Day 210 - Letting down my hair ......

Well today was the deadline for filing taxes here in Canada.  I got all of my clients done with half an hour to spare, and they all got refunds.  People always think it is strange that I do taxes for other people yet have an accountant do ours.  There is a reason for that.  We have rental units and they keep changing things around all the time and with capital gains/loses, it gets a little more complicated than I feel up to tackling.  Hubby picked ours up today and it was good.  He gets nothing/pays nothing.  I get all that I paid in last year minus $0.01, that is how close the accountant cut it.  There is even some to carry forward for next year, I'm a happy camper tonight.

Well I kinda went astray this evening.  We had a little get together for my boss who is retiring.  So we went out for drinks and hordy derves after work.  I was good till the food came and I must admit that I probably ate more than I should have but so be it, tomorrow is another day.

Breakfast
1 pkg regular instant oats
2 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
1 banana

Lunch
2 cups chopped cucumber & peppers w/1 tablespoon dressing
10 whole wheat crackers
17 green grapes

Dinner
2 Long Island Iced Tea
2 coconut shrimp
nachos
6 boneless dry ribs

Thank you all for your comments and concerns.  We have still not heard anything from the doctor so another weekend of waiting.

I have been trying to incorporate lots of fruit and veggies into my food plan.  I feel so much better when I do and everything goes smoothly (if you know what I mean).  Yes, I over indulged tonight but I feel good about what I have been doing so I refuse to feel guilty about the night out. 

Day 209 - Still waiting .............

Still no word from the doctor, this is driving me insane.  It's like mission impossible .... impossible to think about anything else at this point in time.  If it is this bad for me I can only imagine what it is like for hubby.  He spent the day checking out sky diving lessons.  Not sure if that means he's writing his "Bucket List" or just plain bored or better yet trying to drive me nuts.

Winter arrived again with a vengeance yesterday, it's been raining and snowing for almost 24 hours, now the wind is blowing.  They say Alberta is the place to be if you don't like the weather, it changes every five minutes.

Breakfast
1 banana
4 oz yogurt
1 cup corn bran cereal
2 oz milk

Lunch
1 cup coleslaw
1/2 pkg Michelina Wild Salmon w/Basil sauce (this is the most horrible frozen dinner I have ever had)
17 green grapes

Snack
1 Life snack bar

Dinner
3 oz sirloin steak
1 cup beets
1 cup raw cucmbers/peppers w/1 tablespoon low calorie dressing

Day 208 - Still waiting ..............

Well nothing today regarding test results, so maybe tomorrow.  It's just one day at a time now, we know it is going to be surgery, we just don't know where the problem spot is located.  Once that is known then we will have a better idea of what will be happening.

Breakfast
1 pkg regular instant oatmeal
2 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
1/2 cup fruit cocktail

Lunch
6 oz lettuce w/ 1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 Smart Choice 3 Cheese Pizza
1/2 cup canned peaches

Snack
1 Life snack bar

Dinner
3 oz lean pork chop
1 cup cooked carrots
1 cup raw pepper/cucumber pieces
1 small banana

Day 207 - Hurry up and wait ......

Well the CAT scan is done, took all of 5 minutes, now we hurry up and wait for the results.  I don't know if I can handle the waiting but I don't really have a choice.  So till then we'll live life as normally as we possibly can and keep praying for good results.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
2 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
1/2 cup canned peaches

Lunch
SmartChoice Turkey w/mashed potatoes & gravy
1 cup coleslaw
1/2 cup canned peaches

Snack
1 Life shapers chocolate chip snck bar (I found these at Shopper's Drug Mart and they are fabulous, 100 calories & 3 gr fat per bar and they satisfy my chocolate craving) $2.99 for a box of 6

I decided to incorporate a snack around 2:30 in the afternoon to stave off that emptiness I get and then I overeat at dinner time. 

