To England and Back

“And in the end it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years. ”Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865);16th U.S. President

Well I know it's been a while since I posted last, but things are still going pretty well for me.  I had an amazing time in England (although it would have been better if Stephenie was there with me).  I got to sing in some pretty amazing places, and do some pretty cool things.  I had a harder time following with the WW plan than I thought I would.  It was hard for me to access the online portal for WW, which made it hard for me to track my points.  I eventually fell off the wagon.  I tried to eat well, and did a pretty good job.  The rub, however, was that I drank a fair amount of alcoholic beverage while there.  Boy, oh boy...I gained about 6 or 7 pounds while there.  

YIKES!!!!!

I am happy to report that I am back to my pre-trip weight.  I got right back on track and got back into my habits. I am back down to about 16 pounds off total since I started my journey with weight watchers. I am eating far less (although I am having a hard time being home so much), and feeling much better about what I am eating.  We found a really great desert/snack item (thanks for finding it Steph).  I will post the recipe below.  Well, I am going to end this for now and get ready to take the girls to the park.  We finally have a day to do it.  I appreciate everyone's support and encouragement through my journey so far.  I will keep on keeping on.  

Pictures from England will come soon.

Cheers!

More to come.

Chocolate Marshmallow Bark

Weight Watchers Recipe

Ratings (680)

4PointsPlusValue

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 5 min

Other time: 0 min

Serves: 12

A sweet, couldn't-be-easier-to-make treat for any occasion.

Ingredients 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finest quality recommended    2 tsp regular butter    3 cup(s) mini marshmallows    Instructions Line a 9- X 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly combined; remove from heat and stir in marshmallows. Scrape chocolate mixture into prepared pan using a silicon spatula; smooth into a somewhat even layer. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, at least 1 hour; keep refrigerated until ready to eat. Cut into 12 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving. Notes This basic recipe is very versatile: You can add your own favorite ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, crispy cereal, crisp crumbled cookies or even fresh fruit. If you use fresh fruit, however, the bark must be refrigerated and eaten the day it is made. Fresh strawberries, blueberries and pineapple are all excellent options (any additions to recipe could affect PointsPlus values).

England: Day 1

“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882);
Philosopher, Poet, Author, Essayist

Well, today (and part of yesterday) I made the trip "across the pond" with the Chancel Choir from Myers Park United Methodist Church of Charlotte, NC.  We will be in England through May 31.  The flight over was uneventful, and I was so excited as this was my first trip out of the country.  When we landed, we got through customs, boarded the buses, and made our way to the hotel.  We arrived before check in time, so we got to get out and explore for a bit.  I had lunch with some friends, a Chicken Caesar Salad, and then made my way back to get checked in to the hotel.  After a short nap, we all went out for a group dinner.  We at at Med Kitchen, which was a truly delicious meal.   We had Eggs Florentine for the first course, marinated grilled chicken with patatas bravas and creme fraiche for the main course, and concluded with the most delicious chocolate cheesecake I've ever tasted (I also shared someone else's piece).  A friend and I shared a bottle of wine, and it made for a truly amazing meal. After dinner we boarded the bus back to the hotel, and now we are off to bed.  I went a bit over my points for today, but with all of the walking I did and will be doing and the fact that I am having a new experience, I thought it was okay.

I lost another 2.4 pounds this week.  I weighed in a day early because I was leaving for England.  This brings my grand total to 17.4 pounds.  I am really starting to notice that my clothes are fitting a bit looser, which I don't mind...at least I have a belt. We have a lot of fun things planned for the next 7 days, so I will maybe post one more time before we make our way back stateside.

See below a recipe for a delicious meal I had before I left and a few pictures of the dinner at Med Kitchen.

More to come!  Stay tuned.

Eggs Florentine

The Cheesecake

The Wine

California Club Wrap

Weight Watchers Recipe

Ratings (181)

3PointsPlusValue

Prep time: 8 min

Cook time: 0 min

Other time: 0 min

Serves: 1

It takes only a few minutes to make this wrap, which is crunchy, healthy and filling.

Ingredients 1 medium fat free flour tortilla(s)    2 Tbsp store bought hummus    1 small fresh tomato(es), thinly sliced    1/4 small cucumber(s), thinly sliced    1/2 cup(s) fresh watercress, thick stems discarded    1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste    1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste    Instructions Lay tortilla on a flat surface and spread with hummus. Layer with tomatoes, cucumber and watercress. Season to taste, roll up tightly and enjoy. Notes Although we've suggested that you use tomato, cucumber and watercress, fill it up with any veggies you have on hand.

