CURRENT WEIGHT: 173 lbs.
TOTAL LOSS: 7 lbs.

YAY! Another 4 lbs gone! I'm shocked I lost so much. I wasn't very well behaved food-wise, but I have learned how to control my intake of foods a whole lot better, which probably helped the cause. I'm hoping to lose at least 1 more pound by Saturday so I can reach my minimum goal of having lost 8 lbs by my b-day, but if I don't get there, it's fine. As long as I have a loss of 10 lbs by next week, I'll be VERY happy...Not only because I will be 10 lbs lighter, but it will also mean I'm 20% of the way to my goal!

Although the weight is coming off slower this time around (thanks to being mostly sedentary due to unemployment), I'm happy it's coming off! Healthy weight loss happens slowly. In fact, in this great new book I'm reading that's helping me eat right (Mindless Eating), the average amount of weight someone should lose each week is a half a pound. With that said, I should be 50+ lbs lighter by this time next year. I just have to keep pushing forward and be patient.

I made a fab WW recipe today that has a POINTS Value of only 5 after some adjustments. VERY delicious and quite filling! It's just like eating baked ziti without red sauce. I never thought of using butternut squash in an Italian dish before, but it works really well. The sweetness of the squash matches well with the creamy ricotta. The recipe is as follows:

Baked Pasta with Butternut Squash and Ricotta

2 spray(s) cooking spray
20 oz butternut squash, fresh, peeled and cubed (or frozen)
1/8 tsp table salt, for cooking pasta
13.25 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, penne (average box)
1 1/4 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
2 tbsp white all-purpose flour
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
1 tbsp thyme, fresh, chopped, divided (I used oregano and basil instead)
1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese

-Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Coat a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

-Place squash on prepared baking sheet; roast until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Place in a large bowl and mash.

-Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. After squash has been roasting for about 10 minutes, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pot.

-In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in mashed squash and 2 1/2 teaspoons of thyme. Add sauce to pasta; toss to mix and coat.

-Transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish; dot with spoonfuls of ricotta and then sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until top is lightly browned in a few spots, about 15 to 20 minutes; remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of thyme/spice. Yields 10 one cup servings.

CURRENT WEIGHT: 177 lbs.
TOTAL LOST: 3 lbs.
POUNDS LEFT TO GOAL: 47 lbs

YAY! I'm thrilled to report that I lost 3 lbs this week! Granted, I wish it was 5 like the last times, but then again, when I did WW those times I was working/moving around more. I'm hoping to lost 10 lbs by my bday and I think that's doable. If I lost 8 lbs by then, I'll be pleased, but 10 would be ideal.

Now it's time to grocery shop and cook some new recipes up!

I went a bit overboard with food and drink this weekend and I am praying that it didn't completely screw my hard work over for the week.

Saturday was a night out on the town. I easily drank 3 largeish Long Island Iced Teas and had a massive slice of spinach pizza with 3 garlic knots before going out in order to keep myself from getting sick/hungover (it worked).

Sunday was Mexican food with Anthony. He allows himself one day to be bad (so do I) and since I didn't think I was too bad the night before (I was good all day and exercised...and by exercised, I mean I did belly dancing class for 50 minutes AND walked 2 miles), I indulged. No booze, but I definitely ate a lot.

I'm now having regrets about what I put into my body this weekend. There's a part of me that wants to give up, but just because I fell off a couple times does not mean I shouldn't get back on.

I guess I'm just in a crap today. I'm feeling very unmotivated to do ANYTHING. I hope I can shake this off soon.

So it looks like I updated this journal a handful of times throughout the end of 2007 to October 2008. EVERY entry promised that I was back to lose the weight for good and EVERY time I gave up/stopped caring.

This time is different.

I stepped on the scale about a week or two ago to see that I was now 180 lbs. The combination of unemployment and an ex boyfriend who loved eating (and my weight gain) brought me back to square one with an extra 10 lbs to boot.

My current boyfriend is on Weight Watchers and has lost 25 lbs in about a month and a half. His will power, strength, and determination to lose 100 lbs really inspired me to make the change once and for all.

I logged into my WW account to see that the sign-up fee would be waived if I decided to give WW another go. That really encouraged me to back back on the WW Wagon.

I'm tired of quitting, getting lazy, and being "content" with my looks. I'm angry that my fat clothes are now my regular clothes and my regular clothes are boxed up and/or have been given away. I'm also tired of trying to lose all alone. Now I have a partner in weight loss crime to look to for words of wisdom, tips, and encouragement. And he has me for those things, too. I also plan on using the WW message boards and to actively seek out weight loss buddies to talk with about everything. I'm hoping that this new approach to an old program will help.

