My 10 Steps

Before my dad passed away suddenly in June 2008 I had started on a journey to a new me, changing my lifestyle and was doing great I was down 35lbs from 01-Apr-2008 to 08-Jun-2008.  The day my dad left this world I hit a brick wall as tall as the Eiffel Tower.  It has taken me close to 3.5 years to break that wall down, stone by stone.  Before starting my journey for the second time I could talk the talk of what I needed to do.  I just couldn't walk the talk.  I knew what I had to do so that I didn't end up with the same fate as my dear dad did.  His life was cut short far too soon because of plugged arteries, a weak heart, water retention and the start of Diabetes.

I was looking for someone to wave the magic wonder over me and Wall-la I would be skinny and healthy.  Ya Right...it don't work that way.  I had to deal with my grief and get to the point where I could move forward.  With the help of a fabulous Councillor I did just that....then I had to take a good hard long look at myself in the mirror.  I mean I had to really open my eyes and look and stop living with the image I had kept of how I used to look.  You could say I had to look at myself with other people's eyes. 

I remember the day my daughters, my best friend and I were shopping for outfits for my dad's funeral.  I tried on a summer dress just for the fun of it because I really really like it....well my eldest daughter yells across Sears "Aunty, come look at how amazing my mom looks.....come see how much weight she has lost."  I was embarrassed because I felt a spot light pointed right at me, but I as also so happy that my daughter had noticed how amazing I was looking and that she acknowledged all my hard work.  I started remember how good I felt back then and that people didn't look at me and just see another fat girl.

Well after letting the weight creep back on these past 3.5 years, my mind was finally in the right place and now it was time for me to put my body back in the right place. 

My 1st Step was admitting I needed to change my lifestyle. -- CHECK

My 2nd Step was joining WW On-line.  -- CHECK

After a couple of weeks of figuring out the program it was time to take the next step....weight myself - boy was I scared to see that number but I did it.  You know what I made it out to be scarier than it was, that was my 3rd Step.  -- CHECK

My 4th step was to change my way of thinking, start believing in myself, that I am worth the change.  -- CHECK

My 5th Step was to start being aware of the every morsel of food I put in my mouth, track my daily points....looking at food in a whole different way, so far things are going good and I do see food differently.  -- CHECK

My 6th Step was to weigh-in each week on weight in day - Sundays for me.  -- CHECK

My 7th Step was to start incorporating more activity into my life.  -- CHECK

My 8th Step was to take my measurements, track these once a month.  -- CHECK

My 9th Step was to get a personal trainer to get me on the right path, to learn how to workout so that I loose inches and pounds not injure myself.  -- CHECK

My 10th Step is to start at the gym, work with the personal trainer and make working out a part of my day and enjoy it.  JUNE 4th is my first day at the gym.  Even picked up new workout clothes and getting excited. I am going to get my daughter to take my picture with my phone that day and on the 4th of each month after that I will get her to take another photo so that I can see my progress.

These steps have gotten me to where I am today and to where I am going in the future.  I plan never to go back to where I started.   I will never forget where I was and I will always remind myself that I am worth everything I have become in my journey. 



Corinne~

Awakenings!!

 Spring is awakening here in North Central Saskatchewan.  The grass is getting greener and greener with each passing days.  Trees are in leaf, song birds are singing, baby calves are scampering about the pastures and there are baby geese.  This morning as I was driving down our grid road on my way to work like every day before I slow down to see the ducks, geese, grebes, coots and muskrats; what a treat a pair of geese with their babies.  Oh how I wish I carried my camera with me everywhere I go, but it is too darn big to do that......then I remembered my cell phone has a camera on it....so I back up grab my cell phone and SNAP I got a picture.  Most of the babies were on the other side of the mamma goose but I did catch a couple of them. 

Another awakening I had happened late yesterday afternoon when I was in Sobey's picking up a few things for supper.  I was in the bakery section, a friend of mine works there and was on shift.  So we stopped and chatted caught up on things, then she stops looks at me

Friend: You're loosing weight aren't you! 
Me:  Actually yes I am
Friend:  Wow you look amazing, you've lost a lot haven't you!
Me:  Thank you Rose... Actually I'm down 16.2 lbs since Feb 26th, but March 1st according to WW's. 
Friend:  Keep up the great work...you are looking great.  Then gives me a big hug.

Wow I walked away feeling absolutely great about myself and how I am looking.  I look in the mirror and I don't see big changes but I know that I am feeling better and have more flexibility than I had before.  Piked up only what I needed for supper and headed home. 

First thing I do after I get in the house, put away the groceries is head to the bathroom and look in the mirror and BAM I seen it with my own eyes...I seen the difference in my body that I hadn't realized was there.  I am getting my waist line back, my stomach is flatter and you know what I think I look Fabulous!

