So not good news on the diet journey. I am sad to say I am up a pound this week. Dang it all!
I knew I was not eating properly. I had three meetings this week that they catered in food. If only I had watched my portions and what I was eating better - I would be at least even. But darn it if I didn't indulge in those cookies and pastries!
Again, there are times when I can't help but wish that this was a miracle cure. That some how by putting this band on my stomach that it would magically zap all the bad food I ingest. But unfortuantely - it is not. I know this.
So back on track for next week. It helps that a cold has settled in on my head and I haven't felt like eating after breakfast today. Let's hope I can get back on that track of 3-5lbs a week. But I would be happy just to see the ounces come off through out the week.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Grocery Shopping - Sam's Club style
So I wasn't happy with the couponing site this week. There was not enough that could drag me to dig through coupons and then shop two stores to get what I wanted/needed.
So I decided to just go to Sam's Club. My reasoning - I "know" that there are certain things that I can get there that are cheaper than any other store. For example - Country Time Lemonade Mix - I had price compared from Walmart to Sam's and knew I could save at least $1 on each can. (Think max pack here and we go through about a can and a half a week.) Also I had price compared the Nesquik Chocolate Milk mix - also coud save over a $1. So with that in mind off I went.
So I sat down today after I went shopping and went on the Albertson's website and did a price comparison for like items - line by line! So if I bought name brand - I looked for name brand on Albertson's site. If it was generic - I went generic on their site. The one thing I didn't price compare was milk - because I have been finding it for 2.19 a gallon at one of the three stores (Albertson's, Vons or Smiths) and I paid 2.23 at Sam's. It was the only thing I paid more for at Sam's. (On the Albertson's site it was much higher than that.)
So here is also the SHOCKING savings!
My bill would have been $373.64 at Albertson's! (Granted without club card sales prices or coupons.)
Albertson's Bill - $373.64
Total Savings: - $151.06
Actual Out of Pocket: $222.58
That is a 60% savings!
I got home with all my stock pile of items and did find one extra bonus! I had picked up 90% lean ground beef that was reduced for quick sale. I happened to look a bit closer to the two stickers. One of which was the original price - the other the reduced price. They had different weights! At first I was concerned because I didn't want to get cheated out of meat. But instead it was in my favor. Whoever had added the second sticker must have hit a 4 instead of a 6. I put the meat on my scale and it registered 7.1 pounds - the original sticker showed 6.98. So I figured with the tray and wrap that would be the accurate one. The reduced sticker was marked as 4.98 pounds. I ended up getting 7lbs of meat at 1.27 a pound! And 90% lean to boot! That is excellent if you do price comparisons!
The other big savings came in the form of the Cascade dish detergent. To get close to the size I bought I would have had to buy 2 of the large ones from Albertson's - basically it was like getting one free - I save $20 by buying the max pack one at Sam's.
So this week was a score at Sam's Club. I don't suggest Sam's as a normal weekly venue because there are things that when the sales ads and coupons align - you can't beat couponing :)
So I decided to just go to Sam's Club. My reasoning - I "know" that there are certain things that I can get there that are cheaper than any other store. For example - Country Time Lemonade Mix - I had price compared from Walmart to Sam's and knew I could save at least $1 on each can. (Think max pack here and we go through about a can and a half a week.) Also I had price compared the Nesquik Chocolate Milk mix - also coud save over a $1. So with that in mind off I went.
So I sat down today after I went shopping and went on the Albertson's website and did a price comparison for like items - line by line! So if I bought name brand - I looked for name brand on Albertson's site. If it was generic - I went generic on their site. The one thing I didn't price compare was milk - because I have been finding it for 2.19 a gallon at one of the three stores (Albertson's, Vons or Smiths) and I paid 2.23 at Sam's. It was the only thing I paid more for at Sam's. (On the Albertson's site it was much higher than that.)
So here is also the SHOCKING savings!
My bill would have been $373.64 at Albertson's! (Granted without club card sales prices or coupons.)
Albertson's Bill - $373.64
Total Savings: - $151.06
Actual Out of Pocket: $222.58
That is a 60% savings!
I got home with all my stock pile of items and did find one extra bonus! I had picked up 90% lean ground beef that was reduced for quick sale. I happened to look a bit closer to the two stickers. One of which was the original price - the other the reduced price. They had different weights! At first I was concerned because I didn't want to get cheated out of meat. But instead it was in my favor. Whoever had added the second sticker must have hit a 4 instead of a 6. I put the meat on my scale and it registered 7.1 pounds - the original sticker showed 6.98. So I figured with the tray and wrap that would be the accurate one. The reduced sticker was marked as 4.98 pounds. I ended up getting 7lbs of meat at 1.27 a pound! And 90% lean to boot! That is excellent if you do price comparisons!