So far, the program has been good. I started on Monday (Feb 16th) and only really flubbed on Tuesday, when I broke down and ate some peanut M&Ms. Me and my body are re-learning what it feels like to truly be hungry and full again without much of a hitch. I'm just learning how to be smarter about what I chow down on (again) and getting motivated to make good for me foods instead of resorting to cheap bad for me eats (again). I'm enjoying it so far. It's definitely a lifestyle change, but not a huge one since my guy is with me on it. I must say, the best part about doing WW with him is that there is NO stress/questions about what I'm eating and why. Such a relief!

It feels good to care about myself and my body again. I'm feeling a lot happier and better about myself since starting the program up again. That alone is priceless to me.

OK with all of that said, let's break it down like usual:

CURRENT WEIGHT: 180 lbs
WEIGHT GOAL: 130 lbs (a healthy weight for a woman my height is between 113-141...I would LOVE to get down anywhere between 115-125, but I feel that 130 is more than obtainable and realistic for me)
CURRENT BMI (Body Mass Index): 32
BMI GOAL: Between 20-25 (Under 20 is considered underweight...25-30 is considered overweight...Over 30 is considered obese)

I'm really excited for my weigh-in day (Tuesday) to see how I did on my first week back. My goal is to be down 10+ lbs by my birthday in 2 weeks, but even if I'm just down a few pounds by then, I'll be happy. I know this sorta thing takes time and I'm willing to be patient and keep pushing forward to reach this more than obtainable goal. I'm going to start going back to the gym to kickstart my metabolism and weight loss a bit, too. I'm hoping it makes a significant different in the speed of my weight loss. We shall see!

My entries will probably be daily/almost daily since this is always on my mind. Entries could vary between foods I discovered that are low in points, recipes, feelings of joy/frustration, and everything in between. Keep up with my progress and let me know what you think of my new road to weight loss!

Thanks for being here for me now and/or once again!

Starting Weight: 170 lbs (October 1st)
Current Weight: 165 lbs
Goal Weight Range: 115-125 lbs
Total LOST: 5 lbs

After gaining back the 25 lbs I worked so hard to lose, I'm back on Weight Watchers to lose it all over again AND to lose the rest. This time, I plan on sticking with the plan until my goal range weight is met. I'm tired of being a "little big" and going into "double digit" clothes. It's time I seriously take a hold of this and get the body I have only dreamed about.

I fell off today by having 2.5 slices of PIZZA and last night during the debate with major snacking, but I definitely needed it. I feel so satisfied right now from the pizza, so I know I'm past that craving for a LOOONG time.

I nursed an awful stomachache last night after my snackfest, which taught me a harsh lesson. What's great is that after just a week of "dieting," my body cannot handle junk anymore! Progress!

Current Weight: 155 lbs
Target Weight: 135 lbs
REALLY Ambitious Target Weight: 125 lbs

Back for the millionth time and really REALLY wanting to stay serious.

I gained 10 pounds in about 3 months and I'm not proud.

I stopped making time for working out and eating right when I started dating Pete. I figured,"Hey...This guy thinks I'm hot just the way I am, so FUCK IT!" I started putting work outs on the backburner in favor of getting down to his place for more time together for our mid-week dates. I stopped going to the gym on the weekends because I was "tired." I began falling back into old eating habits (snacking hard at night for no reason...eating big/naughty lunches with co-workers...drinking), too.

The consequence of my actions? 10 fucking pounds that I worked really hard to lose and keep off are back...

What brought me back again?

I caught my image in the TV screen while me and Pete were putzing around with my camera's TV projection movie function and almost died. The lumps and bulges...They're everywhere and have gotten BIGGER and lumpier! No good. Pete's starting to run after work which also got me thinking about fitness again, too. Also, with Summertime comes less clothes and I want to feel sexier in less out in public, so it's time.

I know I look foxy the way I am and that my guy thinks I'm gorgeous and loves me dearly, but it's time to change my habits for the best. This isn't a diet. This is a lifestyle change. It's my body. It's my riot. And I'm gonna start it back up NOW!

This is officially day one back on.

I'm not only conscious of what I'm eating again (focusing more on portions vs. what I actually eat) but I'm exercising this time around at least 3-4 times a week (starting with cardio and then adding weights).

I'm keeping track of everything on a Google document that I share with Kevin. We're going to keep each other motivated and in check via the spreadsheet. It's already been a great tool for us (along with my LJ here), so I'll keep you all posted on it.

