Day 9 - First Weigh In Day - What I Have Learned - A First SUCCESS!

The anticipation was killing me. Itt was like a ceremony. I even took the scale and cleaned the face off before stepping upon it! The first of many Monday Ceremonies. And this Monday's news was one of success - beyond my minimum goal of 1.5 pounds. Remember, our first check in logged an ugly 235.8 pounds. This morning, as I looked at the digital numbers they registered what felt like a beautiful 233.2.

A Loss of 2.6 pounds in the first week!

It's WORKING! YAY! And, just to fill you in - my goal is to reach a weight of 150 pounds.

What have I learned?

1. Fortunately I was able to do this - I purchased all new plates, bowls and cups - and tossed all of my very OLD mismatched ones, cleaned out all the cupboards. Also purchased all new pots and pans and sent the old ones away as well. I did this the SAME day that I started this "better me" program. Thus, every time I look at a plate or a bowl or a pot or a pan, I'm reminded of my quest. This is BIG for me, as I'm pleased with the beauty of my new items and want a beautiful new thin me to go along with it.

2. My recommended calorie intake for my age, height, weight and lifestyle is between 1,400 and 1,600 calories per day in order to lose 1.5 pounds per week. If you're following this blog, you'll see that I'm well below that calorie count every day. I'm not focusing on how few calories I can consume, but more on what type of food I eat and remembering a note I read about keeping any snack item under 200 calories. The 200 number has pretty much stuck in my head and when I see a calorie count for any particular food item that's over 200 I rather shudder at the thought. Thus things like cheddar cheese, pasta, noodles, and many more that I'll learn of in the coming weeks are out of my vocabulary, kitchen and my diet.

3. This can be fun! I purchased a Ninja and am using it for chopping, blending and smoothies. It's fun.

4. There are zillions of ideas on the internet. And you can find a workable substitute  or alternative for almost anything you might want to do. For instance, ice cream is not on my list, but I was researching calories on things - and check this out - 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream has 137 calories! 1/2 cup of fat free, no sugar added ice cream has 80 calories. Thus, if I want to make a frappucino, I CAN and still stay within the guidelines of my "better me" program. P.S. Blue Bunny is the fat free, no sugar added ice cream and I looked on line for grocery stores that carry it. Walmart, Smart and Final and Winco carry it. Maybe I WILL have to put home made frappuccino on my list for a weekly reward!

Now, on to today's activities:

Breakfast - what has become the usual, Raisin Bran Crunch - 250 calories.

Snack - Kind Healthy Grains Bar - 140 calories

Lunch - A salad of: Baby Greens (15), 1 hard boiled egg (78), 1/2 avocado (117), 6 shrimp (104), Olive Garden Lite Italian Dressing (30). Total - 344 calories

And once again, there's our little peacock pictured, hoping for his share of the goodies. We'll just have to make him our mascot.

Dinner - Chicken Cabbage soup with one tablespoon Parmesan cheese - 142 calories

It's a great day! First week exceeding my goal! Loving it. And a big compliment came in this afternoon. My daughter texted me and said, "Now you have ME doing it, Mom. I'm counting calories too!" That's a great reward to have my daughter influenced by my new positive eating program - even though she doesn't need to count calories!

Total for today - 876 calories

Yay, I get to have my wine again tonight! I KNOW I can do the 2.6 pounds again this week! Keep cheering me on! Thanks to those who are following the blog. It's your clicks that are encouraging me and holding me accountable.