Me: Under De-construction

weekly weigh-in

2009-09-11T14:50:38Z

Last week: 180.2 (boo!)
This week: (I forgot to weigh this morning, but I'll go with my memory of a couple days ago which agrees with my "clothed" WW weigh-in)... 177.2!
Loss: 3 lbs. (1.6%) YAY!!! I'm sure that logging my food has helped and aiming to get 5 fruits and veggies daily.

How are you doing keeping up with your water? ...I'm pretty good at this with my water at my desk at work. And I'm decent at home on the weekends, less so if we're running around.

Any challenges this weekend or the upcoming week? ...I'm going on vacation (Thurs-Sun)! I'll try to stick to healthy options and reasonable portions...but we'll see. Stress might get to me. I can take some snacks, but space is limited. Maybe I'll even hit the gym...I kind of miss my gym sometimes (I quit to save money and cuz I expected to get pregnant).

Any successes to share?...I got a salad at Chipotle, ate reasonably at a BBQ joint and I've been tracking my food every day! I think it really helps. And of course my exercise, but that is also "me" time.

Weekend edition

2009-09-06T20:41:54Z

Yesterday was my birthday celebration with N (no Bit), so I didn't worry too much about food, but I did write it all down. All weekend I've been plagued by feelings of sadness and emptiness. I know it's normal, but it's a shame that it affects my relationship with my family. Today I've been struggling to resist the urge for comfort food. I did my exercise video for the first time since my trip to the ER. I just really want to see a loss this week. I know I might not, but it's enough to motivate me for now. And if I don't lose, I'll just have to try again next week.

Pep talk

2009-09-03T17:30:06Z

There's 2 things I learned while taking off the 100 lbs. I've managed to keep off...

1) Don't be too hard on yourself when you give in to temptation, but jump right back on track. Don't use it as an excuse to keep indulging.

2) Try to shift your mindset. It's not about depriving yourself of "good" things like treats...it's about depriving yourself of bad things like health problems and the discomfort (mental and physical) of being overweight. When I'm on the ball, I don't even consider things like junk food...I just don't give myself that option b/c I know it's not worth it. When you give yourself permission to fall off the wagon, big surprise, you do!

Like, woah

2009-03-04T19:15:51Z

So a couple weeks ago I completed the Maintenance phase to become a Lifetime Weight Watchers member. I have yet to hit my official (BMI) goal while fully clothed (164), but one of the receptionists pointed out that I could get a doctor's note setting my goal a bit higher. Brilliant! So my official goal is 170, which is fairly easy to attain these days fully clothed. (Though I've been struggling with my food lately and gained a few lbs. so I'm a little scared to get on the WW scale this evening...)

Anyway, due to Girl Scout cookies and various culinary indiscretions, I have 6.6 lbs. to lose to get back to my 2009 low of 163.

I also think that it's time I took measurements. Perhaps that will help on the days that I "feel" fat. If I can look at hard numbers (evidence) that I'm not getting bigger overnight, then maybe it will help keep me honest in the food department.

Exercise-wise I think I could do better with my at-home workouts, but we've been busy, tired, and stressed (with toddlerhood). But at work I'm going to the little gym by my office and started weight training 2 weeks ago. I only do it twice a week, but it's still new and exciting. I've also been jogging semi-frequently at the gym, but my stamina still sucks.

To do list:
- Manage food choices (keep a daily log) and strive to lose 4-6 lbs. in March
- Take body measurements and record them semi-regularly
- Exercise more at home (at least 3x weekly) and keep it up at work (at least 2x week weights)

From my message board

2009-01-16T14:13:16Z

The danger of peeking at the scale is that it might discourage you. I don't do it if I know it's going to sabotage me...but if I'm in the mood that it will help keep me accountable, I do peek. I peeked this week and it helped me, well, not stay on track, but at least keep the track in my sight. I think what works is eating well most of the time and allowing treats from time to time.