My short visit with my friend Rose in the bakery of Sobey's awakened me to really see me.  WOW......


Corinne~

Where I Am Coming From......

I thought today I would tell you a bit of my story and what has brought me to where I am today on my journey to a healthier fitter ME.

Growing up I never had a huge issue with weight, I wasn't one of those that could eat anything and not gain a pound.  I kept active enough that I didn't gain weight....then I had my first child and gained a whopping 65lbs...after my son was born I kept active and worked hard to shed the excess weight and got back to my pre-pregnacy weight.   I was happy with my body type and my weight. 

3 years later I became pregnant with my 2nd child and once again the weight piled on around 65lbs again.  This time I retained water like a sponge.  Needless to say I wasn't as active as far as exercising went, I was exhausted from chasing after 2 little ones....then 11 months later I was pregnant with my 3rd child.  I had lost some of what I had gained with my 2nd but not enough....you can see where this is going....gaining and gaining and more gaining. 

I wasn't eating proper meals the first form of sabotage, then I started eating emotionally as my hubby and I weren't the happiest couple around for a while.  Needless to say I let myself go for the last 23 years.  Our relationship improved but I still ate like life didn't matter.  I tried this diet and that diet, seen a few lbs here and there disappear only to show back up with friends. 

I tried Weight Watcher meetings but I didn't get anything from them. I didn't get any inspiration from the leader (maybe my mind wasn't in the right place)  I found that I was paying to go and weigh in, pick up the little brochure/recipe that they were giving away that week.  Then about a year later I tried it again...only to end up with the same fate. 

I tried all the different fad diets out there even the SouthBeach Diet - that one didn't last very long.  About 5 years ago I thought I would try Herbal Magic, thinking maybe this one would work, I left there with my head spinning....I crunched the numbers they gave me for the program, the supplements, concluded I would be broke before I even started.  They tried to convince me that we spent that much in junk food and eating out.....I think NOT.  We didn't even come close to the $700+/month for junk food and eating out...we bought Pizza once a week and it was only costing us $30 and we didn't eat out.  So then two years later I made a second visit to Herbal Magic, not to join but to get the information of the supplements then off to the health food store I went with the pages of information to try and find the same things.  I got most of the same things or close to them anyways.  So following Herbal Magic and the info from the Health Food Store I started journalling my food intake, water intake, taking the supplements I was off.  I quite drinking Pop - this was a big one for me; At one time I was drinking, (oh you'll just die when I tell you) 1.5 - 2+ litres of Pepsi a day......yep your eyes are not playing tricks on you. 

I was doing great from April 1, 2008 - June 8, 2008 I had lost 35lbs, I was under 200 lbs, I was thrilled.  Then out of no where my world crashed all around me and I mean crashed...My dad passed away suddenly the morning of June 8th.  It has taken me nearly 4 years to let go of the hurt from his passing and start living my life for me again.  I stayed in the past...I was living June 7, 2008 over and over because then I didn't have to face or accept my dear dad had left me and this world to be with my mom again after 42 years.  I got a big ole double whammy, for the first time I had to deal with the loss of my mom when I was 6 months old.  My hubby, bless his sole stuck by me not knowing what to say, hoping & praying I would pull out of deep dark place I was in.  I Did!!

Well here I am today and proud to say I live in the here and now.  I am moving forward, loving my life and the new me I am becoming with every step I make.   I have accepted my dad's passing and remember he will always be in my heart.


Corinne~

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Sunday!  Enjoy!

My hubby and 3 grown children took me out last night for Mother's Day as my eldest daughter has to work today.  We have always found that going out for supper on Mother's Day is such a rush as everyone is waiting for a table to open...even with a reservation so you can't enjoy your meal as well with eyes watching you....always feels like they are trying to burn a hole in us to hurry up and leave. 

My son made reservations at Ricky's All Day Girl, he paid for supper, hubby paid for drinks and appetizers and both daughters paid for gifts.  The kids surprised me with a beautiful potted Orchid to add to ever growing collection before we headed out for supper.  As we pulled up to the restaurant my youngest daughter tell me, "Mom, I will pay for personal trainer sessions for you.  I know you have been wanting to get some sessions to get you started in the right direction for working out."  Wow I was taken back as I didn't expect that.....I am so excited to get started with my personal trainer at the Chiropractor Clinic where she works.  Jarred has been working with my daughter helping her train for her first 5K marathon this fall.  So seeing how she is progressing I am sure I will have some success.  Once we are seated at the restaurant my other daughter presents me with a card and gift --- Wow I wasn't expecting another gift.  The kids got me a wonderful card & beautiful sterling silver heart necklace with white sapphires and diamonds.  I kept it together....I could feel the tears building as I read the wonderful card and then when I opened the gift and seen it was from Peoples Jewelers. They took my breath away once again.

