Rule #5--Eats Your Fiber!

Hello and welcome back--or thanks for sticking around...I have a few minutes before I head out to go running this morning, so thought I'd jot up a quick post carrying on with our Skinny Rules. And I'm finally losing again--down fourteen pounds now! Oh yeah, that feels good!!

So Rule #5 is to eat between 30-50 grams of fiber every day. That sounds like a lot, but if you're eating your fruits and veggies like Bob recommends, you'll be golden. My menu plan for today actually has me over that goal at 56 grams, but most days I'm hovering around 35 grams on average. Considering this is a meatless menu day and I'm having chickpeas in my tomato soup for lunch then black bean soup for dinner, it's easy to see where the extra fiber is coming into play.

Not only does all that fiber help keep you feeling full longer, it has all sorts of other benefits as well. It aids digestion, helps keeps things running (going) smoothly, if you know what I mean...haha! There are also studies that link high fiber diets to lower risks of heart disease and cancer. Fiber regulates blood sugar levels which will help you avoid diabetes, and since it slows digestion, lowering the need for your body to release insulin, you're less likely to develop gall stones and kidney stones. Those are all big plusses in my book!

Where to find fiber? In whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. If you can, eat the skins as well since that's typically where the most fiber is found.

Tomorrow will be my splurge day, though just for breakfast. I make an overnight coffeecake every year that is too good to pass up! So whipping that up later today and it'll be ready to pop in the oven first thing--mmm, I can hardly wait! Oh, I may just have to wrap the day up with a slice of my honey's bourbon bacon apple pie as well...so I'll be extra good in between!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Still Here, Rule #4, and Some Arts

No, I've not given up. I have hit a major slow down, however, and it took a week to drop another pound, then a half creeped back on, then off, on, and off again--grrfff! It is enough to make you want to give up, but I am resolved to stick to the plan, man, and not give in. Twelve pounds and several inches down, thirty-eight to go...(cue "Eye of the Tiger"...)

But I am feeling rather blah this morning: stuffy, headachey. Rowing was cancelled due to ice and high winds (dur) and, rather than climb on the treadmill, I'm taking a day off to chill and feel better. Hopefully we'll get back out on the water Wednesday, God willing. So here I sit in my jammies with a mud mask on my face, the whole day ahead of me, and thought it might be a good time to catch up on posting the Rules.

Rule #4 (and I double checked so I wouldn't get another one out of order...) is to slash your intake of refined flours and grains--which means: no white flour (no Christmas cookies, cakes, treats, or other num-nummies), no white rice, no white pasta, and no white potatoes. None. Not even on a splurge day. Well, maybe a cookie on a splurge day. Just one.

So this is not a hard rule for me--aside from the taters, I've been off white flour and rice for years. I do love me some mashed potatoes 'n gravy though....*sigh*...I can easily skip  the white bread and dinner rolls. I fell head over heels for brown rice years ago and never looked back at white rice. Pasta...I'm not crazy about whole wheat pasta but brown rice pasta, if not overcooked, is actually really good! I did buy a bag each of faro and barley, though I've yet to use them. I pulled out a recipe for mushroom barley soup that I plan to make later this week, and have another tuna salad recipe that uses the faro, so dippin' in. I'll letcha know how that goes.

I did get my hair cut on Friday for my ten pounds down reward--it's short and super curly, so it's taking a little getting used to. I colored it myself and somehow missed both my temples (another dur...) Maybe that'll be another reward later to just have it colored at the salon.

So, onward! Today is Meatless Monday. Having greens 'n beans for lunch, then black bean soup for dinner. Love me some black bean soup!! And today is a perfect soup kinda day--cold and only getting colder outside=blankets, squishy socks, and soup by the fire watching Christmas movies and doodling the day away--yes!!

