Weekly Weigh In - Amanda

So I am happy to report good things this week: a loss of 2.6 lbs. Considering my last two weeks, I'm feeling pretty good about this. I have lost a total of 14.6 for the year of 2009. This also puts me 10.4 pounds away from my inital goal and 15.4 pounds away from my ultimate goal. I know that the next few weeks will not be easy, but they are so close, that I am not going to give up until I reach it.

I am feeling in more control of my self and my eating was much more on track this week. I am also really pumped for my run tomorrow. Now that I feel like I am seeing real results, I'm feeling the motivation to continue. So in honor of my newfound encouragement, I wanted to share a few tips I have found that have helped. Some of these many of you may already be aware, but maybe you will learn something new.

1. Hungry-girl.com - awesome daily emails with good advice for watching what you eat, fabulous recipes (with the Weight Watchers points already calculated for you), great swaps (low fat milkshakes and desserts to die for.) If you haven't signed up already, this is a must have for anyone trying to lose weight (or anyone maintaining weight or anyone who just wants a healthier lifestyle). Who doesn't want free advice from people that have already done the research for you?

2. Sugarfree gum - A saving grace of mine. I usually leave the mint kind at my desk for those moments when I feel like I'm going to go for the sweets coworkers brought it. Nothing ever tastes that great when you have had mint and most of the time the gum will fight the temptation.

3. Frozen Grapes - a trick I learned from my old daycare provider. She used to buy grapes, divide them into snack size baggies, and throw them in the freezer. On days when the kids would go to the park, she would just grab a few baggies before their walk. I started doing this for mornings that I would run late, or on weekends (my weakness time.) I like them frozen, but it's also good, because sometimes when I don't eat them right away, they are still cool. It also helps that grapes are my daughter's favorite food as well, so we share. :)

4. 100 calorie packs - I'm sure everyone is aware of these. There are so many of them out there now - crackers, cookies, granola bars. And it's no secret: I like sweets. So these babies really do save me. Sometimes you just need a little chocolate in your life, and I can definitely handle a 2 point pack of cookies. My newest find is South Beach Diet Smores Bar. OMG! I'm in love with them. Only downside - there are only 5 bars in box and the box usually costs around $3.99 but with a taste that good, sometimes you just have to give in.

5. New Running Shoes - I finally bought a new pair of shoes. I know...running shoes are one the most important things to invest in when running long distances, and it did make a huge difference in my 8 mile run on Monday. Although I really didn't want to spend that much money, I definitely think it was money well spent.

6. Rewards - Taking a cue from Lynne, creating rewards for small achievements can make a big difference. I still have 5 pounds to lose until I get my pedicure, but that reward is helpful to have. I loved Lynne's idea so much and her parents willingness to assist her with her goals, that I offered the same thing to my sister (who is also trying to lose weight.) I wish I could do it for everyone in my life, but I knew she was the kind of person who would definitely benefit from knowing that she was getting some material object at the end. I know once she loses the weight, the feelings with it will make her continue but sometimes you need more motivation than that to get started.

Good luck to the rest of you on your journeys!


P.S. Only 4 more weeks until the half-marathon!