Weigh in:
Last week: 163.6
This week: 163.0 (-0.6)

Questions:
How are you feeling? Any thoughts on today's weigh-in? ~Today's number is the best I've had all week! So I feel lucky. And hopeful that my efforts, although not perfect, are leading to rewards.

What is the one item of clothing you hope to get into next? ~I don't keep "wish" clothing around (but that's largely b/c I've never been smaller than I am now). I still have too-big stuff to rid out (some I'm keeping for maternity).

Any new food or exercise you tried this week? ~I made baked bananas last night (minus marshmallows, but I put whipped cream instead, N had them without anything extra). Pretty good. And I'm working on my "running" (jogging) endurance. I got up to 3.5 laps in just under 12 minutes (that's good for me).

Round-up for 2008

2009-01-09T14:16:59Z

It was a good year. Here are my stats from the beginning:

Highest weight (Aug-2002): 279
Starting 2007 weight (Jan): 243.8 (baby weight)
Ending 2007 weight (Dec): 191.8

After my first run with WW in 2002, I managed to successfully keep off about 40-50 lbs. consistently until I got pregnant in 2006. After the baby, I lost a grand total of 52 lbs.! That got me under 200 for the first time in my adult/teen life.

At the beginning of 2008, I was around 191 lbs. My goal was simply to lose 10 lbs. by the end of the year. I wasn't sure how I would do being under 200. Well I dropped the first 10 lbs. by March, so I had to adjust my goal and instead in 2008 I made it to my healthy BMI weight!

Starting 2008 weight: 191.0
Ending 2008 weight: 163.8

Weight loss per month (2009)
Jan: -0.2
Feb: -9.2
Mar: -3.0
Apr: +3.2
May: -0.8
Jun: -4.2
Jul: +0.8
Aug: +2.4
Sep: -8.4
Oct: -5.2
Nov: -2.2
Dec: -0.4

As you can see, it wasn't an easy year. I was up and down alot.

Charts and Graphs

But I managed to lose a total of 27.2 lbs! Woah! And my BMI at the end of the year was around 25 (healthy, yay!).

Winning Outcomes

2008-12-30T00:57:41Z

If anyone needed proof that I am not the "perfect" Weight Watcher, I think the 3-4 lbs. I gained over Christmas is proof enough. It came as no surprise, but I swear to get it off again in no time.

I'm going to the doctor tomorrow for my cold and I'd like to ask for a doctor's note for my weight. I reached the point where I was at my goal weight at home, but couldn't get the number low enough at Weight Watchers due to the evening weigh-in and clothing. The receptionist suggested I get a doctor's note to set my goal a little higher so I can get Lifetime status (free membership) sooner. Brilliant! It's not as if I haven't worked hard enough (having lost over 100 lbs. and reached my goal at home). So I hope that works out.

Today we looked at the "Winning Outcomes" tool for living. That is, setting a goal that is positive, specific, within my control, and a good fit with my life.

I set down 3 goals:

1) Control my emotional eating and show a commitment to myself by tracking regularly (emotions and food).
2) Be mindful of my reasons for staying healthy (Violet, life, love, happiness).
3) Have these two things become second nature.

I've made alot of physical changes in my life (eating habits, portions, exercise). I feel that these more mental aspirations are a good focus for this stage of my life and the new year.

A good piece of advice

2008-12-02T19:55:37Z

This blog touches on a truth that I think eludes many people when they are trying to overturn a bad habit: http://www.onsimplicity.net/2008/11/break-bad-habits/

Quote: In the end, what stuck with me was this: breaking a bad habit isn’t about doing what’s “right.” It’s also not about paying absolution. It’s about finding something you simply want more, and weighing that cost whenever you’re tempted.

So...on a personal note, I have reached my goal weight. Um...now what??

Last week (the day before Thanksgiving and the day after) I weighed in at 163 lbs. Just at the top of my healthy BMI (and judging by the size of my wrist and hip bones, a healthy weight for me).

