Thankful.

I haven't been regularly blogging lately, and I apologize for that.

Last weekend was the Thanksgiving holiday, and I was home in WI for the weekend.  Whenever I'm at home, I always eat well.  I was nervous coming back to my WW meeting - I went Tuesday instead because I had a conflict yesterday - because I figured that after two weeks, I was going to likely gain.  I did - but it was only 0.8 lbs.  I was happy - I chalked that up as a success.  Even though I didn't eat to plan, I did make better decisions than I have in past holiday years when I did eat.  I didn't eat until I felt like I needed to be wheelbarrowed away from the table.  I ate more veggies - YAY for seasonal squash!  When I snacked, I figured out a serving and poured myself a bowl of the item - instead of taking the whole bag with me in front of the TV.  I still eat what I want to eat - but just do a better job of portioning it out.

It's a tough time of year for being on a weight loss plan.  Vendors send gifts to work, usually in the form of sweets, and they're put out by the water cooler.  Co-workers bring in food as well.  And we're having a potluck here at the end of the month in the office, and there's always an overabundance of food there.  And then it's already Christmas, and another trip to WI where again I'll eat very well.  I can tell you already that I'm looking forward to the famous cutout cookies that my mom makes.  I'll still enjoy them as I have in the past, but just in lesser quantities.

I'm very thankful for the willpower and determination that I've found to follow this plan since June.  Though it's been a very slow process in losing the weight, I find my successes not necessarily with the numbers on the scale, but in the way my clothes fit and how much quicker I move on the volleyball court. 

I'm also very thankful for the support that I've received from my friends and family throughout the process.  It's great to get an occasional e-mail from someone saying,"read your blog today, you're doing a great job and keep it up," or just a quick, "you are looking great" from someone after receiving a hug from them at a gathering.  Those little things keep me going, and I'm appreciative for that.

A new winter coat.

My original work Winter coat - a 3X - bought 2 years ago

My new work Winter coat - a 1X!

I updated my Facebook status a couple weeks ago with a success.  I'm just getting around to blogging about it.  (My apologies - I've been sick - completely different story...)

I had a 30% coupon to Kohl's, which is always an opportunity to get some deals.  I was slated to shop with my friend Vicki that day.  Before I left the house, I checked to see how my work Winter coat fit  Well, let's just say it didn't.  It was already somewhat big at the end of last Winter after my initial wave of weight loss - pre-Weight Watchers - and now, I was absolutely drowning in it.  It was a size 3X, so it wasn't too surprising.

Once I finally found the plus-sized Winter coats at Kohl's, one immediately stood out at me - a deep aqua-colored wool coat that had a tapered waist.  The front coat on the rack was a 1X, and I thought - what the hell - I'm gonna try it.  I buttoned it up, and almost started to cry.  It fit.  Comfortably.  I was wearing a coat not one, but two sizes down from my current coat.  Of course I bought the coat.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chunky Chicken Chili

Slow-Cooker Chunky Chicken Chili

1 can  (15 oz.) dark red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can  (15 oz.) light red kidney beans, rinsed
1-1/2 cups  TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Mild Salsa
1 can  (16 oz.) no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 Tbsp.  chili powder
1-1/2 lb.  boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 cup  frozen corn
1 cup  KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Combine beans, salsa, tomato sauce and chili powder in slow cooker. Top with chicken, onions and corn. (Do not stir.) Cover with lid.  Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours).  Stir just before serving. Serve topped with cheese.  Serves 8 (1 cup servings).

Nutrition Details: 340 calories, 12g fat, 33g carbs, 7g fiber, 27g protein.  Calculates to 9 WW+ points. 

Recipe credit:  Kraft Recipes.  Link: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/slow-cooker-chunky-chicken-chili-112395.aspx?cm_mmc=eml-_-rbe-_-20121106-_-1061&cm_lm=FCCBB36C767084428D76BE741CA2B6C2

My personal review (and modifications):  Awesome.  I was hesitant to put the raw chicken on the top of the chili, but it cooked through with no issues.  I cooked it on high for 3 hours and stirred it for the last 1/2 hour or so and it was amazing.  Served it topped with some cheese as suggested with some tortilla chips on the side.  Super easy - that's the way I like it.