Up One

What kind of a crazy woman resolves to lose weight the week of thanksgiving, especially with her parents here?

Me, that's who.

And it didn't happen.

Shockingly.

It's not like I followed weight watchers AT. ALL.  I mean, only being up a pound is a great achievement in its own.

There's 3 more weeks til' Christmas break and I'm resolving to stick to WW for that time.

Has anyone started the new system?  I'm thinking about going a few times at the beginning of the year.

In other news, I did a Bollywood routine this AM.  I only worked out doing "fun" things last week.  Aka, just dance or going on walks with my hubby.  So, today it was back to teh grind.  I did about 25 minutes of this (I DVR'd it from Exercise TV, I don't think this is the same one, but it looks similar) and then I did about 10 minutes of arms while I watched the news. 

So, let's all be on the wagon together, at least for 3 weeks. :D

A Thanksgiving Miracle

So there's good news and not-as-good news.  But no actual bad news this week, which is a relief after a major eating holiday like Thanksgiving.

The good news is that last week I lost 1.8 pounds (forgot to post).

The not-as-good news is that when I weighed today, I hadn't lost or gained ANYTHING.   I was exactly the same, right down to the .2 in the number.

So, this week, I am back on a better eating schedule and very thankful that Thanksgiving didn't do me completely in!

Just Trying to Get Through the Week

I'm just trying to get through the week.  I'd be pretty enamored if I could get to Saturday and still be below 170.  That's probably all I can hope for.

But some weeks are like that, especially Thanksgiving Weeks.

I hope you're having a week with lots to be thankful for.

BIG NEWS

Guess who weighed less than Drew on the scale today.
{check me out}
{shh... but that was kind of my goal this month... don't tell Drew}

Take THAT Jillian

Just have to say that I didn't work out yesterday but i still lost 4 pounds.
Which, makes me think that Jillian may be a little much for me.  I'm talking about doing her every day.
Which makes me nervous to do P90X since they say they're similar.
Either way, I'm still mulling it over... and loving that I hit my goal weight for the week today.  Now, to stay there. 
Hopefully with my new tip for getting pomegranate seeds I can just enjoy those. :)

Jillian and I Part Ways

I was up at 5:30, DRUG myself out of bed... only to weigh in with an increase.

And that was it.

I just couldn't do it.  I just could NOT face a full hour of Jillian just to be super tired, sore and not lose weight.

So I didn't.

I also sealed her up in her red envelope and sent her back to Netflix.  I think I may put her on my my queue... again...  But for now...

Anyway, just putting it out there, keepin' it real.  Sometimes you have to slack.  Sometimes that bed is far too warm.  You just can't have it that way most of the time.

Weigh in Monday and I'm Back on the WagonYes, AGAIN

When Hilary started this blog back in January we were both so gung-ho.  I have managed to do three different diet/exercise pushes and lose circa 10 pounds each time.  Only to gain them back when life got in the way.

It has been SO inspiring for me to watch Hilary be so incredibly successful, but I haven't been emotionally ready to try it myself.  Again.  One thing that Hilary said that really struck me was that losing weight is basically like having a part-time job because it takes that much time out of your life to be successful.

I wholeheartedly agree, and I realize that that is one of the reasons why I give up too easily.

But here I am again, because I really need to find it within myself to lose the weight.  I am not healthy and that is that.  So, last week, I said I would lose ten pounds by Thanksgiving Day (only to gain it back again that day probably!) and I started a new diet regimen.

This one is a bit different, and should work well for my fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants personality and my busier-than-I'd-like life.  The meal plans are all given to you, and you are to make everything for the week in one sitting.  Store it in your fridge in tupperware containers and take it out when you need it.

So far, I love it.  I am less tempted to snack because I know that I have a full meal sitting there waiting for me.  You eat six times a day, so I feel like I'm eating constantly anyway.  The food is pretty filling.  I was hungry for the first couple days, but now I feel very stuffed after eating a little piece of string cheese.