The only problem is that I haven't been counting Points. I am trying to be conscious of what I eat, but I've been very hungry the last few weeks, and I am not sure how I managed to drop that last bit of weight. I keep expecting to get on the scale and see a gain.

In some ways, I am testing the limits of my new body and current metabolism. I want to see how much I can eat and maintain my weight. But at the same time, I'm terrified that what I'm really doing is subconsciously sabotaging myself. If I regain a little bit of weight, then I have something to lose again. A goal.

Because, honestly, I never thought I'd reach this goal weight, so I have no idea what to strive for now!

Another round-up

2008-11-05T16:48:43Z

Last time I did this, I posted a graphic/chart. But this time I just want text. I like seeing data in black and white.

Last week the scale was exceedingly kind (as it usually is the week my period is due).

166.4! Woah! I don't expect to be that low this week, but we'll see. I think I am in the 160's as long as I don't go nuts and stop counting Points.

I am really starting to notice the difference in my body. I am in a size 14 or 16 pant, which seems TINY to me! And mostly L for shirts, some M, some XL.

2008 Weight loss to date

Jan- 191.0 (down 55 lbs. from Jan. 2007!)
Feb- 188.4 (-2.6)
Mar- 180.2 (-8.2)
Apr- 178.6 (-1.6)
May- 177.0 (-1.6)
Jun- 178.2 (+1.2)
Jul- 176.8 (-1.4)
Aug- 175.0 (-1.8)
Sep- 180.0 (+5.0)
Oct- 173.0 (-7.0)
Nov- 166.4 (-6.6)

Actual loss (since I gained and lost some lbs.): 24.6

160's?

2008-10-17T10:59:00Z

This morning the scale read 169.2. I should be excited, but here's why I'm not.

I didn't have a great week: I went over my Points target every day (although I didn't run out of Flex) and I didn't work out as much as I should. Here's the pattern of the last month (10-25 min=1 Active Point; 30-60 min=2):

Weekly Active Points

9/18=9 AP (174.4 lbs. -1.6)
9/25=16 AP (171.6 lbs. -2.8)
10/2=10 AP (173 lbs. +1.4)
10/9=16 AP (172.2 lbs. -0.8)
10/17=9 AP (169.2 lbs. -3)

Usually if I get a strangely low weight on a week I didn't work for it, I go up the next week. So I'm waiting till next week to see if I've really broken the 170's.

On the plus side, TOMORROW is the first anniversary of getting a scale reading with a 1- in front of it (199). Woo hoo!!!

Picspam

2008-09-12T16:17:08Z

At Anjie's request...I don't have many recent pics (I'm always the photographer), but here are a couple from Labor Day weekend.

Me w/ my college roomie peeking (I'm amazed at how much I'm NOT terrified of my thighs here)

At the Children's Museum; BIG chair

Long time update

2008-09-12T13:55:05Z

I haven't updated in awhile. I haven't been making much progress...bouncing back and forth between the same few pounds. But this week I think I've turned things around. I'm back on WW and actually counting Points. I'm focusing on my fruit and veggie intake, and actually finding that I prefer it to junk food (like the evil 100 calorie packs). I also started my workout routine again. Here's hoping I can meet my goal by the middle of next year!

Here's my progress for the year so far (with a few numbers faked on weeks I didn't log it, but estimated):

In the long view (8-9 months), it looks like alot of progress!

Fortunate events

2008-05-06T19:03:05Z

I was about to walk across the street and get something bad for me for an afternoon pick-me-up, when one of my coworkers stopped to compliment me on my weight loss. She rarely speaks to me, so it was nice to hear something so positive from her. And after that how could I possibly go buy junk? But I wanted to got over there anyway, so I just got my diet coke and came back. I'm still hungry, but I can dig up a low fat snack at my desk. ^_^

There's something I need to tell myself:

You do not weigh 200 lbs. Your weight starts with a 1. You are not 200 lbs anymore!