A Big, Exciting, Busy Week

“Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832);
Philosopher, Scientist, Author

So this week was quite a busy and exciting.  Sunday was Mother's Day, and as I said in the last post, it wasn't a great Weight Watchers Day for me.  Monday began Tech week for the production of The King & I that I am Music Directing for the Children's Theatre of Charlotte.  I have been at the theatre every evening this week until about 8:30 or 9, getting home at 9:15-9:45 every night.  Friday was my birthday.  I weighed in, and I lost another 1.5lbs (15 total). I made sure I left myself enough points for the delicious cake Stephenie and Madi made for me.  It was really good.  Friday night was opening night for The King & I.  These kids have been awesome from start to finish.  Truly inspiring for me.  The program at CTC is remarkable and now I can see why it is one of the biggest Children's Theatre companies in the United States.

All this being said, I have really focused on making sure my eating and exercising has been there.  I got to the park a few times with the girls during the days this week.  I only went 1 or 2 points  over my daily total on a couple of occasions.  I am still feeling really great.  The lifestyle change is really starting to become a habit for me.  I don't even find myself wanting to eat the bad things as much.  Sure, I still have a craving now and then, but I have some things that can substitute at home and it all works.  I am really starting to notice a change in my look.  My face is starting to thin out a bit, my clothes are getting a bit looser (which is really great), and I just find myself moving a bit better.  My health seems to be a bit better too.  I don't feel nearly as run down all the time.  It's really great.

My support system for this lifestyle change has been amazing.  My wife is so supportive, my family are all giving my great support, my friends too.  I just feel like this is so easy and they are all the reason for the ease.  Thank you everyone for your support and lets keep this going.

Today is Madi's Dance Recital, then the last performance of The King & I.  I am torn, excited to have time with family, but sad because these kids have really found a special place in my heart.  Tomorrow is the cast party.  Then Thursday, I go to England for a week (YAY!).  Keeping myself busy.

Onward and Upward!  More to come.

A Difficult Weight Watchers Day

“A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it.”
Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870);
Writer, Author

So, Sunday was a bit of a difficult day.  It was my first day where I didn't plan my meals before the day began.  It was Mother's Day, and I wanted to take my wife out for a nice lunch, so we went to Carrabba's.  I, without thinking, ordered the fried calamari for us to share.  After that I had their lentil soup, followed by a lunch portion of the Chicken Bryan (one of my favorite dishes anywhere).  As I was putting my meal into my mobile app., I said to myself and to my wife, "Wow, there go all of my points for today." I know you must think I was joking, but sadly I was not.  Half of the calamari was 16 points, which is usually all I use for a meal, maybe a few more.  I only had 8 points left after lunch.  Not much to make a meal out of.  Unfortunately, I continued my splurging and ended up using 14 of my weekly extra points, which I try not to use.  Alas, the damage was done.  I "fell off the wagon" for a brief moment.

I will share a bit of good news as well.  I had a Dr. appt. on Tuesday.  Did some blood work, and my Cholesterol is so close to being right where I want it to be.  Quite a different story from a year and a half ago.  I was having what the Dr. referred to as an "atrocious" LDL level.  Now it's only a few points above normal.  My liver function is good, which it wasn't last time, and he said all was looking really good. YAY for me.  Weight Watchers is really making a difference in my life and I am so glad that I decided to jump in and change my life for the better.  I am still feeling great, and I can't wait to see how things change for me this summer.

I am super busy this week.  The King and I, which I am Music Directing, runs this weekend; I am preparing for my trip to England with the Myers Park UMC choir, which we leave on May 23; and spending so much missed time with my girls.  I love that part about the summer.

Anyway, here's to soldiering on.  I got right back on track today.  No overage.  Onward and Upward (or downward for my weight) :-).

Stay tuned.  More to come.

Week 4: Weigh-in

“Your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.”
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865);
16th U.S. President

So, the weigh-in today was promising.  I am down another 3 lbs.  That takes me to a total of 13.6 since I began 4 weeks ago.

I started to exercise and it has really helped things along. I went for a 2 mile walk on Tuesday and today I did some yoga and went for a walk after dinner.  It's a process, I know.  I'll do more as I have a bit more time in my day.

It's been great feeling full on less food.  Now that school is out, the days have been a bit harder to make it through.  I am a boredom eater, and when the girls nap, I want to just eat so much.  I am trying so hard to fight these urges, successfully so far.  I just drink some water and that curbs the urge.

Tonight was the first night in a week that I have been able to cook. I made a really great Salmon dish, the recipe is below.

This is a short post, but I don't have much else to talk about today.  More to come.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Balsamic Drizzle

Weight Watchers Recipe

In No Time, from Weight Watchers Publishing Group

Ratings (83)

8PointsPlusValue

Prep time: 6 min

Cook time: 10 min

Other time: 0 min

Serves: 4

You can cook the salmon with or without the skin.

