There's so mushroom in my heart xx

27^th September 2011

It’s not the end until you're dead and then it may be the beginning of something else - who knows!

So losing my taste for wine must have been a short term thing :D because I did enjoy a glass last night, no need to worry about me.  I’ve decided I’m going to track on my blog for a while to keep me on the straight and narrow, if I’m having to share it with you then I’m more likely to make wiser food choices.  If you look at yesterday’s you can see that I need to include more fruit and vegetables as I didn’t reach my five a day.

ProPoints™ Tracker entries Monday, September 26, 2011

Breakfast
1 sachet(s) Ready Brek Original Fine Porridge Oats Sachets	3
3/4 pint(s) Milk, Skimmed	4
Subtotal	7
Lunch
3 medium Egg, scrambled	5
1 Warbuton Soft White Sandwich Thins	3
2 teaspoons I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Light	1
1 1/2 medium Spring Onions	0
Subtotal	9
Dinner
2 serving(s) Smash Original	6
140 g Peas, Petits Pois	2
1/3 can(s) Minced Beef & Onion Pie	7
Subtotal	15
Any Time
2 portion(s) Banana	0
wine	6
Subtotal	6
Food ProPoints values total used	37
Food ProPoints values remaining	0
Activity
pedometer steps - Activity I created	7
43 min Running	8
Activity ProPoints values earned	15
Check off these important items daily:
Liquids Milk & Dairy Fruit & Vegetables Healthy Oil

 I’m very pleased with the fact I earned 15pp though, 8pp for running 40 minutes over the chase and the rest were from the walking that I did throughout the day, I worked out the running ProPoints using the activity calculator on esource (there’s one at the back of your pocket guide too), and I took away the pp earnt in those 40mins from my pedometer so that I didn’t count them twice.  I could have paused it for the time but I wanted to know what distance I covered over the course of the day, it was 11½ miles by the time I went to bed, my gadget gps signal didn’t work on the chase so I can only estimate how far I ran it was about 3½ to 4 miles (not bad after 7 weeks), the total distance I covered was 5½ miles, I walked the rest back to the car. 

I did smile on my way back to the car, I have a condition when I’m running/walking with my music in my ears that can only be described as singing tourettes, every now and again I’ll randomly sing out loud a line from the song I’m listening too, I don’t sing the entire song mostly because I’m trying to breathe, anyway I was almost back at the car and an old chappy looked at me and said, “Where you singing then?”, I smiled and said yes, and he replied,  “You scared my dogs”, I thought he was joking, but he wasn’t smiling!  I walked on smiling, it’s not my fault his dogs are cowards, my Alfie wouldn’t have been afraid. ;D

How amazing is this photo,

I was running along the path when I saw it, I didn’t want to stop because I may not start again if I do when I’m running and so I ran a bit further than planned so that I could stop on the way back to take the photo, isn’t nature amazing, it’s a mushroom or toadstool, not sure of the difference, but things like this are what make being outdoors amazing for me.  I really enjoyed being over Cannock Chase for 90 minutes yesterday, it’s a beautiful place and the weather most definitely helped too.  This is a photo of where I was running;

It’s really important to find an activity you enjoy and that can fit in with your life, my mates are both doing Zumba to help their weight loss and we’re all following WW so that we can all go to New York that little bit lighter. 

I’m having smoked salmon on my Warbuton thins today, just taken it out of the freezer, I buy it when it’s reduced and freeze it.  I don’t have to cook this week if I don’t want to because I have frozen meals in fridge.  Instead of going out for lunch Friday, I’m making it, we’re having sausages in a giant Yorkshire mmm – roll on Friday!

Well better get some work started and walk Alfie as soon as its light, let’s hope with have another glorious day like yesterday.  xx

Let's not have a manic Monday...