I literally keep forgetting this...

And just something I wanted to write, not really a poem:

Today I went for a walk.
It inspired me to take my family on a picnic.
It inspired me to play a romantic song for my husband, perhaps over dinner for two.
It was nice to just wander through my thoughts without the confines of walls around me.
To feel the warmth on my skin and the breeze in my hair.
Walks are for love and family and thoughts.
Most of all, they are for me and I am for them.

Stress eating FTL =|

2008-04-09T17:46:42Z

So far I haven't gained, but I'm not sure my luck will hold up this week. I am currently at 178.6. I would like to stay there.

So accountability needs to be stepped up.

B: oatmeal, 1pc. toast, coffee ~4
S: 2 wasa crackers w/ LC cheese ~2
L: flatbread sandwich (frozen), 100-cal pringles ~9
S: yogurt, trail mix ~5
S: Odwalla bar ~5
D: leftover salmon, couscous, veggies ~6

I know I'm going over today...est. tot. 31...
I will work out tonight if I'm not packing.

We trick ourselves...

2008-03-11T16:15:44Z

I was on a walk before lunch and thinking about how I used to think I never had time to take a walk during the work day. I've walked the last 4 work days and I find it really helps me focus and clear my mind. I'm just as productive if not more.

So what happened to the "lack of time"? I think we just trick ourselves into thinking we "can't" do something (or don't "have time" for it). The same was true for my workout routine. Once I found something that worked for me, I got into the habit and I get upset when I can't get it in.

Humans have amazing capabilities to adapt to any situation...just ask any first-time parent. Yet, we are also masters at convincing ourselves of the "impossible." One thing weight loss taught me is to challenge those self-defeating assumptions. I CAN do it. I CAN go for a walk and I'll actually be better off for it. I CAN work out. It's really mostly a matter of getting up off your butt and getting started.

Weight Watchers works

2008-02-29T15:40:19Z

(copied for my benefit/reference)

Weight Watchers all the way. You get a daily Points target plus 35 bonus points you can use every week. Pair it with exercise (and increased water consumption) and you will lose weight!

Points are calculated by incorporating calories, fat and fiber.

Here's the quiz you need to figure out your daily Points: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-fbwwatchers/?msg=62902.1

Points calculator: http://www.webmilhouse.com/pointcalc.php

If you're mathy, here's the formula to calculate it yourself: http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/articles/weight_watchers_points/

After awhile you learn portion control and you don't really have to count Points religiously unless you aren't losing. I rarely count anymore, just when I need help. Good luck!

Monthly Update

2008-02-29T14:27:03Z

At the end of January I weighed 190.8.

As of today I weigh 181.6!!

Total loss this month: 9.2 lbs. WOO HOO!!!

Week 2 on Points (2/1-2/7)

2008-02-11T12:58:33Z

Here's some analysis of last week, for my reference mostly:

Daily Points Totals (total fruit/veg, dairy)
F-36 (4 F/V, 1 D)
S-34 (4 F/V, 1 D)
N-41 (2 F/V, 1 D)
M-26 (3 F/V, 0 D)
T-25 (2.5 F/V, 1 D)
W-25 (4 F/V, 2 D)
R-25 (3 F/V, 1 D)

The weekend was a little crazy. I don't like to use up all my Flex at the beginning of the week (my week starts on Friday). But I did fantastic Mon-Thurs sticking to my Points target. In a way, I'm almost glad it worked out this way. Week 2, I needed to see that I can hit my target on an average day b/c the first week I went over Points every day (still stayed within Flex). And both weeks yeilded a 2.4 lb loss, so I'm doing something right! (Something I wasn't doing last month when I wasn't counting Points.)

