Final Stats on September

So last time I blogged I was set to get on the scale the next day. When I did I'd only lost 2/10 of a pound in the past week. I was even more disappointed than I was with my first week's results. Combine that with the fact that I was the only one still blogging and you get a real lack of motivation. However, I did honor my commitment to "eat like mom for a month", and I believe my sisters did as well. We made it through with minimal cheating.

Today it's been nine days since my last trip to the scale, and I'm feeling much better this time. In the last nine days alone I've lost 5.0 pounds and that brings me up to a total 8.6 pounds lost in the month of September! I do think it's a little strange that I lost more in the last nine days than in the rest of the month, but I'm still thrilled with the results. I've lost an average 2.25 pounds per week and that's a healthy rate to lose it at.

As for what's next, I plan to relax just a little. I have a vacation coming up, and I refuse to make myself miserable. However, I've learned some lessons this month that will definitely stick.

1. When you're eating better, you don't really need a microwave.
The only thing I used a microwave for was instant oatmeal.

2. I really do like fresh fruits and vegetables.
It wasn't that I didn't like them as a kid. I just haven't been spending my money on them because I was convinced that I got more for my money with the frozen and processed foods. I got more of something all right.

3. Shop the perimeter no the isles.
While I can't afford to go organic- and I maybe I never will- I can definitely choose more natural foods by avoiding the isles. I've heard that "whole foods" easier for your body to process. I think it's probably true.

4. It's ok to treat yourself. Just pick your treats wisely.
This was probably the most important lesson I learned. I don't think I would have made it without Sugar Free Russel Stover's and No Sugar Added Dilly bars from DQ.

I'm sorry I lost steam on the blogging, but I'm glad I at least finished the month on the plan. This month has imparted on me a need for breakfast, a new take on lunch, and inspiration to cook dinner. And if I haven't said it before, thanks Mom.

Days 18-21: Busy Weekend!

I've been really busy over the weekend and finding the time to blog just didn't happen. I'm going to do my best to remember and say something about each day.

Friday:
Friday was a work free day for me, and I spent most of it hanging out with my mom. We packed a very tasty meal to take with us to the football game. Bonner Spring had Homecoming Friday night and it was a blast! We stomped Lansing! And let me tell you, anyone who was at the Lansing game last year got a taste of sweet revenge.

As far as the food goes, I made these awesome wraps. I used large leaf romaine lettuce instead of tortillas and I stuffed them with sauteed chicken, bell peppers, asparagus, shredded cheese and three cheese ranch. We also packed some cut up watermelon and cheese. Dad and Donnie hit the concession stand... We ran out of space for "man food".

Saturday:
Donnie and I finally used our tickets for Schlitterbaun on Saturday. Before we went to the park we hit IHOP for a tasty omelet. We won't talk about Donnie's meal choice *eye roll*. I love water parks, and this one even has one of it's pools heated, so it was a fun day. I even managed to avoid the Dipin' Dots!

Saturday night we went to Callypso's, a crab leg buffet, with some friends. For the most part I behaved myself and stuck to the crab legs and prime rib, but I did have a crab cake. Also, there were some garlic shrimp that didn't look breaded but definitely were. Once they were on my plate I couldn't help it.

Sunday:
Sunday felt like it was non-stop. Sunday's usually do though. I did a little shopping after Church and lunch. Then Donnie and I went to help a friend take apart her entertainment center to move and ended up not getting home until after 11.

Today:
Today I've been good so far. I'm hopeful for good results when I step on the scale tomorrow, but I did eat a crab cake so serves me right if they're not. I'm kidding of course. Today is a two job day and I'm currently in between, so I'm getting this out of the way now. I've pretty much given up on seeing any more posts from Caitlin or Morgan. It's no biggie though. I'm not sure what's for dinner yet, but it probably won't be anything spectacular. Say a little prayer for my scale. :)

Day 17: Running Late

By the time I got home last night, Aiden was asleep in my office, so I chose to put this off until this morning. Yesterday was super crazy. I went to work, got off early, went to the bank, had lunch at Chipotle with Caitlin, got home and had a couple hours before I had to leave for my babysitting job for the evening. I was really good food wise. I even ate my breakfast!

