DELICIOUS DAMES: Be You. Be Beautiful!

 

I have always struggled with my weight. At one point, I was a slave to the scale, my weight number, the mirror and the opinion of society that believed "Skinny is beautiful." I openly talk to you about these things. I constantly make sure you as women (and men) know that YOU ARE NOT DEFINED BY THE SCALE, SOCIETIES OPINION OF BEAUTIFUL OR THE CELLULITE ON YOUR THIGHS.

When my friend Nina sent me this shirt, I did a lot of reading on Delicious Dames. It's everything I am constantly trying to preach. 

The beginning of their "About Us" struck chords with me: "Delicious Dames is a website designed to help shape the perceptions women have of themselves, the media, and overall body wellness. Our audience is anyone who embodies our mission to promote body wellness in America."

There are so many times I stood in the mirror and hated my reflection. It wasn't until I started living for me, I started to realize I am beautiful no matter what size. I realized that if I don't like what I see in the mirror I have two options: Leave it alone and be miserable or change it and start being happy. I started to change. Losing weight does mess with my mentality. However, I am not the little girl who stood in the mirror at one point wanting to kill herself because she wasn't a Kim Kardashian clone.

I am Stefanie. I have curves. I have loose skin. I have stretch marks. I have cellulite and my thighs touch. I love every ounce of me and you should too.

Delicious Dames is such an awesome brand that I walk around and promote because it's everything Ifcurvescouldtalk.com embodies!

 

Please take a look at Delicious Dames and start being the beautiful you that YOU ARE!

It;s such a positive, wonderful, amazing website that I would LOVE to see more of! xoxo

deliciousdames.com or click HERE

A BIG THANK YOU TO NINA FOR THIS SHIRT AND INTRODUCING ME TO DELICIOUS DAMES!

WEIGHT WATCHER'S WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 1.2 pounds LOST

 

Guess what ladies and gentlemen! For every setback I have there's an even bigger come back! I LOST 1.2 pounds -SCORE!!!!

 

HIGH OF THE WEEK

My high of the week honestly was NOT REALLY having a cheat day. Yes I went OVER my points Saturday night and ENJOYED every minute of it, but I was my friend Claudia and I think we could have done some SERIOUS damage! But we shared appetizers and desert, but not our lovely Coronaritas! So all in all...I got some much needed girl time with a favorite of mine and did pretty good! 

LOW OF THE WEEK

The last two weeks was STRESSFUL nonetheless however, I think I was being way too emo for my own good and starting to doubt myself and what an amazing woman I am. So I guess my low of the week, was INSECURITY. WAH WAH WAH! It happens to the best of us! 

 

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned that I have to RIDE THINGS OUT! I really don't know whats gonna happen in the future. I have to live in the moment because if I start thinking about the future, I panic. I get really nervous and start psyching myself out. 

TIP OF THE WEEK

Ahhh TEMPTATION! This week at work there was 3 meetings going on...remember calorie wise and points plus wise....FRUIT will and IS the better option. If none of those meetings or places have fruit, remember...PORTION CONTROL! 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

 

 

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 4 ounces gained

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! So I am starting this part of my weight-loss journey with a new mindset and a new body. Everyone keeps talking about "NEW ME" Truth is I dont want a "NEW" me, I am pretty awesome the way I am, the only thing I can do is better the way I am now and just keep trucking on this journey! 

I gained 4 ounces from the LAST TIME I weighed in, truth is, I was okay with that! I will get out of the 0's because this time around, I have the tools to get me to my goal weight. 

I have learned so much about my weight this past year. I still styruggled with adjusting to a new body and often times battled it out with my mind.  I will ALWAYS have THOSE days but now I know myself well enough to say, "It's just a day, not your whole life!" I also learned this year that skin ny people have the SAME issues! They too feel bloated, etc. Its HUMAN NATURE!

The other day I was asked about dating and we were discussing about the affects it has on our weightloss journey. Yes we tend to go out more and enjoy oursleves, so we eat that cheesecake, and so on, but it had me thinking. I need a man who wants to go workout with me and enjoys working out with his girlfriend. Even if it means walking into the gym, kissing each other and saying, "Okay baby, Ill meet you back here in an hour" Him go do his thing and me do mine. Or wants to go hike with me and have a cute little picnic once we reach the top. I just need him to want to stay healthy. If that makes any sense.

So I am back! I know I skipped my high's and low's but I do have:

TIP OF THE WEEK!

