Edible Play-by-Play (or “The One Where I Tell You Everything I Eat”)

I totally forgot to post my update earlier this week.  I should be posting even more, you know, like a real blog, but part of "taking back this process" is not feeling like I have to do anything other than focus on my progress. :)  I do have some tips I'll post in in a second, though. First, my progress!

Last week was the sad trombone of losses.  It was only -.2 lbs.  BOO!  But, a loss is still a loss and I wasn't going to let it deter me.  I'm doing this, dammit. I've lost every week since January 3rd, an average of two-ish pounds a week, which is the "healthy ideal", according to Weight Watchers.  I don't love when they scold me for losing consistently -- they've gotten gentler about it, more like concern. Before it used to be a big sad face and "you're losing too fast!"  Please. For a fat chick, there's no such thing as losing too fast. 

I do understand their point -- you don't want to be flabby or lose your hair or you know, stop your heart. But I don't think 3 or 4 lbs a week is going to kill me when we see people on TV every week losing incredible amounts.  Not that I watch The Biggest Loser anymore -- I ditched that show. It just seems ridiculous now. But I do watch Heavy on A&E and I find that quite inspirational. I figure if those people can do it, I certainly can.

This week, I feel like the loss will be back on track, perhaps even more than usual. My preliminary weigh-ins (just to check-in and make sure I'm not going the opposite direction) have been encouraging, so we'll see. I just need to stay the course.

OK, now, for my tips!

I've been eating a metric ton of turkey sandwiches. Mostly because I've been super busy and I don't have time to do a lot of cooking right now. I eat a lot of the same things for now -- which some might call a rut, but I call discipline. Too many groceries (and money) to make a big variety of stuff for just one or two people. On the weekends I change it up a little, but below is usually the regime.

I cook every morning, usually. (I got back to eating breakfast, as last week's slow loss may have been related to the fact that I was skipping breakfast a lot.) Breakfast is usually coffee with sugar-free creamer, Nature's Own Whole Grain Rounds (2 Points) with 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat cheddar cheese or one wedge of Laughing Cow (either is 1 Point), 2 slices of Jimmy Dean Hickory Smoked Pre-cooked Ready-Bacon (3 slices = 2 Points, so 2 slices, being 2/3 of a serving, is 1 Point) and either 1/2 cup of egg whites (1 Point) or 1 large egg (2 Points). A dash or two of Tabasco and it's really a yummy breakfast sandwich for 5-6 Points (depending on which kind of egg you go with). I usually pair it with a fat-free yogurt. Then follow up in an hour or so with a piece of fruit.

I used to be a big Yoplait eater -- and I still am -- but they're 3 Points a pop and not always on sale, so I've found another that I like that has a lot of great unique flavors, too. Carbmasters from Kroger brand (sold at Ralph's on the west coast, but also Smith's and Kroger and probably Food for Less) is 2 Points and has yummy flavors like French Apple, Carrot Cake and Vanilla Chai. I also really like their regular Vanilla -- it tastes like frosting.

And then lunch and/or dinner has often been take-out.  But like, really picky take-out. I stick with sandwich shops like Subway or a place around the corner from my house. Turkey sandwiches, dry, loaded with veggies. Or if I must do another option, usually a small cup of Wendy's chili and  a side salad (and sometimes a Jr. Frosty because I'm a human being) or a chicken fajita pita from Jack in the Box and a side salad. Or, if it's a stabby day and I have the Points for it, a small curly fry.  (I know, fries! I'm surprised I've not been struck down by lightning.)

My snacks are usually fruit (apples and bananas, mostly), a serving of whole grain mini pretzels and a wedge of Laughing Cow, or microwave air-popped popcorn.  Dessert is usually a Kozy Shack tapioca and a cup of flavored coffee or a Skinny Cow of some variety. 

I look forward to Spring and Summer when I'll start craving less comfort foods and more grilled foods and salads.  I tried to make my usual Big Salad, but I just wasn't into it. It was too cold!

Any recommendations or tips on things you've found that have become part of your routine?