Bi-Weekly Weigh In - January 8, 2014

*going back to bi-weekly weigh ins to keep me motivated*

Starting BMI:  27.0 (computed here)

Height:  6'1"
Starting weight: 205 lbs
Goal weight:  180 lbs (for now)

Previous weight: 202
Current weight:  201

Last BMI: 26.6
Current BMI:  26.5
Goal BMI:  23.7

Pounds Lost: -1 (not counting my holiday gain)
Total Pounds Lost:  4
Pounds until goal:  21

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

- I want to work on my health.  Exercising, eating better and holding myself more accountable.
- I want to focus on reminding myself of my end goal and build willpower.  I want to be healthy and eat healthy so that I can teach my children good habits as well.
- My  goal to maintain during the holidays didn't work so well and I was up to 206 when January hit.  I've lost between 4 and 5 lbs since focusing on it again.

2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I started using MyFitnessPal with the New Year (ask me for my username if you need a buddy)
-  I am on thyroid medication (post treated Grave's Disease).  I will follow up with accordingly.
-  Start exercising weekly (aiming for every other day or 3 times a week).  I haven't done so great with my exercise so I want to work on this next.
-  Signed up for Bountiful Baskets in my area again (more fruits and veggies) 
-  I will only eat one refined sugar type sweet/dessert each week

-  I will do my best to not bring sweets into my home; grocery shop smart
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
-  Drink more water; drink water when I want to snack; No more soda

3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.

-  Jeff is doing a "biggest loser" type competition at work.  I hope this helps us motivate each other.  I still want to learn more on portions and weight watcher type advice from my good friend.

4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.

-This is a delicious recipe.  I've never added the milk and sour cream to it.  It makes a great broth-like soup on it's own.  Maybe I'll try the milk and sour cream next time.

Crock Pot Ham & Potato Soup - Weight Watchers 4+ points

(link here)

	Ingredients:
7 c.	diced potatoes (about 4 medium)
1 c.	diced onion (about 1 medium)
1 large	carrot, chopped
2 c.	ham, diced
5 c.	hot water
1 Knorr	Chicken Bullion cube (extra large size that
	makes 1 quart broth or 4 small cubes that make 1 cup each)
1 c.	2% milk
1/2 c.	sour cream
	Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Add diced potatoes, onion, carrot, and ham to a crock pot. Dissolve chicken bullion in 5 cups hot water, then add this to the crock pot also. Cook on low 7 hours, or high 3 hours. Then add milk and sour cream. Stir and cook an additional 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you'd like a thicker soup, just before adding milk and sour cream, remove 2-3 cups of the potatoes and slightly mash, then return the mashed mixture to the crock pot.

Makes 12 Servings (About 1 Cup Per Serving)