Not much change on the scale. I think the issue is the fact that it is so hot so, I've been retaining water like crazy! I have been drinking 100 ounces of water a day and it doesn't seem to be enough. I've been so thirsty!
I need to get to bed. 4:00 a.m. comes very early and right now, as I type this, it's 10:30. I will give a more detailed post very soon. I've been super busy with some things that are not weight loss related yet and can't post about them on my family blog just yet.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Weigh In Monday
Back on track this week! The scale is down to 185. I couldn't be happier. Being back on track feels so good. 30 pounds gone!!! Enough said! Oh and I am officially training for a half marathon set to be run on 10/10/10.
Friday, July 16, 2010
5K Run!
Saturday July 11, 2010 I completed my first 5K run!
It was spectacular. I finished in just over 34 minutes. My unrealistic goal was to complete it in 30 flat. My realistic goal was to run it and finish with a time that was less than 40 minutes. I achieved both of my realistic goals. I couldn't be happier.
It was that day that I realized how much I have actually accomplished over the last 2 and 1/2 months. Which is quite honestly, a LOT! I will not go into all of my accomplishments since, after all, this post is about the 5K run I mentioned. I spent 9 weeks training for this 5K. There were times I thought, run for 30 minutes straight...no way! But, I did. I succeeded. I got through the training and put that training to the test.
The 5K run I took part in was a charity event raising money for the local Guild's School of the city I live in. The Guild's School is a school for children with disabilities. The run was put on by the gym that I am a member of. It was perfect timing and what better way to test my body physically then by running for a good cause.
Before and after my run were not the most happy times of my life. I had no one there to support me. My mom was originally supposed to go and bring Lily. But she "forgot" and scheduled something else to do for herself. So, I, at the last minute had to find someone else to watch Lily. My mother in law was able to do it. She just came to my house and watched her. I was really bummed when I arrived at the race knowing that no one would be there at the finish line to cheer for me and watch me finish. I cried several tears when I first found out that my mom wasn't going to go. At first I was mad that she wasn't going to watch Lily then, I soon realized that the reason I was so upset was not because she wasn't going to watch Lily, it was because she wasn't going to be there to support me. And maybe you are wondering about my husband...he works every Saturday starting at 9 am and the run was at 9. I know he would have been there in a heartbeat if he could have.
I decided to look up on the computer how it was from the gym to my husbands work and it was over 3.2 miles. So, I ran over a 10K. I couldn't have been more proud of myself at that moment. Yes, I ran part of the second leg but, I had only been training to run a 5K and I doubled that. Pretty stinkin' awesome!
I know that a lot of people can't do what I had done for one reason or another. What is heart breaking is when there are people that would do anything to walk let alone run and they can't because of physical impairments. I have a blogging friend who has been on a weight loss journey while battling MS. Can you believe it? Can you just imagine how strong she has to be? She has had a lot of accomplishments in her journey and has lost a lot of weight. One thing she desires is to be able to run. I dedicated my 5K to her. Check her blog out here. Her name is Lesia. Show her your support, she deserves it!
It was spectacular. I finished in just over 34 minutes. My unrealistic goal was to complete it in 30 flat. My realistic goal was to run it and finish with a time that was less than 40 minutes. I achieved both of my realistic goals. I couldn't be happier.
It was that day that I realized how much I have actually accomplished over the last 2 and 1/2 months. Which is quite honestly, a LOT! I will not go into all of my accomplishments since, after all, this post is about the 5K run I mentioned. I spent 9 weeks training for this 5K. There were times I thought, run for 30 minutes straight...no way! But, I did. I succeeded. I got through the training and put that training to the test.
The 5K run I took part in was a charity event raising money for the local Guild's School of the city I live in. The Guild's School is a school for children with disabilities. The run was put on by the gym that I am a member of. It was perfect timing and what better way to test my body physically then by running for a good cause.
Before and after my run were not the most happy times of my life. I had no one there to support me. My mom was originally supposed to go and bring Lily. But she "forgot" and scheduled something else to do for herself. So, I, at the last minute had to find someone else to watch Lily. My mother in law was able to do it. She just came to my house and watched her. I was really bummed when I arrived at the race knowing that no one would be there at the finish line to cheer for me and watch me finish. I cried several tears when I first found out that my mom wasn't going to go. At first I was mad that she wasn't going to watch Lily then, I soon realized that the reason I was so upset was not because she wasn't going to watch Lily, it was because she wasn't going to be there to support me. And maybe you are wondering about my husband...he works every Saturday starting at 9 am and the run was at 9. I know he would have been there in a heartbeat if he could have.
Upon my arrival I spotted a friend of ours and her friend. Actually, she is my husbands boss. I approached her and talked with her and her friend. She knew it was my first 5K. She is a super, great athlete and is training for a full marathon. Actually, she is going to try to qualify for the Boston. Pretty sweet! Anyway, she asked if I was excited and I told her no, that I was actually bummed because no one was coming. We chit chatted until the race started. I started strong. I ran half of it with a really good pace. I was going to keep track on my iPod and forgot to start it a couple blocks in so, I decided to just start it late. I took it out of the arm band where I had also put my car key. Since it was my first race and I didn't have anyone there I wasn't sure what to do with my stuff so, I thought I would just throw everything in my trunk except for my car key. I put the key in my arm band with my iPod thinking that would be a good spot for it. I ran, and finished the race. On the other side of the finish line was my friend and her friend. They had waited for me to finish. I was so happy! It meant more to me than they probably realized.
Pictures I took before the race since I had no one to talk pictures of me.
They congratulated me on my great job. They finished about 10 minutes ahead of me at first and second place. I was probably about 10th place. It was a very small run. We said our good byes. They had left there stuff with the gym employees inside the gym. I started walking across the parking lot to my car, got to my car, and unzipped my arm band, and low and behold there was NO car key. I looked over to see if my friend's car was still there, it was so I walked back to the gym. Then, I glanced over to the car again, and sure enough, it was GONE. I was stranded. I had no phone, it was in my trunk. I checked all my doors, they were all locked. Now, I could have gone up to some of the volunteers to explain the situation or I could have asked to use the phone in the gym. But, I didn't know any numbers and was too embarrassed to ask for a phone book. So, I thought and thought about what I was going to do. My husband's work is not TOO far away from the gym. I takes like 5 minutes top to drive from one to the other. So, I decided, my only option was to run and that is what I did. I was so upset about it. I cried for much of the way. I was mad! It was not what I had been training for, I told my MIL I was going to be home by 10. I had no way of getting a hold of her to let her know I was going to be late. I cried and ran and cried and ran. I did some walking, more walking than I wanted to do because I just wanted to get to my husband's work. I finally got there about 45 minutes later. I walk in and see him as he sees me and he smiles really big and I just shake my head no at him. He asks me what is wrong and then the tears came again and I tell him the story and tell him I need his keys. He told me he would take a break and drive me back to my car. Thank goodness he had an extra key to my car on his keys. He drove me back and gave me positive feedback on my run because turns out our friend (his boss) had come in and told him about my good job. Frustrating that she had went there when that is where I needed to go but, just missed her. Grrr! Adam called his mom to let her know what had happened. She was fine with it. She hadn't expected me home by 10. Sad really that she didn't have faith in me to run it in the amount of time I said I would run it in. But, whatever. I am thankful that she watched Lily and thankful she wasn't upset that I was over an hour late.
Pictures I took before the race since I had no one to talk pictures of me.
I decided to look up on the computer how it was from the gym to my husbands work and it was over 3.2 miles. So, I ran over a 10K. I couldn't have been more proud of myself at that moment. Yes, I ran part of the second leg but, I had only been training to run a 5K and I doubled that. Pretty stinkin' awesome!
I know that a lot of people can't do what I had done for one reason or another. What is heart breaking is when there are people that would do anything to walk let alone run and they can't because of physical impairments. I have a blogging friend who has been on a weight loss journey while battling MS. Can you believe it? Can you just imagine how strong she has to be? She has had a lot of accomplishments in her journey and has lost a lot of weight. One thing she desires is to be able to run. I dedicated my 5K to her. Check her blog out here. Her name is Lesia. Show her your support, she deserves it!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Weigh In Monday
This morning I weighed in at 187.4. Almost a pound. I will take it and be happy with it.
I am still having a hard time getting back into the gym. My eating choices have not been stellar but, they were decent. I did a lot of thinking about why I have been having a hard time. It comes down to making a choice. I haven't been making that choice for myself for a while now. Yes, life has been hard lately, adjusting to working full time, sinus infections for all three of us, Lily's hospitalization, falling behind on my household duties, etc. But, it comes down to a choice. Last week was a normal, healthy week. I chose not to go to the gym, not a single day. I chose many other things that I shouldn't have. I need to get to a place where I am ready to make positive choices for myself in order for me to continue down my weight loss journey. The weight is coming off just at a much slower pace than it was. I am not to the point where the weight comes off slow because there isn't much more to lose, it's because I am not making the same choices I was making before. I am not working nearly as hard as I was. A huge motivator for me was the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge I participated in. I kicked butt at it because I wanted to win. It's over now, has been over for a while and I feel like that is a big reason why I haven't been trying as hard. I know it's not right for me to depend on positive reinforcement to maintain my weight loss. I have to find strength within me to keep myself motivated, to get myself to the gym everyday.
I need to go back to posting my weekly goals. I haven't done as good of a job as that lately. Oh my, I have been lacking in so many areas. Here are my weekly goals: complete my bible study 4 days a week, track my food, go the gym 5 days, not eat sugar, and get 3 outdoor runs in. I will do my very best to meet all of my goals. Someone, please hold me accountable.
In some good news. I completed my first 5K on Saturday. I will post a separate post about just the run tomorrow. It deserves to have it's own post.
I am still having a hard time getting back into the gym. My eating choices have not been stellar but, they were decent. I did a lot of thinking about why I have been having a hard time. It comes down to making a choice. I haven't been making that choice for myself for a while now. Yes, life has been hard lately, adjusting to working full time, sinus infections for all three of us, Lily's hospitalization, falling behind on my household duties, etc. But, it comes down to a choice. Last week was a normal, healthy week. I chose not to go to the gym, not a single day. I chose many other things that I shouldn't have. I need to get to a place where I am ready to make positive choices for myself in order for me to continue down my weight loss journey. The weight is coming off just at a much slower pace than it was. I am not to the point where the weight comes off slow because there isn't much more to lose, it's because I am not making the same choices I was making before. I am not working nearly as hard as I was. A huge motivator for me was the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge I participated in. I kicked butt at it because I wanted to win. It's over now, has been over for a while and I feel like that is a big reason why I haven't been trying as hard. I know it's not right for me to depend on positive reinforcement to maintain my weight loss. I have to find strength within me to keep myself motivated, to get myself to the gym everyday.
I need to go back to posting my weekly goals. I haven't done as good of a job as that lately. Oh my, I have been lacking in so many areas. Here are my weekly goals: complete my bible study 4 days a week, track my food, go the gym 5 days, not eat sugar, and get 3 outdoor runs in. I will do my very best to meet all of my goals. Someone, please hold me accountable.
In some good news. I completed my first 5K on Saturday. I will post a separate post about just the run tomorrow. It deserves to have it's own post.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Weigh In Monday
I am down to 188.2. I finally got below that 189 mark where you just know that at any time you can go right back to the 190s.
