Not on the zero

Happy Scale Day, everyone. It's another cool, gray day here in Central Oklahoma. I mention that because I think the clouds have changed the gravity field around my scale. I'm no longer stuck on that "zero"-ending number I mentioned last week -- but only because I am up two pounds this week. Only four pounds total off since we started this. I thought I was doing very well this week, eating more vegetables and fish and drinking more water. I know these are the "right" things to do. I really have been trying to summon all that I've learned about weight loss in the past 30 years.

But you know what? I am thinking that if I really "know" so much about proper weight loss, I might not be at the weight I am now, struggling to hold on to a four-pound weight loss over (how many?) weeks.

I'm struggling here. The things that have worked for me over the decades no longer seem to work. My refrigerator overflows with healthy food and I've made wise choices, for the most part.

True, I am lacking when it comes to physical activity, and I know that is a huge component. So I know what I have to do this week. Continue the healthy eating patterns, but step away from the computer and the television and MOVE this old body of mine.

If nothing else, I'll shock it into getting past that zero!

Stuck on the "Zero"

Oh the needle bounces, trying to decide whether to stay or move. Finally when it comes to rest, I see it stuck firmly on The Number That Ends in Zero. Oh, how it wanted to break through and slip on down to a "9" or maybe even an "8". But no. Not today.

Today it says to me "try again. Keep up the effort. Eat your veggies."

I wince, but I know it is right, this strange-talking scale needle. I take in its message. And then as I turn to go get dressed for the day, I stop, turn, stare at it and wonder if this chatty machine has been looking at me in my underwear. I go back and give it a kick for good measure.

Hop on the scales, it's WWINSDAY!

I am down 1 pound this week, for a total of 6 pounds. Woot! If I have a loss over this next week, I'll be below one of those dreaded numbers that ends in "0" and in a new territory! (Does anyone else do that? Classify weight in 10-pound increments?)
My efforts have been small, but it does show me that small changes can make a difference. Substitute a salad for a hamburger a couple of times a week, drink water instead of something else, and it can add up. Add a little more movement and the changes come quicker.

Here's to a good week coming up for everyone!

Mediating Meditation

The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend...

Phffft.

Let's see... It is Wednesday

That means it's time for the scales again.

Even though I haven't posted in a while, I am holding at 5 pounds total loss. With warm weather becoming more of the "norm" around here, I anticipate adding walks to my routine. That always is a great help with my program.

How are you doing this week? Challenges? Successes?

Mad Scientist at Work

I've been experimenting again. It's another recipe I got from my WW meeting. :)

FUNDELENTIL SOUP

Cook in large pot for 3-4 minutes:
1-1/2 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. chopped celery
1 tsp. olive oil

Add, bring to boil, lower heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes:
7 cups low-fat chicken broth
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10-3/4 oz. can tomato soup
2 c. dry lentils
2 c. chopped carrots
2 c. chopped yams
2 tsp. oregano
1-1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Stir in:
2 c. chopped fresh spinach

Bring back to low boil. Turn off heat. Enjoy!

My WW leader said she likes to put a dollop of plain yogurt and a little salsa on it. She put this in the online calculator on the WW site. She figures it serves 12 at 3 points per serving. Cal 199; Fib 12g; Fat 2g.

My observations:
It obviously depends on how big you make the pieces of veggie as to how long it will take to simmer. I made mine about 1/2" pieces.
Having learned how much work fresh spinach is, I bought a bag of ready-to-go baby spinach greens and chopped them up a bit.
Having never used fresh garlic before today, I liked it!
I LOVE cumin, so I'd add more next time.
I really liked it with the yogurt swirled in. I didn't try it with the salsa because I didn't want to cover the taste of the cumin.
The 2 cups of lentils was slightly less than the 1-lb. package of lentils I bought. Not worth saving what was left and I'd just dump the whole package in.