Friday Draft

Greetings Friends~

Yesterday was the final weigh in and I am extremely pleased to announce that my hard working sister Rebecca is our One Step at a Time winner. Over the course of her journey she managed to out shine us all and finished with a total loss of 71 pounds for a whopping 27.95% loss.

Congratulations Rebecca. You look great!

As far as myself, I have lost 70 pounds since I started last fall...give or take a Costco dog or two. I am pleased at my "new" energy level and greatly surprised by the changes that this has made for me mentally.

This will be my last post...at least until September. If I am able to get the rest of the weight off over the summer while working outside on the house, then I will be happy. If not, then I may start again in the fall. If I do, I'll let you all know.

I want to give a special thanks to Irish Girl who has continued to be supportive to all of us. Thank you for being so caring.

I also want to thank the other participants. Maybe we didn't achieve all that we wanted but, if nothing else, this may have at least stopped us a time or two from bingeing or making wrong choices.

Keep up the good works because we will be successful in many things if we do them One Step at a Time.
Happy Trails!

Week 20 Results

Greetings Friends~

Congrats to Rebecca for continuing what we started, and for being this weeks Biggest (and only) Loser.
She lost 1 pound for a .55% drop. Way to go!!

This is the last week for Part 2 and next Tuesday we will crown our winner.

As you can tell from my lack of postings, I haven't been very motivated with my weight loss, exercise program or this blog. I am the first to admit that this is pretty sad. Unfortunately, I have had several physical set backs. First my shoulder, and most recently, my back. I am not back to 100 % yet...physically or mentally.

But, that is all water under the bridge. I am looking on the bright side that I am down 70 pounds from last September and while I have a long ways to go, I am looking and feeling a lot better.

The best news is that I have a ton of energy which has resulted in me being able to accomplish a TON of things that last year I would not have believed possible. The farm is looking better, I have flats of tomatoes and peppers growing, a garden (or two) will be planted soon, the blue berries are pruned and fertilized for the first time in ages and the rest of the place is taking shape.

So, even if I don't win, I know that I have succeeded.

The journey is still in progress and I hope to keep reporting good results in the days, weeks and months to come.

Happy Trails!

Week 17 Results

Greetings Friends~

Congratulations to this week's Biggest (and only) Loser Sharon. I appreciate that you kept us from posting a big goose egg.

I am trying to claw my way back to a better place. I'll see you all when I do.
Happy Trails!

Call Me Ted Kacsynski

Greetings~

Here's the deal Travelers. I have nothing good to say, so as my Grandma Becky suggested many times, since I have nothing good to say, I won't say anything at all.

I'll post something when (or if) I am in a better mood (and place).

Seasons Change (And So Do We)

Greetings Friends~

It seems like it was just last week that I was making my New Year's resolutions and now it is April already. One day at a time, One Step at a Time, the calendar flies by.

I love this time of year for a variety of reasons, especially that the days are getting longer. I am a three season kind of guy. Well, maybe a 2.5 season kind of guy actually. I love March 1 thru September/October. The rest of the time I wish I lived in Palm Springs.

Anyway, this is my year. This is the year that I make myself better, both physically and mentally. So far, with three months gone by, I am on track. I may not get to the destination this year, or even next year, or possibly ever, but each day that goes by I am in a better place.

I am far from perfect though. Just when I think I have this thing called life figured out, something jumps up and surprises me. Physical and mental challenges abound but that's okay because it sure beats the alternative (death). There is no sense in worrying about those things that I can not control, especially since there are so many things that I could improve, which I do control.

My stress level at work the last month or so has been sky high and it is not likely to change until after the election in November. The saving grace for me is that I am able to burn away that stress, at least until tomorrow, by working out at the gym or by working on projects at home. Before, I would use food to make me feel better. I suppose that is still an option but not one that gets me any closer to my destination. I'm happy that food isn't the first thing I think of to elevate my moods.

Inspiration of the Day

It is not your aptitude, but your attitude, that determines your altitude. Zig Ziglar

Recipe of the Day

Here is a recipe, and a tip. Make this, enjoy a hearty meal, put the remainder into plastic serving sized containers and freeze. Now you have a quick easy lunch that is all ready to go. Just take it out the night before. Another benefit is this soup contains significantly LESS sodium than any store bought selection.
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Diet-Soup-21892

Shopping Tips

Not the greatest week for shopping at area stores but here it is anyway.

Safeway has the following items on sale this week; Eating Right or Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen entrees (selected varieties) for $1.88 each and deli counter turkey breast for $4.99 a pound.

Top Foods has the following items on sale this week; large navel oranges for $.39 a pound, tomatoes on the vine for $1.49 a pound, Fresh Express Baby Blend Salad Mix - buy one for $3.49 - get the second for free, english cucumbers or carrots by the bunch for $1 each, organic Cameo apples for $1 a pound and Oroweat Sandwich Thins or Mini Bagels at 2 for $5.

Albertson's has the following items on sale this week; Campbell's Select Harvest soups for $1 each, Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers without sauce for $1.29 each and Quaker Instant oatmeal for $1.40 each (must buy 5 to get this price) and Yoplait yogurt for $.50 each.

Today’s Link

Heart-Healthy Living



Happy Trails!