The other big savings came in the form of the Cascade dish detergent. To get close to the size I bought I would have had to buy 2 of the large ones from Albertson's - basically it was like getting one free - I save $20 by buying the max pack one at Sam's.
So this week was a score at Sam's Club. I don't suggest Sam's as a normal weekly venue because there are things that when the sales ads and coupons align - you can't beat couponing :)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Journey Update 01/16/10
I am down 3 pounds this week! Weeeeee!
I am so very pleased with the progress. People have been coming up to me at work noticing and asking questions.
I went through my closet and tossed everything that was a size too big. ACK! Is it empty!
I had my first experience with getting something "stuck" this week. Essentially if something gets "stuck" there is a sharp almost pinching feeling in the middle of the chest. This happened this week when I was trying to eat French Toast. I made it with the same bread I eat every day and eggs... I don't think I soaked the bread long enough nor chewed well enough. Trust me not a pleasant feeling. So I am being much more careful again.
Weight Watchers is still my guideline for what to eat. Lean meats, high fiber, low fat and it really seems to be helping.
I am so very pleased with the progress. People have been coming up to me at work noticing and asking questions.
I went through my closet and tossed everything that was a size too big. ACK! Is it empty!
I had my first experience with getting something "stuck" this week. Essentially if something gets "stuck" there is a sharp almost pinching feeling in the middle of the chest. This happened this week when I was trying to eat French Toast. I made it with the same bread I eat every day and eggs... I don't think I soaked the bread long enough nor chewed well enough. Trust me not a pleasant feeling. So I am being much more careful again.
Weight Watchers is still my guideline for what to eat. Lean meats, high fiber, low fat and it really seems to be helping.
Shopping update 01/16/10
Great couponing week! I went very lean last week as I was a bit tight on money.
This week looking at the ads and the Coupon website list - I decided to get the best deal I had to go to two stores.
First up was Smith's they didn't have a ton I wanted/needed so it breaks down like this:
Total Bill: $80.22
Club Card: -$31.60
Coupons: - $5.50
Total Savings: - $37.10
Out of pocket: $43.12
19 items purchased - $2.27 an item.
Here I picked up 10 four-packs of Cottonelle toilet paper for 1.50 a pack. 2 L'oreal mascara, 2 cases of Aquafina and a couple other items.
Then it was off to Albertson's for the bulk of my shopping.
Total Bill: $330.43
Club Card: -$111.91
Coupons: - $15.90
Total Savings: - $127.81
Out of pocket: $202.62
114 items purchased - $1.78 an item! I got 10lbs of bonless/skinless chicken breasts for $1.49 a pound, 6lbs of ground turkey for $1.99 a pound! And 5lbs 90/10 ground sirloin for 2.99 a pound!
I also picked up some good stuff off their clearance rack - they had 20 count quart size zip locks for $1 (they have christmas deco on them), kleenex tissues for a $1 (again with the christmas deco) and some La Victoria enchilada sauce for a quarter each!
I tried very hard to avoid things that were not on sale. Unfortunately, the juice was not and one or two other things. I had coupons for Softsoap which they had on sale for $1 with the coupon I got them for .65. Also Healthy Choice Steamers were on sale for $2.49 plus I had a coupon getting another .50 off each one.
I could have kicked myself though, I had picked up La Banderita flour tortillas at Smith's for 2.39 a pack and darn it all if Guerrero (these are the only two brands that Darren like) were 10 for $10 at Albertson's! So we have enough tortillas for long while!
Overall - I think it was a good week. My freezer is stocked full of meat and I got a few staples in too.
Update on previous attempts at a few recipes
Seared Scallops - to me were yummy - family wouldn't touch them.
Coal Miner's Pasties - made straight from the recipe they were VERY bland. The turnip was actually quite good though.
I did not make home made corn dogs (thank goodness!) We had pizza for his birthday instead.
This week is a more mundane dinner planning week, chili, lemon chicken, roast etc...
This week looking at the ads and the Coupon website list - I decided to get the best deal I had to go to two stores.
First up was Smith's they didn't have a ton I wanted/needed so it breaks down like this:
Total Bill: $80.22
Club Card: -$31.60
Coupons: - $5.50
Total Savings: - $37.10
Out of pocket: $43.12
19 items purchased - $2.27 an item.
