This & that

214.4

The scale is down 2.6 lbs from last Monday, and I'm quite happy about that! Reading about others' 5+ lb losses makes me a little bummed that I didn't lose more, but really, at this point, any time the scale is moving down, I'm satisfied.

MM and I had a wonderful, relaxing weekend at the resort. We relaxed by the pool and in the "lazy river," did some shopping at a nearby open-air mall (went to Crate & Barrel, among other stores), ate at a couple of fancier-than-usual restaurants, and just hung out.

I did the best I could with eating. I didn't have any carbs, for which I was proud of myself. . . . especially given the fact that Friday night's restaurant served me a HUGE portion of brown rice (which I love) and Saturday night's dinner was at an Italian restaurant with some delicious pasta dishes available and bread. At the same time, I'm sure I ate more fat (and more food in general) and fewer veggies than I should have, and I know I didn't drink enough water. But today is a new day, and I can get right back on track.

I also worked out Friday evening between work and heading to the resort and also at the resort's fitness center on Saturday afternoon, in addition to doing a lot of walking around the resort and around a nearby shopping center. All told, I exercised 5 of my first 7 days back on track; not too shabby.

I made a discovery yesterday when I actually went back and read the South Beach Diet book. (When I re-started, I went by memory and didn't re-read.) I'd forgotten that full-fat dairy products are not allowed on SB. However, I must have half-and-half (and Splenda) in my coffee in the mornings. Having only acquired the habit of drinking coffee after age 33, I'm not a "real" coffee drinker and need something to help the flavor be less bitter. Usually I accomplish this through mocha syrup and the like, so I actually think that cutting back to simply 2 Splenda packets and 2-3 oz of half-and-half is progress.

Oh, and before someone helpfully suggests that I either (a) use non-fat or low-fat milk or fat-free half-and-half, or (b) use sugar free mocha syrup, let me say that I have tried these options and don't like the taste. There is something special and unique about Starbucks's mocha syrup that doesn't taste like anything else I've found, sugar-free or not. Plus with fat-free half-and-half, I can't help but think "what the hell is this made of?!" Both cream and whole milk have fat, so it makes no sense to me.

For now, even though I know it's not allowed, I am going to continue to use my 3 oz of half-and-half in the one cup of coffee I am allowing myself per day. Regular half-and-half is about 40 calories per oz, according to sparkpeople so it's worth it to me.

My right piriformis muscle is acting up again. Starting on Friday morning, I have started to have the same dull ache (and occasional stabbing pain) in the same spot as before. Because I don't foresee too many other realistic options for me for regular exercise besides walking or using the elliptical trainer, I really don't know what to do about this except continuing to stretch well after workouts and continuing to work on strengthening the surrounding muscles. I can't even take NSAIDs to help with the pain and inflammation because my doctor has warned me off them for now (long, unrelated story there).

I've been wanting MM to try a yoga class for a long time, and he has agreed to go to one with me at our gym tomorrow night! Now to see if he will follow through. . . .