One Week Post Surgery!

Well, it's been over a week since I had my gallbladder removed! I feel great! Because the surgery was done laparoscopically, I have been able to bounce back pretty quickly. Truly, it's been an answer to prayer.

For months now I have chosen to eat healthier and have been excited about the weight loss results! However, it is not so much a choice now but a necessity post-gallbladder surgery. Some people (including doctors) will say "Oh, you can eat whatever you want after surgery!" but I don't think that would be wise. Now, more than ever, it is important that I eat a low fat, high fiber diet. Since the surgery, I've lost another 5 pounds and I'm down to 164!

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

I have officially lost 75 pounds since April 2010!

Quinoa with Roasted Mushrooms

Tonight I made Quinoa with Roasted Mushrooms from the Whole Foods Market website. Absolutely delicious!

My Favorite Fall Breakfast!

Pumpkin Smoothie!

8 oz. Almond Milk
1/2 cup raw oatmeal
2 T. wheat germ
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger
1 T. honey

Blend in blender and enjoy!

Comparison: After losing 70 pounds!

Me at 240 in April 2010 and me at 170 in October 2010!!!!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

As of today, I'm down to 170 -- a total loss of 70 pounds since April 2010!

Update on my gallbladder issue:

I've had several gallbladder attacks since September. I had an ultrasound which shows small gallstones. My liver enzymes were elevated right after a gallbladder attack, but the next week, they came back down to normal. Since then, I've switched to a vegetarian diet consisting of mostly raw fruits and vegetables with a cooked meal at night. I bought a juicer and have been drinking a concoction of apple, pear, carrot, lemon, beet and ginger juice which is supposed to help with gallbladder and liver issues. I feel amazing! I haven't had an attack since October 9th. I do have a surgery consult on November 8th, and the verdict is still out as to whether or not I will have surgery.

Thirty more pounds until I reach my goal weight of 140!!!!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Some of you have probably been wondering where I've been! Well, I had no news to report, so I just didn't feel like reporting. I got off my walking schedule, and while I didn't gain, I didn't lose. People, it's important to MOVE! Moving burns calories! Well, I've been moving again this week, and it shows -- I've lost 4 pounds, and I'm down to 176! Since April 2010, I've lost a total of 64 pounds!!!

So, I encourage you, on these beautiful fall mornings, to get out and move!

Weigh-in Wednesday... again!

I'm down to 180 today -- a total loss of 60 pounds since April!!!!!!!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

It's been a while since I posted progress on Weigh-in Wednesday. That's because I had no progress to report. I hadn't gained weight, but I hadn't lost weight either. It was discouraging, to say the least. If I had to access why, it's probably because I wasn't walking consistently. But, I jumped back in this week, and I'm happy to report that I've lost two pounds! So, I'm down to 183, and I've lost a total of 57 pounds!

I'm back in the saddle!

Birthday gift to myself!

Today, I celebrate my 47th birthday!

My gift to myself is that I've lost 55 pounds since April 5th -- down to 185 from 240!!!!


And, I'm going to eat cake today! Angel Food Cake with lots of fresh strawberries and maybe a little Lite Cool Whip!

I just wanted to take the time to thank all of my friends who have encouraged me and supported me and cheered me on! It has greatly encouraged me to keep going!

So, now I am more than half way there -- only another 45 pounds to go! But, only after I eat a slice of birthday cake! :-)

Think Before You Eat!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

Ah, another Weigh-in Wednesday! These weeks are just zippin' by! Today I weigh 188 and I've lost a total of 52 pounds!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

I've reached the half-way mark!!!

As of today, I've lost
lbs.

I officially weigh 190! Another 50 and I'll be at my goal weight of 140!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

Yahoooooooooooooo! I'm down to 192 today! I've lost a total of
48 pounds!!!

Postponed Goals

I was planning to run in a 5K on July 24, but I have decided to postpone that goal for a number of reasons:

1. While I'm briskly walking a good 3.1 miles per day, I'm not yet running. I've lost an incredible amount of weight -- 46 pounds so far! -- but the reality is that I need to lose at least another 55-65 pounds. I'm taking things very slowly because I don't want to be pounding on my knees with an extra 60 pounds on my frame. I had knee surgery a number of years ago and don't care to repeat that!

2. My running partner is just getting back from Guatemala and is sick with a head cold/sore throat. I don't think SHE is ready to run in the 5K on July 24.

3. I just don't feel ready.

This decision obviously has a domino effect in that if I'm not running the 5K in July, it's likely I won't be ready to run the 1/2 marathon in September. But, that's okay! There will be other races, and I just have to keep persevering and pressing toward the goal!