Here I picked up 10 four-packs of Cottonelle toilet paper for 1.50 a pack. 2 L'oreal mascara, 2 cases of Aquafina and a couple other items.
Then it was off to Albertson's for the bulk of my shopping.
Total Bill: $330.43
Club Card: -$111.91
Coupons: - $15.90
Total Savings: - $127.81
Out of pocket: $202.62
114 items purchased - $1.78 an item! I got 10lbs of bonless/skinless chicken breasts for $1.49 a pound, 6lbs of ground turkey for $1.99 a pound! And 5lbs 90/10 ground sirloin for 2.99 a pound!
I also picked up some good stuff off their clearance rack - they had 20 count quart size zip locks for $1 (they have christmas deco on them), kleenex tissues for a $1 (again with the christmas deco) and some La Victoria enchilada sauce for a quarter each!
I tried very hard to avoid things that were not on sale. Unfortunately, the juice was not and one or two other things. I had coupons for Softsoap which they had on sale for $1 with the coupon I got them for .65. Also Healthy Choice Steamers were on sale for $2.49 plus I had a coupon getting another .50 off each one.
I could have kicked myself though, I had picked up La Banderita flour tortillas at Smith's for 2.39 a pack and darn it all if Guerrero (these are the only two brands that Darren like) were 10 for $10 at Albertson's! So we have enough tortillas for long while!
Overall - I think it was a good week. My freezer is stocked full of meat and I got a few staples in too.
Update on previous attempts at a few recipes
Seared Scallops - to me were yummy - family wouldn't touch them.
Coal Miner's Pasties - made straight from the recipe they were VERY bland. The turnip was actually quite good though.
I did not make home made corn dogs (thank goodness!) We had pizza for his birthday instead.
This week is a more mundane dinner planning week, chili, lemon chicken, roast etc...
Monday, January 11, 2010
Journey update 01/11/10
I couldn't be more pleased! I got my first adjustment on Wednesday last week. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I can definitely tell that I am more restricted! And thank goodness for that. I was struggling with snacking or "grazing" as I like to call it. However, I was limiting myslef to Yoplait Light Yogurt and/or Sugar Free Jello Pudding Cups (1 or 2 points on Weight Watchers) for snacks. However, because lapband essentially "slows" the process down by holding your food above the "band" thus making you feel full - the Dr discouraged the "milkshake" like snacks - because they just go right through. So I am bringing apples for snacks - if I still feel hungry this week. Which if the end of last week is any indication - I doubt it. I wasn't hungry between meals at all and I could definitely feel the faster full feeling.
I lost 5 lbs last week! can you believe it!? I am so excited.
Now I just need to start adding in a regular excerise schedule. whew!
I lost 5 lbs last week! can you believe it!? I am so excited.
Now I just need to start adding in a regular excerise schedule. whew!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Weight Loss update 01/05/10
I have exciting news. I have exceeded my first weight loss goal. A little over 3 years ago I lost weight to be in Melanie’s wedding. It was the lightest I had been in over 10 years. I am now under even that weight!
In February of last year was my heaviest weigh in – since then I have lost 46lbs. The day I call the beginning of the surgery journey is 11/3/09 (and the day Derifield made a bet with me) since then I have lost 32lbs. (Might as well just buy me a bottle of the good stuff Derifield :P) – 28 to go and I win that bet!
My next goal is now within my reach, to be under 200lbs. I will let you know how I do. I am very excited – thank you all for being there with me. I haven’t seen under 200 since Erik was born – 11 ½ years ago. (and possibly longer…)
I not only have the assistance of the lapband, but I have started back on the Weight Watchers philosophy for eating properly – that seems to have jumped started me back on track. (The holidays kicked my butt – but I didn’t gain or lose… so it could have been worse.)
In February of last year was my heaviest weigh in – since then I have lost 46lbs. The day I call the beginning of the surgery journey is 11/3/09 (and the day Derifield made a bet with me) since then I have lost 32lbs. (Might as well just buy me a bottle of the good stuff Derifield :P) – 28 to go and I win that bet!
My next goal is now within my reach, to be under 200lbs. I will let you know how I do. I am very excited – thank you all for being there with me. I haven’t seen under 200 since Erik was born – 11 ½ years ago. (and possibly longer…)
I not only have the assistance of the lapband, but I have started back on the Weight Watchers philosophy for eating properly – that seems to have jumped started me back on track. (The holidays kicked my butt – but I didn’t gain or lose… so it could have been worse.)
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