26^th September 2011

If you cant be a good example, then youll just have to be a horrible warning. Catherine Aird

Well 25 minutes ago my alarm rang and I actually contemplated having another hour, that’s not like me at all – I’m okay now though sat here with my cup of tea, ready for the day.  I wouldn’t mind but I went to bed at nine, so I have had 8 hours sleep, although we didn’t get a great nights sleep Friday in the hotel, the guests were a bit noisy at 3am rolling in totally legless.  So another week  starts and I’ve already got my breakfast weighed out downstairs, going to try ready brek 3pp for 30g then I’ll take my milk out of my allowance.  I’ve got a bit of a mental block where breakfast is concerned at the moment, I need to eat something because of my running but I can’t face the idea of eating before running, so I need to experiment to see what I can cope with.  I have found a cereal bar but it’s 8pp ouch!  I suppose I could have half of those, we’ll see. Monday’s not usually my running day it’s Friday and Sunday but because I ran Saturday, I will probably go out lunch time if I haven’t got time before work.  And if you have any suggestions for a breakfast I might be able to stomach which isn’t too high in ProPoints let me know.

I’m on a mission from today, it’s just over 7 weeks to my holiday, me and the girls met up last night to catch up and we’ve all decided we’d like to lose 7lb so it’s no more weekend silliness for me, I’m getting my head down and sticking to my allowance.   I’ve done a little bit of planning, although I’m not good at decided what I’d like to eat the next day, I have some frozen home made ready meals in the freezer ready too, so they’ll help and I’m toying with a week of the simply filling plan although either way I will try and included plenty of filling and healthy foods.  The good thing is I’ve gone off red wine a bit so that should help, I go through phases and at the moment I’m enjoying lager but if it’s not cold I won’t drink it so therefore I won’t put any in the fridge ;D

Isn’t it difficult to fit everything in when you have a busy life, I genuinely don’t know how working moms manage, it’s hard enough feeding and taking care of yourself without having a family full of other people to take care of.  So if you’re a working mom, I salute you, you are truly amazing; I’m guessing it’s because you’re organised – you’d have to be.

Last week and this week is British Food fortnight did you know, so why not celebrate by tucking into your favourite dishes, buying British product or even taking part in food events organised for the national event www.lovebritishfood.co.uk, I’ve just had a quick look and I like the info they’ve given for if you’re on a budget is pretty good.

It’s going to be a day of playing catch up I think, I’m not exactly going fast this morning, again I’m feeling the respect for the moms out there who have to do things at a certain pace because no ones gonna wait for them. Speaking of which I’ve got Alfie looking at me so I better get sorted, still got breakfast to eat!

Here’s to a non manic Monday.

This time next Sunday, I'll be a little worried!

25^th September 2011

Happiness is not a destination it's a way of life

Alfie’s not letting me sleep past 6am no matter what, I woke up to find his face about an inch away from mine, he was just sat looking at me waiting for me to wake, then he licked me load – yak, so I got up!

My muscles are a bit tight and achy this morning, hopefully my walk with Alfie will loosen them up, we not only ran yesterday but we then spent about 4+ hours walking round Birmingham looking in all the shops and there sure are a lot of them!  I wished I’d had my pedometer on, I reckon we clocked up a few miles. 

I have a confession too, I did something I haven’t probably ever done before, wait for it, I had a Greggs steak bake, I have to admit it was very nice but gave me heartburn so not something I’d do again, especially as it cost me 11 ProPoints, have to say the cup of tea from there was awesome though.

We didn’t buy any clothes, the shops were just too crowded and we are too old to be bothered with all the noise, we did both end up in a running shop though and purchased new running shoes which I’m hoping will carry me along :D

It’s great to see that so many of you on the facebook group https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bevs-Weight-Watchers/133361767350 are cooking filling and healthy meals this weekend, the hearty chicken soup from Your Week is good according to feedback.  Also just logged on to the Weight Watchers website and this chicken and root veg roast recipe looks good http://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=7018172&sc=11

And if it’s cooking you like, I have lots available on my website http://www.happyowls.co.uk/recipes.html and hopefully I’ll add more as I get time.

