The Fat Trap

Since I last wrote about the "150 Project" back in April of last year, I really fell off the "healthy lifestyle" wagon. I just wasn't motivated. As a result, between then and now, I've gained at least 15 pounds -  and I wasn't tiny then!

 Christmas was the final straw.  I thought I went to a party looking like a foxy "Mrs. Claus" and then I saw this photo. Seeing it was a reality check, for sure.  Look at those boobs! Look at those arms! Look at that invisible waistline! I have to face it:

I'm fat.

So three weeks ago I rejoined Weight Watchers ("WW")  to work my way back to my goa weight of 150. It was a relief, actually. My eating had gotten out of control with travel and the holidays.  And, (Tada!) it worked: I lost 7.3 pounds my first week back!

I also went way out of my comfort zone and joined Planet Fitness.

Which I love because it's a "no judgement zone". 

There are people working out there of every age, shape and size.

My kind of place!

I always hated gym class in school, which is probably how I ended up fat. Running the track was my idea of hell. But as of week #3, this gym isn't so bad. I can exercise, or not, and work at my own pace. I usually do 2 miles on the treadmill at a fast walk (3.0 mph) and then some circuit training and stretches.  I'm lucky here too: DH is my personal trainer!

I've been going to the gym 3-4 times a week for the past three weeks and finally eating right - lots of chicken and fish. Tomorrow is weigh-in day at Weight Watchers. I'll let you know how I do.

Meantime, hope springs eternal!

Do you have to work hard to maintain a healthy weight or does it just come naturally for you? Have you found that the older you get, the harder it is to lose weight? Or, like some of my friends of a certain age, have you reached the point where it just doesn't matter and you've accepted yourself at whatever size you are?  I'd love to hear how others cope with "feeling fat". Is it just me?

Yours in Bumble Bee Snack Packs!

This post is linked to:

Inspire Me Tuesday # 485 at A Stroll Through Life
Amaze Me Monday #300 at Dwellings

Vintage Makeover: This Gets Personal!

I call my efforts to stay healthy "The 150 Project" because, at 5'5" tall and xx years old,  150 is my goal weight. When I was 40, my ideal weight was 120, at 50 I raised it to 130, at 60 it became 140, and now this Boomer is happy to maintain at 150. Which I haven't done in awhile.

When I was a kid, it was my ill fortune that my first name, "Cheryl", happens to rhyme with the word "barrel". I'll let you figure out the rest of the rhyme. I wasn't that big but was always "heavy set". Add to that a round face and, well . . .  you know.  Mom used to remind me that, "Sticks and Stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you". Mom, God love her,  clearly did not have a first name that rhymed with "barrel".

I've been a  Lifetime Weight Watcher member since I first "made goal" back in the early 1980's. Since then, my weight has fluctuated from 105 (thanks to the "Divorce Diet") to 196 (the Nachos and Margaritas diet).  Having recently tried on my summer clothes (which didn't zip!) , I rejoined Weight Watchers ten days ago. It's my first time on "Freestyle" and, so far, I really like it, especially the list of  "200 No-point Foods".

Weight is such a sensitive issue for most women, me included. I am a well-educated, well-traveled, well-read, confident woman who has met Presidents in the Oval Office, and yet, I'm  still afraid to wear a sleeveless dress. I haven't bought a bathing suit in years. I actually dared to try one on in Target a couple of weeks ago and left the dressing room in tears. I'd rather walk over hot  coals than put myself through that again.



At one point, I decided to work with a personal trainer. Does it look like I'm having fun here? After a year, I hadn't lost a pound, although I have to admit working out was a big self-confidence builder and I did have a lot more energy. Unfortunately, the kettlebells eventually got the best of me and I ended up injuring my newly toned back. No more of that.

Last week, we received an invitation to a summer party in Kennebunkport. On it were the dreaded words, "Cocktail Attire Suggested".  Immediately my heart began to race. I love Kennebunkport, I love parties, I love my friends, but me in a cocktail dress?  I can hardly get my mind around the thought. Aren't cocktail dressed usually sleeveless? Form fitting? Slinky? Like bathing suits with longer skirts?

I have two months before I have to commit to "The Dress". So, I've emptied the "carb cupboard" and stocked the frige with lots of healthy foods. I know I can do this. This time, I just wish I could be smart enough to maintain my goal weight once I get there.