I can't even believe I lost any weight though. It's been a very, challenging week. I failed to leave sugar out of my diet, I failed to keep up with my workouts, and I failed to start my bible study. I did however, stop eating food at school.
Why was the week so hard? My daughter was hospitalized for 2 days, 1 night. From Tuesday to Wednesday. She has been so sick and been in and out of the doctor and not receiving any help. She had a high fever for 24 hours, diarrhea for 12 days, and what tipped us off was she began throwing up Tuesday morning. They couldn't find anything wrong with her other than being severely dehydrated because of all the diarrhea. They ran urine tests, blood tests, and a nasal swab test and all tests came back clear of any sickness. They did a stool sample test but, we haven't heard back on the results of that. Hopefully something will show up because she STILL has diarrhea, it has been 19 days! She has had a runny nose for over a month now. I don't think the 2 are related but, still! So, yeah, I stayed at the hospital with her so eating food without any kind of sugar was near impossible when the food I depended on was either hospital food or food brought in by family. It actually wasn't too bad. The day after we got home, I weighed myself to see what kind of damage had been done and that is when I was greeted by 188.2 on the scale. I have been exhausted since then. I haven't been to the gym because of my exhaustion. For the 4th of July I had some sugar. I didn't over eat or anything though and with the exception of a couple of sugary treats, I ate fairly well.
This was the first week I did not beat myself over having a bad week. I am glad I lost, most definitely. I know the reason I am not hard on myself is because much of it was completely out of my control. I had to put my family first and just get us through the week.
This next week I am hoping to get my life back in order. Get to the gym and give the week of no sugar another go.
My first 5K race is this Saturday. So excited to run it and post about it!
Oh and in case you were wondering, Lily is ok now aside from the 19 days of diarrhea.
I can't even believe I lost any weight though. It's been a very, challenging week. I failed to leave sugar out of my diet, I failed to keep up with my workouts, and I failed to start my bible study. I did however, stop eating food at school.
Why was the week so hard? My daughter was hospitalized for 2 days, 1 night. From Tuesday to Wednesday. She has been so sick and been in and out of the doctor and not receiving any help. She had a high fever for 24 hours, diarrhea for 12 days, and what tipped us off was she began throwing up Tuesday morning. They couldn't find anything wrong with her other than being severely dehydrated because of all the diarrhea. They ran urine tests, blood tests, and a nasal swab test and all tests came back clear of any sickness. They did a stool sample test but, we haven't heard back on the results of that. Hopefully something will show up because she STILL has diarrhea, it has been 19 days! She has had a runny nose for over a month now. I don't think the 2 are related but, still! So, yeah, I stayed at the hospital with her so eating food without any kind of sugar was near impossible when the food I depended on was either hospital food or food brought in by family. It actually wasn't too bad. The day after we got home, I weighed myself to see what kind of damage had been done and that is when I was greeted by 188.2 on the scale. I have been exhausted since then. I haven't been to the gym because of my exhaustion. For the 4th of July I had some sugar. I didn't over eat or anything though and with the exception of a couple of sugary treats, I ate fairly well.
This was the first week I did not beat myself over having a bad week. I am glad I lost, most definitely. I know the reason I am not hard on myself is because much of it was completely out of my control. I had to put my family first and just get us through the week.
This next week I am hoping to get my life back in order. Get to the gym and give the week of no sugar another go.
My first 5K race is this Saturday. So excited to run it and post about it!
Oh and in case you were wondering, Lily is ok now aside from the 19 days of diarrhea.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Summer '09
Summer '10
Can you see the difference? Obviously my daughter has changed in almost a year. But, I can see a difference in the overall size of my frame. Last summer, I was very unhealthy. This summer I feel great. I really do like the hair I had last year better than this year. But, now's the time to work on my physical body. I will worry about my hair later. I can't wait to compare pictures from last year, this year, and NEXT year!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Weigh In Monday
Not really going to post much. My weight has been fluctuating from 189 to 191 for a while now. My family hasn't been doing too well and need to put our health and well being at top priority.
The few things I have to say are:
The few things I have to say are:
- I am going off of all sugar starting tomorrow. It will be a challenge but, I am excited about it.
- Tomorrow I will also be starting a bible study from the site, Setting Captives Free. They have a bible study for food addicts. Thought it might do my some good.
- I have less than 2 weeks until my first 5K. I am super excited about it!
- I will be keeping up with my workouts although due to my family's health issues it's been 4 days per week at the gym rather than 5/6.
- I did not partake in any food at work today other than the food I brought in myself.
- I am hanging in there and will not be giving up. In case anyone doubted me.
Friday, June 25, 2010
I am not sure what happened to me but, I have pretty much lost my motivation. I thought it was because I was sick and my family was sick and I was tired from starting my new job and from getting behind in my household duties. But, I am no longer sick and still haven't found my motivation again. I have went to the gym for an hour Monday through Thursday. I ate really well on Monday and then slowly I have made poor eating choices as the week has progressed. Now, here it is Friday. I did not go to the gym because I had a training session at 6 am and lost my keys and didn't find them in time to go. How frustrating is that?! I was mad! I wanted to go in before work but, my daughter was (still is) having some MAJOR diaper rash issues, more than a rash, she has a yeast infection. It's awful. She slept until 8:30 and she cuddled with me until 9:30 because she was in pain. My child needed me, I am fine with that. I told myself it was ok as long as I was right on with my eating. As the day progressed I wound up eating a cookie and some rice krispy treats. My dinner was bad too. I feel like I have no self-control. I eat the junk at the Children's Center. I am with my kids for lunch and afternoon snack. I have a hard time not partaking in the food when 20 people all around me are eating it. Even if I have brought my own food. I am hoping that writing all this out might help me gain some self-control and I will be able to start fresh on Monday. I am not sure what to do to gain back my self-control. I feel like I have been slipping for about 3 weeks now and if I keep going downhill I am just going to eventually wind up right where I started and I do NOT want that. But, I don't know how to find within me what it takes to make the better choices that I need to make, that I know I am capable of making when I am in the right mindset.
I think I just need to recommit. Commit to eating natural foods, healthful foods, and commit to staying away from simple carbs and sugar foods and processed foods. I was doing extraordinarily well, what happened to me? Maybe that's the thing, maybe I was doing TOO well that I crashed. Or am slowly crashing anyway. I feel like maybe I need a balance but, I have honestly no idea how to balance, I am generally and all or nothing type of girl.
And readers, I love your support and encouragement but, let's not sugar coat this. I am making bad choices. I don't want to read any comments about how I have been doing great and am too hard on myself. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I will admit that yes, sometimes I am too hard on myself. But, this time I am not. It is the reality. The reality is that I have made poor choices for absolutely no reason other than because I have no self-control to deny food that is being eatien in front of me. What's up with that? Frustrates me. I need to get this under control and fast.
I think I just need to recommit. Commit to eating natural foods, healthful foods, and commit to staying away from simple carbs and sugar foods and processed foods. I was doing extraordinarily well, what happened to me? Maybe that's the thing, maybe I was doing TOO well that I crashed. Or am slowly crashing anyway. I feel like maybe I need a balance but, I have honestly no idea how to balance, I am generally and all or nothing type of girl.
And readers, I love your support and encouragement but, let's not sugar coat this. I am making bad choices. I don't want to read any comments about how I have been doing great and am too hard on myself. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I will admit that yes, sometimes I am too hard on myself. But, this time I am not. It is the reality. The reality is that I have made poor choices for absolutely no reason other than because I have no self-control to deny food that is being eatien in front of me. What's up with that? Frustrates me. I need to get this under control and fast.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Back So Soon
Isn't it funny how one day of being back on track can make all the difference in the results? Ok well not funny but, probably pretty obvious. So, I was pleased when I got on the scale this morning and saw this:
This is me after a day of success with being back on track. Finally a picture right! Sorry it's not a very good one.
This is me after a day of success with being back on track. Finally a picture right! Sorry it's not a very good one.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Weigh In Monday
There is some good, really good and some bad to report. Most people want bad news first I think so here it is. I am up, yes, I finally got what was coming to me and gained. Yikes! I am at 191.6. I attribute this gain to the terrible funk I have been in created by being super sick with a sinus infection. The sinus infection left me feeling drained of ALL energy. I made it to the gym just once last week and it was only for a 30 minute run on my lunch break. I also ran outside for 21 minutes. That was my first outdoor run and I am pretty proud of making it 21 straight minutes. I could definitely had done more but, I was on my lunch break then too and didn't want too get too yucky to go back to work. I also quit breastfeeding and was in a LOT of pain over the week.
News gets better from here. It's a long post but, I think it will be worth the time reading.
Today, is a new day. I feel 100% better and my energy has been restored. I am on antibiotics and they have been working tremendously well. I am no longer in pain either. I made it to the gym this morning and got my weight training workout done as well as a 30 minute run. It felt great to get back at it and I am really looking forward to a solid week of gym workouts, eating right, and hopefully some outside runs too.
A few weeks back I had mentioned that I stopped journaling my food and I needed to start it again. Well, today I did. I wrote it all down and figured out my total calories. It felt good to have that back in my routine also.
I gave up coffee two weeks ago. I was drinking it every single day. I NEEDED it. Well, I am glad to say that I don't need it any more. I thoroughly miss having it but, I don't depend on it to enjoy my day. I do have tea every now and again. After getting through two weeks without coffee everyday, I have decided that I will have coffee socially. I will never again have it on a daily basis. I feel like since it's something I really enjoy, it would be nice to have it socially. Most of my friends are coffee drinkers and that is really what we do, go to coffee. I was telling a good friend of mine that it feels like I am going against who I am to not have coffee but, I am also really proud of the fact that I gave it up. She reminded me that I, we (because she gave up coffee too) need to give the credit to God because He is the reason why I am able to go without it, why I am able to do this weight loss thing period. She also reminded me that I need to not let things like coffee or my self-control to abstain from coffee not determine who I am. Which, unfortunately, is so easy to do and what I was doing. So, for that reason alone I am glad I gave it up. Now, I really need to focus on giving God the glory with my weight loss and not thinking it's me that is conquering the scale.
This weekend was our anniversary. My lovely, husband, Adam and I have been married for 5 years. To celebrate we went to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and also where we had our first date, Chilis. Chilis, where we live is at the mall. So, we decided to go on a mini shopping spree. Adam needed new shorts because he, too, has lost weight and all of his shorts are way too big. I am proud of him for making the changes he has. We are both the same size we were when we got married. I got two summer dresses, that I never would have worn 24 pounds ago. One is even a tube top. I got some leggings. I never felt I could pull off leggings before. I LOVE them! They are so comfortable and even considered wearing them everyday. I also got a pair of sunglasses. Not that weight loss has anything to do with sunglasses, I just needed some new one. It was such a happy day and I am so excited about my new clothes and being in a smaller size. Not only am I in a smaller size, I am now able to shop at stores I shied away from because I felt too fat to wear the clothes that they sold.
Even more great news so, hopefully, you are still with me. I won the 6 Week Biggest Loser Challenge I was doing. I had lost a total of 6.57% over the course of 6 weeks. I am super excited. Everyone had to send in a $10 gift card to the place of their choosing so, my winnings will be an assortment of gift cards. I am super stoked about it.
News gets better from here. It's a long post but, I think it will be worth the time reading.