I went grocery shopping at Whole Foods today for some unique items. I got some tahini so I can make my own hummus and also some green curry paste so I can make some green curry. I'm also going to try canned tuna fish again (after YEARS of dodging it). I'm going to try to make it tasty and healthy instead of gross and mayoish. I will let you know if that actually works.

I worked out today for the first time in a few months, too! I did my usual 2 miles in 30 minutes (actually, I clocked in about 20 seconds before 30 minutes hit!), and only walked a half mile of it. My legs actually ache from it, which is good (and weird since they never hurt before). I plan on working out after my doctor's appointment tomorrow night, taking a break Wednesday for my mid-week date, then work out Thursday and Friday. If I'm feeling crazy, I'll do a weekend workout, but I'd rather not push myself over the edge just yet. 4 times a week starting off is quite good for me!

OK I'm pretty damn sleepy and am going to call it a night.

I'm excited to start this up again on my terms. Keep reading. I'll keep writing and rioting for me, you, and everyone else!

Well I'd like to say that I am OFFICIALLY back BodyRioting.

I joined my local gym yesterday afternoon and did my first workout of 2008 this morning.

Before I left to workout, I took 2 photos of myself from the neck down in a sports bra and underwear. These will be called my "before" shots. They're pretty unsexy, but this is what I am, and I'm posting these to inspire myself to keep pushing for that better body.

( For the Brave )

I know I don't look HORRIBLE and I know I'm not OBESE, but I know I can do better.

You want to know what's really inspiring me this time around?

Sex.

Yes. That's right. Sex.

I was flipping through my copy of Fitness magazine and came across a 2-page spread about exercises to do to improve your sex life. I was obviously curious and read through it. Turns out that according to a study, 88% of women who exercised 5x a week rated themselves as WAY above average at sex. I like the sound of that.

I feel that working out is going to give me that much needed confidence boost. With more confidence comes dressing up more, feeling secure, and more sexy time. Knowing I look good while getting down AND knowing I'm amazing in bed/beyond? Yeah...PRICELESS!

While working out today, I thought about that and it made me push myself harder. It's exciting to have more motivation along with those 2 cute dresses that I need to lose some pounds to fit into nicely.

Fitness magazine also recommended that I try my skinny jeans on every other Friday to track my weight loss/body changes. I like that idea and plan on hopping into those suckers next Friday. I'll also try on those 2 cute dresses every other Friday to track my changes, too.

Right now I'm focusing on getting back into cardio. It's REALLY important for me to get my stamina back and get more energy. After I get back into the swing of cardio, I'm going to do some lifting/abs to begin toning my bod up. Along with all of that, I'm going to try those sex-enhancing exercises from the magazine at home. Good stuff!

For diet, I'm going to get back into being healthy. I've been eating better lately, but then I'll screw up on the weekends and have some MAJOR indulgences. I'm going to get back in control of my hunger/eating issues and squash them for GOOD!

Ah...It feels so good to be back in action!

More to come soon (I swear)!

Shit...I fell behind with this LJ/quest yet AGAIN!

You all know what's been happening with me thanks to my real LJ, so I'm sure you understand why I haven't been keeping up with being healthy. Unemployment can really fuck with one's head and health.

I'm still the same weight (145) but I want to start eating right again. Working in retail has enabled me to eat crap and maintain my weight, but I'd like to eat healthier to make my body happy and to lose a few extra pounds in the process.

Tonight I bought a BEAUTIFUL Express silk kimono-esque dress from TJ Maxx (for only 10 bucks!) in order to re-inspire me to eat/live healthier. The dress ALMOST fits and looks GORGEOUS! The zipper stops 3/4 of the way up, meaning that I need to lose a few in order for it to completely zip up COMFORTABLY. Once that dress fits me, I know I will be good to go.

My goal is to be able to wear the dress for my 24th birthday party on March 7th. I don't think that's TOO lofty of a goal, since my bday is a good month and a half away and that's plenty of time to lose a few.

Here I go!

Today is the official start up of BodyRiot Part 2. I purchased a little notebook to track my food with and I've been more conscious of food again. I don't want to become WW OBSESSED like I was, but I'd like to have a healthy grip on what's good and what's no good again. I'm pretty positive it wont be too hard.

Current Weight=145 lbs (still)

Goal Weight=135 lbs (more realistic and obtainable right now for me)

The BodyRiot is back!

I haven't updated for awhile and I'm sorry for that. I basically took a break from dieting and maintained my weight of 145 for awhile. That in itself was a HUGE accomplishment that I deemed "impossible." Now that I know how to limit my intake of food, I can do it without a diet.

BUT...

I still want to lose more.