And in the first week I lost (drum roll please)


4.1 pounds and 2 3/4 inches.

Go me.

Go us.

A Few Bad Meals

My parents have been here.  We ate out a few times...

And sheesh, I'm up a couple of pounds on Saturday.

It's just SO hard for me to make good choices when I'm eating out!  Honestly, because eating out happens SO rarely for me... it's true that when I actually get to a goal weight I will easily be able to go back to my target weight range after eating out... but when you're trying to lose, a few bad meals can really set you back.

What do you order at restaurants when you're trying to be good?  I've noticed that I really like blackened fish... and when that's on the menu I'm a good girl (anyone been to Yankee Peir, I Got their blackened catfish with a small side of mac n' cheese... it was like the best of all worlds).

In other news, I did Jillian again today... it is a hard workout!  I'm going to do it one more time before sending it back.  I do like how I feel when I'm done though... it's definitely raised the bar for workouts for me.  I'd totally recommend it!  Here's a little clip:

P 90X

I've been toying with the idea of doing P90X at the new year.  My goal for this year has been to do weight watchers the whole year, and simply follow the workout schedule I'd planned previously.

Currently, I work out 3 times a week for about an hour each time.  I'm getting used to doing harder and harder workouts and I do try to vary them....

So, my question, is it doable?  I don't want to workout on Sundays but I could commit to every other day for the 3 months it takes....

Other question, would it be just as good to just workout 6 days a week and continue to follow weight watchers.

BTW< I'm up 2.  You can thank my trip to Maggiano's for that.  But, a gal's gotta live, right?  Onward and upward.

Thanks for the advice on P90X.

Uh, Jillian!

Darling Jillian, first I read it's a 50 minute workout on the back.  Then, I click and it says "start 40 minute workout" and you totally get my hopes up and then FIFTY FIVE MINUTES INTO IT, we end.

A) You are fired.

B)  Truth in advertising baby... that makes me want to eat a giant bowl of chocolate ice cream.  {sigh}

Anyway, this is a 55 minute workout.  On the top it's 55 minutes of crazy intense cardio... but then you realize you're also doing a lot of muscle building weight work within all that cardio.

This is, the hardest workout I've done.  It's like doing all 3 of the shred levels at once.  She does give a few modifications, which I cheerfully took.  I am not sure I'm going to be sore tomorrow, but I am really tired right now.  That could've been from the 5 million sirens that woke me up last night, the night that P sleeps through - i-yi-yi!

Anyway, I got this from netflix, I plan to do it 2 more times.  I have heard this is a lot like the P90X workouts.  It does make me feel good that I got through it.  It's not a workout for newbies though.  The exercises are hard and it is LONG.  I think you can pick through the circuts.  I will say that the circut at about 19 minutes and again at 39'ish minutes are the worst.  The other ones are a little easier.

Either way, if you're looking for a solid workout this is a good one. The circuts are pretty short and even burpees (which I HATE) were short enough I could get through them before giving up.

12... 12... 12...

Thanks to Kohls and them mailing me a 30% off coupon I couldn't resist checking out the pants to see what size I am now.

That's right, peeps a 12. 

It's weird that the whole first the of the year I was stuck at a 16... but now the sizes are dropping like flies.

I doubt I'm going to get TOO much smaller than this though, a I vaguely remember even wearing a size 12 in jeans before I got married... but maybe, heavens knows I work out a lot more now.

I did a GIANT closet clean-out this morning as I SERIOUSLY needed to do.  I went through dresses, coats, sweaters.  Everything.  A lot of it is stuff I was jsut holding on to, but now there's absolutely no reason to do that since it doesn't fit anyway.  Now I'm excited with the new clothes I bought and I hope that I can feel good in them.  I'm still on the hunt for a good looking Sunday outfit that I feel snazzy in.  I think that may be a hopeless search though.