And, speaking of doodling, I'm still delving into the Sketchbook Challenge and doodling my little heart out. I took a few pics to share:

A Christmas colored border doodle became a postcard for a mail swap partner

More border doodles and playing with color

The first theme of the book is circles, so doodled some circle flowers and painted up another postcard

Just simple circle fun that I want to play with more using pattern fills and color

 

Tada! And that's all I have to share today. My mask is starting to crack so time to go rinse, change out the laundry, and get this day under way. Hope everyone is keeping warm and cozy and thinking happy Christmas thoughts! See you soon!

Oops--Mixed up the Rule Order...

Rule #2 (should actually be) Don't Drink Your Calories

Sorry I've been MIA the past few days. Rowing early has me flying out the door with little time to do more than brush the teeth, wipe away the remnants of the previous day's eyeliner, grab my gear and go--but I'm so loving it! Every row is different--you never know which direction the boatsteerer will take you, who's going to show up for the row, you might see seals, you might see swans, fishing boats heading out, coming in, little tugs--we got chased by the New Bedford Police boat the one morning for getting too close to where they're blasting (to deepen the harbor for the bigger ships that come in) Some days we do drills. Once we did the slalom course. On a really good day you get to go out beyond the hurricane barrier into the bay. Other mornings we've gone the other direction up under the bridge into the river. One thing is certain, though--it's always fun! I love it and am completely hooked!

So back to the rules! I got #'s 2 and 3 mixed up--sorry, sorry...I'll have to edit the other post's title. But! Do Not Drink Your Calories!! That means: No Sugar! No soda, no sweeteners (zero calorie or not) You want to get away from what Bob calls 'hyper-sweetness' which comes from those artificial sweeteners. (Plus those things are just so not good for you!) Sugar and sweetness make you crave more sugar and sweetness. Vicious cycle. Cut it out. You're not even allowed to use honey. No sweetie sweet coffee creamers (grrrr--I was really loving those!!) And No ALCOHOL. Period. Except for a (One. Single. Not Plural. One.) glass of wine with your weekly splurge meal. Okay--I don't do wine. It doesn't like me. At all. I break out in hives from wine. So, I have a Lime-a-Rita with my splurge meal. Shoot me, Bob. I'm being really good with everything else!

This also means no iced coffees, no lattes, no salted caramel hot chocolate. No Dunkin. No Starbucks. Which is only good for the wallet--those coffees really add up! You are allowed a couple morning cups of coffee or tea, preferably without sugar or cream, but I do add a splash of vanilla Silk (which actually has less sugar than skim milk--check the labels if you don't believe me!) And on a cold day, especially coming in off the water, I'll warm up with another cup or two of decaf--I really don't miss the sugar. Honestly not even tempted when I drive by Dunkin any more. Money-I like to keep it. Fat-I like to get rid of it. And it's working! Yes!!

Still doing lots of cooking--but I like the house smelling all garlicky and yummy. Roasted off a few tomatoes the other day:

With my cutie cute snowman spoon rest from Pier One!

Super simple: rinse, core, and spritz tomatoes with olive oil spray. I tuck a spoonful of minced garlic where the core used to be, a sprinkle of kosher salt, dash of ground pepper, pop 'em in the oven at 450 for an hour. Let them cool and puree for delicious homemade sauce or thin with some broth for soup. Mmm mmm good! I love it! I pour a little over roasted chicken or add half a cup of chickpeas for a quick lunch. No sugar, no ridiculous sodium, no preservatives--just all sweet yummy goodness!

I have been doing a little more arting/doodling but didn't get any pictures taken so maybe I'll get around to a Tangle post later this week...maybe. I do have my hair appointment reward scheduled for Friday (fingers crossed!!) Excited--and scared...Hey, it's only hair--it'll always grow back and winter is a great time for hats! Not sure what my next ten pound reward will be yet--let's just get there first, right?

Have a super fantastic Sunday--I think we're gonna try to hit up a cat show later today in Fairhaven (right by the wharf--I can go visit the boats, too!) Gotta remember to bring the camera--and to NOT bring any kitties home! Well, we can all think positive anyway....Thanks for stopping by!