Dinner
1/2 pkg Stouffer's Pot Roast Dinner (280 calories)
2 oz left over roast beef
green salad w/dressing

Challenge Results - Week 6

                 Last Week                 This Week                           Lbs Lost/Gained


Byron        307                           305.8                                  1.2 lost
Tina           287.2                        285.6                                  1.6 lost




Pounds lost to date last week 31.4 plus 2.8 this week = 33.2 lbs lost

Day 206 - 277.6 lbs

Wow I actually had a lose, guess I am on the right track.  Gonna post challenge results now.

Today was pretty awesome as I did not think I would have a lose and then to find out it was 3 pounds, that makes me feel good.  I'm late posting tonight due to my meeting so gonna head to bed, tomorrow can't get here fast enough.

Day 205 - If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution .....

It's a beautiful Sunday morning, glad we did not get the snow that Calgary did yesterday.  It is a little cooler but still nice.

Hubby was up most of the night with horrid stomach cramps so no one got much sleep.  I think it is just a case of nerves for him.  Hopefully he will feel up to going to church this morning, if not, it's ok.

It was hard yesterday hearing him talk about giving up his motorcycle for the summer.  He loves to ride and couldn't wait for spring to get here and now he is scared as it is a powerful bike (2300 cc's) and he's not sure about himself anymore.

Spent most of the day finishing up laundry and cleaning house.  We didn't make it to church as hubby just wasn't feeling that great. 

Food wise today was pretty much a write off, absolutely no appetite.  I had 2 latte's and 2 carmel pecan buns and till dinner time that was it.  Decided I would make a nice dinner so did a sirloin tip roast with roasted potatoes, carrots and onions.  Had a normal size helping and the rest went into the fridge for left overs tomorrow.  Having a hard time concentrating on anything right now, my mind is numb as is my body.  The thought of food is making me sick to my stomach.  Will see how tomorrow goes, better I hope, can't wait for Tuesday to get here so the CAT scan is done and then will have to wait for the results. 

I pray I have the strength to hold up through all this, my mind is racing with all kinds of wierd thoughts, mostly what if's.  Things I probably shouldn't even be thinking about but I am.

Day 204 - Don't go out of your way to please anyone, love yourself......

Sorry folks, I didn't post yesterday, just needed a bit of time to digest what is happening with hubby.  Usually it takes 6 - 9 months to get a CAT scan appointment, his is for Tuesday next week.  Obviously, the doctor thinks there is some urgency, which now has me really worried.  His attitude is good or else he is hiding it really well.  You would have to know him to understand, he is the king of one liners and they just keep coming.  Deep down I know he is concerned and he's trying to stay calm for me cause he knows what stress can do to my eating.  So far hanging in there, had a fairly normal day yesterday.  We did take out daughter out for dinner last evening, for Indian food, so I just picked at it.

I know I have to be really careful or my weight will go way up due to the stress and I am determined not to let it.  So today starts a very vigorous food and exercise plan to counteract the stress effects. 

Hubby decided he wanted to tell the kids, totally his decision.  Daughter #1 took it alright, even though her eyes gave her away.  Our girls are not biological and they came into our lives at an older age but no one would know that if we didn't tell them.  They are so precious to us and we will need them for support through this I am sure.  What a blessing that God brought them into our lives.

I want to thank you all for your support it means a lot to me, especially during this time.

Breakfast
1 cup corn bran cereal
2 oz milk

Lunch
bowl cream of mushroom soup

Dinner
1/2 10" Dr. Okter pepperoni pizza

It's been a long day, had no appetite, only ate because I know I have to.  #2 daughter and her fiance' were over and we told them as well as I told my son on the phone this morning.  It is so funny because the day just kinda went along and nothing has really changed.  Life goes on even though it is always there in the back of your mind.  I look at hubby and he doesn't look or act any different and yet I know there is something different because he has a foreign body growing in his head.  His biggest concern is if they have to operate they will find his alien implant and take it out to.....lol.  He's trying to keep his sense of humor but I can see the pain and worry in his eyes.  Is there some way a person can type crying when they are blogging?  I've shed a few tears today but never when he would see me.  I must be strong for him.

Day 202 - Is it real............