I found these at Fresh n' Easy for 98 cents! They are AMAZING if your looking for a healthy breakfast that fills you up and taste yummy! As part of the "Spaces" and "Routines"  of Weight Watcher's 360 I put as one of my routines was to east breakfast EVERY morning. Even if I dont want to. I never was a breakfast person to be honest, unless it involved thick pancakes and tons of syrup! Now I am LOVING these little oatmeal cups! I also add apples in it! So good and thickens it! Try it!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

VLOG: The Beauty of a weightloss journey!

VLOG: Your OWN weightloss journey!

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 3 pounds LOST!

I lost! I really didn't expect 3 pounds to be lost, in fact, I only expected a pound. I did track! Track! Track! and I know I got my mind into the game again. I started to remember WHY I started my journey and how good it feels when I lose. I thought about where I wanna be by January 2013 and how badly I wanna go out on New Years Eve and wear a cute little black dress and turn heads. Well, its true...if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it! I realized, its all in you head! So proud of myself!

 

HIGH OF THE WEEK

My high of the week was saying no to extra sugar I did not need. When I say "Extra" I mean the beers on Dia de Los Muertos at the bar. I had good, clean, sober fun, dancing the night away with my best friends. I was also proud I tracked! If I bit it, I wrote it down! NO MATTER WHAT!

.

LOW OF THE WEEK

I must say, Although I tracked,I feel like I could have drank more water. I splurged on unsweetened tea this past week and didn't touch water that much. Not good.

 

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned that I CAN ACHIEVE IT IF I BELIEVE IT! Putting my mind to it really worked wonders and it does work wonders. All I have to do is set my eye on the prize and just go for it!

TIP OF THE WEEK

 

Ive picked these up at Fresh & Easy a few times and LOVE em! I use em to make mini-pizza's!  Only 2 points plus for you weight watchers and 100 calories for those watching their calorie intake! They taste sooo good too!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Be inspired and encouraged! 

HERE'S TO A NEW WEEK!

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In: 1 Pound DOWN!

 

Slowly but surely, the weight I gained is coming off. I am now refocused and just overall determined. Again, see what happens when you let go of the crap that has been holding you down? YOU FLY!

Feels AMAZEBALLS to be back on track! Positive mentality will ALWAYS get you POSITIVE results!

HIGH OF THE WEEK

My high of the week came when I realized I was eating breakfast! I never did eat breakfast. Now I make myself a bagel with Cream cheese and I am out the door!I also started taking the time to do my lunches. Less points used and gave me more room to have a little snacky-pooh at night!

LOW OF THE WEEK

The other day I had a slight fever and pretty much didn't eat. When it came to dinner, I was so hungry, I ate EVERYTHING in sight! I guess it wasn't REALLY a low since I considered it my "Cheat Day"...But still. I was a tad disappointed in myself. I wasn't feeling so hot and even though I may be sick, I need to wake up and fuel my body.

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned to keep positive and KEEP TRUCKIN'! Meaning MOVE FORWARD!

Again a positive mentality and attitude can make a HUGE difference.

TIP OF THE WEEK

So I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE caramel! My favorite is sliced apples , which is ZERO points plus, dipped in caramel! YUMMY! I though thought eating caramel was asking to indulge more than I should. Until I found THESE!

Fat-free Sweet Lava Caramel Dip! Only 4PP for a container!

I have been in heaven and I got them at Walmart for like $2! YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY!!!

Just enough to fill your sweet-tooth craving!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

 

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 1.2 pounds gained

 

I gained. Which isn't bad considering I haven't weighed in. Therefore I must have been doing something right, right?

I have been so off track lately. It really has A) Made me feel bad and B) Messed with my mojo. I can sit here and give you excuse after excuse. I counted points, but didn't count points, in other words: I was on track but not really.

 

Point is, I am back on track! And that is all that matters right?

I did take this gain with a grain of salt. It really was a "I knew it and I am gonna change it"

HIGH OF THE WEEK

Actually saying "No" to a few of my favorites. I went to the movies and wanted to eat EVERYTHING. I did, just not as much. That alone was a pat on my back.

LOW OF THE WEEK

I was feeling sorry for myself. A huge No no. I got out of the funk but I promised I would never let myself go back to THAT place. Stinkin' Thinkin' will get me no where!

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned that sh*t happens. It does. I can only control ME and everyone is on their own. I really got tired of worrying about what everyone thinks, does or feels. It really just made no sense to me to worry about them if really, they dont worry about me. Did I go on a mini-ramble.

TIP OF THE WEEK

So I got these cool margaritas! I love me a margarita...or three! ONLY 4 PP!!

They tasted so delicious and had alcohol! woot!

Its a must try for all my Margaritas lovers looking out for points and calories.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Things will get worse before they get better. But when they do, remember who put you down and who helped you up."

Heres to a NEW week!

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 51.4 POUNDS LOST!!!