Rule #3--Eat Protein at Every Meal

Bob recommends consuming 90g of protein every day. Not as easy as it sounds, but adding a protein to each meal and snack gets me close most days, and it's what helps keep you feeling full (along with all that water) so you're, again, less apt to go looking for something to nibbly on.

Think lean proteins: chicken and turkey breast, beans, fish and eggs. Nut butters are good but high in fat (good fat, but fat nonetheless) so those get used sparingly. Beef and pork are less popular choices since they're so high in calories--you don't get to eat as much of it to maintain your calorie intake and when trying to lose weight without feeling hungry, you really want to eat more of the good stuff to help keep you full and sassy.

I love, love, love black beans and chick peas. I'll sprinkle them on salads, toss them in soups, I even add a can of black beans to turkey sloppy joes to pump up the fiber and nutrition content--Bug loves 'em! Bob even has a tomato soup recipe that incorporates white beans to make it creamy without the added cream--it's so so good!!

Hard boiled eggs can top a salad along with a tablespoon of slivered almonds. Fat free plain greek yogurt topped with fresh berries is a great tasting breakfast starter. Low fat cottage cheese often finds its way to my dinner plate to replace the carbs that used to be there (no mo'--and I don't even miss them) Good stuff. Do it.

I need to run--rowing early this morning which means I need to drop Bug off at the bus and head to the wharf. Have a super fantastic skinny Thursday!!

The Rules (Or Something to Blog About for the Next Twenty Days..)

Why not, right? 'Cuz I know you wanna know. Just what are these "Skinny Rules"? I will tell you. One rule, one day at a time (makes ya' keep comin' back--hahaha...)

So, we begin: Rule #1--Drink Your Water. No kidding. No Excuses. Do it.

It works. It really does. Drink your water. Half your body weight in ounces. Every day. And a super easy way to do it? Bob suggests drinking a big glass first thing when you get out of bed. Keep a glass on your nightstand so it's right there. Then two big glasses before every snack and every meal. That's it.

I used to be really good about drinking my water, kept a water bottle with me all the time and I'd just drink a little here, a little there, and by the end of the day I'd be good. Then...water got boring. I'd look at that bottle and feel blah...and I quit drinking my water. And I gained weight. Bob's way takes the thinking out of it, the negotiation of "I'll drink some later" is gone. Ready to eat? Drink first. Done. And that glass first thing in the morning--a huge health benefit as it begins to rehydrate you, boosts your energy and metabolism right off the bat, and helps kick start the digestive process and flush toxins from your system. Good, good, good!

I said it before and it helps to say it again: I am a huge boredom eater and it never mattered how 'not hungry' I was. If I had nothing else to do, I ate. Watching TV? Eating. Sitting and reading? Eating. It didn't matter what I was eating--I'd be stuffing something in the old craw. But keeping up with Bob's water routine has kicked that right out the window. I feel so full from all that water, there's zero temptation to go scrounging for munchies. Yes, I still hear that little voice, "A little something, a little crunch, a little sweet...something...would be nice." And it is oh so easy to ignore it now--no problemo! So do it! Drink, drink, drink yourself skinny!

You don't like plain, tasteless water? Do NOT add any of those zero calorie flavorings like MIO or Crystal Light. There are nasty, not good for you chemicals in there that your body simply cannot process. Chemicals linked to cancer, neurological disorders, metabolism crashing--just don't do it. There's a product I love: True Lemon--it's simply crystalized, real fruit. No artificial sweeteners or preservatives, 100% natural. Now, mind you, they also make sweetened flavors--skip those. Bad jujus. Stick with the unsweetened--there's lemon, lime, and grapefruit to choose from. Yum! You'll love it!

And, a couple pics from "What Have I Been Doing With Myself Artistically Lately?"...