Today, is a new day. I feel 100% better and my energy has been restored. I am on antibiotics and they have been working tremendously well. I am no longer in pain either. I made it to the gym this morning and got my weight training workout done as well as a 30 minute run. It felt great to get back at it and I am really looking forward to a solid week of gym workouts, eating right, and hopefully some outside runs too.
A few weeks back I had mentioned that I stopped journaling my food and I needed to start it again. Well, today I did. I wrote it all down and figured out my total calories. It felt good to have that back in my routine also.
I gave up coffee two weeks ago. I was drinking it every single day. I NEEDED it. Well, I am glad to say that I don't need it any more. I thoroughly miss having it but, I don't depend on it to enjoy my day. I do have tea every now and again. After getting through two weeks without coffee everyday, I have decided that I will have coffee socially. I will never again have it on a daily basis. I feel like since it's something I really enjoy, it would be nice to have it socially. Most of my friends are coffee drinkers and that is really what we do, go to coffee. I was telling a good friend of mine that it feels like I am going against who I am to not have coffee but, I am also really proud of the fact that I gave it up. She reminded me that I, we (because she gave up coffee too) need to give the credit to God because He is the reason why I am able to go without it, why I am able to do this weight loss thing period. She also reminded me that I need to not let things like coffee or my self-control to abstain from coffee not determine who I am. Which, unfortunately, is so easy to do and what I was doing. So, for that reason alone I am glad I gave it up. Now, I really need to focus on giving God the glory with my weight loss and not thinking it's me that is conquering the scale.
This weekend was our anniversary. My lovely, husband, Adam and I have been married for 5 years. To celebrate we went to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and also where we had our first date, Chilis. Chilis, where we live is at the mall. So, we decided to go on a mini shopping spree. Adam needed new shorts because he, too, has lost weight and all of his shorts are way too big. I am proud of him for making the changes he has. We are both the same size we were when we got married. I got two summer dresses, that I never would have worn 24 pounds ago. One is even a tube top. I got some leggings. I never felt I could pull off leggings before. I LOVE them! They are so comfortable and even considered wearing them everyday. I also got a pair of sunglasses. Not that weight loss has anything to do with sunglasses, I just needed some new one. It was such a happy day and I am so excited about my new clothes and being in a smaller size. Not only am I in a smaller size, I am now able to shop at stores I shied away from because I felt too fat to wear the clothes that they sold.
Even more great news so, hopefully, you are still with me. I won the 6 Week Biggest Loser Challenge I was doing. I had lost a total of 6.57% over the course of 6 weeks. I am super excited. Everyone had to send in a $10 gift card to the place of their choosing so, my winnings will be an assortment of gift cards. I am super stoked about it.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Weigh In Monday
I have had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. I was visited again by TOM in addition to being VERY sick. I didn't lose any weight. I didn't gain any either so that's a plus. Yes, I am bummed I didn't make it to see the 180s but, it was a really challenging week. It's been difficult emotionally. Most weeks TOM comes to visit, are emotional. I have been overwhelmed with things to do on top of adjusting to working Monday through Friday 12 to 6. I am just not used to working full time (yes, I realize it's not 40 hours), as I have been a sub for the last year and a half and a student before that. I have been completely exhausted and I feel like I am just trying to stay a float, rather than actually do some swimming. My daughter is sick, my husband is sick, my daughter has been up throughout the night this last week because she is sick, she has been waking up at 5 a.m., and we have had a LOAD of yard work to do to finally get our backyard finished. Specifically, my mom, Lily (my 21 month old) spent the weekend hauling 18 yards of dirt from my front sidewalk to my backyard. It was rough, let me tell you. And no, the non stop shoveling and dumping did not do anything for my weight loss, well maybe it's what kept me from gaining.
I didn't eat anything bad, I just wasn't counting calories. I would do a rough estimate but, I just didn't have the energy. I was so exhausted from being up in the nights I only made it to the gym a couple of times.
I am ready to feel better, ready to get back to normal. I honestly feel like the more I am ready for normalcy, the worse off I end up being. Maybe I just need to learn that I need to keep going no matter what comes my way. But, I feel like I am about to sink and I just don't know how much more I can do. Ugh!
Sorry for the downer. Hoping my family and I feel better soon.
Someone please give me some great news! I am tired of the bad news.
I didn't eat anything bad, I just wasn't counting calories. I would do a rough estimate but, I just didn't have the energy. I was so exhausted from being up in the nights I only made it to the gym a couple of times.
I am ready to feel better, ready to get back to normal. I honestly feel like the more I am ready for normalcy, the worse off I end up being. Maybe I just need to learn that I need to keep going no matter what comes my way. But, I feel like I am about to sink and I just don't know how much more I can do. Ugh!
Sorry for the downer. Hoping my family and I feel better soon.
Someone please give me some great news! I am tired of the bad news.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Weigh In Monday
This morning I weighed in at 190.6 pounds. Woohoo! I can't believe I am SO close to the 180s! I don't feel like I was in the 190s long at all. I hope I am in the 180s for the same amount of time or less for that matter. But, I need to just get there first. At some point it's going to get much harder for me to lose weight and I am bracing myself for that.
How did the week go despite my 3.4 pound lose? Terrible actually. I have no idea how I lost any weight and how I didn't GAIN weight! I had the intense craving for BREAD. So, I had about 3 pieces of 80 calorie a slice bread with real butter, just a bit though. The bread was really good healthy bread but, still, it was bread, bread that I should not have had. I also ate some food at my new job that I shouldn't have. I had a piece of pizza and a couple other things I don't remember exactly. The worse part about my week was I only made it to the gym once! Yikes! I seriously could not get out of bed. Part of that I discovered was I was getting sick. I am currently sick. It's awesome...NOT! I hate feeling sick, as I am sure everyone does. But, it happens every time I either start work after a break or in this case, start a new job. My daughter is sick too. It usually takes 3 weeks for our colds to go away. I also have a confession. Saturday night, I wasn't feeling well and just wanted some ice cream. So, I stopped at Dairy Queen and picked up 2 blizzards for my husband and me. They were smalls though and they were also so delicious and I don't regret it one bit! Ok...another confession. I also made no bake cookies and ate quite a few of them. So, as you can see, I really should have gain weight and I do not deserve such a great lose this week. I did notice that I thought about everything I ate and why I was eating it. I feel like that awareness says a lot. I wasn't just eating to eat.
During the week I, also, realized I have been way too hard on myself. I think that may have been part of the problem of why I was eating so poorly. I was tired of being so hard on myself, beating myself up over every little mistake. This week was definitely proof that I don't have to beat myself up. That I can have a couple indulgences and still make progress on my weight loss. But, most importantly I need to be aware of what I am eating and why. I need to be aware of the foods that I put into my body, what they are made of and approximately how many calories each food is worth. It's mindful eating and ultimately I would really like to live mindfully in every area of my life. All in due time.
I don't have much to say because I didn't really workout. The one day I did workout I did my normal weight training then running. I am up to week 7 in the C25K. I can't believe I can run for 25 minutes straight! I feel pretty proud of this feat! I am definitely doing my first 5K on July 10th AND I am highly considering doing my first 10K on 10/10/10. I LOVE running. It makes me feel so great about myself. It's such a mental thing for me and pushing through all my negativity I give myself in my head means so much to me. I am stronger than I have ever known myself to be and that is a great feeling.
There is only one more week in the 6 Week Weight Loss Challenge I joined up. I have a pretty good chance of winning the whole thing. I am super excited. I really have to NOT blow it this week. It's kind of hard to say for sure where I stand because a few people aren't weighing in. So, maybe they will all blow me out of the water next week at our final weigh in.
Ok well, here's to hitting the 180s tomorrow! I hope, I hope, I hope! I will try and do the same as I did when I entered into wonderland. We will see how time goes. It seems that I don't have much of it any more now that I am working full time.
How are all of you? How was your week? What indulgences do you allow yourself to have if any at all?
How did the week go despite my 3.4 pound lose? Terrible actually. I have no idea how I lost any weight and how I didn't GAIN weight! I had the intense craving for BREAD. So, I had about 3 pieces of 80 calorie a slice bread with real butter, just a bit though. The bread was really good healthy bread but, still, it was bread, bread that I should not have had. I also ate some food at my new job that I shouldn't have. I had a piece of pizza and a couple other things I don't remember exactly. The worse part about my week was I only made it to the gym once! Yikes! I seriously could not get out of bed. Part of that I discovered was I was getting sick. I am currently sick. It's awesome...NOT! I hate feeling sick, as I am sure everyone does. But, it happens every time I either start work after a break or in this case, start a new job. My daughter is sick too. It usually takes 3 weeks for our colds to go away. I also have a confession. Saturday night, I wasn't feeling well and just wanted some ice cream. So, I stopped at Dairy Queen and picked up 2 blizzards for my husband and me. They were smalls though and they were also so delicious and I don't regret it one bit! Ok...another confession. I also made no bake cookies and ate quite a few of them. So, as you can see, I really should have gain weight and I do not deserve such a great lose this week. I did notice that I thought about everything I ate and why I was eating it. I feel like that awareness says a lot. I wasn't just eating to eat.
During the week I, also, realized I have been way too hard on myself. I think that may have been part of the problem of why I was eating so poorly. I was tired of being so hard on myself, beating myself up over every little mistake. This week was definitely proof that I don't have to beat myself up. That I can have a couple indulgences and still make progress on my weight loss. But, most importantly I need to be aware of what I am eating and why. I need to be aware of the foods that I put into my body, what they are made of and approximately how many calories each food is worth. It's mindful eating and ultimately I would really like to live mindfully in every area of my life. All in due time.
I don't have much to say because I didn't really workout. The one day I did workout I did my normal weight training then running. I am up to week 7 in the C25K. I can't believe I can run for 25 minutes straight! I feel pretty proud of this feat! I am definitely doing my first 5K on July 10th AND I am highly considering doing my first 10K on 10/10/10. I LOVE running. It makes me feel so great about myself. It's such a mental thing for me and pushing through all my negativity I give myself in my head means so much to me. I am stronger than I have ever known myself to be and that is a great feeling.
There is only one more week in the 6 Week Weight Loss Challenge I joined up. I have a pretty good chance of winning the whole thing. I am super excited. I really have to NOT blow it this week. It's kind of hard to say for sure where I stand because a few people aren't weighing in. So, maybe they will all blow me out of the water next week at our final weigh in.
Ok well, here's to hitting the 180s tomorrow! I hope, I hope, I hope! I will try and do the same as I did when I entered into wonderland. We will see how time goes. It seems that I don't have much of it any more now that I am working full time.
How are all of you? How was your week? What indulgences do you allow yourself to have if any at all?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Weigh In Monday
I only have a 1 pound loss to report this week. Putting me at 194 pounds. On a good note, I am on the lower half of the 190s! I am ready to bring on the 180s!
My 1 pound weight loss can be explained and here is my reasons...I was eating the Flat Out wraps. They are super healthy for you, filled with whole grains, protein, fiber, omega-3s, 100 calories, and other healthy attributes. They have so much fiber that they cause me to get backed up, if you know what I mean. I packed on an extra 2 pounds for quite a few days. I stopped eating them and it took 2 days to get rid of that extra 2 pounds and feel like myself again. I am bummed that my body just can't handle them because they are so healthy and so delicious. Reason number 2 is that I had my weekend in Seattle as my reward for losing 15 pounds. I made good eating choices but, didn't exercise. We were hoping to get to some parks and walk but, it was raining pretty much all weekend. With my daughter being with me, I just didn't feel like it was a good idea for her sake to be outside in the rain. But, I am ok with that. It was nice to have a weekend of relaxation and quality time with my friend I haven't seen in almost 2 years.