After supper hubby and I went the movies...we seen Johnny Depps new movie "Dark Shadows".  I was so proud of myself didn't even stop at the concession counter for popcorn, candy or a drink.  We were both full from supper but that never stopped us before.

This afternoon hubby and I headed into town to pick up some deck treatment so we can get the patio furniture set up and some supplies for my Patio Pond....my fish and plants are needing to be put out.   We are not far down the highway when we here flop flop flop....pull over...sure enough a flat tire.  Hubby set to changing the tire, one guy stopped to see if we needed any assistance, that was a nice to see someone not afraid to stop and help.  Need to get the Hummingbird feeder up this week awaiting their arrival.  I also need to start thinking about my patio planters and what to plant in them.

We picked up one of those fire place bowls with the mesh lid.  Can burn either wood or candles in them.....we plan to have this on the deck for evenings when we want to sit by a fire but not a big fire.  We will set it up by the pond....can't wait to sit out there in the evenings with a fire and listening to the sound of the waterfall of the pond with a cup of tea, a glass of rum & pepsi or a beer.

 

Corinne~

Mini Garlic Monkey Breads

2 (7.5 oz) cans buttermilk biscuits

6 Tbl. butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbl. dried parsley flakes

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

    plus 2 Tbl. to sprinkle on top

Cut biscuits into 4 pieces and place in a bowl.  Combine remaining ingredients and pour over biscuit pieces.  Gently toss to evenly coat.  Use a greased 12-cup muffin tin and place 6-7 pieces in each cup.  Sprinkle remaining 2 Tablespoons of cheese over the top.  Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes.  Serve warm.  Makes 12. 

Corinne~

Realization

The other day I was craving McDonald's fries something terrible.  So I decided to see if the craving would go away or get stronger with time....well it got stronger and stronger.  With my lifestyle change I have decided if I have a craving that keeps getting stronger and stronger then I will satisfy it right then if I can so that it doesn't get to the point where I can't control it.  So after my nail appointment off to McDonald's I headed for Big Extra with Cheese and Bacon, Fries and a Coke.  Oh it smelt so good and when I did get home to enjoy my supper it tasted so delicious.  I haven't had McDonald's for 3 months at least.  What surprised me most was how sweet the Coke tasted.  I don't remember it being so sweet, but I guess when you drink it pretty much on a daily basis you don't notice the sweetness of it.  Being POP free for the last 3 months with the exception of probably 3 glassed of the sweet nectar I can see why it was so sweet tasting.  

On the negative note the wonderful supper cost me 37 points on Weight Watchers Points Plus program...that was a big chuck of my weekly flex points.  But hey I am allowed to enjoy myself now and then...and my recipe for success allows me to indulge once in a while but be aware of what I am eating and how much I am eating.  Good thing the craving has been soothed over.......wouldn't have much success if I craved McDonalds every day. 

Corinne~

PGX - Yes or No?

Monday evening I realized something that I had sorta taken for granted or maybe not....Before I started with WW's On-line I was looking for something to help me with my cravings and had heard lots of things about PGX so I picked up a bottle to try....so I started and of course like other attempts at weight loss that didn't last long and the bottle sat on my counter for a couple of months.  I guess I was in the process of getting both my mind and body ready for change. 

So after joining WW's at the end of February and getting used to watching what I was eating and when, I started looking at the bottle of PGX sitting on the counter.  I decided since I had paid good money for them and they are to help you feel fuller longer figured why not start with them as a part of my new lifestyle. 

Having missed taking my PGX since Friday evening I noticed on Monday evening that by that afternoon my mind was wandering to thoughts of eating/munching.  Not sure if it was because I was actually hungry (didn't really feel hungry) or if it was because I hadn't had much for water that day either.  Usually by mid afternoon I have had close to 5 glasses of water.  I know that thirst mechanism in our body is weaker than the hunger mechanism so was I just really thirsty or was I starting to get hungry. 

I have decided to test whether or not I need to continue with PGX or not.  I am getting close to being out...probably by the end of the week I will be out of the PGX.  I have decided that I am going to continue doing what I am doing; I am seeing success; the only change will be not taking the PGX for a week and seeing if I really notice a difference or not.  If I am not having the feelings of wanting snack food then I will continue the way I am going but if I think I need PGX for little longer to help me through the munching stages I will do that.

 



Corinne~

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Muffins

Prep Time: 5 mins  Cooking Time: 20 to 25 mins

1 package biscuit dough (10 biscuits)
3 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup of shredded cheddar
4 slices bacon (can use turkey and/or veggie bacon)
salt and pepper

Cook the bacon in a pan or in the oven until it’s almost done. Chop into small bits and set aside. (Note: if using veggie bacon do not cook it ahead – simply defrosted it and chopped it up.)  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together eggs and milk, a pinch of salt and some cracked pepper to taste and set aside.