Workout Du Jour: Postnatal Bootcamp

 Today I did Lindsay brin's Postnatal Boot Camp 2 workout.  This is the one that comes with her prenatal series.  I'm such an idiot.  I was doing the first set (I chose to do 3 sets cardio/toning, 2 sets of abs and the warm-up, cool down giving me a 50 minute workout)... and I was just thinking maybe it was too easy.

WHY DO I DO THAT?

Either way... it was a heck of a workout.  By the end I was dying.  SO tired of planks, which I am totally awful at.  I notice that my arms are something that kind of holds me back in other things in a workout -- I just can't hold this giant flabby body up.

Anyway, it's a good workout.  I like these that have several smaller sections so you can really fit it into the time you have.  It's a smart way to go!

{happy weight loss dance}

I did it!  Another 5 pounds down this month! 

I was kind of looking at the 31 pounds I've lost this year and not feeling so snazzy about it... feeling like those biggest losers sure do lose a lot... but then I thought about ALL the other things I've done this year, and how I wouldn't give any of those up.  Raising P daily, helping out at school, making halloween costumes, having a job... all of those things are in my life too along with the weight loss.  I felt very blessed when I thought of it that way.  Biggest losers just have each other and Jillian... and who wants that? :D

Anyway, here's my weight loss graph (which you can also see in my sidebar).  It's 31 pounds from the beginning of the year.  My goal is another 5 a month, leaving me at a 40 pound loss for the year. 

My BMI will still be overweight at that point, but not by much.  Of course, I'd love to lose more... and while I do think 2 pounds a week is doable... it might also not be. :)

I also do all my measurements on the first Sunday of the month.  I lost 2.25 inches overall for the month. Here's some graphs, just because i like them. :D

I have lost 3.5 inches on my waist since January and 6 inches off my hips (!).  It looks like you want your waist to be less than 35 inches for best health... and I still have another inch to go on that one. 

Our scale measures body fat and while I Always thought it was a bunch of bunk... it is decreasing.  I'm still not sure how accurate it is, and I am pretty sure a fair amount of it has to do with how hydrated you are.

Here's the rest of my stats:

• Arms: 1.5 inch loss
• Thigh:  4 inch loss
• Bust:  5 inch loss
• Calves:  1.5 inch loss
• Neck:  1.25 inch loss

Very happy with this month's results.  I also noticed that weight watchers is changing their program... it sounds like it has a lot to do with how I've been griping about it lately.  That foods that are better for you should show some benefit instead of the processed stuff (aka, crap) they sell.  It will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

I think while looking at these charts I'm bugged by that lull in the middle, my weight even went UP... but I think that's part of life.  Summer around here is a lot of flux, not a lot of schedule and I think I also got caught up in the processed food trap that weight watchers set up for me.  I'm just glad I'm back on track again.  I hope you're on track too!

Workout Du Jour

Yesterday I thought I'd see what was on Fit TV, so I taped a few.  This morning I did a dance one.  And a Yoga one.

Dance and Be Fit (I think that's the name).  Total loser.  Very little calorie loss, she's so darn peppy I wanted kick her... I won't be doing it again.

The Kudalli yoga one was really good.  I might try it again.  Lots of good yoga and stretching.

It just reminds you that there are workouts all over.  I'm sure there's a ton I could get on my computer too!  I know Lindsay Brinn's been doing monthly workouts available for download.

Food I really Like (and is good for you)

While I've been just trying to encoporate more healthy foods into our diet, I've found a few things that I REALLY like, and it's a good substitue for other things, most often pasta.

Polenta -- I had this once at a restaurant and I just adored the creamy texture.  Mmmm... but then no one else seemed to like it, but I'm making it more and more lately (probably because it's in Cooking Light a fair amount) and it's delicious.  I made it tonight with a little cream cheese and 1T of butter and yum-o.  Do you like Polenta?  I mostly like it where I cook it, instead of cutting it and grilling it as it's pictured, but either way...