Indulgences (Points)
S-tikka split (11), Chinese snack (8)
N-chicken sandwich (12), tikka split (11)

No more Wendys Chicken Sandwiches...no back-to-back tikka weeks, best find: Fiber 1 Oats+Chocolate bars!!! so much chocolate! I didn't need the Chinese food. I need to get over feeling like I need to eat if I'm with other people who are eating (it was at a buffet, didn't touch that at least, with my family after I'd already had lunch).

Exercise (AP)
F-3 mi (+2, used 2)
S- none
N- W+K (+2)
M-2 mi (+2)
T-3 mi (+2)
W-W+K (+2)
R-none

Total AP (E) for the week: 10 (5/7 days). My goal this month is 8 AP/week, so I'm doing great!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daily Points Target: 25

~Fri~
B: omelette (1.5), muffin (4), coffee (1.5)
S: oatmeal (2)
L: veg (0), sloppy joe (3), pizza (6)
S: brownie bites (2), chips, 100 cal snack (5)
D: chicken w/ black bean salsa (7), ww dessert (4)
=36
9 Flex used (2 AP used)

~Sat~
B: cereal/milk (5)
S:
L: 1/2 Applebees chicken tortilla (5), side salad (0)
S: chinese lettuce wrap, 1/2 crab rangoon (8), Special K bar (2)
D: 1/2 chicken tikka (11), pb bar (1), 100 cal snack (2)
=34
9 Flex used (18 tot)

~Sun~
B: cereal/milk (6), coffee (2)
S:
L: chicken sandwich (12), baked potato (5)
S: chocolates (4)
D: chicken tikka (11), pb bar (1)
=41
16 Flex used (34 tot)

~Mon~
B: muffin top (1), veg sausage (1), coffee (2)
S:
L: wrap (3), veg/strawberries (0), dip (1)
S: 1T pb (2), quaker bar (3), popcorn (2), 3 Musketeer mini (2)
D: taco salad (8), pb bar (1)
=26
1 Flex used (35 tot)

~Tue~
B: oatmeal (2), coffee (1)
S: Fiber 1 bar (2)
L: chili dog (3), pickle (0)
S: yogurt (1), brownie bites (2), chips (3), 1/2 bar (1)
D: flat out pizza (5), strawberries w/ FF cool whip (1), milk+cereal (4)
=25
0 Flex used (35 tot)

~Wed~
B: waffle/syrup (3), milk (1)
S: 100 cal bagel w/ cc (3), coffee (1)
L: salad w/ roast beef, lite ranch (2)
S: goldfish (2), K bar (2), Kashi roll (3)
D: HG crunchwrap (5), muffin top (1), milk (1), apple (1)
=25
0 Flex used (35 tot)

~Thu~
B: waffle (2), syrup/sausage (2), coffee (1)
S:
L: fiesta chicken (5), yogurt (1)
S: bagel w/ cc (3), F1 bar (2), chips/fruit (3)
D: soup w/ sausage (3), garlic bread (3)
=25
0 Flex used (35 tot)

I'm such a loser...

2008-02-08T12:39:47Z

I lost another 2.4 lbs!

That brings my total loss this year to 5 lbs. Halfway to my goal! I was surprised to lose because I used all my Flex on Fri-Sun, so Mon-Thurs I had to struggle to stay within my target. I think it was a good thing because I saw that I can do that fairly well, so maybe I won't use my Flex so quickly this week. I hope.

Since I'm solidly in the 180's, I brought my Points target down by 1. Scary!

My plan this weekend is to make smart choices when I eat out and try to avoid overeating. My challenge in the next few months will be surviving packing and moving without going totally off plan. Moving traditionally has always meant a downslide in my healthy habits and weight gain. I really want to avoid that this year, but we'll just have to see. It's hard when half your kitchen is packed, your pantry is dwindling, and you're exhausted and stressed.

By I'm going to try! And as I say...the more you try, the harder it is to fail.

