This “physique training company” is nearby the house we are working on buying. The transformation in this woman (who is apparently the founder/trainer) is almost scary it’s so dramatic.

Ran across this today: Stouffer’s Peddling ‘Food Porn’ to Kids.

This is a sort-of catch-up post, as it’s about events of Thursday. Around mid-afternoon Thursday, I really hit a down point, energy-wise. I talked to a friend of mine on the phone and he was like, “you sound really tired.” I’d gone to work with the intention of heading to the pool afterwards, but was beginning to doubt that I’d be able to motivate myself. I tried to drink lots of water to get some energy back.

I’d almost resigned myself to just going home and potentially stepping on the treadmill. Then, on the way home, I decided to go swimming, after all. I turned up the road to the pool and headed on in. I struggled into my suit — a big challenge considering the big belly I’m getting. Then, I found the lane reserved for “slow” swimmers to be occupied. I went in to share the lane, but actually found the guy too slow for me. Wow! I moved over to the “medium” lane — empty — and did around 30 minutes of laps. Some freestyle, some breaststroke and some with a kickboard. It was pretty intense and I think really good exercise for me.

I was so proud of myself for going, even though I was down and tired that afternoon. It was great to be back in the swing of exercise and kind of an ego boost to be “medium” instead of “slow.” Though I know I have PLENTY of way to go before I’m triathlon-fit again, it was really a great experience. Just getting out there and doing it (as Nike says) really helps me envision myself as a triathlete again. I can do it, and I will. Yippee!

I think I’ve been using pregnancy as excuse for eating junk over the past few weeks. It’s crazy how I interpret “don’t limit intake during pregnancy” as “go ahead with that pint of Haagen Dazs and pecan danish.”

I thought about joining Weight Watchers online because I feel that I need some guidelines and limitations. I was going to sign up as breastfeeding, figuring breastfeeding women would be allotted enough “points” to make it feasable. (I think breastfeeding requires more extra calories than being pregnant.) But, alas, the sign-up said “At this time, our offerings are not suitable for women who are breastfeeding. Although Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools are not suitable for nursing moms, Weight Watchers Meetings do offer a plan specifically designed for new mothers.” So, that’s pretty much out. Just signing up as my current weight would probably limit my calories by too much — or just guarantee I’d feel like a failure. (Or both!) Will have to wait until I really am a nursing mom.

Anyway, at the doctors office yesterday I got the news that I’d gained 8 lbs in the past month. That’s about double what I should be gaining. Not a big surprise, and actually kind of good to talk to the doctor about it. He said I should eat small amounts every few hours and “no meals.” Hmm. I totally understand the concept. It’s just I like to eat with DH and cook dinner for him. Maybe I can just do better throughout the rest of the day and eat a small dinner with DH.

I started out OK after the doctors visit. We went out to Macaroni Grill and I got a lowfat Caesar salad and a dish they call “skinny chicken”. I looked at other stuff on the menu but realized I’d be just as satisfied — and gain less weight — with the skinny chicken. I guess names like “skinny chicken” are supposed to help people make better food choices, but it somehow annoys me. I guess I hate being “abnormal” and ordering from a special menu. Why can’t healthy choices simply be part of the regular menu? Anyway it was grilled chicken over a bed of sauteed spinach, with a side of tomatoes sprinkled with feta cheese and red onions. The chicken had some kind of balsamic sauce. Mmm… I ate way too much bread before the meal arrived, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.

Then, on the way home, DH half-jokes “let’s go for ice cream.” *sigh* We didn’t.