On the Go

Hey all!  Writing this post from Panera.  What's better than a random day off of work, treating yourself to a meal out, and getting caught up on internet stuff?  Nothing, that's what. =)  I decided to come to Panera, since this week at Weight Watchers we discussed eating out.  Trying to eat out on WW can be difficult, especially if you're used to eating whatever you want or see that looks good.  Let's face it: Most restaurants are not in the business to keep you healthy.  They're trying to entice you to eat and eat a lot.
I've never been much of the type to eat out, but when I did I would go for it!  It was always considered a treat, so I would eat whatever I felt like.  Now, trying to eat out and do that sensibly can be hard.  One thing that has helped me since starting WW has been to figure out what I'm going to eat beforehand.  I'll check the Dining Out Companion or check on-line.  I pick out a few things that look good that will allow me to stay within my points and go with that list in mind.  Panera probably makes that the easiest with their Pick 2 option, but there are many hidden traps if you haven't researched (like the Sierra Turkey Sandwich...crazy!).  Today I got my usual: Vegetarian Black Bean soup with 1/2 Smoked Turkey Breast sandwich.  Heaven!
Learning to eat out on plan can be a difficult and stressful experience, but if you take a few moments of your time to research and pre-plan it can be done.  Living on plan doesn't have to translate into you being a hermit, sitting and eating at home.  Get out!  Enjoy life! =)

2011

I'm back!  I struggled with internet connection and motivation to write in here, but I'm ready to start this back up again.  A few things have happened since I last wrote.  Most notably, I ran the Women's Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, FL in November.  It was one of the greatest experiences of my life!  My friend and I ran together for the first 6.5 miles and then split off.  We hadn't planned to run together, but it made the first half go by fast.  Once I hit 9 miles, I thought "I can see how people do this." =)  At 10 miles, I just thought "only a 5K left!"  Then at 11 miles, I thought..."my legs are going to fall off.  What am I doing?"  Haha...=)  My hamstrings, thighs, and glutes burned!  But when I made it to 12 miles, I knew I could do it if I just kept moving one foot after another.  And I finished.  I finished.  I FINISHED!  My total time was 3:00:45.  My optimistic goal was 3 hours, so I feel pretty good about that time.  Once I was done, I knew I wanted to do another one.  Crazy lady!
I've also officially started Weight Watchers.  I followed it unofficially from January 2010 to December 2010.  I lost 50 pounds on my own; however from July to December I continued to re-gain and re-lose the same 10 pounds.  It was frustrating and annoying.  I would get so close to being under 200 pounds and never make it.  In December WW changed their system.  It seemed like a good time to start attending meetings and becoming an official member.  I did great losing 40 pounds on my own.  Now I need to Ask For Help (WW tool) from others to continue on my journey.  I've been to 3 meetings and I think my leader is awesome! =)  Right now I weigh 211.8. My first goal is 201.8 (5% of my starting weight).  I'm back in it and I'm ready!
This blog will comprise of my journey on to being a healthy, fit person.  My goal is to write at least once every two weeks (if not every week).  I'm sure I'll be bursting to come here and post on my good weeks, but I'll also work to be honest on the not-so-good ones.
Good luck to all that are on this venture.  We can do it and come out on top!