I'm lucky to have a supportive DH and the best Weight Watcher leader ever, Mary Elizabeth.  I know what to do and I'm determined.

There is only one question left . . . 

Hope springs eternal!

The 150 Project: Michelle Obama & Me

Have you seen First Lady Michelle Obama's recent "Gimme Five" work-out video yet?

She's amazing . . .I'm totally impressed.

 

There's not much difference between Michelle and me really.

We both work out.

The First Lady works out here . . .

 

And I work out here.

The 150 Project #4: Tired of Rubber Chicken?

Posting my progress on the "150 Project " (my goal weight on Weight Watchers) is my way of keeping myself honest, tracking progress, and, just maybe, inspiring others because...if I can do it, anyone can!

This recipe is the best thing since sliced bread. No more dry baked chicken breasts at our house. We tried making them exactly as written and the chicken came out perfect . . . so moist. In case there are other women out there who somehow missed this trick for cooking chicken, I wanted to share. Delicious!

 

 

How To Cook Moist & Tender Chicken Breasts Every Time

Ingredients

1 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, of similar size
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, unsalted butter, or combination of both 
Any seasonings you like (we used garlic)  

Equipment

Heavy Mason jar or wide drinking glass
Wide (10-inch) sauté pan with lid
Tongs or spatula 

Instructions

1. Flatten the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness with the bottom of a wide jar or glass. You can also (carefully!) use the handle of a heavy chef's knife.
2. Season the chicken breasts: Lightly salt and pepper the chicken breasts. Add seasonings.
3. Prepare the pan: Heat the sauté pan over medium-high heat. When it is quite hot, add the olive oil (or butter, if using). Swirl the pan so it is lightly covered with the olive oil.
4. Cook the chicken breasts for 1 minute without moving: Turn the heat to medium. Add the chicken breasts. Cook for just about 1 minute to help them get a little golden on one side (you are not actually searing or browning them).
5. Flip the chicken breasts: Then flip each chicken breast over.
6. Turn the heat down to low: Turn the heat to low.
7. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and walk away. Do not lift the lid; do not peek.
8. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes: After 10 minutes have elapsed, turn off the heat. (If you have an electric stove, remove the pan from the heat.) Reset the timer for 10 minutes and leave the chicken breasts in the pan. Again, do not lift the lid; do not peek.
9. Remove lid and take temperature: After the 10 minutes are up, take the lid off, and your chicken is done. Make sure there is no pink in the middle of the chicken breasts. If you want to be absolutely sure it is cooked, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check (the chicken should be at least 165°F). Slice and eat. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.

 

As Weight Watchers, we eat lots of chicken breasts at our house and often prepare them in advance to use on salads all week. I'm glad to have finally learned how to cook them!

 

Enjoy . . .

 

 

Today's "150 Project" Stats:

Weight - way over my goal after summer, but back on track

Exercise - 4 x week with trainer Ben at Body by John

Muscles - sore but stronger!

 

The 150 Project #3: "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger"

Welcome to the "150 Project"...
One of my "Retirement Resolutions" was to get healthy...hence the "150 Project". That's my goal weight on Weight Watchers. Putting that number right out there keeps me from going back into denial. I was also a smoker. I quit in June 2013,  on the day I retired from teaching. Now that I'm retired, I hope to add exercise to my program. Posting my progress on the "150 Project " is my way of keeping myself honest, tracking progress, and, just maybe, inspiring others because...if I can do it, anyone can!
~Cheryl

The song that's the title of this post, sung by Kelly Clarkson, is my mantra. It's even the ring tone on my cell phone! And, in my third month with my trainer, Ben at Body by John, I really am feeling stronger. Going to the gym isn't even scary anymore (well...except for "leg day" maybe).

 I thought it would be fun to show those of you who may have "gym phobia", as I did, what a typical training session is like.

 

And the fitness model for this post?

Well it's middle-aged "Moi", of course!

 

 I like the fact that the gym is quiet and non-threatening. I'm usually with Ben while John is training someone else at the other end of the gym.

The trainers push us to our personal limits...but not quite over.

 The music helps me keep moving.

(We seem to have negotiated a pretty painless mix of Beatles and rap.)

 

Doesn't it look like I'm having fun?