Quinoa -- I had never heard of this until recently when someone said it is a good source of protein along with the feeling of pasta.  I LOVE the stuff, especially in salad.  I'm not sure I'd smother it with marinara sauce, but I make a shrimp with Quinoa that I LOVE.  FYI, it's pronounced keen-wah. 

Avocados.  I always knew I loved them, but now I mush them and spread them on toast, or have them with my eggs.  Someone online said to mix it in with your polenta.  Sounds good to me!

Beans.  What a great way to cut costs and be a little more healthy, also my kids really like them -- especially P and the doctor said they're a good source of iron, protein and fiber.  Horray!  I also have a pressure cooker (I hope to write a review of that upcoming on my real blog) that I really like cooking them in.  So easy.

Anyway, for me it's just been inching a bit out of my comfort zone, perusing the bulk isle at Sprouts (bulk isle is great, because you don't have to make a giant investment in something you're not sure you're going to love).  BTW, Sprouts has 25% off all their bulk bins through tomorrow.  What a great way to feel good about trying new things.

What do you love that is healthy?

So true...

Just read this article on MSNBC about how regular working out prevents colds.  I agree. :)

Workout Dur Jour: Double Whammy

Ok, this morning I did Yoga Meltdown, the 2nd workout.  I won't be doing this again for a while as I felt like I was going to fall about 50% of the time, and it's hard to hold poses or really get anything out of it when that's the issue.  So, I will try and do 1 the next time -- and hopefully it's better.  It is a great workout though.  I really enjoy it and how it stretches your body as well as building muscle.  I find that I really enjoy large range of motion workouts.  I feel rejuvenated after.  Except when I feel like I'm falling.  Not so much then.  Honestly, I do think the 2nd workout is above me at this point though.  She has some really difficult moves in there.  This isn't my first time doing yoga either.

Last week I got The Biggest Loser Power Sculpt Workout.  I have to say, I am usually pretty positive with these workout reviews but... wait for it.... I really thought this one was too easy.  I mean, I had a RAGING headache the morning I decided to do it, but I sojourned on and I was doing JUST fine.  I mean, Jillian does an OK workout and hten that blonde girl (who must have been kicked off the show because i don't have a clue who she is) came  on and re-did Jillians workout with a few minor modifications.  Copycat.

But, then the guy came on (blanking on the name) and he did do a GREAT 10 minutes.  I guess the idea is that you add on another workout every few weeks.  Jillian's is really for a beginner.  I think if you're new to using weights or trying toning this is a great workout for you.  If this isn't your first few months with weights, you might just want to try the last 10 minute routine as a quickie after a shorter workout.  That guy works you hard.  Jillian also does a nice cooldown at the end, and does stretch your muscles pretty well..

Anyway, it only got done once, usually I try to do my netflicks ones more than once, but this one just didn't hold my attention at all.

FAIL.

Up two pounds people.  There are several causes:

1.  I whacked my head on my car while getting the groceries out.  Luckily it didn't bruise, but my forehead is a good 1/2 inch larger than normal.  I mean, as if my head wasn't big enough already...

2.  Maybe it's my "lady time" -- lots of ugly water weight on these fingers as of late.

3.  I didn't really count points last week.  I mean, I'd try but I was SO busy with stuff at school and just trying to keep my head up.  I didn't like write them down.  I also went out to breakfast on Friday.  And while I love both my friend and breakfast, I think it may have been a culprit.  However, it was my only day eating out all week.  Darn you pesky restaurants and your clarified butter.

It wasn't candy.  I had one butterfinger, one snickers and I almost went into sugar overload when I had a starburst.  Honestly, the only one I gave an eye roll of delight towards was the Butterfinger.  I do love those.  The rest seemed far too sugary to be truly delightful.

Anyway, my goal is to be 170 by the weekend or below, I think I might just die if I found the scale at 169 at any point.  Man, what a treat THAT will be.  So, I have banned myself from popcorn, I have some delightful salad ideas for lunches, I am going to write down my stuff EVERY. SINGLE. DAY and I'm going to make my workouts count. 

170, here I come. :D