Christmas Eve Hot 100 Update and a Ho ho ho!

Merry Christmas to all my blog friends!

I am up nice and early this morning. I just couldn't sleep thinking of all the things I need to get done today. I will begin cooking today. I have pies to make and salads to prepare. I'll have 13 people at my house tomorrow for dinner and it should be a lot of fun. 

Don't worry though, I have everything planned. I am doing my sugar free fruit pies. It's an OLD WW recipe and I can eat it without guilt. Also I'll do apple pie, cherry pie and pecan pie. I will be making my cranberry salad which is healthy and also sugar free. We'll have veggies and salad and lean turkey. Roasted sweet potatoes instead of the sweet potato sugar fest with cream I usually make. There will be plenty of choices to keep my calories down. For breakfast I'm doing the casserole and using egg whites instead of real eggs, turkey bacon and low fat cheese.

Yesterday I was doing the last of my grocery shopping and of course when I got home I remembered I forgot some stuff. So I'm running to the store early this morning in hopes I avoid the crowds. Then I'll have the luxury of staying home in a warm, dry house and listening to Christmas music while I cook. I love to cook. It relaxes me and I enjoy it a lot. I used to spend a lot of time munching. One of the reasons I liked to cook is because I could sneak food without people realizing how much I'd eaten. No more my friends. I have figured out how to cook without tasting, at least VERY little.

Last night I made my cranberry-pear and goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin with cranberry-onion compote sauce. It was delicious.  We had fresh green beans and roasted potatoes. I had skipped lunch again and that means I finished the day well under the 1200 calories. I didn't get in as much water as I'd like, although I got in enough for the challenge. But, I woke up this morning and I was very thirsty so I know I need to drink more today.

Here's my Hot 100 update:
1. Weigh 199 pounds: Well, I am on my way. I have only 3 more pounds to go. I refuse to gain in the next 2 days. REFUSE YOU HEAR ME. I weigh 202 pounds. SOOOOO close and the lowest I've weighed in......ever.

2. Exercise 5 days (my new goal from last week): I didn't get this goal done unless you count the vigorous house work I've done the last few days. Nanny's been off and with a house full of guests, there's plenty to do. I worked out 2 days w/ real workouts. Today I plan a little TKD practice as I don't want to forget it all. Plus, it is relaxing in a sweaty get your anger out kinda way. Did I mention the house full of guests? Ha ha.

3.  Size 14:  Well, this one I have done AND I have big news:  I WORE THE SIZE 12 PANTS TO DINNER THE OTHER NIGHT.  I was so proud for a couple of reasons. FIRST. I WORE A size 12!!!! Which I have never done. the smallest I've worn is a size 13 and that was like 1990.  Second, I got new knee high boots. That's right, I've lost so much weight that my old ones I ordered from a plus size catalog in wide calf size are too big and slip down all the time. So I ordered new ones on clearance from Kohl's for $35. Score on the price!  They are very cute and fit great.  I wanted to wear them to dinner, but my size 14 pants were too baggy in the boots so I thought, what the heck, why not just try on those 12s. And they fit. They were snug, but they button and zip and they are skinny leg pants so with my long sweater they looked great.  A side benefit was that I couldn't eat as much at the restaurant so, double score.

4.Get my Yellow belt: You know I've done it.
5: Do a 5K: Again I did one, but couldn't run the whole way. This is on my major must do for the new year.

And so, I must go shower and get ready for the quick trip to the store. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. Remember not to get caught up in the idea of "perfect" holidays. The perfect day is one where you are comfortable, happy, healthy and with those you love. That's all that matters.  Stay the course. Don't fall into the "It's ONLY one day trap!"  I'll see you on the other side of the holiday.

Merry Christmas, All! I'll leave you with a couple of pics of my decorated and quiet house from this morning.