Meanwhile, roll out each biscuit until it’s slightly bigger than the circumference of your muffin tin. Grease the muffin tin with cooking spray and push one biscuit into each muffin cup being sure to push it all the way down and to the sides. Leave the ridge hanging over the edge. Divide the cheese evenly in each of the biscuit cups and then pour egg in, filling each cup only 1/2 way. They will look empty but resist the urge to top them off. You must account for the biscuits puffing up – otherwise you’ll have a mess on your hands. Sprinkle bacon atop of the egg and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until biscuits are golden and eggs are set.

Use a butter knife to loosen each muffin and serve warm.

Note: if your egg does overflow, just let it bake the rest of the way and then remove the extra egg when you are loosening the muffins.

Corinne~

Dr. Oz

My aunt has raved about Dr Oz for years now and I have caught his show once in a while and checked out his website a couple of times.  I was always impressed with Dr. Oz's show and the information he gives.  Recently I was home from work a little earlier than usual, turned on the television and there was Dr. Oz on, I usually wasn't home early enough to catch his show.  He was talking about healthy alternatives to help with a healthier lifestyle.  I was impressed and have tried one of the ideas he showed on guest on the show about how to spark up her sandwich; instead of mayonnaise mix plain Greek Yogurt with Hummus.   So yesterday I made a chicken sandwich for my lunch at work only to discover no mayonnaise in the fridge.....but I did have Greet Yogurt and Hummus....I could hear Dr. Oz telling me make the switch you won't believe how delicious it will make your sandwich.  HE WAS RIGHT.  It is the most I have enjoyed a chicken sandwich in a long time.

So now I am so into watching Dr. Oz that I have it set on my PVR to record every episode and if I forget to set the PVR I can always catch his show on-line at Dr. Oz on CTV.  Yesterday I was checking out the recipes on his website and found a few that I plan to try....especially his healthy version of KFC Chicken.  To check out all the wonderful recipes on Dr. Oz click HERE.  Won't my family be surprised how something healthier than the fast food version will taste so yummy!  
  


Corinne~

Triple Chocolate Chunk Muffin

1 3/4 c oats 
 3 egg whites 
 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain low fat yogurt)
1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or 1-1/2 Tbsp. vinegar)
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup hot water
1 cup sugar substitute (like Splenda granular) OR 1/4 cup + 2 tbs stevia
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or use white chocolate or peanut butter chips!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with foil cupcake liners, or spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a blender, (or food processor), mix all of the ingredients together, except for the chocolate chips. Blend until oats are ground and mixture is smooth.

Place mixture in a bowl and gently stir in 1/2 of the chocolate chips (set the rest aside). Scoop mixture into prepared muffin pans.

Place muffins tins in the oven for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes, remove muffins from the oven (but don’t shut oven off), and distribute the other half of the chocolate chips on top of each muffin.

Place  the muffins back into the oven and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. *Note, you could skip this step by putting all of the chips in the batter, and baking the muffins for 12-15 min straight, but this method gives the muffins the traditional ‘VitaTop Muffin’ look with the chocolate chips on top!


Cool muffins before removing from pan. ENJOY!!!

Servings: 12 Big Muffins or 24 Smaller Muffins
Calories: 116 Calories Per Muffin or 58 Calories Per Muffin




Corinne~

On My Way!

Sunday after I stepped off the scale I was thrilled to see that I hadn't gained any weight,  I hadn't lost any weight either. This was good news for me especially after indulging in some sinful but oh so yummy munchies on Friday night.  My niece held a Jockey Clothing party....had a glass a wine called Girls Night Out - Yummy, ate lots of the veggies that were out but indulged in the cheese and crackers, the amazing cheese ball and the ever so Sinful & Yummy Nanimo Bars.  So Saturday morning when I dug out my points calculator I was pleasantly surprised to find the crackers that I had indulged in were much lower in Weight Watchers Points Plus points than I had figured.  So even without a weight loss last week I was thrilled that I hadn't gained any weight. 

Now the time came to take my measurements....hind sight being 20/20 I really should have done this when I started WW's back at the end of February and not been afraid to look at those numbers.  After all that is what they are a number and a number that I plan to shrink over time.  So my plan is to track my measurements on a monthly basis using the last Sunday of each month.  I set up a chart in MS Excel to track my measurements on the last Sunday of the each month.  

I am definitely out of the starting gate and on my way to a new ME!

I Believe........
          .........I will succeed; One day at a time!

Corinne~