I am looking forward to a new week, a regular week. A week of daily exercise and counting calories, and lots of water drinking.
I have been reading a book by Jillian Michaels. It's called Master Your Metabolism. I am really liking it and have learned SO much! It talks about how messed up our hormones are because of the way we eat...well the way unhealthy people eat. It talks about how if you eat healthy...meaning stay away from processed foods, fatty foods, etc. and eat all natural foods so you can restore your body and your hormones so your hormones can work the way they were intended. It goes through each main hormone and what it does, why it's needed, and what happens if it isn't working properly. It amazed me out how much and how many hormones effect your metabolism. It goes through each type of processed food and what to look for to get rid of from your diet. It also tells you what foods to add in to help each hormone function properly. It's all a bit overwhelming and I find myself questioning what the point is because it seems hopeless. But, I am determined to start somewhere and over time change as much as I can. I am committed to eating naturally, free of processed foods. That is a good starting point. Over time, I plan on switching to all organic foods, then after that I plan on switching my household products to be free of chemicals and toxins. There will always be changes I can make and that's why it's so overwhelming but, I am really trying to make one change at a time.
I feel like every week has been an experiment of sorts. I am ready to get it all figured out. I am ready to be well educated and informed on all things health and fitness. I am ready to have one solid week of making great choices and doing exactly right by my body. I am ready to know exactly how my body works and what is good for it and not good for it. Obviously, I know that pretzels are not good for my body but, I didn't know that the Flat Out wraps would be so hard on my system.
That about sums up my week. How was yours?
My 1 pound weight loss can be explained and here is my reasons...I was eating the Flat Out wraps. They are super healthy for you, filled with whole grains, protein, fiber, omega-3s, 100 calories, and other healthy attributes. They have so much fiber that they cause me to get backed up, if you know what I mean. I packed on an extra 2 pounds for quite a few days. I stopped eating them and it took 2 days to get rid of that extra 2 pounds and feel like myself again. I am bummed that my body just can't handle them because they are so healthy and so delicious. Reason number 2 is that I had my weekend in Seattle as my reward for losing 15 pounds. I made good eating choices but, didn't exercise. We were hoping to get to some parks and walk but, it was raining pretty much all weekend. With my daughter being with me, I just didn't feel like it was a good idea for her sake to be outside in the rain. But, I am ok with that. It was nice to have a weekend of relaxation and quality time with my friend I haven't seen in almost 2 years.
I am looking forward to a new week, a regular week. A week of daily exercise and counting calories, and lots of water drinking.
I have been reading a book by Jillian Michaels. It's called Master Your Metabolism. I am really liking it and have learned SO much! It talks about how messed up our hormones are because of the way we eat...well the way unhealthy people eat. It talks about how if you eat healthy...meaning stay away from processed foods, fatty foods, etc. and eat all natural foods so you can restore your body and your hormones so your hormones can work the way they were intended. It goes through each main hormone and what it does, why it's needed, and what happens if it isn't working properly. It amazed me out how much and how many hormones effect your metabolism. It goes through each type of processed food and what to look for to get rid of from your diet. It also tells you what foods to add in to help each hormone function properly. It's all a bit overwhelming and I find myself questioning what the point is because it seems hopeless. But, I am determined to start somewhere and over time change as much as I can. I am committed to eating naturally, free of processed foods. That is a good starting point. Over time, I plan on switching to all organic foods, then after that I plan on switching my household products to be free of chemicals and toxins. There will always be changes I can make and that's why it's so overwhelming but, I am really trying to make one change at a time.
I feel like every week has been an experiment of sorts. I am ready to get it all figured out. I am ready to be well educated and informed on all things health and fitness. I am ready to have one solid week of making great choices and doing exactly right by my body. I am ready to know exactly how my body works and what is good for it and not good for it. Obviously, I know that pretzels are not good for my body but, I didn't know that the Flat Out wraps would be so hard on my system.
That about sums up my week. How was yours?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Let the Blog Tour Begin!
I first want to welcome all the newcomers that are here because of the Tour. I hope you enjoy what you read and if you do feel free to follow along my journey as I become a better me through fitness and health and other positive changes. I am less than 2 weeks in to my weight loss journey and while I have had some great success I still have a long journey ahead of me. Support is essential to success in my journey, I can only imagine you feel the same. So as you support me, I will gladly support you as well.
Here is a little about me:
My before picture.
This picture is pre baby and quite a while ago but, it's the heaviest I have been. It's the picture I look at and think about when I need a reminder of what I do NOT want to be. That's why I am choosing it as my before picture. This was taken at a wedding. I hadn't even realized I was as fat as I was until I saw the pictures. It was from there where I decided I needed to be healthier. I lost some weight and it went up and down until I got pregnant. I got really healthy over my pregnancy because I wanted to make sure I had a healthy pregnancy. I lost quite a bit by the time I gave birth. After a few months I started gaining it back and while I hadn't gained all of it back I got pretty close and decided once and for all it was time to get healthy and stay healthy. My weight loss journey officially began.
Just before I started the official weight loss journey.
This is the only picture I have of me that is not with a group of people of recent. This is my daughter and me about a week before Easter shortly before I decided to embark on my weight loss journey. Not the best picture but, if you compare my face in this picture to my face in the previous you can tell that I am definitely smaller than I was before.
After picture:
Well, you will have to stay tuned for that. I honestly haven't taken any pictures of myself lately. I plan on getting some good ones in Seattle this weekend so when I return I will post one or two then. Sorry to leave you hanging.
My plan:
I have been blessed with a gym membership and personal trainer free of charge. I spend 6 days a week in the gym. I meet with my trainer twice a month. While I am at the gym I spend part of the time completing the workouts my trainer has made for me. There are 3 days of workouts and each day I am there I also do an ab workout. The 3 workouts are 2 days of arms and one day of legs all encompassing strengthening my core. In addition to my weight training workouts I am completing the Couch to 5k program. Currently, I just started week 6. It's going really well. It's hard but, I feel successful at it which is something I don't feel too often. Plus, it's a dream of mine to be a runner and I feel like with this program that dream might actually come true.
I am trying to eat healthy overall, counting calories, eating more veggies and staying away from processed foods. I was journaling and stopped. But, I am going to pick that back up again because, I think it really helped me stay accountable with my food choices.
I drink water. I have one cup of coffee per day, the rest of what I drink is water. I have one cup of milk about 3 times a week. Other than that, I drink water. I try to drink 100 ounces a day if I can't fit in that much water I won't let myself drink lower than 70 ounces.
My favorite healthy snack currently is raspberries, marion berries, and blueberries and 1/4 cup of plain Greek Yogurt with cinnamon sprinkled on top. My favorites change almost on a weekly basis. So ask me next week and it may be something entirely different.
My biggest life lesson I have learned so far on my weight loss journey is to not give up. During my workouts I find myself saying I could just stop, I could just end the workout and be done. Some how I always manage to keep going. I have learned that is really all about my mental stamina more than my physical stamina.
My biggest strength I have discovered about myself while on my journey relates back to my life lesson in that my body is a lot stronger and more capable than I ever realized. I can do anything physically that I want to as long as I have the mental stamina to push myself through.
My toughest struggle during my journey has been self-control and putting a handle of my cravings. I am not really a binger, I just don't know when enough is enough. So, if I choose to eat, say pretzels, instead of sticking to my portioned out amount, I will just keep eating. I have learned that I am not the stage in my journey where I can eat anything in moderation. I have to completely cut some things out of my diet, like pretzels.
Biggest supporter? Well, I don't have one specific individual. It has been really great seeing all my friends and family support me the way they have. If it wasn't for ALL of them I would NOT be successful in this journey. My online community has been a great support also. Not only just being able to write it all out but, to actually get encouragement from others out there. It adds so much to my motivation level.
When I get to goal I am going to need a new wardrobe. So, after I go on a shopping spree, hopefully in Seattle, I would really like to have another child. Of course my husband would need to be on board and as of now, he is definitely not on that same board. If the baby thing doesn't happen then I don't know. Maybe I will pick up a fun activity that I can do, something outdoorsy, hiking or kayaking or something.
What do I wish someone had told me when I first began? That's a tough question. I mean, I have always known what to do and how to do it. I have done a lot of reading and research as well as trying out a bunch of diets. This may be a question I should come back to in a few months or when I reach goal. I am still pretty fresh and haven't had any big "ah ha" moments.
Words of wisdom: I don't have much to say in this area because I am not wise. But, things I tell myself are: Believe in yourself; I CAN do this; focus on the small successes because the road ahead can be overwhelming; never, never give up, give each second your all;
I am linking to Vegan Ana. I have recently become a follower of her blog. She is following an interesting plan for a vegan diet. She is vegan until dinner time where she can then eat meat and cheese, etc. She sets daily goals for herself and lets her readers know how she did with those goals. Go follow her blog after you have followed mine if you don't already.
Thank you for taking the tour. There are 12 people in the tour so, make sure you squeeze in the time to read all 12 blogs. I can't wait to read all of them myself.
After picture:
Well, you will have to stay tuned for that. I honestly haven't taken any pictures of myself lately. I plan on getting some good ones in Seattle this weekend so when I return I will post one or two then. Sorry to leave you hanging.
My plan:
I have been blessed with a gym membership and personal trainer free of charge. I spend 6 days a week in the gym. I meet with my trainer twice a month. While I am at the gym I spend part of the time completing the workouts my trainer has made for me. There are 3 days of workouts and each day I am there I also do an ab workout. The 3 workouts are 2 days of arms and one day of legs all encompassing strengthening my core. In addition to my weight training workouts I am completing the Couch to 5k program. Currently, I just started week 6. It's going really well. It's hard but, I feel successful at it which is something I don't feel too often. Plus, it's a dream of mine to be a runner and I feel like with this program that dream might actually come true.
I am trying to eat healthy overall, counting calories, eating more veggies and staying away from processed foods. I was journaling and stopped. But, I am going to pick that back up again because, I think it really helped me stay accountable with my food choices.
I drink water. I have one cup of coffee per day, the rest of what I drink is water. I have one cup of milk about 3 times a week. Other than that, I drink water. I try to drink 100 ounces a day if I can't fit in that much water I won't let myself drink lower than 70 ounces.
My favorite healthy snack currently is raspberries, marion berries, and blueberries and 1/4 cup of plain Greek Yogurt with cinnamon sprinkled on top. My favorites change almost on a weekly basis. So ask me next week and it may be something entirely different.
My biggest life lesson I have learned so far on my weight loss journey is to not give up. During my workouts I find myself saying I could just stop, I could just end the workout and be done. Some how I always manage to keep going. I have learned that is really all about my mental stamina more than my physical stamina.
My biggest strength I have discovered about myself while on my journey relates back to my life lesson in that my body is a lot stronger and more capable than I ever realized. I can do anything physically that I want to as long as I have the mental stamina to push myself through.
My toughest struggle during my journey has been self-control and putting a handle of my cravings. I am not really a binger, I just don't know when enough is enough. So, if I choose to eat, say pretzels, instead of sticking to my portioned out amount, I will just keep eating. I have learned that I am not the stage in my journey where I can eat anything in moderation. I have to completely cut some things out of my diet, like pretzels.