First, a little Dion Dior inspired cupcake card for our Random Acts of Mail group:

 

And then a simple little exercise from a book I think I got for Christmas last year maybe? The Sketchbook Challenge:

They also have a great blog to follow here

Okay--it doesn't look like much, but an entire SLEW of ideas spilled forth just from playing with this simple little doodle that hopefully I'll get to play with later today...time permitting. First, it's off to the bus stop with McBugga, then away I row--yayayyyayayayay!! Gonna be a good, good, super skinny day! Enjoy!

First Ten Down--Woot Woot!!

I knew it yesterday when I stepped on the scale and it still lingered at the nine pound mark that today would be it--my first ten pound marker. I just knew it. I weigh every day--part of the Skinny Rules, to help keep myself accountable. If you don't have to weigh in for a whole week there's just too much room for sliding...thinking you have a few days to make up for a splurge before facing the truth on the scale. I like this every day thing. It does keep me more conscious of the choices I'm making with eating, keeping up with my water, working out...and I just keep on losing--that's the best thing!

So ten pounds down is my first reward--getting my hair cut for the holidays. It's been well over a year since I've had my hair done--I miss Shannon terribly, my hairdresser back in PA...and I'm nervous about having someone new do my hair for fear I end up looking like a crazy curly poodle (I hate curly hair!!) But I've just been whacking off the ends every few months, a couple inches here, a few more inches there, trimming bangs...Okay, I guess curly hair does have its benefits--no one can really tell the ends are all whackadoo since they just go everywhere anyway...Still, it's time for a professional to do something with this mop. I'm kinda thinking short but I'm kinda thinking not...I don't know. I'll probably lose another ten pounds before I decide on what I actually want to do! (Is that really such a bad thing???) I'll keep you posted...

I have to say it feels really good to be back in the game. Almost two years ago, going in for cervical spine surgery, really took the wind out of my sails. Before that I was running every day, three to five miles like nothing. And I've yet to get back to that point. Being separated while waiting to move, recuperating from the surgery, finally moving and trying to get settled into a normal groove again...it's not been the easiest time these past two years. But finally things are getting back to where they need to be. I have rowing a few days a week, running and strength training on the days I don't row. Some of the ladies I row with also run and we're already planning some late winter training for all the spring races--I may even make it to my first 10k next year (dare I wish for a half??) It's exciting to be planning and even better to be losing the flab...

Still doing a lot of food prep. I feel like I'm spending even more time in the kitchen now. But Sunday was roasting off chicken breasts and whipping up more butternut squash soup (my freezer is overflowing with turkey broth, tomato soup, kale soup and squash!) Yesterday was boiling eggs and roasting sweet potatoes. Today I need to make another batch of turkey meatballs...which reminds me, I need to put the rice on so that's ready...I better get a move on here! Happy Tuesday!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, I'm officially two weeks in now and I've lost 8.5lbs along with several inches here and there that I'm super thankful to see go! And today is my first 'Splurge Meal' day--for Thanksgiving! Perfect timing. I've already logged all the calories I intend to eat and the count is only slightly higher than the normal daily allowance--totaling out just under 1600 calories for the day, so feeling good about my choices. I'm splurging on a turkey leg (my favorite), a (as in one, single, not plural) Lime-a-Rita, and a little slice of my hubby's Bacon Bourbon Apple pie he baked up last night:

Gorgeous, right?

And don't forget a good dollop of whipped cream!! Passing on the stuffing and potatoes and gravy, piling on the asparagus and Brussels sprouts--mm mm mmm! It's gonna be oh so good!!

Sadly, the Turkey Row has been cancelled for this morning--still too windy and feels like twenty degrees. *Sigh*...I might just have to steal down to the dock for a little bit anyway to watch the waves, breathe in the salt air, and see if I can spy any Thanksgiving seals...I just might do that...Signed up for Sunday's open row--crossing the fingers and toes we make it out!! Need.To.Row!!

