50 by 30: Weight Watchers Edition

Have I ever mentioned how much I love food? Well, I do. As long as I can remember, my family planned vacations, weekends, birthdays, and any other celebration around the places we could eat. In my family, going out to eat is a big deal, and "wasting" a meal by eating at a bad restaurant is a tragedy. Dinner is most definitely followed by dessert. It's better if it's fried. Cheese is a food group. And if it isn't delicious, it's not worth it. Although I'll probably eat it anyways. Just keeping it real...

I'm working on changing the way I look at food, but it doesn't happen overnight. Honestly, I don't see a day where a grilled chicken breast looks more appetizing to me than a chicken fried steak. Which is why I found myself way (I mean way) overeating this weekend. Mike's dad was in town, which was clearly an excuse to splurge. I can't go to my favorite places without getting what I've always gotten, right? Sigh. It's something I'll have to keep working on...probably forever. Moderation is not my strong suit.

So, when I got on the scale Sunday (my weigh in day) I wasn't surprised to see I hadn't lost last week. I was just relieved I hadn't gained! I am happy to report that I am back on track, and as of this morning I am 12 pounds down...38 to go! That does add up to 50, right?

Anyhow, I told you I would talk a little bit about why I love Weight Watchers, so here it goes. (Just so you know, I am doing the online version and don't attend meetings. This was a financial choice with me, but if you can I would think the meetings would be very beneficial!)

*Weight Watcher's uses a point system, and they assign each food a point value.
*Based on your weight and activity level, you get a specific number of points each day.
*I hate counting calories. Points are much easier for me.
*You get points for activity and exercise. So...exercise get to eat more. I like it.
*On top of your daily points, you also get "weekly" points. You can spread these out, or you can use them for a special treat. (But not five special treats like I did this weekend).
*I can access my account through my iPhone, which makes tracking easy!

I have followed WW before, but I have to say I LOVE their new system. So much better in my opinion.

*With the new Points Plus system, the "value" of food is taken into account. For example, in the past a cookie and an apple may have both been 3 points. Now, the fact that an apple is actually much better for you is taken into account, so the cookie takes more points than the apple.
*Point values are calculated by looking at the fat, carbs, protein, and fiber in a food.
*Most vegetables and fruits are zero points. This is great for days when you use all your points but still feel hungry. You can grab an apple and be good to go. Although you probably shouldn't grab 5 apples.

That's all I got. Here's to staying accountable!