So, bear with me as I take a step back, reset my goals and look for other races in which I can participate in the future! I'll keep you posted! :-)

Weigh-in Wednesday!

Down to 196 today! Total loss since April 5th: 44 pounds!

BEFORE and AFTER losing 42 pounds...

I BROKE THE "POUND" BARRIER!!!

Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier on October 14, 1947.

Today I broke the "pound" barrier!


I broke the 200 lb. barrier!! YAHOOOOOOO! I am no longer in the 200's! As of today, I weigh 198 pounds -- 42 pounds less than I did on April 5th!

This is a momentous occasion because I actually weigh less than Dean now! I know.... that sounds pathetic.... that I actually weighed MORE than my husband! But, the point is that I am finally under the 200 mark and well on my way toward my goal of 140!

For those of you struggling with your weight, I just want to encourage you -- YOU CAN DO IT! It's hard work -- a combo of making healthy food choices, taking smaller portions, and the dreaded word, exercising! And, don't think that somehow this is easy for me -- I was a couch potato for years -- but with determination and perseverance, I keep going. You can too! Remember this verse, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!" Philippians 4:13.

One thing that helps is my training team! Without fail, one or more of my training team members comes walking with me every day. Today, I had Micah, Ben, Rachel and Jonny with me! They're awesome! At night, one of them will ask -- "Are you walking tomorrow?" Even if I'm dead tired, that motivates me to go every day! They help keep me accountable!

What's your "pound" barrier? Set some goals today!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

I'm down to 202 today --
38 pounds GONE!

I walked 3.1 miles this morning!

I'm really loving this new routine (and loving the numbers on the scale!)

Tried a new recipe, compliments of my sister-in-law!

Yogurt Parfait

1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, 0% fat) If it is hard to find in your area, buy plain 0% fat regular yogurt and place it in a strainer covered with cheese cloth and then set on another bowl to catch the liquid. Put it in the fridge overnight and you then have greek yogurt! (It is cheaper to do it this way too!)
1/4-1/2 packet of Truvia, to taste (0 calorie sweetener made from stevia and has no aftertaste)
5 fresh strawberries (or blueberries!)
1/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal, toasted (microwave in a stone or glass dish for 1 minute, stir, and then microwave 1 more minute. I also put in 1 spoonful of unsweetened shredded coconut)
slivered almonds

I then layer all of the ingredients: yogurt, oatmeal, almonds, berries and then repeat.

This was awesome!

Vanilla milkshake!

A while ago I posted a recipe for a chocolate milkshake. Well, here's the vanilla version -- extremely yummy!

Vanilla Milkshake

1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup of light vanilla soymilk (I buy Light 8th Continent)
1 container of Jell-o brand vanilla pudding *no sugar added (60 cal)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 packets of Truvia sugar substitute (or Splenda)

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for several minutes. Enjoy!

This will be thick. If you want something less thick, try 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese with 3/4 cup of light vanilla soymilk!

Another Weigh-in Wednesday!

Well, I've been doing a lot of walking (3.1 miles almost every day) and it's really paid off -- I'm down to 206, and I've lost a total of
34 pounds!!!

It's Weigh-in Wednesday!

I did not post last Wednesday, because I was angry with my scale -- it hadn't budged from the previous week, and I was stuck at 214!

I am pleased to say, though, that I got on the scale this morning, and I weigh 211!

I've lost a total of 29 pounds since April 5th!!!!

And, I feel great, great, great!

What's cooking on Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!

Remember, holidays don't need to mean lots of extra calories! I love the recipes over at Kalyn's Kitchen -- yummy and healthy --

Today I'm having Grilled Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers with Tzatsiki Sauce and a Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro!

It's Weigh-in Wednesday again!

Wow, that week went fast!!

Ta-dah!! Today's weight: 214!

26 pounds - gone!

What a great feeling!

Happy Trails!

This is where I will be running this weekend! We're headed to our favorite campground, Camp Swatara, and I'm so excited! I'm especially excited to run on paths instead of pavement!

Enjoy your weekend -- it's going to be gorgeous (at least here in PA)!

It's Weigh-in Wednesday!

The moment of truth!

Today's read: 218! I have lost a total of 22 pounds since April 5, 2010!

Yahoooooooooooo!

Happy Feet Like to Move IT

Just Move It! Move It!

A friend and I were discussing weight loss strategies this morning, and then I came across this article and the bottom line, folks, is ya just gotta "move it, move it!" It's all about metabolism -- the more ya move, the more ya burn!

