Happy Anniversary to Me!

The word "anniversary" conjures up a variety of emotions for me. An anniversary is the date on which an event took place, or an institution was founded in a previous year. The term may also refer to the commemoration or celebration of a milestone event.

In actuality, remembrances can be happy, notably a wedding anniversary, and or sad, like the date of a loved one’s passing. Some are significant, such as tenure at a job, or adoption of a child, and others are difficult to face; dates such as Pearl Harbor Day (December 7, 1941), November 22, 1963, and sadly September 11, 2001.

Then there are the private milestones, shared with a significant other, or few close associates: honoring first dates, sports accomplishments and “gotcha” days. Those in 12-Step programs mark sobriety, either publicly or privately. Facebook even sends an annual reminder of the date you joined or accepted a friend request.

Six years ago yesterday, I walked into Weight Watchers, now WW, with achy knees, 14 pounds over “lifetime goal” of 130. Three months late, I made lifetime and kept going. Eventually I settled in at 117 pounds. From that date in May 2016, I have never exceeded my original goal weight. Surgery saw me go down to 114, and unemployment has seen my weight increase past my comfort level, but well below goal, because I refuse to let that happen!

Despite the ups and downs, I continue working out, tracking, and scanning.  I make my tried-and-true recipes, try new foods and I go to meetings.

I am using the tools I've learned from leaders (now called coaches) and peers, to get back where I need to be. At 61, I feel proud that I weigh less than at 31. I made lifetime initially in the Spring of 1993. Since then there have been fluctuations, where I gained and lost, due to children, illnesses, and surgery.

Over the last three decades, I dealt with death, job loss, COVID-19 quarantine, and life’s other stresses. On February 20, 2016, I stepped into my local studio, and started my weight-loss journey for the last time. I re-achieved lifetime May 28, 2016, coming in one pound under my goal weight, and haven’t looked back!

Use this link to join now and get a free month of membership.

 

Serve Up a Plate of Hearts of Palm Pasta

My first venture into a Weight Watcher’s meeting, now WW, was in 1992. After seeing a picture from a family wedding, I knew I had to do something. At the time, meetings could be arranged at a job site, with more than 12 participants. We were game, and it worked! I lost approximately 28 pounds and made lifetime; then I got pregnant; six weeks after the delivery, I had 7.5 to lose, and so became my personal struggle to maintain my weight.

Sold separately at Trader Joe's or in a two-pack on Amazon

Thankfully, the plan was always there, and each time I achieved lifetime, stopped attending meetings and regained a few pounds. Until six years ago this Sunday. After seeing a co-worker using her cell phone to work the plan, I returned to the local center, needing to lose 14 pounds to get back to goal and three months later I did; and kept going. Yes, I attended a weekly meeting religiously until the pandemic hit and meetings were canceled. I also took advantage of a wellness benefit at work to get a free gym subscription.

Eventually, I lost 27 pounds, and felt comfortable at 13 pounds below goal. Six years later, I still attend meetings, all be it, not weekly anymore due attendance limits established due to Covid-19, and use the app to scan and track everything I eat and drink. I make recipes to support my weight loss (and health) and walk, work out and research new foods that can help me stay motivated.

One recent find was the Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta. At just $2.99 per 9-ounce box, the thin white strands are zero points on the plan. For the layman, it’s 20 calories per serving (three per box). It’s gluten-free, Kosher and vegan.  According to the Fearless Flyer “Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta! Tender, mild-tasting, hearts of palm come from the center of palm trees. Nothing is added to this mild- flavored Pasta, which means it’s ideal for heating and tossing with a variety of different sauces.”

The result is a tasty, satisfying plate of pasta that you can enjoy guilt-free.  

For those who do not have a Trader Joe’s nearby, you can purchase a two-pack on https://amzn.to/3BuCxOU; I have also tried the Natural Heaven Hearts of Palm, after seeing a box at my local TJ-Maxx. Amazon shoppers can find them here https://amzn.to/35aJAjt as well.