Starting to Feel a Little Slip... Guilty Confession

Have you ever lost some weight and you just start to feel good?  Almost to the point where if I eat a quick meal off plan it won't REALLY matter?


Sadly, I'm starting to feel that way.  I'm keeping myself in check and behaving, but I do feel like I'm trying to self-sabotage a little.


I'm not 100% sure why... especially considering that I've been doing so well!  But, for some reason, I'm almost bored with being on a diet.  Arrrrggggghhhhhh.... Nooooooooooooooooooooo.


I can't be bored.  I need to stick with this.  There's too many benefits ahead.


Going to the gym in the morning, for real.  And sticking to the plan.  I can do this.

Shopping Adventures... Definitely a NSV!

I've been putting it off.  I usually can make it through a week looking acceptable, but I have a company meeting in a week in Nashville.  The event usually turns into a little of a fashion show for the ladies, and I must participate, of course.


New clothes.... that's what I needed.

So... last night, I decided to go out to see what fits and what I could put on this -30 lbs bod.  Well, first stop was New York and Company.  I knew I could definitely find some tops here, and was excited that their pants sizes went up to size 18.  So, arms filled with clothing (bright springy colors, I might add), I entered the dressing room.


BTW... the lady at NY&C was soooooo pushy toward the credit card.  Kinda irritated me.  I want a credit card so that I get the coupons, but certainly not from this lady... Hmmpf!


So... the tops looked great, but the pants... hmmmm.... there was a wide leg version that was slightly too tight that I could've worn, but it just seemed wrong.  Why buy clothes that don't fit?  When I'm that size, there is likely something else I'll want more.  So, I left the tight 18s behind and purchased a bunch of tops + some cute earrings.


I still need pants though, at this point.  So.... I decided to go back to my old standby... Lane Bryant.  Good news is they had pants that fit.  EVEN BETTER news is that my size dropped from a 20 to a 16 over the past few months!  BOOYA! 


Note the 18s at NY&C wouldn't fit, but the 16s at LB fit... no clue why, but I don't care.  Will just take it!!!

New Recipe: Delish Vegetable Soup!

I've been craving soup for a while now.... not vegetable soup, but Chili's Chicken and Green Chile Soup.  Alas, my girl JC is a bigger fan of me eating the vegetable soup.  


I follow the rules, so I made an all-veggie soup during a snow day this week.  And, it was DELISH!  It looked sorta like this.... only no potatoes, people!  That's starchiness that's not necessary (from the girl who dreams about fries??)

Here's a link to the amazing recipe for Garden Vegetable Soup... Special thanks to Alton Brown!


Here's what I actually made, including my modifications!  For those on JC, I estimate this to be a FREE food and super delish!

Alton Brown's Garden Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cups chopped leeks, white part only (from approximately 3 medium leeks)
• 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds (approximately 2 medium)
• 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 2 cups fresh green beans, broken or cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped canned petite diced tomatoes
• 2 ears corn, kernels removed
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup packed, chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, and a pinch of salt and sweat until they begin to soften, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots and green beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the tomatoes, corn kernels, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add the parsley and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Serve immediately.

Ohhhhh... It's Rewards Season, and Time to Post my List!

So, I've decided I should be rewarded handsomely for my weight loss, and it's so fun to come up with a list!!!  So, here's my list of fabulous rewards.  Subject to change, of course:


1st Goal - 30 lbs - Coach Tote for Work!  
(Already rewarded.... see previous post)

2nd Goal - 40 lbs - Massage / Facial Combination at Aveda Salon and Spa
I'm a huge fan of this place and they do a half massage/half facial... what a lovely treat!  Have been meaning to try it, and now I get to at -40!


3rd Goal - 57 lbs - Spa Weekend in Arizona
This one I cannot wait for.... A weekend with a dear friend at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa.  I love this place... and cannot wait to go back.  Note:  The 57 lb mark will put me under 200 for the first time in a very long time.  Entering "ONEderland" sounds "ONEderful"

4th Goal - 75 lbs - Teeth Whitening
I'd love to have whiter teeth, even though mine are far from discolored.  I'm going to have my dentist hook me up with a fabulous in-office treatment to brighten my smile!


5th Goal - 91 lbs - Alex Sepkus Ring
My final reward will be a gorgeous ring that I've had my eye on for a long time.  I'm not sure if I'm going to have it made for me, or if I'm going to just buy it outright, but I want this ring... it's just gorgeous.  I can wear it every day and it can remind me of how far I've come.  

So much to post....

It's been WAYYYY too long since I've checked in on here.  Time to check in and catch up on this journey.  It's been an interesting one....


1.  WORKOUTS - I've worked out not once now, but 5 times!!  Over a three week period, that may not seem like much to the average person, but I've really enjoyed it.  That's the most amazing part, that I actually like it!  As I posted last week, I have been walking on the Ralston Creek Trail and it runs by my house.  It's so pretty!  On beautiful days, I can almost see myself running.  Until then, I walk and listen to my jam on the iPod.  Really enjoyable.


2.  BEST GINGER COOKIES IN THE WORLD - I went to a work dinner the other night with co-workers and I completely had my dinner (and glass of wine) picked out before I went to The Bayou.  Well... I didn't expect my co-workers to order dessert.  I mean, it's all boys!  And, not delightfully warm, soft, spicy Ginger Cookies with Vanilla Ice Cream.  Quite possibly the most decadent dessert I've had in a long time.... I accidentally (yet very deliberately) ate about 1/3 cookie.  Mmmmmmmm... unfortunately, I didn't have any calories left for that.  So... I went to the treadmill the next morning (workout #5).  If you're ever in SLC, try these cookies though.  Delish!

3.  1st MENTION OF WEIGHT LOSS BY AN OUTSIDER - Today, I had TWO people at my client location tell me how GREAT I looked!  Gasp!  I've had friends say things, but to have people on the outside of knowing about JC talk about it... it's so exciting!


4.  PANTS!  I NEED PANTS! - This weekend, I'll get to go shopping at NORMAL stores.  With NORMAL sizes and buy some clothes!  At least tops, and MAYBE some pants.... wow.  I am sooooo excited.  I'm kind of wanting to do a lot of black with mix and match options.  Maybe some belts.  I could work that look.  It's so sophisticated.  Can you see me in this??


5.  WEIGH-INS - Over the past few weeks, I haven't been regular in weighing in, due to work travel.  My last weigh in had me down 3 lbs, and I should break into the 30 lb loss category officially on Monday.  Ahhhh, so happy.


6.  EARLY 30 LB REWARD - I decided on an early -30 lbs reward.  Keep in mind it's sooooo not on the list I made (which I should post!), but she's beautiful and so necessary for my store visits and (ahem) work.... New Coach Tote.  Congratulations to me!

More to come this weekend as I buy new clothes.  What size will those pants be????