 

I have OFFICIALLY lost 51.4 pounds!

How exciting and amazing! I am so proud of myself and guess what!

My mom lost 75 pounds THUS far!

Our journey isn't over and I am still on the verge to get to a weight I am comfortable.

 

Again, the "Goal Weight" on my app is set in 5 pound increments to make ACHIEVABLE goals so I don't feel discouraged when I see a number that is beyond 10. I know you all can feel when you think about numbers and say "That is a LONG way."

 

Losing weight is a mental game too...all in your head and this is one of the ways I can calm that little voice in my head. Increments. I was thinking 140 for a goal weight. Still not sure though.

 

I even got this charm to add to my collection! These little awards remind of how amazing I am doing! Of how much dedication I have put into ME! And lemme tell you, it takes a lot of self-love, self-discipline and self-respect.

Losing weight is achievable if you do it FOR YOU and no one else! I am living proof!

Watch me do me!

Watch me SHINE!

So I know I normally break it down with my high, low, what I learned and tip of the week, however, I am skipping that and introducing my quote of the week:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it;s going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming" -Anonymous 

 (I found this on my friend Denise's instagram)

 

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 2 ounces GAINED

 

Im laughing at the two ounces. Which I am sure I lost by now. But its made me think of all hard work that has gone into this weight-loss. A lot of dedication, self-discipline, self-love and believe me when I say, A LOT of times I wanted to say "To hell with with this!!"

I will NEVER go back to being 222. NEVER I TELL YA! I started my weightloss because, like many of us who are losing weight, I wanted to love myself again. I wanted to be ale to look at myself in the mirror and not feel so bad about myself.

I also wanted to lose weight for the kids that I may some day have. I wanna be the mom who's son in the game not on the sidelines. The mom who isn't out of breath after walking down the street. The mom who can run wild and free with my kids. I don't know if I will have kids, just like I don't know if I will ever get married...(clearly if you follow my blog you will know my love life is non-existent at the moment and that's OKAY, Because while I was/am alone and lonely, I am working on me!)

SLOW PROGRESS IS BETTER THAN NO PROGRESS!

I'm in it for the long-haul...

HIGH OF THE WEEK:

Being able to say no to Mcdona;ds S'mores pie! HAVENT HAD ONE THIS WEEK! And if you know me, this is a shocker. I love those things! Saying "No thank you" is a common thing in my life when people wanna feed me. Proud to say I passed up on Mickey D's pie!

LOW OF THE WEEK:

I didnt drink enough water. Considering it's hot here in the City of Angels, I should have drank more water rather than juices. No bueno!

WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK:

ENJOY MYSELF! It has been awhile since I throughly enjoyed myself believe it or not.

CHEERS TO A NEW WEEK!

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In: 2 lbs DOWN! 45.8 pounds LOST!

 

This week I lost 2 POUNDS! Which seriously was again unexpected....that means I am 1 pound away from my mini-goal weight! Woot! Woot!

So ...

HIGH OF THE WEEK?

My high of the week was making healthier decisions when it came to what I am drinking. I was seriously wanting Coca-Cola. A nice cold coke to be exact. But I opted for an unsweetened tea or water. In fact, I walked around my work office with my HUGE water bottle! Lol. I peed like a race horse but I didn't touch the soda! YAY ME!

Oh heres a before and after of the year! WHOA!!!

LOW OF THE WEEK?

My low was eating WAY too many almonds. Last week was my Cheez-itz phase, this week, it is ALMONDS! I think I had way too many when I could have used those points on something else. Oh well. At least I counted! Oh my never mind, my low was eating the new McDonald's S'mores Pie! Which by the way is 8pp! One point during the day I had NO points for dinner because of that pie. An 8 pp dinner when I could have used that 8pp (pie) on dinner to make it 16! Silly Stef! But if you haven't tried it, ADDICTING!

WHAT I LEARNED?

I learned that if I bite it, I write it NO MATTER WHAT! I also learned that I have a goal. I WILL COMPLETE MY GOAL! I will get there and if my progress is slow, I dont care. Its better than NO progress! I will enjoy life the best that I can. No if's, and's or but's. I have FREEDOM with weight watchers. It allows me to live my life FREELY and like a normal 26 Year old!

So there you have ladies and gents! New week!

*Kisses last week and those two pounds goodbye*

 

VLOG: Girl Bullies!

WEIGHT WATCHERS WEEKLY WEIGH-IN: 3 pounds LOST

 

Can I do a happy dance? 

3 POUNDS LOST!

My mini-goal is 175! Hopefully that little goal will be fulfilled and a new one will be made. 

So I decided to change up my weekly weigh-in posts. Typically I would just write, write and write and I realized they are becoming similar to my "Saturdays with Stef"

So to turn to something NEW, I decided to do something new...HERE WE GO!

