June 2, 2012- Are You Happy? Are You Satisfied? How Long Can You Stand the Heat?

Weight Loss for the Week: 1 pound

This has been a pretty decent week overall.  It was only a four-day work week, which is always nice.  My new co-lead was in with me for a few days and I think that's going to work out well.  The kids were a little crazy, but they always are right when a change like that occurs.  They'll calm down within the next few weeks.  We did have a few birthdays this week, so extra junk food was at the ready in my room.  I had some, like I said, we're Southern, you have to have some or else offend the parents.  Fortunately they were mini cupcakes instead of the huge ones- so 2 points versus 6 points.  The real issue was coming in the next morning and seeing all the leftovers, and having one before taking them into the kitchen.  Live and learn.

I had also made Chicken Spaghetti for my lunches for the week- soooo tasty.  It's a recipe my grandmother has made for years and I've always liked it.  But wasn't sure how I could get it to work with Weight Watchers. I plugged in the recipe to the Recipe Builder and found out it wasn't too bad, only 7 points a serving.  Also, I discovered I could increase the portion using some of my favorite vegetables, which are no points.  Major score.  And the vegetables make me love the dish even more than I used to. 

I added a new walk to my routine this week.  And it's 4.4 miles, which would have killed me at the beginning of this.  Now, it's a bit long, but totally doable.  And I have to admit, I love how sweaty I am by the end of it.  Cause if you're not sweating, you're not doing it right, so I end up proud of being a hot, sweaty mess by the end of a walk or workout.  I've done the walk twice this week and did a few shorter walks too.  I know a few leg exercises to help with stamina.  What I need to start factoring in and doing is some weight exercises to help tone my body.  I keep hearing that if I don't do that, I will have a lot of sagging skin by the time I reach my ultimate goal.  And that just sounds creepy and disgusting.  So, guess I'll be looking into that, likely on one of my favorite sites- Pinterest.

Thank goodness for all the walking, because I definitely ate out more than I intended to this week.  I thought I'd end up eating out maybe twice this week.  I ate out five times.  A few friends wanted to go out, my mom treated me to dinner and my guy and I went to Italian Fest.  I did my best to eat healthy and portion control and for the most part did.  I got salads three of the times.  But one night with a friend was at our favorite pizza place- Memphis Pizza Cafe.  And at Italian Fest, we sampled a lot of amazing food, and had a few drinks.  It was all a lot of fun and frankly I'm sure I'd do it all the same way again if given the chance.

But I could tell I'm getting used to smaller portions.  At Italian Fest, I had to walk around after eating because I felt so full.  And that helped, plus it meant we got to look in all the booths and people watch like crazy.  If you're ever in Memphis during the first weekend of June, you have to go to Italian Fest, lots of good food, fun activities for the kids, good bands, and various people selling their wares at their booths.  Be warned that it is crazy crowded, and likely to be hot.  Though this year the weather was amazingly cool for the weekend.  Which was awesome. 

Alright, onto the next week.