It’s been lovely having a day away but also nice to get back home, got a whole day to catch up on chores and lots of other things, I want to spend a bit of time meal planning, I want to come up with some meals that are filling and healthy to satisfy me now the cold weathers approaching and also on the days I’m running, I’m hungry so don’t want to spoil the good work I’ve done with overeating.   

Lynne and me also decided whilst we were away that instead of just meeting for lunch on Friday’s we would meet for a run first, that way we were earning our lunch!  And I’ve just been reminded by email that it’s that sponsored bike ride next Sunday – yikes – I’ve only been on my bike once for 30 minutes in the last 2 years, that’s not going to be easy.  I know I should have been training, but with walking the dog and running, I haven’t had time, I better sort the bike and make sure it’s up to the journey. If you can spare a pound, please donate it to our collection http://www.justgiving.com/WeightWatcherWitches  as it’s not looking too healthy so far  and I’d be sad to think I’m going to really hurt my backside next week on that saddle for nothing, heck I paid £45 to enter so my mate told me after she entered us!

Do you count your blessings?  I do, probably not as often as I should but I try to be grateful for my life.  When we were running along the canal path yesterday, about 1/2mile out of the centre of Birmingham we saw a black plastic mass on the other side of the canal and realised it was actually someone sleeping under the bridge wrapped in an old tent or plastic sheeting, and there was us having slept in a really comfortable bed all night after having a super relaxing day giggling at everything.  Whilst he’s probably wondering where his next meal is coming from we’re trying to work out how to either avoid our next meal or at least make sure it won’t hinder our weight loss. Which has just reminded me of that joke;

A homeless man walks up to stylish woman and says, "Lady I haven't eaten a thing in three days." The woman replies, "Gawd! I wish I had your will power."

Funny but also sad, I always make sure I buy a copy of the Big Issue when I see a vender, I was slightly involved in bringing it to Wolverhampton originally which is probably over 15 years ago as the magazine has been going for over 20 years now, it’s a great company and charity, so if you do every see a vender buy a copy, it’s also a very good read.

Almost light enough to walk Alfie, I missed our walk yesterday morning, might try and get him to walk a different direction this morning for a change.

However you’re spending your day, enjoy it and be grateful for everything in your life. xx

Big breakfast next...

24th September 2011 The only competition worthy of a wiseman is with himself. Washington Allston.   I had the most relaxing day yesterday my mate picked me up just before 10 and from the till we went to sleep at 10pm we chilled out, forgot about real life and giggled a lot.   This morning we have run 40 minutes along the canal path so I'm rather pleased with myself. That's the first time I've run with someone else and it was good because she set the pace, apparently I find the first ten minutes so difficult because I start off too fast (probably because I want it over as soon as possible!) I also speed up when I hit a hill when I should slow down - again probably because I want it over with.   That's very similar to some of us when we start dieting, we start off full on, change everything overnight and that's why after the first couple of weeks we start struggling because we haven't given our brains or bodies chance to get used to these new ways, so we rebel. I learn everyday and I think everyone can if only we look and listen to what's going on around us.   Today I've learned that not only do I need to approach my running differently, I also need to tweak my diet slowly because over the last couple of months I've been having a really good week then having a rubbish week so if I can lose the all or nothing approach then not only will I be able to run further I'll also lose weight and keep it off.  That said we've got a hotel breakfast calling, so I'll start tomorrow ;-) Enjoy your weekend.  

pampering and shopping, a girlies delight ;D

23^rd September 2011

The last thing on your mind at night determines your quality of sleep. The first thing on your mind in the morning determines your quality of day. Always find a reason to smile.