Weight loss/Life Goals

2008-02-05T13:11:26Z

Prompted by a post on a message board, here are some of my goals:

I want to be at a healthy BMI and maintain a healthy weight.

I want to stay active so my family and I can do all the fun, active things I never did as a child or young adult.

I want to raise a healthy weight, healthy minded daughter.

I want to have a noticeable, cute pregnant belly the next time I'm pregnant (rather than just looking fatter and having almost no strangers notice I'm pregnant).

I want to have firmly established healthy habits that I enact without even thinking!

I want to avoid slipping back into bad habits when times get hard.

Results

2008-02-01T13:07:17Z

My first week counting Points yeilded a 2.4 lb loss! Woo hoo!

Current weight: 188.4

I'm excited, I'll admit it. Though I don't expect a 2+ lb loss every week...that would be crazy, but it's already shaping up to be a better month (and it's only the 1st)!

Here's some analysis of my week, for my reference mostly:

Daily Points Totals (total fruit/veg, dairy)
F-30 (5 F/V 2 D)
S-28 (4 F/V, 1 D)
N-31 (2.5 F/V)
M-35 (3 F/V, 1 D)
T-29 (5 F/V, 1 D)
W-26 (5 F/V, 2 D)
R-33 (5 F/V, 2 D)

Monday was the most stressful day, therefore it had the highest points also one of the lower f/v/d days. Thursday was the next highest, but mainly because of the pizza. I need a quick, easy meal on Thursdays. The challenge is to come up with a healthy quick meal. Soup and sandwich or salad would work...we had salad with the pizza. And Wednesday was soup and sandwich, so I couldn't do it twice in a row. The pizza was worth it really. I got thin crust pepperoni (DiGiorno was on sale). Oddly Saturday was one of my lower point days, I guess I was busy. Tues and Weds were also good days. Into my groove by then?

Indulgences (Points)
F-Chipotle Burrito Bol (14)
N/M-Indian tikka w/ curry sauce, rice, naan (22-split into 2 portions, 11 ea)
W-bagel w/ lite cream cheese (7)
R-frozen pizza (11)

I don't regret any of these. I didn't include low point things, like the hashrounds I shared with N or the 4-pt Fiber One muffins I made on Sunday (and finished eating today). I also left out 2 trips to Moe's, pigs in a blanket (7 each), and WW pepperoni potato skins. Because they all came in under 10 pts. The only one of those I sort of regret is the hashrounds and it's hard to really regret 2 pts. =)

Exercise (AP)
F-3 mi WATP (+2)
S-Walk+Kick (+2)
N-none
M-about half of WATP 3 mi, sit ups 40?, light weights (+1)
T-none
W-WATP 3 mi (+2, used 1)
R-WATP Power Mile (+1, used 1)

Total AP (E) for the week: 8 (5/7 days). I only used 2 AP, the rest of the time I used Flex. I think I'll continue doing that for now and see if it works for me.

What I've learned...

2008-01-31T17:46:54Z

Here are just a few things WW has taught me and/or I have learned along my weight loss journey:

1) It's better to have low points snacks on hand than to give into cravings for fast food or donuts.

2) Eating proper portions is filling and it feels great to not be overstuffed after a meal.

3) Exercise is key...don't have a "day off" b/c there will always be days when you can't fit it in, so just plan to exercise every day and you actually will do it more often.

4) Don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake or "fail". Just start again the very next minute and don't let the slip up ruin your week, month, life!