The main reason I stopped at 145 was because I plateaued. I got frustrated with watching everything that went into my mouth. I got angry at points. I was (and am) sick and tired of harping on food 24/7. It was sad.

I got to take a break from all of that dieting stress, and now I'm ready to get back into it. I'm really hoping that I will not plateau. My logic is this: IF I was able to maintain my weight without a hitch by eating what I want, THEN I must be able to lose SOME weight when I adjust my eating habits back to healthy mode. I will be doing this without WW, and I'm thrilled to be starting up my journey again (but REALLY on my own)!

I will keep you all updated on my progress!

WOW...It's been a long long time since I updated you all on my bodyriot and not much has changed...I went up a pound or two the past couple weeks, but I'm happy to report that I'm holding steady at 145 again :)

I'm done with Weight Watchers...I decided not to renew my subscription again, simply because I was tired of feeling as if I HAD to follow something in order to lose...It DID work, and if I gain weight again, I will go back to it...It worked wonders for me, really, but I'm ready to move ahead on my own.

I felt with WW that I was constantly being....Uh...Watched? And if I flubbed a little tiny bit, that my day of eating would be shot and all my fun eating for the week would be gone, too...Granted, it taught me some lessons on the dos and donts of eating...BUT I now understand what's good and bad to do, so I feel I'm ready to take on the last 20 lbs alone :)

People have noticed a significant difference in my waistline, and it's nice to be complimented on it...For awhile, I didn't really see it...But then I recently looked at a photo of me from my bday and saw a HUUUUGE difference in my body/looks...I have to post a before and after for you guys soon :)

I will continue to update this LJ on and off for motivation/diet talk/whatever, so do not fret...Thanks for following me on my quest...I hope you stand nearby as I lose the last 20 <3

CURRENT WEIGHT= 145 lbs
GOAL= 125 lbs

I LOST 3 MORE FUCKING POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Cheers**

I am more than thrilled about this! I'm really glad I switched to CORE this week, since the FLEX plan gave me ways to cheat (saving up points for an alcoholic binge or having points around for snack party, or just not counting points at all) and CORE made me realize what I was doing wrong...I am SOOOO happy about this big loss! YAY!

So yes...I'm at the half-way mark already with the Bodyriot...I have lost 20 lbs and I have 20 more to go...I'm sure it's gonna be tough, but I know I can do it...and I will!

5 more lbs til I can buy make-up again! *glee* Stay tuned!

Current Weight= 148 lbs
Goal Weight= 125 lbs

As you can see, I have once again stayed the same at 148. I knew this would happen, since I got a little "food happy" last week, thanks to a day of on-site/delicious foods and going out a few times. Whoops. Even though I didn't lose, my clothes are fitting better and better each day (I'm wearing a skirt I could barely squeeze into anymore TODAY)! :D

I have decided to switch from the WW FLEX plan (Points system) to the WW CORE plan. Here are the rules for CORE, so you guys understand what I'm doing:

-There are a number of "CORE" foods I can have...These foods basically have no point value...Most of the foods are: fat free dairy products, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, fake meats/tofu/vegan stuff, and lean meats.

-I am given 35 "FLEX" points per week for foods that still have point values, such as snacks, most carbs, sweets, sugar, and fat-full versions of what was stated above.

-The main focus is learning when it's best to eat and hunger control.

It's not as difficult as I imagined it to be, but it's still tough. I'm hoping I can stick to it. I can definitely say that this system has gotten me to research new recipies and styles of cooking that I never got into. This program is encouraging me to cook/prepare my own foods, too, which is a plus. I'm just really hoping to see some weight changes this coming week thanks to the change!

The CORE program is just like being on a regular diet, except there's a computer program telling you what you shouldn't eat too much of. If I notice this is working out for me, then I'm gonna quit WW and continue this on my own. We will see what happens.

I will hopefully be purchasing a bike this week, meaning fun exercise for me very soon!

More news to come!

Current Weight= 148 lbs
Target Weight= 125 lbs

YAY I lost those dumbdumb 2 pounds again! *Cheers* I didn't weigh myself today (and I doubt I will), but I weighed myself throughout the week/last night with the same results. YIPPIE!

OK, so last night I fucked up big time at the instructor dinner...There was NO WAY I'd follow my diet there...SO much amazing food/drinks, I couldn't resist! :D

I dont think there's anything wrong with rockin' out on food every now and again, I just can't make it a habit.

SUPER LARGE PET PEEVE:
When people comment about what I'm eating.

Examples: "You shouldn't be drinking THAT!" "Why are you eating that?! Aren't you on a DIET???!!!!"

