Week 18 Scorecard

Finally. Seems like it took forever to get here, but I guess 18 weeks isn't that long in the grand scheme.

As of this morning, I'm down 20.9 pounds! That's minus 2.4 pounds this week.

Yes, I peed again to see if I could get that .1 -- didn't work. I think my scale likes even numbers better.

First goal met! And only a week later than I originally planned. Now on to the next ten pounds, with the July 15th goal date for a total of 30 pounds lost. I downloaded my reward book!

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It's getting hot in Texas. In the last couple of weeks, I went for runs at different times - early on Saturday (before 9) has been my favorite so far. The 5pm runs are just not comfortable anymore -- I went on my lunch hour a few times, too. Still too dang hot.

Sadly, that means it's time to start planning the early morning runs. Unlike last summer, when I was dying doing the C25K plan, I can be really good in my estimates of how far I can run in whatever time frame I have. Yesterday it was 2.5 miles in 30 minutes, which would be pretty much the time I'd have. But to really get this weight off, I need closer to an hour -- so either tag that with Jillian's Shred or some other inside workout. Or, skip outside and do the elliptical or the bicycle for an hour. I don't know yet, but I've got to start thinking more about it. Without a plan, I won't do anything!

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Now about Paleo. We've got one week left on the first 30 day test. Now that my body finally let go of a couple of pounds, I'm not doubting this quite as much! R-Dub's blood sugar has been great! He won't be getting off the plan anytime soon.

I've done more research, especially into the debate areas within the Paleo community. There are only a couple that matter to me -- white potatoes and the deal with dairy. I'm doing so much better than I thought I would over the whole bread thing, but cheese is still something I miss every. single. day.

But other than a single wintergreen Life Saver, I've not cheated to any great extent. There are a few place I know I'm not fully Paleo:

• I have two cups of coffee with sugar-free non-dairy creamer a day. BTW, the 2nd ingredient in "sugar-free" creamer is corn syrup solids. Explain that to me sometime.
• I occasionally use prepared sauces (BBQ, salsa, salad dressing) that list "less than 2% of the following..." and sugar is on there.
• I eat a lot of fruit, even though I should probably add the veggies instead. I eat veggies, too, but not so much as snacks.

Hysterical ordering process at lunch on Sunday. We went to Saltgrass Steak House -- steaks used to be a splurge, but now it's just the best choice because of the sides. Anyway, starting with the salad:
Me: What's on your house salad?
Waiter: Mixed greens, tomato, cheese, croutons.
Me: Okay, what's on your spinach salad?
Waiter: Spinach, bleu cheese crumbles, onions, egg, croutons...and something else...
Me: Hm. Well, I'd take a house salad, but it'll only have lettuce and tomato on it.
Waiter: I can add whatever you want. Do you want an egg?
Me: YES! And vinaigrette on the side.
[Repeat a similar process for R-Dub, but he chose the spinach salad.]
R-Dub: No bleu cheese on it.
Waiter: You don't want the bleu cheese?
R-Dub: Of course I WANT it, but take it off anyway.

The salads came out, and there was a little cup with R-Dub's.
Waiter: The other thing on the spinach salad was pecans. I put them on the side because I wasn't sure if you would want...
R-Dub and me: YES! We want them!
Waiter (hesitantly, and I think a little scared): Do I need to bring you some more?

After we ate (an excellent steak and shrimp combo, btw), he comes back.
Waiter: So can I interest you in cheesecake...
Me (grinning): Seriously? You lived through that ordering process and think we will get dessert?
Waiter: Yeah, I'll bring the check.

Just made me giggle.