I hate those annoying selfie shots taken in a mirror…I always think…seriously, you couldn’t have someone take that for you?

Well…I couldn’t RESIST taking one of myself (crazy eyes and all). I was shopping alone and trying on evening gowns. There was a beautiful purple one that I knew was too small…I figured I’d give it a shot…and it fit PERFECTLY!!

The picture doesn’t do it justice! But it does go a long way in showing how my body is transforming. Just a few ounces from the 50 pound mark, and you can tell a huge difference. What an “atta girl” – especially coming off Thanksgiving week (and the hubby’s birthday which he thinks birthday = food fest) with a 3.4 pound loss. Go me!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few of the great recipes I prepared for Thanksgiving that helped with that fabulous loss.

Mini Pecan Pies from Dashing Dish: These were incredibly easy to make, and they give you all the flavor of pecan pie, but without downing a day’s worth of points. Divide your pecans evenly among fillo shells, mix 3 ingredients together, pour the mixture into the fillo shells and bake for 15 minutes. How easy is that?!  Oh, and don’t forget the best part – they are only ONE POINTS PLUS EACH! Yes, I said that right ONE POINT!!

Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin from Skinnytaste: I love potatoes. Seriously. If there was a potato diet, I’d weigh 5 pounds…fries, potato cakes, mashed, sweet…you name it…I love them. What makes potatoes even better? Cheese. In the past, I’ve “cheated” on my Thanksgiving sides and purchased premade scalloped potatoes that are like a zillion calories. Not this year. I found this great recipe from one of my favorite blogs and you can have a cup of this for only 3 points plus!! A whole cup!! This one is a bit more involved, but with a nice vegetable peeler (hello Pampered Chef Vegetable Peeler) and mandolin (ditto Pampered Chef Ultimate Mandoline) you can make light work of the prep. The end product is totally worth it.

Current Pounds Lost: 49.6

“You know your pants are too big, right?”

“Why yes I do. Thank you,” I say to my friend (and Weight Watchers Lifetime Member) Doris with a big Cheshire cat grin.

I’ve always had problems purchasing pants. If they go around my hips, I could fit a small dog/cat in the waistband gap. I’d purchased several pair of these pants originally, because they fit fairly well. But, last time I had on a pair (actually the last 2 times!) my gut busted the seams around the zipper. Not now. I don’t even really need to unzip them to pull them down!

That felt really nice, especially coming off a Christmas party the night before, where I enjoyed light appetizers and stuck to my guns – avoiding the it-looked-so-good-and-juicy-prime-rib carving station and plethora of oh so delectable desserts. Not only did I slip my slacks on easily, I lost a nice hefty 3.8 pounds. Take that prime rib and tiramisu!

I’m actually even looking forward to Thanksgiving. I’m not super worried. I have a plan. I’ve been earning activity points (check out this link for what food you can “earn” with some common activities), staying out of my weekly points allowance, I know what I’m preparing (and the points plus!) and I have some healthy-but-you-wouldn’t-know-it substitutions lined up for some of the highest points items on my list!

I’d love to hear some of your strategies to stay on-track throughout the holidays.

Now, excuse me, I’ve got to go take a walk!

Current Pounds Lost: 46.2

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…with all the store shopping…and holiday show hopping…it’s the hap-happiest season of all…with those holiday greetings and Weight Watchers meetings…

I truly love this time of year! I love to bundle up in a warm sweater, drink hot cocoa, go look at Christmas lights, and watch Rudolph (happy 50th buddy!) on tv.

My girlfriend and I had a girls weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN this weekend…we rolled up in town to beautiful decorations and blowing snow! Talk about the holiday feeling!

I learned some really important lessons this weekend – I’m talking shock and awe!

1) You can walk all day, but not get anywhere

Huh? Yes, that’s right. We were in the holiday spirit and on the search for great presents…and literally on our feet for days. One day, we left for breakfast, and didn’t get back until around 9 and I still DID NOT meet my FitBit step goal for the day. My legs and feet were throbbing, but we had fun shopping (Like my cute embroidered towel I purchased over the weekend? “He sees you when you’re eating” I love the subtle reminder to watch what I eat this holiday season) That brings me to…

2) It is so easy to overestimate your activity

That day, I didn’t even hit 7,000 steps. Yesterday, we attended the Southern Christmas Show, and were on our feet from 10am to around 4p, walking the expo, and once again, I didn’t meet my 10k step goal. Before an activity tracker…I would have WAY overestimated my calorie burn.

3) It’s a lot easier to walk 2 miles in 30 minutes, than 3 miles in 6 hours

Yes, Southern Christmas Show…I’m talking about you.

4) It’s ok to have a day of rest

I really don’t like to have a day of rest…not from my activity. I feel like I’m going to totally blow it…because I know if you DON’T workout, it is hard to start back. But, sometimes, you have to listen to your body. Today, my knees have been hurting. This isn’t normal for my system…so, I’m going to listen, let them have a day of rest, and get moving tomorrow.

5) If you usually weigh-in on Saturday morning without eating, then weigh-in on Tuesday at noon, you’ll gain.

Well…I knew that. I’m not upset. I am not a number on a scale. I know I didn’t really gain. I play the “wear the lightest clothes you own, don’t eat, and don’t drink” game on Saturday mornings. But, I weighed in Tuesday, and attended a meeting…even though I knew I couldn’t make my regular Saturday meeting. So, “Bravo Star” for me!

Buy Your Own “He Sees You Eating” Towel

Current Pounds Lost: 42.4