Ingredients 1/2 cup(s) balsamic vinegar    1 Tbsp packed brown sugar      2 Tbsp (chopped) uncooked red onion(s), finely chopped    1 Tbsp olive oil    1/2 tsp table salt    1 pound(s) uncooked salmon fillet(s), with or without skin, 4 (1⁄4-pound) (about 1 inch thick)    1/2 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground      4 cup(s) mixed greens, mesclun variety    Instructions To make the drizzle, bring the vinegar and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan; boil rapidly until it is reduced to about 1⁄4 cup, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool 2 minutes. Combine the onion, oil, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt in a small jug; add the vinegar and set aside. Sprinkle the salmon with the remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Spray a nonstick skillet or a nonstick ridged grill pan with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook until just opaque in the center, about 3 minutes on each side. Divide the mesclun among 4 plates; top each with a piece of salmon and sprinkle with the drizzle. Yields 1 piece salmon, 1 cup mesclun, and scant 2 tablespoons drizzle per serving. Notes While removing it allows you to brown both sides of the fish, leaving it on helps hold the shape of the piece of salmon.If you do leave the skin on, avoid eating it because of its extra fat and calories.

Continuing the Change

“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965);British Statesman, Prime Minister, Author, Nobel Prize Winner

So, as I sit at home, finished with the school year, I am trying to figure out what to do for exercise.  I am a stay at home dad in the summer time.  I also work nights in the summer.  I am currently working as the Music Director for the Children's Theatre of Charlotte .  I am Music Directing The King and I for their OnStage program, which is for the students (grades 3-12) of their School of Theatre Training.  This takes me to Charlotte 4 nights a week and when I get home, I just want to spend time with my family (at least my wife, the kids are in bed by then).  I know these are just excuses, but I need to find something that I can do either at home that is low stress or something that I can do later in the evening (after Stephenie goes to bed). So here is where I put it to you all.  What do you all do around the home that is exercise.  I need suggestions.  I am looking into doing some yoga at home, but I am not that flexible. I do like yoga, however. I really want to make this lifestyle change work, so I need to find something to do.

This work with the Children's Theatre has take me away from home at dinner time, so the cooking has not been happening so much lately.  So, sorry, no recipes tonight.  I promise I will put more up here as I use them.  

Other than the lack of a real exercise regimen, I feel like things are still going along nicely for me.  I had a Dr. appointment on Tuesday to check on my health, and he seemed pleased that Weight Watchers was working so well for me.  

Anyway, that's all for tonight.  More to come.

The Change

“Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.”
Vaclav Havel (born 1936);
Poet, Playwright, 1st President Of Czech Republic

So I feel as though I should start by addressing what a few have said in response to my first post.  I know that I used the word "diet" in my first post quite a bit.  I have always looked at Weight Watchers as a "diet" and have learned, as I have gotten into the swing of things, that it truly is a change of lifestyle and not a diet.  I know now that I can never go back to the way I used to be if I want to keep the weight I am losing off of this body.  It is just something that I have to get accustomed to.

As someone who has a lot going on in life (kids, work, gigs, etc.), it could be so easy to eat so poorly, as I have done for years. However, I have made it a point to find good, healthy options, even when I am eating fast food.  For example, today, I sang 2 church services and then had to be back at my church later in the afternoon for a choral concert.  I had to eat out twice; for lunch after church, and then for dinner after the concert.  We decided to go to Boston Market for lunch and I got a 1/4 white meat meal with 2 sides and a Coke Zero.  I ate the chicken without the skin and my side dishes consisted of the fresh steamed vegetables and the garlic and dill new potatoes.  This meal for me was only 14 points, which is really good given how much food I got to eat.  For dinner, we needed something quick. So, we went to McDonald's.  I got the new Chicken and Ranch McWrap (11 points), with 2 packages of Apple slices and an ice water.  Let's compare that with what I would have gotten before I started Weight Watchers.  I would have gotten a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a small or medium french fry, and a Large Sweet Tea. (talk about points).  I feel just as satisfied with what I had this evening and don't feel nearly weighed down like I would have with the old meal.

The first week I lost 7.2 lbs.  I was so overjoyed with the way things were going, plus I got a better scale so I think that was part of it.  The second week, I lost 1 lb; not nearly as exciting as the first week. This last weigh in, I was down another 2.4 lbs; better than the last week, but I wanted it to be more.  As I was driving home from lunch this afternoon, I had a thought.  As a teacher, I am constantly telling my voice students that singing is not something where you will get instant gratification. It takes time. The lifestyle change is the same way. I came to the realization that, it's not always going to be as great as my first week was, but if I just stick to it, the weight will come off.  I think I can handle that.  I feel great, and that's something that hasn't been the case for quite some time.