So much to do, so little time, I put together a year planner yesterday for the next 12 months and realised I haven’t got a completely free weekend left this year!   This means if I wanna lose some weight I’m going to have to be super organised and realistic, it also means I’ve got to pack in October for my trip to New York at the end of November otherwise I won’t have time to do it ;D O man, I need a personal assistant ;D

I’m not complaining, I do love my life, even if it is a little crazy busy, and I have so many wonderful people in my life that it’s a struggle to fit them all in, how lucky am I!  Not forgetting Alfie, it’s a pleasure to come home to the welcome I get from him, I’m going to take him for a super long walk this morning as I’m out today, hopefully I’ll still have the time and energy to run after too, I’m being picked up at 9.30 for a spa day today and shopping tomorrow = nice, can’t wait, there will obviously be food and alcohol involved too, so damage limitation is called for. 

I gained ½lb yesterday at my official weigh in, not the end of the world and I’m still under 11st but I really would like to be between 10st 6lb and 10st 11lb and every time I get near it, I go back the other way, at least I don’t keep going the other way, which is progress and I appear to be toning up from the running which is great because my clothes fit me better.  So I’ve decided as long as I’m under 11 stone I’m going to be happy and do the best I can to get to lose that few pounds. 

We talked about filling and healthy foods this week in my meeting so I’m going to get my little red pad out and work on putting together some simply filling meals using the filling and healthy lists, I reckon if I’m not hungry I won’t be tempted.  Having said that I’ve promised myself I can have chips today because I didn’t have them the other Friday, bet they’re not as good as I’m hoping!  Will start today with fruit though to save some ProPoints, plus I plan to spend today not doing a lot of anything other than lazing about reading my magazines and writing the odd thing in my pad.

Has everyone else suddenly noticed it’s got really cold and we’re all a bit grumpy, I think it’s the change in seasons that gives us that initial tired grumpiness, so we need to be aware of it and make sure we don’t let it last and drag out and affect our weight loss.   The autumnal months don't have to be our downfall when it comes to losing weight; it’s a great time to start cooking delicious filling stews, soups and curries.  It also doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising, I will continue to run outside, if it’s raining I’ll get wet, I have a shower and towels!  If you workout outside, you’ll probably find yourself working harder to keep warm, if you really can’t stand the thought of that, move it indoors, find something else to do, but don’t give in. 

Having said all that, I’m going to have to wait a while to walk Alfie as it’s still pitch black outside! 

Hopefully you’ll get up to daylight, enjoy the day. Xx

Curried cauli works!

22^nd September 2011

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.

Well I’ve been up since 4.30am and messed about for the the last hour, so better get a wriggle on.  I had a delicious curry for my tea last night and brilliant value for 7 ProPoints, I used a jar of curry sauce (easier & quicker), if you want to make it choose one you like, I went for Rogan Josh, I steamed those small charlotte potatoes (chop in half), and steamed cauliflower but left it quite crunchy, cooked some chicken breast in the curry sauce and at the end missed it all together and three in some spinach leaves.  Very tasty it was too, to be honest it could’ve done without the chicken and would have still been delicious and vegetarian too, lower in pp as well.

I did have a blip yesterday afternoon though, for lunch I had a Sainsbury’s lemon meringue doughnut and McCoys crisps, I’ve been fancying them for a while so wanted to get them out of my system and I have to admit, the crisps are overrated and at 7pp the same amount as my curry – NOT worth it.  the best bit about the doughnut was the lemon curd inside so next time I’m going to get some lemon curds and crumpets and enjoy them instead.  I have to admit not only didn’t they taste that great but I felt so sluggish and tired all afternoon after eating them it really wasn’t worth it!

Last night in the meeting we found out that crumpets are filling & healthy so everyone’s now keen to get some, I’m envisaging a shortage in the local stores :D

I’m seriously considering do a simply filling week but I can’t start it this weekend because I’m out so much, and even though it would be doable, it’s not appealing.  I want to sit down and think about it first and plan some ideas; my members are helping come up with lots of ideas in my meetings so I’m storing it all ready for use.

I think sometimes we forget more than we can remember and that’s why it’s really useful to backtrack sometimes or go back to basics, I’m using the Weight Watchers esource a lot at the moment and I’ve just been looking back at week 1 & 2 of the plan info they provide, I’ve also just found a delicious recipe for the gammon I have in the freezer, might make it next week.