Flatbread Pizza!

The family got pizza this weekend, and I REALLY wanted some! I have been on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet since April 5th. Normally, you move on to Phase 2 after two weeks, but I've kind of hung out in Phase 1 for longer since I have a ton of weight to lose! Well, I have officially lost 20 pounds, and, as a reward, I enjoyed some pizza! - but not the same kind as the Family - that would be blowing it too far - instead, I found a recipe at Kalyn's Kitchen for a South Beach Diet Friendly Flatbread Pizza that was extremely delicious!

South Beach Diet Friendly Flatbread Pizza
(Makes 2 servings of pizza)

1 piece Multi-Grain FlatOut flatbread
1 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
2 T Muir Glen Pizza sauce (or use any low-sugar sauce)
1/2 cup + 1/4 cup low-fat grated pizza cheese (I used a blend of Part-Skim Mozarella, Provolone, Romano, and Parmesan cheese)
12-15 pieces turkey pepperoni (or use Canadian bacon or turkey Italian Sausage, precooked)
4 oz. sliced mushrooms, sauteed (or use other veggies of your choice)

Preheat oven to 450F/230C. While oven heats, put flat cookie sheet into oven to heat. (If you have a pizza stone, that would work great here.) After about 5 minutes, remove cookie sheet, drizzle on about 1 tsp. olive oil, and spread around with paper towel. (Be careful not to burn yourself on the hot pan.) Put flatbread on pan, put in oven and cook 2-3 minutes, just until bottom of the flatbread is slightly toasted.

While oven heats and flatbread toasts, heat 1 tsp. olive oil in non-stick frying pan, add mushrooms and saute until they're softened and starting to brown. (You may need slightly more oil, depending on your pan.)

Remove cookie sheet from oven and turn flatbread over, then spread 2 T pizza sauce on the toasted side, spreading around with your fingers or a pastry brush so there is a very thin layer of pizza sauce on the entire surface of flatbread. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over sauce, and spread around so it covers sauce. Layer pepperoni, then mushrooms, over the cheese, finishing with 1/4 cup more cheese.

Put cookie sheet back into hot oven and cook pizza 7-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly browned and pizza is done. Watch it carefully the last couple of minutes. Cut in half for two servings, and serve hot.

YUMMY!

When I'm in the mood for chocolate!

This is a South Beach Diet recipe that I adapted for a Chocolate Milkshake -- when I'm in the mood for chocolate! The ingredients sound nasty on paper, but I guarantee you will like it when you taste it!

Chocolate Milkshake

1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup of 2% milk (or skim)
1 container of Jell-o brand dark chocolate pudding *no sugar added (60 cal)
1 1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 packets of Truvia sugar substitute (or Splenda)

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for several minutes. Enjoy!
I sometimes add a T of natural peanut butter to make a Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake!
Total calories: 250 (350 with the peanut butter)

Very satisfying for breakfast!

Running the race, even when you don't FEEL like it!

I didn't feel like running today, but I persevered and I did it! Okay, to be honest, it's more of a "fast walk" at this point than an actual "run" but I'm getting there! Today I "fast walked" 2 miles in 32 minutes! I've never really been big into exercise -- but I know it's what I need to do! If you're having a hard time getting motivated, the first thing I would suggest is to set a goal. Recently a friend of ours finished a half marathon, and just like that I decided "If Paulie can run a half marathon, so can I!" I started sharing with people that I wanted to do this, and so now there is no turning back! LOL Another friend who is a runner got me set up with the "Couch to 5K Running Plan" and after that I'll continue to train for the half marathon (a half marathon is 13.1 miles, btw). It's a daunting goal, but little by little (step by step) I'll get there! My first goal is to run a 5K (3 miles). I'm going to be running in the Lebanon Area Fair 5K on July 24th (anyone wanna join me?!). The Harrisburg Half Marathon is in September. Set a goal; grab your running shoes and persevere!

Slowly losing it!

The title of my blog is "Slowly Losing It" -- it's supposed to be a blog about dieting, exercising and losing weight -- but I might throw some other stuff in here on days when I literally feel like I'm "losing it!" And, then we'll talk about stress eating!

I started the South Beach Diet on April 5, 2010 when I weighed a whopping 240 pounds! YIKES! That is the heaviest I've ever been and does not look very nice on this 5'4" frame (as you can see in the photo on the left). But, I'm proud to say that I've lost 18 pounds so far, and I'm training for a half marathon in September!

I'm really looking forward to posting photos of me as I shrink!