Biggest supporter? Well, I don't have one specific individual. It has been really great seeing all my friends and family support me the way they have. If it wasn't for ALL of them I would NOT be successful in this journey. My online community has been a great support also. Not only just being able to write it all out but, to actually get encouragement from others out there. It adds so much to my motivation level.
When I get to goal I am going to need a new wardrobe. So, after I go on a shopping spree, hopefully in Seattle, I would really like to have another child. Of course my husband would need to be on board and as of now, he is definitely not on that same board. If the baby thing doesn't happen then I don't know. Maybe I will pick up a fun activity that I can do, something outdoorsy, hiking or kayaking or something.
What do I wish someone had told me when I first began? That's a tough question. I mean, I have always known what to do and how to do it. I have done a lot of reading and research as well as trying out a bunch of diets. This may be a question I should come back to in a few months or when I reach goal. I am still pretty fresh and haven't had any big "ah ha" moments.
Words of wisdom: I don't have much to say in this area because I am not wise. But, things I tell myself are: Believe in yourself; I CAN do this; focus on the small successes because the road ahead can be overwhelming; never, never give up, give each second your all;
I am linking to Vegan Ana. I have recently become a follower of her blog. She is following an interesting plan for a vegan diet. She is vegan until dinner time where she can then eat meat and cheese, etc. She sets daily goals for herself and lets her readers know how she did with those goals. Go follow her blog after you have followed mine if you don't already.
Thank you for taking the tour. There are 12 people in the tour so, make sure you squeeze in the time to read all 12 blogs. I can't wait to read all of them myself.
Upcoming
I have joined a Blog Tour started by Sam over at Believe In Yourself. Sam is very encouraging and I look forward to reading her posts all of the time. She, too, is on a weight loss journey. There are a LOT of people on the same journey as I am and it's been so nice to read about others facing the same battle I am facing through the blogging world. It's been a great source of inspiration, motivation, encouragement, and overall sense of feeling like I am not alone.
With the blog tour I am hoping to get more of that community feeling as well as hoping to pass on my story with you readers to give a little of what I have been given through reading some fantastic blogs. I will be posting a little more about myself as well as putting up pictures, (FINALLY, right?!), and linking to another blogger who has health and fitness goals as I do.
Join me tomorrow in my first ever blog tour.
With the blog tour I am hoping to get more of that community feeling as well as hoping to pass on my story with you readers to give a little of what I have been given through reading some fantastic blogs. I will be posting a little more about myself as well as putting up pictures, (FINALLY, right?!), and linking to another blogger who has health and fitness goals as I do.
Join me tomorrow in my first ever blog tour.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Weigh In Monday
Let's get right to it. I weighed in this morning at 195 for a 2.6 pound loss this week. While most people would say that's a pretty good week, I say no, it really could have been better. I got a little lazy and do I dare say, pretentious. I have been losing weight just about every week even though some of my choices have not been superb. So, I have continued to make small bad choices because I always assume the scale will still move in my favor. I am done with that mindset. I am back on track or rather more on the center of the track and incredibly focused.
Here is a little about the week.
I met with my trainer. It was a good workout. I was able to talk about some issues I was having with this months workout. I hadn't been feeling like I was physically and mentally connecting to the workout like I did with the last one. I tried to describe the way I was feeling as best I could but, it boiled down to the fact that I need more demanding workouts because I am not being worked hard enough. So, next month I need to prepare myself to step it up a notch which is good.
This week I met the 20 pound loss mark. I can't believe I have lost 20 POUNDS! I don't feel like I have lost THAAAT much but, I know it shows in my body physically. It hasn't even been 2 months and the weight has been consistently coming off which excites me to no end to see where I will be by the end of the summer, by my 28 birthday in September!
My weight loss challenge group had a mini challenge this week over a period of 3 days to see who could rack up the most steps on a pedometer. Can you guess who won? If you guessed me, you guessed right! I am so excited I won. I literally didn't stop moving until after 9 o'clock at night for those 3 days. I get a Starbucks gift card for winning the challenge. We are going to do another challenge this week. I am not sure what the challenge is but, I am excited to find out and hopefully I can be successful with that one too.
I completed week 5 of the Couch to 5K program. I did such a great job running this week. I had the endurance I needed to complete each day without any major difficulties. It was hard yes, but, I finished without an ounce of doubt.
I have some big blogging adventures coming up this week. I didn't complete the video so that's on the agenda tomorrow or maybe tonight. I also am doing something new and something exciting so stay tuned for that.
I think that about sums up my week. How was yours?
Here is a little about the week.
I met with my trainer. It was a good workout. I was able to talk about some issues I was having with this months workout. I hadn't been feeling like I was physically and mentally connecting to the workout like I did with the last one. I tried to describe the way I was feeling as best I could but, it boiled down to the fact that I need more demanding workouts because I am not being worked hard enough. So, next month I need to prepare myself to step it up a notch which is good.
This week I met the 20 pound loss mark. I can't believe I have lost 20 POUNDS! I don't feel like I have lost THAAAT much but, I know it shows in my body physically. It hasn't even been 2 months and the weight has been consistently coming off which excites me to no end to see where I will be by the end of the summer, by my 28 birthday in September!
My weight loss challenge group had a mini challenge this week over a period of 3 days to see who could rack up the most steps on a pedometer. Can you guess who won? If you guessed me, you guessed right! I am so excited I won. I literally didn't stop moving until after 9 o'clock at night for those 3 days. I get a Starbucks gift card for winning the challenge. We are going to do another challenge this week. I am not sure what the challenge is but, I am excited to find out and hopefully I can be successful with that one too.
I completed week 5 of the Couch to 5K program. I did such a great job running this week. I had the endurance I needed to complete each day without any major difficulties. It was hard yes, but, I finished without an ounce of doubt.
I have some big blogging adventures coming up this week. I didn't complete the video so that's on the agenda tomorrow or maybe tonight. I also am doing something new and something exciting so stay tuned for that.
I think that about sums up my week. How was yours?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sweetness!!!
I receiv
ed my first blog award! Thank you to Laura for thinking of me with this super cool, Oh My Blog Award!
Rules for the award are as follows:
1. Get really excited that you got the coolest award EVER!
Check-So excited, this is my first blog award! I received a STAR and an AWARD all in the same week!
2. Choose ONE of the following options of accepting the OMB award:
(a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, or for as long as you can focus.
(b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.
(c) Write a “Soundtrack of your childhood” post.
(d) Make your next blog a ‘vlog’/video blog. Basically, you’re talking to the camera about whatever.
I have never posted a video before but, have wanted to. I think I am going to take on this challenge, and believe me, it will be a challenge.
(e) Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning, before you do anything else (hair, makeup, etc) and post it.
3. Pass this award onto at least 3, but preferably more, awesome bloggers as yourself. Don’t forget to tell them.
Stay tuned for my "vlog" and for the 3 lucky bloggers who I will pass the award on to. It will most likely be done Saturday. I will try my hardest to shoot the video Friday night. Oh my, my husband is going to totally make fun of me. Hah!
ed my first blog award! Thank you to Laura for thinking of me with this super cool, Oh My Blog Award! 
Rules for the award are as follows:
1. Get really excited that you got the coolest award EVER!
Check-So excited, this is my first blog award! I received a STAR and an AWARD all in the same week!
2. Choose ONE of the following options of accepting the OMB award:
(a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, or for as long as you can focus.
(b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.
(c) Write a “Soundtrack of your childhood” post.
(d) Make your next blog a ‘vlog’/video blog. Basically, you’re talking to the camera about whatever.
I have never posted a video before but, have wanted to. I think I am going to take on this challenge, and believe me, it will be a challenge.
(e) Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning, before you do anything else (hair, makeup, etc) and post it.
3. Pass this award onto at least 3, but preferably more, awesome bloggers as yourself. Don’t forget to tell them.
Stay tuned for my "vlog" and for the 3 lucky bloggers who I will pass the award on to. It will most likely be done Saturday. I will try my hardest to shoot the video Friday night. Oh my, my husband is going to totally make fun of me. Hah!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Weigh In Monday
Wow, it's Monday again! The weeks seem to be flying by!
This was a VERY big week for me. A bigger week than I have had in a LONG time. I didn't lose a ton of weight but, I hit a milestone I have been wanting to hit for YEARS! This morning I weighed in at 197.6. It was this week where I dropped below 200. I am so excited to be below 200. I know I have a lot more work to go to reach goal but, it seems actually possible for me to reach that goal now that the leading number is the same now as it will be at goal. I haven't been under 200 since before I got married. I remember on my wedding day, I weighed 204. I am really excited about this. Even though I weigh less, I don't look it and that is due to having a baby, a baby who weighed 9 lbs 5 oz at birth and an excess amount of amniotic fluid causing my stomach to be HUGE! I know it was all baby and everything that goes with the baby because after I had her, I was 25 pound lighter than I was before I ever got pregnant. Needless to say, my stomach does not look the same and unfortunately, it never will. Eventually it will be smaller but, it will still be stretched out and gross. Even if I reach my goal of 138 pounds, I will still never be able to wear a 2 piece swim suit again. But, truthfully, I think I am passed my 2 piece days and could really care less. I just want to look perfect in a great pair of jeans (without any kind of muffin top). Don't know if that is possible.
I lost exactly 3 pounds this week. I thought for sure I wouldn't lose anything because of all my water retention from my TOM. But, the water retention didn't last longer than a couple of days, thank goodness! Also, my TOM was the reason for all my bad eating last week. Darn hormones! At least now I know how to mentally prepare myself for my intense desire to snack next month and know that there is a reason behind it.
This week was pretty good. It was a weird one because we had different functions that caused my diet schedule to get a little off track. But, I did well and I tried extra hard to get my water in especially considering I had all my water retention issues.
This week I also hit my first goal of losing 15 pounds. My goal was to lose 15 pounds by June and I did it by mid-May, I am really proud of myself and am doing better than I anticipated. As a reward for losing 15 pounds, I am going on a trip to Seattle for Memorial Day weekend. Seattle is about 4 and 1/2 hours from where I live. My brother lives there as well as some good friends. It's been a good while since we have been able to go and thought that a trip would be a nice little reward for all my hard work.
I was able to put my new muscular strength to work. We have been doing yard work and we needed to move a large garden box out of the way. When we moved it initially, I physically could NOT lift it. I had to drag it with the person that was helping me. This time, I was able to not only lift it but carry it across the yard with the same person that helped me initially. I was pretty impressed with myself.
I survived week 4 of the Couch to 5K program. I am not sure how I survived and truthfully, I almost didn't make it. It was SO hard! For the final day, I just ended up lowering my speed because I wanted to finish and knew that if I didn't lower the speed, I would just give up. When I got off of the treadmill I didn't feel like I could have done better. I felt good and I felt like I did all I could do which is the most important thing. I am ready to move on to week 5!
That about wraps up my week. I am very pleased with it overall! Especially being below 200! Such a great accomplishment for me!
A new blogger friend of mine posted a fancy little star on her blog in honor of my success. Her name is Sam and she is from Believe In Yourself. Go check her out. Thanks again Sam! And thank you to all my other readers. You are a huge part of how I stay motivated! If you are just dropping by, thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Please follow along as I continue on my journey, the more support the better!
