I wonder why I don't live in a warmer climate. Food Points Mommy and Me Omelets and Fiber One cereal with skim milk 5 mango 1 subway - Veggie Sub with cheese and a bag of baked chips 8 Kashi TLC® Chewy Granola Bars 2 BBQ FEAST! Southwestern Turkey Burger on a Whole Wheat Mini Bagels with a double side of baked beans, and grilled zucchini 10 ...
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Need a Night Off
2008-04-10 05:29:00
So I’m taking it. Not that type of ‘night off’. I actually had a really good day, food wise. I just don’t have it in me to type up a post. Then again I’m typing up a post now, aren’t I? Let me rephrase, I don’t have it in me to type up a meaningful post. :~P The toddler and I did record a video tonight. It’s a bit long (too long, if you ask me, but I’m going to post it anyway) so it’s taking a long time to render. I should have it up by tomorrow on GreenLiteBites. I have been trying to catch up on blog readings and one caught my eye today by MizFit. She answered a viewers question about watching the scale. Her perspective is something I needed to hear especially since I’ve been working out more and weighing in less. OK, enough. I’m off. Remember? ;~)
More About: Night

Are you ready?
2008-04-09 04:48:00
Are you ready? I might catch some slack for this weeks question(s) but I don’t care. I need to ask not only you but also myself. It’s a simple yet complex question,  “Are you ready?” Are you ready to live a healthier lifestyle? Are you ready to make the harder choices that lifestyle may entail? Are you ready to plan, think, prepare, shop, and not just grab a donut on the way to work? Are you ready to shut off the TV and go outside for a walk? Are you ready to seek out the staircase instead of taking the elevator? Are you ready to admit to yourself you eat too much? Are you ready to tell yourself hunger is not an emergency or an excuse? Are you ready to face your feelings instead of shoving them down with a slice of pizza? Are you ready to stop trying to do it all and get more sleep? Are you ready to try new foods you’ve dismissed because you “don’t eat vegetables”? Are you ready to love yourself NOW,...
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Out of Time and In Control
2008-04-08 04:50:00
Packing a lot of healthy snacks for a long day at work always gets me back in the groove. I'm feeling tons better thanks for all the awesome comments!! YOU guys are the best! Food Points Apple Pie Oatmeal with a sip of Strawberry Papaya Smoothie 5 leftovers from yeserday (baked beans, turkey breast and grilled zucchini) 6 pear 1 cheesestick 2 orange 1 Kashi TLC® Chewy Granola Bars 2 light flavored yogurt 2 baby carrots 0 Sensible Portions Multi Grain Mini Crisps 2 an AWESOME Simple Quesadilla made with leftover Spicy Black Beans and Zucchini a bit of leftover taco meat and 1 oz of cheese 6 Total 27 Activity not with my 12 hour day but I parked far and walked around the building a bit.
More About: Time , Control

Ask Roni - No Answers Just Self Analysis
2008-04-07 06:24:00
I have lost 30lbs total and feel good, look so much better but have 30 more to go. I am having a hard time staying in the game. It's like I look better, feel better, so...I can just eat the left over Kraft dinner tonight...I feel I have lost my something...confidence is up...commitment has gone down.  What can I do? Thanks, Tanya Hi, I just would like to say that I just happened to stumble on to your website and it was like finding an old friend. I share the same story like a lot of other women, just a few minor changes here and there. I am doing Weight Watchers at home ( I have the books and such)Finally here’s the question; how do you handle it when you have a bad day or crave things and give into the cravings? I am very bad about beating myself up and thinking that that’s it for me and I have to give up. I know so dramatic. But it is such a struggle!! Thanks for any advice. Keep up the good work. I check in all the time to see what you have...
More About: Analysis , Answers

It's Back....
2008-04-06 20:00:00
I thought you should know! The Southwest Salad I had 2 already and I can NOT belive I'm advertising for McD's but hey, it's good and when you are married to a fast food junky, it's great to have options.
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Note to Self…
2008-04-06 05:09:00
NEVER go to a kid’s birthday party hungry. Especially when they are serving pizza, cake, ice cream, M&M’s, chips, AND pretzels.
More About: Note

Fabulous Friday!
2008-04-05 05:22:00
Doesn’t everyone just love Friday ? Especially Fridays in the spring, when the weather is getting warmer and the farm stands start to open. I am so ready for summer.  Anyway, what made my Friday so fabulous? Well, I solved the childcare issue, had a great morning with the toddler, got something accomplished at work, bought a crap load of fresh produce for the weekend, made an awesome dinner, and went for a really fun, really long, family walk. I also had a guest post published over on the diet blog at Diets in Review (they review like every diet known to man and have a nice Weight Watchers write up, it’s a pretty cool site) and started development on the new community. Now it’s off to bed early! Food Points Apple Pie Oatmeal 4 Strawberry Papaya Smoothie 1 McDonald's Southwestern Salad 6 Sensible Portions Multi Grain Mini Crisps 2 post farm stan fruit nibbles...

Just a Catch-up Chat
2008-04-04 05:39:00
Let me start at the beginning. I feel like I have a TON of stuff to get out of my head.  If you believe it, I’ve been taking cryptic notes since Tuesday about what I want to tell you and now I can’t decipher them. Tells you a little about my note taking and penmanship ability. Chicken scratch, my mom would say.  Anyway, my entire schedule has been thrown off since losing day care 2 weeks ago (long story).  Last week it didn’t matter as I was on Spring Break but this week has been crazy! Two full time working parents juggling a two year old without full time care is insane, but I must admit, FUN! The toddler and I have been spending a bunch of time in the kitchen. It all started on Tuesday night with some pizza making. Nothing is more fun then making pizza at home with a little helper. Well, that may not be true, there was also dancing, going to the farm stand, taking walks, playing hide and seek (with a clearly visible 2 year old), havi...
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