It's been a strange day today, not even sure if I can write about it and believe that it is happening.  My mind is numb, my heart is hurting and I want to go back to yesterday when things were semi-normal.  You're probably thinking I have flipped my lid but no that is not it.

I went to a funeral today for a friend's husband, he developed kidney cancer in 1999 and they gave him 2 years to live.  With God's grace and a loving wife by his side he made it 11.

Hubby had a doctor's appointment today to get his ear checked.  He's had a mean drainage from it for almost 2 years now and they keep treating him for ear infection.  Doctor says it's not an ear infection and they are going to schedule an emergency CAT scan to see what it might be.  Diagnosis at this time is a tumor that keeps building and then breaking (hence the drainage).  It will probably mean major surgery as it is out of sight behind the ear canal.  Possibility of it being cancer - unknown at this time.  It is an operable tumor - unknown at this time.  Possibility of it effecting the brain - unknown at this time.  Relief available at this time - none.

Now starts the waiting for the appointments, this specialist is already talking sending him to another specialist as it is out of the realm of his expertise.  Is my faith in God strong enough to withstand this?  I don't know, right now I am very angry, upset and miserable.  We are never prepared for these things no matter what.  Can I hang on and not eat my way into oblivion - unknown at this time.  All I know right now is that it feels good to be able to write about it and know that only one person that actually knows me is reading this.  Do we tell the kids or do we wait and see what the test results are?  What about other family and friends, do we not say anything till more is known?  So many decisions to make and nothing to base them on.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
2 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
1 banana

Lunch
Dairy Queen 1/4 pounder w/fries
small Pepsi

Dinner
2 eggs scrambled with lots of veggies (mushrooms, celery, peppers, green onions)
1 pkg microwave popcorn

Day 201 - Rule your mind or it will rule you....

Another long day and late night.  Was sick during the night last night so working on about 2 hours of sleep, I hope tonight is better. 

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
2 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
1/2 cup canned peaches

Lunch
1 kaiser roll w/4 oz black forest ham and mayo

Dinner
5 small sushi rolls
2 oz black forest ham
1 banana
2 cups fresh pineapple pieces

Day 200 - Journal your progress....

Well today has been a good day.  Managed to stay on track which is a good thing.  I did miss my daily break walks today as we had a staff meeting.  Stopped after work and picked up a few groceries as I was out of yogurt and fresh fruit. 

Breakfast
1 cup corn bran cereal
2 oz milk
1/2 cup canned peaches

Lunch
1 red pepper
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 oz natural sunflower seeds
1/2 cup apple sauce

Dinner
1 hotdog
1 apple

Challenge Results - Week 5

                                     Last Week           This Week              Lbs Lost/Gained
Byron                           307.4                    307                        0 .4 lost
Tina                              291.2                    287.2                     4     lost


Pounds lost to date last week 27 plus 4.4 this week = 31.4 lbs lost

Way to go Byron and Tina, keep up the good work.  It's a race between you two now so make every pound count.  Remember first one to lose 24.75 pounds on or before May 31st is the winner.

Day 199 - 280.6 lbs

I obviously wasn't as careful when I was away as I thought I was.  The scale is definitely not in my favor today.  Going to have to start back on plan tomorrow. 

Breakfast
1 cup corn bran cereal
2 oz milk
1/2 cup canned peaches

Lunch
1 yellow pepper
8 oz V8 juice
1 pkg Mustard Chicken w/wild rice

Dinner
1/2 order of Boston Pizza Crispy Chicken Pecan Salad

Day 198 - I'm home again..........

Well I made it home safe and sound and have some exciting things to share with you all.  I went away for the weekend to attend Provincial Recognition Days (PRD) for my Taking of Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) chapter.  Our Provincial Queen for 2009 lost a total of 176 lbs.  I was in total awe.  She now weighs 150 lbs, she said it was like losing her twin.  This was so inspiring.  There were other great loses as well but this one was mind blowing.  It took her a few years to accomplish what she did but she looks absolutely fantastic.  Not only that but there were members that were honored for maintaining their wieght loses for as many as 40 years.  I am now so pumped to get started again and this time mean it.