Ah...remember our Thanksgiving Tree? Here it is all filled up with thanks:

I'm reading Ann's Greatest Gift for Advent and have all the ornaments ready for our Jesse tree next...

So--thank you as always for stopping by to visit. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy holiday season ahead!

And Another One Gone

I so wasn't expecting to drop another pound this morning since I rather took the day off...Unexpected rain showers deterred my leaf raking cardio plans and I just couldn't get up the gumption to pound it out on the treadmill. So off I went for a little more semi-successful Christmas shopping (hubby is proving to be somewhat challenging this year--one elusive item I can't seem to find--grrrr) and then home to a few chores and catching up on the DVR (Project Runway--really?? Jeffrey won??? He so should've gone home like three weeks ago and that jacket was UGH-LEE!! Sorry...just my opinion. And Grey's--which has seriously become so patronizing and pathetic this season. Dangerously close to calling it quits...Bah.) I stuck to my food plan and I was actually *hungry*-ish yesterday...I could've slipped, could've nibbled...fortunately there's nothing really slip worthy in the house--hallelujah, my saving grace! Still, I would've expected that scale to read the same as yesterday so was really very happy to see it go down--again!! Yay! Marching on to another day!

And I'm finally getting back out on the water this morning--I've had crazy withdrawal all week long! Then an email came saying there were four vacant seats yet for the open row--which meant I was the only one signed up, which meant if they didn't fill it the row would be cancelled, and I anxiously waited all day for the cancellation call--but it never came and I be outta here in just a bit to hit the bay!! Hallelujah once more!! Off to see my seal babies!!

I did manage to get a little creative yesterday--another horse I've sort of fallen off of with all the holiday hullaballoo and hustle. My brain has just been elsewhere and time hasn't been my friend--just gone and November has zipped by in blurred blink (Thanksgiving is THURSDAY!!) But I wanted a couple Christmas-y bookmarks and none were to be found at my beloved Barnes and Noble, so, alas, I made a couple!

Just simple and cute, a little Sharpie, a little Derwent Inktense, a little bright 'n happy for my Christmas collection on the nightstand...shazah!!

Delight of the Day!

I did say I was a little hungry-ish yesterday...I've been skipping Bob's "Midmorning Power Boosts" since it usually takes me most of the morning to finish my breakfast items. No, I'm not that slow of an eater, I just typically don't have time to eat everything we're supposed to eat before I have to either go workout or shower or get Bug to the bus, so I split my breakfast up through the morning--which also really helps with managing hunger early in the day. Yesterday's breakfast, though, was a veggie omelet and half a cup of blueberries. Ate the omelet--yum--then had these blueberries just hanging around...I'm not a big fan of eating plain old blueberries by themselves. Squishy. Squirty. Neh. Sitting there in a basket on the counter were three rapidly ripening bananas threatening to be made into bread (another *neh* for Skinny Rules) so the brain got to thinking...blueberries and banana smoothie would make a nice midmorning power boost, still in calorie range since all I was adding to the day (which, truth be told was way under calories to begin with...fine since I wasn't out cardio-ing anything) was a small banana and a cup of Silk...So, plop, plop, zip, whirl, blendify those berries, banana and vanilla Silk--oh.my.heavenly.goodness!! Utter deliciousness!! That's definitely staying on the midmorning menu options for now and evermore!

All rightee...it's time to get moving here. Happy Saturday! Happy approaching holiday!! Happy Skinniness!