I really dont appreciate comments/"tips" from others when I do not request them...It's obnoxious...I do things my way, so FUCK OFF! I'm a fucking ADULT with an AGENDA and GOALS and ways to go about doing everything, so really...Get off my ass!

What's healthy and good to one person is not necessarily good for me/another person...Same goes for exercising...What's a lot to one person is not much to another...So again, I dont appreciate it when people comment on it when I dont ask.

I wont let fitness obsessed individuals cramp my style...They can politely go fuck themselves, in my humble opinion...It can get to me at times, especially while on-site this week with two fitness/diet crazed people...They really REALLY get off on making comments about what I eat/drink...It's fucking rude...Luckily, I'm outta here tomorrow afternoon and back to my happy/healthy support system of friends/family! :D

I'm in Dallas for my job til Friday afternoon. Eating here is easy, since the hot food is either disgusting looking, bad for you, or both...The problem is that all it looks like I'll be eating are turkey sandwiches and/or salad. That gets boring...FAST! If I can think of something for the hotel staff to prepare me special (NO cream sauce/butter/other shit slathered on my food), I'll be good to go. Hopefully things will look up food-wise!

The hotel has a decent gym from what I've been told, so I'm pretty psyched to work out. The only downside is that I forgot my sportsbra at home, so if anyone works out with me, they'll see the ladies bouncin' to da beat. Eek!

I think I'm going to purchase a new scale when I come home. Yesterday morning, it read as 148, and the day before it was 150. I know our weight fluxuates constantly, but it seems really bizarre to be 150, then 148, and then another weight on another scale. I just want accuracy! GAAH!

Current Weight= 150 lbs
Goal Weight= 125 lbs

I haven't lost (or gained) this week. I'm really disappointed and ashamed of myself. I know this is natural and that it's supposed to go this way, but damn. I really thought I was progressing.

I guess in a way I AM progressing, since I've done so much for myself these past few weeks. But not losing weight for 2 weeks straight definitely put a damper on the bodyriot, if you ask me!

If this continues, then it's time to incorporate some body movement, be it jogging, yoga, videos, whatever. I have to do this. There is no turning back. I made many promises to myself for this year, and so far I've done each one. Now, it's time to keep that number one promise: to lose some damn weight!

Dont worry, I'm not folding on you guys or myself. Believe me. I have come TOO far to do that. And every time I think of giving up, someone close to me will say something like "You've inspired me to join WW" or "You keep me motivated to keep doing this." And I will not stop and leave my peeps hanging like that! And I will not stop and destroy my body again!!!!!!! GAAH!

I go to Dallas this afternoon, which means I have access to a gym. I dont want to join a gym (again...) but I may, just not with a superlong contract. The gym motivates me to move. In our new town, we have a killer track about 10 minutes away. I wouldn't mind riding up there, jogging for awhile, then riding back. I may have to start doing that soon.

Sorry this entry is all over the place. I just woke up not too long ago! EEK!

I'm doing a pretty good job this week, in my own opinion. I've resisted a lot of tempations, and have kept myself in check with Points and whatnot.

I have to keep telling myself that weight loss takes time, patience, and strength...It's kind of frustrating to not lose tons of weight every week, regardless of how hard I work, but I'm keeping to it...I have to do this for myself...For my health...For my poor clothes...For my wallet...For many reasons! One thing I do know is that with good habits come rewards...Like that weight loss and better health...It just discouraging at times when I look at the scale and dont see anything big happening...But I'm working on it, and I know I'll reach my goal! :D

Because of my weight loss/stories, I have helped motivate a few people (including my boss) to join up with WW...And I also found out that this here blog is motivating some friends to stick to their plans/change their habits! Who would've thought that I would be inspirational??!!! I'm glad it's helping peeps out, because this blog is helping me, too! Anything I can do to help others AND myself at the same time is quite awesome, really!

Thanks to all who stay updated with this LJ and those who just pop in to browse...It means so much to me, so thanks! :D

Current Weight=150 lbs
Goal Weight=125 lbs

As you can see, I gained this week...2 fucking pounds...I'm really upset about this...Everyone's saying that I shouldn't let this affect my diet/will-power, but I cannot help but feel extremely discouraged. *major sighs* I know I'm doing a good job...But ugh...I really REALLY hope this isn't that dreaded "plateau" I've heard so much about...

WW (and Veronica) said that gaining is part of losing. I also know it's almost my monthly, meaning that I'm "hanging onto water weight," so hopefully this is temporary...

In happy news:
I blogged about this journal on MySpace recently, so if you just found out about this LJ through MySpace, then WELCOME and THANK YOU SO MUCH for stopping by!