Barbara, I am so sorry to hear that your son is sick, I do hope he is better real soon, and I am sorry that you had to drop out of the challenge.  Life is about choices and we have to make them according to what is best for ourselves.  I will continue to follow your blog as I hope you will with mine.

Tina, I did not journal what I ate over the weekend as it was very busy and most times we just grabbed a "smart snack" in our hotel rooms.  I tried not to eat out any more than absolutely necessary so breakfast and lunch were usually in our rooms consisting of fruit, granola bars, cheese and lite crackers.  I have found that eating out has become a serious blunder for me so I try to avoid it at all costs.  My disqualification stands as posting daily was part of the rules but thank you for being considerate enough to try to make it work for me.  The battle is now between yourself and Byron so I will be monitoring your sites.

Disqualification........

Well I hate to do this but I have to disqualify someone from the challenge, and that someone is myself.  I have to go out of town from tomorrow till Sunday and was going to take my laptop with me so I could post daily.  Unfortunately, my laptop blew it's screen and you can't see anything on it.  So I hereby disqualify myself but I will continue to post and participate just as before only now you know I am not going to win ........and that is what life is all about. 

How many calories do you need in a day?

Here is a simple method of figuring out how many calories you need in a day.  (This is to maintain the weight you are at now).

1.  Your current weight in pounds ______divided by 2.2 = ________ (your weight in KG)

2.  Your height in inches ______ multiplied by 2.54 = _______ (your height in CM)

3.   Using the sums from 1 and 2 above, complete the appropriate equation below:

WOMEN:
655 plus (9.6 x your weight in KG) plus (1.8 x your height in CM) minus (4.7 x your current age) = _____

MEN
66 plus (137 x your weight in KG) plus (5x your height in CM) minus (6.8 x your current age) = _______

4.  Now multiply your total from the equation above by 1.2 equals ______.  This is the total calories your should be consuming in a day.

If you consumed 500 less calories each day or a combination of calories and exercise to burn calories amounting to 500 x 7 days per week you would lose 1 pound per week.

Day 194 - Have a warm, relaxing bath...........

Breakfast
1 cup corn bran cereal (120)
2 oz milk (20)
1/2 cup canned peaches (80)

Lunch
6 oz salad w/dressing (55)
8 oz lasgana (200)
1/2 strawberry jello w/peaches (80)

Dinner
1/2 Dr. Oetker all cheese pizza (420)
6 oz salad w/dressing (55)
2 Dad's oatmeal cookies (170)

Day 193 - Have a pepper party, eat multicolored peppers......

Wow, finally some time to do what I need to do so badly, blog.  Seems likes it's been forever even though I have been here every day.  Thank you all for your comments and concerns for yesterday.  Yes, I did a foolish thing, I skipped two meals.  The reason, stupidity really.  I knew I had to weigh in and that I was up so I wanted to see if I could knock it down a bit.  It didn't work so I wasted my time not to mention doing damage to my health.  Won't do that again.

Breakfast
1 Quaker Apple Fruit Crumble Granola Bar (100)
1 kiwi fruit (60)
1 sm banana (60)
4 oz yogurt (35)

Lunch
1 cup homemade chili (250)
1 cup coleslaw (55)
4 oz jello w/peaches (90)
1 apple plum (60)

Dinner
1 chicken breast stuffed with broccoli & cheese (260)
4 oz yellow beans (25)
6 oz green salad w/1 tablespoon dressing (40)
1 sm banana (60)
1 pudding cup (90)

Challenge Results - Week 4

Last Week                 This week:                Lose/Gain


Tessa 273.4                277.4                       4 lb gain
Tina  291.4                 291.2                       0.2 lbs lost

Barbara 265               261                          4  lbs lost

Byron 309.8               307.4                       2.4 lbs lost



TOTAL LOST: 24.4 pounds + 2.6 lbs this week = 27 lbs to date

I kinda canceled out Barb's lose with my gain but we're doing ok folks.  This week will be better for all.

Day 192 - 277.4 lbs

Well today was weigh in and I tipped the scales at 277.4 which is up 4 pounds from last week.  Not exactly sure why the gain but so be it.  It is really late and I need to head off to bed so will post challenge results tomorrow.