As of last night, though, I started feeling kind of like I'm the only one who really wants to do this. Caitlin and Morgan are still eating right - and I'm glad - but neither of them have posted in a week. I'll keep posting as close to daily as possible, at least through the end of September, but I think it's a lot less interesting if it's just me. Oh well. I'll post again tonight.

Day 16: Uneventful

The highlight of my day was the steak Donnie grilled for dinner. We're really taking advantage of the last bit of grilling season, and I'm loving it. For dinner tonight, I only had to prepare a salad.

As far as the rest of my day goes, the title says it all. I spent most of my day reading; and while one day I may start a blog for book reviews, this isn't it. I also attempted to teach a seven-year-old boy to knit this evening because he showed interest. He was just starting to get the concept of casting on when he got bored and gave up. He assures me he wants to try again tomorrow.

Well, I'm off to bed. Sorry I wasn't more interesting today. Tomorrow I have two jobs and Donnie will be dealing with my third, so maybe I'll have more to say tomorrow night.

Days 14 & 15: Back to the Scales

Before we get to the all important update, I suppose I should say a few words about yesterday. Pretty decent day. It was very uneventful as I had the day off from my main job. However I behaved very well anticipating my step on the scales this morning. Donnie and I had Chipotle for dinner. It's pretty much our favorite place that doesn't break the bank. I managed to turn my favorite burrito into a very tasty, starch free, bowl. I even spoiled myself and got the guacamole! It was so good I barely missed the rice and tortilla.

On to today. This morning I found out that I've lost 2.8 lbs. this week for a total of 3.4 lbs lost. I'm a whole lot happier with my results this week. In the past I've lost weight a lot faster at the beginning of a diet, but those diets never lasted this long without big slip-ups. I have a feeling that this is more of a permanent change. While I can't see my results in the mirror yet, I can definitely feel a change in my energy level. I feel healthier, and right now, I can't see giving that feeling up.

My sisters and I keep joking about what we're going to eat on October 1. So far, it looks like the menu will take all of October and undo all of September's work! But I'm pretty sure we're just joking. I may, however, have to indulge in a little pasta when the time comes... maybe I'll get the whole grain kind.

Days 12 & 13: Topeka

So yesterday got a little crazy with all that I had to do and by the time I got the seven-year-old I was exhausted. It was a great day. Amber and I had a lot of fun at Dream Dinners. Donnie and I will be eating well. I even have a few meals that work for September!

Today Donnie and I went to visit with his family in Topeka for his mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Donna! It was a lot of fun and I even took on a church potluck with success. My in-laws were wonderful and brought a few dishes with me in mind. I even got some sugar free pudding! Our niece Callie was an absolute joy, too. Oh! I also need to congratulate my brother-in-law and his wife... It seems they've sold their house!

So overall, I've had a great weekend. I've stayed on track with my food choices and I got to spend a lot of time with some of my favorite people.

Day 11: STEAK!

As you probably guessed, I had steak for dinner this evening. I absolutely love it when Donnie grills. I get a home cooked meal without having to cook! I had planned to make some asparagus to go with it, but the asparagus I bought from Walmart on Tuesday had already spoiled. I guess that'll teach me to buy discounted produce.

I slept in again today, and unfortunately skipped breakfast. I really have to get better about that. I think part of my problem is that I don't really like oatmeal. I never have. As a kid I would only eat the apples and cinnamon kind and let me tell you; the Lower Sugar version isn't as good. Plus that's the box I took to work. I have banana bread at home and I can barely stand it after a few days.

Tomorrow I'm going to a Dream Dinners session, and it should be a lot of fun. My friend, Amber, is coming with me. I hope she has a good time... tomorrow has kind have turned into a Meghen-centric day and that makes me a little uneasy. I'm usually the type to go shopping with people and not buy a thing.

Well, I'm off to bed. Buenas noches!