Day 59

Day 58

Week 8: Weight Loss Update

Well it's official I am experiencing a weight loss plateau.  The .5 lb that I lost last week found it's way back.  That means I weigh the same today as  two weeks ago.  I plan to look back and start tweaking a few things and see if I can't get these pesky pounds to hit the road.  Let me know if you have any tips or tricks when you hit a plateau. Thanks,
                        -Rachel

Day 56

Skunk Relocation: Skunk Gets a New Home!

Day 55

Day 54

Day 53- Failed to Plan

They say if you "fail to plan" then you "plan to fail".  This was true today.  I was called out to work at the last minute and I didn't have anything ready to go. No breakfast, or packed lunch so this ended up being a day that I didn't take pics or even calculate my calories. I was exhausted.  I can tell you that I had an egg mcmuffin on the way and fish with spinach for lunch,then ended the day with a meal from McDonalds drive thru.  Not healthy but convenient.  From now on I'm going to try to keep a diet emergency kit ready to go for times like these.

Day 52- Kit Kat Attack

Okay girls this post is for you. I know that at "certain times" I crave chocolate.  I'm not talking about "oh, it sure would be nice to have a piece of chocolate" but "OH SWEET JESUS! I NEED CHOCOLATE NOW!" This is what happened to me today on my way out of work...so instead of fighting it I gave in a picked up a kit kat bar.  The whole bar was only 210 calories but that is a small price to pay for heaven. It Happens.
                         -Rachel

Day 52- Ready Made Food

Just because you don't have time to make all your meals doesn't mean you can't stay on track.  I find it easier to calculate my calories on days that I've been too busy to cook because the nutrition info is right there on the label. No breaking a recipe down into single servings.  But don't do this everyday because homemade is usually healthier than prepackaged because you know (and can control) exactly what your eating.
                       -Rachel

Week 7- Weight Loss Update

This week I lost .5 lbs.  Although it's not as much as I would have liked...It's still a step in the right direction.  The scale keeps going down week after week.  I just need to keep doing what I'm doing and it will add up and I'll be at my goal weight in no time.
                   -Rachel

Day 49- Sandwich Gets an Upgrade

Today's topic is: choosing the right bread.  I know when I first started on this weight loss journey I found eating only half a sandwich odd and unfulfilling so in order to combat that I searched for the most flavorful bread I could find.  Pepperidge Farm Deli Swirl Bread is now my everyday pick.  The pumpernickel and rye combo really makes my taste buds happy and the once too small sandwich now seems like the perfect portion.
                  -Rachel

PS: If you don't like robust breads then you can always go for a low calorie thin sliced bread and use 2 slices for your sandwiches.

Day 48- Hot Pocket Support Group Needed

Only comedian Jim Gaffigan can understand my recent Hot Pocket obsession.  I find myself craving them and have at least 1 a day.  Until today, when 2 lovely hot pockets hit my lips.  At least they were of the lean variety.  Help! I need a support group.  My name is Rachel and I'm a Hot pocket-aholic.

Day 47- 1/2 Portion Enchiladas

Today I had homemade chicken enchiladas and wasn't sure about the calorie count so I trusted my stomach to know when to stop.  If this happens to you just stop eating when you start to feel full.  20 minutes later you'll be completely satisfied.
                      -Rachel

Day 46: Skunk...Appetite Suppressant?

There is nothing like the smell of skunks spraying your house to help you lose your appetite.  That's what happened to us today...on Tuesday they will be humanly relocated to a land far far away.  I wish them well but hope to never lay eyes on them again. Stinkers!
                -Rachel

Day 45- Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day.  There were no chocolate covered treats or conversation hearts for this dieting girl.  But in the spirit of the day of love I did try to include the color red in all my food pics today. Enjoy and may love find you happy and healthy.
                           -Rachel

Day 44- Hunger Sucks!

Today I was extremely hungry.  It was like the way I felt the first few days of this diet.  I managed to only go over my calorie count by 55 cals. but let me say that was no easy feat.  I seriously had to talk myself out of diving headfirst into a bag of chips all day.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better and my normal appetite will return.
                    -Rachel

Week 6: Weight Loss Update Star Trek Edition

Captain's Log- Star Date 43: Today the USS 4eyes is traveling warp speed toward the goal weight galaxy. So far we have lost 14 pounds in our travels. the crew is being fed Tyson Bacon Breakfast bowls that are out of this world. I must report to the control bridge to shut down an unauthorized midnight snack. Boldly go where no dieter has gone before!
                         -Rachel

Weight Loss Journey - Week 4,5,6 Weigh-in : Everything I Ate to Lose the...

Day 42- Almost Banana Cream Pie

Craving banana cream pie! Try this combo...a slice of banana on a vanilla wafer.  It tastes almost as good as the real thing and it's 200 calories for eight.

                         - Rachel

Day 42- Lasagna Means I Love You

I went to spend the day with my mom today.  She made homemade lasagna rolls. YUMMY!  What a wonderful way to say I love you.  Right back at ya momma.
                               -Rachel

Day 40- Saturday Food Crawl

Today's food crawl started at a tiny place called "River and Rail Bakery" for vegan sloppy joe's and black bean soup.  Then onward to an midday dessert at "Tahona" finally finishing up the day at "New York Bagel Co" for a cinnamon raisin bagel.  This was so much fun getting to try lovely foods from different restaurants.
                                   -Rachel

Day 39- Cracker Crazy

Love these bacon and cheddar crackers. They're convenient on the go because you can find  them at just about any gas-n-sip.  And they're only 200 calories.
                            -Rachel

Day 38- Deja Vu Thursday!

After sitting down tonight to upload pics...I noticed that 2 out of the 4 meals that I ate today are exactly the same as meals I ate yesterday. My taste buds are experiencing a sense of deja vu for good reason.  My thought is that if you find a meal that you enjoy and it keeps you satisfied why not eat it again another day.  If it makes dieting a little bit easier.
                                   -Rachel

Day 37- Potluck Temptation

Today was the monthly potluck day at my work.  I usually don't work on Wednesdays so this is the first time I've been bombarded with the savory smells and sweet concoctions that have been carefully homemade by my coworkers. Some of the wonderful items included chili,cream cheese/hot pepper jelly, chocolate covered strawberries, and multiple cakes which included an eclair variety. Yum.  While the others tasted a little of everything I stuck to my packed lunch and was very proud of myself for resisting the temptations that could have easily lead into a free for all calorie meltdown.
                                              -Rachel

Week 5: Weight Loss Update

This week I weighed-in at 2 lbs lighter. That makes a total of 12 lbs since Jan. 1st. It's been so motivating to share my journey.  Thanks to all who are supporting me.  I couldn't do it without you.
                                 -Rachel

Day 35- No Time For Snacking

Today was super busy even too busy for snacking!  Better luck tomorrow.
                             -Rachel

Day 34- Taco Time

Next time you're in a rush and find yourself in the Taco Bell drive thru.  Try something from the Fresco Menu.  I love the Fresco Chicken Soft Tacos. They're only 150 each and are really satisfying.
                                        -Rachel