Breakfast
nothing

Lunch
nothing

Dinner
2 pieces of a 12" ham and fresh tomato pizza

Day 191 - Jog on the spot .....

Breakfast
1 cup corn bran squares (120)
2 oz 1% milk (35)
4 oz yogurt (35)
1 sm banana (60)

Lunch
Michelina's Indian Butter Chicken (350)
1 cup coleslaw (55)
1 yellow pepper (25)
1/2 cup peaches w/straberry jello topped with 3 tablespoons lite cool whip (110)

Dinner
2 cups homemade chili (lots of veggies, little meat) (500)
1/2 cup peaches w/strawberry jello w/ 2 tablespoons lite cool whip (110)

Day 190 - Use proper condiment portions........

The little things like ketchup, relish and even pickles can add on extra calories if not used in moderation.  I went grocery shopping this morning and got some wonderful deals on frozen dinners like Smart Ones, Michelina, Lean Cushine, etc.  I once tried Jenny Craig and was spending almost $150/week, not including fresh fruits and vegetables.  Today I bought enough frozen entree's for both my husband and I for a month plus fresh fruit, vegetables and breakfast cereal for a week and it was only $124.00.  A big difference from $1000/month with Jenny Craig.  I even like the taste of these ones better than the Jenny Craig so I am more likely to stick with them.  We use them for lunch time as I am working and hubby can fix one for his lunch.  Along with a salad and fruit you get a hardy meal and stay within portion control.  I know they are a little bit high in sodium but we still try to stay within our 1600 mg daily limit and most times can.  Also, there is a lot more variety with these than with Jenny Craig.  I must give myself a pat on the back for finally outsmarting one of the diet industries biggest money grabbers.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz 1% milk
4 oz yogurt
1 kiwi fruit

Lunch
1 banana
granola bar

I knew I was going to my granddaughter's birthday party so wanted to make sure that I had a few calories left for cake.

Dinner
1 bunless hotdog with mustard/green relish
fresh veggies
cheddar cheese cube
1 2 in sq piece of burthday cake (I took the icing off of it)

Day 189 - Relax with a good movie... popcorn is a freebee today....

Well I did go to the movies but didn't have any popcorn.  Went to see The Last Song, awesome movie.  I even ate out for dinner tonight and made some good choices.  I'm proud of myself.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
2 kiwi fruit

Lunch
1 cup coleslaw
4 oz cottage cheese
8 oz V8 juice
2 kiwi fruit

Dinner
1 bunless burger
1/2 stuffed potato
garden salad
1 glass iced tea

Day 188 - Do 25 jumping jacks....

Well Mother Nature has reared her ugly head and we are in the midst of a blizzard.  The tempature has dropped and the winds are really strong.  We have not had any snow since mid January and basking in warm temperatures.  Just goes to show, you can't trust the weatherman.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
2 kiwi fruit

Lunch
Healthy Choice Asian Five Spice Beef
1 cup coleslaw
2 kiwi fruit

Dinner
Italian sausage and pasta bowl
1 bag microwave popcorn

Hubby and I had a discussion about how tired I get from working all day so he is going to take over meal preparation for awhile and see if that helps.  I'm always so tired when I get home that I don't want to cook and then it seems like the fast food devil shows up.  So will try this and see how it works.

Day 187 - Raw veggie snack with a low calorie dip .....

I have been fighting with a virus on my big computer for most of the evening.  Think I have finally gotten rid of it, what a pain in the rear that was.  How has everyone been doing?  I haven't been around much except to post my meals and say hi.  It is year end at work and really hectic.  Then my daughter calls today to say she is getting married on October 9th.....oh boy, I really have to get going with my weight lose now.  I thought I had till July 2011 to get there, in time for my son's wedding....guess not.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
2 kiwi fruit

Lunch
Stouffer's Fried Chicken Dinner (230 calories)
4 oz canned mixed fruit

Dinner
3 scrambled eggs w/2 oz shredded cheese and 1/2 cup salsa
2 pieces whole wheat toast buttered

Day 186 - Do 20 side steps ............