HIGH OF THE WEEK

My family bought Subway cookies. If you know me, you will know I love sweets. I took ONE cookie, which was 6pp and that was it! NO MORE! Old Stefanie would have taken a few! Nope, not this time! This time I only had a desire to eat one and that was it!

LOW OF THE WEEK

My journey would not be complete without a low. My low was Jack in the Box new nuggets. Ummm 7 pp for 5!! At McDonald's they are 6 for 7 pp! But they taste way better! Even though they are in my pp range I decided no more! Waste of 7 pp! 

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned that I can NOT emotionally eat by simply stopping and thinking of an alternative. For instance, I went for a walk each time I felt like I was gonna emotionally eat. If it was at night, I read. I also kept that water by my bed again, after a week of not having water as my "snack" 

HERE'S TO A NEW WEEK!!!

SATURDAY'S WITH STEF: My Shorts Don't Fit....

 

It takes self-control. Determination. Confidence. Self-love and the ability to stay focused on my goal.

I took this picture just to see how baggy my shorts are. Mind you I have had these shorts for over 3 years. My eyes widened and thought...I DID THIS. Something NO ONE can take away from me. Something I did ON MY OWN. 

Second thought..."This is a big eff-you to every guy who didn't date me because of my weight. A big eff-you to every guy who has ever let me go."

I am so darn proud of myself! PROUD I TELL YOU! All those times someone has called me fat, made fun of my cellulite, my stretch marks and put me down because of my weight, makes me laugh hysterically. How I let these horrid people make me feel like scum because I was heavier than the girl next door is beyond me. NOW, I AM THE GIRL NEXT DOOR BABY!

I started a new job this week, I think I have told you guys. I find myself eating less than I would if I was at home. I guess because none of my favorites are in the work fridge. SCORE! Packing my lunch is a plus btw. I know my points and there's an El Pollo Loco right next door. POLLO BOWLS HERE I COME!!

My shorts don't fit...and I am glad some of the people who brought me down didn't fit in my life either.

Losing has never felt so good. 

I deserve to be treated amazing based on ME. Not the size of my jeans.

The world is mine for the taking!

CHEERS TO A NEW JOB!

CHEERS TO A NEW SIZE!

CHEERS TO NEW ADVENTURES!

CHEERS TO NEW MEMORIES!

CHEERS TO NEW BEGINNINGS! 

Weight Watchers Weekly Weigh-In: Down two ounces

 

Id take a loss of two ounces over a gain any day!

I think this week was more about NON SCALE VICTORIES (NSV). What does that mean, it means victories that didnt involve stepping on a scale. 

For instance, Cinco de Mayo was a toughie for me. I wanted to eat chips, guacamole, salsa and wash my pretty little mouth out with margaritas....but I didnt. Instead I stuck to my plan and counted my points and only had one beer. Which I learned, not that my daily points target is LOWER, I get buzzed 100000 times more faster. One beer did me in and being in a bar, dancing the night away. I was DRENCHED in sweat.

The next day, Sunday, I STILL counted points even though I wanted to stuff my face with a Jack in the Box Bacon Cheeseburger and fries. But I was up until 6 am on the phone with a friend and I pretty much slept all day.

Its the little things like the NSV's that keep my soul in check. Makes me feel proud of myself.

Cheers to NSV's!

Weight Watcher's Weekly Weigh-In : - 2.6 pounds down

 

This makes my weight-loss a total of 41.4 pounds!

Go me!! 

This means I weigh LESS than I did in High school!

WHOA!

And to make this EXTRA special, I decided to bust out my prom dress to see if I can fit in it again...

I DID! It even was big on me!!! Do you see the difference?

Getting back in that dress brought back a lot of memories of my ex. On prom night, he broke up with me as soon as we got there, on the dance floor, to No Doubts "Don't Speak". I felt so beautiful back then and I remember keeping my composure, while all my friends wanted to kick his behind!

But it also made me feel so proud of myself and inspired me to keep going.

So I tried on my winter formal outfit, which took place just a few months before prom...

and guess what!

IT FIT!!

Do you see a difference here too?

These dresses are beautiful and I am so happy I have not thrown em away.

Who knows! Maybe Ill go to an adult prom, or a formal, or maybe be a princess for a day and go to a ball!

I was so proud of myself and thought, "Stef, keep going, you feel great, you look great...."

So I lowered my MINI-GOAL. 175. Five pounds, think I can do it before June? We'll see!

Until then 

CHEERS to HEALTH!

If you cant take care of you, how in the world can you expect to take care of someone else?

Love yourself and the world will love you back!