(Look at that face!)

 

  

Check this out:  "0" intimidation factor...no spandex in sight!

 

 And best of all, I get to work with Ben and John, two amazing trainers.

 

My DH, Hank, is training with Ben now, too.

 

 So that's it...a morning at the gym.

Time to give the sneakers a rest until tomorrow...

 

When it's time to do it all again!

 

“Don’t worry about failures; worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”

– Jack Canfield

 

 



The 150 Project #2: OMG, I Have a Personal Trainer!

Welcome to the "150 Project"...
One of my "Retirement Resolutions" was to get healthy...hence the "150 Project". That's my goal weight on Weight Watchers. Putting that number right out there keeps me from going back into denial. I was also a smoker. I quit in June 2013,  on the day I retired from teaching. Now that I'm retired, I hope to add exercise to my program. Posting my progress on the "150 Project " is my way of keeping myself honest, tracking progress, and, just maybe, inspiring others because...if I can do it, anyone can!
~Cheryl

 

Since my Mom has been ill, it's ironic that physical exercise has been what has kept me from losing my mind  somewhat sane. If you knew me you would know why that is totally out of character:

  

 I absolutely hate  to sweat. 

 

John of "Body by John"...not scary at all!

 

But...desperate times call for desperate measures!

 



Having gained back almost 10 pounds since I quit smoking last June, I made a New Year's resolution to add exercise to my Weight Watchers program in 2014.
 

 I didn't really think I would keep it.

My first day at Body by John

Mom being admitted to the hospital on New Year's Eve seemed like just the excuse I was searching for to break my resolution...until the trainer called me! The gig was up...I was out of excuses. It was like an out-of-body experience when I heard someone with my voice agree to a "free assessment of my physical strength, flexibility and percentage of body fat". Moi???



My trainer, Ben

OMG!!! Did I really just agree to THAT? With a muscle-bound young male trainer? At a gym? In spandex? Just kill me now.



My trainer, Ben



But sometimes the unexpected happens. The gym is small and there are no spandex-clad 20 year olds there while I'm working out. My trainer, Ben, isn't scary at all...he's firm but very sweet. And I'm not only able to do what he asks of me, I'm enjoying it.



 

 

 Hey, I'm 66 years old and hanging out with guys like Ben and John...

 

And I'm doing things I never ever ever thought I could do...

like "Planking"...



 and "Inch Worms".

 

I've even learned to embrace the pain of "LEG DAY".
 

After two months of training four times a week, I can't believe that I've actually stayed with it.  Maybe my body has been taken over by an alien?  I love my time at Body by John and I'm no longer afraid to sweat a little. I feel more energetic and more confident. What I have always avoided has become a gift of additional strength...

Just when I need it most.

 

 

p.s. Thanks, Ben, John and Pam!

 

 

 

 

The 150 Project #1: Are Your Pumpkin Treats Tricking You?

Welcome to the "150 Project"...
One of my "Retirement Resolutions" was to get healthy...hence the "150 Project". That's my goal weight on Weight Watchers. Putting that number right out there keeps me from going back into denial. I was also a smoker. I quit in June 2013,  on the day I retired from teaching. Now that I'm retired, I hope to add exercise to my program. Posting my progress on the "150 Project " is my way of keeping myself honest, tracking progress, and, just maybe, inspiring others because...if I can do it, anyone can!
~Cheryl

The smell of Pumpkin Spice is back in the air again...tempting us to pig out on indulge in the annual fall pilgrimage to Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts.

 

 If the information on the links I found this morning doesn't give you a good Halloween scare, nothing will. Here goes...

 

Check out these "Fall Shockers" from the Hungry Girl blog. Did you know that a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is 10 points? That's over a third of my day's allotment of food on Weight Watchers.
Now there's a frightening  Halloween thought!

Or this from the Huffington Post Healthy Living section...there's a video about how little pumpkin is actually in our pumpkin treats followed by a slide show on the health benefits of eating real pumpkin and pumpkin seeds..

I also found a fun new blog called It Sux To Be Fat (I sure can relate to that!) written by a fellow Weight Watcher. It features the Ten Top Weight Watcher Pumpkin Recipes...

So don't find yourself as forlorn this fall as this poor weight watcher...

 

After all, who wants to look like this by Halloween?

 

 

Not me!