It's been a long, arduous day.  Work was a bear with a Q&C meeting, and me having to keep my temper under control.  Have finally decided that you can't teach stupid so gonna let my partner hang himself with his own stupidity.  I can home with a screaming headache and had a nap.  It finally went away but now I am ready for bed.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz milk
4 oz yogurt
1 kiwi

Lunch
1 pkg Kraft Mac and Cheese (single serving)
4 oz cottage cheese
4 oz canned fruit cocktail

Dinner
2 slices whole wheat toast with apple cinnamon jelly
2 oz cheddar cheese

Week 3 - Challenge Results

Last Week                  This week:                    Lose/Gain

Tessa 275 lbs             273.4                           1.6 lbs lost
Tina 292 lbs                291.4                           0.8 lbs lost
Barbara 264 lbs          265                              1.0 lbs gained
Byron 313.8 lbs        309.8                             4.0 lbs lost

TOTAL LOST: 19.2 pounds + 5.2 lbs this week = 24.4 lbs to date

We have lost almost 25 lbs so far as a group, that is the same as one person having met their goal.  Way to go team.  Barbara don't fret over the gain, you will get back on track again this week.

Day 185 - 273.4 lbs

Well I did manage to score a lose in spite of all the gingerale I drank.  Not as good as I would have liked but a lose just the same.

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz 1% milk
4 oz yogurt
1 orange

Lunch
8 oz leftover pork stirfry from dinner last night
4 oz strawberry jello w/peaches

Dinner
4 oz grilled lean beef burger
6 oz steamed vegetables
1/2 baked potato plain

Day 184 - Happy Easter everyone.....

Woke up to feeling 98% better than I did.  The other 2% is mostly just a few aches and pains left over.  The sun is shining and it is promising to be a gorgeous day, let us be glad and rejoice.  Going to wait a bit for breakfast as hubby is still snoozing, so going to enjoy my Tassamo coffee and the stillness.

Breakfast
1 Easter bun (like a cinnamon bun)
1 Tassimo coffee

Lunch
17 green grapes
2 oz cheddar cheese

Dinner
4 oz pork tenderloin sauted w/onions, mushrooms, peppers
1/2 cup fine noodles
1/2 cup jello w/strawberries

It was a beautiful day today, hubby and I took the Pugs for a 5 block walk.  It felt great to get outside in the fresh air. 

Day 183 - Back in the land of the living ......

Feeling much better today, although I am still really tired.  Even managed to eat and keep it down.  You don't have to worry about me winning the challenge as I have been living on gingerale the past few days and it was not the diet kind.  It seemed to be the only thing I could keep down so I have been drinking it by the gallon (well 2 litre bottle anyway). 

Breakfast
1 pkg instant oatmeal
4 oz milk

Lunch
1 bowl wonton soup
1 kiwi

Dinner
4 oz roast pork tenderloin
4 oz roasted potatoes and carrots
4 oz fresh blackberries

If I can keep this down then I know that recovery is mine.  Definitely not the most balanced or nutritionally balanced meals but it was all that appealed to me so will take what I can get.  Hopefully tomorrow I will feel a little stronger and be able to get back on program.  I am really glad that we did not make any plans for Easter dinner with the way I have been feeling.  All I want to do is rest and recover.  Hope you are all enjoying the holiday weekend.

Day 182 - Slow recovery ......

Feeling somewhat better today, fever has broken and managed to keep a bit of chicken soup down for dinner this evening.  This has been a nasty bug but have high hopes that I will be back on the road to recovery tomorrow.  I hope everyone is getting along ok, I just haven't felt up to reading your blogs and I do apologize.  Take care and I'll catch up with you all tomorrow.

Day 181 - Still sick.....

Hi everyone, just a short post to let you know I am still under the weather.  Nothing will stay down yet so just sipping on lots of fluids and getting some rest.  Hopefully this will not last much longer.  Hope you are all doing well.  Will check in on the other blogs once I am feeling better.