Gammon steaks with sweet and sour apricots

ProPoints® Value: 4, Servings: 4, Preparation Time: 5 min, Cooking Time: 15 min, Level of Difficulty: Easy

Gammon or ham steaks are now sold very lean with a thin layer of fat on top which can easily be removed. A quick relish with apricots is the perfect accompaniment.

400 g Gammon Steak, Raw, (4 x 100g steaks)

1 spray(s) Cooking Spray, Calorie Controlled

200 g (as purchased) Apricots, in Juice, Drained, halves, drained and chopped, reserving 2 tbsp juice

1 tablespoons Vinegar, White Wine

1 tablespoons Sugar, Light Brown

1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon, ground

1 small Onions, Pickled, Drained, sliced

1 teaspoons (ground) Pepper, Black (Whole, Cracked or Ground)

·           Make small cuts into the edges of the steaks so that they will stay flat during cooking.

·           Heat a large non-stick frying-pan and spray with low-fat cooking spray. Add the steaks and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Remove and keep warm.

·           Put the chopped apricots, vinegar, sugar, cinnamon and onion into the pan along with the two reserved spoons of juice. Season with pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon on to the warmed gammon/ham steaks and serve hot.

Right I better get moving - if you’re feeling a bit stuck in a rut diet wise, get your books out and have a refresher.

Enjoy your day.

Missing my besties...

21^st September 2011

There are only two ways to love your life, The one is as though nothing is a miracle - The other is as though everything is a miracle.

Another two of my members achieved their goal weight yesterday, congratulations to Donna and Joy, so I sat down and did the maths and realised that so far this year 95 of my members have got to their goal and are now members of the exclusive Weight Watchers Gold Club, that makes me very proud and really does give me job satisfaction.

Last night I got ten minutes with two of my closest friends and suddenly I realised how easy it is not to make time for things or people that matter.  There isn’t ever likely to be a time when I’m not busy – you’re probably the same, but if something or someone is important to you then you need to make time.  Whether that be time to get to your Weight Watcher meeting to stay on track or time for your besties to catch up and have some fun.  We’re going to have tea together on Sunday, I was already looking forward to my weekend plans and now they’ve just got even better.

I was very productive yesterday afternoon, between meetings, as well as doing all my paperwork, taking Alfie back to the vets (poor things got an ulcer on his eye), I managed to prepare 3 different dishes to fill my freezer, the chicken and bacon stew in this weeks YOUR WEEK is absolutely delicious, I had that for my tea last night and I also make two curry’s, one plain chicken and the other with potato and cauliflower in too.  I used jar sauces though for quickness and now I have lots of meals filling my freezer for those days I can’t be bothered or don’t have the time.   

I’m yawning well this morning though and it’s my morning to run, so I’m hoping my enthusiasm and energy will appear soon, or at least whilst I’m walking Alfie, having said that Sunday when I managed to do 5k I was absolutely shattered before and didn’t even want to walk the dog so I’m sure I’ll be ok in a bit.

It didn’t help that when I made my first cup of tea this morning the milk was off, so I’m sat here drinking my first mug of hot water of the year because I couldn’t be bothered to start making tea again.  I do actually like hot water though, so it’s ok, time to start drinking more of it again, that’s a habit I got out of, that I need to get back into. 

Yesterday had a good email from Weight Watchers, there was a link to take you to a list of filling and healthy foods and also a pound off the new one pot cook book, so if you haven’t already got it now’s your chance to buy it cheaper, if you received the email.

I’m really enjoying looking for new ideas on their website, it saves having to ProPoint things because they’ve already done it for me, I like the look of this and it’s vegetarian, so you’ll be being super healthy if you make this;

Leek, Courgette and Cannellini Bean Bake

ProPoints® value per serving: 9, 2 servings

Spray oil, for frying

1 large leek, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp chilli powder
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 x 410g can cannellini beans, drained
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 large baking potato, peeled and sliced
1 courgette, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, sliced
100ml vegetable stock
25g Parmesan grated

·       Preheat the oven to 220˚C/425˚F/Gas 7. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook the leek and garlic until softened (about 10 minutes). Stir in the chilli, then the tomatoes, beans and parsley.

