Everybody Have Fun Tonight

            This week's WW meeting topic is about dining out. My family does not dine out much but when we do, we come to eat. Last week the boys and I went out to eat at a barbecue restaurant. As a WW I would usually avoid a place like that because, well , we all know what's in a barbecue restaurant. But when I do go out, I count it as part of my bonus points because I would like a treat. Sometimes dining out can be a free for all. I think my eating habits have changed quite a bit. When I was reading the menu, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of things I have not eaten in a while and did not know what I wanted. I chose a burger, sweet potato fries(emphasis on fried, I'm sure) and cole slaw. I also treated my self to a light beer. I rarely drink anymore but it was nice to have the one beer. I took Jake's lettuce, tomato and pickles because he does not like them. We did not order appetizers like we would have in the past. I did not think I could eat one anyway. When we finished, we were wiped out. Definitely no dessert there. I generally eat everything in a restaurant. "Satisfied Balloon Guy" needs a day off too. If you can eat until satisfied and take some home, so be it. So for the few times that I get to dine out, here are some guidelines;
1) Order something you normally avoid or do not cook at home. I think that a splurge is okay once and a while.
2)Do not order appetizers unless it is your meal. For example, two side orders as a meal is a good idea to order as a meal . If you want an appetizer, order something to share. That way you are not consuming many more calories.
3)Do order a drink, but do not drink your points. Most of the time, I stick with water. Don't have to count water, right?
4)If you're full or almost comatose after your meal, do not order dessert. It's an accident waiting to happen.
5)Look away from the bread basket. Bread can be a trigger especially if you came hungry.
            I think I had a little too much fun eating this week. On Saturday, I blew my own rule about being prepared. I had too many errands and while I was in the grocery store I purchased a bag of sour cream and onion Pop Chips. There is nothing wrong with Pop Chips, but I made the mistake of throwing the whole big bag in our snack bag to Jake's little league game on Saturday. As if that was not bad enough, while purchashing a quick burger for Jake at the concession stand, I found myself in a hypnotic trance of all the candy. I purchased a bag of Swedish Fish. I am ashamed to say that I ate the whole bag of Pop Chips and the Swedish Fish (hanging my head in shame). I even had dinner later that night. Now I know that the next game I attend I will have some fat free kettle korn and and fruit to keep shoving in my Mom cheering until I'm hoarse mouth and not have to pay a hefty check later. For the record, Jake's little league team played their best game so far. The score was 17-1 and they won for the first time. I'm not sure what hurt more, my voice from screaming, my hands from clapping or my butt from sitting on those bleachers after jogging.
            This week I gained 4lbs. but I am okay with it. I think that I need a good dose of hardcore tracking. I am usually a double tracker. I track in my Ultimate 3 Month Tracker as well as the WW Online tracker. I like to write down what I have eaten and calculate it online. Tracking can keep you honest. Sometimes a little too honest but it is a good way at looking at some of the poor or great choices you made along the way. I am stll going to the gym a few times a week. I hate getting up super early but I like having a lot of activity points accumulated before 8am. When I see the calories burned on the treadmill or bike computer I think, well there's my breakfast. I am also working on two upcoming 5K's (not counting the Fun Walk 5K this Thursday). I registered for the Hunts Point Hustle 5K in the Bronx on May 21st and the WW 5K on May 22nd. Depending on my recovery, I will have to decide whether to walk or run . On Saturday morning I was jogging and pushed myself to complete 3.28miles. I was amazed that I was able to keep going (thank you Sheryl's voice in my head!)  The only thing stopping me is me.
This Week's Activity
Tues. all day = 3pts
Wed. all day = 3pts
Thurs. treadmill 30mins + bike 30mins + all day = 9pts
Fri. treadmill 44mins(while watching the royal wedding) + bike 16mins + all day = 12pts
Sat. jogging 3.28miles + all day = 11pts
Sun. rest day
Mon. all day = 2pts
Total = 40 activity pts.
                  This week I plan on trying to get back on the right path. Eating lots of snacks is fun but also contagious like a cold. Once you get into it, it's hard to shake. Thursday is the Monthly 5K walk with my homies and I will jog again in preparation for my Hunts Point Hustle 5K. I am paying more attention to how tired my body can get so resting, especially after jogging, is important. Hope you're having a good week.

WALK FROM NEW YORK TO SEATTLE
2,704 miles - 27.13 miles this week = 2,676.87 miles to go