Counting...

Points, calories, steps...whatever. Counting can be a monotonous and frustrating task when it comes to weight loss. It's work. You have to weigh, measure, read/track nutritional values, and write down everything, including that nibble of nuts, the splash brown sugar maple creamer in your coffee, or stick of gum. It all adds up to more calories, more points, more weight.

So technically this is week 2 of WW for me. I have yet to attend a meeting. I have yet to track an entire week of eating. I keep eating well past my points. I refuse to buy the prepackaged, frozen meals to make counting easy (unless it's the ice cream)...Why? Because I prefer freshly made meals, even if it's a sandwich.

Granted last week, I decided to toss WW out to the window because I went home for the holidays. That meant dinner at my fav Italian with wine, gnocchi, goat cheese, mushrooms, and we can't forget the warm bread. It also meant dinner with a great friend over a hamburger for me, dessert and coffee. Not the best choices - I admit that. But it was what I wanted and it was what I ate. At least, I own my meal choices.

So this week, I am tracking (sort of)...But trying to get my meals down to 6.5 points per meal is DIFFICULT.  I will keep at it until I get it.

If you've done WW in the past or currently on WW, what are you suggestions for breakfast and dinner?

Weight Watchers

Ok...I've talked about it enough and make mental pacts with myself that never seem to come to fruition.

I know that tracking my food is important, more so than my workouts. I also know that I'm not good at tracking my food via my phone or even on paper. The weekends are my hardest days to stay on track eating well.

So folks, today is the day that I join Weight Watchers. It won't be computer-based. I will HAVE to go to the meetings. I guess others outside my immediate circle will keep me accountable.

Wish me well and I will keep you posted.

It's a new Weight Watchers

At least that what all the hype seems to be about.

As many of us on the weight-loss train can attest, we've tried WW in the past. For some, it works(ed) and for some...eh?!?!  Well, I tried the At-Home version in 2004-2005 and lost 10 lbs. But I took issues with the apparent promotions of their products (frozen meals, frozen treats, protein bars, etc).  This new WW program seems to take that into account and now pushes REAL food (fruits and veggies are 0 points) and working out. Sheila is a lifer, group leader, and provided a great review of the new program.

So, one final thing I am thinking of taking advantage of from my job before I depart is the deeply discounted WW program.  I may be a group exercise class junkie, but I'm not sure how I feel about group weigh-ins so I'm leaning towards the online program. The other pitfall for me is that I know how revved up I get about new weight-loss endeavors (especially about tracking my food) and fall off part way through. So, do I spend the $$$ to track my points thinking I fall off mid-way or even early into the game? Or do I just keep plugging along with my paper journal (so far 1 week down) and new eating plan of a protein shake for breakfast and dinner, 2 snacks and a sensible lunch (sounds like a commercial, huh?)? Or should I put my $$$ into the fitbook?

I'll decide tomorrow after the on campus info-meeting.

Do you WW?  Are you good with tracking points or counting calories? What other tools do you use (Calorie Count.com anyone?) to track your intake and exertion?