Thursday, July 9, 2009

AMANDA HAS ARRIVED

What what!!!!!!!!!!

You asked and we delivered. I’ve got my own blog! I won’t be an everyday-er, but I’ll post often. Not only is it fun for me, but, hopefully, I’ll help or inspire others in the process. Or at least I’ll give you a giggle. Like Jen, I keep it real, which makes us a good team.


In case you haven’t read my guest blogs before, I’m Amanda, another priorfatgirl. I began Weight Watchers in May 2008, and I’ve lost about 57 pounds. I would like to lose 23 more pounds, which will put me smack dab in the center of the healthy BMI range for my height. Also, I’m a libra, a lacto-ovo vegetarian, and a pretty cool human. You can check out my guest-blog debut for more of a backstory.

I wish I could say that I’ve made substantial progress in Jen and Annabel’s Challenge, but that’s not really the case. Well, weight-wise I haven’t made progress (still 8ish pounds away from my goal — eek!), but healthy-behaviors–wise I’m making positive changes! That’s more important than the silly number anyway, right?

I’ve been tracking all my food, which opened my eyes to how much I thought I was staying within my POINTS allowance during my break from tracking. I wasn’t. But I am now! Here’s my info from a random day last week (POINTS in parentheses):

Breakfast:
1 large banana (2)
1 VitaMuffin VitaTop (1)

Snack:
1 Dannon Light & Fit yogurt (2)

Lunch:
1 salad (5.5)
Romaine lettuce (0)
Spinach (0)
5 cherry tomatoes (0)
1/2 cup peas (0.5)
Red onion (0)
1.5 Tbsp black olives (0.5)
1 hard-boiled egg (2)
1/4 cup chickpeas (0.5)
2 tbsp sunflower seeds (2)
1.5 Tbsp fat-free French dressing (0.5)
1/2 cup cottage cheese (2.5)

Snack:
1 Fiber One bar (2)

Dinner:
2 slices reduced-calorie bread (1)
1 Morningstar Farms Asian veggie patty (2)
10 baby dill pickles (1)
Tortilla chips (3)
Salsa (0)

Snack:
6.5 cups 94% fat-free popcorn (1.5)

TOTAL = 24 POINTS

I get 24 POINTS per day, so yay me! I stay on track by entering my meals and snacks before I eat them. That way, I know I’m not going overboard, but also I can see if I’m getting the daily nutrition my body requires. I also track how much water I’m drinking. During the week, drinking water is not a problem, but I reeeeeaally need to work on the weekend water. Tracking really does help.

As for exercise and activity, I’ve been surprising myself. My Tuesday-night softball games have been so fun! On Wednesdays I can feel that my calves and quads were worked, and I always like that feeling. But what REALLY surprised me last week was that I woke up more than an hour early one day last week, and I just could not get back to sleep … so I went for a run. That’s pretty crazy for me, but I loved it! Now I plan to do that a couple of times a week — on purpose :) I’ve done an on-purpose run once since the first occurrence, and there are no signs of stopping.

Alright, so I’m keeping my first post on my VERY OWN blog (!!!!) short and sweet. Always leave them wanting more, right? But I will leave you with a question. Is there anything in particular you’d like to know about me and my weight-loss journey? My previous guest posts were kind of all over the place because I was blogging so sporadically. I never really found my footing, but this is my chance to do so. Comments and suggestions are more than welcome. I love them!

Here’s to a fab new endeavor :)


24 comments:

  1. WOOT WOOT! I am so excited for you! Congrats on the new blog...AND...way to go on the healthy habits! You are so right, that is WAY more important then the number anyways!

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  2. Hi Amanda,
    Funny that you should be talking about tracking what we eat. I was saying that to Jen's Dad. We think we know what we are eating but do we? At the end of the day we think we had eatten health but maybe we had popped a few chips here and there. Or maybe a few candy pieces and a bite of this of that. How about a few crackers that are fat free...before you know it you are up to 3000 calories and still going. If we really want to kick the tire you can't do it with a tire gauge. We need to get some paper and pencil. If we eat something we need to track it. Prior Fat Girls Dad is trying and today he took a recipe card with him as he didn't want to carry a notebook.

    Glad to hear from you Amanda...Keep blogging for us as it helps to know we aren't all alone.
    Kim

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  3. YAYY You!!! I am so happy for you Amanda you are doing great!! Keep up the good work!!
    Your old receptionist Beth C. :)

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  4. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY Amanda!!!!! wooop de doop for you beautiful lady! your very own blog a log! FABTASTIC!!! I greatly look forward to reading your adventures!
    love Lizzie xxxx

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  5. Congrats on the blog Amanda! I started my own too about a month ago, it really helps keep you on track (yes, I've worked out with my readers in mind!) and it's a load of fun! Best of luck!

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  6. Yippie!!! I'm so glad you started your own blog. I have loved your guest blogs, so it's great you'll have your own blog now! Woohoo!

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  7. YAY AMANDA! So glad to see you have your own blog! I was wondering when that would happen. CONGRATS!

    hey tech note here: I think I know how to get your posts so they show up on the right dates (the ones they were originaly posted on) Not sure if that interests you, but thought I would mention it.

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  8. welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!

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  9. Your own blog. Good for you! I think you will really like having your own blog, and it should keep you focused on your goal.
    I NEED to get a planned work out a few times a week. What am I waiting for?

    Smile and have a great day too :)
    Mom

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  10. Is the unexpected run the BIG news?

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  11. Congratulations on your own blog! I'll follow along!

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  12. Hi Amanda! I'm so glad you've moved into your own blog. I loved your guest posts for Jen. You're on my blog list and I can't wait to keep up with you.

    Thanks! You gals are so inspiring!

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  13. YAY! I am so excited you have your own blog now! woohoo!!!!

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  14. Yay, more Amanda in my life! you are looking so great, I am super proud of you. And running?! Who are you?

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  15. Congrats Amanda... i Always like hearing/reading what is on your mind. I can't wait for the next post. What do you want to know... I just want to read what your mind has to offer. That sounded so corney. hahahaha!! Good luck and congrats!

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  16. Congratulations on starting your own blog!

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  17. yay for your own blog! love it!! i know i already told you this but you look fantastic! now i can't wait to see you in person since it has been waaaaay too long!! (holy excalmation marks!!!) okay, so when are we going to get in our game of tennis and pool time?? hopefully soon :) keep up the great work! love love love.

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  18. congratulations! i think this is great--for you and for those that are following you. good luck! i'll be reading! xoxo. luh.

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  19. Amanda, I'm sooooo proud of you. I know how hard it is. I've lost 11 lbs with Jenny Craig in the last 4 wks. I have a high school reunion to go to in July and that gave me incentive. Keep up the good work.

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  20. I <3 your blog. Thanks for inspiring me.

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  21. I love it!!! I'm a fellow WWer & love reading other blogs for inspiration. You rock!!! Look forward to reading some more. :)

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  22. Yay for you getting your own blog!

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  23. Wow you look hot...you will have to beat the boys back with a stick...yo go girl...i'm real proud of you!!!

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