What is your favorite thing about PNP? My favourite thing about PNP has got to be the forums and the constant feed into others lives with similar goals towards health. Even when I'm not overly motivated to post myself, there is constantly new things to read and I'll often post a couple of comments to others. Sometimes those comments directed at others are really what I need to keep fighting the good fight. But I do find myself accessing other tools on a regular basis. I won't tell you how many times I looked up Trish's HM pro bars before I stuck it up above the sink. And I keep finding new things all the time.
What tool have you learned that is a MUST do for someone looking to lose weight? Mini meals has been a life-saver. As a companion to this, and to make sure I have access to healthy mini-meals is my cooler. I already carried one before joining PnP, but Corinne's tips on what to carry have made mini-meals so much easier. We hear so much about not missing breakfast and to kick-start our metabolism, but not so much about keeping it reving all day long. I'm rarely hungry anymore - and that means less chance for grabbing bad choice foods.
What is your FAVORITE strength exercise and why? Bicep curls. I love the way my arms look when I'm doing them. And they make me feel strong.
What is your FAVORITE cardio exercise (routine or other) and why? I haven't tried them all, but I was really enjoying some of the HIITs. I think my favourite is 'Around the World'.
How long did it take you to reach this milestone? I joined PnP on Nov 19th (2007). My first weigh-in that showed a full 10 lb loss was April 2nd. So, a little over 4 months. I worked really hard during these months, by my standards. I struggled with getting in the cardio in the first several weeks, but loved the ST, which really kicked in when I started focusing on the cardio and the losses were steady from then on. My average was closer to a half pound a week and I lost lots of inches along the way.
When you have a tough day living the lifestyle, what keeps you focused? Visiting PnP, reading the daily blog, checking out the journals of a few virtual friends. Sometimes it's just to visit those I know are struggling and to check out a couple I know have been flying. On a tough day I usually don't go much further than the journals.
When you fall off the wagon, how do you get back on? I have posted my struggles a few times, but lately I have felt like hiding. I want this for me, so I keep on trying to keep posting. I tend to examine the 'why' of my fall and make plans to avoid those pit-falls in the future.
Name one person in your life you want to thank for making this journeyeasier for you. (non-PNP member) A non-PnP member? Is there ever just one? I guess my husband, who has put up with my not 'being' there as I worked OT, made time for WW meetings and time in the gym, dance class or just working out at home. This is not his choice, but he has been supportive for months now, cooking healthier meals (he tends to be the dinner cook) and never complaining when I drag in more weights or other phitness equipment.
Name one PNP member you want to thank for making this journey easier for you. Alright, this is hard. I could honestly cry when I think about all of the support I've received from so many, but I have to say the biggest impact in my LIFE has been made by Trish. She doesn't even know it, but her posts and mass emails have meant SO much to me.
Please indicate an eating plan you are following or list a typical menu. While I incorporate other programs, my basic plan is Weight Watchers. I follow the flex plan, but do try to focus on whole foods. Granted, I can't stay away from HM protein bars. They're a great replacement to other carb products. I would like to learn more about the Clean Eating, but for now I've just tried a few recipes that have been very impressive - much moreso than most of the WW recipes I have tried. A typical day consists of:
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Breakfast: Coffee with whole milk and splenda, Super smoothie (1C lf soy drink, 1/2 banana, 1/4C prepared oatmeal, 1/2 scoop protein powder) (6) Often I'll put my coffee in the smootie to save a point. But then I'll have an extra coffee during the day, like a fool.
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Snack: Coffee with whole milk and splenda, Homemade protein bar (4)
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Lunch: 1/4-1/2C brown rice, 3 pts lean meat, topped with frozen veggies and drizzled with lf dressing or BBQ sauce (6)
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Afternoon snack: 1C baby carrots and 1Tbsp pb (2)
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Supper: 4 oz lean meat or salmon, 1/4C rice or potatoe, veggies (6)
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Evening: If I've 'earned' it through exercise, a pro shake or 1C lf soy drink if I need some. (2)
This is a 26 pt day, which is on the high end. It's a good representation of how I eat in general, though. I also love cottage cheese, wraps and almonds and make sure I get some of those every week.