·      Transfer to a small baking dish. Cook the sliced potato for 5 minutes, drain and spread across the leek mixture. Top with slices of plum tomato and courgette. Pour the stock into the dish.
·       Bake for 25 minutes. Then sprinkle with the cheese and cook for another 10 minutes.

With thoughts of food in my mind, I now feel prepared to brave the darkness and walk the doodle.  Catch ya tomo, unless I’m weighing you today of course in which case, I’ll see you later.

You can't beat a good curry!

20^th September 2011

Whether you think you will or think you won't—you're right!

I had a really early night last night and I feel great for it this morning, although being woken up by a noise downstairs wasn’t so good, I grabbed moms walking stick to go investigate but there was nothing there ;D

Three members got to their goal yesterday; I just love ProPoints and how well it works for my members, and how flexible it is really makes the difference I believe. 

I’m going to cook today, there’s a couple of recipes in this weeks YOUR WEEK leaflet that look good, one’s chicken and bacon hot pot thing which I shall do today, the others beef stroganoff which I’ll do later in the week.  I’m also going to make a chicken, cauliflower and potato curry because I’ve been told I’ll like it – I’ll let you know!

If you haven’t looked through you’re folder later, do so, there’s some easy tasty recipes inside, and now that the colder weather has arrived it’s a great time to make different foods.  I plan to bulk cook today and fill my freezer, I should be able to do that in the couple of hours between meetings – I say hopefully.

If you’ve got the monthly pass, there’s this great article on esource about autumn dishes to cook; http://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=40651

There’s a one point vegetable curry in the recipe bank on esource too which looks tasty and also great for emergencies when you’ve run out of ProPoints!  I have to say I fancy this recipe though, as I shared a tub of Aloo Saag from Sainsbury’s yesterday which worked out at 5pp each and there wasn’t much, so this one for 3pp looks fab and it has chicken in too which is a bonus, I may add this to my to cook list for today, although I may use frozen spinach because I already have it in the freezer.

Chicken Sag

ProPoints® Value: 3 Servings: 4 Preparation Time: 18 min Cooking Time: 20 min Level of Difficulty: Easy

Finish this dish with a rice recipe: Cook basmati rice with 1/2 a diced onion, a small piece of a cinnamon stick and 1/2 a bay leaf. Remove spices before serving.

Ingredients

	10 spray(s) Cooking Spray, Calorie Controlled, divided
	4 teaspoons Curry Powder, mild variety
	1 teaspoons Coriander, Dried (level)
	1/2 teaspoons Cumin, Ground (level)
	2 tablespoons Ginger, Root, fresh (grated)
	2 clove(s) Garlic, finely chopped
	450 g Chicken, Breast, Skinless, Raw, boneless, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
	2 large Tomato, ripe, seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
	300 g Spinach, baby leaves
	1/2 teaspoons Salt, or sea salt (preferred)
	60 ml Water
	2 tablespoons Coriander, Fresh, chopped

·    Spray 5 sprays low fat cooking spray, curry powder, coriander, cumin, ginger and garlic in a large nonstick frying pan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until toasted and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.

·    Spray remaining cooking spray and add chicken to frying pan; stir with to coat with spiced spray.
·    Add tomatoes; cover pan and cook for 10 minutes. Uncover and stir to combine.
·    Add spinach; cover and cook for 5 minutes more. Uncover and stir to combine.
·    Add sea salt, water and coriander; simmer for 1 minute.

I really do love the recipe database on the Weight Watchers website because you can search by ingredients as well as specific recipes, or you can browse by things such as ProPoint values, so if you’re looking for something low in PP that helps a lot.

Anyway if I want to be able to cook at lunchtime, I have to get my paperwork done now, so catch you tomorrow and have a fabulous day. xx