One Week Down

Well, technically, it's been a little over a week-just a day over- but, I'm holding steady with sticking to the plan. I'm drinking all my water every day, only eating what I'm supposed to be eating--with one exception yesterday--a good exception and well within my calories and restrictions for the day. I woke up with horrible cramps and just felt like crud. Typically on a day like that I would go running for the comfort food and stuff myself full of sympathetic sugary sabotage. But I stuck to my guns: no Dunkin' lattes, no creamy chocolate Caramellos. I still did my strength workout then made it home from the grocery store with bags overflowing with veggies and a beautiful package of pre-peeled and cut butternut squash--I so knew what I was gonna do! I had a quart of veggie stock in the cupboard, sautéed a little onion, a little garlic, poured in the stock and plopped in the squash, simmer, simmer, simmer 'til it was all soft deliciousness, gave it a good zip and a whirl with the immersion blender, and poured myself a nice big cup of butternut squash soup. Not only was it thick and sweet and as creamy, comforting as any cup of cocoa, it was so pretty--that beautiful golden squash sunshine in a mug! And I divvied up the remainder into three more (large) servings (it's squash and broth--the servings can be large!) and stashed them in the freezer for future gloomy days of cramps or aches or PMS hormone rages:

Isn't it pretty?

So yummy and good...and I'm down another half pound this morning--five and a half all together so far. Not bad for a first week! I'm just really missing rowing--tomorrow, tomorrow...Today I'll be out raking and mulching the leaves I had intended to do yesterday until monthly misery descended and sucked the life out of my day...bah...

I am certainly looking forward to my first splurge meal coming up on Thanksgiving, though I plan to not crazy overdo it. A little turkey, a little sweet potato, a pile of Brussels sprouts, and a little slice of pie will do nicely--mm, mm, yum!! Anything but salad--haha!!

And here is a better pic of my Boo Baby wishing you all a happy, skinny weekend! Thanks for peekin' in!

A Whole Lotta Food

Yesterday was craziness--in a good way, just super crazy busy. One of those non-stop days with a hundred things to do and you actually get them all done because you don't stop...Got my strength workout done bright and early before we had to head to the bus stop, then whisked off to Dartmouth for another round of Christmas shopping--oh the lovelies I found! Came home and wrapped, wrapped, wrapped and stashed everything all away. And as much as I've gotten done Christmas-wise already, it's hard to believe I still have four more full weeks of shopping, baking, and decorating to tackle yet...I don't know how the last minute folks do it all and not lose their minds...

But, down another pound this morning--yay!! I have to say there is an insane amount of food to eat every day to the point that I just can't eat it all. I'm so full at the end of the day, I have to stop. What a fantastic change that is! No more cravings or temptations to dig through the pantry for something salty, crunchy, sweet, or simply time-passing (I'm a big boredom eater...) I'm too full!! There's also a lot of prep work that goes in to the week that Bob suggests getting it all done and out of the way Sunday night--which I suppose would be better for those who have to be out and gone into the world every day with no other time for all this prep work--but! There's eggs to boil (about a dozen), chicken breasts and vegetables to roast (a ton), turkey meatballs to cook, and filling the fridge full of healthy fruits and veggies to chow on. I've spread that all out over a few days (though I could make another veggie run...maybe tomorrow...?)

The turkey meatballs were like working with the pink slime that was all the hot controversy a couple years ago:

Ewww--stuck to everything!!

Cookin' 'em up!

But I can tell you they're pretty tasty and next time I'll be sure to mix and measure it all with spoons rather than my hands (blech!)

This was my roasted veggie omelet yesterday morning (so yum!):

You eat a LOT of veggies, roasted and otherwise with Bob's Skinny Rules!

Sadly today and Friday's rows have been cancelled--not enough (crazy enough to be out on the water in 26 degrees) rowers--but, there's still Saturday's open row and the possibility of subbing Sunday and/or Monday, and I've signed up for the Thanksgiving Turkey Row--which it could be SNOWING!!!! So thinking today I'll bike it after McBugga gets off to school, see what remnants of leaves are fighting to hang on the neighborhood trees yet...

And just a couple quick puppy pics!!

I wish this turned out clearer--Boo baby enjoying the crisp, cool weather

Tuck all smashed up against the sliding door, soaking up sunshine

I had a shot of Pea sunbathing as well, but she's so white and the sun was so bright, she looked like a giant glare...ah, Pea baby...Who is pestering me for breakfast, so I'ma skedaddle! Happy Wednesday all!