This was a VERY big week for me. A bigger week than I have had in a LONG time. I didn't lose a ton of weight but, I hit a milestone I have been wanting to hit for YEARS! This morning I weighed in at 197.6. It was this week where I dropped below 200. I am so excited to be below 200. I know I have a lot more work to go to reach goal but, it seems actually possible for me to reach that goal now that the leading number is the same now as it will be at goal. I haven't been under 200 since before I got married. I remember on my wedding day, I weighed 204. I am really excited about this. Even though I weigh less, I don't look it and that is due to having a baby, a baby who weighed 9 lbs 5 oz at birth and an excess amount of amniotic fluid causing my stomach to be HUGE! I know it was all baby and everything that goes with the baby because after I had her, I was 25 pound lighter than I was before I ever got pregnant. Needless to say, my stomach does not look the same and unfortunately, it never will. Eventually it will be smaller but, it will still be stretched out and gross. Even if I reach my goal of 138 pounds, I will still never be able to wear a 2 piece swim suit again. But, truthfully, I think I am passed my 2 piece days and could really care less. I just want to look perfect in a great pair of jeans (without any kind of muffin top). Don't know if that is possible.
I lost exactly 3 pounds this week. I thought for sure I wouldn't lose anything because of all my water retention from my TOM. But, the water retention didn't last longer than a couple of days, thank goodness! Also, my TOM was the reason for all my bad eating last week. Darn hormones! At least now I know how to mentally prepare myself for my intense desire to snack next month and know that there is a reason behind it.
This week was pretty good. It was a weird one because we had different functions that caused my diet schedule to get a little off track. But, I did well and I tried extra hard to get my water in especially considering I had all my water retention issues.
This week I also hit my first goal of losing 15 pounds. My goal was to lose 15 pounds by June and I did it by mid-May, I am really proud of myself and am doing better than I anticipated. As a reward for losing 15 pounds, I am going on a trip to Seattle for Memorial Day weekend. Seattle is about 4 and 1/2 hours from where I live. My brother lives there as well as some good friends. It's been a good while since we have been able to go and thought that a trip would be a nice little reward for all my hard work.
I was able to put my new muscular strength to work. We have been doing yard work and we needed to move a large garden box out of the way. When we moved it initially, I physically could NOT lift it. I had to drag it with the person that was helping me. This time, I was able to not only lift it but carry it across the yard with the same person that helped me initially. I was pretty impressed with myself.
I survived week 4 of the Couch to 5K program. I am not sure how I survived and truthfully, I almost didn't make it. It was SO hard! For the final day, I just ended up lowering my speed because I wanted to finish and knew that if I didn't lower the speed, I would just give up. When I got off of the treadmill I didn't feel like I could have done better. I felt good and I felt like I did all I could do which is the most important thing. I am ready to move on to week 5!
That about wraps up my week. I am very pleased with it overall! Especially being below 200! Such a great accomplishment for me!
A new blogger friend of mine posted a fancy little star on her blog in honor of my success. Her name is Sam and she is from Believe In Yourself. Go check her out. Thanks again Sam! And thank you to all my other readers. You are a huge part of how I stay motivated! If you are just dropping by, thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Please follow along as I continue on my journey, the more support the better!
Friday, May 14, 2010
I did it!
After my frustration yesterday, my body decided to listen to me. I got on the scale this morning and was given a very nice surprise, one of which I totally deserve! This is what I saw:
So exciting, right! My hands actually shot up from my sides and high into the air for I felt victorious! Never again will I see a 2 as the leading number in my weight! Thank you for letting me celebrate with you. My day of entering onederland has finally arrived and I couldn't be more thrilled and proud of all my hard work.
So exciting, right! My hands actually shot up from my sides and high into the air for I felt victorious! Never again will I see a 2 as the leading number in my weight! Thank you for letting me celebrate with you. My day of entering onederland has finally arrived and I couldn't be more thrilled and proud of all my hard work.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
This weeks pretty much sucks. It's my TOM so I am retaining water like mad! I can feel the swelling in my feet as I type this. I had my husband pick me up some Midol just to try to get rid of the bloating and water retention. Needless to say, I am not losing weight. Which totally bums me out because right now the scale says exactly 200.0 pounds. I am SO close to be in "onederland," and of course, I am at a stumbling block, a hurdle, that unfortunately, I can't knock down, I have to just wait and let the wind knock it down for me. I am so frustrated because other than drinking a lot of water, which I do anyway, and omitting sodium, which I don't consume anyway, there isn't anything I can do. Unless, there is another trick out there that I am unaware of. If you know, by all means, enlighten me because I will do whatever I can to get rid of this water retention in the next day or so. I am rooting for the Midol to actually work. I don't think I have ever taken Midol before so, we will see if it works.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Weigh In Monday
I am pretty pleased with my weight loss this week. This morning I weighed in at...200.6! That is a total weight loss of 3.8 pounds. I am very happy with that considering I had a mistake this week and had to make up for that. Last week was difficult with physically with my workouts, this week was difficult with my diet. It wasn't just my mistake with the tortillas, it was other bad decisions, and difficulty with self-control. I don't really want to go into it because I am disappointed in myself but, more than ready to move on. I thought I could live by the saying, "anything in moderation" apparently, that is not the case with me. I am not ready to give myself that freedom because, once I start, I can't stop. It obviously wasn't that bad right, I did lose almost 4 pounds but, the point is, I don't like the way I feel about my bad decisions and I don't like how much harder I have to work just to make up for my bad choices. I don't mind working hard, that's not it at all, it's the working hard to make up for something that I chose to do and shouldn't have.
So moving on...did you catch what my new weight is?! 200.6! Yes, I am SO incredibly close to being in what they call "onederland." My weight will no longer begin with a 2 but a 1! It is so close I can taste it, I can feel it! And when it happens I will be taking a picture and posting an entire post on being a person in the 100's.
I met with my trainer on Friday for my 1 month evaluation. My trainer was SO proud of me! She took my measurements and I lost on all of them except for my right calf. My right calf stayed the same. I lost an inch and a half off of my shoulders, off of my waist, and off of my hips! Not an inch and a half total but an inch and a half off both. I am proud of myself for what I have done over a month and can't wait to see what happens in another month.
All my pants are getting too big for me. I found a couple of old pairs that fit and a couple more pairs that almost fit. It excites me because it's almost like getting brand new clothes! I don't want to buy any new clothes until I can't get a way with wearing what I have. That will be a while. Luckily summer is coming soon and shorts, capris are a little easier to be flexible with as far as too big goes.
My 6 week weight loss challenge weighed in today for week 1. I am in 2nd place right now! So close to first, I just need to work a little harder and make sure my diet is 100% perfect! I am determined to win the challenge. Mostly because it's good incentive to keep up with what I am doing. The competition is honestly fun for me. I can't even remember the last time I competed for something.
I think that about covers my week. How was yours? What do you do to help you win the battle of self-control?
So moving on...did you catch what my new weight is?! 200.6! Yes, I am SO incredibly close to being in what they call "onederland." My weight will no longer begin with a 2 but a 1! It is so close I can taste it, I can feel it! And when it happens I will be taking a picture and posting an entire post on being a person in the 100's.
I met with my trainer on Friday for my 1 month evaluation. My trainer was SO proud of me! She took my measurements and I lost on all of them except for my right calf. My right calf stayed the same. I lost an inch and a half off of my shoulders, off of my waist, and off of my hips! Not an inch and a half total but an inch and a half off both. I am proud of myself for what I have done over a month and can't wait to see what happens in another month.
All my pants are getting too big for me. I found a couple of old pairs that fit and a couple more pairs that almost fit. It excites me because it's almost like getting brand new clothes! I don't want to buy any new clothes until I can't get a way with wearing what I have. That will be a while. Luckily summer is coming soon and shorts, capris are a little easier to be flexible with as far as too big goes.
My 6 week weight loss challenge weighed in today for week 1. I am in 2nd place right now! So close to first, I just need to work a little harder and make sure my diet is 100% perfect! I am determined to win the challenge. Mostly because it's good incentive to keep up with what I am doing. The competition is honestly fun for me. I can't even remember the last time I competed for something.
I think that about covers my week. How was yours? What do you do to help you win the battle of self-control?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Fix-Up
I made it through the day mostly sticking to my plan. I added in protein with every meal instead of eating just fruits and veggies. I don't think I would have survived the day had I stuck with fruits and veggies only. I had two carb items. The first was some cold cereal without milk for a snack. I ate it because I needed something dry and crunchy and filling also. I ate Life because it's what we have in the house and I just made sure I portioned and included my calories into my total for the day. For dinner I also had my veggies and I actually had chicken with my veggies in a "Flat It Out" wrap. They are really healthy, lots of protein and fiber, they are whole wheat with flax and have 100 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. I also included a wedge of laughing cow cheese in my wrap.
My calories were well under my daily allowance and I have ended the day feeling good about my choices. I think I may have a spinach fruit smoothie everyday. It was so good!
My calories were well under my daily allowance and I have ended the day feeling good about my choices. I think I may have a spinach fruit smoothie everyday. It was so good!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ooops!
I realized AFTER I ate 2 tortillas, one for lunch and one for dinner (because my lunch and dinner were the same that tortillas are incredibly high in calories. I am not sure why I never looked previously and I just assumed they were around 120 calories. Nope, they are 200 calories, TWO HUNDRED calories EACH! I should be put to shame. I went to the gym two times today both time for an hour so I know I burned that off but, I am fairly certain that I didn't burn anything else off. So, as a way to make up for my terrible mistake, I am eating strictly fruits and veggies tomorrow. I will allow myself one source of protein tomorrow (egg whites) just because I will need the extra protein after hitting the gym. I am putting this mess up on here because eating fruits and veggies will be REALLY hard for me and I need the accountability.
I am so embarrassed, why did I not look at the calorie info. before I ate the first one?! I look at calories for practically everything else, especially carbohydrates.
I am so embarrassed, why did I not look at the calorie info. before I ate the first one?! I look at calories for practically everything else, especially carbohydrates.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Weigh In Monday
First off I want to thank ALL of you for reading, for your support, and for your encouragement. I have confession, I didn't have my comment moderation set up and hadn't even realized until tonight that I had all these comments. So, you will have to forgive me for not responding to the comments. That's not what I am about at all and the problem is fixed so that will never happen again.
This morning I weighed in at 204.4 which gives me a 1.6 pound loss. Not great but, I will take it. Much better than a gain!
This last week was probably the hardest week I have had physically and mentally. It seemed like my body was just not cooperating, too tired or something. Running was a challenge, lifting was a challenge, and yoga was a challenge. I never felt really sore after my workouts so I don't know what my problem was. I am ready for the new week of workouts to begin just to move on from my bad week. I kept waiting for a wall to pop up so I think this may have been a mental thing like I was trying to create a wall that really wasn't there.
My diet for the most part was good. Friday was not as good as it could have been because we took a day trip out of town and had to eat out. I ate a couple biscuits in the evening and I regretted it right after. I felt sick to my stomach for the rest of the day and into the next. It could have been worse and I feel like I have almost conquered my self-control. When I want something bad I just tell myself that there is no food worth eating just because it tastes good, losing the weight and feeling good about myself is far better than a taste of something delicious. So far, my little pep talk is working.
I did a great job with my water intake. I was trying to reach half my weight in ounces a day. Last week I was up to 90 ounces, this week I am at my goal and so far doing well with it.
The rest of the weekend was good and I have to admit I am proud of myself for my diet choices.