Laughing Cow cheese

2008-01-28T17:05:05Z

For my reference (ideas for use of Laughing Cow-LC cheese):

- on a WW english muffin and eat it with 0 point soup
- stuffed chicken breast with it. Spread 1/2 wedge on chicken breast, add proscuitto or ham, or spinach, roll up, bake until cooked through.
- spread it on some low fat triscuits
- a grilled cheese sandwich with light bread, laughing cow cheese, a sprinkle of garlic, fresh spinach and a slice of tomato
- 100 calorie pack of wheat thins and dip them in it
- I eat one wedge with Wasa Crisp n Light 7 grain crackerbread. If you haven't had these, you should try them (they are really good!). The crackers are huge and you can have 3 of them for only 1 point (breaks down into 60 calories, 2g fiber, 0 fat). I have found that one wedge is just about perfect for 3 crackers!
- Spread the Light Swiss over a graham cracker & sprinkle splenda, great sub for cheescake!
- the swiss is fantastic on apple slices
- I have a friend who melts it over pasta so it's almost a swiss-ish mac-n-cheese.
- I also use the Light French Onion with Light Ruffles
- put it in your baked potato
- in an egg white & canadian bacon omlette
- based off a recipe from Let's Dish...rice + chicken chunks + veggies (red peppers, peas, broccoli, whatever!), mixed with LC

Lost 0.2 this month

2008-01-25T14:47:57Z

(copied from my post on a support board)

I did great last year (lost 52 lbs; 21 of which WEREN'T baby weight). I don't really know how I did it because I couldn't bring myself to count Points. I guess portion control and exercise really made the difference. I've been in "ONEderland" for over 3 months now. I NEVER thought I would be here, so that's really exciting.

However, with a 0.2 total loss for January, I feel like I need to step it up and make eating right and exercising my number one priority. I started the program in 2002--went strong into 2003, fell off the wagon, but still maintained most of my loss. However, last year, despite wanting desperately to lose the baby weight (and then some), I couldn't bring myself to count Points. My life is really hectic and it's really hard for me to write it down when I go OVER Points. It was unmotivating, so I stopped. And clearly that worked for awhile because I lost weight. But I feel like I need to work harder now that I'm under 200.

So I think I'm going to try counting Points again. The biggest challenges for me:
- I get depressed when I go over Points during the week
- and weekends...I like to eat out at least 2x on the weekend and that includes favorites like Indian food, Chipotle, french fries...I need to find a way to include these foods, and sometimes it's hard just to figure out the Points.

Any tips? Any ideas on how I can make Point counting fun again? (DH started with me in 2002 and we actually enjoyed learning the "system" and mastering it...but now he's at goal, so I'm on my own for the most part.)

Some helpful responses:
You're still losing, so that's good, but I know what you mean about trying to make it fun again! It's so much easier the very first time you do it!

As for fitting things in.....Have you tried having "linner"? Instead of having lunch and dinner, have a nice breakfast and then hold off (maybe a few healthy snacks) and then have a late lunch/early dinner and then you should have the bulk of your points left for that meal. I found that to be very effective, and usually I don't feel like eating the rest of the day anyway.

How about making counting a game??? Like try planning out some meals to see how you can get the most bang for your buck (so to speak). Hang in there though and remember that you can do this!
~~~
It is so frustrating!! Have you heard/seen the points bracelets? I know some people that use those and just move the charm instead of journaling.

As for out to eat... I would keep it light for your other meals, or combine meals. You can do this!

Logging the last of 2007

2008-01-11T13:29:00Z

Stats for my reference.
Highest weight (Aug-02): 279
Starting 2007 weight (Jan): 243.8
Ending 2007 weight (Dec): 191.8

In Sept. I lost 6.2 lbs.
In Oct. I lost 6 lbs.
In Nov. I lost 2 lbs.
In Dec. I lost 3.4 lbs.

I lost 17.6 lbs in 4 months!

Even more astounding, I lost a grand total of 52 lbs in 2007!!!

If my math is right (and it's usually not), that's just over 20% of my body weight. Woo hoo! I ditched the baby weight and finally broke 200. I'm so excited!

I had some gain from the holidays, but I'm down again this week. My current weight is 191.2. Not too shabby! Gotta keep watching the portions, cooking healthy meals, and working out! Those are my 2008 weight loss resolutions.

I hope to weigh 181 by the end of the year.