It's All in the Details

I think perhaps a little clarification may be on hand-if just to soothe my own sorry mind. I mentioned that my weight had reached an all time high. True. However, I am actually still thinner *somehow* than the last time I was close to this weight. Then I was busting out of my 14's but now I'm still as one can comfortably be in my 12's (which is still two sizes bigger than I'd like to be). The top of me (I measured this morning), though wider than I was in 2009 (the last time I'd measured) still is well in the 'medium' range. Boobs I shall never have. Ever. But that's really quite fine, I like less loose things flopping flabbily around. The bottom is, and always has been, my downfall. Most likely always shall be. *Sigh*

So, yes, I measured today. Got out the handy dandy tape measure and jotted down the cold hard facts. It's not the prettiest picture. But that's why we're here, right? If it was pretty, I'd be blogging about something else altogether. Oh, and I also found out that I fit into neither shape category of the traditional pear or apple--I am, in fact, an avocado. Didn't even know that category existed until this morning (the things I am learning on Spark People with their Waist/Hip Ratio Calculator) It's all thanks to this little belly pudge thing that's happened of late due to middle agedness and pre-menopause--are we really at that stage of life?? And, when I say 'we' I totally mean I am taking ya'll down with me 'cuz misery loves its company, my friends, and no one wants to walk this road alone...

Today is looking like a rest day. I was asked to row and, although it is a balmy sixty degrees right now, the winds are picking up and thunderstorms loom in the forecast, I doubt any whale boats will be leaving the dock this morning. Just as well--I need to head to the grocery store to stock up on a few delicious delights Bob suggests for a properly prepared pantry and fridge. I hard boiled a bunch of eggs and whipped up a batch of homemade hummus yesterday. Today I'll be roasting chicken breasts and cooking off some turkey meatballs. I'm trying to eat my Greek yogurt this morning but it's frozen solid...Lunch is Bob's Cobb Salad and dinner will be vegan greens 'n beans. Mmmm, good! I can always take the Tuckster for a walk once the weather clears up later this afternoon to burn a few more calories as well.

So, happy Monday, all--let's make it great!

And We Begin

Losing weight over the holidays. Insane, right? But when you get sick of looking at yourself getting softer and rounder and lumpier week after week, then step on the scale to see an all time high number, the world cracks. You have to do something--enough is enough.

So, I discovered Bob Harper's book, The Skinny Rules while perusing my favorite go-to weight loss site, Spark People--really, the only plan that's ever worked for me to lose weight is hanging out on Spark People! Bob's book (in case you live under a rock, this is Bob of Biggest Loser fame--fab trainer extraordinaire? 'Kay? 'Kay.) Anyway--his book lays out in detail twenty simple rules for eating right, losing the weight, and keeping it off. Simple, right? Plus he's got a month of menu plans and an entire section of new recipes to play with--so golden.

I've been trying to drop the weight myself with old routines that worked a few years ago and nothing's happened. Well, something's happened-I've gotten fatter. It's so hard to stay motivated when you don't see any results which leads to fudging and slipping and gaining--so vicious. So downright awful. Stuff some more crap down the craw...*sigh*...

But! (Cue the Hallelujah Chorus....) I'm four days in and four pounds down! I've not been hungry. I've not been tempted to splurge. I have caboodles of energy. It has helped that I've been out rowing almost every day this past week, then stepping out for a walk with my Tucker when I get home from the water--he's totally my champion companion! But I'm full, I'm happy--I'm really happy seeing the numbers finally going DOWN!!!!

Bob's plan allows for one splurge meal a week, but not for the first two weeks--gotta get your head right in the game first. Fortunately my first splurge meal will fall on Thanksgiving (again, Chorus) so I'm not so nervous about that. I have a long road ahead...I know those pounds won't keep dropping as quickly and effortlessly as they do in the beginning...but, I've got the plan. I've set my goals. I'm ready to begin...Let's get Skinny!!