I have the best husband in the world! He bought me an iPod for an early Mother's Day gift and told me to go buy myself an arm band. I am so excited about it and have already enjoyed using it at the gym. I also have some really great friends who put some music on my iPod that I can listen to until I get my iTunes library built up. My iPod comes with a pedometer so I will try to use that. I would really like to get that thing from Nike that connects to your shoe that gives you calories burned and distance run. Maybe that can be a reward for a weight loss milestone.
I joined a 6 week Biggest Loser competition. It started today. I am excited about it. There are about 15 total people participating. I feel like I really do have a chance at winning and am going to try really hard! Putting my game face on and ready to win!
I have neglected my food journal and so my goal this week is to start that back up.
Thank you readers! Here's to a great week! How can I help YOU with YOUR goals?
This morning I weighed in at 204.4 which gives me a 1.6 pound loss. Not great but, I will take it. Much better than a gain!
This last week was probably the hardest week I have had physically and mentally. It seemed like my body was just not cooperating, too tired or something. Running was a challenge, lifting was a challenge, and yoga was a challenge. I never felt really sore after my workouts so I don't know what my problem was. I am ready for the new week of workouts to begin just to move on from my bad week. I kept waiting for a wall to pop up so I think this may have been a mental thing like I was trying to create a wall that really wasn't there.
My diet for the most part was good. Friday was not as good as it could have been because we took a day trip out of town and had to eat out. I ate a couple biscuits in the evening and I regretted it right after. I felt sick to my stomach for the rest of the day and into the next. It could have been worse and I feel like I have almost conquered my self-control. When I want something bad I just tell myself that there is no food worth eating just because it tastes good, losing the weight and feeling good about myself is far better than a taste of something delicious. So far, my little pep talk is working.
I did a great job with my water intake. I was trying to reach half my weight in ounces a day. Last week I was up to 90 ounces, this week I am at my goal and so far doing well with it.
The rest of the weekend was good and I have to admit I am proud of myself for my diet choices.
I have the best husband in the world! He bought me an iPod for an early Mother's Day gift and told me to go buy myself an arm band. I am so excited about it and have already enjoyed using it at the gym. I also have some really great friends who put some music on my iPod that I can listen to until I get my iTunes library built up. My iPod comes with a pedometer so I will try to use that. I would really like to get that thing from Nike that connects to your shoe that gives you calories burned and distance run. Maybe that can be a reward for a weight loss milestone.
I joined a 6 week Biggest Loser competition. It started today. I am excited about it. There are about 15 total people participating. I feel like I really do have a chance at winning and am going to try really hard! Putting my game face on and ready to win!
I have neglected my food journal and so my goal this week is to start that back up.
Thank you readers! Here's to a great week! How can I help YOU with YOUR goals?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Question For You!
Fellow health and fitness bloggers or anyone who steps on the scale, I was wondering how often people typically weigh themselves. I was pretty set on only weighing myself once a week and then last week I got a little scale obsessed and weighed myself a few times throughout the week. So, then today at the gym I read in a magazine that you should weigh yourself everyday to have more success in your weight loss. So, what do you do? What seems right to you? I really have no idea. I thought weighing myself once a week would give me bigger numbers so I would be more excited. But, I heard that if you weigh yourself everyday you will be more inspired to try harder if you don't lose something everyday. It probably doesn't really matter, I was just wondering what you do and what your thoughts are behind stepping on the scale.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Weigh In Monday
Great week for me! I lost another 5 pounds total!!!
I couldn't be more pleased with my self for all my hard work. I feel good and am starting to notice the 9 pounds I lost. I still need to get some pictures up. Sorry, I have been so busy lately with you know...working out, being a mother, being a wife, and being a teacher. It's hard to fit other things into the daily routing, especially things like taking pictures of myself.
Anyway, my diet over the last week was great! I have been really strict with myself on calories and have put into plan that if I want a treat, I can't just eat it, I have to omit something else to indulge in the treat so my caloric intake doesn't increase just because I want to eat something a little bad for me. I have been surprised at how great my self control really is when I want it to be. I turned down cherry cheesecake! That is one of my favorite desserts and I turned it down, opted for a skinny cow instead. There were a couple days where I felt like I was starving and depending on the time of day I would eat an additional snack. I don't want to get to the point that I am so starving that I make a bad eating decision. I feel like once I slip into losing my self-control, I don't know if I would be able to start back up again. So, for now, I need to put a handle on every aspect of my diet and if I feel really hungry I am going to allow myself the extra healthy snack even if it means going over my daily caloric amount. I just don't want to put myself at risk for slipping up.
As far as my workouts go. I was really upset with myself for gaining a pound although it probably wasn't my fault. Because of that I decided to boost my intensity level at the gym. I started running. I ran for 3 days and then I decided to I would start the Couch to 5k program. I have finished all 3 days of week 1. I feel really good about the program and believe that I will be successful at it. It's weird though, I did a mid week weigh in just for curiosities sake and it seems like as soon as I started running, the pounds started dropping. So, I think running is working for me and as long as it does, I am going to continue doing it. Actually I really want to be a runner. I want to feel that runners high that avid runners get. I want to feel free and not trapped in my body and heavy to the ground. Running feels good, I can definitely feel that I am HEAVY but, I know that I won't always be and I like how great I feel after I have completed a run. So, in addition to my running I have increased the pounds in my weight training. My trainer thought I should, she said it seemed to easy for me. So, I increased everything by 2 pounds. 2 pounds is a noticeable difference. Holy moly! I have been so sore since my weight increase. It feels great though. I also started yoga on Saturday. I loved it! I am definitely going to make it a weekly thing. I feel like my workout routine is complete and yes, it will have to be ever changing so I don't fall into a plateau but, I have a good system that is working so far and with the personal trainer I will get help in changing it when I need to.
I have realized that I am definitely NOT an emotional eater. I am a food addict. I just love food! I love how food tastes and when it's delicious, I don't want to stop eating. I am also a boredom eater. I am bored...ok I will just eat something. Boredom has been a battle for me this week but I fought the fight and my self-control won! I did not eat out of boredom once this week! I didn't get some household chores done in addition to working full time. I am so pleased with myself.
I have been wondering when I am going to crash. I have been on such a high because I have felt so good. I am so excited about my weight loss journey that it really hasn't been that hard for me. There have been times it was hard but, nothing I couldn't handle. I feel like my excitement can't last for too long. When am I going to get to the point where I am fighting with myself to keep trying? I feel like it might be right around the corner and maybe that feeling is a good thing so I can brace myself to fight and fight hard.
My husband bought me a new scale. It's a digital scale with body fat and hydration measurements. I am so excited about it. I will be able to know my exact weight. It was kinda hard to tell what it was on the dial scale and I could only know the whole number. Funny thing is this morning, I weigh exactly 206.00 pounds.
9 pounds of total weight loss since I started my journey just a few weeks ago! I am pleased!
I couldn't be more pleased with my self for all my hard work. I feel good and am starting to notice the 9 pounds I lost. I still need to get some pictures up. Sorry, I have been so busy lately with you know...working out, being a mother, being a wife, and being a teacher. It's hard to fit other things into the daily routing, especially things like taking pictures of myself.
Anyway, my diet over the last week was great! I have been really strict with myself on calories and have put into plan that if I want a treat, I can't just eat it, I have to omit something else to indulge in the treat so my caloric intake doesn't increase just because I want to eat something a little bad for me. I have been surprised at how great my self control really is when I want it to be. I turned down cherry cheesecake! That is one of my favorite desserts and I turned it down, opted for a skinny cow instead. There were a couple days where I felt like I was starving and depending on the time of day I would eat an additional snack. I don't want to get to the point that I am so starving that I make a bad eating decision. I feel like once I slip into losing my self-control, I don't know if I would be able to start back up again. So, for now, I need to put a handle on every aspect of my diet and if I feel really hungry I am going to allow myself the extra healthy snack even if it means going over my daily caloric amount. I just don't want to put myself at risk for slipping up.
As far as my workouts go. I was really upset with myself for gaining a pound although it probably wasn't my fault. Because of that I decided to boost my intensity level at the gym. I started running. I ran for 3 days and then I decided to I would start the Couch to 5k program. I have finished all 3 days of week 1. I feel really good about the program and believe that I will be successful at it. It's weird though, I did a mid week weigh in just for curiosities sake and it seems like as soon as I started running, the pounds started dropping. So, I think running is working for me and as long as it does, I am going to continue doing it. Actually I really want to be a runner. I want to feel that runners high that avid runners get. I want to feel free and not trapped in my body and heavy to the ground. Running feels good, I can definitely feel that I am HEAVY but, I know that I won't always be and I like how great I feel after I have completed a run. So, in addition to my running I have increased the pounds in my weight training. My trainer thought I should, she said it seemed to easy for me. So, I increased everything by 2 pounds. 2 pounds is a noticeable difference. Holy moly! I have been so sore since my weight increase. It feels great though. I also started yoga on Saturday. I loved it! I am definitely going to make it a weekly thing. I feel like my workout routine is complete and yes, it will have to be ever changing so I don't fall into a plateau but, I have a good system that is working so far and with the personal trainer I will get help in changing it when I need to.
I have realized that I am definitely NOT an emotional eater. I am a food addict. I just love food! I love how food tastes and when it's delicious, I don't want to stop eating. I am also a boredom eater. I am bored...ok I will just eat something. Boredom has been a battle for me this week but I fought the fight and my self-control won! I did not eat out of boredom once this week! I didn't get some household chores done in addition to working full time. I am so pleased with myself.
I have been wondering when I am going to crash. I have been on such a high because I have felt so good. I am so excited about my weight loss journey that it really hasn't been that hard for me. There have been times it was hard but, nothing I couldn't handle. I feel like my excitement can't last for too long. When am I going to get to the point where I am fighting with myself to keep trying? I feel like it might be right around the corner and maybe that feeling is a good thing so I can brace myself to fight and fight hard.
My husband bought me a new scale. It's a digital scale with body fat and hydration measurements. I am so excited about it. I will be able to know my exact weight. It was kinda hard to tell what it was on the dial scale and I could only know the whole number. Funny thing is this morning, I weigh exactly 206.00 pounds.
9 pounds of total weight loss since I started my journey just a few weeks ago! I am pleased!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A New Day!
I have to admit I was feeling really discouraged over my one pound gain. It didn't prevent me from trying or tempt to give up or anything. I know I am just beginning so it will take some time to figure out how my body loses weight best. I decided to up my intensity level at the gym (I think I mentioned that in the previous post). I ran again this morning for 12 minutes. It was harder today for some reason but I kept with it. I completed a 45 minute workout this morning and went to the gym for a training session and was there for another 45 minutes. It felt good to double up. Plus, the workout with the trainer was great. We decided to increase my weight amount. So, hopefully my workouts will be more effective this week. Either I am getting strong fast or I started out too low on my weight amounts. Probably the latter.
Recently I have learned that there is a HUGE amount of weight loss support in the blogosphere. I have thoroughly enjoyed and been inspired by quite a few blogs. It is great to know that there are people who have traveled this road before me, that are on the same road just further up the path, and are on the exact same spot on the road that I am at.
I read Seth's blog today. He made a list of why he enjoys being healthy. I decided to do the same. I thought it was a great idea because I thought it would do me some good to remind myself why I am doing this. It's been a few weeks but, it never hurts to remind myself. My list items will include
Here is my list:
1. Full of energy
2. Feel better
3. Higher self-confidence
4. Stress relief
5. Look better
6. Pleasing to the Lord
7. More attractive to my husband
8. Teach my daughter to be healthy by example
9. Encourage others anyway I can
10. See myself as beautiful inside and out
So there is my list and honestly, it was hard to find 10. I really had to dig deep within myself.
Recently I have learned that there is a HUGE amount of weight loss support in the blogosphere. I have thoroughly enjoyed and been inspired by quite a few blogs. It is great to know that there are people who have traveled this road before me, that are on the same road just further up the path, and are on the exact same spot on the road that I am at.
I read Seth's blog today. He made a list of why he enjoys being healthy. I decided to do the same. I thought it was a great idea because I thought it would do me some good to remind myself why I am doing this. It's been a few weeks but, it never hurts to remind myself. My list items will include
Here is my list:
1. Full of energy
2. Feel better
3. Higher self-confidence
4. Stress relief
5. Look better
6. Pleasing to the Lord
7. More attractive to my husband
8. Teach my daughter to be healthy by example
9. Encourage others anyway I can
10. See myself as beautiful inside and out
So there is my list and honestly, it was hard to find 10. I really had to dig deep within myself.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Weigh In Monday
Time to stop putting this off. I have some not so good news to report. I GAINED! Eek! I was shocked! I gained one pound putting me at 211. I really don't know why I gained. I have pounded my brain trying to figure out why. Here are reasons I have come up with: last week was incredibly stressful in an emotional type way like tears almost daily, I was up late and didn't get much sleep for many of the nights, then there are these reasons: I had a free meal Saturday at a baby shower I co-hosted. It was at Round Table Pizza. I had a salad, with a little light ranch dressing, one slice of pizza, one bread stick, and cake, with water to drink. I did not over eat but, obviously, what I ate was bad. That night I also succumbed to temptation and had some recess pieces eggs. But, here's the thing, 1 pound is 3,500 calories, the bad stuff I ate did NOT equal to 3,500 calories and even with all the food I ate, I still ate less than I used to eat on a regular day. The day of the free meal, I made sure that what I had ate previously in the day was SUPER healthy so, I could afford to eat some bad stuff. I didn't do a great job drinking water over the weekend. I also didn't make it to the gym over the weekend but I did yard work both days.
Before the weekend I did a pretty good job eating and making it to the gym. I wasn't always able to put in a full hour but the lowest amount of time I was there was 45 minutes so, I feel like that's pretty good. I drank 90 ounces of water most days with the exception of the weekend.
I was thinking of changing the day I weigh in since it's harder for me to "be good" over the weekend. But, then I thought maybe that would challenge me to be better over the weekend and if I end up losing fat from my body, it will shop up on the scale no matter when I weigh in.
A part of me really wants to beat myself up and be all negative about my gain. I am so disappointed. I feel like even though I don't know how exactly I gained, I still feel like I could have tried harder. So, this week I am upping the intensity of my workouts. I wasn't giving them my ALL which clearly I really need to if I want any results for my hard work. This morning at the gym I RAN on the treadmill after completing my workout. I didn't run long but I ran. I ran for 10 minutes. It felt really great but, holy moly my body felt so heavy and I felt my nose jiggle. I am so fat, my small nose was actually jiggling. Back to my running, I don't think I have actually RUN since before I got pregnant with my daughter who is 19 months. So, it's been a while. I am hoping to add running to my daily exercise routine. It would be nice to run longer each time I am at the gym but, with my schedule, I am sadly limited to the gym for an hour a day, tops.
I really want to get some pictures up so we can visually track my progress. I know I have only lost a total of 4 pounds including my 1 pound gain but, I am certain my face looks thinner.
That's about it for this last week.
Goals for this week: get more sleep, work up the intensity of my workouts, run everyday, drink at least 90 ounces of water per day.
Before the weekend I did a pretty good job eating and making it to the gym. I wasn't always able to put in a full hour but the lowest amount of time I was there was 45 minutes so, I feel like that's pretty good. I drank 90 ounces of water most days with the exception of the weekend.
I was thinking of changing the day I weigh in since it's harder for me to "be good" over the weekend. But, then I thought maybe that would challenge me to be better over the weekend and if I end up losing fat from my body, it will shop up on the scale no matter when I weigh in.
A part of me really wants to beat myself up and be all negative about my gain. I am so disappointed. I feel like even though I don't know how exactly I gained, I still feel like I could have tried harder. So, this week I am upping the intensity of my workouts. I wasn't giving them my ALL which clearly I really need to if I want any results for my hard work. This morning at the gym I RAN on the treadmill after completing my workout. I didn't run long but I ran. I ran for 10 minutes. It felt really great but, holy moly my body felt so heavy and I felt my nose jiggle. I am so fat, my small nose was actually jiggling. Back to my running, I don't think I have actually RUN since before I got pregnant with my daughter who is 19 months. So, it's been a while. I am hoping to add running to my daily exercise routine. It would be nice to run longer each time I am at the gym but, with my schedule, I am sadly limited to the gym for an hour a day, tops.
I really want to get some pictures up so we can visually track my progress. I know I have only lost a total of 4 pounds including my 1 pound gain but, I am certain my face looks thinner.
That's about it for this last week.
Goals for this week: get more sleep, work up the intensity of my workouts, run everyday, drink at least 90 ounces of water per day.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Research...Kinda Boring, Read At Your Own Risk
I did some research on calorie intake and learned some good info. I would like to share. I did this with a friend but I just followed what she said and after someone asked me a question about my low daily calorie allotment I thought I should just find out some more info.
This is based on the Harris Benedict Principle. First you need to figure out your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). If you are a woman you follow this formula:
655 + (4.3 x weight) + (4.7 x height) - (4.7 x age)
My BMR is 1759.7
Then you have to figure out how often you wor out. Currently I workout moderately so I multiple my BMR by 40%. For me that is 703.88. Then you add that to the BMR and I got 2,463.58. I could eat this amount of calories everyday and not gain weight. But, I am trying to lose weight. But at least I know that if I want to binge eat, I could not eat over 2,463 and be ok. Not that I would do that...just saying.
Ok, so 1 pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. If I want to lose 2 pounds per week I need to cut out 7,000 calories a week. Yikes! But, the good news is that a lot of that will come from working out. If I cut back 1,000 calories a day, I would lose 2 pounds per week. I read that if you walk briskly for 45 minutes you can burn 250 calories. I am at the gym for a hour so I can safely assume I will be burning more than 250 calories. So, that leaves me with 750 calories to cut back in food. With healthier eating I think this is possible. I was rarely eating my fruits and veggies, not worrying about the health of the meal, just worrying about it Adam would eat it. Now, I am willing to make myself something separate if it means a healthier, BETTER me. It won't be like I am spending twice the money on food because I will be cooking the same amount, just 2 separate things. Does that make sense?
I also read that you shouldn't eat less than 1,200 calories without consulting your physician. I don't have a physician at this stage in my life so, I guess I won't be eating less than 1,200 calories. Before my weight loss journey began I was a HUGE over eater. I LOVE food! When food is good, I want to eat more. Now, I stop eating partially through my first serving and evaluate how hungry I am. I do not engorge myself any longer. I have to have self-control. This last week I have shown my changes to be successful and I don't think I have felt too hungry our wiped out so for now, what I am doing is working.
If anyone has any information they would like to pass on or if anyone sees a huge flaw in what I just explained, then please let me know. I really am just starting out and need all the help I can get.
This is based on the Harris Benedict Principle. First you need to figure out your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). If you are a woman you follow this formula:
655 + (4.3 x weight) + (4.7 x height) - (4.7 x age)
My BMR is 1759.7
Then you have to figure out how often you wor out. Currently I workout moderately so I multiple my BMR by 40%. For me that is 703.88. Then you add that to the BMR and I got 2,463.58. I could eat this amount of calories everyday and not gain weight. But, I am trying to lose weight. But at least I know that if I want to binge eat, I could not eat over 2,463 and be ok. Not that I would do that...just saying.
Ok, so 1 pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. If I want to lose 2 pounds per week I need to cut out 7,000 calories a week. Yikes! But, the good news is that a lot of that will come from working out. If I cut back 1,000 calories a day, I would lose 2 pounds per week. I read that if you walk briskly for 45 minutes you can burn 250 calories. I am at the gym for a hour so I can safely assume I will be burning more than 250 calories. So, that leaves me with 750 calories to cut back in food. With healthier eating I think this is possible. I was rarely eating my fruits and veggies, not worrying about the health of the meal, just worrying about it Adam would eat it. Now, I am willing to make myself something separate if it means a healthier, BETTER me. It won't be like I am spending twice the money on food because I will be cooking the same amount, just 2 separate things. Does that make sense?
I also read that you shouldn't eat less than 1,200 calories without consulting your physician. I don't have a physician at this stage in my life so, I guess I won't be eating less than 1,200 calories. Before my weight loss journey began I was a HUGE over eater. I LOVE food! When food is good, I want to eat more. Now, I stop eating partially through my first serving and evaluate how hungry I am. I do not engorge myself any longer. I have to have self-control. This last week I have shown my changes to be successful and I don't think I have felt too hungry our wiped out so for now, what I am doing is working.
If anyone has any information they would like to pass on or if anyone sees a huge flaw in what I just explained, then please let me know. I really am just starting out and need all the help I can get.
Weight Loss Update
I would like to encourage you to take the time to read the start of my weight loss journey (if you haven't already) at my original blog before reading my current update so you know where the story began. You can find the initial post here and my first update here.
Mondays are my weigh in days. Last Monday was my initial weigh in. I weighed a whopping 215 pounds. I was afraid to put the number originally but after much thought and a great comment from a new Blog Friend, Keelie, I decided, what the heck. Let's just do it.
So, today, was my week 1 weigh in. I am proud to say that I weigh 210! I lost 5 pounds! I am so excited about my good jump start. Eating less and hitting the gym for an hour 5 days last week really paid off. It's proof that I can do this!
Now, I am realistic and I don't expect to lose 5 pound per week. I believe that the only reason why it was that number is because last Monday I was weighing myself after WAY over eating the day before on Easter. So, my start weight was higher than it should have been had I not binged the day before.
Mondays are my weigh in days. Last Monday was my initial weigh in. I weighed a whopping 215 pounds. I was afraid to put the number originally but after much thought and a great comment from a new Blog Friend, Keelie, I decided, what the heck. Let's just do it.
So, today, was my week 1 weigh in. I am proud to say that I weigh 210! I lost 5 pounds! I am so excited about my good jump start. Eating less and hitting the gym for an hour 5 days last week really paid off. It's proof that I can do this!
Now, I am realistic and I don't expect to lose 5 pound per week. I believe that the only reason why it was that number is because last Monday I was weighing myself after WAY over eating the day before on Easter. So, my start weight was higher than it should have been had I not binged the day before.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Who Am I?
I am on a journey to become a better me. This journey is life long and challenging but, the best way to continue on my journey is through first, prayer and second accountability. Goals are also very important. This blog will help me track my progress in each area I want to improve on. There are many areas I want to improve on but I am going to tackle some big ones first and as I get going on these big areas I will bring in some other areas to focus on.
Areas are as follows:
Thank you for following and supporting me in my journey to become a better me!
Areas are as follows:
- weight loss
- self esteem
Thank you for following and supporting me in my journey to become a better me!
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